Itinerary for 12 day trip to Perú

A 12-day trip to Peru sounds like a dream, and I’m excited to help you craft an itinerary that balances relaxation, nature, and some of the country’s most iconic sights. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Morning: Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru. Check into your hotel and take a moment to relax after your journey.
Afternoon: Stroll through in Miraflores, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and maybe grab a coffee at a nearby café.
Evening: Head to the for a romantic sunset walk along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant.

Day 2: Explore Lima

Morning: Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the and the .
Afternoon: Explore , a large zoo and botanical garden that showcases Peru’s diverse flora and fauna.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner in the Barranco district, known for its bohemian vibe.

Day 3: Travel to Paracas

Morning: Take a bus to Paracas (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel and relax.
Afternoon: Visit , where you can enjoy stunning coastal views and unique wildlife. Consider a leisurely bike ride through the park.
Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: &

Morning: Take a boat tour to the to see sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
Afternoon: Head to , an oasis surrounded by sand dunes. You can relax by the lagoon or take a dune buggy ride.
Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars in .

Day 5: Travel to Arequipa

Morning: Travel to Arequipa (about 6 hours by bus). Check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Explore , a beautiful and colorful complex that feels like a city within a city.
Evening: Stroll through and enjoy dinner at a restaurant with views of the stunning .

Day 6:

Morning: Depart early for a day trip to . Enjoy the scenic drive and stop at viewpoints along the way.
Afternoon: Visit the to see the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead.
Evening: Return to Arequipa and enjoy a cozy dinner.

Day 7: Travel to Cusco

Morning: Take a bus or flight to Cusco (about 1 hour by flight). Check into your hotel and acclimatize to the altitude.
Afternoon: Explore , an impressive Inca site with stunning views of Cusco.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artsy vibe.

Day 8:

Morning: Take a day trip to the . Visit and the archaeological site.
Afternoon: Head to , where you can explore the ruins and the charming town.
Evening: Return to Cusco and enjoy a quiet dinner.

Day 9:

Early Morning: Take the train from Cusco to . From there, take a bus to .
Day: Spend the day exploring the ancient ruins. Don’t forget to hike to the Sun Gate for breathtaking views.
Evening: Return to for dinner and spend the night there.

Day 10: Relax in

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and visit the hot springs in to relax after your adventure.
Afternoon: Explore the town, visit the local market, or hike to for a different perspective of .
Evening: Have a romantic dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11: Return to Cusco

Morning: Take the train back to Cusco. Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps visiting a local café or shop.
Afternoon: Visit , the Temple of the Sun, and the nearby for some local flavors.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Cusco, perhaps trying some traditional dishes like cuy or lomo saltado.

Day 12: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll through Cusco.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Peru!

This itinerary balances relaxation with exploration, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Peru at a leisurely pace. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and savor every moment with your partner! Safe travels! 🌎❤️