Peru in 5 Days: 4 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Peru
- Amelia Cartwright
- From
- Amelia Cartwright
- From
- Rebecca Parker
- From
- Tatsatom Goncalves
- From Brazil
Peru 5-day Itinerary Options
Check out our Peru 5-day itinerary plans below and discover all the must-see sights, from the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu to the charming streets of Cusco. With just five days, you can still experience the highlights of Peru's rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary #1: Peruvian Jungle Trek
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Drive to Malaga High Pass from Cusco, mountain bike to Santa Maria Village, and raft on the Urubamba River. | Arrival and outdoor activities |
| Day 2 | Trek to Santa Teresa Village and mingle with the locals. | Hiking |
| Day 3 | Enjoy zip-lining, then trek to Aguas Calientes (optional train ride from the Hydroelectric Station). | Hiking |
| Day 4 | Catch a bus to Machu Picchu to hike the Huayna Picchu Peak. | Hiking |
| Day 5 | Return to Cusco for a city tour. | Departure |
This Machu Picchu jungle trek is a 5-day adrenaline-fueled journey. Start your trip in Cusco, venture through Santa Teresa, and arrive at the renowned Machu Picchu. Kick-off with a thrilling downhill bike ride from Malaga High Pass through lush jungle terrain, followed by exhilarating rafting on the Urubamba River. Trek through picturesque landscapes to Santa Teresa, where you can soak in optional hot springs. The next day, you will conquer South America's highest zip line before trekking to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved rest. The final day unfolds with an early morning exploration of Machu Picchu, followed by a return journey to Cusco.
Itinerary #2: Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Welcome to Cusco, explore at your own pace | Arrival |
| Day 2 | Commence the Salkantay Trek, and spend overnight in a camp. | Hiking and camping |
| Day 3 | Descend to Chaullay, trek alongside the Sahuayaco River, and reach the Playa Sahuayaco campsite. | Hiking |
| Day 4 | Trek to the Inca site Llactapata, then catch a train to Aguas Calientes. | Hiking |
| Day 5 | Join a guided tour of Machu Picchu, concluding your journey back in Cusco. | Departure |
Venture into the heart of the Andes with the Salkantay trek and Machu Picchu tour. This 5 days in Peru itinerary begins in Cusco, where you will explore its rich history and optional attractions like the Inka Museum and Cusco City Tour. Then, trek through the stunning Vilcabamba mountain range, reaching heights of 4,600 meters, and camp under the stars. Descend into lush valleys, passing through Collpabamba and Chaullay. Hike to the Inca site Llactapata for a glimpse of Machu Picchu before catching a train to Aguas Calientes. The journey concludes with a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
Itinerary #3: Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cusco to visit popular locations such as Plaza de Armas and the San Blas neighborhood. | Arrival |
| Day 2 | Visit Pisac ruins and market and explore the Ollantaytambo fortress. | Exploration |
| Day 3 | Take the early train to Aguas Calientes for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. | Hiking and exploration |
| Day 4 | Travel to Puno and Lake Titicaca, then spend your evening in Puno. | Exploration |
| Day 5 | Bid farewell in Puo. | Departure |
This 5-day Peru itinerary combines the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu, with the unique cultural experience of Lake Titicaca. Begin in Cusco, the former Inca capital, where colonial and pre-Columbian architecture coexist. Discover the terraced hillsides and traditional markets of the Sacred Valley before marveling at Machu Picchu's engineering feat. Conclude at Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, home to unique island cultures. This route combines Peru's most iconic sights with opportunities to engage with local communities.
Itinerary #4: City to Desert Delight
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lima and explore its historic center, Plaza Mayor, then explore the Miraflores and Barranco districts. | Arrival and exploration |
| Day 2 | Enjoy leisure time in Nazca. | Leisure day |
| Day 3 | Go on a morning visit to Huacachina, then head to Arequipa. | Exploration |
| Day 4 | Visit Santa Catalina Monastery and explore Plaza de Armas and San Camilo Market. | Market exploration |
| Day 5 | Explore Colca Canyon, then return to Arequipa for departure. | Departure |
This 5 days in Peru itinerary covers the country’s coastal and southern regions, offering a mix of historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. From the bustling capital of Lima to the mysterious Nazca Lines and the colonial charm of Arequipa, this journey provides a diverse taste of Peru. Experience world-class cuisine, ancient geoglyphs, desert oases, and one of the world's deepest canyons. This fast-paced tour showcases the variety of landscapes and cultures that make Peru a captivating destination.
Need help planning your 5-day itinerary to Peru?
Exploring Peru in 5 days promises an extraordinary journey through ancient marvels and breathtaking landscapes. If you are looking for more Peru 5-day itinerary options, choose one of our guided tours to Peru or customize your trip to Peru, our local experts will help you discover the country’s top highlights as well as off-the-beaten destinations. Consult our guides on how many days to spend in Peru and the best time to visit Peru.
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