8 Days in Peru: Top 4 Recommendations

Day 1	Arrive in Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, and explore the fascinating city
Day 2	Visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress with a local guide
Day 3	Travel to Pisac village in the Sacred Valley and browse its famous craft market
Day 4	Take a day trip to the salt mines at Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray
Day 5	Visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo and sample chicha, the traditional corn beer
Day 6	Board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu
Day 7	Rise early to be one of the first visitors to Machu Picchu at sunrise
Day 8	Depart Cusco for home after an unforgettable Peru trip

This classic itinerary covers Peru's top highlights—Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the magnificent Machu Picchu. Spend several days delving into Cusco's fascinating blend of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture, including the impressive Cathedral and the Qorikancha temple. Venture into the Sacred Valley to explore the colorful Pisac market, the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, and the picturesque Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Don't miss the chance to witness the salt evaporation ponds of Maras, a stunning patchwork of white terraces against the green landscape. The journey culminates with a scenic train ride through the Andes to Aguas Calientes, followed by an unforgettable sunrise visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. With ample time to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, it's an unmissable 8-day adventure through the heart of the ancient Inca empire.

 

Day 1	Arrive in Lima and take an evening food tour of the city’s top culinary hotspots
Day 2	Fly to Cusco and take it easy to adjust to the altitude
Day 3	Choose between rafting on the Urubamba River or mountain biking in the Andes
Day 4	Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for an iconic first glimpse
Day 5	Explore Machu Picchu in depth before returning to Cusco
Day 6	Try sandboarding and dune buggy riding down the giant sand dunes at Huacachina
Day 7	Take a flight to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to your Amazon Jungle lodge
Day 8	End your trip in Lima

This high-octane 8-day Peru itinerary packs thrilling adventures into eight exhilarating days. Begin in Lima, savoring its world-renowned culinary scene in the trendy Miraflores and Barranco districts. Then, head to Cusco for heart-pumping activities in the Sacred Valley, such as rafting the rapids of the Urubamba River or mountain biking through Andean villages like Maras and Moray. Hike a portion of the legendary Inca Trail, arriving at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for an unforgettable vista. After exploring the ancient citadel, journey to the desert oasis of Huacachina for adrenaline-fueled sandboarding and dune buggy rides. Finally, plunge into the lush Amazon rainforest near Puerto Maldonado, where you'll trek through the jungle, spot diverse wildlife, and maybe even zipline through the canopy.

Day 1	Arrive in Lima, take a street food tour, and enjoy an evening showcasing Peruvian culture
Day 2	Fly to Trujillo and sample locally-produced craft beer and giant corn kernels
Day 3	Explore the enormous ancient adobe city of Chan Chan and surf at Huanchaco beach
Day 4	Visit the archaeological sites of Huacas del Sol y de la Luna and the colonial city of Trujillo
Day 5	Ride into the Andes to hike amongst the incredible ancient ruins of Kuelap fortress
Day 6	Take a bus to Chiclayo and learn about the fascinating Sican culture at museums
Day 7	Go on a wildlife-spotting boat trip to the Islas Ballestas seabird sanctuaries
Day 8	Fly to Lima and explore the bohemian Barranco neighborhood's chic cafes and galleries before departure

This 8 days in Peru itinerary uncovers the rich but often overlooked treasures of coastal northern Peru. Begin in Lima's bohemian Barranco neighborhood before flying to Trujillo, known for its vibrant Plaza de Armas and colorful colonial mansions. Explore the enormous adobe city of Chan Chan and the nearby fishing village of Huanchaco, famous for its caballitos de totora reed boats. Venture to the Moche pyramids of Huaca del Sol y de la Luna, adorned with intricate friezes. Journey into the cloud forests of Chachapoyas to discover the mind-boggling ancient Kuelap fortress, often called the "Machu Picchu of the north." In Chiclayo, delve into the fascinating Sicán culture at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. Finally, take a boat trip to the wildlife-rich Islas Ballestas, nicknamed the "Poor Man's Galápagos," where you'll spot penguins, sea lions, and countless seabirds against dramatic coastal cliffs.

Day 1	Arrive in Lima, then fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon
Day 2	Spend the day spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and macaws on a jungle hike
Day 3	Take a boat trip on the Tambopata River for the chance to see giant river otters
Day 4	Return to Lima and fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire
Day 5	Discover Cusco’s captivating blend of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture
Day 6	Take an evening train across the high Andean plains to Puno on Lake Titicaca
Day 7	Board a boat tour visiting the fascinating floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
Day 8	Interact with island communities on a homestay visit on tranquil Amantani Island then head back to Puno

This itinerary for 8 days in Peru combines the main highlights: the Amazon Jungle, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Begin your adventure in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, where you'll stay in an eco-lodge along the Tambopata River. Spend days hiking through the rainforest, spotting wildlife like caimans, capybaras, and colorful macaws. Next, explore Cusco's captivating blend of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture, including the San Blas neighborhood and the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress. Cross the lofty Andean plains on a scenic train journey to Puno, the folklore capital of Peru on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Explore the world's highest navigable lake, visiting the fascinating floating Uros Islands made entirely of totora reeds. End your journey with a tranquil homestay on Amantani or Taquile Island.

With an 8-day trip in Peru, you can take in all the main highlights or get off the beaten track, focusing on a particular region or theme. You could even spend 8 days exploring just one part of the country in-depth, like the magical city of Cusco.

Connect with our local experts to help craft your dream 8-day customized Peru trip. For more information, read our Peru guide.