10 Day Peru Itinerary: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco

When people think of Peru, they usually picture one place: Machu Picchu. We did too. But somewhere between sipping a Pisco Sour overlooking the Pacific in Lima, watching the mist lift over the Sacred Valley, and listening to traditional Andean music aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham, we realized Peru was so much more than a bucket-list destination. It became one of those trips we still talk about years later

We expected Machu Picchu to be spectacular, and it certainly was. But what we didn’t expect was falling in love with Lima’s incredible restaurants, the peaceful beauty of the Sacred Valley, and the warmth of the people we met along the way.

Rather than rushing from one destination to another, we planned our Peru itinerary slowly. We spent time eating our way through Lima before flying into Cusco and immediately driving down into the Sacred Valley to acclimatize. That decision alone made a huge difference and allowed us to enjoy the rest of our trip without worrying too much about the altitude.

If you have ten days, this Peru travel itinerary offers the perfect balance of history, luxury, food, and unforgettable scenery.

Peru Itinerary at a Glance

Why This 10 Day Peru Itinerary Works

We intentionally planned 10 days in Peru to ease into Peru rather than rush through it. Beginning in Lima gives you time to recover from your international flight while enjoying one of South America’s best food cities. Instead of staying in Cusco immediately, we recommend heading straight to the Sacred Valley, where the lower elevation makes acclimatizing much easier.

By the time you arrive in Cusco, you’ll be able to enjoy the city instead of worrying about the altitude. Ending with Cusco also means you’re finishing your trip immersed in Peru’s rich history and culture rather than racing to catch a train.

Planning Your Peru Trip

Best Time to Visit Peru: May through September for the driest weather.

How Many Days: 10 days is ideal for first-time visitors.

Start In: Lima.

End In: Cusco.

Domestic Flights: Lima → Cusco and Cusco → Lima.

Luxury Splurge: The Belmond Hiram Bingham train is one of the world’s great rail journeys and well worth it for a special occasion.

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Most international flights arrive in Lima, making it the perfect place to begin your Peru adventure.

Instead of catching the next flight to Cusco immediately, spend a couple of days here. Lima is considered one of the culinary capitals of South America, and after just one meal you’ll understand why.

Stay in Miraflores, where oceanfront parks overlook dramatic cliffs and paragliders float above the Pacific. It’s safe, walkable, and full of excellent restaurants.

Take an evening stroll along the Malecón before watching the sunset over the ocean.

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Day 2: Explore Lima

Spend today discovering why Lima has become one of South America’s most exciting cities. While it’s often seen as a gateway to Machu Picchu, Peru’s capital deserves time in its own right.

Begin in the historic center, where grand colonial buildings surround the Plaza Mayor. Then make your way to the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, one of Lima’s most creative districts. Colorful murals cover many of the streets, and you’ll find galleries, boutiques, cafés, and musicians around nearly every corner. We especially enjoyed seeing the vibrant works of Peruvian street artist Jonathan Rivera, whose large-scale murals add so much character to the neighborhood and celebrate Peru’s culture and everyday life.

No visit to Lima is complete without a stop at the Museo Larco. Housed in an elegant 18th century mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, the museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of pre-Columbian art.

The beautifully displayed gold and silver artifacts, intricate ceramics, and fascinating history provide an excellent introduction to Peru’s rich cultural heritage before exploring the Sacred Valley and Cusco.

Plus there is a really nice cafe inside Museo Larco where you can enjoy a nice lunch or dinner.

If time allows, take a walk along the Malecón in Miraflores, where dramatic cliffs overlook the Pacific Ocean. The parks stretching along the coastline are filled with locals walking, cycling, and even paragliding above the ocean.

Of course, one of the biggest reasons to visit Lima is the food. Widely regarded as the culinary capital of South America, the city offers everything from neighborhood cevicherias to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants.

Where We Ate in Lima

One of the highlights of our stay was experiencing Lima’s incredible restaurant scene. Every meal felt thoughtfully prepared, showcasing Peru’s extraordinary ingredients and culinary traditions.

Mayta was one of our favorite dining experiences. Chef Jaime Pesaque’s beautifully presented tasting menu blends traditional Peruvian flavors with modern techniques, creating dishes that are both inventive and deeply rooted in local ingredients.

For Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, Osaka delivered one of the best meals of our trip. Fresh seafood, beautifully crafted sushi, and creative cocktails made this a memorable evening in San Isidro.

For a relaxed lunch or sunset dinner, Cala is hard to beat. Perched right along the Pacific Ocean, the restaurant pairs fresh seafood with spectacular coastal views. It’s the perfect place to linger over a meal while watching the waves roll in.

I loved Limana, an experiential cafe where you can try Peruvian cuisine with a healthy twist of superfoods and in house grown ingredients. The restaurant is beautiful just like the dishes. Highly recommend!

