Curator’s statement
Peru is so rich in culture and history. The people are so kind and welcoming. There is so much diversity in food, weather and terrain from one region to the next that traveling from one region to the next you can almost forget you are in the same country. When you arrive in Lima you are in a major metropolitan city situation on a rugged shoreline. In the north of Peru you have tropical beaches with one of the worlds longest waves. Cuzco is full of both natural beauty and impressive historical sites. One cannot forget the rainforest with more species of plants and animals in one square kilometer than one can count. The rainforest is home to the illusive pink dolphin, scarlet macaws and giant otters.
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Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Spend a quiet first day in this South American capital city. You'll likely arrive in Lima in the morning. Once you get checked into your hotel and have had a chance to freshen up, head to the posh neighborhood of Miraflores. This lovely, walkable neighborhood's streets are lined with shops and restaurants. You will want to be sure to check out the open-air mall Larcomar. Not only is Larcomar situated on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning vistas, it is filled with fantastic shops featuring Peruvian products and restaurants.
Day 2: Travel to Cusco
A quick one-hour flight will get you to the capital city of the Incan Empire. With an altitude of just over 11,000 feet, you will want to take this day to acclimate and explore the city center. Plaza de Armas, a short walk from most hotels, is the perfect place to eat and do some sightseeing on your first day in Cusco. It has been the main meeting place in the city since before the Spanish arrived. Home to the city's cathedral, cafes and shops.
Tip: All luxury hotels in Cusco offer the option of having additional oxygen pumped into your guest room. This will help to minimize the effects of altitude sickness.
Day 3: Tour the ancient sites
There are too many incredible Incan sights to see to name them all. Two of my favorites are Sacsayhuamán, a site used for ceremonies to celebrate the sun god Inti Raymi and Coricancha, a feat of engineering and the most important temple in Cusco.
Days 4-5: Machu Picchu
Take a vista-dome train from Cusco through the Andes into the high rainforest to see arguably some of the most famous and beautiful ruins this world has to offer. Machu Picchu is both a modern wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend the evening in the breathtaking Sanctuary Lodge. Located at the entrance to Machu Picchu, you can enter the citadel before the masses arrive.
For those who might be particularly adventurous, you could consider hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu, the peak next to Machu Picchu. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but does offer the most spectacular view of the ruins at Machu Picchu.
After spending the morning hiking Huayna Picchu or exploring Machu Picchu, head back down to Aguas Calientes where you will take the train back to Cusco for one last night there.
Day 6-8: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
After a quick 30-minute plane ride from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, you will be picked up by a lodge employee and brought to their office where you will meet up with other guests heading to the lodge. They will take you to their port on the river, where you will enjoy a tranquil boat ride up the river to the lodge.
During your time at the lodge, you will be able to learn from locals who help run the lodge, see animals, unplug and relax.
The morning of departure the lodge will provide a transfer back to the airport in Puerto Maldonado. After a quick hour and a half flight back to Lima, you will have plenty of time to check into your hotel and explore or relax as you please.
Day 9-10: Lima & departure
For your last two days in Peru you will be able to do more exploring and eating in the gastronomical capital of South America.
First thing in the morning head to Plaza Mayor. It is situated in the historic center of Lima. You can see the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Any history buff will love to see the origins of the city and the incredible tomb of Francisco Pizzaro located in the Cathedral.
After touring the plaza and enjoying lunch, make your way to one of the following museums depending on your interests. If more than one is a must-see for you, it is possible to go to more than one that afternoon. That would just depend on how much relaxation time you are interested in having.
Chocolate Museum: A unique experience where you can learn how everyone's favorite treat is made from bean to bar. You can make your own custom chocolate bars
Gold Museum of Peru: A close-up look at the beautiful and intricate gold work done by the Incans
Museo Larco: Features treasures from ancient Peru including gold, silver and clay pottery.
Day 10: Departure Day
Depending on your flight, you will have time this morning to finish off any souvenir shopping you have left to do.
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Travel Advisor
Laura Celi
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Peru.