Peru is a big country, so this plan focuses on Lima and Cusco rather than trying to cram in distant destinations. You’ll get coastal food and historic neighborhoods in Lima, then Cusco’s Inca heritage and mountain scenery, with stops grouped to keep local travel manageable.
Budget
About S/1,500–3,000 per person, excluding international flights and accommodation; includes a domestic flight, local transport, meals, and typical admissions.
Best time to visit
May to September is generally the driest season for Cusco and the Sacred Valley; Lima is pleasant year-round, though its skies are often grey from roughly June to October.
Lima: Historic Centre
Explore central Lima’s grand plazas, colonial landmarks, and classic local flavors on foot.
Morning
See the Plaza Mayor and Cathedral
Start at Lima’s central square, then visit the Cathedral of Lima. The cathedral is right on the plaza, so allow about 2 minutes to walk between them.
FreeMorning
Visit the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco
Walk about 8 minutes from the plaza to admire the church, library, and catacombs; guided visits are typically included with admission.
About About S/20Afternoon
Lunch at a historic Lima restaurant
Walk about 7 minutes from San Francisco for traditional Peruvian dishes in an atmospheric old-city setting.
About S/35–70Afternoon
Browse
It’s about a 5-minute walk from lunch, beside the historic Desamparados railway station; check opening hours before you go.
FreeEvening
Dinner in the historic centre
Take a taxi or rideshare for roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic, to enjoy a modern take on Peruvian cuisine.
About S/50–100
Lima: Miraflores and Barranco
Spend the day along Lima’s Pacific coast, pairing Miraflores gardens and views with Barranco’s artsy streets.
Morning
Walk the Malecón and
Stroll the clifftop path and stop at the colorful mosaic terrace. The walk from to nearby takes about 15 minutes.
FreeMorning
Browse
Enjoy the ocean-facing terraces and shops; it’s about a 15-minute walk back along the Malecón from .
FreeAfternoon
Visit the site and museum
Take a taxi or rideshare for around 10–15 minutes from to this striking pre-Columbian adobe complex; book a guided visit if available.
About About S/15Evening
Explore Barranco’s Bridge of Sighs
Ride about 15–25 minutes by taxi or rideshare from , then wander the nearby lanes and galleries on foot.
FreeEvening
Dinner at Isolina
Walk about 8 minutes from the bridge to this popular Barranco restaurant, known for generous Peruvian comfort food; reservations are a good idea.
About S/60–120
Cusco: Plaza de Armas and San Blas
Fly to Cusco, take the first day gently at altitude, and discover the city’s central Inca and colonial layers.
Morning
Fly from Lima to Cusco and settle in
The direct flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes; allow extra time for airport transfers and check-in. Take it easy after arriving at altitude.
About About S/180–500 one wayAfternoon
See and Plaza de Armas
From a central hotel, walk to the plaza and cathedral; they are beside one another, about 2 minutes apart. Admission to the cathedral is ticketed.
About About S/40Afternoon
Visit
Walk about 10 minutes downhill from the cathedral to see the Inca temple foundations beneath the colonial church.
About About S/15Evening
Dinner in San Blas
Walk about 15–20 minutes uphill from , or take a short taxi ride, to this relaxed restaurant near the San Blas lanes.
About S/35–70
Cusco: Sacsayhuamán and San Blas
Combine the monumental Inca walls above Cusco with a gentle return through the city’s artisan quarter.
Morning
Explore
Take a taxi about 15–20 minutes uphill from the Plaza de Armas to the immense Inca stone complex; allow time to acclimatize and walk slowly.
About About S/70 (tourist ticket, subject to ticket type)Afternoon
Visit the San Blas viewpoint
Take a taxi roughly 10–15 minutes downhill from , then enjoy the views and browse the nearby artisan streets on foot.
FreeAfternoon
Browse the San Blas market
Walk about 5 minutes from the viewpoint to this small neighborhood market for crafts and a casual snack.
FreeEvening
Dinner near the Plaza de Armas
Walk about 10 minutes downhill from the market to a welcoming spot for contemporary Andean cooking.
About S/70–140
Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo
Take a full-day outing to the Sacred Valley for dramatic terraces, a lively village, and a memorable final evening back in Cusco.
Morning
Travel to
Arrange a day tour or private transfer from Cusco; the drive is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
About About S/80–250 for transport or a tourMorning
Climb the archaeological site
The entrance is in the village, a short walk from the main square. Take your time on the steep stone steps and bring water.
About About S/70 (tourist ticket, subject to ticket type)Afternoon
Lunch in
Walk about 5–10 minutes from the archaeological entrance to the village’s central streets for a relaxed lunch.
About S/35–75Afternoon
Wander the old town and main square
Spend a couple of hours exploring the cobbled lanes; the square is about a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
FreeEvening
Return to Cusco for dinner
The drive back takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. For a late meal near the historic centre, choose a well-known Cusco restaurant.
About S/60–120
Good to know
Altitude
Cusco sits at about 3,400 metres. Take your first afternoon slowly, drink water, avoid a heavy first meal, and consider asking your clinician about altitude precautions before travel.
Machu Picchu
This five-day route doesn’t include Machu Picchu, which needs a separate full day and advance tickets. If it’s a must-see, swap out another Cusco or Sacred Valley day and book entry and train travel early.
Transport
Use registered taxis or rideshare services in Lima and Cusco, and confirm the fare before getting into a street taxi. Traffic can change Lima journey times significantly.
Costs and tickets
Prices are estimates in Peruvian soles and can change; check current opening hours, admission rules, and bundled tourist-ticket options before visiting.