Peru in 3 Weeks: 3 Recommended 3-week Itineraries to Peru

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- Amelia Cartwright
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- Rebecca Parker
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Peru 3-week Itinerary options
Below are some Peru 3-week itinerary suggestions that will take you from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the wildlife-rich Amazon rainforest to the mysterious Nazca Lines and the pristine beaches of the north coast.
Itinerary #1: Inca Trail and Beyond

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1-2 | Arrive in Lima to explore the colonial center and museums. | Arrival and museum visits | Lima |
Day 3-4 | Fly to Cusco, acclimatize, and tour the city. | Transfer and sightseeing | Cusco |
Day 5-8 | Trek the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. | Hiking | Inca |
Day 9 | Explore Machu Picchu, then return to Cusco. | Exploration | Cusco |
Day 10-11 | Embark on a Sacred Valley tour, then visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo. | Exploration | Sacred Valley |
Day 12-13 | Journey to Puno and visit Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca. | Island exploration | Puno |
Day 14-15 | Fly to Puerto Maldonado and prepare for an Amazon jungle lodge stay. | Exploration | Amazon |
Day 16-17 | Enjoy Amazon wildlife spotting and canopy walks. | Wildlife spotting | Amazon |
Day 18-19 | Fly to Arequipa and explore the White City and Santa Catalina Monastery. | City sightseeing | Arequipa |
Day 20 | Tour the Colca Canyon and return to Lima. | Colca Canyon tour | Lima |
Day 21 | End tour trip in Lima | Departure |
This comprehensive 3 weeks in Peru itinerary offers a deep dive into the country's rich history and natural wonders. Begin in Lima before heading to Cusco and embarking on the iconic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Explore the Sacred Valley's Incan sites and traditional markets, then journey to Lake Titicaca to experience the unique floating islands. Venture into the Amazon rainforest for wildlife encounters and canopy adventures. Conclude your trip to Arequipa and the stunning Colca Canyon. This route provides a perfect blend of archaeological marvels, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, allowing you to experience Peru's incredible diversity across various regions and ecosystems.
Itinerary #2: Cross-Country Adventure


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Touch down in Lima and tour its historic center | Arrival | Lima |
Day 2 | Soar over Lima's Costa Verde, paragliding | Paragliding | Lima |
Day 3 | Fly to Cusco and acclimatize by sipping coca tea | Transfer | Cusco |
Day 4 | Investigate Cusco, then marvel at Qorikancha and the Cathedral | Sightseeing | Cusco |
Day 5 | Pedal through Sacred Valley on mountain bikes | Mountain biking | Sacred Valley |
Day 6 | Hike to Soraypampa | Hiking | Soraypampa |
Day 7 | Climb Salkantay Pass and descend to Chaullay | Trekking | Chaullay |
Day 8 | Trek through Lucmabamba | Trekking | Lucmabamba |
Day 9 | Complete the trek and arrive at Aguas Calientes | Trekking | Aguas Calientes |
Day 10 | Scale Machu Picchu, then return to Cusco | Exploration | Cusco |
Day 11 | Raft Urubamba River's white waters | Rafting | Cusco |
Day 12 | Fly to Iquitos | Transfer | Iquitos |
Day 13 | Master Amazon jungle survival skills | Exploration | Amazon |
Day 14 | Traverse canopy walkway and head out for a jungle cruise at night | Canopy walk and night cruise | Amazon |
Day 15 | Fly to Ica and sandboard Huacachina's dunes | Transfer | Ica |
Day 16 | Soar over Nazca Lines | Flight | Nazca |
Day 17 | Race dune buggies in Paracas National Reserve | Dune buggying | Paracas |
Day 18 | Jet to Mancora | Flight | Mancora |
Day 19 | Ride waves during surf lessons | Surfing | Mancora |
Day 20 | Bask on the beach or explore Mancora | Beach relaxation | Mancora |
Day 21 | Return to Lima for your departure | Departure |
This action-packed Peru in 3 weeks itinerary combines this South American country’s most iconic sights with adrenaline-pumping activities, ensuring an unforgettable journey for adventure lovers. Start with paragliding over Lima's coastline, then head to Cusco for mountain biking in the Sacred Valley. Take on the challenging Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, followed by exhilarating whitewater rafting. Experience an Amazon jungle survival course near Iquitos, then sandboard the massive dunes of Huacachina. Fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines and race through the desert in dune buggies. Conclude your adventure with surfing in the beach town of Máncora.
Itinerary #3: Nature and Wildlife Expedition

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Lima | Arrival | Lima |
Day 2 | Sail to Palomino Islands | Boat tour | Lima |
Day 3-4 | Fly to Puerto Maldonado for hiking, then venture into Amazon Lodge | Hiking and Amazon stay | Amazon |
Day 5-6 | Explore Tambopata National Reserve and observe macaws at the clay lick | Wildlife spotting | Amazon |
Day 7-8 | Fly to Cusco. | Transfer | Cusco |
Day 9-10 | Tour Sacred Valley and climb Machu Picchu | Exploration | Cusco |
Day 11-13 | Travel to Manu National Park and trek its cloud forest | Hiking | Manu National Park |
Day 14 | Cruise to Ballestas Islands | Cruise tour | Paracas |
Day 15 | Traverse Paracas National Reserve | Scenic tour | Paracas |
Day 16 | Fly to Iquitos, board the Amazon River cruise | Cruise tour | Amazon |
Day 17 | Sail the Amazon River, interact with native communities | Community visit | Amazon |
Day 18 | Investigate Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve | Wildlife excursion | Amazon |
Day 19 | Fly to Arequipa and drive to Colca Canyon | Scenic drive | Colca Canyon |
Day 20 | Explore Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife spotting | Lima |
Day 21 | Departure from Lima | Departure |
This nature-centric 21-day Peru itinerary showcases the country's incredible biodiversity. Start with a boat trip to the Palomino Islands near Lima to see sea lions. Venture deep into the Amazon rainforest from Puerto Maldonado, exploring Tambopata National Reserve and witnessing the spectacular macaw clay licks. After a cultural interlude in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, immerse yourself in the varied ecosystems of Manu National Park. Explore the marine life of the Ballestas Islands and the desert landscapes of Paracas National Reserve. Experience an Amazon River cruise from Iquitos and visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Observe Andean condors in the Colca Canyon before concluding your trip at the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge near Lima.
Need help in planning your 3-week itinerary to Peru?
With 3 weeks in Peru, you can delve deep into the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From ancient Incan citadels to lush Amazonian rainforests, from coastal deserts to Andean peaks, Peru offers an incredible array of experiences. Whether you're a history buff, adventure seeker, culture enthusiast, or nature lover, Peru has something to captivate every traveler.
If you are looking for more Peru 3-week itinerary options, contact our travel experts to create your own customized Peru trip that meets your specific interests and travel style. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Peru. For more duration-related article, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Peru.
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