The Best 10-Day Peru Itinerary for First Time Visitors

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Heading to Peru for the first time? You’re probably a bit lost trying to figure out how to see all these incredible sights in a quick 10-day trip. I know I was! 

Once we arrived in Peru, we found so much to do that we overstayed our visa and lived here for a few months. During this time we traveled all around the country, hitting big-ticket sights like Machu Picchu, and finding quaint towns, amazing locals, and delicious food.

To make your life easier, we put together this ideal 10-day Peru itinerary. It includes recommendations on tours, where to stay, can’t-miss sights, and more. All you have to do is follow our outline and you’ll have a memorable experience!

Peru 10-Day Itinerary Overview

• Start: Lima
• End: Arequipa
• Highlights: Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Maldonado Amazon trip, and Arequipa.
• Mode of Transport: Bus, shuttle, and domestic flights

Peru is one of our favorite countries in the world. You’ll hear us rave about the people, the food, and the incredible outdoors all throughout this blog and there’s a reason for it – it’s truly that amazing! This 10-day itinerary does a great job of hitting the highlights of Peru in a streamlined process. 

You’ll spend a few days exploring Lima and Cusco, both of which are unique cities and have a lot to offer. We’ve listed the top things to do in both cities, to help fill your time (which won’t be hard to do!). From Cusco, you can easily hit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with a convenient 2-day tour, and trust me you’ll be happy you did these two together! 

The next few days are busy, so you can either choose to take a rest day or lace up your hiking boots and tackle Rainbow Mountain. After this, you’re off on a 3-day Amazon adventure from Puerto Maldonado. This itinerary finishes off in Arequipa, one of the best historic cities out there. 

This itinerary is crafted to give you the freedom to pick and choose activities that best fit your travel style. Whether you want more adventure or some slow days exploring the cities, it’s up to you! There are also a few multi-day tours that make visiting the remote corners of Peru much easier. After traveling all over the country ourselves, trust us when we say the convenience of tours is totally worth the cost! 

Day 1: Lima – Explore the City

Most people think Lima is just another big city, but after exploring and loving it so much, we decided to live here for a short while! What makes Lima so special? It has some of the best food in all of Peru, so I’d say it’s essential to spend at least one day exploring the capital city.

We put together a great one-day Lima itinerary that gives you a taste of all this city has to offer. I suggest reading our full one-day itinerary here for all the details, but I’ll give you a quick overview below:

Breakfast: Churros and coffee from Manolo are the only way to start your day! This combo is famous in Lima and quickly became one of our favorite traditions.

Morning: Spend a few hours exploring the historic center – full of old colonial-style buildings, impressive cathedrals, and centuries-old ruins, there’s a lot to see. We joined this 3.5-hour Lima City Sightseeing Tour to get the local perspective on the city, and I’d highly recommend this option.

Lunch: Head to Fiesta Restaurant to try some traditional Peruvian food. We think this is Lima’s best hidden gem!

Afternoon: Explore our two favorite neighborhoods – Miraflores and Barranco. There’s a lot of local shopping at markets, great ocean viewpoints, history, and art, so dive into the local culture!

Night/Dinner: The world’s best food tour is in Lima, at least in our opinion! This 5-hour food tour takes you to a trendy ocean-front cocktail bar, a restaurant inside a 2,500-year-old building, and is full of the the freshest and most flavorful food – seriously!

Other Things to do in Lima

1.  Swim with sea lions

Looking for a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime sort of activity while in Lima? How does swimming with sea lions sound!? Lima sits right on the coast, facing the Pacific Ocean, so unique wildlife encounters and sea views are right at your fingertips. 

We joined this 2.5-hour tour, which took us on a boat ride to the Palomino Islands, home to over 10,000 sea lions, penguins, and sea birds. Sea lions are incredibly playful, curious, and friendly. We set anchor and dived in, and the sea lions were swimming around and bumping our feet in no time! I’ll admit – I was a bit nervous about this experience, as sea lions are HUGE, but they were so silly that my fears quickly disappeared. 

I highly suggest taking this same tour we went on, as the company is reputable and has great respect for the animals. They made sure that the sea lions were just as safe as we were. This experience is $72 USD and includes a speedboat ride, wetsuits and lifejackets, snacks, and your amazing guides. 

Book this tour with over 400 5-star reviews here, before spots fill up!

