€3,680
Step into the timeless realm of the Andes. Here, ancient Incan trails wind through dramatic valleys, while towering snow-capped peaks touch the horizon. Must See Peru offers an extraordinary journey far beyond the famous ruins. In fact, it invites travelers to immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, vibrant local traditions, and breathtaking natural wonders. Ultimately, from the golden shores of the Pacific to the mist-shrouded citadel of Machu Picchu and the mirror-like expanse of Lake Titicaca, this exceptional country unfolds as a tapestry of striking contrasts.
High within Peru’s majestic mountains lies the legendary Sacred Valley. Here, deep emerald canyons meet mighty snow-capped heights to form a paradise of ancient stone sanctuaries and bustling Andean markets. Time genuinely seems to slow down. History speaks softly through the whispers of the wind, ancient stone walls, and blooming mountain orchids.
Whether you are tracing centuries-old pathways or embracing the world-renowned warmth of local communities, exploring this high-altitude paradise is an unforgettable experience. This extraordinary adventure Must See Peru awakens your sense of wonder from the very first moment.
High in Peru’s majestic mountains lies the Sacred Valley, carved directly by the rushing Urubamba River. Long known as the heartland of the Inca Empire, it is a land of myth, ancient agriculture, and rare beauty. For instance, you can gaze across the striking salt pans of Maras. Here, thousands of terraced evaporation pools catch the Andean sun—a stark reminder of ingenious pre-Inca engineering. Meanwhile, as you wander through the centuries-old cobblestone alleys of Ollantaytambo Fort, you trace the historic footsteps of imperial messengers and mountain chieftains. Beyond these ancient pathways awaits the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Standing proudly and waiting to became the crowning jewel of any Must See Peru journey.
In the southern Altiplano, every sunset paints Lake Titicaca in shades of gold, while star-filled nights feel close enough to touch. First, marvel at the floating Uros Islands, where golden totora reeds lie nestled right upon the highest navigable lake in the world. Next, hop into a boat and ride across the vast, brilliant blue waters of the lake. It is an endless expanse filled with rich indigenous traditions, mirrored skies, and vibrant local textiles. Furthermore, spend an unforgettable overnight stay on Taquile Island with local hosts, experiencing authentic community life firsthand. Centuries ago, ancient Aymara and Incan civilizations settled these high plateaus, weaving their unique culture into the region. Like in the Sacred Valley, ancient heritage still stands here today as a living monument to the old Andean trade and spiritual routes. In the end, experiencing must see Peruvian wonders is journey that captures your soul from the very first moment.
Stroll through Lima’s historic colonial center and taste authentic local flavors at a traditional coastal ceviche spot.
Marvel at the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas and carve through towering desert sand dunes in Huacachina.
Sip authentic Peruvian Pisco at a traditional vineyard and soar above the desert floor to decode the mysterious geoglyphs of the Nazca Lines.
Wander the white volcanic stone streets of Arequipa and spot wild alpacas and vicuñas crossing the high Andean passes toward Chivay.
Watch majestic Andean condors soar gracefully above the dramatic depths of the Colca Canyon.
Capture ancient funeral towers at the pre-Inca site of Sillustani before arriving in Puno.
Experience authentic local island life by spending an unforgettable night with a host family on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca.
Wander through the vibrant artisan markets of the Sacred Valley and trace ingenious Incan history at the Maras salt mines and Ollantaytambo Fort.
Stand in awe before the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking crown jewel of the Andes.
Immerse yourself in the cobblestone charm of Cusco and enjoy local Peruvian street food and Andean hospitality.
1st DAY (arrival day should be 26th June, no later, but can be a day sooner evening): ARRIVE LIMA
Upon arrival in Lima, the representative meets you and transfers you to hotel. Check in to your hotel, rest and freshen up. If time allows stroll in the area around the hotel. Finish your day with dinner. Overnight in Lima. (placement: hotel)
2nd DAY: LIMA – PARACAS
Start the day with breakfast, then drive south along the coast to Paracas. Visit the stunning Paracas National Reserve. Check in to hotel and enjoy free time to soak in the local atmosphere in one of the coastal restaurants. Overnight in Paracas. (placement: simple hotel)
3nd DAY: PARACAS (ISLAS BALESTAS) – HUACACHINA
Enjoy your breakfast, then take a morning boat visit to the Islas Ballestas. After the boat trip, drive to Huacachina and visit one of Ica’s traditional Pisco wine cellars. Enjoy free time for lunch in Huacachina, followed by an exhilarating buggy and sandboarding tour on the dunes. Overnight in Huacachina. (placement: simple hotel)
4th DAY: HUACACHINA – NAZCA
Have breakfast before driving to Nazca. Stop at the Nazca viewing tower to catch your first views of the geoglyphs. Transfer to your hotel, check in, and enjoy free time in the town. Overnight in Nazca. (placement: hotel)
5th DAY: NAZCA – NIGHT BUS TO AREQUIPA
Start with breakfast, keeping the morning free for travellers who want to take an optional flight over the Nazca Lines (extra charge). In the afternoon, visit the Chauchilla Cemetery, the Aqueducts (Puqios), Los Paredones, and Cahuachi. Drive to the city centre for some free time, then walk to the bus station and board an overnight Cama Bus to Arequipa. (placement: Cama bus)
6th DAY: AREQUIPA
