Peru Itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 Days with Machu Picchu

Seven days is enough for Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. With 10 days you can add Lake Titicaca, and with 14 days you can add the Amazon rainforest as well. Whatever the length, the order matters more than people expect. Start at a lower altitude in the Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu early in the trip, and save the highest place, Lake Titicaca, for later, once your body has adjusted.

Altitudes on a typical Peru route

Place	Altitude	How it affects your plan
Lima	Sea level	Arrival day. No altitude to worry about.
Sacred Valley (Urubamba, Ollantaytambo)	About 2,800–2,900 m	The best place to sleep for your first nights in the Andes.
Machu Picchu	About 2,430 m	Lower than Cusco, so it is easy to visit early in the trip.
Cusco	About 3,400 m	Many people feel short of breath for the first day or two.
Puno and Lake Titicaca	About 3,800 m	The highest stop. Go after several days in Cusco.
Puerto Maldonado (Amazon)	About 200 m	Warm and humid. A good break from the altitude.

Peru itinerary for 7 days: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu

This is the classic first trip to Peru and close to our Peru Machu Picchu Tours 7 Days package.

• Day 1: Lima. Arrive and rest. If you land early, join a Lima city tour of the historic centre and Miraflores.
• Day 2: Fly to Cusco, sleep in the Sacred Valley. The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Go straight down to the Sacred Valley, which is about 500 m lower than Cusco.
• Day 3: Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac, the Maras salt pans, Moray and Ollantaytambo on a Super Sacred Valley tour.
• Day 4: Train to Aguas Calientes. Take the train from Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River and stay overnight at the foot of Machu Picchu.
• Day 5: Machu Picchu. Go up early for a guided tour, then take the train back and transfer to Cusco.
• Day 6: Cusco. A Cusco city tour of Qorikancha, the Cathedral and Sacsayhuamán. You will have had four days to adjust by now.
• Day 7: Fly home. Fly back to Lima for your international connection.

Days 4 and 5 are the same as our 2-day Machu Picchu tour. Fitter travellers can swap them for the Short Inca Trail.

Peru itinerary for 10 days: add Lake Titicaca

Follow days 1–6 of the 7-day plan, then continue south by road.

• Day 7: A free choice in Cusco. Hike to Rainbow Mountain, if you are feeling well at altitude, or take a quieter day in the city.
• Day 8: Cusco to Puno on the Route of the Sun. A full-day tour bus to Puno with stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya pass and Pucará.
• Day 9: Uros Islands and Amantaní. Visit the floating reed islands, then spend the night with a local family on Amantaní Island.
• Day 10: Taquile Island and fly home. Visit Taquile, known for its textiles, then return to Puno and fly from Juliaca to Lima.

Days 9 and 10 are our Lake Titicaca tour, 2 days and 1 night. If you prefer a shorter visit, the 1-day Lake Titicaca tour also works.

Peru itinerary for 14 days: Andes, Amazon and Lake Titicaca

Follow days 1–7 of the plan above, then add the rainforest before heading to the lake.

• Day 8: Fly to Puerto Maldonado. A short flight from Cusco takes you into the Amazon, then a boat ride to your lodge in the Tambopata reserve.
• Day 9: Lake Sandoval. Canoe on an oxbow lake to look for giant otters, caimans and birds.
• Day 10: Clay lick and a local family. See parrots at a clay lick and visit a family farm.
• Day 11: Fly back to Cusco. An easy afternoon. Your body will already be used to the altitude.
• Day 12: Route of the Sun to Puno.
• Day 13: Uros Islands and Amantaní homestay.
• Day 14: Taquile Island and fly home from Juliaca via Lima.

Days 8–11 are our Tambopata tour, 4 days. If you have even longer, our Peru Vacation tour (18 days) covers Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon at an easier pace. For something in between, see Peru Tours 8 Days, which adds Rainbow Mountain to the Machu Picchu circuit.

Where to fit the Inca Trail

The Classic Inca Trail takes four days and replaces days 4 and 5 of any plan above. Add two extra days and spend at least two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before you start. Permits are limited, so book the trek before your flights. See our guide to Inca Trail permits.

Tips for planning your Peru itinerary

• Take it slowly at altitude. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on your first night in the Andes. If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor before you travel.
• Book Machu Picchu early. Daily tickets and train seats are limited, especially from May to September.
• Allow a buffer day. Andean flights and roads can be delayed by weather. Avoid flying home on the same day you visit Machu Picchu.
• Pick your season. May to September is dry and busy. November to March is green and rainy, and the Inca Trail closes in February.

Peru itinerary: frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Peru?

Seven days covers Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Ten days lets you add Lake Titicaca, and 14 days lets you add the Amazon too.

Should I stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first?

The Sacred Valley. It is about 500 m lower than Cusco, so it is easier on your body for the first nights, and it is on the way to Machu Picchu.

Is 10 days enough for Peru?

Yes. Ten days is enough for Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca at a comfortable pace.

Can I add the Inca Trail to a 7-day Peru trip?

Yes, but it is tight. The Short Inca Trail fits easily. The Classic Inca Trail is better with at least 9 days so you have time to acclimatize first.