2. Go paragliding 

See Lima and the Pacific Ocean from an aerial view when you go paragliding! Taking off from the Miraflores neighborhood, this is actually one of the most popular activities in Lima – you can’t miss it. 

I recommend booking your paragliding flight before you go to ensure your spot and that it’s a reputable company! There are a few different companies that take off from the Malecon in Miraflores, right next to the large grassy area, perfect for taking flight. 

The flight time is 10-12 minutes, which feels much longer than it sounds when you’re gliding through the air. It comes with an instructor so you can feel secure and just enjoy the views!

Prices vary by season but are typically about $75 USD. You can reserve your spot in advance (recommended during busy season) and have free cancellation 24 hours before you depart. We love having this flexibility just in case plans change, but we can still secure this epic experience. 

Book this paragliding experience here with FREE cancellation before you take off!

3. Visit the Pachacamac Ruins

You bet we’ve added a few different Inca ruins sites to this itinerary – when in Peru right!? Luckily you don’t have to travel far to reach the Pachacamac Ruins, they are just 30 minutes from Miraflores. This ancient city dates back to 200 AD and was inhabited for over 1,200 years.

We were eager to learn about this long-standing history, so we joined this half-day tour with an expert guide. It was also super convenient that the tour included transportation to and from the ruins, and I couldn’t believe how much we learned in just 4 hours. It was a great introduction to the ancient Incan culture before you head to Machu Picchu later on!

This tour includes your guide, transportation, and entrance to the Pachacamac Ruins for $55 USD.

Check availability and reserve this tour of the Pachacama Ruins here!

4. Huacachina and Ica day trip from Lima

If cities aren’t your thing or you’ve already spent time in Lima, a day trip to Huacachina is the next obvious choice! This is a small town about a 3.5-hour drive from Lima. It’s also called “the Oasis” because of the lake surrounded by palm trees in the middle of the desert and sand dunes. It’s incredibly scenic, and such a unique side of Peru. 

Because this is such a long journey, I recommend joining this day trip to Ica and Huacachina. Ica is the larger coastal city closest to Huacachina, but the main event is exploring the dunes in Huacachina. You’ll ride a dune buggy up the mountains (which is bumpy and thrilling), then sandboard down, even more thrilling in my opinion! We had so much fun on this experience, and our guides were great at giving instructions and ensuring we were safe too.

You’ll also have time to explore the Oasis, I suggest finding a lakeside bar to enjoy a pisco sour with some of the best views you could ask for! You can read our full guide to visiting Huacachina to get all the details before you go.

This tour also includes a boat trip to Ballestas Islands to see hundreds of penguins, and stopping for a traditional lunch in Paracas. While this is a long day, they do a good job of breaking it up with lots of unique stops, great sightseeing, and a comfy ride! The luxury bus is equipped with bathrooms, TVs, and AC, so it makes for a relaxing drive. This full-day journey is $139 USD, which we think is a good price for how good of a tour this is!

Check out the 3,400+ 5-star reviews and book this popular tour here!

5. Ballestas Island and Paracas Nature Reserve Tour

Keen on finding some more wildlife while staying in Lima? Taking this day trip to the Ballestas Islands is your best bet! It’s about a 3-hour drive from Lima to Paracas, where you will then catch a boat out towards the islands. So while it’s quite a journey to get there, it’s totally worth it if you’re an animal lover!

The Ballestas Islands are cheekily called “the poor man’s Galapagos of Peru” because there are a lot of the same animals, without the prestige of the Galapagos title. You can see the famous Blue-footed Booby bird, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, sea birds, and more! Unfortunately, you can’t go on the island to explore, so the entire sightseeing tour is on a boat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see a lot of unique animals by water. 

Tours are typically 12+ hour days and oftentimes are just paired with a day trip to Huacachina and Ica (as mentioned before). But, we love that there are tours like this one that focus solely on the Ballestas Islands, which is ideal if you’re interested in the gorgeous beaches and wildlife in the Paracas Nature Reserve. 

Prices vary by group size, starting at $215 USD per person for a group of 3 and getting cheaper the more people you have. This includes transportation, an expert guide, and all entrance fees for the day!

Book this day trip to the Ballestas Islands in advance here for FREE cancellation options!

