Peru in 5 or 6 days: The perfect itinerary!

Would you like to visit Peru in 5 or 6 days and discover the most iconic places? Then you’ve come to the right place!

I have created the ultimate 5 or 6 day itinerary for Peru to discover the must-see destinations, from Lima to Machu Picchu, passing through the Colca Canyon, Cuzco and the Sacred Valley.

In addition to a detailed day-by-day itinerary, you will find all my tips and practical information, accommodation recommendations for all budgets and answers to practical questions: how to get around, how to cope with the altitude and much more.

What are the best places to visit in Peru in 5-6 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

What to do in Peru in 5 or 6 days

Day 1: Lima (1 Day)

Welcome to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru!

With just one day, you can experience Lima’s rich history, breathtaking ocean views, and world-famous cuisine.

Morning – Explore Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start at the iconic Plaza Mayor, the heart of the historic district, surrounded by must-see landmarks like the Government Palace and Cathedral of Lima.

Next, visit the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its impressive architecture and underground catacombs.

Walk along Jirón de la Unión, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops and street performers, leading to the stunning Plaza San Martín.

Afternoon – Discover the modern and artistic neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco.

In Miraflores, start at Parque Kennedy, a lively hub with street artists, vendors, and its famous resident cats. Then, walk along Avenida Larco, a bustling avenue full of shops and restaurants, heading toward the coast.

Follow the scenic Malecón de Miraflores, a coastal path offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.

Make a stop at Parque del Amor, known for its colorful mosaics and the iconic “El Beso” statue. Continue to Parque Chino and end at Larcomar, a stunning cliffside shopping mall with oceanfront views.

Head over to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district, famous for its artistic vibe, cobblestone streets, and colorful murals.

Visit the charming Bridge of Sighs, one of the most photographed spots in Barranco, and stop by the Catalina Recavarren Viewpoint for panoramic views of the Pacific.

From there, follow the picturesque Bajada de los Baños, a pathway leading to the beach. If you love street art, this is one of the best places to see it!

Evening – End the day with a drink in Barranco.

Barranco is known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of stylish bars and hidden gems.

Enjoy a classic pisco sour at El Juanito de Barranco or Bodega Piselli. If you prefer craft beer, check out BarBarian or Invictus Taproom.

Day 2: Arequipa (1 day)

Continue your 6-day Peru itinerary in Arequipa, a beautiful city surrounded by volcanoes, known for its unique charm and stunning white volcanic stone buildings.

Start your day at the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of my favorite places in Peru.

This monastery is like a city within a city, with narrow streets, peaceful squares, fountains, and red and blue walls. It spans an impressive 23,920 square yards!

Take 1.5 to 2 hours to explore it fully, wandering through its ancient kitchens, dormitories, and chapels.

Next, head to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Arequipa’s historic center and considered the most beautiful square in Peru.

While at the Plaza de Armas, don’t miss the Cathedral of Arequipa, built from sillar, a unique white volcanic stone.

I highly recommend taking a guided tour that includes access to the bell tower. The climb may be steep, but the panoramic view from the top is absolutely worth it!

Just a few steps from the square, visit the Church of the Society of Jesus and its stunning cloisters. This church is a prime example of mestizo baroque architecture in Peru.

Inside, you’ll find tranquil, shaded cloisters—an oasis of calm in the middle of the city.

Before ending your day, make sure to visit the Museum of Andean Shrines, home to one of Peru’s most famous figures: the mummy Juanita.

Juanita was a young Inca girl sacrificed over 500 years ago at the top of the Ampato volcano.

She is incredibly well-preserved due to the freezing temperatures of the mountain, and every time I see her, it amazes me—she looks as if she’s merely asleep.

Day 3: Colca Canyon (1 day)

Today, explore one of Peru’s most impressive natural wonders: the Colca Canyon!

Not only is it the 2nd deepest canyon in the world, but also one of the best places to see the majestic Andean condor fly.

To make the most of this day, it is essential to get up early, as it takes about 3h-4h to get there from Arequipa.

If you only have one day, I recommend that you forget about the bus and instead book a guided tour, with pick-up at your hotel, so you can make the most of it.

The trip will take you to Chivay for a hearty breakfast accompanied by a traditional dance, before enjoying the hot springs of Yanque.

You will visit the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint, the best vantage point to admire the flight of the Andean condor, and then taste some typical Peruvian dishes before stopping at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserves to observe alpacas and vicuñas in the wild.

You can book the Colca Canyon day trip here:

After a full day of exploration, you will return to Arequipa.

