15 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ancient & Modern Peru: Lima, Colca Valley, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley & the Amazon

Wander Peru's capital city, explore the bucket list ruins of Machu Picchu, and spend three nights tucked in the Amazon rainforest on this classic Peru itinerary perfect for first-time visitors. Each day will delight your senses as you take a deep dive into the cuisine and culture of Peru, all while learning about the fascinating Inca Empire.

Welcome to Lima! Begin your trip with two days of exploring Peru's capital city, complete with a gastronomic tour of the city's diverse mercados (markets) and the hip neighborhood of Barranco. Next, take a short flight to Arequipa to discover its colonial-era buildings before a scenic drive takes you to Chivay—the gateway to Colca Canyon. Early the following day, you'll journey into the canyon itself in search of the famous Andean condors, then continue south to Puno on the edge of Lake Titicaca.

After a day on Taquile Island learning about the life of the Taquileños, you'll hop aboard a bus taking you to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. With five days in the region, you'll have time to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, admire the geometric landscapes of Salineras de Maras, and spend a day exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu. Then, it's time to fly to Puerto Maldonado, where you'll take a guided ride into the Peruvian Amazon. Explore Reserva Nacional Tambopata, kayak on Tres Chimbadas Lake, and spend hours watching wildlife before flying to Lima to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Peru Sacred Valley Trek

Pack your best hiking boots and sense of adventure; this Peru trekking itinerary takes you from Lake Humantay, up and over the Salkantay Pass, to Machu Picchu. Plus, with time in Cusco before and after your trek, you'll have plenty of time to acclimate and learn about the ancient Inca Empire.

Your adventure begins with two nights in Peru's capital, Lima. Stretch your legs on a walking tour of the colonial downtown, Love Park, and Barranco artists' district; then, it's off to Cusco. Let your body settle into the higher altitude with a relaxing day strolling through the historic center, as the following day, you'll journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo. Test out your stand-up paddleboarding skills on Lake Piuray, explore the mountain terraces of Chinchero, then spend your evening getting ready for your upcoming trek to Machu Picchu.

After a drive to Challacancha, you'll begin your multiday trek with a three-hour hike to Soraypampa along the Camino Real ("Royal Path"). Over the following five days, you'll trek to Lake Humantay, reach 15,213 feet (4,636 m) as you conquer Salkantay Pass, descend through the cloud forest to Colcapampa, and wander along the Santa Teresa River Valley. At long last, at Llactapata Pass, you'll get your first view of Machu Picchu. Spend your next morning on a guided tour of Machu Picchu's main citadel, then enjoy your last two nights in Cusco before departing for the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ancient Peru: Huacas de Moche, El Brujo, Túcume, Kuélap & The Sacred Valley

On this history-packed trip around Peru, you'll set out to discover the archaeological finds of Trujillo, the spectacular ruins of Kuélap, and the must-see Machu Picchu. Perfect for those looking to explore the Inca Empires marvels, you'll have plenty to see in the Sacred Valley of the Ruins and check out sacred sites around Cusco.

Start your Peru trip in the coastal city of Trujillo, taking in the ancient monuments of Huaca de la Luna and the Huaca Arco Iris, and visit Chan Chan, the largest city in pre-Columbian Peru. Spend the following two nights in Chiclayo in the region of Lambayeque, known for its 26 pyramids at the Túcume Archaeological Complex, before traveling inland to Chachapoyas in the Amazonas region. Explore this lush region with a hike to Gocta Waterfall, and a cable car ride to the ruins of Kuélap deemed the "Machu Picchu of the North."

The second half of your trip brings you to Lima, where you can enjoy modern amenities at Miraflores and embark on an exciting dune buggy ride in the Ica Desert. After a flight to Lima and a leisurely evening adjusting to the altitude, you'll spend the following four days roaming the region's famous and hardly known ruins, including Moray, Salineras de Maras, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu. Finish your trip with a breathtaking hike to Rainbow Mountain before flying to Lima to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Peru's Ancient Civilizations & Rituals: Trujillo, Kuélap & Cusco

Leap back in time and immerse yourself in Peru's ancient civilization on this 15-day Peru itinerary. With stays in Trujillo, Chiclayo, Chachapoyas, Jaén, and Cusco, you'll enjoy the perfect mix of walking city tours, nature hikes, and mysterious archaeological sites while exploring Peru from top to bottom.

Begin your Peruvian journey with an evening on your own admiring Lima's 15th and 16th-century architecture; then, it's right back on the plane for a short flight to Trujillo. Embark on a guided walk around the city's monuments and cathedrals and spend a day pondering ancient civilization in Chicama Valley until it's time to head north. With two nights in Chiclayo, you'll have time to visit the Royal Tombs Museum and explore the Valley of the Pyramids before another flight takes you to Jaén, high in the jungle of Nothern Peru, known for its archaeological museum and beautiful botanical garden.

Next, a four-hour drive brings you to Chachapoyas, where you'll set out on a guided tour of Kuélap, home to 550 structures known as the "Warriors of the Clouds." After hiking to Gocta Waterfalls, you'll travel back to Jaén and catch a flight to Cusco. Take a day to relax and get acquainted with the region's high altitude and narrow stone streets, as the following morning, you'll begin your trek from Pitumarca to the Inca site of Waqrapukara. Spend your last two days exploring the famous Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before transferring to the Cusco airport for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Undiscovered Peru: Hiking Cusco to Apurimac

Hike your way along Peru's Apu Ausangate trail and to the hidden Choquequirao ruins on this adventure-packed itinerary. Perfect for those who want to spend evenings sleeping under the same stars as the Inca Empire and days discovering ruins overlooked by most visitors, this itinerary is all about following in the footsteps of bygone times.

Welcome to Peru! Your adventure-filled itinerary starts in Cusco, where you'll spend your first two days acclimating, discovering the city's Spanish architecture built over Inca ruins, and exploring the countryside by horseback. Settled into life in Peru, over the next five days, you'll trek to and around Choquequirao, an Inca site larger than Machu Picchu but hidden in the forest well off the main tourist trail. Top off your first week with a hike in Apurimac Canyon and to Chiquiska Camp before returning to Cusco.

Next, trade your hiking shoes for a paddle and raft down the Apurimac River in Granite Canyon, with an overnight stay in a tent on the beach. Relax back in Cusco for an evening; then, it's back on the road to Checacupe village, where you'll begin your trekking adventure on Apu Ausangate mountain. With helpful llamas and a guide by your side, you'll trek from lodge to lodge, stopping by Alcatauri Gorge and Rainbow Mountain before descending to the trail's end at Trapiche. Celebrate the end of your adventure with a final evening in Cusco, then it's off to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Peru Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Peru? Check out these other 15-day Peru itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.