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12 Day itinerary toPeru
12
daysin August
Distance by day
Local travel distance per day in km.
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Day 1
Jorge Chávez International Airport➞Lima City Center
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 15 km
Morning
- Explore Plaza Mayor, Lima’s main square surrounded by historic colonial architecture
- Visit the Basilica Cathedral of Lima and admire its baroque facade
- Walk through the bustling Jirón de la Unión, a historic pedestrian street
Afternoon
- Enjoy a local Peruvian lunch at a cafe in Barranco
- Stroll around Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district known for its street art and galleries
- Cross the Puente de los Suspiros, a landmark bridge with romantic legends
- Relax at the Parque del Amor, a scenic coastal park with whimsical sculptures
Evening
- Dinner at Cevicheria La Mar for authentic Peruvian ceviche
- Visit the Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva for an impressive fountain show
Accomodation
- Stay at Pariwana Hostel Lima, a budget-friendly, centrally located hostel in Miraflores
Day 2
Lima City CenterâžžParacas
Travel time: 4 hr| Travel distance: 250 km
Morning
- Drive to Paracas, a beautiful coastal town known for its nature reserves
- Arrive at Paracas, have a leisurely breakfast by the shore
- Visit the Paracas National Reserve and enjoy stunning views of the Pacific coastline
Afternoon
- Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and penguins
- Explore the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph, a mysterious ancient carving on a hillside
- Visit Playa Roja, a unique red sand beach within the National Reserve
- Indulge in a fresh seafood lunch at a seaside restaurant in Paracas
Evening
- Visit the Museo de Sitio de Paracas to learn about the Paracas culture
- Have dinner at a local seafood restaurant in Paracas with ocean views
Accomodation
- Camp overnight at Paracas National Reserve, a stunning location for a unique beach-side camping experience
Day 3
ParacasâžžHuacachina
Travel time: 1.5 hr| Travel distance: 75 km
Morning
- Continue journey to Huacachina, a picturesque desert oasis
- Explore the oasis and climb up the sand dunes for panoramic views
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lagoon
Afternoon
- Go sandboarding down the majestic dunes surrounding Huacachina
- Take a thrilling dune buggy ride through the desert landscape
- Relax by the Huacachina lagoon, a natural desert oasis for cooling off
- Have a refreshing lunch in one of the popular oasis restaurants
Evening
- Capture the stunning sunset from atop a sand dune
- Dinner at Desert Nights Eco Camp, offering a variety of Peruvian dishes
Accomodation
- Stay at Desert Nights Eco Camp, a sustainable and budget-friendly option in the heart of Huacachina
Day 4
HuacachinaâžžNazca
Travel time: 2 hr| Travel distance: 160 km
Morning
- Drive to Nazca, famous for its mysterious ancient lines and geoglyphs
- Breakfast in a local café in Nazca
- Visit the Nazca Lines Viewpoint for an aerial view of the iconic patterns
Afternoon
- Take a flight tour to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Nazca Lines
- Explore the Chauchilla Cemetery and learn about ancient burial practices
- Visit the Cantalloc Aqueducts, ancient irrigation systems still in use today
- Have lunch at a local eatery in Nazca serving traditional Peruvian dishes
Evening
- Dinner at Restaurant Rico Pollo for a taste of local specialties
- Relax at the hotel and prepare for the journey onward
Accomodation
- Stay at Hotel Majoro, offering comfortable accommodation and beautiful garden views
Day 5
NazcaâžžArequipa
Travel time: 6.5 hr| Travel distance: 570 km
Morning
- Early start driving to Arequipa, taking in the scenic Andes views
- Stop for a breakfast along the route at a local café
- Arrive in Arequipa and refresh at the accommodation
Afternoon
- Discover Arequipa’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a city within a city with vibrant alleyways
- Take a leisurely stroll around Plaza de Armas and admire the beautiful architecture
- Enjoy lunch in a traditional picanterÃa, savoring Arequipa’s unique cuisine
Evening
- Relax with a dinner in one of the terrace restaurants at Plaza de Armas
- Take an evening walk to view the city illuminated at night
Accomodation
- Stay at Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa, offering a lively atmosphere and budget-friendly stays
Day 6
ArequipaâžžColca Canyon
Travel time: 3 hr| Travel distance: 160 km
Morning
- Drive to Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons
- Stop at Mirador Cruz del Condor to view Andean condors in flight
- Breakfast in the local village of Yanque
Afternoon
- Hike along the canyon’s rim for breathtaking views and photography opportunities
- Visit the traditional village of Maca, known for its handicrafts
- Indulge in a local meal for lunch in Cabanaconde
- Explore the thermal baths of Chivay for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs
Evening
- Dinner with a local community experience in Chivay
- Overnight stay in a family-run lodge within the canyon
Accomodation
- Camp overnight near Colca Canyon for an adventurous experience amongst nature
Day 7
Colca CanyonâžžPuno
Travel time: 4 hr| Travel distance: 320 km
Morning
- Early morning drive to Puno, a city on the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Visit the famous floating Uros Islands made of totora reeds
- Breakfast on the islands with local community members
Afternoon
- Take a boat ride to Taquile Island, known for its textile weaving traditions
