Peru in 10 Days: 4 Recommended 10-day Itineraries to Peru

- Amelia Cartwright
- From
- Amelia Cartwright
- From
- Rebecca Parker
- From
- Tatsatom Goncalves
- From Brazil
Peru 10-day Itinerary Options
Check out our Peru 10-day itinerary plans below and discover all the amazing places you can explore if you have slightly more than a week to spare. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu to Lima's vibrant streets and the Sacred Valley's natural beauty, these itineraries will help you experience the best of culture, history, and landscapes during your trip to Peru.
Itinerary #1: Classic Coasts to Mountains

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Lima and explore the historic center | Arrival and exploration | Lima |
Day 2 | Fly to Cusco and acclimate in the San Blas neighborhood | Transfer | Cusco |
Day 3 | Tour Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo fortress | Exploration | Sacred Valley |
Day 4 | Take the scenic train ride to Machu Picchu | Scenic train ride | Sacred Valley |
Day 5 | Explore Machu Picchu and hike Huayna Picchu | Exploration | Sacred Valley |
Day 6 | Return to Cusco and discover its Incan and colonial sites | Historical exploration | Cusco |
Day 7 | Travel to Puno, stopping at Raqchi and Andahuaylillas | Transfer | Puno |
Day 8 | Sail on Lake Titicaca and visit Uros and Taquile islands | Boat tour | Puno |
Day 9 | Fly to Lima and tour the Larco Museum | Museum visits | Lima |
Day 10 | Explore Barranco district before departing | Departure |
This comprehensive 10-day Peru itinerary covers the country's most iconic destinations. Begin your journey in Lima, where you'll explore the colonial architecture and world-class cuisine of Peru's capital. Then, venture into the Andean highlands to Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, where cobblestone streets and golden temples await. In the Sacred Valley, you'll witness the ingenious agricultural terraces of Pisac and the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo before embarking on a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu. Spend two full days exploring this awe-inspiring citadel, including a challenging hike up Huayna Picchu for panoramic views. The adventure continues to Lake Titicaca, where you'll sail to floating reed islands and experience the unique cultures of the Uros and Taquile people. Your journey concludes back in Lima with visits to world-class museums and the artsy Barranco district, giving you a comprehensive taste of Peru's diverse history and culture.
Itinerary #2: Amazon Adventure and Andean Heights

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Lima and tour the bohemian Barranco district. | Arrival | Lima |
Day 2 | Fly to Puerto Maldonado and boat to your Amazon lodge | Boat tour | Amazon |
Day 3 | Trek through rainforest and spot wildlife on oxbow lakes | Hiking | Amazon |
Day 4 | Participate in a canopy walk and visit a native community | Walking tour | Amazon |
Day 5 | Fly to Cusco and explore the San Pedro Market | Market exploration | Cusco |
Day 6 | Discover Incan sites in the Sacred Valley | Exploration | Sacred Valley |
Day 7 | Hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Hiking | Inca |
Day 8 | Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco | Exploration | Cusco |
Day 9 | Journey to Rainbow Mountain for breathtaking views | Exploration | Cusco |
Day 10 | Final explorations in Cusco before departure | Departure |
This action-packed 10-day Peru itinerary combines the lush biodiversity of the Amazon with the cultural riches of the Andes. Your journey begins in Lima's bohemian Barranco district before plunging into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Here, you'll trek through pristine jungle, spot exotic wildlife on oxbow lakes, and even walk through the treetop canopy. Immerse yourself in indigenous culture with a visit to a native community. Then, ascend to the Andean city of Cusco, where Incan and colonial legacies intertwine. Explore the Sacred Valley's ruins and markets before embarking on the short Inca Trail, a one-day trek that offers a dramatic first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. After a full day uncovering the mysteries of this ancient citadel, challenge yourself with a hike to the colorful Rainbow Mountain.
Itinerary #3: Northern Peru's Off-the-beaten-path

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Touch down in Chiclayo and visit the Royal Tombs of Sipan | Museum visit | Chiclayo |
Day 2 | Explore the adobe city of Chan Chan near Trujillo | Archaeological site | Trujillo |
Day 3 | Surf in Huanchaco and witness the caballitos de totora | Surfing | Trujillo |
Day 4 | Fly to Chachapoyas and hike to Gocta Waterfall | Hiking | Chachapoyas |
Day 5 | Discover the ruins of Kuelap Fortress | Archaeological tour | Chachapoyas |
Day 6 | Travel to Leymebamba and tour its mummy museum | Museum visit | Leymebamba |
Day 7 | Explore Cajamarca's Incan baths and colonial churches | Sightseeing | Cajamarca |
Day 8 | Visit Cumbemayo ruins and fly to Lima | Ruins visit | Lima |
Day 9 | Tour Lima's historic center and Larco Museum | City sightseeing | Lima |
Day 10 | Explore Miraflores and enjoy a farewell pisco sour | Departure |
This off-the-beaten-path adventure spanning 10 days showcases Northern Peru's archaeological diversity, stunning landscapes, and authentic local cultures rarely seen by most visitors. Start in Chiclayo, where you'll uncover the pre-Incan treasures of the Lord of Sipán. In Trujillo, wander the vast adobe city of Chan Chan and witness traditional reed fishing boats in Huanchaco. The journey continues to the cloud forests of Chachapoyas, where you'll hike to one of the world's tallest waterfalls and explore Kuelap, the "Machu Picchu of the North." In Leymebamba, encounter ancient mummies, while Cajamarca offers a mix of Incan and colonial heritage. The trip concludes in Lima, providing context to Peru's long history.
Itinerary #4: Deserts to Lake in Southern Peru


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Lima and sample ceviche in Miraflores | Arrival and food tour | Lima |
Day 2 | Fly to Arequipa and tour the Santa Catalina Monastery | Monastery visit | Arequipa |
Day 3 | Journey through Colca Canyon and spot condors | Canyon tour | Colca Canyon |
Day 4 | Travel to Puno and visit Sillustani ruins | Ruins visit | Puno |
Day 5 | Sail Lake Titicaca and stay overnight on Amantani Island | Lake cruise | Amantani Island |
Day 6 | Explore Taquile Island and return to Puno | Island exploration | Puno |
Day 7 | Take a scenic train ride to Cusco | Train ride | Cusco |
Day 8 | Discover Cusco's Incan and colonial heritage | City sightseeing | Cusco |
Day 9 | Journey to Rainbow Mountain for breathtaking views | Hiking | Cusco |
Day 10 | Final explorations in Cusco before departure | Departure |
This diverse 10 days in Peru itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey through southern Peru's varied landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. Begin in the "White City" of Arequipa, known for its colonial architecture carved from sillar volcanic stone. Journey through the dramatic Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and spot majestic Andean condors in flight. At Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, you'll sail to floating reed islands and spend a night with a local family on Amantani Island, gaining deep insights into traditional Andean life. A scenic train ride then takes you to Cusco, where Incan and colonial legacies blend seamlessly. Conclude your trip in Machu Picchu.
Need help planning your 10-day itinerary to Peru?
Ten days in Peru with our top four itineraries allows for a deep dive into the country's diverse attractions. If you are looking for more Peru 10-day itinerary options, contact our travel experts for a customized Peru trip. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Peru. Alternatively, you can check out our guide on how many days to spend in Peru for more information.
Other related articles:
One week in Peru
12 days in Peru
2 weeks in Peru