This 11-day itinerary combines Peru’s greatest highlights—from the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the biodiverse Amazon rainforest—with seamless logistics and immersive cultural experiences. Perfect for active travelers and culture lovers alike.
Days 1-3: Lima – Gastronomic Capital
Day 1:
- Arrive in Lima, transfer to a boutique hotel in Miraflores
- Evening stroll along the Malecón cliffs with Pacific Ocean views
Day 2:
- Private city tour: Colonial-era Santo Domingo Convent + modern districts of San Isidro & Miraflores
- Sunset at Parque del Amor (don’t miss the iconic kissing statue!)
Day 3:
- Gourmet experience:
- Market tour to sample exotic fruits like lucuma and cherimoya
- Hands-on ceviche and pisco sour cooking class
- Fly to Cusco in the evening (prepare for altitude!)
Pro Tip: Sip coca tea to acclimate—Lima’s sea level to Cusco’s 11,152 ft is no joke.
Days 4-5: Sacred Valley – Inca Heartland
Day 4:
- Explore Chinchero’s textile markets and Inca terraces
- Visit the Moray agricultural “laboratory”—a circular marvel of microclimates
- Lunch with Sacred Valley views
- Afternoon in Ollantaytambo’s living Inca village
Day 5:
- Pisac Market (colorful artisan stalls)
- UNESCO-listed salt mines of Maras
Cultural Insight: Quechua weavers use natural dyes from cochineal insects and plants.
Days 6-7: Machu Picchu – Iconic Wonder
Day 6:
- Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes (panoramic windows + snack service)
- Sunset at Machu Picchu:
- Photo op at Guardian’s House viewpoint
- Explore the Inca Bridge trail (ages 18+ only)
Day 7:
- Dawn at Machu Picchu:
- Royal Circuit tour of temples and terraces
- Optional Huayna Picchu hike (steep but rewarding—book months ahead!)
- Evening train back to Ollantaytambo
Bucket-List Moment: The sunrise over Machu Picchu’s ruins is pure magic.
Days 8-9: Cusco – Imperial City
Day 8:
- Private tour:
- San Pedro Market’s exotic juices
- Koricancha Temple’s gold-lined walls
- Sacsayhuamán’s megalithic fortress
- Free afternoon to explore Plaza de Armas
Day 9:
- Fly to Puerto Maldonado, transfer via canoe to Amazon eco-lodge
- Nighttime caiman-spotting cruise
Packing Tip: For the Amazon, bring quick-dry clothes and waterproof binoculars.
Days 10-11: Amazon Rainforest – Wild Finale
Day 10:
- Jungle activities:
- Canopy walkway 100 ft above the forest floor
- Lake Sandoval wildlife safari (giant otters! macaws!)
- Traditional medicine demonstration
Day 11:
- Morning birdwatching
- Return to Lima for international flight
Wildlife Highlight: Spot capybaras—the world’s largest rodents!
Why This Itinerary Works
✔ Perfect Pacing: 2-3 nights per region avoids rushed travel
✔ Diverse Experiences: Ruins, markets, rainforest, and gourmet tours
✔ Logistical Ease: Private transfers, luggage services, and pre-booked train tickets
✔ Bucket-List Focus: Machu Picchu at sunrise + Amazon adventures
Pro Tips:
- Book Machu Picchu tickets 6+ months in advance (Huayna Picchu sells out fast)
- Pack layers—Sacred Valley nights are chilly, Amazon is humid
- Altitude pills or coca tea help with Cusco’s elevation
Ready to start planning? This itinerary works beautifully for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a life-changing Peruvian journey.
Love this 11-day adventure? Ask about customizing it!