Where to Stay in Lima

Our personal favorite area to stay in Lima is the Miraflores neighborhood! This is where the bulk of Lima’s hotels are located, and it’s full of life, activities, and some of the best food in the city (the real reason we travel!). Here are my top three places to stay for any budget:

JW Marriott Hotel Lima (Luxury) – All the amenities and luxuries you’d expect from the Marriot hotels, including ocean views and a central location.

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro (Mid-range) – Located in a quiet and safe area, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops – plus, it’s super highly rated on Booking.com!

Selina Miraflores (Budget) – Great location with clean and affordable rooms, part of the popular Selina chain so you know the quality is high. Private rooms or dorm beds are available on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Related Read: If you want to get out of the city, check out our favorite day trips from Lima here!

Day 2: Cusco – Arrive and Explore the City

Today, you’ll take the quick 1-hour and 20-minute flight from Lima to Cusco. I recommend getting an early flight so you will arrive in Cusco in the morning.

It’s super important to take it easy on this first day and allow your body to acclimatize to the high elevation in Cusco. The elevation here is 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level, which is a stark jump from Lima.

If you arrive in the morning, this will give you time to relax for a bit, then take this guided tour of the city in the afternoon. This will give you a good introduction to Cusco, and then you will know where to go back and explore further tomorrow! It’s a 3.5-hour tour to explore the historic center, the local market, and ancient ruins located right in the city. If you have time before or after the tour, you can wander around the city by yourself and explore the Sacsayhuaman Ruins on your own!

Take that evening to relax back at your hotel – you don’t want to overdo it when you’re at that high of elevation! Tomorrow, you’ll have all day to explore Cusco and will want to be well-rested. 

Where to Stay in Cusco

Most hotels are centrally located in downtown Cusco. This puts you within walking distance to all of the can’t-miss sights, and where many day trips take off from. It’s the most convenient option and there are great accommodations for all budgets.

Palacio del Inka (Luxury) – Enjoy the colonial style paired with luxury at this modern stay! With a stunning outdoor area, high-end rooms, a fitness center, a pool, and on-site restaurants, this is a relaxing stay.

Casa Matara Boutique (Mid-range) – Modern, clean, comfortable rooms at a very reasonable price, located in the center of the city.

Selina Plaza De Armas (Budget) – A budget-friendly hostel offering dorms, private rooms, and unique outdoor tent options. Reserve a room on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Day 3: Cusco

Now that you’ve rested up, you should be feeling better with the altitude – so spend today exploring Cusco to its fullest! Take the morning to go shopping at the local markets, then choose a few activities off the list below for the afternoon and evening.

Cusco is really popular for souvenir shopping because of the unique handmade goods. We loved the blankets made of llama wool, you can also find clothes, bags, and hats. I still wear my alpaca sweater to this day, it’s so soft and warm. Avenida el Sol is the main street in town, and there’s usually a weekend craft market in the San Blas area. You’ll find a variety of local artisans working on their craft, from jewelry, paintings, clothing, wooden art, and more. 

Start working on your negotiating skills, as haggling is totally normal here! You can usually get items for about a quarter of the price. 

Things to do in Cusco

1. Cooking class 

One of our favorite parts of traveling is trying all the yummy local foods, so we’ve found cooking classes to be a fun way to dive into the culture! They are usually taught by a local who has recipes passed down for generations and often use traditional cooking techniques. So taking one of these classes in a country with as old and rich history as Peru is truly next level!

We had a great time with this 4-hour cooking class, where we even went to the market to get ingredients with our host. The exact menu might change but we made ceviche, a sort of crispy purple corn, and stuffed chili peppers. Oh, and pisco sours of course! We also appreciated that the group was capped at 12 people, so it didn’t feel too big and we could make some friends as we cooked. 

This memorable experience was only $59 USD, which we felt was a great price because we ate a lot and had such a fun time!

Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this tour before you go here!

2. Wander the Museo de La Coca 

The coca plant has been part of Peru’s history and culture for over 5,000 years. It’s been used in rituals, celebrations, and for health benefits, like treating altitude sickness for example!

You can learn all about the history of this plant at the Museo de la Coca! It’s actually pretty fascinating, and you probably are familiar with its more modern uses – as a drug and as flavoring for Coca-Cola. 

You’ll need about 30 minutes to tour the whole museum, and be sure to visit the shop that’s part of the museum to try coca-flavored candies and other treats. The Museo de la Coca is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm and entrance is 10 soles (about $2.75 USD).

