What to see and do in Peru in 12 days

If you only have 10 days to explore Peru, it is crucial to maximize every moment. It may be tempting to fill the itinerary with unremarkable activities or long waits at airports.

However, this country will constantly amaze you with its cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and the hospitality of its inhabitants, making time fly.

Generally, many travelers choose to land in Lima, at Jorge Chávez Airport, spend a couple of days exploring the capital, and then return to the airport to head to Cusco.

Once in Cusco, a day is allocated to acclimatize to the altitude, afterwards Machu Picchu is visited, and finally, a return to Lima is made to conclude the trip.

However, this planning has its disadvantages. ❌

The downside of this accelerated plan is that you have probably invested time and resources to make this trip, and by following this conventional scheme, you will only experience two cities in 10 days.

But the reality is that you have the opportunity to chart an itinerary through five of the most charming and captivating towns in southern Peru in that same time.

So I suggest you consider the following route if you have 10 days in Peru and you want to learn more in a short period of time.

12-day itinerary to visit Peru

NOTE: I have not included the days you will spend traveling from your country to Peru.

Day 1: Lima 10/10

• Visit the Historic Center from Lima: the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the Convent of San Francisco.
• Eat at one of the renowned restaurants in the city (Peru is world-famous for its cuisine).
• At night, you can visit the Magic Water Circuit, a show of fountains and lights in the Reserve Park.

Day 2: Lima 11/10

• Explore the neighborhood of Mirafloresvisit the Park of Love and the Larcomar Shopping Center, with views of the Pacific Ocean.
• Museo Larco: to understand the pre-Inca history of the country.
• Fly to Cusco at night.

Day 3: Lima 12/10

Day 4: Cusco 12/10

• Acclimatization day due to altitude.
• Stroll through the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the San Blas neighborhood.
• Visit the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun).

Día 5: Sacred Valley 13/10

• Pisac: market and ruins.
• Ollantaytambo: an impressive Inca archaeological site.
• Stay overnight in Ollantaytambo or continue to Aguas Calientes (the base town for Machu Picchu) by train.

Day 6: Machu Picchu 14/10

• Dedicate the day to exploring this world wonder. If you can, climb the mountain Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu Mountain to have panoramic views.
• Return to Aguas Calientes and, if there is time, relax in the hot springs.
• Return to Cusco by train.

Day 7: Cusco 15/10

• Explore nearby archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán, Q'enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
• Enjoy the local cuisine.

Day 8: Puno and Lake Titicaca 16/10

• Travel early to Puno (by bus or plane).
• In the afternoon, explore the center of Puno.

Day 9: Lake Titicaca 17/10

• Take a full-day excursion to the Uros Islands and Taquile o Amantaní.

Day 10: Flight to Arequipa 18/10

• Explore the Historic Center of Arequipa, including the Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Day 11: Colca Canyon 19/10

• Full day tour to Colca Canyon. Watch the condors and enjoy the landscapes.

Day 12: Arequipa 20/10

• Dedicate more time to exploring Arequipa or visiting other interesting sites like the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, where the mummy Juanita is located.
• Return trip to Lima by plane in the afternoon.

Day 13: Lima 21/10

• Last purchases and explorations. Surquillo Market is great for food and the Indian Market for souvenirs.
• Depending on your flight time, visit a pending place or enjoy one last Peruvian meal before departing.

This itinerary is intense and requires a lot of travel. If you prefer a slower pace, consider skipping some of the destinations. Safe travels!

Additionally, if you are a surf lover, I recommend the item Surfing in Peru

Frequently asked questions before traveling to Peru

Collection of questions you may have before traveling to Peru and their answers:

What is the temperature like in Peru in September?

The temperature in Peru in September varies depending on the region:

1. Coast (includes cities like Lima): During September, the Peruvian coast it's mid-winter. Don't expect extremely cold temperatures, but the weather is cool and often humid, especially in Lima. Temperatures average between 12°C y 20°C. Lima is also often covered by a layer of fog called garúa.
2. Sierra (includes cities such as Cusco, Arequipa, and Puno): In September, the high areas of Peru are coming out of the rainy season and entering the dry season. In places like Cusco, you can expect temperatures that range from approximately 5°C at night up to 20°C During the day. However, keep in mind that solar radiation is strong at high altitudes, so it may feel warmer during the peak hours of the day.
3. Jungle (includes cities like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado): The Peruvian jungle is warm and humid all year round. In September, temperatures can range between 20°C at night and 30°C or more during the day. There may also be sporadic rain.

It is important to remember that the weather can be unpredictable, so it is always a good idea to check the specific weather forecasts for the areas you plan to visit just before your trip.

What clothes to wear in Peru in September?

