The Perfect 7-8 Day Itinerary in Peru

Planning a trip to Peru but only have 1 week? No worries—you can still experience the country’s highlights in just 7-8 days!

While a 2-week itinerary is ideal for exploring the country in depth, you can still visit Peru’s most iconic destinations in just one week—as long as you plan it well!

With this one-week Peru itinerary, you’ll experience the best of the country, from the vibrant capital of Lima to the heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco, exploring the legendary Sacred Valley and the world-famous Machu Picchu.

Your journey will also take you to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and the unique floating islands of Lake Titicaca, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, ancient history, and authentic cultural experiences.

This itinerary is packed with must-see sites, giving you a taste of everything: coastal views, Inca ruins, majestic Andean peaks, and unforgettable lake scenery.

In this guide, I’ll share my best tips for each step of your trip, along with practical information and handpicked hotel recommendations for every budget.

What to Do and See in Peru in 1 Week

Day 1: Explore Lima

Welcome to Lima, where your Peruvian adventure begins!

As Peru’s bustling coastal capital, Lima often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but if you enjoy delicious food and rich history, it’s definitely worth a visit.

With just one day, it’s best to focus on the must-sees: the Historic Center, the trendy districts of Miraflores and Barranco, and of course, Lima’s world-renowned cuisine.

Morning: Explore the Historic Center

Start your day in Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Head straight to Plaza Mayor, Lima’s main square, where you can admire the Government Palace and the Cathedral-Basilica of Lima, which houses the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of the city.

Next, visit the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its eerie catacombs filled with ancient human remains.

Inside, you’ll also find a unique Peruvian version of The Last Supper, painted by 17th-century artist Diego de la Puente, where guinea pig is served as the main dish—a detail you won’t see anywhere else in the world!

The monastery also houses a stunning library with over 25,000 books, some dating back to the 15th century.

Stroll along Jirón de la Unión, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops and colonial buildings, leading to Plaza San Martín, one of Lima’s most elegant squares.

While here, stop by the historic Gran Hotel Bolívar, famous for its signature cocktail, the Pisco Sour. If the timing feels right (I’ll let you decide), step inside and try one!

Feeling adventurous? Order the Pisco Sour Catedral, a double version known all over Peru.

Afternoon: Discover Miraflores and Barranco

In the afternoon, head to Miraflores. Start at Parque Kennedy, a vibrant park where street vendors sell delicious snacks like picarones (fried Peruvian doughnuts).

From here, walk along Avenida Larco to reach the famous Malecón de Miraflores, a scenic promenade with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Stroll along the Malecón and pause at Parque del Amor, known for its colorful mosaics and the iconic sculpture of two lovers embracing.

Continue until you reach Larcomar, an open-air shopping center built into the cliffs, offering breathtaking ocean views.

Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s a great spot for photos or a short break.

Next, make your way to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian and artistic district.

Start at the famous Bridge of Sighs, a landmark where local legend says if you hold your breath while crossing, your wish will come true!

Follow the Bajada de los Baños, a picturesque walkway that leads toward the ocean.

As you explore, stop by some unique cultural spaces, such as the Jade Rivera Gallery, Grada Galería, Cholo Terco Cultural Center, and El Gato Tulipán, all must-visit spots for art lovers.

If you continue downhill, you’ll reach the beach, but most visitors prefer to enjoy the colorful streets of Barranco.

Want to extend your evening? Head to one of Barranco’s best bars, such as Ayahuasca Bar, La Noche de Barranco, Rob Roy, or Garrison.

Day 2: Cuzco

On the second day of your 7-8 day trip to Peru, head to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

To make the most of your day, I recommend taking an early morning flight from Lima to Cusco, which takes about 1.5 hours. Several airlines operate this route, including LATAM, Sky Airlines, and JetSmart.

Taking a bus is not a practical option for a week-long itinerary in Peru, as the journey takes around 20-22 hours. Since time is limited, flying is the only way to maximize your time in Cusco.

Morning: Explore the Heart of Cusco

Start your day in the heart of Cusco at the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square and one of its most iconic landmarks.

