10 Day Peru Itinerary: Journey from Amazon Majesty to Sacred Inca Trails & Beyond

Your Unforgettable 10 Day Peruvian Adventure Awaits!

Peru offers everything from breathtaking natural beauty to insanely good food and unusual experiences that make great stories. It’s a country that will remind you why you love to travel. This comprehensive Peru itinerary guide provides a meticulously optimized 10-day journey, balancing dynamic destinations with practical tips for all travel styles – whether you’re seeking luxury accommodations, adventure-packed days, family-friendly activities, solo exploration, or budget-conscious travel.

While you can’t see everything in 10 days, this Peru travel itinerary allows for exploring a few very different and dynamic destinations perfect for first-time visitors. The experience will make you want to come back or extend your trip. Our carefully crafted Peru itinerary, 10 days, covers Peru’s crown jewels: Lima’s world-class culinary scene, the Amazon River and Rainforest’s incredible biodiversity, the mystical Sacred Valley with its ancient Incan sites, the breathtaking wonder of Machu Picchu, and the historic charm of Cusco.

Peru in 10 Days: Itinerary Overview

Day	Destination	Main Focus	Travel Style Options
1	Lima	Arrival, Culinary Experience & Cultural Immersion	Luxury, Solo, Family
2-4	Amazon Rainforest	Luxury River Cruise or Jungle Lodge Adventure	Luxury, Adventure, Nature
5	Sacred Valley	Archaeological Sites (Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras) & Cultural Experiences	All, with a guide/driver
6	Sacred Valley	Pisac, Amaru Village Weaving, Adventure Activities	All, with guide/driver
7	Machu Picchu	Early Morning Visit, Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (Optional)	All, guided recommended
8	Cusco	Acclimatization, City Exploration, San Pedro Market	All
9	Cusco / Rainbow Mountain	Rainbow Mountain Day Trip OR explore more of Cusco	Adventure (early start), All
10	Cusco & Departure	Last-minute exploration, Flight to Lima & International Departure	All

Detailed 10 Day Peru Itinerary: Making the Most of Every Moment

Day 1: Lima – A Culinary & Cultural Introduction

Your Peru itinerary begins with “Peru 101” – a crash course in Peruvian cuisine and history. Upon arrival in Lima, consider starting with a culinary experience like coffee and chocolate tasting, followed by lunch with a local chef to introduce yourself to Peru’s incredible gastronomic heritage.

Late Afternoon/Evening Activities:

• Visit the Larco Museum, noted for its special collection and beautiful bar/restaurant
• Explore Miraflores, one of Lima’s safest and most tourist-friendly neighborhoods, with parks and surfing views
• Discover Barranco’s cooler and quirkier vibe with crumbling old mansions and many cool cafes

Foodie Focus: Lima’s food scene is unreal, featuring some of the best restaurants in the world. Don’t miss trying Ceviche and Lomo Saltado – quintessential Peruvian dishes that showcase the country’s incredible flavors.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Hotel B in Barranco (luxe-bohemian style)
• Budget: Casa Lima ($)
• Mid-range: Hotel Antigua Miraflores ($$), InnSide by Melia ($$$)

Travel Tip: Lima tends to be cold, rainy, and foggy, so pack accordingly.

Days 2-4: Amazon River & Rainforest – Immersive Wildlife & Luxury

The Amazon portion of your Peru travel itinerary focuses on immersing yourself in the jungle to experience incredible flora, fauna, and local life.

Day 2 Morning: Take a morning flight (approximately 1 hour) from Lima to Iquitos, the largest city inaccessible by road.

Amazon Adventure Options:

• Luxury Route: Embark on a 3-night adventure aboard a luxury Amazon River cruise like the Aqua Nera. Witness pink river dolphins, exotic birds, monkeys, anaconda, caiman, and even try piranha fishing. The Aqua Nera is described as fabulous with a gorgeous bar, top deck plunge pool, billiards room, and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Without bugs actually coming inside, there wasn’t a bug in sight indoors on Aqua Nera.
• Budget/Adventure Alternative: Opt for a jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata National Reserve) or explore Iquitos more deeply with indigenous tribe visits. Budget travelers can experience Manu National Park for around $350 for 4 days.

