By Equipo PAT
A well-planned Peru itinerary 10 days long combines Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without rushing. You spend two nights in Lima, five between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, one in Aguas Calientes, and fly back to Lima for your departure. That leaves time to acclimatize and enjoy every stop.
What does a Peru itinerary 10 days long look like on a first trip?
The key to this route is the order. First you land in Lima, which sits at sea level. Then you climb to Cusco, at 3,400 m, and keep the highest places for last. You also sleep in the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu, because it is lower and helps your body adapt.
This route suits couples, families and friends on a first trip. However, it is not rigid. You can swap one excursion for another or add a rest day if you need it.
If you have not picked your destinations yet, read the guide to places to visit in Peru first. It compares twelve key places and helps you choose.
What do you do each day on this 10-day Peru itinerary?
This table sums up the full route. Below it you will find the detail of each stretch.
| Day | City | Main activity | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lima | Arrival and a walk along the coast | Lima |
| 2 | Lima | City tour of the historic center | Lima |
| 3 | Cusco | Flight and rest day | Cusco |
| 4 | Cusco | City tour and nearby ruins | Cusco |
| 5 | Sacred Valley | Pisac, Maras and Moray | Sacred Valley |
| 6 | Aguas Calientes | Ollantaytambo and train | Aguas Calientes |
| 7 | Machu Picchu | Citadel visit and return | Cusco |
| 8 | Cusco | Optional excursion: Vinicunca | Cusco |
| 9 | Cusco | Free day or South Valley | Cusco |
| 10 | Lima | Flight and departure | — |
Days 1 and 2: Lima, the gateway
You arrive in Lima and rest. In the afternoon, walk the Miraflores boardwalk beside the cliffs. It is also a good moment to try ceviche, the most famous dish in the country.
The next day, explore the historic center, a World Heritage Site since 1988. The Lima City Tour costs from $45. Later, in the afternoon, you can head back to the coast for sunset.
Day 3: flight to Cusco and rest
The flight from Lima to Cusco takes about an hour and a half. When you land, you will notice the altitude. For that reason, spend the day without effort, drink water and eat light.
To know what to expect, read our guide on how to acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude. Also, stroll slowly around the Plaza de Armas and go to bed early.
Day 4: Cusco and its nearby ruins
Today you can explore the city. Visit Qoricancha, the old temple of the sun, and then the ruins around Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Tambomachay. The half-day Cusco City Tour starts from $17.
In the afternoon, explore the San Blas neighborhood and its craft workshops. To extend the plan, see the 3-day Cusco itinerary.
Day 5: Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray
The Sacred Valley sits lower than Cusco. That makes it ideal for day 5. You visit Pisac, the circular terraces of Moray and the salt pans of Maras, and you sleep in the valley.
If you prefer to go on your own, follow the route through Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray. You can also book the Traditional Sacred Valley tour, from $30.
Days 6 and 7: Ollantaytambo, train and Machu Picchu
On day 6 you visit the Ollantaytambo fortress and take the train to Aguas Calientes. The ride lasts between an hour and a half and two hours, depending on the service. You sleep in the town so you can enter the citadel early.
On day 7 you climb to Machu Picchu and walk its terraces and temples. Then you return by train and sleep in Cusco. Our Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night tour starts from $459. To choose a date, see the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Days 8 and 9: Vinicunca or the South Valley
These two days are your buffer. If you like hiking and have already adapted, do Rainbow Mountain. Vinicunca reaches 5,200 m, so it takes good spirits. The Rainbow Mountain Full Day tour starts from $35.
If you prefer something gentle, on the other hand, pick the South Valley, with Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pikillacta. The South Valley tour costs from $35. You can also leave day 9 free for shopping and rest.
Day 10: back to Lima and your departure flight
You fly from Cusco to Lima in the morning. Even so, leave a wide gap between one flight and the next, especially if your international departure is the same day. That is why many travelers book the long flight for the night.
How do you adapt the Peru itinerary 10 days plan for kids or older travelers?
The route works for all ages, but it needs a few tweaks. First, skip Vinicunca, because the altitude and the cold demand a lot. Instead, use day 8 for the South Valley or a quiet walk around Cusco.
It also helps to sleep one extra night in the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu. That altitude is lower, so the body rests better. The train, in turn, is comfortable and lets you see the scenery without effort.