Here, you’ll find two of the most emblematic monuments in Cusco: the Cathedral of Cusco, a stunning example of colonial architecture, and the Church of the Society of Jesus, known for its elaborate Baroque facade.

Head to the Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, which was one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire.

When the Spanish arrived, they built the church of Santo Domingo on its foundations, but you can still see the finely carved Inca stone walls that remain intact despite centuries of earthquakes.

It is one of the most fascinating places in Cuzco to see the contrast between Inca engineering and Spanish colonial construction.

Continue your walk to Hatunrumiyoc street, a famous pedestrian street where you will find the 12-cornered stone, a perfect example of Inca stone carving skills.

You will see how the stones fit together perfectly: no mud plaster or gaps.

Afternoon: The neighborhood of San Blas

Head to the neighborhood of San Blas, one of the most charming and artistic neighborhoods in Cuzco.

Known for its whitewashed buildings and bright blue doors, it is a place full of artisan workshops, small galleries and charming cafes.

Its streets are narrow and steep, but well worth the effort. Climb the Cuesta San Blas (take it easy if you’re still feeling the effects of the altitude).

At the top, you’ll find the Plaza de San Blas, a quiet square where you can sit, relax and soak up the atmosphere.

If you continue up the street, you’ll come across L’Atelier Café-Boutique, a hidden gem with one of the best views in Cuzco. Its balcony is a favorite photo spot for visitors.

Going down again towards the Plaza de Armas, take Siete Culebras street.

It leads to Plazoleta de las Nazarenas, an elegant little square lined with luxury hotels, fine restaurants and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Days 3-4: Sacred Valley of the Incas

On days 3 and 4 of your week-long trip to Peru, you will explore the Sacred Valley, a key region of the Inca Empire, known for its archaeological sites and traditional Andean culture.

Here is my suggested program to visit the Sacred Valley in two days:

• Day 3: Visit Pisac in the morning, then the Inca ruins around Cuzco (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay) in the afternoon.
• Day 4: Visit Chinchero, then continue to Maras and Moray and end the day in Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night.

It is mandatory to have a tourist ticket to access several of these places: Get it here!

Day 3: Ruins around Cusco + Pisac

Morning: Pisac, one of the most famous stops in the Sacred Valley.

Start at the ruins of Pisac, located on a hill with a breathtaking view over the valley.

This Inca archaeological site is known for its agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas and breathtaking views. The ruins are extensive, so take your time to explore the different areas and enjoy the scenery.

After exploring the ruins, head to the town of Pisac to visit its famous handicraft market.

This bustling market is one of the best places in Peru to buy traditional handicrafts, Andean textiles, handmade jewelry and souvenirs.

It is a colorful and lively place where people from neighboring communities come to sell their products.

Afternoon: Visit to the Inca ruins around Cusco

From Pisac, return to Cusco, stopping at the Four Main Inca Archaeological Sites located on the outskirts of the city:

• Sacsayhuaman: One of the most important Inca sites, famous for its colossal stone walls with perfectly interlocking stones, some of which weigh over 100 tons!
• Qenqo: A unique Inca ceremonial site where nobles were mummified, famous for its subway chambers and stone carvings used for rituals.
• Puca Pucara: Known as the “Red Fortress”, this site was probably used as a military checkpoint to guard access to Cuzco.
• Tambomachay: Nicknamed the “Baths of the Inca”, this site has aqueducts, canals and waterfalls used for water rituals.

Return to Cusco for the night.

Day 4: Chinchero, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo

Morning: Chinchero

Start the morning with a visit to Chinchero, one of the most authentic villages in the Sacred Valley.

It is one of the best places to see traditional Andean weaving in action.

Local families demonstrate their ancestral techniques, using natural dyes made from plants and cochineal (a red dye).

You will also see artisans using traditional looms to create beautiful designs. This is a great opportunity to support local artisans and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Tomorrow: Maras and Moray

The next stop is the salt mines of Maras, a unique and emblematic place in the Sacred Valley.

These are thousands of small salt evaporation ponds built into the mountainside, used by local families to produce natural salt.

