Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Peru. Enough time to hit the big stuff without sprinting between airports. Here's a 10-day Peru itinerary paced realistically — meaning it actually…

Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Peru. Enough time to hit the big stuff without sprinting between airports. Here's a 10-day Peru itinerary paced realistically — meaning it actually respects the altitude.

One Rule Before You Plan Anything

Don't fly into Cusco and rush up to Machu Picchu the next morning. Cusco sits around 11,000 feet and your body needs a beat. This itinerary builds that in — and you can read exactly how to handle it in our guide to Cusco altitude sickness.

The Day-by-Day

Days 1–2: Lima and the food

Land in Lima and just eat. It's one of the best food cities on the planet — see our Lima food guide for where to start.

Days 3–4: Fly to Cusco and slow down

Fly to Cusco and take it easy the first day — wander, drink coca tea, don't overexert. A gentle Cusco city tour is the perfect low-effort way to explore while you acclimatize.

Days 5–6: The Sacred Valley

Head into the Sacred Valley — it sits lower than Cusco, so it keeps you acclimatizing while you see incredible stuff. Our Full Day Sacred Valley tour covers Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Days 7–8: Machu Picchu

The main event. Take the train from Ollantaytambo, overnight in Aguas Calientes, and go up early. Our Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3-Day Tour bundles this leg perfectly. (Get your Machu Picchu tickets sorted early either way.)

Days 9–10: Lake Titicaca or the Amazon

Two great finales. Lake Titicaca via Puno is otherworldly. Or swing toward the Amazon via Puerto Maldonado for a jungle lodge and wildlife. Want it all in one booking? Our Cusco–Puno 10-Day package is built for exactly this route.

Short on Time? The 7-Day Version

Cut Lima to one overnight, trim the Sacred Valley to a day, drop the Titicaca/Amazon leg. You'll still get the core. Prefer to trek? Compare your options in Inca Trail vs Salkantay.