- Explore the island on foot, visiting various local cooperatives
- Sample traditional dishes with a lunch on Taquile Island
- Return to Puno and tour the city’s historic sites including the Cathedral
Evening
- Dinner at Mojsa Restaurant, with stunning views of the city
- Prepare for the next leg of the journey during a peaceful evening
Accomodation
- Stay at Cozy Hostel Puno, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Lake Titicaca
Day 8
PunoâžžCusco
Travel time: 7 hr| Travel distance: 390 km
Morning
- Travel to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire
- Stop along the way at La Raya for breathtaking Andean vistas
- Enjoy a breakfast picnic in the Andes
Afternoon
- Arrive in Cusco and have lunch at a local café
- Visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress with massive stone walls
- Stroll through the historic quarter of San Blas with its artistic flair
- Take a walk down Cusco’s cobblestone streets soaking in the vibrant atmosphere
Evening
- Dine at Pucara Pisco Bar & Restaurant with views overlooking the plaza
- Sightseeing in the vibrant Cusco streets and plaza, enjoying the evening ambiance
Accomodation
- Stay at Kokopelli Hostel Cusco, offering communal vibes and convenient location
Day 9
CuscoâžžSacred Valley
Travel time: 1.5 hr| Travel distance: 80 km
Morning
- Travel to the Sacred Valley, known for its breathtaking natural beauty
- Tour Pisaq, an ancient Inca village with a vibrant market
- Enjoy breakfast and shop for local crafts and souvenirs at Pisaq
Afternoon
- Explore the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, a well-preserved Incan town
- Visit Maras to see the salt mines that are still in operation since Inca times
- Enjoy a local lunch in Urubamba, a charming town in the valley
- Visit Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces
Evening
- Return to Cusco and soak in a relaxing dinner back at the hostel
- Leisurely evening spent in Cusco’s historical center
Accomodation
- Stay at Kokopelli Hostel Cusco for ease of access to central attractions
Day 10
CuscoâžžMachu Picchu
Travel time: 3.5 hr| Travel distance: 150 km
Morning
- Take early train from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Aguas Calientes
- Arrive at Aguas Calientes and have a hearty breakfast before ascent
- Board a bus for the final travel leg to the historic site
Afternoon
- Explore Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Climb Huayna Picchu for breathtaking, panoramic views over the ruins
- Enjoy lunch with views of Machu Picchu for an unforgettable dining experience
- Descend back to Aguas Calientes for an afternoon of rest and discovery
Evening
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes at a local restaurant offering refreshing local cuisine
- Return train to Cusco to unwind and share stories with fellow travelers
Accomodation
- Stay at Coco’s Hostel Cusco for an economical stay with friendly host atmosphere
Day 11
CuscoâžžRainbow Mountain
Travel time: 3 hr| Travel distance: 140 km
Morning
- Early departure for the Rainbow Mountain trek, famous for its seven-colored hills
- Stop at a local village for breakfast along the way
- Embark on the trek taking in the vibrant colors and unique landscape
Afternoon
- Reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain, enjoy a picnic lunch with mesmerizing vistas
- Descend, returning to the trailhead and relax with fresh mountain air
- Visit the Red Valley, a less-touristed area with stunning crimson hills
- Stop by the local communities to learn about their culture and traditions
Evening
- Drive back to Cusco with dinner on the way at a local marketplace
- Return to hostel for a restful night in preparation for departure
Accomodation
- Stay at the established Kokopelli Hostel Cusco for familiar comfort
Day 12
CuscoâžžAlejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Travel time: 0.5 hr| Travel distance: 5 km
Morning
- Last morning in Cusco, enjoy a hearty traditional breakfast
- Purchase last-minute souvenirs and explore local artisan shops
- Visit the Qorikancha, the former Sun Temple of the Incas
Afternoon
- Have a farewell lunch at Green Point Restaurant, a top vegan spot
- Stroll through the mystical San Pedro Market for a breezy final exploration
- Prepare for departure and relax with a local Pisac tea at a café
Evening
- Transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for return flight
- Reflect on the adventure and plan future travels
Accomodation
- N/A
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Tags
adventure
camping
beach-chills
photography
sports
Time of the year
The climate in Peru during August can vary greatly depending on the region. Coastal areas like Lima will be mild and humid, the Andes will be dry and cool (especially in the evenings), and the Amazon will be hot and humid.
August is during the peak tourist season in Peru, particularly in areas like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley, due to favorable weather conditions for hikes and outdoor activities.
Useful information
- Ensure to book train and entry tickets to Machu Picchu well in advance as they sell out quickly.
- Altitude sickness can be a concern in the Andes; consider acclimatizing in Cusco before undertaking hikes like Rainbow Mountain.
- August is a busy tourist period, so expect larger crowds in popular destinations.
- Rain gear and layers are essential due to weather variability in the mountains.
- Peru firmly supports a tourism economy; opting for local guides can enhance the experience and support communities.
Weather forecast - 16 days
Showing forecasted weather for the upcoming 16 days in Peru.