After arrival, enjoy breakfast and leave luggage in the hotel (check in after sightseeing). Take a guided city tour visiting the local market, the outside of the Cathedral, the inside of the Museum with the Juanita mummy, and the inside of St. Catalina Monastery. Check in to hotel and enjoy free time at leisure. Overnight in Arequipa. (placement: hotel)
7th DAY: AREQUIPA – CHIVAY
Start the day with breakfast and drive toward Chivay. Make stops along the way to see alpacas and llamas and reach the highest point for photo opportunities. Vulcanic range is waiting to be docomented on your photos. Transfer to hotel upon arrival. Overnight in Chivay. (placement: hotel)
8th DAY: CHIVAY – CRUZ DEL CONDOR – SILLUSTANI – PUNO
Enjoy breakfast, then drive toward Puno via Cruz del Condor. Continue the road toward lake Titicaca. On the way, visit Sillustani with ancient tumbs. Stop to visit local families for a unique experience: tasting local food samples, petting home alpacas and llamas, and seeing how local people live. Arrive in Puno, transfer to hotel, and check in. Overnight in Puno. (placement: hotel)
9th DAY: PUNO – LAGO TITICACA (UROS, VISIT) – TAQUILE
Have breakfast (leave main luggage in Puno and bring only what is needed for a day). Visit the floating Uros islands, then arrive at Taquile island for lunch. Experience an accommodation with local families as per the island’s rules, stroll around the island, feel the local vibe, and enjoy the views and landscape. Overnight in a homestay. (placement: homestay)
10th DAY: TAQUILE – PUNO
Breakfast and enjoying a free morning on the island of Taquile. See how the time stops, even just for a few hours. Return by boat to Puno, enjoy a short city tour of Puno, and take some free time. Overnight in Puno. (placement: hotel)
11th DAY: PUNO – CUSCO
Have breakfast, then embark on a longer scenic drive to Cusco. Upon arrival, complete hotel placement, enjoy dinner, and settle in. Overnight in Cusco. (placement: hotel)
12th DAY: CUSCO
Have daily breakfast, then drive to visit Sacsayhuamán and Q’enqo. Enjoy a city tour in the afternoon covering Qorikancha, the 12-angle brick, the Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral (outside view), and the local market. Enjoy some free time in the evening. Overnight in Cusco. (placement: hotel)
13th DAY: CUSCO – PISAC – PISAC MARKET – OLLANTAYTAMBO
Start with breakfast and drive to Pisac. On the way, visit Puka Pukhara and Tambomachay, followed by the Pisac terraces and the famous Pisac market. In the late afternoon, drive to Ollantaytambo to explore the site before transferring to hotel. Overnight in Ollantaytambo. (placement: hotel)
14th DAY: OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO
Enjoy an early breakfast, take the morning train to Aguas Calientes, and catch the afternoon bus up to Machu Picchu for a visit during the afternoon shift. Take the evening train back to Ollantaytambo. Overnight in Ollantaytambo. (placement: hotel)
15th DAY: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MARAS – MORAY – CHINCHERO – CUSCO
Daily breakfast, after drive toward Cusco, stopping along the way to visit Moray, the Maras salinas, and a local crafts centre in Chinchero. Arrive back in Cusco in the late afternoon. Free afternoon for shopping or other preferable activities. Overnight in Cusco. (placement: hotel)
16th DAY: CUSCO – FLIGHT TO LIMA – LIMA
Start with breakfast, then transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Lima. Upon arrival at the domestic airport in Lima, enjoy lunch in downtown. Take an easy afternoon city tour featuring the Plaza de Armas and an experience enjoying pisco and chocolates. Complete hotel placement. Overnight in Lima. (placement: hotel)
17th DAY: LIMA – INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Enjoy your final breakfast, transfer to the airport for international flight, and conclude service.
Important Notes
Clothing: We recommend dressing in layers, as temperatures can shift dramatically between the chilly Andean highlands, the sunny coast, and cooler desert nights. Pack comfortable walking or trekking shoes, a windproof jacket, and modest attire for visiting historical sites and local communities. A warm fleece, hat, and gloves are essential for high-altitude areas like Lake Titicaca and Cusco. Peru is a year-round travel destination, though the dry season (May to September) is ideal for trekking.
Local Etiquette: Respect cultural norms—always ask for permission before photographing local indigenous people, as a polite smile and respect can open many doors. Be mindful of local customs, especially in rural Andean villages and sacred Incan sites.
Environment: Dispose of trash properly (bins can be rare on trails, so always carry a small waste bag with you). Be mindful of nature and ancient stone structures around you, especially while hiking through delicate mountain ecosystems.
Visa & Documents: Check visa requirements for Peru based on your nationality. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Cash & Payments: Most small shops, artisan markets, and rural areas prefer cash (Peruvian Soles). ATMs are widely available in cities like Lima and Cusco, but less reliable in remote areas. Carrying cash for local purchases and tipping is highly recommended.
Drivers and Local Guides: Your driver is focused on navigating safely rather than guiding. Your expert local guide is there to share deep insights about Peru’s rich history and sites. Be polite to everyone, and don’t forget to tip them at the end of the trip if you are happy with their service.
Hotels & Accommodations: Hotels in Peru range from charming colonial properties to modern city stays. They will be clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with towels and basic toiletries, based on 3* to 4* ranking. In some rural or boutique locations (such as community homestays on Lake Titicaca), accommodations are more traditional and basic, but wonderfully serene and clean. Most rooms come with attached private bathrooms featuring hot water, though facilities in remote areas can occasionally be simple.
