10 Day Peru Itinerary
Experience Peru's incredible diversity from Lima's world-class food scene to the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu. This carefully paced itinerary balances cultural immersion, adventure, and acclimatization to high altitude.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Land in Lima, settle in Miraflores, and explore the coastal clifftop neighborhoods
Pro tip: Take it easy on arrival day. Lima traffic is chaotic - budget extra time for all transfers.
Route Map
Budget Breakdown
Estimated cost per person for 10 days. Includes accommodation, all meals, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. Does not include international flights or travel insurance.
| Category | Daily | Total |
|---|---|---|
| accommodation | $80 | $800 |
| food | $65 | $650 |
| transport | $50 | $500 |
| activities | $35 | $350 |
| misc | $20 | $200 |
| Total | $250 | $2500 |
* Budget tier: mid-range. Prices in USD per person.
Money-saving tips:
- Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (S/130) for major ruins - covers 6+ sites and saves money
- Eat lunch menus (menú del día) at local restaurants for S/15-25 vs S/50+ dinner prices
- Use public buses and colectivos instead of taxis - saves 70% on transport costs
- Buy souvenirs at San Pedro Market in Cusco, not at tourist sites like Machu Picchu
- Book Machu Picchu train 2+ months ahead - prices double closer to travel dates
When to Go
Dry season with clear skies perfect for Machu Picchu and hiking
Rainy season can close Inca Trail and reduce visibility
Neighborhood Guide
Get oriented before you arrive — what each area feels like and how to get around.
Miraflores
excellent walkabilityPerfectly manicured parks meet dramatic Pacific cliffs, with the constant hum of traffic mixing with ocean waves. It feels like a wealthy Latin American suburb that's trying very hard to impress, complete with security guards on every corner.
Known for: Upscale shopping, cliffside parks, and tourist-friendly restaurants
Local tip: Locals exercise at Parque Kennedy early morning before 7am when it's peaceful and the cats are most active
Transit: Metropolitano Station Estación Central on Line 1
Best time: afternoon
Centro Histórico
good walkabilityColonial grandeur crumbles beautifully around buzzing street vendors and office workers rushing between ornate balconies. The air smells like car exhaust and anticuchos, while pigeons rule the main plaza like tiny dictators.
Known for: Colonial architecture, government buildings, and traditional markets
Local tip: Enter Casa de Aliaga through the small door on Jirón de la Unión - it's the only house continuously occupied by one family since Pizarro's time
Transit: Metropolitano Station Estación Central
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
San Blas
moderate walkabilityNarrow cobblestone alleys wind uphill past artist studios and tiny cafés, where the altitude makes every step feel deliberate. It's bohemian and peaceful, like a mountain village that accidentally became trendy.
Known for: Artisan workshops, boutique hotels, and panoramic city views
Local tip: The best coca leaf tea is at Granja Heidi - locals go there to cure altitude sickness, not for Instagram
Transit: 15-minute uphill walk from Plaza de Armas
Best time: afternoon
Not stroller-friendly
Centro Histórico
good walkabilityInca stones support Spanish colonial walls while altitude gives everything a dreamlike quality. The plaza thrums with tour groups, street vendors, and the occasional llama, all under the watchful gaze of ancient mountains.
Known for: Main plaza, cathedral, and Inca architecture
Local tip: The best empanadas are from the cart outside Qorikancha at 4pm - locals line up every day
Transit: Central hub - all transportation originates here
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Aguas Calientes Town Center
excellent walkabilityA tourist town squeezed into a narrow valley where the Urubamba River drowns out most conversation. Everything feels temporary and expensive, like a frontier outpost that exists solely to serve the mountain above.