From here, you have two options: take an overnight flight to Cuzco or spend the night in Arequipa and catch an early flight the next morning.

As the flight is only an hour long, both options are suitable, depending on your schedule and energy level.

Day 4: Cusco (1 day)

Welcome to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the great Inca Empire and one of the most important cities to visit in Peru

Morning – Start with a visit to the Coricancha, once the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the sun god.

The temple was so important that its walls were covered with gold. When the Spaniards arrived, much of the temple was destroyed and the church of Santo Domingo was built on its foundations.

From here, head to the heart of the city, the Plaza de Armas. Surrounded by colonial arcades, cafes and restaurants, it is the lively center of Cuzco.

On one side is the Cuzco Cathedral, built over the ancient palace of the Inca Wiracocha. On the other is the Church of the Society of Jesus, built over the palace of the Inca Huayna Capac.

From the Plaza de Armas, walk through the Portal Belen and continue along Triunfo Street to Hatunrumiyoc Street, where you will find one of the most famous symbols of Cuzco: the 12-cornered stone.

This stone, carved with perfect precision, is part of an ancient Inca wall and is famous for its impeccable fit. The stones fit together so tightly that it is impossible to fit a sheet of paper through them.

Afternoon – Explore San Blas, Cuzco’s bohemian neighborhood, with its narrow streets and white houses with blue doors.

On your way to Plaza de San Blas, you’ll pass craft stores, art galleries and boutique cafes. Continue to L’Atelier Café-Boutique, which offers one of the best views of Cuzco, with its emblematic balcony decorated with colorful plants.

On your way back to the Plaza de Armas, take Siete Culebras Street.

This narrow pedestrian street is famous for its ancient Inca stone walls. This road will lead you to the Plazoleta de las Nazarenas, a small and quiet square surrounded by luxury hotels, boutiques and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Day 5: Sacred Valley (1 day)

Of course, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see on any 5-day Peru itinerary.

This fertile valley was a major agricultural, religious, and political center during the Inca Empire and remains one of the most fascinating places to visit in Peru.

If you only have one day in the Sacred Valley, here’s the best way to explore it:

Morning – Start your day in Pisac.

Explore its colorful market, the perfect place to find handmade textiles, pottery, and jewelry.

Next, visit the Pisac ruins, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the valley. This is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region!

Here, you’ll see the impressive agricultural terraces built by the Incas, along with temples, ceremonial baths, and various structures that highlight its historical importance.

After Pisac, head to Chinchero, a small Andean village renowned for its textile traditions.

Visit local workshops where artisans demonstrate how they dye and weave traditional Andean textiles using natural techniques.

It’s fascinating to watch as vibrant colors are created from plants, insects, and minerals.

In the afternoon – Explore the Inca village of Ollantaytambo.

With its narrow streets, water channels and stone houses, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time.

The main attraction is the great fortress of Ollantaytambo, once an Inca military, religious and political center.

In addition to magnificent panoramic views over the valley, there are terraced crops and several structures such as the Temple of the Sun and the Bath of the ñusta, where the Inca’s wife bathed to purify herself.

Overnight – Instead of heading back to Cuzco, I recommend spending the night in Ollantaytambo.

Not only is it a quiet and very nice town to explore, but it is also a very convenient option for the next part of your trip: catching the train to Machu Picchu.

The station is right in the village, so it is easy to catch the morning train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 6: Machu Picchu (1 day)

After exploring the Sacred Valley, it’s finally time to visit the most iconic and famous site in Peru: Machu Picchu.

This day will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your 5-6 day trip to Peru as you explore the ancient Inca citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

From Ollantaytambo, you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of lush jungle landscapes and picturesque valleys.

You can buy train tickets to Aguas Calientes here:

 

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus (25-30 min) that will bring you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. You can easily buy your round-trip bus ticket here:

And finally, you can explore Machu Picchu, surrounded by breathtaking green mountains!

Discover the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (sundial), the Temple of the Three Windows, and much more.

If you’re up for a challenge, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning panoramic views.

Please note that it is absolutely essential to buy your Machu Picchu tickets in advance, as spots are highly limited due to demand. Choose the best ticket for you:

Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket Only

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket (buy several months in advance!)

Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket

After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes.

If you’re looking for a meal, you’ll find several small cafés and restaurants here. However, keep in mind that prices are higher than in other parts of Peru due to the town’s remote location.

Next, head to Aguas Calientes station to take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

Finally, return to Lima for your departure flight.

When is the best time to visit Peru?

