What to do in 10 days in Peru?
To visit Peru in 10 days: the essential.
If you have only one week, we advise you to privilege the region of Cusco. Marvelous city, the ancient Inca capital is a condensed of Peruvian and Quechua culture. You will find there all the atmosphere of Peru: its inhabitants, its monuments, its markets, its gastronomy... and especially its history!
From Cusco, you will have access to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and of course to Machu Picchu, a road dedicated to the visit of unique archaeological sites in the world.
Finally other exceptional sites are located in this region: come to discover for example the incredible rainbow mountain otherwise called mountain of the seven colors, or mount Vinicunca for the Quechuas.
Discover our travel ideas between 6 and 10 days in Peru.
Inca stroll (6 days to enjoy Cusco and its region)
Andean kingdom (10 days between Lima, Cusco and the Titicaca lake)
These proposals are of course only ideas, all our stays are customizable and flexible at will. Contact us and be co-creators of your trip!
What are the highlights of a 10-day trip to Peru?
1st step: Lima
The Peruvian Capital is a modern and bustling city. You will be accommodated in the safe and modern Miraflores district.
If you don't like the big urban centers, continue on your way. In fact, we offer you only a short time in Lima. Not that the city lacks interest, but that what awaits you afterwards is even more so!
But if you consider that Lima, as the capital of all Peruvians, deserves a stage, you will have then only the choice of the embarrassment.... it is indeed in Lima that are the biggest museums of the country, such as Larco, the most famous restaurants, and the city is not deprived of some archaeological sites of interests such as Huaca Pucllana.
The ultra-modern Miraflores neighborhood, where you will be accommodated, offers a nice stroll along the Pacific coast, Le Malecon. This walk goes along the cliffs that plunge into the ocean and mark the limits of the city. In the center of Miraflores, Kennedy Park is home to dozens of cats that live in the wild and hide in the flower beds to take their naps.
The Barranco neighborhood, the oldest, reveals the colonial past of the city. It is the fashionable district, animated by its numerous bars and restaurants, also known as the bohemian artists' district.
Finally, you will be able to visit the Historic Center of Lima where the places of political and religious power are located. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, imposing colonial buildings rival the Cathedral or Monastery of San Francisco known for its catacombs.
Step 2 : The Sacred Valley
Since you have little time, go directly to the Sacred Valley after your flight to Cusco. The city is indeed located at 3400 meters of altitude, we thus advise you not to linger there immediately and to go down again without delay in the valley (below 3000 meters) in order to respect a progressive rise in altitude.
You will discover some jewels of the Inca civilization which mark out this valley giving it its "sacred" character. This road that connects Cusco to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu was indeed a center of Quechua population and is always animated by numerous villages.
You will discover the salt pans of Maras and the experimental agricultural center of Moray where the Incas tested their techniques of cultures.
To visit also, the fortress of Ollantaytambo. It is from this bastion that the Incas controlled the valley. It is also from this village with a quechua name difficult to pronounce that you will embark by train for Aguas Calientes, the back base of Machu Picchu.
Stage 3: Machu Picchu
Inca architectural jewel and among the 7 wonders of the world, the Machu Picchu . comes to close in beauty your discovery of Peru.
From the village of Aguas Calientes, you will make the round trip by bus to the site.
Obligatory stage for any traveler in Peru, you have in general one morning to discover the citadel. The strict visit lasts approximately 2 hours. You must be necessarily accompanied by a guide, the site being particularly protected.
You wish to add spice to your visit of Machu Picchu? Know that two small walks are possible (in option). In the choice, what is called "the Montaña" and the "Huayna Picchu" bring you two advantages: to walk (and climb!) on this incredible place and to have a different and complementary view on the site (seen from above).
This stage will make you besides glimpse the humid equatorial climate of the high Andean forests, beginnings of Amazonia. Do not forget the mosquito repellent!
Stage 4 : Cusco, capital of the Incas
Here you are finally! Cusco, the capital of the Incas.
The city knew how to preserve an old historical center which plunges you in the universe of the Inca civilization. Cusco is full of nuggets: its streets, its museums, its animated squares, its typical Peruvian markets....
Don't hesitate to take a day off to soak up the Cusco atmosphere. Take a tour of its churches, or maybe you'd prefer to stroll between the stalls of the San Pedro Market...
The immediate surroundings of the city also offer you something to occupy you: on the heights of Cusco, easily accessible by foot or cab, the site of the 4 ruins, of which the most famous ¡Error! Referencia de hipervínculo no válida, exposes you the greatness of the Inca know-how. Highly recommended, especially for the view offered on the city of Cusco!
And much more in Cusco...
From Cusco, many options are offered to you if you have an additional day: the ascent of the mount Vinicunca (mountain of the 7 colors) or its alternative Palccoyo, Wakra pukara, the lagoon Humantay.... In short, something to satisfy all your desires.
Step 5 (optional): Lake Titicaca
Let's face it, the city of Puno is not very interesting in itself. But it is the access point to discover the Titicaca Lake. You will have to stop there.
But the road between Cusco and Puno is an attraction in itself. This crossing of the Altiplano puts you in direct contact with the wild landscapes of the Andes.
In general two days are recommended to discover the Lake and its communities.
But if you are a little bit in a hurry, it is quite possible to visit the Lake in only one day within the framework of a circuit of 10 days in Peru
You will be able to discover the Uros islands, floating islands made of reeds by Andean Aymara communities. Then push your boat towards another island, that of ¡Error! Referencia de hipervínculo no válida.. Another island, another community, other traditions. Unlike the Uros islands, very visited and lacking a bit of authenticity (you have to approach them as a museum), Taquile keeps a way of life and traditions alive and proudly displayed by its inhabitants.
If you pass by the Lake, your return to Lima will be done with a flight from Juliaca (the only city close to the Lake with an airport).
Let's talk about money: What is the budget for a 10 days stay in Peru?
That depends on, obviously! Your budget will be very variable according to the services that you will choose (category of hotels, private guide...).
Also be careful not to consider that the shorter your stay, the less expensive it will be. Indeed, there is a threshold effect: you will keep, within a one-week trip, the same incompressible costs as during longer stays. For example, your return flight Lima-Cusco, or your train and your entrance to Machu Picchu...
Count on a total budget between 1300 and 2000 US$ for 10 days in Peru (excluding international flights).
Open your horizons!
You wish to see more? Know that with only 2 or 3 extra days you can modify in depth your trip to Peru by adding one or even two stages without weighing down your budget.
You have a little more time and wish to add stages? Take a look at our tips for a 15 day trip to Peru.
Discover our ideas of trips between 6 and 10 days in Peru
Inca Walk (6 days to enjoy Cusco and its region).
Andean kingdom (10 days between Lima, Cusco and the Lake Titicaca)
These proposals are of course only ideas, all our stays are customizable and flexible at will. Contact us and be co-creators of your trip!