Known for: Gateway to Machu Picchu and natural hot springs
Local tip: Buy snacks and water at the small tienda next to the train tracks - it's half the price of tourist shops
Transit: Train station is the center of town
Best time: evening
What to Eat inPeru
Lima
Eating etiquette
- •Service charge (10%) is often included in the bill
- •Lunch is the main meal - restaurants offer menú del día
- •Don't drink tap water - ask for agua sin gas (still) or con gas (sparkling)
Breakfast
Locals eat light - pan con palta (avocado toast) or tamales from street carts, always with strong coffee
Lunch
Get the menú del día between 12-3pm at local restaurants - it's the best value and freshest food
Dinner
Dinner starts late (8-9pm), reservations essential for upscale places, many restaurants close Sundays
Dishes you can't miss
Tiger's milk is perfectly balanced, fish caught that morning
La Mar Cebichería · $18-22
Beef heart skewers grilled over charcoal - Lima's ultimate street food
Street carts on Avenida Grau · $3-5
Chinese-Peruvian fusion done right in a historic cantina
El Cordano · $12-15
Street food highlights
Cusco
Eating etiquette
- •Coca tea is offered everywhere - it helps with altitude
- •Many restaurants close 3-6pm for siesta
- •Tourist restaurants add 18% tax - locals places don't
Breakfast
Simple bread rolls with cheese or jam, always with coca tea. Locals buy fresh bread from panadería carts
Lunch
Mercado San Pedro has the best cheap food - get there before 1pm for the freshest options
Dinner
Early dinner (6-7pm) due to altitude fatigue, many places offer happy hour 4-7pm
Dishes you can't miss
Guinea pig prepared traditionally in a wood oven - cultural experience
Pachapapa Restaurant · $25-30
Leaner than beef, perfectly seasoned with local herbs
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse · $20-24
Local comfort food with fresh vegetables and coca leaves
Mercado San Pedro · $3-4
Street food highlights
Aguas Calientes
Eating etiquette
- •Everything is 2-3x normal Peru prices due to tourist captivity
- •Most restaurants cater to international tastes
- •Book dinner reservations early - limited options
Breakfast
Most visitors eat at their hotel before Machu Picchu. If not, grab bread and coffee from train station vendors
Lunch
Pack lunch for Machu Picchu or pay $25+ for basic sandwiches. Return to town for late lunch after site visit
Dinner
Early dinner (5-7pm) as most visitors are exhausted from Machu Picchu
Dishes you can't miss
Fresh trout from local streams, best quality in town
Café Inkaterra · $18-22
Creative take on local grain with Andean vegetables
Tree House Restaurant · $15-18
Street food highlights
Getting Between Cities
How to book: Book online at least 2 weeks ahead for best prices. Counter check-in required for domestic flights.
Platform: Jorge Chávez Airport Gate 10-15 for domestic flights. Arrive 2 hours early.
Luggage: Domestic flights allow 23kg checked bag. Coca leaves legal but declare them.
Pro tip: Right side of plane for Andes mountain views during descent
How to book: Book online at perurail.com or at San Pedro station. Bring passport - required for boarding.
Platform: Board at San Pedro Station. Platform assignment 30 minutes before departure.
Luggage: Only 5kg carry-on allowed. Store large bags in Cusco at hotel or storage facility.
Pro tip: Left side going to Aguas Calientes for river valley views
How to book: Return tickets usually bought with outbound journey. Confirm departure time day before.
Platform: Aguas Calientes station is small - arrive 30 minutes early for afternoon trains.
Luggage: Same 5kg restriction. Hotel can help arrange luggage transport if needed.
Pro tip: Right side for return journey to see different mountain perspectives
Daily Walking Distances
Packing List
Cusco is 11,200 feet - many visitors get sick within 24 hours
Machu Picchu trails are steep and often wet, regular sneakers are dangerous
Natural altitude remedy locals swear by - chew or make tea
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu weather changes rapidly from sun to rain
Lima tap water unsafe, bottled water expensive in tourist areas
Limited charging at Machu Picchu, long train rides drain phones
Cloud forest around Aguas Calientes has aggressive mosquitos
Many vendors, markets, and rural areas don't accept cards
Andes weather unpredictable - can rain any time of year
Dehydration happens quickly at altitude and with walking tours
UV rays intense at high altitude, reflection off stone ruins
Machu Picchu doesn't allow large bags - need something for water and snacks
Early morning Machu Picchu departure often in darkness
Temperature drops 20+ degrees after sunset in mountains
Skip These
Save your time and money — here's what to skip and what to do instead.