The view of the white pools contrasting with the brown mountains is unique, and you can even buy locally harvested pink salt!

From here, continue to Moray, an Inca archaeological site famous for its circular agricultural terraces.

It is believed that these terraces were used as an agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with crops at different altitudes.

The circular design creates different microclimates, and it is impressive to see the precision and intelligence of Inca engineering in action!

Afternoon: Ollantaytambo

After Moray, head to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca villages in Peru.

It is also one of my favorite places in the Sacred Valley, thanks to its tranquil and authentic atmosphere.

The town has its original Inca street pattern and, as you stroll along its cobblestone streets, you will see Inca aqueducts still in use.

Don’t miss a visit to the Ollantaytambo fortress, an archaeological site perched on the side of a mountain that offers magnificent views of the surrounding area.

This fortress is of great importance, as it was here that the Spanish conquistadors and the last Inca resistance fighters clashed in the 16th century.

After exploring the site, you can stroll through the village, visit the stores or relax in a café.

As Ollantaytambo has a train station with direct links to Machu Picchu, I suggest you spend the night there.

Not only will you be closer to your next stop than if you were returning to Cuzco, but Ollantaytambo is also a great destination for walking.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

The most anticipated part of your week in Peru has arrived: Machu Picchu!

To make the most of your visit, I recommend taking an early morning train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, a scenic journey of about 1.5 hours through breathtaking Andean landscapes.

From Aguas Calientes, take a 30-minute bus up a steep, winding road to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu.

To visit Machu Picchu, you must book three essential tickets in advance:

• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket (see all options below)

As places are limited, these tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance, so booking early is crucial.

Machu Picchu Tickets: Choose the Right One for You

Once inside, you can explore the legendary Inca citadel.

You’ll see iconic spots such as the Guardian’s House (the best place for the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu), the Temple of the Sun, the agricultural terraces, and much more.

However, be aware that access to certain areas depends on the circuit you choose, as Machu Picchu now has multiple routes, each offering a unique experience.

For a first visit, I recommend one of these ticket options:

• Circuit 2 – Classic Route: This circuit provides access to Machu Picchu’s most famous spots, including the iconic panoramic viewpoint. Book your ticket for Circuit 2 here!
• Circuit 3 – Huayna Picchu Route: This ticket allows you to visit Machu Picchu and climb the famous Huayna Picchu, the towering peak in the background of most Machu Picchu photos. Book your Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket here!
• Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Mountain Route: If you want to hike to Machu Picchu Mountain (a higher peak with stunning panoramic views), choose this route. Book your Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket here!

In the afternoon, it’s time to go back to Cuzco.

First you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, then the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and the car or bus to Cuzco.

Return to Cuzco as soon as possible to rest, as the next day’s Rainbow Mountain tour starts very early!

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain

This part of your 8-day Peru itinerary takes you on one of the most unforgettable adventures of the trip: a visit to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.

This breathtaking natural phenomenon, with its multicolored mineral layers, has become one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes.

Your day begins early, with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 3:00 and 4:00 AM.

Book your tour here:

The route takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, passing by picturesque villages, rolling hills, and snow-capped peaks.

After about 2 hours on the road, you’ll arrive in Cusipata, where you’ll stop for breakfast. I recommend using this opportunity to buy water and snacks for the hike.

From Cusipata, the journey continues by car  for another hour to the starting point of the hike, located at an altitude of 15,500 ft (4,700 m).

Here, you’ll begin your hike to Rainbow Mountain, following a scenic trail with breathtaking views of the Andes. Along the way, you may encounter llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas roaming freely.

The hike to the summit is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) and takes about 3 hours to reach the peak at an altitude of 16,450 ft (5,020 m).

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Rainbow Mountain, where layers of red, yellow, green, and blue create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. It’s truly one of the most photogenic places in all of Peru!

You’ll have time to admire the scenery, take incredible photos, and soak in the experience before beginning the 2-hour descent back to the trailhead.

From here, you’ll return to Cusipata for a well-deserved local lunch, before heading back to Cusco. Arrival time varies between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on the tour and traffic conditions.

