On this 10-day trip, we explore some of Peru’s most representative destinations, combining city life, history, Andean landscapes, and living culture. We start in Lima, continue on to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu, and then travel to Lake Titicaca before returning to Lima. This itinerary is designed for unhurried travel, making the most of each day and discovering the essentials of the country with clear, comfortable organization.
Why choose a 10-day trip through Peru?
Because a 10-day itinerary allows us to see the most important highlights of Peru in a single trip, with well-distributed time and organized transfers. We visit major cities, explore archaeological sites, sail on Lake Titicaca, and reach Machu Picchu without rushing or overloading the program. It’s an ideal plan if you want a complete first experience in the country, traveling solo or with companions, combining culture, nature, and local traditions.
Best time to travel to Peru in 10 days
This itinerary can be done year-round, but the weather varies significantly by season and offers different scenery, especially in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. Choosing the right dates will help you make the most of the visits and walk more comfortably at each destination.
Dry season (April to October)
During these months, we travel with less rain and clearer skies, which makes walking and visiting archaeological sites easier. This is the best time to explore Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca. Nights in Cusco and Puno are usually cold, so it’s advisable to bring light layers. Keep in mind that this is high season, so there are more travelers and it’s important to book in advance.
Rainy season (November to March)
During this season, you’ll find greener landscapes and fewer tourists, allowing you to visit destinations at a more relaxed pace. Rain is more frequent in January and February, especially in the Andean region, but many activities can still be carried out without issues. It’s a good option if you’re looking for lower prices and a more laid-back atmosphere, as long as you bring waterproof clothing and appropriate footwear.
What to pack for your 10-day trip to Peru
On this trip, we travel through areas with very different climates, from the coast to the highlands and the Altiplano, so it’s important to be well prepared. We recommend bringing comfortable walking clothes, a light jacket for cold mornings and nights in Cusco and Puno, and lighter clothing for Lima and the Sacred Valley. A good pair of trekking or walking shoes will help you move more comfortably during visits.
Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as we’ll spend several hours outdoors. Also bring a small backpack for daily excursions, a reusable water bottle, and keep your personal documents handy at all times. If you take any medication, it’s best to bring it with you, and consider including altitude sickness pills if your doctor recommends them.
What does this 10-day trip to Peru include?
This tour is designed so you can travel with peace of mind and focus solely on enjoying the journey. We take care of organizing transfers, guided visits, and main entrance tickets so you don’t have to worry about logistics during the trip.
Includes
- Airport-to-hotel transfers and vice versa
- City tours in Lima and Cusco
- Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and Lake Titicaca
- Tourist transportation throughout all excursions
- Train ticket and entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus (up and down) to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes
- Sacred Valley tour
- Route of the Sun tour and Puno
- Lake Titicaca excursion
- Professional guides
- 8 hotel nights across the different destinations we visit
- 8 breakfasts and 4 lunches
- Domestic flights
Does not include
- International flights
- Meals not specified in the program
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Services or activities not specified in the program
Recommended itinerary for the 10-day trip to Peru
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
We welcome you at the Lima airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace. It’s a relaxed day to adjust to the trip and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: Huacachina Oasis
On the second day, we depart early from the hotel and head to the Ballestas Islands, which we’ll explore by boat. There, we’ll observe the abundant marine wildlife of the Peruvian coast, including birds and sea life. After this first excursion, we continue to Ica to sample wines from local vineyards. To end the day, we arrive at the Huacachina Oasis, where we enjoy a buggy ride and sandboarding on the dunes. In the late afternoon, we return to Lima.
Day 3: Lima city tour and flight to Cusco
In the morning, we explore Lima’s historic center and some modern neighborhoods, visiting major plazas, churches, and viewpoints of the City of Kings. In the afternoon, we head to the airport to catch the flight to Cusco. Transportation will be waiting for you at Cusco’s Velasco Astete Airport to take you to your hotel, where you can settle in and rest. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or a gentle walk through Cusco’s historic center.
Day 4: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
On this day, we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We begin by visiting the textile centers and the archaeological complex of Chinchero. We then continue to the agricultural laboratory of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, a vast salt production center made up of more than a thousand pools. Afterward, we enjoy lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Urubamba.