3. Hike up to the Cristo Blanco Statue (great for acclimatizing for Machu Picchu) 

If you’re up for a little urban hiking, you can see one of the best views of Cusco. Take a 30-minute hike up to the Cristo Blanco Statue, which is actually located on a sacred hill called Pukamoqo Hill. This is an 8-meter (26-foot) statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, sitting right atop a hill – it’s pretty impressive to see!

You can take off on this hike from Plaza de Armas, and it’s a pretty easy walk, despite the uphill climb. Think of this as your practice for hiking at Machu Picchu! Once you reach the statue, there are no entrance fees and it’s open all the time. 

We learned that this was a gift from the Arab-Palestinians as a thank you, as Cusco sheltered many refugees during WWII, which was a fascinating piece of history!

This hike offers beautiful views all the time, but if you can go at sunset (around 5:30 to 6:30 pm) you will be treated to the most gorgeous views of all! The statue starts to light up, and the dusk view of Cusco is absolutely breathtaking (and that’s not just the elevation talking!).

4. Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal 

If you’re up for another scenic overlook, head to the Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal. This is just a 10-15 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas and is an easier walk than getting to the Cristo Blanco Statue. The views are just as amazing, especially on a clear day! You’ll often find locals up here and it’s never been too crowded, so it’s a lovely spot to hang out for a while. 

This is a favorite stop on some of the free walking tours of Cusco, so if you’d like a little more information about the city be sure to join one of these!

5. Museo de Arte Precolombino 

There is obviously a lot to learn about the Incan Empire and Peru’s history, so I’d say it’s almost necessary to visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino. This museum has 3,000 years’ worth of history, and the 400 artifacts on display are world-renowned for how well they’ve been preserved. 

You can wander through the ten rooms full of artifacts from pre-Columbian civilizations. Each room is different, displaying various materials used like wood, silver, gold, or a specific time period or region in Peru. We thought it was really well put together and interesting the whole way through. 

The museum is open every day from 8 am to 10 pm and is located in the center of town. Admission is 20 soles (about $5 USD), so go and enjoy!

Day 4: Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley

It’s finally time to see Machu Picchu! This is likely one of the main reasons you came to Peru – it certainly was for us. Upon doing research, we quickly learned that the easiest way to get there is by taking an organized tour. We also learned that there are a lot of tours out there!

To simplify your planning, we recommend taking this two-day tour that visits both Machu Picchu and other can’t-miss sights in the Sacred Valley. We went on this exact tour and thought it was a worthwhile way to see Machu Picchu – they took care of so many details for us! 

On the first day of this tour, you’ll visit the Sacred Valley from Cusco. It makes a variety of stops in the Sacred Valley and includes a train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Taking off from Cusco, the tour will pick you up from your hotel around 7:30 am. Here’s an overview of the other stops for the day!

If you’re ready to book this highly-rated tour now – check availability and secure your spot here!

Awana Kancha

Your first leg of the journey isn’t very long, as Awana Kancha is only about a 30-minute drive outside of Cusco. This stop is short and sweet – it’s a museum and a farm where you will learn all about textiles, weaving, and how important they are to Peru’s culture and economy. Of course, there are tons of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas that love taking photos with you (just watch out for their spit!).

Pisac and Pisac Market

Another 15 minutes up the road is your first glimpse of Incan Ruins for the day! The Pisac Ruins are right outside of the town of Pisac (go figure) and are famous for their agricultural terraces.

This was actually a full city, so there were also watchtowers, residences, and temples, that are now in ruins. You’ll have a full hour to explore with your guide and learn about the ancient agricultural methods used by the Incans.

Next, you’ll head into the town of Pisac and hit the famous Pisac Market! This market has been around for centuries and you can find just about anything here. It’s known for its textiles using llamas and alpaca wool, and there are a lot of other handmade wooden trinkets, brightly colored crafts, pottery, jewelry, and lots of yummy food. Grab an empanada and enjoy strolling through the stalls – there’s a lot to see!

Ollantaytambo

After making a stop in Urubamba for lunch, you’ll reach Ollantaytambo! This is another famous Incan archeological site that was once the royal estate of the emperor, and a bustling city. You’ll have an hour to explore the ruins with your guides, who I am always so thankful to have their knowledge here – there’s so much to learn!