4-hour detour from Lima for a tiny artificial pond surrounded by tourist trap restaurants and overpriced dune buggy rides
→ Instead:Spend extra time in Lima's beaches at Barranco or take a day trip to Pachacamac ruins - closer and more authentic
5am departure for grueling 3-hour round trip hike at extreme altitude for Instagram-filtered colors that look nothing like photos
→ Instead:Explore Sacred Valley's authentic villages like Maras Salt Mines - easier access and real cultural experience
Overpriced water fountain show that locals avoid - basically a mall fountain with colored lights
→ Instead:Watch sunset from Miraflores cliffs at Parque del Amor - free and actually romantic
Steep tourist trap climb for a tiny statue with mediocre city views and aggressive souvenir vendors
→ Instead:Get better views from San Blas neighborhood cafés while having coca tea and supporting local businesses
$20 entry for lukewarm, crowded pools that smell like sulfur with poor maintenance
→ Instead:Rest your feet at a riverside café with a beer - you'll be exhausted from Machu Picchu anyway
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 days enough for Peru?
Yes, 10 days allows you to see Lima's food scene, explore Cusco's Inca heritage, visit Sacred Valley, and experience Machu Picchu. You'll miss the Amazon and northern Peru, but it's perfect for first-time visitors focusing on the classic highlights.
How much does 10 days in Peru cost?
Budget travelers can manage $100-150/day, mid-range $200-300/day, and luxury $400+/day. The biggest costs are Machu Picchu train ($240) and entrance ($160), plus domestic flights. Meals range from $3 street food to $150 fine dining.
What is the best month to visit Peru?
May through September is dry season with clear skies ideal for Machu Picchu. June-August is peak season with crowds and higher prices. April-May and September-October offer good weather with fewer tourists.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens need only a passport for stays up to 90 days. No visa required for tourism. Your passport should be valid for 6+ months from entry date.
How do I prepare for altitude sickness in Cusco?
Arrive in Cusco (3,400m) 2-3 days before Machu Picchu. Drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, eat light meals, and ascend gradually. Consider altitude sickness medication if you're sensitive. Sacred Valley is lower altitude and helps acclimatization.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu?
Book Machu Picchu tickets 2-3 months ahead, especially for dry season (May-September). Train tickets should be booked simultaneously as they often sell out. Huayna Picchu mountain requires 4+ months advance booking.
Travel Tips forPeru
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
While many tour guides speak English, learning basic Spanish helps significantly outside tourist areas. Quechua is also spoken in the Andes, and locals appreciate any effort to use their languages.
Use Soles for Better Prices
While USD is accepted in tourist areas, paying in Peruvian soles always gets better rates. Use ATMs for best exchange rates, and keep small bills for markets and street food vendors.
Secure Your Valuables
Petty theft targets tourists in Lima and Cusco. Use hotel safes, carry copies of documents, and avoid displaying expensive electronics. Tourist police are present in major sites and genuinely helpful.
Book Train Tickets Early
PeruRail and Inca Rail tickets to Machu Picchu sell out months in advance during peak season. The cheaper Expedition service is perfectly comfortable - save money over the Vistadome unless you want larger windows.
Try Regional Specialties
Don't miss regional dishes: anticuchos (beef heart skewers), rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), and ceviche variations. Lima's food scene rivals any world capital, but Cusco offers hearty mountain cuisine.
Essential Info
Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the currency. Credit cards accepted in tourist areas but carry cash for markets, street food, and tips. ATMs widely available in cities but limited in small towns.
10-15% at restaurants if service charge not included. Round up for taxis. Tip tour guides $5-10/day per person. Hotel porters and housekeeping $1-2 per service.
Claro or Movistar prepaid SIM cards available at airports and shops. eSIM options: Airalo, Holafly
More Options inPeru
Places that didn't make the main itinerary but are worth knowing about.
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Shopping
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