Sustainability Note: Choose operators committed to ethical animal tourism to ensure responsible travel practices.

Packing Reminder: The Amazon is very hot, humid, and buggy – pack appropriate clothing and insect repellent.

Day 5: Sacred Valley – Ancient Wonders & Local Culture

Today’s focus involves exploring significant Inca archaeological sites and charming Andean villages.

Travel: Fly from Iquitos back to Lima, then to Cusco, before traveling directly to the Sacred Valley to head directly down to a lower elevation for altitude acclimatization.

Key Activities:

• Walk around the magnificent fortress of Ollantaytambo
• Visit the otherworldly Maras salt pans
• Explore the strange, supernatural-looking formations of Moray
• Optional adventure activities: white water rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, horseback riding, or hiking

Cultural Immersion: Consider participating in a private shaman ceremony for a deeper spiritual connection to Andean culture.

Guide Recommendation: A professional guide and driver are highly recommended to make the most of your time and put your travel funds directly into the hands of local people.

Family Tip: A quad bike tour through the Sacred Valley can turn seeing old ruins into a fun, kid-friendly activity.

Day 6: Sacred Valley – Deeper Dives & Local Crafts

Continue your Sacred Valley exploration with deeper cultural interactions and community visits.

Activities:

• Explore the village of Pisac with its authentic local market and renowned coffee shops
• Learn about alpaca and vicuna wool (perfect for shopping for authentic textiles)
• Visit the women of Amaru village at approximately 12,000 feet to witness traditional weaving and dyeing techniques

Acclimatization: Continue taking it easy due to the high elevation as your body adjusts to the altitude.

Accommodation: Stay another night in one of the Sacred Valley’s beautiful five-star hotels.

Day 7: Machu Picchu – The Jewel of Peru

Today you’ll witness one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – an experience that’s 1000 times better in person than any photo.

Morning Schedule:

• Very early wake-up call
• Take the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approximately 90 minutes)
• Take the bus up to the citadel

Machu Picchu Visit Tips:

• Book the earliest entry slot for sunrise views and fewer crowds
• Choose Circuit 2 for all the famous photographic views
• Consider optional hiking: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for incredible panoramic views
• Alternative: 1-day Inca Trail option for a proper “trekking into Machu Picchu” experience

Guide Importance: Most visitors couldn’t imagine visiting without a knowledgeable guide, as many people were just wandering around on their own without understanding the site’s fascinating history.

Luggage Limitation: Be very limited with the amount of luggage you bring on the train.

Afternoon: After descending from Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. It’s important to spend a night in Aguas Calientes rather than trying to squeeze a Machu Picchu visit into a day trip.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (sustainable luxury)
• Budget: Hotel Pucara Machu Picchu ($)
• Mid-range: Casa Del Sol Machu Picchu ($$)

Day 8: Cusco – Incan Capital & Altitude Adjustment

Focus on exploring the historic city while allowing for further altitude acclimatization.

Morning: Take the train from Aguas Calientes back toward Cusco, disembarking at Ollantaytambo or Poroy/San Pedro, then transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Acclimatization Strategy: Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet, so take it easy for the first 24 hours. Eat lightly, avoid alcohol, and try coca leaf tea.

Activities:

• Walk the cobblestone streets of the San Blas neighborhood
• Visit San Pedro Market (less touristy, great for juices, snacks, souvenirs, and warm layers)
• Explore the Chocolate Museum
• Enjoy Cusco as a very walkable, small, and safe city

Foodie Focus: Cusco features some of the best food and coffee spots in Peru. Try La Perla Criolla, Soqa, and Something Special for meals. For coffee: Cafe Dwasi, Three Monkeys, and Florencia & Fortuna.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Inkaterra La Casona (16th-century manor)
• Budget: Pariwana Hostel Cusco ($)
• Mid-range: Moaf Cusco Boutique Hotel ($$), Hotel Rumi Punko ($$$)

Day 9: Rainbow Mountain – The Colorful Peaks

Experience one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders, though with important considerations.

Morning: Very early start for a guided day trip from Cusco (3 AM departure recommended to beat crowds).