And of course, no trip to Lima would be complete without sampling Peru’s iconic dishes. Be sure to try fresh ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, ají de gallina, and finish with a classic Pisco Sour or a scoop of creamy lúcuma ice cream.

As someone who prefers vegetarian food over meat, I absolutely enjoyed the food experiences in Peru, especially in Lima!

Here are a few other Lima Restaurants that come highly recommended:

Central: Frequently ranked among the world’s best restaurants, Central showcases Peru’s incredible biodiversity through an unforgettable tasting menu.

Maido: One of the finest Nikkei restaurants anywhere, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients.

Rafael: A relaxed yet elegant restaurant serving some of Lima’s best seafood and cocktails

Day 3: Fly to Cusco and Drive to the Sacred Valley

Rather than staying in Cusco immediately, drive directly to the Sacred Valley.

Although Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet, the Sacred Valley is significantly lower, making it much easier to acclimatize. We found this made a tremendous difference. Coca tea, plenty of water, and taking things slowly also helped.

On the drive, stop at an alpaca farm where you can learn about traditional Andean weaving and meet llamas and alpacas.

Then we stopped for lunch at a hacienda. The setting, the food were just out of this world!

We spent the next few days at Belmond Rio Sagrado, which quickly became one of our favorite hotels in South America.

Nestled beside the Urubamba River, it feels more like a peaceful Andean village than a luxury hotel.

We loved our morning breakfast by the river with the llamas watching over us.

For more details, read our complete review of Belmond Rio Sagrado and our Peru journey.

Day 4: Explore the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley ended up being one of our favorite parts of Peru. While most visitors rush through on their way to Machu Picchu, we were glad we slowed down. Ancient terraces, colorful markets, snow-capped peaks, and small villages made this feel like the heart of Peru rather than simply a stop along the way.

Visit Pisac’s colorful artisan market before exploring its impressive archaeological ruins.

Continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Peru. Massive stone terraces climb the mountainside while narrow cobblestone streets still follow the original Inca layout.

Today was all about discovering the heart of the Inca Empire.

Return to your hotel for dinner beside the river.

Day 5: See More of the Sacred Valley Itinerary

Spend another relaxed day exploring the valley.

The Sacred Valley ended up being one of our favorite parts of Peru. While most visitors rush through on their way to Machu Picchu, we were glad we slowed down. Ancient terraces, colorful markets, snow-capped peaks, and small villages made this feel like the heart of Peru rather than simply a stop along the way.

Depending on your interests, make sure to visit:

• Moray agricultural terraces
• Maras Salt Mines
• Chinchero village
• Ollantaytambo
• Local weaving cooperatives
• Pisac’s colorful artisan market

Or simply enjoy your hotel.

Sometimes the best memories come from slowing down.

We loved watching hummingbirds dart through the gardens while alpacas wandered nearby.

One of my favorite memories wasn’t actually Machu Picchu. It was sitting on our balcony at Belmond Rio Sagrado listening to the Urubamba River after dinner.

We compressed day 5 and 6 activities into a single day…I suggest 2 days to leisurely explore. But if you are planning your trip as a one week in Peru, then one day in sacred valley will work just fine for seeing all the major sites.

Day 6: Ride the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

Today is one of the highlights of the trip.

Board the Belmond Hiram Bingham train for one of the world’s great rail journeys. If you are here for a Luxury Peru itinerary, then you can’t miss this!

Champagne welcomes you aboard while live music, gourmet dining, and spectacular scenery accompany you through the Sacred Valley toward Machu Picchu.

The polished wood interiors and open observation car feel wonderfully nostalgic.

Then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for.

Machu Picchu.

Nothing quite prepares you for that first glimpse.

Clouds drift across ancient stone terraces while green mountains rise dramatically around one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Spend the afternoon exploring the citadel with your guide before returning by train.

Our complete experience aboard the Hiram Bingham deserves its own story, which you can read here.

Day 7: Return to Cusco

After breakfast, make the scenic drive back to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Sitting at over 11,000 feet above sea level, Cusco blends Inca foundations with Spanish colonial architecture, creating one of the most beautiful cities in South America.

We checked into Belmond Hotel Monasterio, a former 16th century monastery that is now one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels. Built around a peaceful courtyard filled with flowers and centuries old cedar trees, the hotel offers oxygen-enriched rooms that make adjusting to the altitude much easier.

Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming neighborhood of San Blas, known for its artisan workshops, narrow cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés. It’s one of our favorite parts of Cusco and the perfect place to slow down after a busy few days exploring the Sacred Valley.

As evening falls, head to the Plaza de Armas, where beautifully illuminated churches and lively restaurants create a magical atmosphere.

Day 8: Discover Historic Cusco

Today is all about exploring the rich history and culture of Cusco.

Begin your morning in the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city since Inca times. Admire the impressive Cusco Cathedral before walking to Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Dedicated to the Sun God Inti, its massive stone walls still form the foundation beneath the Spanish-built Church of Santo Domingo.