After such an active day at high altitude, you’ll definitely need some well-earned rest!

Days 7-8: Puno and Lake Titicaca

The final leg of your 8-day trip to Peru takes you to the breathtaking Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

Here, you’ll discover the enchanting floating islands of the Uros, the charming island of Taquile—renowned for its traditional weaving techniques—and the majestic island of Amantani, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture with a homestay experience.

• Discover more in My Complete Guide to Lake Titicaca to uncover all its best attractions!

For your journey to Lake Titicaca from Puno, you have two great options to explore this incredible destination:

1. Lake Titicaca Day Tour

Visit the floating islands of the Uros and the island of Taquile. You will be picked up at your hotel at 6:00 am and return to Puno in the afternoon.

This option is ideal if you arrive in Puno the night before or by scenic train.

You can book it here:

2. Two days tour with overnight stay in Amantani

This is my favorite option if you have time!

It is a more authentic experience, where you will stay with a local family on the island of Amantani and participate in cultural activities. You will also visit the floating islands of the Uros.

Tours start at 6:00 am on the first day and end at 4:00 pm the next day in Puno.

Book the tour here:

How do I get to Puno from Cusco?

Since tours start early in the morning (around 6:00 AM), choosing the right way to reach Puno is crucial.

Here are the 3 main options to travel from Cusco to Puno, with their pros and cons:

Option 1: Night Bus (Budget-Friendly Choice)

The most affordable option is taking a direct night bus from Cusco to Puno.

I highly recommend the 10:00 PM Cruz del Sur night bus, which arrives at Puno’s bus terminal around 5:00 AM, just in time to start the 2-day Lake Titicaca tour!

This option is comfortable and reliable, with reclining seats and onboard services. However, let’s be honest—no bus ride can replace a proper night’s sleep.

That said, it’s the most practical way to maximize your time.

Pros:

• Arrive just in time for the 2-day Lake Titicaca tour.
• Budget-friendly and efficient.

Cons:

• Sleeping on a bus isn’t ideal.
• You may feel a bit tired upon arrival.

Option 2: Panoramic Train (A Luxury Experience!)

For a scenic and comfortable journey, take the PeruRail Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno. The journey lasts a full day, departing at 7:50 AM and arriving in Puno at 6:20 PM.

This train ride is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views of the Peruvian Andes, luxury service, and live entertainment.

What to expect on board:

• Welcome drink
• Open-air balcony for panoramic views
• Restaurant car serving a 3-course gourmet lunch
• Bar car offering cocktails (including the iconic Pisco Sour!)
• Live music and traditional dance performances
• Afternoon tea service

Pros:

• A luxurious and unforgettable journey through the Andes.
• Magnificent scenery and onboard entertainment.

Cons:

• You’ll arrive in Puno too late for the 2-day Lake Titicaca tour.
• Limited time at Lake Titicaca since you’ll need to leave the next day.

Option 3: Flight (Fastest but Less Convenient)

If you’re short on time, you can take a flight from Cusco to Juliaca, the closest airport to Puno.

However, there are no direct flights, and all flights require a stopover in Lima, making the total travel time longer.

The best flight options:

• 7:30 AM flight with LATAM → Arrives in Juliaca at 11:35 AM.
• 1:10 PM flight with LATAM → Arrives in Juliaca at 5:15 PM, giving you a bit more time to enjoy Cusco before departure.

Pros:

• Fastest way to reach Puno.

Cons:

• No direct flights—requires a stop in Lima.
• Limited time at Lake Titicaca (only one day).

So, which transportation option should you choose?

After visiting Lake Titicaca, head back to Lima to catch your international flight.

7 to 8 days in Peru: Is it enough time to see everything?

Yes, if you have little time, don’t worry: 7 days are enough to visit Peru.

Following my itinerary, you will be able to discover some of the most emblematic places of the country, such as Machu Picchu, the 7 Colors Mountain, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca.

However, keep in mind that this itinerary is designed for active travelers able to keep up a good pace, as there is not much free time!