The Hike: Expect a challenging 90-minute hike at over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). The thin air makes every step a struggle, though horses are available for those who need assistance.

Visual Experience: The colorful, striped peaks are incredible, though slightly duller than in heavily filtered pictures.

Weather Preparation: It’s much colder than you’d expect at this elevation, so layer up appropriately.

Alternatives:

• Red Valley hike for fewer people and stunning landscapes
• Pallay Punchu (the “new” Rainbow Mountain) offers a different experience with fewer crowds
• Spend more time in Cusco visiting Sacsayhuaman ruins (“sexy-woman”) and Blanco Cristo for panoramic city views

Day 10: Cusco & Departure – Farewell Peru

Your final morning allows for last moments soaking up Cusco’s atmosphere before your journey home.

Morning Activities:

• Enjoy a final coffee at one of Cusco’s excellent cafes
• Take a final stroll through San Pedro Market for last-minute souvenirs
• Soak up the atmosphere around Plaza de Armas

Travel: Take a short flight (just over an hour) from Cusco to Lima, then connect to your international flight home.

Important Travel Tip: Cusco’s airport can be chaotic, so arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Essential Peru Travel Tips

Altitude Sickness: Your #1 Concern

Preparation: Educate yourself on altitude sickness symptoms and consult a doctor about altitude medication before traveling.

Acclimatization Strategy: Do NOT stay in Cusco upon arrival. Get picked up and head directly down to a lower elevation, like the Sacred Valley.

During Your Trip:

• Eat lightly on your first afternoon and night
• DON’T drink alcohol the first night
• Try coca leaf tea
• HYDRATE constantly
• Don’t do anything too strenuous for the first 24 hours

Best Time to Visit Peru

Peru is basically a year-round destination, but timing can significantly impact your experience:

Dry Season (May-October): Ideal weather for hikes and Machu Picchu visits. Book everything well in advance during peak season.

Shoulder Seasons (April, May, September, October): Optimal for comfortable temperatures, low rainfall, and smaller tourist crowds.

Rainy Season (December-March): Best to avoid Machu Picchu due to rainy and muddy conditions. The Inca Trail closes in February. However, fewer tourists mean potentially cheaper prices.

Amazon Considerations: River cruises run year-round, with high water and low water seasons offering different wildlife viewing experiences.

Packing Essentials: Layers are Key!

Peru is a fairly conservative country with dramatic temperature variations, making layers absolutely crucial.

General Packing:

• Amazon: Very hot, humid, and buggy conditions
• Lima: Cold, rainy, and foggy weather
• Cusco/Mountains: May be warm and sunny during daylight hours, but temperatures drop dramatically when the sun goes down. Bring ear warmers and gloves.

Essential Items:

• Sturdy walking and hiking shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunscreen and hat
• Sunglasses
• Layered clothing for varying climates

Transportation: Navigating Peru

International Flights: Most travelers arrive through Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM).

Domestic Flights: The best option for Lima-Cusco travel (1 hour). Major airlines include LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART.

Train Travel: Essential for Machu Picchu access (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes). Book train tickets early, especially during peak season.

Bus Travel: Very comfortable and affordable for longer distances, perfect for budget travelers.

Within Cities: Cusco is very walkable. Uber and InDrive are affordable transportation options.

Car Rental: Generally advised against for most travelers due to rough road conditions.

Money Matters: Soles, Cards & Budgeting

Currency: Peruvian Soles (PEN)

Cash Importance: Many small shops, markets, and some hotels prefer soles. Carry lots of cash for non-tourist areas to avoid 5% credit card fees.

Exchange Tips: Avoid airport and bank exchanges. Look for whole streets of currency exchanges in cities. Keep bills in good condition for better exchange rates.

Daily Budgeting:

• Backpacker: 150-250 Soles/day
• Mid-range: $50-100/day
• Luxury: $100+ per day

Language & Communication

English Availability: Rare outside immediate tourist areas.

Recommendation: Learn basic Spanish phrases and download Google Translate for offline use.

Language Immersion: Consider attending a Spanish school in Cusco for deeper cultural immersion.

Safety in Peru

General Safety: Peru is considered one of the safest South American countries, especially in major tourist hubs.