One of the things we loved most about Cusco was simply wandering without an agenda. Every narrow alley seems to lead to a hidden courtyard, colorful market, or centuries-old doorway. Along the way you’ll spot beautifully dressed locals in traditional clothing, musicians playing Andean melodies, and shops selling handmade alpaca sweaters, woven textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry.

Spend the afternoon exploring San Pedro Market, where locals shop for everything from fresh fruit and flowers to traditional Peruvian dishes. It’s a wonderful place to experience everyday life and sample local specialties.

For dinner, Cusco has an excellent dining scene. Reserve a table at MAP Café, Chicha by Gastón Acurio, or Cicciolina, three of the city’s most popular restaurants that combine traditional Andean ingredients with contemporary Peruvian cuisine.

Day 9: Cusco and Nearby Inca Ruins

Before heading home, spend one more day discovering the remarkable archaeological sites just outside the city.

Visit the massive stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán, whose enormous precisely fitted stones continue to amaze archaeologists today. Continue to Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, all located within a short drive of the city and offering fascinating insights into Inca engineering and religious traditions.

If you prefer a slower pace, spend the day shopping for handcrafted souvenirs, relaxing at a café overlooking the Plaza de Armas, or enjoying one last leisurely Peruvian meal. This what we ended up doing. We did visited the chocolate musuem and learnt the art of making chocolate. A perfectly relaxing day!

Cusco is one of those cities where we found ourselves putting the camera away and simply wandering.

Cusco has a way of drawing you in. It’s a city where history is woven into everyday life, where ancient Inca walls support colonial buildings, and where every street seems to tell another story. We could easily have spent a few more days here simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Best Restaurants in Cusco

One of our favorite meals in Cusco was at Pachapapa, tucked away in the charming San Blas neighborhood. With its rustic courtyard, wood-fired oven, and traditional Andean dishes, it was exactly the kind of restaurant we love discovering while traveling. If you’re looking to try local specialties like roasted cuy, alpaca steak, or hearty Peruvian stews in a beautiful setting, this is the place.

Other Restaurants in Cusco

Morena Peruvian Kitchen: Colorful décor and hearty Peruvian comfort food that’s perfect after a day of sightseeing.

MAP Café: Fine dining in a beautiful glass-enclosed courtyard inside the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

Chicha by Gastón Acurio: Elevated Peruvian cuisine featuring regional ingredients and traditional recipes.

LIMO: Excellent ceviche and Nikkei cuisine overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Great views and we loved our lunch here.

Cicciolina: A longtime favorite for tapas, fresh pasta, and an intimate atmosphere. Our guide had recommended this restaurant. Walking distance from our hotel, this was another great place we dined in Cusco.

Day 10: Fly Home

Fly from Cusco back to Lima and connect with your international flight home.

After ten unforgettable days, you’ll leave with memories of ancient civilizations, incredible cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

For us, Peru wasn’t just about Machu Picchu.

It was about every delicious meal, every winding mountain road, every sunrise over the Sacred Valley, and every quiet moment that reminded us why we travel.

Where We Stayed

Lima (2 Nights)

• Belmond Miraflores Park
• Hotel B
• JW Marriott Lima

Sacred Valley (3 Nights)

• Belmond Rio Sagrado
• Tambo del Inka
• Explora Sacred Valley

Cusco (3 Nights)

• Belmond Hotel Monasterio
• Palacio Nazarenas
• Palacio del Inka

Best Time to Visit Peru

The dry season from May through September offers the clearest skies and best hiking conditions. We visited during spring break and found the weather nearly perfect, with cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and only occasional rain in the mountains.

Tips for Planning Your Peru Itinerary

• Spend at least two days in Lima.
• Fly into Cusco but drive immediately to the Sacred Valley to acclimatize.
• Book Machu Picchu tickets well in advance.
• If your budget allows, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of water and take it easy during your first day at altitude.

Final Thoughts

Peru is one of those rare destinations that exceeds every expectation. We came for Machu Picchu, but left talking just as much about the incredible food in Lima, the peaceful beauty of the Sacred Valley, the vibrant streets of Cusco, and the unforgettable journey through the Andes aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham.

Taking ten days allowed us to experience Peru at a comfortable pace. Beginning in Lima gave us time to appreciate the country’s world-renowned culinary scene before heading into the mountains. Spending a few nights in the Sacred Valley helped us acclimatize while exploring ancient Inca sites and charming villages, making our visit to Machu Picchu even more enjoyable. And ending our journey in Cusco provided the perfect finale, with its fascinating history, colorful markets, and beautiful colonial architecture.

If you’re planning your first trip to Peru, this itinerary strikes a wonderful balance between culture, history, luxury, and adventure. Whether you’re sipping a Pisco Sour overlooking the Pacific, watching the sunrise over the Andes, or wandering centuries-old cobblestone streets, Peru has a way of leaving a lasting impression.

It’s a destination that stays with you long after you’ve returned home, and one we’ll happily return to again, especially to Lima!

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