As this 5-6 day program in Peru includes Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco and Machu Picchu, you will cross the coast, the altiplano and the highlands, each with its particular climate.

In general, the dry season (May to October) is considered the best time to visit the country, especially if you plan a trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

During these months, you will enjoy clear skies and low rainfall, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

It is also peak tourist season, so it is essential that you book your tours, trains and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in advance.

If you travel during the rainy season (November to April), expect frequent rain, especially in Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

The landscape is lush and green, but trails can get muddy and heavy rains may alter some of your plans.

A notable exception is Lima, where the weather is more stable, with often cloudy skies but very little rain throughout the year.

How to manage the altitude in Cuzco and Machu Picchu?

Since Cuzco is at 11,150 ft altitude and Machu Picchu is at 7,970 ft, the altitude can affect you, especially in Cuzco.

The good news? This route allows your body to acclimatize naturally as you move from Lima (sea level) to Arequipa (7,660 ft) and from there to Cuzco, which makes it easier for your body to adapt.

From personal experience, I can say that altitude affects each person differently, but this is what works best for me:

• Take it easy the first day: avoid strenuous activities and try to rest.
• Drink coca tea: it is a very effective local remedy.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, as it aggravates the symptoms.

In the Colca Canyon (12,470 ft), you will feel the altitude more, but as you will mainly be doing quiet tourism, it is manageable. If symptoms persist, consider taking altitude sickness (soroche) pills (sold locally) or see a doctor.

What transportation should I use between the main destinations?

In Peru, you have two main options: flights and buses.

But as this 5-6 day itinerary through Peru is short and intense, it is best to opt for flights. They will save you hours of travel time and allow you to visit all the must-see places without wasting time on the road.

Flights

For this itinerary, flights are by far the most efficient option for long distance travel.

• Lima to Arequipa: Approx 1.5 hours (compared to more than 16 hours by bus).
• Arequipa to Cuzco: Approx 1 hour (versus more than 10 hours by bus).
• From Cusco to Lima: Approx 1h30 (versus more than 20 hours by bus).

Flights are operated by airlines such as LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSmart. Book your flights in advance to get the best prices, as tickets get more expensive as the departure date gets closer.

Bus

Buses are much cheaper than flights, but for a 5 or 6 day tour of Peru, they are simply not realistic.

• Lima to Arequipa: about 16 to 18 hours.
• Arequipa to Cuzco: Approximately 10 to 12 hours.
• Cuzco to Lima: More than 20 hours.

Local transportation

For shorter trips within destinations, such as from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo, you can take a colectivo (shared minibus).

These shared minibuses are faster and cheaper than the larger buses, and are a good option for short distances.

But if you want to see as much of the Sacred Valley as possible in a single day, I recommend that you book a tour (click here!) rather than relying on the colectivos.

Trains

To get to Machu Picchu, you will need to take a train from Ollantaytambo or Cuzco to Aguas Calientes.

The train ride takes between one and a half and three and a half hours, depending on the starting point.

The two main train companies are Peru Rail and Inca Rail.

Do I need any special vaccinations or health precautions for this itinerary?

For this 5-6 day Peru route, you do not need to worry about malaria or yellow fever, as you will not be visiting any rainforest areas.

However, it is important that you check that your basic vaccinations are up to date, including:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid (especially if you plan to try street food)
• Tetanus (DTP)
• Rabies (optional, but useful if you come in contact with animals, such as stray dogs)

Is 5 or 6 days enough to visit Peru?

With only 5 or 6 days, you will be able to see some of the most emblematic places in Peru, but the pace will be very intense.

This itinerary allows you to visit Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, which is quite impressive for such a short trip.

However, you will need to be well organized, always prioritize the fastest means of transportation, book everything in advance (including flights, trains and tickets to Machu Picchu) and be prepared for early starts and busy days.

If you have more flexibility, I recommend you take a look at these other Peru itineraries, which will allow you to explore different destinations at your leisure:

• Itinerary: 7-8 Days in Peru – See the Best in One Week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Peru – The ideal itinerary for a short stay in Peru
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Peru
• Itinerary: 15 days in Peru
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Peru
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Peru + Bolivia – The best itinerary to visit Peru and Bolivia in 3 weeks

Book Your Flight at the Best Price

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

It’s the easiest way to find the lowest prices for both international flights and domestic flights within Peru—ensuring you pay the best rate with no hassle!

Rent a Car in Peru

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Peru at your own pace and make the most of your trip!

Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars for a few key reasons:

• 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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