Safety Precautions:

• Don’t walk empty, dark streets at night
• Don’t expose valuables
• Avoid slums or suburban areas
• Use Uber for nighttime transportation in Lima

Booking in Advance: CRITICAL!

High Season Requirements: Book EVERYTHING ahead of time – flights, hotels, Machu Picchu tickets, and train reservations.

Machu Picchu Tickets: Buy tickets in advance as they sell out fast. Circuit 2 provides the classic photographic views.

Popular Treks: Book multi-day treks like Salkantay or Inca Trail well in advance.

Food & Drink: A World-Class Culinary Journey

Must-Try Dishes:

• Ceviche (raw fish in citrus)
• Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef)
• Aji de Gallina (creamy chicken stew)
• Alpaca (for adventurous eaters)
• Cuy (guinea pig) – considered a delicacy

Local Specialties: Fresh fruit juices, exceptional coffee, Pisco Sours, and queso helado in Arequipa.

Picky Eater Options: Plenty of western-style restaurants and international chains are available.

Water Safety: Stick to bottled or properly filtered water.

Professional Guides: Enhancing Your Experience

Understand the value of hiring professional local guides who add incredible depth to your experience. They can relieve stress, save time, and put your travel funds directly into local communities’ hands. Consider private drivers over group tours for greater flexibility, especially when traveling with children or in small groups.

Customizing Your 10-Day Peru Itinerary

For Luxury & Sustainable Travelers

Amazon: Choose the Aqua Nera luxury river cruise for an unparalleled jungle experience.

Accommodation: Splurge on Hotel B in Barranco, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, and Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco. A good hotel is a worthy use of travel funds.

Professional Services: Hire knowledgeable and professional local guides for personalized experiences.

Sustainable Practices: Follow eco-travel tips to minimize your environmental impact.

For Adventure Seekers

Extended Treks: Add 4 extra days for the multi-day Inca Trail or choose the Salkantay Trek (4-5 days).

Rainbow Mountain Extensions: Try Red Valley hike extensions for additional mountain scenery.

Sacred Valley Adventures: White water rafting, mountain biking, and paragliding opportunities.

Desert Adventures: Huacachina offers dune buggies and sandboarding experiences.

Canyon Exploration: Colca Canyon provides overnight hiking opportunities (2-3 days).

Mountain Destinations: Huaraz offers Peru’s best high-altitude hiking experiences.

For Solo Travelers

Safety: Peru ranks among South America’s safest countries for solo female travelers. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco neighborhoods in Lima.

Social Opportunities: Easy to make friends through multi-day hiking tours (Salkantay, Colca Canyon), staying in popular hostels (Viajero, Kame House, Econunay), or joining classes and activities in Cusco and Lima.

Transportation: Local buses are safe and comfortable. Internal flights save valuable time.

Budget Considerations: Solo travel can be surprisingly affordable ($43/day in Huaraz, $63/day overall including tours).

For Families with Kids

Pacing: Take it slow and don’t pack too much into one day.

Machu Picchu: Absolutely doable with children. Take the comfortable train and book early entry slots to avoid afternoon heat.

Rainbow Mountain: Definitely manageable with kids. Consider hiring a private driver, taking your time, or renting horses for assistance.

Kid-Friendly Activities:

• Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
• Quad biking in Sacred Valley
• Sandboarding in Huacachina (ages 8-65)
• Circuito Mágico del Agua in Lima

Family Accommodation: Book apartments or hotels with family rooms. Consider booking an extra twin room nearby for larger families.

Planning Tips: Pre-book everything – hotels, Airbnbs, flights, and private transfers. Add buffer time to every transfer. Consider family tour packages like G Adventures.

Planning a Longer Trip to Peru: Extending Your Adventure

If you have 2-3 weeks, you’ll have the ideal time to explore the country’s complete beauty.

Adding Time to Current Destinations

Lima Extensions: If you love urban environments and incredible food, spend another day or two. Visit Callao for amazing street art.

Cusco Extensions: Perfect for foodies who don’t love big cities, plus fashion, art, design, and shopping lovers.

Amazon Extensions: Opt for 4-night or 7-night Aqua Expeditions itineraries or stay in jungle lodges in the Southern Amazon.