Ollantaytambo is another important stop because this is where the trains depart! Your group will hop on the 4 pm Inca Rail train (tickets included in your tour price) and head towards Aguas Calientes. When booking your tour tickets, you’ll be able to choose your level of comfort on the train, depending on your budget. Check out the options and be sure to select your preferred train class here!

Aguas Calientes

Then you’ll reach Aguas Calientes for the night. The train will get in around 6 pm and you’ll head to the hotel to drop your bags, then the evening is yours. Your overnight stay is included in the tour price, and the hotel rooms are clean, comfortable, and great to rest up for a big day tomorrow – Machu Picchu!

We enjoyed having the evening free to explore the cute town of Aguas Calientes and have dinner wherever we wanted. Keep in mind that meals are not included in today’s activities, so bring enough money with you!

Related Read: Peru has some world-class hiking. Check out our blog on hiking the Salkantay Trek to hear our experience and honest review!

Day 5: Continue Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Today we are going to finish up our two-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco! We love the convenience of this 2-day tour because you can experience the beauty of the Sacred Valley (yesterday’s activity) and Machu Picchu, without having to plan much at all!

Machu Picchu

Your day starts with breakfast at the hotel (included in the tour price) and a short bus ride to the gates of Machu Picchu! There is truly so much to know about Machu Picchu (check out our blog here), so we were really grateful the first hour was spent on a guided tour with our group. It gave us a lay of the land and helped us recognize certain structures and know their significance.

We then had a few hours to explore on our own! This was my favorite part of this entire 2-day trip, it was magical to wander around the ancient ruins at our own pace.

We had about 4 hours at Machu Picchu in total, and unfortunately, this doesn’t give you enough time to hike Machu Picchu Mountain. But perhaps on your next visit to Machu Picchu, you can make it a hiking trip – check out our favorite tours from Cusco to Machu Picchu here to see your options.

Some of the “must-see” ruins and attractions at Machu Picchu are:

Journey back to Cusco

The final leg of this 2-day excursion to Machu Picchu will take you back to Cusco. After 4 hours of exploring the historic ruins, your group will catch the bus to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll stop for lunch (at your own expense) and any last-minute souvenir shopping. Then you’ll catch the 4 pm train back to Ollantaytambo, a van ride to Cusco, and should be back in the city around 6 pm!

This is a jam-packed two days, but it’s the easiest way to experience the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. We loved that it was a small group of just 10 other travelers so we didn’t have the inconveniences of a giant tour group, and we made some friends to travel with! This tour is also very inclusive, the only things we had to pay for were our meals and the entrance fees to the Sacred Valley (70 soles/about $19 USD).

With over 800 5-star reviews, we aren’t the only ones who love this tour! I recommend booking it as far in advance as you can, as you will have to select your class of train and hotel room type and you don’t want to miss your preferred options!

Check out the hundreds of glowing reviews and book this epic 2-day tour in advance here.

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain or Relax

Since you’ll be getting back pretty late from the two-day Machu Picchu tour, you can choose whether you want another adventure or take the day to relax! By day 6 of a 10-day sprint through Peru, you might be a bit exhausted, so taking a day off is totally okay. 

But if you’re thirsty for more, then add an early morning hike to Rainbow Mountain to your itinerary!

Rainbow Mountain full-day tour

Rainbow Mountain is about a 3-hour drive from Cusco. Since it’s quite a journey to get there, it’s much easier to go with a tour group. We went on this full-day Rainbow Mountain hiking tour and had a wonderful experience.

They offer a 3:30 am pick-up to beat the crowds, but after such a long day yesterday, we recommend taking the later morning tour with a 6:30 am pick-up time. Don’t worry, you can promptly fall back asleep for the 3-hour car ride to the hike!

The hike to the top of Rainbow Mountain is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to the top, so while it isn’t super long, it’s the extreme elevation that will kick your butt. The hike starts at 4,326 meters (14,189 feet) and reaches 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) at the peak. For context, this is nearly the same altitude as the Mount Everest base camp. Even seasoned hikers struggle with this hike – we certainly did.

But, I must say that it is 100% worth it. If you like a challenge with a reward at the end – this hike will bring it! The views of this one-of-a-kind mountain are worth any struggle, and the feeling of accomplishing such a challenging hike was euphoric.

