21 day itinerary
Peru
Itinerary
Peru is a stunning country with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. I’m excited to help you craft an ideal 21-day itinerary that includes your Salkantay Trek. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Take it easy and allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude ( is about 3,400 meters or 11,200 feet above sea level).
- Afternoon: Stroll around the , visit the beautiful , and grab a bite at a local café.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner at a restaurant. Try some ceviche or alpaca steak!
Day 2: Explore
- Morning: Visit the and learn about Incan history.
- Afternoon: Head to , an impressive Incan fortress with stunning views of the city.
- Evening: Check out a local market for souvenirs and enjoy a pisco sour at a local bar.
Day 3:
- Morning: Take a day trip to the . Visit and the archaeological site.
- Afternoon: Explore , a charming town with impressive ruins.
- Evening: Stay overnight in to prepare for your trek.
Day 4: Start Salkantay Trek
- Morning: Begin your Salkantay Trek! Meet your group and guide, and start your adventure.
- Afternoon: Hike to the first campsite, enjoying the stunning views of the .
- Evening: Settle in at the campsite, enjoy dinner, and share stories with fellow trekkers.
Days 5-10: Salkantay Trek
- Day 5: Continue trekking, passing through beautiful landscapes and reaching the highest point at Salkantay Pass (4,600m). Camp near the stunning .
- Day 6: Trek down to the cloud forest, experiencing a change in flora and fauna. Camp near La Playa.
- Day 7: Enjoy a more relaxed day, visiting coffee plantations and local farms.
- Day 8: Hike to , the town at the base of . Enjoy a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.
- Day 9: Early morning visit to ! Explore the ruins and take in the breathtaking views.
- Day 10: Return to via train and bus. Rest and recover from your trek.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Take a bus to (around 7-8 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in and check into your accommodation.
- Evening: Explore the town and try some local dishes like “trucha” (trout).
Day 12:
- Morning: Take a boat tour of . Visit the and learn about the local culture.
- Afternoon: Head to for a hike and lunch with a local family.
- Evening: Return to and relax.
Day 13: to
- Morning: Travel to (around 5-6 hours by bus).
- Afternoon: Arrive and explore the beautiful and the .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the volcanoes.
Day 14:
- Morning: Visit the (consider an overnight trip if you want to hike).
- Afternoon: Explore the local markets and try the famous Arequipeña cuisine.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Day 15:
- Day Trip: If you stayed overnight, enjoy a morning hike in and watch the majestic condors soar.
- Evening: Return to .
Day 16: to
- Morning: Travel to (around 9 hours by bus).
- Afternoon: Arrive and check into your accommodation.
- Evening: Relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 17:
- Morning: Take a flight over the for a bird’s-eye view of these ancient geoglyphs.
- Afternoon: Visit the to learn more about the culture.
- Evening: Travel to (around 7 hours by bus).
Day 18:
- Morning: Explore the historic center of , including and the .
- Afternoon: Visit the for a deep dive into pre-Columbian art.
- Evening: Enjoy a culinary experience at one of ’s renowned restaurants.
Day 19: to
- Morning: Travel to (around 7-8 hours by bus).
- Afternoon: Arrive and acclimatize to the altitude.
- Evening: Explore the town and enjoy a cozy dinner.
Day 20:
- Day Trip: Take a day hike to or the Santa Cruz trek for stunning mountain views.
- Evening: Return to and relax.
Day 21: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping.
- Afternoon: Travel back to for your international flight home.
Tips for Solo Female Travelers:
- Stay in reputable hostels or hotels with good reviews.
- Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
- Engage with other travelers; you might find great companions for day trips!
- Trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to change your plans.
I hope this itinerary excites you as much as it does me! Peru is a magical place, and you’re going to have an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels! 🌍✈️
