Itinerary

Peru is a treasure trove of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a fun and engaging 20-day itinerary that will take you from the bustling streets of Lima to the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu and beyond. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Lima

• Morning: Arrive in Lima, the capital city. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Explore the historic center, visiting Plaza Mayor and the stunning Cathedral of Lima.
• Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Try ceviche, a must-have Peruvian dish!

## Day 2: Lima

• Morning: Visit the Larco Museum to see pre-Columbian art and artifacts.
• Afternoon: Stroll through the Miraflores district, visiting the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset at Parque del Amor and have dinner at a seaside restaurant.

## Day 3: Lima to Paracas

• Morning: Take a bus to Paracas (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Explore the Paracas National Reserve.
• Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local eatery.

## Day 4: Ballestas Islands

• Morning: Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and stunning rock formations.
• Afternoon: Return to Paracas and visit the local museum.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the local nightlife.

## Day 5: Paracas to Huacachina

• Morning: Head to Huacachina, an oasis surrounded by sand dunes (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and take a dune buggy tour, followed by sandboarding.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset over the dunes, then have dinner in the oasis.

## Day 6: Huacachina to Nazca

• Morning: Travel to Nazca (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Nazca Lines viewing tower and learn about the ancient geoglyphs.
• Evening: Optional flight over the Nazca Lines for a bird’s-eye view (book in advance).

## Day 7: Nazca to Arequipa

• Morning: Take a bus to Arequipa (about 9 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Evening: Arrive in Arequipa, check into your hotel, and have dinner in the historic center.

## Day 8: Arequipa

• Morning: Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city.
• Afternoon: Explore the Plaza de Armas and the beautiful architecture of Arequipa.
• Evening: Try the local dish, rocoto relleno, for dinner.

## Day 9: Colca Canyon

• Morning: Depart early for Colca Canyon (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Arrive and check into your lodge. Visit the town of Chivay and relax in the hot springs.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Andean dinner.

## Day 10: Colca Canyon

• Early Morning: Head to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see the majestic Andean condors.
• Afternoon: Hike along the canyon trails and enjoy the stunning views.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

## Day 11: Colca Canyon to Puno

• Morning: Travel to Puno (about 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax.
• Evening: Stroll along Lake Titicaca’s shores and enjoy dinner with a view.

## Day 12: Lake Titicaca

• Morning: Take a boat tour to the Uros Floating Islands and learn about the local culture.
• Afternoon: Visit Taquile Island and enjoy a traditional lunch with locals.
• Evening: Return to Puno and relax.

## Day 13: Puno to Cusco

• Morning: Take a bus to Cusco (about 7 hours), stopping at interesting sites along the way.
• Evening: Arrive in Cusco, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner in the historic center.

## Day 14: Cusco

• Morning: Explore the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo ruins.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring the valley and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
• Evening: Return to Cusco for dinner.

## Day 15: Cusco

• Morning: Visit Sacsayhuamán, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Afternoon: Explore the San Pedro Market for local crafts and snacks.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner and perhaps a folk dance show.

## Day 16: Inca Trail or Train to Aguas Calientes

• Option 1: Start the Inca Trail trek (4 days).
• Option 2: Take the train to Aguas Calientes (about 3.5 hours) and check into your hotel.

## Day 17: Machu Picchu

• Morning: If you’re on the Inca Trail, reach Machu Picchu early. If you took the train, take the bus up to Machu Picchu.
• Afternoon: Explore the ruins and take in the breathtaking views.
• Evening: Return to Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest.

## Day 18: Aguas Calientes to Cusco

• Morning: Optional second visit to Machu Picchu or explore Aguas Calientes.
• Afternoon: Take the train back to Cusco.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Cusco.

## Day 19: Cusco to Lima

• Morning: Fly back to Lima.
• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit any sites you missed.
• Evening: Enjoy a final dinner in Lima, perhaps at a top-rated restaurant.

## Day 20: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A fabulous 20-day adventure through Peru, filled with culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Make sure to pack your camera, as you’ll want to capture every moment! Safe travels! 🌎✈️