How to spend 10 days in Peru - 5 unique itineraries

Whether you're drawn to the mystique of Machu Picchu, the culinary delights of Lima, or the mystique of the Amazon rainforest, Peru promises a variety of experiences that will stay in your memory for a lifetime. Here's our guide to creating your own 10-day Peru itinerary, including suggestions for itineraries that combine history, nature, and contemporary vibrancy.

Itinerary #1: Coast, Mountain Ranges and the Amazon Rainforest

This 10 day Peru itinerary ideal for those who are new to Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, spend the rest of your first day at leisure. The next day, enjoy a panoramic tour of Lima, delving into its rich colonial history and visiting the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its architecture and catacombs.

On day three, fly to Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. Spend the second half of the day getting used to the altitude and exploring the city's charming streets. The next day, travel through the Sacred Valley.

Day five will be the highlight of your trip with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu. You'll spend the day exploring the legendary ruins and take a lunch break in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.

On day six, fly to Puerto Maldonado and begin your Amazon adventure. The next day, take a canoe ride on Lake Sandoval, followed by a thrilling ride on the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway.

On the eighth day, visit the organic bio-fruit orchard and Palmetum, and enjoy a peaceful paddleboarding trip on the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion Lagoon. The next day, complete your rainforest exploration with a visit to the Butterfly House and then relax in Puerto Maldonado.

Finally, on the tenth day, head to the airport to depart and conclude your Peruvian adventure. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check-out this Peru 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival at Lima and rest of the day at leisure.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

• Panoramic city tour and a visit to the Convent of San Francisco.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 3

• Transfer to Cusco.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4

• Visit Pisac town, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo tour.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 5

• Excursion to Machu Picch and lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6

• Flight to Puerto Maldonado.
• Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Day 7

• Visit to Lake Sandoval with canoe ride and Inkaterra canopy walkway.
• Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Day 8

• Organic bio-orchard, Palmetum, and a paddle boat ride in Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion’s lagoon.
• Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Day 9

• Visit to the Butterfly House.
• Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Day 10:

• Transfer to the airport for departure

If this trip suits your taste, why wait? Customize your experience with our tailor-made trip service and book it today.

Itinerary #2: Peru for Nature Lovers

Undoubtedly, Peru provides an abundance of attractions for those who appreciate and cherish nature. On this trip, designed for nature lovers, you’ll discover many of the natural sites Peru has to offer. 

Upon arrival in Lima, spend the first day at leisure or explore the city at your own pace, soaking up the lively atmosphere. The next morning, fly to Cusco and begin your journey through the Sacred Valley.

On day three, continue your exploration of the city with a visit to the Maras Saltpans and Moray Terraces, ancient Inca farmlands. End the day with a visit to the ancient city of Ollantaytambo.

Day four is dedicated to the iconic Machu Picchu. Take a scenic train ride through the mountains and spend the day discovering the breathtaking ruins of the ancient Inca citadel.

On day five, you will have a free day to continue exploring Machu Picchu or the town of Aguas Calientes at your discretion. In the evening, return to Cusco for an overnight stay.
On day six, explore the rich history of Cusco with a city tour before heading back to Lima in the afternoon.

On day seven, you will travel to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon. Spend the eighth and ninth days in Iquitos at your leisure.

On the tenth day, depart for home, wrapping up your unforgettable Peruvian adventure. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check out this Peru 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival in Lima and leisure time to relax or explore.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

• Transfer to Cusco and afternoon visit to Awanacancha, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 3

• Maras Saltpans, Moray Terraces  and Ollantaytambo.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4

• Full-day excursion to Machu Picchu via roundtrip train.
• Overnight in Machu Picchu.

Day 5

• Free day in Machu Picchu.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6

• Exploration of the sights of Cusco and return to Lima.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 7

• Flight to Iquitos.
• Overnight in Iquitos.

Day 8

• Days at leisure in Iquitos.
• Overnight in Iquitos.

Day 9

• Days at leisure in Iquitos.
• Overnight in Iquitos.

Day 10

• Depart for home.

Planning your trip to Peru? See our Peru itineraries for inspiration.

Itinerary #3: A hidden gem in Peru

This Peru 10 day itinerary is a journey to explore the marvels of Peru through a less-traveled route in the northern region. Your adventure begins with your arrival in Lima, where you'll have time to settle in and relax after your journey.

On day two, travel to Caral, the oldest known civilization in the Americas, where you will explore ancient ruins and learn about this fascinating archaeological site. The next morning, depart for Trujillo, a city rich in history and culture.

Day four includes a private tour of the region's most famous sites, Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, remnants of the Moche civilization.

On the fifth day, travel to Chiclayo with a stop at the El Brujo complex, and the Señora de Cao Museum, which features an amazing discovery of a female mummy. Day six includes a visit to Huaca Rahada, where Lord Sipan was found, and a private tour of the Tumbas Reales Museum.

On the seventh day, transfer to Chachapoyas, where you'll take a horseback ride to the sarcophagi of Carajia and explore the caves of Quiocta.

On day eight, visit the remarkable fortress of Kuelap, often referred to as the “new Machu Picchu” and on the ninth day, take a horseback ride to the stunning Gocta Waterfalls.

On the tenth day, you will head to the airport and conclude your Peruvian journey. Read more. 

Itinerary overview

Check out this Peru 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival in Lima.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

• A visit to Caral, the first center of civilization in the Americas.
• Overnight in Caral.

Day 3

• From Caral to Trujillo.
• Overnight in Trujillo.

Day 4

• Private tour of archaeological sites: Huaca del Sol, Huaca de la Luna, and Chan Chan.
• Overnight in Trujillo.

Day 5

• From Trujillo to Chiclayo via the El Brujo Complex and Senora De Cao Museum with a private guide.
• Overnight in Chiclayo.

