Planning your first trip to Peru: How many days do you need to see the highlights?
- Steph Anie
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
As the new year approaches, many travelers start planning the trips they’ve been dreaming about, and for many, Peru sits right at the top of that list. Whether you’re drawn by the ancient mysteries of the Incas, the culinary excellence of Lima, or the dramatic peaks of the Andes, one key question always comes up: how much time is enough?
Peru is a vast and topographically diverse country. To help you plan your perfect first visit, we’ve broken down the recommended trip lengths based on our years of experience designing seamless, well-paced journeys throughout Peru.
The “Express” highlights Trip: 5 to 7 days in Peru
Best for: Travelers on a tight schedule or combining Peru with other South American destinations.
If you’re visiting multiple countries such as Brazil, Colombia, or the Galápagos you can still experience Peru’s most iconic sights in a short but rewarding trip by focusing on the Cusco region.
The strategy: Skip the coast and fly directly into Cusco (via Lima). To maximize comfort and reduce altitude fatigue, we recommend heading straight to the Sacred Valley upon arrival.
The itinerary perk: On your second day in Cusco, enjoy a full Sacred Valley tour, visiting sites such as Pisac or Moray, and spend the night in Ollantaytambo. This charming living Inca town is not only beautiful but also the most convenient departure point for the train to Machu Picchu.
On your final day, you can explore Cusco’s historic center or choose an iconic day trip such as Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake.
Why it works: You experience the “Big Three”, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, without feeling constantly in transit.
The “Sweet Spot” Peru itinerary: 10 to 12 days
Best for: First-time travelers seeking balance, comfort, and cultural depth.
This is our most recommended timeframe for a first trip to Peru. It allows you to experience both Peru’s culinary capital and its Andean heartland, while also adding a memorable extension beyond Cusco.
Lima (2 days): Discover why Peru is considered one of the world’s leading culinary destinations.
Cusco & Machu Picchu (5–6 days): A complete exploration of the Inca heartland, including proper acclimatization time.
The big addition: With 10–12 days, you can comfortably add a fourth destination:
Puerto Maldonado: A short flight from Cusco takes you into the Amazon Rainforest for an immersive lodge experience.
Arequipa: The elegant “White City,” known for its colonial architecture and access to the spectacular Colca Canyon.
The “Grand Explorer” route: 14+ days in Peru
Best for: Travelers who want to experience Peru’s full geographic and cultural diversity.
With two weeks or more, you can enjoy a comprehensive journey that goes beyond Lima and Cusco, allowing you to explore multiple regions of Peru at a comfortable pace.
In addition to time in Lima and a full exploration of the Cusco region, this itinerary we suggest to follow Peru’s Southern Circuit, combining:
The Paracas desert and the Nazca Lines (Ica)
The living traditions of Lake Titicaca in Puno
Extended time in the Sacred Valley and Cusco
With careful planning, this route can also include Arequipa, home to the Colca Canyon, or an extension into the Amazon Rainforest, creating a truly immersive journey across Peru’s most diverse landscapes.
Know before you go: Expert tips for a seamless Peru trip
As a specialized Peru travel agency, we prioritize comfort, safety, and smart pacing. This is why we recommend to keep these two essential tips in mind:
Machu Picchu ticket circuits (2025 Update)
As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture has implemented a strict Machu Picchu circuit system. For first-time visitors, Circuit 2 (the Classic Route) is the gold standard, offering the iconic panoramic viewpoint and access to the main archaeological areas.
The golden rule of acclimatization
Altitude is the one factor you cannot ignore in Peru. To feel your best, plan at least one full day of rest or light activity in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before any strenuous tours or hikes. We also recommend light meals (soups, chicken, vegetables), avoiding alcohol for the first 24 hours, and, of course, enjoying a warm cup of coca tea, a local favorite for altitude adjustment.
Plan your dream Peru experience
At Book & Vámonos, we specialize in turning thoughtfully planned itineraries into seamless, personalized journeys. Whether you have five days or fifteen, we take care of logistics, expert guides, and smart pacing, so you can focus on enjoying Peru, not planning it.
👉 Planning your first trip to Peru?
Explore our curated itineraries or contact us for personalized guidance based on your time, travel style, and priorities.
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