One week in Peru

Tips and itinerary

Money: the money is the Peruvian sole.
$10 is 37 soles.
You will be able to pay in credit card almost everywhere but there will be taxes. If you want to avoid taxes, use a Revolut card.
Go to international banks to make your withdrawals, beware of ATMs in the streets.
Safety: like all capital cities, Lima has different neighborhoods, some less safe than others. Be careful with your phone, wallet and try not to carry any valuables.
I advise you against going to the city centre at night, or to visit Callao.
Water: drink only bottled water. Avoid water in any other form, even when it is labelled as filtered.
Internet: you will easily find WiFi in restaurants, hotels, shopping center, etc.
If you want to have 4G or 5G during your stay the best option is the eSim by Holafly (use my link http://rwrd.io/sd34mwy to get a discount)

Here I'm sharing a 7-day itinerary if you don't have more time.
It can of course be enriched if you are travelling there longer (example: adding Arequipa and Lake Titicaca)

DAY 1: Lima
DAY 2: Lima or Ica
DAY 3: Cusco
DAY 4: Cusco - Aguas calientes
DAY 5: Machu Picchu
DAY 6: Vinicunca
DAY 7: Cusco - Lima

Lima

Hotel: the safest area in Lima is a district named Miraflores. I recommend you to pick an hotel here.
I stayed in the Ibis Lima Larco which was great on several aspects: affordable prices, includes breakfast, great location, WiFi and 24 hours reception.

DAY 1:

• Begin your day by heading towards Parque Kennedy, a lively square in the heart of Miraflores

• Walk west for about 15 minutes to reach the Lovers Park with colorful mosaics and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

• Continue walking on the coastal path, near the cliff of Lima overlooking the Pacific ocean. There are several parks, green spaces and beautiful flowers.

• A couple of minutes later you will arrive to the Chinese park where you can learn about the history of chinese immigration and the link between both cultures.

• You will arrive at the Barranco district. Have a lunch at República del Pisco to enjoy Peruvian specialties such as ceviche.

• Wander through the colorful streets of Barranco to admire the vibrant murals and graffiti that make this neighborhood so unique

• End your Barranco visit at the Bridge of Sighs, the iconic romantic bridge. Take a moment to listen to local musicians.

• Return to Miraflores and head to the Larcomar Shopping Center

• Dinner at Mangos: enjoy a dinner with stunning ocean views. I really enjoyed the you the tiradito with aguacate.

DAY 2:

• For your second day you can visit the city center. I recommend you to join a Free walking tour to learn more about the history with a guide. Note: they usually ask you to leave the amount of money you want at the end.

• Begin your day at Plaza San Martín an excellent example of neo-classical architecture and a symbolic site of Peru’s independence.

• Walk to Iglesia de la Merced, built in the 16th century with rich decoration.

• Continue to the Plaza Mayor. Admire the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, and the Municipal Palace. If you’re there at noon, catch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Government Palace.

• Head to Lima's Chinatown. Have lunch at Chifa Capón known for its fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines. Try dishes like chaufa de arroz (fried rice) or tallarin saltado (stir-fried noodles)

• Visit the San Francisco Convent and Catacombs, this colonial masterpiece is famous for its catacombs, ancient libraries, and cloisters adorned with azulejos tiles

• Take a taxi to the Circuito Mágico del Agua, a park with illuminated fountains. This unique show combines water displays, lights, and music, with three performances: 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.10pm. Entrance is $1.30, book tickets here.

DAY 2 alternative - Ica:

If you want to try sandboarding and visit Ica you could do it on day 2. Bear in mind that the round-trip takes about 7–9 hours, leaving 4–5 hours to enjoy the destination. It’s enough for sandboarding and lunch but doesn’t allow much time for exploration.
Total cost: Approximately 300–400 soles ($75–100) per person.

• Leave around 6:00am to take the bus with a local company such as Cruz del Sur

• Once in Ica, take a taxi to Huacachina (10-15 minutes, around 15 soles).

• Explore Huacachina Oasis, enjoy the tranquil oasis

• Lunch at Desert Nights Ecocamp to taste Peruvian cuisine with a view of the oasis

• Dune Buggy and Sandboarding down the slopes with guidance from a local expert. You can book in advance or upon arrival with agencies like Huacachina Tours

• Return to Lima with the same company as you can buy round ticket. Buses usually depart around 5:30 or 6:00pm, arriving in Miraflores by 9:30 or 10:00pm.

Cusco

Today you are leaving Lima to go to Cusco: a wonderful destination and also your departure point to join Aguas Calientes on day 2.
How to get there? Take a flight from Lima to Cusco, duration 1h30. Prices can vary but count approximately $100 for the round trip. Try to book an early flight to arrive at Cusco around 11am, check it out on Sky scanner.
You could also consider flying out of Peru from Cusco but flights are more limited than Lima and more expensive.

DAY 3:

• Arrival in Cusco. The elevation is 3,400 meters, prioritize acclimatization the altitude by not rushing

• Check into your accommodation. I recommend you Turi Wasi House Boutique: well located, friendly staff, spacious rooms and breakfast included.
  They will offer you a tea with coca leaves upon arrival: take it. Coca leaves and muña (peruvian mint) will be your best friends for the next days. Do not worry, Coca leaves are a natural, unprocessed plant, unlike cocaine.