Day 6

• A visit to Huaca Rajada and a private excursion to the Tumbas Reales Museum.
• Overnight in Chiclayo.

Day 7

• Transfer from Chiclayo to Chachapoyas with a horseback ride to the sarcophagi of Karajia and the Quiocta Caves afterward.
• Overnight in Chachapoyas.

Day 8

• Visit Kuelap Fortress, the "new Machu Picchu."
• Overnight in Chachapoyas.

Day 9

• From Chachapoyas to Gocta with a horse ride to Gocta waterfalls (over 770 meters tall) afterward.
• Overnight in Gocta.

Day 10

• Transfer to the airport and departure.

Our itineraries are crafted by local travel experts and can be booked today.

Itinerary #4: Machu Picchu, Titicaca & Uyuni

On this 10-day trip, you’ll get to experience the wonders of Peru and Bolivia. Your adventure begins with your arrival in Lima, where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. On the second day, enjoy a panoramic tour of Lima.

On the third day, you will travel to Cusco and on the fourth day, travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the market town of Pisac, drive through the scenic Urubamba Valley and tour the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo before returning to Cusco.

Day five is dedicated to the iconic Machu Picchu. On day six, head to Puno, visiting the Andahuaylillas Church, the Raqchi archaeological site, La Raya Pass and the Museo de la Pucará on the way.

Day seven marks the transition from Peru to Bolivia. Depart Puno for Copacabana, stopping to visit the famous sanctuary of the Virgin Morena. Afterward, sail through the sparkling waters of Lake Titicaca and reach the southern part of Isla del Sol.

On day eight, explore La Paz, including a visit to the unique Moon Valley. On the ninth day, take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco.

Conclude your journey on the tenth day with an early flight to Uyuni. Explore the train cemetery, visit the village of Colchani and admire the surreal scenery of Los Ojos del Salar before transferring to the airport for departure. Read more. 

Itinerary overview

Check out this Peru 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival in Lima and the rest of the day at leisure.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

• Panoramic Lima tour.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 3

• Arrival in Cusco and exploration of the city.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4

• Pisac town, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 5

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6

• Transfer to Puno via Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi archaeological centre, La Raya pass, and Pucará Museum.
• Overnight in Puno.

Day 7

• Transfer to Copacabana via the sanctuary of the Virgin Morena and sail across Lake Titicaca to the southern part of Isla del Sol.
• Overnight in La Paz.

Day 8

• La Paz city tour and Moon Valley.
• Overnight in La Paz.

Day 9

• A day tour to Tiahuanaco.
• Overnight in La Paz.

Day 10

• Early flight to Uyuni and a visit to the Train Cemetery, the village of Colchani, and Los Ojos del Salar.
• Transfer to the airport for departure.

Debating what time of year to plan your trip? See our guide to when to go to Peru.

Itinerary #5: Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

On this 10 day trip, you’ll visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your journey begins with arrival in Quito, where you'll have time to explore Ecuador's vibrant capital city.

On day two, fly to the Galapagos Islands and board the luxury yacht Isabela II. Begin your Galapagos adventure with a visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home to giant tortoises, and then tour Puerto Ayora.

On the third day, you will travel to Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. In the afternoon, visit China Hat Island. On the fourth day, head to Genovesa Island to explore Prince Philip Steps, the best place for birdwatching. Later visit Darwin Bay.

Day five includes visits to Santa Fe Island, famous for its land iguanas, and South Place Island, home to a variety of wildlife. On day six, disembark at Baltra Island and fly to Lima. Day seven includes a half-day tour of Lima's historic center.

On the eighth day, transfer to Cusco and depart for the Sacred Valley with a stop in Awanacancha to see llamas and alpacas, the Pisac market and Pablo Seminario's ceramic workshop.

On the ninth day, visit Chinchero and the ancient Maras salt mines before transferring to the train to Aguas Calientes.

Day ten is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu. After a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Citadel, you'll head to the airport to conclude your unforgettable adventure. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check out this Peru 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival in Quito and exploration of the city.
• Overnight in Quito.

Day 2

• Transfer to the Galapagos Islands and board the yacht Isabela II with a tour of the Santa Cruz Island Highlands and Puerto Ayora.
• Overnight stay on the yacht.

Day 3

• A visit to Puerto Egas on Santiago Island and Chinese Hat Islet.
• Overnight stay on the yacht.

Day 4

• Exploring the Prince Philip Steps for birdwatching on Genovesa Island and a visit to Darwin Bay.
• Overnight stay on the yacht.

Day 5

• Santa Fe Island and South Plaza Island.
• Overnight stay on the yacht.

Day 6

• Disembark at Baltra Island, transfer to the airport, and fly to Lima.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 7

• Half-day tour of Lima’s historic centre, including Plaza San Martin and Plaza Mayor.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 8

• Transfer from Lima to Cusco and a tour of Awanacancha, Pisac Market, and Pablo Seminario’s Ceramic Workshop in the Sacred Valley.
• Overnight in Urubamba.

Day 9

• The town of Chinchero and the salt pans of Maras and transfer to the train station for the trip to Aguas Calientes.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 10

• Bus to Machu Picchu for a tour of the Citadel.
• Transfer to the airport for departure.

Looking for ideas for a trip to Peru of a different duration? Explore our 7-day and 14-day itineraries to Peru.

Prepare for your 10-day Peru itinerary

Carefully crafted by our local travel experts, each of these itineraries is designed to provide an exceptional experience. For more info, read up on the optimal time to explore Peru, discover the best activities in the region, and explore other inspiring Peru itineraries.

Alternatively, to save time on researching and planning your dream trip, take advantage of our tailor-made trip service. Our trips are entirely customizable to suit your preferences and ensure a personalized adventure.