When I booked a 10-day trip to Peru, I knew I’d see Machu Picchu but I had no idea how deeply the country would pull me in. From the surreal dunes of Huacachina to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, every day felt like a new world. Whether you’re planning your first trip to South America or crafting the perfect Peru itinerary, this guide brings you day-by-day through my adventure with practical tips, emotional moments, and travel-tested experiences.

Day 1 – Arriving in Lima + First Taste of Peruvian Cuisine

I landed in Lima, a city that hums with energy, sea breeze, and the smell of lime and coriander from street vendors. After checking into my hotel in Miraflores, I walked the clifftop parks overlooking the Pacific. Paragliders floated overhead like colorful birds.

I ended my evening with my first ceviche, marinated in leche de tigre strong enough to wake a sleepy soul. If your Peru itinerary starts in Lima, do not skip the food, this is one of the world’s culinary capitals.

Day 2 – Lima’s History, Markets, and the Bohemian Barranco

I spent the morning wandering the Historic Center of Lima, where colonial balconies lean over cobblestone streets and the Plaza Mayor glows with yellow Baroque architecture.

In the afternoon, I headed to Barranco, Lima’s arts district. I crossed the Bridge of Sighs, browsed murals and galleries, and sampled picarones (Peruvian doughnut rings made with squash and sweet potato).

Day 3 – Cusco: Adjusting to Altitude & Exploring Ancient Streets

Flying into Cusco felt like entering a painting with red-tiled roofs wrapped in Andean mountains. I took it slow to adjust to the altitude. Coca tea helped.

I wandered the narrow alleyways of San Blas, where Inca stone walls meet artsy cafés. In the evening, I watched the Plaza de Armas light up golden as locals danced in traditional dress.

Cusco instantly became one of my favorite cities on earth.

Day 4 – The Sacred Valley: Pisac, Llamas & Inca Terraces

I joined a Sacred Valley tour and spent the morning at Pisac, climbing agricultural terraces carved perfectly into mountainsides. Vendors sold handwoven alpaca scarves dyed with natural pigments.

Lunch was in Urubamba, where families cooked wood-fired trout. In the afternoon, I visited Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress that feels frozen in time. I stayed overnight here to catch the early train to Machu Picchu.

This day is a highlight in any Peru 10-day itinerary.

Day 5 – Machu Picchu: A Sunrise I’ll Never Forget

I boarded the train along the Urubamba River, watching fog float between steep mountain cliffs. When I reached Machu Picchu, the clouds parted just long enough to reveal the Lost City.

I hiked to the Sun Gate, a vantage point where the whole citadel sits like a crown atop the Andes. I stood there, stunned, trying to imagine the world the Incas built.

If you can, book your Machu Picchu entrance months ahead

Day 6 – Back to Cusco: San Pedro Market & Andean Culture

Returning to Cusco felt like coming home. I headed straight to San Pedro Market, a labyrinth of fruits, cheeses, herbal potions, and sizzling street snacks.

I tried choclo con queso which is giant Peruvian corn kernels with salty cheese. Simple but addictive.

In the afternoon, I explored the Qorikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, once plated in sheets of gold.

Day 7 – Destinations South: Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake

I opted for Rainbow Mountain. The altitude is no joke, but standing before those natural stripes reds, yellows, oranges, and turquoise I couldn’t believe it wasn’t painted by hand.

Alternative: Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lake beneath towering snow peaks.

Both rank high as Peru adventure travel experiences.

Day 8 – Lake Titicaca: Journey to Puno

I took a scenic bus to Puno, passing through tiny Andean towns, alpaca farms, and endless high-altitude plateaus.

By sunset, I reached Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. The air felt cleaner, the pace slower, the culture deeper.

Day 9 – Floating Uros Islands & Taquile Island Homestay

A boat carried me to the Uros floating islands, handmade using totora reeds. Walking on them feels like stepping on a giant sponge. Families invited us into their homes and demonstrated how the islands are built.

Later, I visited Taquile Island, where local men knit intricate textiles (a UNESCO-recognized craft). Lunch was quinoa soup with lake views stretching to infinity.

This was one of my favorite cultural experiences of the entire Peru trip.

Day 10 – Return to Lima: Last Flavors & Ocean Views

Back in Lima for my final day, I revisited the coast for a farewell meal at a seaside restaurant. I ordered lomo saltado, a fusion stir-fry that perfectly sums up Peru traditional yet global.

As the sun dipped into the Pacific, I realized Peru had given me more than landscapes and photos. It gave me connection to people, stories, and history that still breathe.

Practical Tips for Planning 10 Days in Peru

Best Time to Visit Peru

• May–September (dry season, ideal for Machu Picchu and hiking)

• December–March (rainy but lush, great for Lima)

What to Pack

• Layers (temperatures vary dramatically)

• Sunscreen (high UV at altitude)

• Good hiking shoes

• Motion sickness pills for twisty mountain roads

Costs

• Budget travelers: ~$60–$80/day

• Mid-range: $100–$150/day

• Luxury: $250+

Getting Around

• Domestic flights for long distances

• PeruRail or IncaRail for Machu Picchu

• Buses between major cities