• Enjoy a luch at Organika restaurant: their fresh, local ingredients and healthy vegetarian options are perfect for light dining while you adjust to the altitude

• Take a walk around Plaza de Armas: Admire its arcades, Inca-era ruins, and surrounding colonial architecture, including the Cusco Cathedral.

• Stroll to Calle San Blas to explore the artisan shops and admire the quaint cobblestone streets

• Dine at Kao Cocina Peru Thai for a blend of Thai and Peruvian flavors. Opt for a lighter meal to avoid overstressing your body while adjusting to the altitude.

• If you are not to tired you can have a drink at Black Cat Bar.

DAY 4:

• Start your day early by visiting Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo Convent. Marvel at the seamless blend of Inca stonework and colonial architecture

• Walk to Iglesia de Santo Domingo: a baroque church, one of the most beautiful in Cusco.

• Have lunch near the Plaza de Armas

• Go back to Calle San Blas and stop at the Mirador de San Blas for a panoramic view of Cusco

• Check out of your hotel (you can leave your suitcase there and travel with a bag - this is what I did)

• Travel to Ollantaytambo: arrange for a private taxi or shared van to Ollantaytambo. The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours

• Board an evening train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: I booked my tickets on Perurail. Enjoy beautiful views during the entire way (2 hours)

• Check in your hotel, have a light dinner in town and rest early for you adventure ahead.

• I stayed at Runas Inn Machupicchu: it is the strict minimum but ok for a night.

Machu Picchu

A few elements about Machu Picchu trip:

• Be prepared to wake up early and walk all day: bring lunch as there will be nothing there, confortable clothes and shoes.

• The weather changes quickly: bring a rain coat in your bag, and lighter clothes. Do not worry if you start the day with clouds and rain, it will eventually ends up sunny

• Prepare for heights: bring at least 2L of water, coca leaves or coca candies (you can buy it many stores in Cusco)

• Backpacks larger than 20 liters are not allowed inside the site, passports are mandatory to access

• You can hike util the Machu Picchu mountain, but bear in mind that is physically demanding with around 2h30 to go up with stairs and 1h45 to go down

• Go with a guide to know about the history of this magical place

Tickets:

• Buy your tickets for Machu Picchu in advance. There is a limitation to visit the site, so be early and flexible. I suggest organizing your trip once you have the exact date of entry.

• I bought mine on the official website, chose the Circuito 3 with entry at 7am. If you do not want to climb/hike choose the second circuit.

• Buy your bus tickets to access to the site directly Aguas Calientes at the official ticket office or online and save it as you will show it on arrival. I suggest to buy the first bus at 5:30am.

DAY 5:

• Wake up early (you can ask your hotel to make you a breakfast to go and your bag will be waiting for you at the entrance) and take the first bus at 5:30am.

• If you do not have a guide you will see several in the queue while waiting for the bus. This is your occasion to negociate a price for the full day. I did that, my guide name was Carlos and he was the best!

• 30mn later the bus drops you at the entrance gate to Machu Picchu

• What else to say? Just enjoy this magical day, learn about the history with your guide.

• Return to Aguas calientes

• Take the train back to Ollantaytambo + taxi to Cusco, you know it by now!

Vinicunca - "Rainbow mountain"

Your day will start in Cusco, as you arrived the night before to your hotel there.
I suggest negotiating a taxi beforehand from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain. Make sure the taxi knows the route Phullawasipata.
Prices ranges between $65 and $90 including transportation (2.5-3hours), waiting time and return to Cusco.
Note: Be sure to confirm that with the driver to avoid any surprise.
Reminder: bring your coca leaves, coca candies and heightness medication if you have any. Some also bring small oxygen bottles (available in pharmacies).

DAY 6:

• Breakfast at your hotel - if Turiwasi try to have a tea with coca leaves before leaving

• Depart from Cusco in your negociated taxi to Cusipata. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful Andean landscapes, small villages, and grazing alpacas.

• Arrival at the trailhead, pay the entrance fee ($2.50) and begin your hike

• Note that the hike to Rainbow Mountain is approximately a 7km round trip. The trail starts with a gentle incline but becomes steeper as you approach the summit.
  The top of the moutain is at 5 036m, be prepared for height sickness. This can not be anticipated and is not related with your physical condition. Either you have it or not. If yes, walk slowly, pause every 5 minutes and drink many water.
  If you do not feel like hiking there are horses services available for $20.

• Once at the summit, marvel at the vibrant layers of Rainbow Mountain and the surrounding Andean peaks, including Ausangate Mountain

• Descend back to met your driver. On the return you can stop in Cusipata for a late lunch at a roadside restaurant. Typical buffet meals cost around $8 and includes Peruvian dishes like quinoa soup, rice, and grilled chicken, etc.

• Once back in Cusco you can have a final wandering around as you will be leaving the day after. For dinner I recommend you to go back to Organika restaurant, my favorite one! And enjoy a well deserved night of sleep.

DAY 7:

It's travel day: fly back from Cusco to Lima and then to your destination.
If you have more time in Peru I really recommend you to add Lake Titicaca and Arequipa to your trip. Both destination I couldn't see as I had a tight agenda.

I hope you enjoyed this itinerary! Do not hesitate to leave me a comment or contact me directly 😊