Peru is a vast country, one filled with charm, culture and culinary constructions. It is one of the most visited spots on the planet by tourists and quite frankly one of the most unique. There really is no place like Peru.
Nonetheless, in spite of its impressive metropolises and many attractions, the big-ticket item, the one place everyone flocks to, and the one you simply cannot let pass by is Machu Picchu.
There’s a reason why this Incan city is an actual wonder as in one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Peru is vast. It’s hip. It’s brimming with splendor. It’s bursting at the seams with culture and history. It’s is a foodie’s paradise, with an international recognised – finger-licking – spread. You’ll love it.
Day 1
Fly into the capital city of Peru, Lima and instantly grab a plane for Cusco. If you land in the morning there are afternoon and midday options. If you land on the red-eye then jump on the first morning plane out of Lima. With a bit of luck, you’ll have some time to explore Colonial Cusco and it’s many attractions.
Pro-tip: take it easy the first day, Cusco lies in the mountain region way above sea level. It is known for its ruins, striking vistas, and altitude sickness.
Day 2
Time to head to Machu Picchu. We suggest taking a tour of Machu Picchu to get the full experience in a limited amount of time. There are also trekking options for Machu Picchu but given that you only have a week in Peru, you will have to skip this option. It’s more suited to having 2 weeks in Peru. It is far and away number #1 way to trek the Inca Trail. The trail winds through some of the most sublime countryside in the Peruvian Andes and, as if that were not enough, leads to one of the Wonders of the World, famed Machu Picchu. Awaken your senses through this awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Inca Trek Tour. Experience one of the most classic and iconic wonders and tick this off your bucket list!
Stay the night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3
Wake up and take a small hike or visit Machu Picchu once more. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you on a tour around the citadel visiting the main sites and monuments.
After the tour you will have free time to wander.
There are quite a few hiking options to consider
and all of them are great. Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and the Sun Gate – gift you with different perspectives and viewpoints of Machu Picchu, plus springboard you into the dense vegetation; making you feel like Indiana Jones. They take between 2 to 4 hours. Then you can journey down to Aguas Calientes where you can board the train back to the city of Cusco.
Day 4
Depending on when you leave, you might have a bit more time to explore Cusco. If you have time in Cusco despite the trip schedule, try to squeeze in mourning leisure time and do a half day city tour including the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara and Kenko.
Pack your bags, once more, and head south to the city of Puno. The main attraction of this place is Lake Titicaca. Depending on your budget, you can either take a flight to Juliaca from Cusco and then an hour cab ride. Or you can take a 6-hour long bus trip directly to Puno.
Day 6
You’re now in Lake Titicaca, it’s going to be a hectic day. First item on the list is Uros Island. On Uros, you’ll get a cheat sheet by the locals on the history, fauna, and flora of the place.
Once that’s done, and you have all that knowledge at your fingertips, appreciated the sights and try to envision life way back when iPhones didn’t exist- the savages.
Your second and final stop of the day will be Taquile Island, a picturesque town that will really spruce up your Instagram feed.
Day 7
Your trip is almost done, time for a small dose of 21st Century Peru. Head out to Lima early in the morning and do a half day city tour including visit to the Cathedral, Churches of Santo
Domingo, St Peter and the Monastery of St. Francisco and do your best to cram some of the sights, tastes and smells this city has to offer.
Peru is an inspirational destination, a place of contrast and culture. A spot on the planet where the bigone traditions of yesterday are still very much active; like stepping into a time machine and being transported to an empire that time forgot.
A week in Peru will gift you the highlights of the magical region, but, if you can somehow squeeze out an extra week and expand your vacation into a 14 day trip, you’ll be rewarded with dozens of other sights and sounds – like cruise ships through the dense Amazonian rainforest – that are unique to the area. True limited edition sites that no other continent has been able to replicate.
