Peru is such a big country with so many different environments. To prepare an itinerary for just one week travelling around is indeed an overwhelming task. So here we will just concentrate in the most frequently asked question. This is: how to manage time to accommodate a trip between Lima and Cusco in one week Peru itinerary.
We are including Lima not just as a mere passage between the capital and Cusco. This is a common mistake committed by a big deal of travellers. Lima highly deserves at least one full day to explore it. Doing this you will obtain a biggest perspective of the development of our history. And you will understand many of the how and whys of the same.
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Your one week Peru itinerary starts here. The city has several faces. On one side, the old center known as the Historical Site. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other side, you can find the modern and cosmopolitan Lima with Miraflores being the most representative district. Heading more to the south you reach the romantic and bohemian Barranco, cradle of poets, musicians, painters and writers. Try to reserve a hotel in Miraflores which is the best option to enjoy the nice sea view in the safest area for tourists. Don´t forget to try a cebiche and taste a Pisco Sour. Some of the best restaurants in Peru are located here. For more information contact us for a personalized private tour.
Day 2
Fly to Cusco
Be aware that the Inca city is located at 11,155 ft (3,400 mt). If you are not accustomed to stay at such a high place, remember to consult your doctor before you travel and request a convenient medicine for altitude sickness. In any case, once you arrive to Cusco, our advice is that just take it easy, have a very light breakfast before you fly, drink a lot of water and try to rest a couple of hours upon your arrival while tasting a good cup of coca tea. This way you will be getting little by little accustomed to the height and won´t run the risk of spoiling your holidays.
After you rest, first thing to do is to purchase your Boleto Turístico, which will allow you to visit 16 of the most impressive spots in the city and around. You have to do it personally and showing your passport. You can start in the evening if you have time but be aware that most of the museums close at 5 pm. Walk around the main square, stroll the narrow streets and admire the ancient houses built over the stone inca foundations. Go and find in one of those streets the Twelve Angle Stone. Enjoy dinner at one of the fine restaurants near the main square.
Day 3
Today is the third day on your one week Peru itinerary. You can fully explore all the places in Cusco center shown in your Touristic Ticket. You can also visit the artisans neighborhood of San Blas as well of the church of San Blas. Don´t miss the Cathedral of Cusco, the Church of San Blas and the Church of San Cristóbal. To enter these places plus the Museum of Religious Art you better buy a ticket for the Circuito Turístico Religioso, which allows you to visit them for S/. 40 in total. You can buy it in any of the above mentioned places which are opened between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Day 4
Early in the morning start your trip to the Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac and its bustling market. Then head to Ollantaytambo and admire the wonderful fortress built by the Incas. A visit to the Ollantaytambo town is a time travel to an Inca town dating back to the 13th century which stone-built houses are still inhabited nowadays. Stay in a local hotel.
Day 5
Continuing with your one week Peru itinerary, today you take the 2 and a half hour-train to the town of Aguas Calientes. At the bus station take the bus which will lead you to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu in just twenty minutes. Take one of the local guides and explore thoroughly this Wonder of the World. Return to Aguas Calientes and wander around its colorful market choosing your best souvenirs. Take the train back to Cusco.
Day 6
Back in Cusco, take a tour to the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Puma temple in Qenqo and the holy fountains in Tambomachay. All this may take only half a day. You will still have plenty to look around in the city.
Day 7
Back in Lima and getingt ready to your trip back to your country. Remember that for international flights you have to be three hours early at the airport. If you leave late in the night and have enough time we strongly recommend a visit to Museo Larco. This way you will leave Peru carrying not only a huge amount of knowledge of our Inca legacy but also of the ancient cultures developed before. Larco Museum holds an exquisite collection of textiles, gold and silver artifacts as well as a peculiar collection of erotic pottery, all these dating back around 2000 years.
For your first day in Lima or if you prefer for the last one, you are invited to contact us for a Full Day Private Tour.