Other Famous Peruvian Destinations

Lake Titicaca: Explore the world’s highest altitude navigable lake and visit the floating Uros Islands.

Colca Canyon: One of the world’s deepest canyons, perfect for spotting majestic Andean condors.

Huaraz & Lake 69: Gateway to some of the country’s best high-altitude treks for serious hikers.

Arequipa: The famous “White City of Peru” with stunning architecture, incredible food, and volcano views.

Huacachina: A unique desert oasis perfect for sandboarding adventures.

Mancora: Ideal for surfing enthusiasts and those seeking a laid-back beach break.

Realistic Budget Breakdown for 10 Days in Peru

Category	Budget Traveler (USD)	Mid-Range Traveler (USD)	Luxury Traveler (USD)	Notes (per person for 10 days)
International Flights	$500 – $800	$800 – $1500	$1500 – $3500+	Highly variable, often the most expensive component
Domestic Flights	$100 – $200	$200 – $400	$400 – $800	Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Puerto Maldonado. Early booking saves money
Accommodation	$80 – $150	$300 – $600	$1000 – $2500+	$8-15/dorm, $15+/private room. Luxury hotels $100-250+/night
Food & Drink	$100 – $200	$250 – $400	$500 – $1000+	Cheap meals ~$3, nicer meals ~$12. Lima fine dining costs more
Tours & Activities	$200 – $400	$400 – $800	$800 – $1500+	Machu Picchu entry $57-75. Salkantay ~$290-370. Amazon ~$350-400
Local Transport	$50 – $100	$100 – $200	$200 – $400+	Buses, Ubers, trains to Aguas Calientes (~$65-70 one way)
Miscellaneous	$50 – $100	$100 – $200	$200 – $400	Tips, souvenirs, SIM cards, emergency cash
Estimated Total (Excluding International Flights)	$680 – $1250	$1350 – $2700	$4100 – $7000+	Can be surprisingly affordable with good planning

FAQs About Your 10-Day Peru Trip

Q: Is 10 days enough for Peru? A: Yes, 10 days is certainly doable to see main highlights like Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and either the Amazon or coastal destinations like Huacachina. However, Peru is vast, and 15-20 days would allow deeper exploration.

Q: What’s the best month to visit Peru? A: The dry season (May to October) is generally best for hiking and Machu Picchu. Shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) offer optimal weather with fewer crowds.

Q: How do I avoid altitude sickness in Peru? A: Acclimatize by starting at lower elevations like Sacred Valley before Cusco. Hydrate constantly, eat lightly, avoid alcohol, and try coca leaf tea or doctor-prescribed medication.

Q: Do I need a guide for Machu Picchu? A: While you can explore independently, a knowledgeable local guide is highly recommended to understand the fascinating history and intricacies of the site.

Q: Is Peru safe for solo female travelers? A: Yes, Peru is generally considered safe for solo female travelers, especially in tourist areas like Cusco and Arequipa. Exercise common sense, secure valuables, and use trusted transportation like Uber at night.

Q: Can I hike the Inca Trail in 10 days? A: A multi-day Inca Trail trek requires four additional days beyond a typical 10-day highlights itinerary. However, a 1-day Inca Trail option provides a shorter trekking experience.

Your Peruvian Dream is Within Reach

Peru truly has everything – from incredible biodiversity and ancient civilizations to world-class cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. This carefully planned peru itinerary 10 days allows for a rich and wonderfully varied experience showcasing the country’s most spectacular highlights.

With proper planning and the right mindset, Peru becomes an amazing and unforgettable adventure that will leave you planning your return trip before you even leave. The combination of natural wonders, cultural immersion, culinary excellence, and warm hospitality makes Peru hands down one of the world’s most rewarding travel destinations.

Ready to start planning your Peruvian adventure? Whether you’re seeking luxury accommodations, budget-friendly options, family activities, or solo adventures, this comprehensive guide provides everything needed for an incredible journey. Consider reaching out to local travel specialists who can help customize your itinerary and handle bookings to ensure a seamless experience.

Peru is calling – and your dream adventure is absolutely within reach. Start planning today, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime that will remind you exactly why you love to travel.