The final destination of the day is the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. At the end of the tour, we head to the train station to board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, we take the bus up to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to explore it with our guide. We walk through its main sectors, learn about its history, and take advantage of different viewpoints to capture photos with this world wonder as the backdrop. Afterward, we return to Aguas Calientes, take the train back to the Sacred Valley, and then the bus to Cusco. In the evening, we rest at the hotel.
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain
We depart around 4:00 a.m., with transportation waiting outside our hotel. We make an initial stop for breakfast in Cusipata, then continue by vehicle to the foothills of the mountain in the Pitumarca sector, where the ascent begins. The climb can be done on foot, by horse, motorcycle, or ATV. If we choose to walk, the hike takes about two hours with rest breaks to prevent altitude sickness, as we’ll ascend to over 5,000 meters above sea level.
We’ll have time to take photos with the scenery, alpacas, snow-capped peaks, and signs, among others. The descent is quicker than the ascent, and the guide accompanies us at all times. At the base, transportation will take us back to Cusipata for lunch and then to Cusco to rest.
Day 7: Humantay Lake
On this day, we start the journey around 4:00 or 4:30 a.m., heading to Mollepata for breakfast and then to Soraypampa, where the uphill hike to Humantay Lake begins. We have the option to go up by horse or on foot; if we choose to walk, it takes between 2 and 3 hours to reach the top. The view at the summit is stunning, as in addition to the immense lake, we’ll see the slopes of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain—an impressive panorama.
Day 8: Cusco – Puno (Route of the Sun)
We depart by tourist bus to Puno via the Route of the Sun. Along the way, we make stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and other points of interest to visit sites such as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” archaeological complexes, and temples dedicated to Wiracocha (the Inca deity). We enjoy a buffet lunch and then continue the route until reaching Puno, where we spend the night.
Day 9: Uros and Taquile Islands
Lake Titicaca is located at 3,812 meters above sea level; it is the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest in South America. We’ll have the opportunity to sail on the lake by boat or optionally on traditional reed boats. We’ll also visit the floating islands of Uros and Taquile and learn about their culture and traditions. In the afternoon, we return to Puno.
Day 10: International departure
From Puno, we travel to Juliaca, where transportation will take us to Juliaca’s domestic airport to board the flight to Lima, connecting with your international flight home. This marks the end of our 10-day adventure in Peru.
Is this 10-day tour right for you?
This 10-day tour is designed for travelers who want to see the essentials of Peru without feeling rushed from place to place. If you enjoy combining history, nature, local culture, and diverse landscapes (from Lima to the Titicaca Altiplano), this itinerary will work well for you. It’s also ideal if this is your first visit to the country and you want to make the most of your time with organized transfers and guided visits. If you prefer more time in each place or want to add extra activities, we can adapt or extend the itinerary.
Estimated price of the 10-day trip to Peru
The price of this tour may vary depending on the season, the type of accommodation, and whether you choose private or group options. As a general reference, prices can start from USD 1,365 per person for an economy category, up to USD 1,560 for a higher category.
Ready to book your 10-day tour of Peru? Experience Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca in one unforgettable journey through Peru.
Frequently asked questions about the 10-day trip
Is it a safe tour?
Yes. All transfers, activities, and excursions are organized with experienced local providers and trained guides. In Peru, cultural and adventure tours are carried out under safety standards, and we support you with information and assistance throughout the entire journey.
Can I modify dates or hotels?
Yes, we can adjust travel dates and adapt hotels according to your budget or preferences. There are more economical and more comfortable options available, and we can also organize the tour based on your available days.
Can it be paid in installments?
Yes. We offer installment or partial payment options so you can reserve with a deposit and complete the payment while in Peru. We’ll share a clear payment plan and methods so you can proceed easily.
What type of train is included?
The tour includes tourist trains to the town of Aguas Calientes, where the world wonder of Machu Picchu is located, such as Expedition services or similar options that are comfortable and suitable for the journey. If you prefer higher-end train services (such as Vistadome or panoramic options), we can also include them, subject to availability and with a budget adjustment according to your preference.
