Itinerary

Peru is a stunning country with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. With 21 days to explore, you can take your time and really soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors. Here’s a relaxed itinerary that balances adventure with leisure:

## Day 1: Arrival in Lima

• Morning: Arrive in Lima. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Stroll around the historic center, visiting Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Lima.
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some ceviche!

## Day 2: Explore Lima

• Morning: Visit the Larco Museum to learn about pre-Columbian art.
• Afternoon: Head to the Miraflores district. Walk along the Malecón and enjoy the ocean views.
• Evening: Dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Pacific Ocean.

## Day 3: Lima to Paracas

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

## Day 4: Ballestas Islands

• Morning: Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and penguins.
• Afternoon: Return to Paracas and relax on the beach.
• Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

## Day 5: Paracas to Huacachina

• Morning: Travel to Huacachina (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the oasis.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset dune buggy ride and sandboarding.

## Day 6: Relax in Huacachina

• Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Afternoon: Rent a pedal boat on the oasis or relax by the pool.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 7: Huacachina to Arequipa

• Morning: Travel to Arequipa (about 10 hours by bus, or consider a flight).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and rest.
• Evening: Stroll around the Plaza de Armas and enjoy dinner.

## Day 8: Explore Arequipa

• Morning: Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery.
• Afternoon: Explore the Museo Santuarios Andinos to see the Ice Maiden, Juanita.
• Evening: Dinner at a local picantería to try traditional Arequipeña dishes.

## Day 9: Arequipa to Colca Canyon

• Morning: Depart for Colca Canyon (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your lodge and enjoy the stunning views.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy a quiet evening.

## Day 10: Colca Canyon

• Morning: Early morning visit to the Cruz del Condor to see the majestic condors.
• Afternoon: Hike along the canyon trails or relax at your lodge.
• Evening: Dinner at your lodge.

## Day 11: Colca Canyon to Puno

• Morning: Travel to Puno (about 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and rest.
• Evening: Stroll along Lake Titicaca and enjoy dinner.

## Day 12: Lake Titicaca

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

## Day 13: Puno to Cusco

• Morning: Travel to Cusco (about 7 hours by bus).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and acclimatize to the altitude.
• Evening: Dinner in the San Blas neighborhood.

## Day 14: Explore Cusco

• Morning: Visit the Sacsayhuamán ruins.
• Afternoon: Explore the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Cusco Cathedral.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Andean dinner.

## Day 15: Sacred Valley

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac Market.
• Afternoon: Explore Ollantaytambo ruins.
• Evening: Stay overnight in Ollantaytambo.

## Day 16: Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

• Morning: Take the train to Aguas Calientes.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the town.
• Evening: Relax in the hot springs.

## Day 17: Machu Picchu

• Morning: Early morning visit to Machu Picchu. Take your time exploring.
• Afternoon: Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Aguas Calientes and have dinner.

## Day 18: Aguas Calientes to Cusco

• Morning: Take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus to Cusco.
• Afternoon: Relax and explore any remaining sights in Cusco.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 19: Cusco to Lima

• Morning: Fly back to Lima.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax.
• Evening: Explore Barranco, the bohemian district, and enjoy dinner.

## Day 20: Lima

• Morning: Visit the Parque Kennedy and the cat park in Miraflores.
• Afternoon: Take a cooking class to learn how to make Peruvian dishes.
• Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in Peru at a top-rated restaurant.

## Day 21: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Peru at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy each destination. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and savor the delicious food along the way! Safe travels! 🌎✈️