To travel to Peru in September, it is essential to pack appropriate clothing for the different regions you plan to visit. Here are some recommendations based on the main regions:

1. Coast (like Lima):
   • Lightweight long-sleeve clothing and shorts for the day.
   • A lightweight jacket or a sweater for cool nights and fog (drizzle).
   • Closed shoes or sneakers.
   • Small umbrella or lightweight raincoat (just in case, although heavy rains are rare).
2. Highlands (like Cusco, Arequipa, and Puno):
   • Layers are essential: t-shirts, sweaters, and a light jacket or coat. Temperatures vary greatly between day and night.
   • Comfortable pants.
   • Scarf, gloves, and hat for the coldest nights, especially in high-altitude places like Puno.
   • Comfortable and durable footwear for walking, preferably trekking shoes if you plan to go hiking.
   • Hat or cap to protect from the sun.
   • Sunglasses and sunscreen: UV radiation is strong at high altitudes.
   • Waterproof jacket or poncho for rain, especially if you plan to visit areas where there might be sporadic rain.
3. Jungle (like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado):
   • Lightweight and breathable long-sleeve clothing to protect against mosquitoes.
   • Long pants.
   • Closed and comfortable shoes, preferably trekking boots.
   • Hat or cap.
   • Sunglasses and sunscreen.
   • Waterproof or rain poncho.
   • Mosquito repellent.
   • A waterproof bag or a cover to protect your belongings.

Regardless of the region, it is advisable to bring:

• Sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Basic first aid kit.

How to get around in Peru?

Peru is a country with great geographical diversity that presents different challenges in terms of transportation. However, there are several options for getting around, and here I present some:

1. Avión:
   • Domestic flights: They are the fastest way to move between major cities, especially if you plan to travel from the coast to the mountains or the jungle. Airlines like LATAM, Sky Airline, Viva Air, and Star Perú offer domestic routes.
   • Main airports: Jorge Chávez in Lima, Alejandro Velasco Astete in Cusco, Rodríguez Ballón in Arequipa, among others.
2. Autobús:
   • Long distance: There are many bus companies that offer services between cities. Some of the most popular and reliable are Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Civa. The buses vary in terms of quality and price, from budget services to luxury services with sleeper seats and food on board.
   • Urban transport: In cities like Lima, there is a system of buses and minibuses locally known as combis. These can be a challenge for visitors due to the not always clear routes and heavy traffic. In Lima, there is also the Metropolitano, a rapid transit bus system that has its own lane and covers main routes.
3. Taxi:
   • Taxis are abundant in most cities. It is advisable to negotiate the fare before getting in or to ensure that the taxi has a meter. There are also services like Uber and Beat in certain cities.
4. Tren:
   • The train is a popular option for tourists traveling between Cusco and Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). There are different train services such as PeruRail and Inca Rail that offer various classes of travel.
   • Also, there is a train service between Cusco and Puno, which offers a scenic experience through the Altiplano.
5. Car rental:
   • Renting a car can be useful if you want to explore less accessible areas or if you prefer to have more freedom in your itinerary. However, keep in mind that driving in Peru can be challenging due to road conditions and local customs.
6. Bicicleta:
   • In some cities and tourist areas, it is possible to rent bicycles to explore.
7. Mototaxi:
   • In small towns and in some parts of the jungle, mototaxis (a type of motorized tricycle) are a common form of transportation for short distances.
8. Barco:
   • In the Amazon region, especially around Iquitos, boats are a primary means of transportation, as many areas are not accessible by road.

When planning your travels in Peru, it is important to consider factors such as altitude and geography. For example, although cities may seem close on the map, the mountains and winding roads can make road trips much longer than expected.

What time does the sun set and rise in Peru in September?

The exact time of sunrise and sunset in Peru in September varies according to geographical location and the specific date of the month. However, here I provide a general estimate for Lima, which is near the equator and has small variations throughout the year compared to places further north or south:

• Sunrise: Around 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Sunset: Around 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

These times are approximate and, as I mentioned earlier, they may vary slightly depending on the specific location within the country and the exact date in September.

If you are in regions further east, such as the Amazon rainforest, the sun tends to rise a little earlier and set a little earlier as well.

On the other hand, in the regions further west, the sun rises and sets a little later.

If you need an accurate calculation for a specific date and location, I would recommend using specialized astronomy or meteorology apps or websites that provide exact times for sunrise and sunset.

Peru Coins

The official currency of Peru is the Sun. It is represented by the symbol S/. For example: S/ 20 means 20 soles.

It is important to keep in mind that in urban and tourist areas of Peru, many establishments accept credit and debit cards, but in more rural or remote areas, it is advisable to carry cash.

Additionally, although in some places (especially in tourist areas) the US dollar may be accepted, it is always advisable to have Peruvian soles on hand for small purchases and daily expenses.

If you travel to Peru, you can exchange your currency for soles at banks, exchange houses, or even at the airport, although the rates at the airport are usually less favorable.

It is advisable to check the current exchange rate before making any transaction.