We loved this tour because the guides were helpful and supportive, which gave us peace of mind in case we struggled with altitude sickness. They provide oxygen, lunch, and transportation, so all the details are taken care of for you. You can rent horses if hiking is too difficult, and be sure to have cash for the entrance fee (30 soles/$8 USD). This full-day tour is $98 USD per person – I recommend booking it in advance as it’s popular!

Be sure to read our full guide to hiking Rainbow Mountain before you go, so you’re well-prepared!

Book this tour with 500+ glowing reviews here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.

Day 7: Fly to Puerto Maldonado Amazon

Peru is full of bucket list experiences, and we’ll cross yet another item off by heading to Puerto Maldonado to visit the Amazon Rainforest! We loved visiting the Amazon from Puerto Maldonado because this town is far less touristy than other areas, and it’s pretty easy to get to from Cusco – it’s just a 1-hour flight. So this morning, hop on an early flight and arrive in the city by mid-morning. 

From there, we recommend joining this 3-day, 2-night tour to the Amazon. We actually did this same tour and had an incredible experience. Not only did we see some iconic wildlife, but our tour was well organized, the logistics were seamless, and the food and accommodations were high-quality. It made our Amazon experience all the more memorable, so we think this is a great option for your last few days in Peru. 

The tour takes off between 10 am and 1:30 pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to meet your tour group if you take an early flight this morning.

We’ll break down exactly what you’ll be doing on this three-day tour next. Be sure to read our ultimate guide to visiting Puerto Maldonado for all the details!

If you’re ready to book this tour, do so here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you leave 

Puerto Maldonado

When you first arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the tour will actually pick you up from the airport – what service! You won’t spend too much time in the city, but head to the tour operator’s office to get ready for the Amazon excursion.

Since we were traveling by boat, we had to downsize our belongings to just the things we’d need for the next three days. They provide secure storage for all the extra luggage left behind, and also duffel bags if we need an overnight bag. Once our group of 8 people was all set, they drove us to their private port on the Tambopata River – bon voyage!

Boat ride up the Tambopata River

Now this is where the fun begins! We loaded up in the boat and took the 2-3 hour journey up the Tambopata River. The exact time depends on how often the boat stops to see wildlife, and we saw a lot on our journey. Our guides pointed out various birds, caimans (a reptile), capybaras, and even monkeys!

They also gave us a box lunch and drinks on the boat, which we were grateful for because we were pretty hungry by this point! 

This isn’t a ride on the river just for the sake of exploring. We were actually heading towards our accommodation, which is so remote that it must be reached by boat. 

Finca Sachavacayoc (“the lodge”)

After a few hours on the river, we arrived at Finca Sachavacayoc –  our home for the next two nights. I couldn’t believe how luxurious this place was for having to arrive on a boat. The crew would affectionately call it “the lodge” and its cozy cabanas definitely had a lodge feel.

If you’re traveling with another person, you will get a double cabana for yourself. But if you’re a solo traveler you can choose to share a double cabana with someone or book a single one – it depends on your budget!

We dropped our bags off and had a little while to rest – it’s already been a pretty full day! But, to make the most out of our time, our tour guides took us on a little jungle walk so we could experience the Amazon up close for the first time. We went out at night so we could see some of the nocturnal animals, such as frogs, owls, and tarantulas!

The night ended with a delicious dinner at the lodge and an early bedtime – tomorrow’s another early morning! 

Day 8: Puerto Maldonado Amazon

Chuncho clay lick

Day two of this 3-day Maldonado Amazon tour started early as we headed further up the Tambopata River. It’s a two-hour journey up the river, but it goes quickly as you can take in the views and enjoy breakfast on the boat! We had one specific destination in mind this time – the Chuncho clay licks! This is where you can see dozens of Macaw birds licking the clay deposits (hence the name). 

If you’ve never heard of clay licks before (like me), this is a natural occurrence where mineral-rich soil erodes from the clay on a rock wall. It usually happens near water sources, so it’s no wonder there’s one here! This is a favorite treat of Macaw parrots (and other types of birds) and you can usually spot them feeding here in the morning. The Chuncho clay lick is actually the largest in the world, so this is the absolute best spot to see the Macaw birds.

We saw several Macaws feeding and more capybaras and caimans, and you might get lucky and see the elusive tapir and jaguar!

Since we got an early start for the day, it was only lunchtime by the time we made it back to the lodge. We had a yummy meal, followed by some time to rest before taking off on our afternoon/evening adventure. 