If you have more flexibility, I recommend that you opt for This 2-week route that allows you to see the must-see places while enjoying more of each stage, or even a 3-week itinerary that includes the Amazon jungle.

But I also believe that “done is better than perfect”, and if you only have a week, you can still create unforgettable memories!

If you’re interested in an even shorter stay in Peru, check out this 5-6 day Peru itinerary. It includes Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, but does not include Lake Titicaca and the 7-color mountain.

Also check out my suggested 10-day Peru itinerary which includes the must-see places in Peru in a short time.

[su_box title=”My advice” box_color=”#5eca0c” radius=”2″] For this 7-day Peru itinerary to work, it is essential that you book all your transportation, tours and entrance fees in advance.

Everything must be well organized so that you don’t waste precious time during the trip.

If you are really short on time, one way to save a day is to skip Lima and go directly to Cuzco, which will leave you more time for the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu or Lake Titicaca. [/su_box]

What is the best time to visit Peru?

The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to follow this 7-8 day Peru itinerary.

It is a time of year with clear skies, mild temperatures and ideal conditions for outdoor activities, such as visiting Machu Picchu, the 7 Colors Mountain and Lake Titicaca.

This is what the weather is like in Peru:

Dry season (May to October): The best time to visit the country, with sunny days, clear skies and ideal weather for hiking and exploring.

As this is also the peak tourist season, it is essential that you book your tours, train tickets and entrance fees to Machu Picchu in advance.

Rainy season (November to April): Be prepared for rain, especially in the Andes and the Amazon. January and February are the rainiest months, and the Inca Trail is closed in February.

Trails may be muddy and some visits may be affected, but in return you will enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices.

How to acclimatize to the altitude in Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca?

Altitude is a factor to be very aware of in Peru, especially with this 7-8 day itinerary that includes high altitude areas such as Cuzco, Machu Picchu, the 7 Colors Mountain and Lake Titicaca.

As the itinerary is tight, it is essential to acclimatize well to get the most out of the experience.

The good news? I have designed this itinerary to help you gradually adapt to the altitude.

You’ll start in Cuzco (11,150 ft), then move on to the Sacred Valley (lower altitude than Cuzco) before moving on to higher places like the 7-color mountain (16,450 ft) and Lake Titicaca (12,500 ft).

Here are my top tips to avoid altitude sickness:

• Take it easy when you arrive: avoid harsh activities the first day. Walk slowly and, if possible, take a nap (this is what works best for me!)
• Drink plenty of water to help your body adapt.
• Drink mate de coca: This traditional tea made from coca leaves is one of the most effective natural remedies against altitude sickness. You will find it in most hotels and restaurants.
• Avoid alcohol: Although a pisco sour may be tempting, it is best to avoid it during the first 24 to 48 hours at altitude.
• Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy, have a headache or have difficulty breathing, get some rest. Everyone reacts differently to altitude, so pay attention to how you feel.

As Seven Colors Mountain is at 16,450 ft, even with acclimatization it is a demanding hike. The climb is constant and the effects of the altitude are more noticeable than in Cuzco or Machu Picchu. Take it easy, but the views at the top are 100% worth it!

You will end your trip at Lake Titicaca (12,500 ft). By now, your body should be better accustomed to the altitude, but don’t let your guard down. The roads on islands like Taquile and Amantani can be steep, and even a short climb can leave you breathless.

Book Your Flight at the Best Price

Planning a trip to Peru? To find the best deals on flights, I recommend using this flight comparison tool in partnership with Skyscanner.

It’s the easiest way to compare prices and secure the lowest fares for both international flights and domestic flights within Peru—helping you save money with zero hassle!

Rent a Car in Peru

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Peru at your own pace, giving you the freedom to visit hidden gems and make the most of your trip!

Personally, I always book with Booking.com Cars—here’s why it’s my go-to choice:

• Easily compare prices from all major rental agencies in one place—finding the best deal has never been easier!
• Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can reserve with peace of mind.
• Better insurance coverage at a lower price than rental companies—saving you money with no extra effort.

Click the button below to find the best car rental deals in Peru:

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