Lima
Day 1:
Your international flight will most likely land in Lima, the bustling capital city of Peru. With only three weeks to spend in the picturesque country that has so much to offer, your time in Lima will be limited, but nonetheless, no minute should be wasted as adventure awaits!
Historic Center
This area of Lima will catapult you into local culture and immediately provide you with the true feel of classic Lima.
Plaza de Armas
San Francisco Monastery
Plaza San Martin
Miraflores
This happening modern district is absolutely the best and safest area in the capital and where we would recommend wandering around in the evening and spending the night. Walk around, exploring the tree lined streets, cute cafes, restaurants, and bars, all the way to the magnificent Costa Verde.
Cusco
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a full region filled with magic and charm. Once the heart of the Inca empire, Cusco sits at a high altitude in the Andes mountains and serves as the perfect starting point to many famous landmarks and hikes of the region.
Day 2:
After waking up and grabbing breakfast in one of the cute Miraflores cafes, make your way back to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco. Be prepared with your high altitude medication as the significant change in altitude can come as a shock. Stay hydrated!
After making your way to your accommodation to drop off your bags, it’s time to start exploring this magical city. Near the historic center of the city it is entirely acceptable to wander around aimlessly, however we have listed some specific sites to target your wandering.
Plaza de Armas
Home to the Cusco Cathedral, the Compania de Jesus Church, and an assortment of shops, restaurants, and tour businesses, you can’t miss the fabulous Plaza de Armas
Cusco Cathedral
Established in 1654, this stunning cathedral is absolutely glorious and packed with history.
Mercado Central de San Pedro
The traditional market of Cusco is unique, colorful, and full of life. Spend some time here wandering through the aisles, sampling the foods, smelling the beautiful flowers and traditional spices, and looking at the handmade goods, products, and houseware.
San Blas
This picturesque bohemian neighborhood is filled with vibrant art, cobblestone streets, boutiques with handcrafted goods, adorable coffee shops, and amazing views. Be prepared to climb a slew of stairs to get here, but be rewarded with the incredible panoramic views of the red rooftops of Cusco below.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the several great restaurants, including one of our favorites, La Bodega.
Day 3:
Laguna Humantay
This is a fabulous short hike in the Salkantay region that will help you acclimatize to activity at this elevation. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view at the top of your hike before heading back down.
Jack’s Cafe
We would suggest breakfast for dinner after your first altitude hike, but everything here is absolutely delicious.
Day 4:
Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Hike
This is a wonderful day trip from Cusco that will also serve to help you acclimate to hiking at elevation. This hike will take you to the seven lakes all of different vibrant colors of bright blue, turquoise, green, gray, and combined shades of them all, as well as provide incredible views of the mountain ranges of the area. After the hike, you will be taken to a late lunch next to thermal baths that offer prime views of Ausangate.
Day 5-8:
In the planning stage of your trip to Peru, you will be faced with this decision. How do you want to visit Machu Picchu? While there are shorter 1-2 day options, the following two multiple day hikes are absolutely incredible and worth the work and the views.
Inca Trail
Known as one of the world’s greatest treks, the four day hike leads you along the path through the Andes Mountains to the lost city of Machu Picchu. This moderately challenging hike generally must be booked no less than 6 months in advance as the Peruvian government has limited the number of people permitted to walk the trail per year in order to preserve nature and the great history. While hiking the Inca trail you will experience incredible views,, lush jungles, and on your final morning head into Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate above, in a truly spectacular fashion
Salkantay Hike
The most common alternative hike to the Inca Trail, Salkantay is a bit more challenging and can be completed in as little as 3 days, though the 4 is recommended. Offering stunning views, this trek will take you through different landscapes including the glacier with the same name, tropical forests, and the incredible Inca jungle.
Day 9:
Today can be used in one of two ways. The first, as a recovery day, wandering around and enjoying more of the magic that Cusco has to offer. The second option, to go on another day trip with an altitude hike.
Rainbow Mountain
Also referred to as Vinicunca or the Mountain of Colors, Rainbow mountain gets its nicknames from the mineral deposits that form the colorful stripes. This full day trip, includes a hike to the highest summit you’ve been to yet. After a long drive and a short but challenging hike, you’ll be rewarded with the incredible views of this mountain.
Travel Day
Day 10:
Today is a travel day from Cusco to the beautiful hub of Huaraz. There is quite the distance between the two cities and no convenient way to travel. Though there is a bus that can go the whole way, due to safety reasons, we suggest a flight to Lima and a daylight bus to Huaraz. We prefer to “waste” a day traveling and feel safe doing so rather than take unnecessary risks. That said, after enjoying your breakfast, gather your belongings and make your way to the airport for your flight to Lima. You will then make your way to the bus depot where you will board a tourist bus to Huaraz. This is a long 8 hour ride, so be sure to bring snacks with you.
Huaraz
Day 11:
Today you have a choice to make, a half day hiking trip to a beautiful turquoise lake, or rock climbing with a view of the mountains. Whichever you choose, it’ll be an adventure that you’ll remember.
Rock Climbing
Laguna 69
Day 12-17:
Cordillera Huayhuash
Packed with turquoise lakes, snow capped peaks, and unbelievable views, this multi day trek is repeatedly voted one of the best long distance treks in the world. There are a few distance options for this hike: 4 days, 6 days, and 8 days (there are also options for 10 and 12 day treks however we don’t see that these have additional value). Though the full 8 day circuit is rewarding, we believe that the 6 day trek is incredibly rewarding. We should warn in advance that a decent fitness level is required and still it will be challenging, mostly due completing this trek all above 3400 meters of elevation and reaching peaks of 5600 meters! This trek can be completed between April and September and it is important to check the weather beforehand as storms can make it unsafe to complete. It is absolutely possible to book this in advance, but our suggestion is to find a reputable company to book with upon arrival in Huaraz, as this will save you no less than half of the cost. The beautiful sunrises, incredible earned views, and starry skies at night will make this one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
If you have more time in Peru or are looking for another trek to complete rather than heading to the beach, we suggest taking a rest day and heading back out on the trails to the world famous Santa Cruz trek, for four days of easier hiking in the region with beautiful views.
Travel Day
Day 18:
Just as with the previous travel day, we opt for daytime travel and a combination of bus and flight for efficiency and safety. After enjoying breakfast, board your tourist bus back to Lima. From there, make your way to the airport and board your flight to Mancorra.
Mancorra
This laid back beach town is a surfer’s delight. With relatively large waves, Mancorra is a great place for experienced surfers and beginners alike. Though daytime activities in Mancora are limited to surfing and relaxing on the beach (which are both appropriate after two and half weeks filled with hiking), the city lives up at night. Restaurants and bars have a party vibe and encourage visitors to live life to the fullest!
Day 19:
Surfing
Rent a board or sign up for a surf course and hit the waves!
El Faro de Mancora
An hour before the sun sets, make your way to the lighthouse which overlooks the south side of the city. This short uphill hike will take you through some of the undeveloped areas and ultimately bring you to picturesque views of the Peruvian sunset.
Day 20:
Surf & Sunset
Rinse and Repeat Day 19
Day 21:
Sunrise Surf
It’ll be an early last morning of your trip. Wake up early to fit in a final surf session before eating breakfast, packing up and heading to the airport for your return trip home after an adventure filled 3 weeks in picturesque Peru.