Booking private transfers on flight days helps too. That way you cut waiting time and avoid carrying bags up stairs. If anyone in the group has heart or breathing problems, check with a doctor first and keep medicines in your carry-on.
What should you book before you leave home?
Four things are worth securing months ahead. First, the international flights and the Lima–Cusco flight. Then the Machu Picchu entry and the train, which have daily and hourly quotas. After that, the hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Finally, the high-season excursions.
- Machu Picchu: tickets sell out, especially from June to August.
- Train: the most convenient times fill up first.
- Domestic flights: prices rise close to the date.
- Excursions: book Vinicunca a few days ahead.
That is why our packages are practical: they leave your spots settled. However, if you prefer to build the trip yourself, this list works as an order guide.
Can you add Lake Titicaca to a 10-day Peru itinerary?
You can, but something has to go. Between Cusco and Puno there is a short flight or a one-day bus ride. For example, you can drop the South Valley and the free days, and set aside two days for the lake islands. The Uros, Amantani and Taquile route starts from $89.
Keep in mind, though, that Puno sits at 3,812 m. If you have already adapted in Cusco, you will not have a problem. If you go straight from Lima, however, do it after you acclimatize.
How much do the excursions on this itinerary cost?
These are the prices of our excursions, which serve as a reference for your budget. They do not include flights, hotels or meals outside the program.
- Lima City Tour: from $45.
- Half-day Cusco City Tour: from $17.
- Traditional Sacred Valley: from $30.
- Rainbow Mountain Full Day: from $35.
- Machu Picchu 2 days and 1 night: from $459.
As you can see, Machu Picchu takes most of the spending, while one-day excursions are cheap. The final price of a do-it-yourself trip also changes with the season and the hotel type. So it is better to ask for a quote with your dates.
What should you pack for 10 days?
Travel light. Between Lima, the Andes and the high jungle, the weather varies a lot in a few days. For that reason, layers work better than one thick coat.
- A windbreaker and a light rain jacket.
- Comfortable shoes with a good sole for ruins and cobblestones.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap, because the high-altitude sun is strong.
- A small backpack for day excursions.
- A copy of your passport and cash in soles for small purchases.
In Aguas Calientes there is usually a weight limit for the luggage you take on the train. So leave the big suitcase at your Cusco hotel and bring only what you need for one night.
Is there a ready-made package for this route?
Yes. If you prefer not to plan anything yourself, we have options that cover Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu. The Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu 6 days and 5 nights package starts from $890. If you have extra days, on the other hand, the Magic in Cusco 8 days and 7 nights route starts from $559.
Both include the essentials of the classic route. You can also add the extra days of this itinerary with single excursions. That way you keep more control over the budget.
When is the best time for this 10-day trip?
The dry season runs from May to September. Skies are clearer, but there are also more visitors and cold nights. From December to March it rains more, although the landscape is greener and the crowds are thinner.
For official destination data, see the PromPeru page on the Sacred Valley. Ticket information for the citadel is also on the official Machu Picchu website.
Tips to make the itinerary work
- Book Machu Picchu and the trains early, especially between June and August.
- Do not plan demanding excursions on day 3 or day 4.
- Bring a small bag to Aguas Calientes and leave the rest in Cusco.
- Drink water often and skip alcohol on your first day at altitude.
- Keep the last day as a buffer for flight surprises.
The route also allows changes of pace. Some travelers want fewer transfers and more time in each place, and others want to see more. So if you have a day to spare, add one more night in Cusco. And if you are one day short, drop the South Valley and keep the essentials. If you would like to change the order, ask us and we will adjust the route with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough to see Peru?
It is enough to see Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at a calm pace. To add Puno, Arequipa or the jungle, plan on two weeks.
How many days do I need for Machu Picchu?
Two days is ideal: one for the Sacred Valley and one for the citadel. That way you cut travel fatigue and enter Machu Picchu early.
How much does this 10-day itinerary cost?
It depends on hotels and domestic flights. As a reference, our packages for Cusco and Machu Picchu start from $559 and $890, not counting international flights.
Can I change the order of the days?
Yes, but keep Cusco before any high-altitude excursion. Also book Machu Picchu and the train first, because spots are limited.
What clothes should I bring?
Bring layers: a T-shirt, a fleece and a windbreaker. Add sunscreen, a cap and comfortable shoes, because the weather changes within the same day.