Tres Chimbadas Lake

This afternoon will be spent taking a leisure hike to a lake in search of more animals. By now we had fully settled into this jungle explorer role and were having so much fun – I’m sure you will too!

We trekked through the Puerto Maldonado Amazon toward Tres Chimbadas Lake. While I say trek, it was a pretty flat and easy jungle walk, and we stopped frequently to check out the wildlife. And once we reached the lake, we found even more animals hanging around in the trees, skirting along the jungle floor, and flying above the trees. The lake was so pretty too, and I couldn’t believe how quiet it was – I mean we were in the middle of the Amazon, so not like it could get too crowded!

We also had the option to add on piranha fishing, and I couldn’t say no! I love fishing anywhere we go, and fishing for piranhas in the Amazon was a total bucket list activity. We caught a few within minutes, and getting to see them up close made me realize how they got their infamous reputation. Their jaws were incredibly powerful, getting them off the hook was quite the task!

That evening, we enjoyed dinner at the lodge and had the option of doing another night walk near our accommodation. I couldn’t pass up another chance to see the nocturnal animals, especially with this being our last night in the Amazon!

Day 9: Puerto Maldonado Amazon to Arequipa

Boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado

Before we knew it, it was our last day of the tour (and our second to last day in Peru!). It was a pretty quiet morning but we enjoyed breakfast at the lodge, listening to all the jungle birds and critters over coffee. Then we took the 2-hour boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado, stopping a few more times to check out the wildlife!

Once we arrived back in town, we went to the tour office to collect our things, and they provided transportation to the airport – it’s time to fly out again!

We loved our experience on this tour and have nothing but good things to say about it. It included all meals, transportation, activities, and accommodation. We just paid for alcoholic drinks and water while we were there. While it’s a bit more expensive than many activities you’ll find in Peru, we thought $470 USD per person was a great price for how epic of an experience this was. 

I recommend booking this tour in advance, as it’s one of the best Puerto Maldonado tours out there. Plus, you can reserve your spot now and get free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour departs – just in case plans change.

Reserve your spot on this highly-rated tour of the Amazon here and access FREE cancellation options!

Fly to Arequipa in the evening

The last stop on your 10-day Peru itinerary is Arequipa. So once you finish up this 3-day tour, you can go to the airport and catch an afternoon flight. The flight is about 4.5 hours, and there usually isn’t a direct flight here, so you’ll want to head out early or expect to get in late.

Where to Stay in Arequipa

There are a lot of beautiful accommodations in Arequipa, so even if you’re only here for a night or two you’ll want to choose the perfect place to stay! We suggest staying near the historic center so you’re within walking distance of the top sights, here are our recommendations.

La Hosteria Boutique Hotel (Luxury) – In the historic center, this colonial house has been transformed into a luxury stay, complete with a spa and sauna!

Los Andes Bed & Breakfast (Mid-range) – Located in the heart of Arequipa, this B&B mixes traditional with modern design and offers private or dorm rooms.

Mandala Rooms and Services (Budget) – A budget-friendly hostel that doesn’t skip on quality, these rooms are pretty fancy, and come with free breakfast!

Day 10: Arequipa Explore the City and Fly Out

This was our last day in Peru, so we spent it exploring Arequipa. This historic, colonial city is really beautiful and while I wished we had more time here, one day was a good taste! It’s known as the “white city” because most of the buildings are made of white Sillar rock. It looks quite different than any other part of Peru!

If you are feeling a bit too rushed or have different travel plans, you can also skip this day and fly back to Lima to catch an international flight. But, we really love Arequipa’s historic charm and think you should squeeze it in if at all possible! Or add it to your next Peru trip and be sure to see the Colca Canyon – it’s one of my favorite parts of the country. 

Below I’ve listed my top five things to do in Arequipa, hopefully, you can squeeze them in before you depart! If you have more time here, you can see our full list of things to do in Arequipa here.

Things to do in Arequipa

1. Visit the Yanahuara Scenic Overlook

Some truly stunning volcanoes surround Arequipa, and you can get impeccable viewpoints without having to hike at all – perfect for a quick day in the city!

Head to the Yanahuara Scenic Overlook to catch a glimpse of these views. You can see the volcanoes dotted in the distance and the city below. The stone arches at the top are quite scenic too – it’s like a perfect frame for the views! 

It’s a pretty cute square at the top too, you can walk around the park and try some cheese ice cream from Queso Helado Charito. It’s better than it sounds and is perfect for a sunny day! You might find an event going on in this square as well, we had some lovely live music which just added to the ambiance. 

It will take about 20 minutes to walk up to the viewpoint from the city center and is doable for most people. 

2. City walking tour 

Arequipa is simply beautiful, full of white stone architecture and brightly colored flowers. I couldn’t believe this place was real! So spending a bit of time exploring the city by foot is the best way to discover all of its hidden gems. 

While you can definitely explore the city on your own, we like to take walking tours whenever possible because you get such a more immersive experience. Arequipa offers a free walking tour of the city at 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm. 

Over the two-hour tour, the local guides take the group all around the historical part of the city. We got to see the Monastery of Santa Catalina, Los Tambos (the first hotel in Arequipa), the Main Square, and walk over the Puente Bolognesi. All the while learning the unique history that makes this city so special!

We were really impressed by the guides, they knew so much history and the tour was all in English. While it’s a free tour, the guides earn a living off of tips, so we were happy to support this awesome local business! Be sure to sign up online here before you go so they know how many people to expect. 

3. Santa Catalina Monastery

Santa Catalina Monastery is a really beautiful piece of living history. Exploring here is easily one of the best things to do in Arequipa, it has that classic white and red stone architecture that dates back to 1579! We were surprised to learn that there are still nuns that live here today, so be sure to be quiet and respectful of their home while you visit. 

Guided tours of the monastery are offered, and there is a lot of rich history to learn. The architecture and details around the grounds were so beautiful, I couldn’t believe how big it was! They call it a “city within a city” and it certainly felt like that. We even found a coffee shop on the grounds, which we happily took a rest at. 

You can purchase your admission tickets online in advance for $15 USD. You can visit any time throughout the day, and spend as long as you want (we were there for about 1 hour). It’s open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. 

4. Take a food tour

We’ve raved about Peruvian food for nearly this whole blog, and after 10 days in the country I’m sure you’ll agree – it’s some of the best food! Squeeze a little more out of your time in Peru by taking this local food tour in Arequipa. This is also a fantastic way to get to know the city from a local, food is such a huge part of culture!

This 3-hour tour will take you to four different local restaurants to try six dishes. Many of these dishes will be paired with a drink too! The exact menu might change by season, but typical dishes are alpaca sirloin strips, rocoto relleno peppers, and Cuy Chactado (which is fried guinea pig!). Top it off with a traditional Peruvian dessert and you’ll be full and satisfied by the end. 

This tour is $79 USD and includes all food and drinks. We love that it’s a small group of 8 people, so you’re not waiting around for a big group. This tour offers free cancellation when you book in advance, so we recommend securing your spot before it fills up!

Check availability and reserve this food tour before you go here!

5. Check out the museums

There is a ton of history and culture in Arequipa and the surrounding villages, so hitting a museum or two is a fantastic way to dive into it all. 

We thought the Museo Santuarios Andinos was really fascinating. It’s all about the ancient Incan sacrificial traditions, and the remains of Juanita (an Incan who was sacrificed) are on display. It’s believed these rituals took place around 1500 AD, and the textiles, pottery, and other remains help tie the story together. You can visit the museum for 25 soles (about $6.70 USD) every day except Monday. 

The Museo La Recoleta is a museum in a monastery. Here you can learn about various artifacts collected while missionaries traveled the country, and also climb to the top of the bell tower for sweeping views of the city. Admission to this museum is just 10 soles (about $2.70 USD). 

Another unique monastery museum is the Museo De Arte Virreinal. This is more of an art museum with a collection of impressive paintings, murals, sculptures, and decor from various time periods. There are even nuns living here too! Entrance is 20 soles (around $5.50 USD).

Thanks for reading!

We hope you found this 10-day Peru itinerary helpful! By the end of a ten-day sprint through this country, I’m sure you’ll be exhausted but amazed by all you saw. We LOVE Peru with its historic charm, amazing food, incredible outdoors, and hospitable locals, and I know you’ll experience it all while following this itinerary.

Before you take off on your adventures, be sure to check out our other Peru blogs. We’ve traveled all over the country, and the rest of South America, and have even more resources to share with you. Here are a few related blogs that will be helpful as you plan your trip!

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