What to see and do in Peru in 12 days

If you only have10 to 12 days to travel through Peru, it is crucial to make the most of every moment.

It can be tempting to fill the itinerary with unremarkable activities or long waits at airport terminals.

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

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

Once in Cusco, it is allocateda day to acclimate to the altitude, then Machu Picchu is visited and, finally, the trip concludes with a return to Lima.

However, this planningit has its disadvantages. ❌

The drawback 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 experiencetwo cities in 10 days.

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

So I suggest you consider the followingroute if you have 10 days in Peruand 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

• Visit theHistoric Centerfrom Lima: the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the Convent of San Francisco.
• Eat at one of the city's renowned restaurants (Peru is world-famous for its cuisine).
• At night, you can visit theMagic Water Circuit, a fountain and light show in the Parque de la Reserva.

Day 2: Lima

• Explore the neighborhood ofMiraflores: visit the Love Park and the Larcomar Shopping Center, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Museo Larco: to understand the country's pre-Inca history.
• Fly to Cusco at night.

Day 3: Cusco

Cusco is one of the best areas for trekking and should be taken into account when planning your 12-day Peru itinerary.

• Acclimatization day due to altitude.
• Take a walk through thePlaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the San Blas neighborhood.
• Visit theQoricancha(Temple of the Sun).

Day 4: Sacred Valley

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

Day 5: Machu Picchu14/10

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

Day 6: Cusco15/10

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

Day 7: Puno and Lake Titicaca16/10

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

Day 8: Lake Titicaca17/10

• Take a full-day excursion to theUros IslandsandTaquileoAmantaní.

Day 9: Flight to Arequipa18/10

• Explore the Historic Center of Arequipa, including thePlaza de Armasand theSanta Catalina Monastery.

Day 10: Colca Canyon19/10

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

Day 11: Arequipa20/10

• Spend more time exploring Arequipa or visiting other interesting sites such as the Museo Santuarios Andinos, where the mummy Juanita is located.
• Return trip to Lima by plane in the afternoon.

Day 12: Lima 

• Latest purchases and explorations. The Surquillo Market is great for food, and the Indian Market for souvenirs.
• Depending on the time of your flight, visit a place you haven't seen yet 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 omitting any of the destinations. Have a good trip!

Sites You Can't Miss: (My Opinion)

1. Cusco
2. Machu Picchu
3. Seven colors

Honestly, I didn't like Lima at all, so if you don't like cities, land and don't leave the airport, and go straight to Cusco.

Also, if you are a surfing enthusiast, I recommend the article 👉Surfing in Peru

Where we went toMáncora.

Frequently Asked Questions Before Traveling to Peru

Compilation 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 coastit is in the middle of winter. Don't expect extremely cold temperatures, but the weather is cool and often humid, especially in Lima. Temperatures average between12°C and 20°C.Lima is also often covered by a layer of mist called garúa.
2. Sierra (includes cities such as Cusco, Arequipa, and Puno):In September, the highland areas of Peru are coming out of the rainy season and entering the dry season. In places like Cusco, you can expect temperatures ranging from approximately5°C at night up to 20°CDuring the day. However, keep in mind that solar radiation is strong at high altitudes, so it may feel warmer during peak hours of the day.
3. Selva (includes cities such as Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado):The Peruvian jungle is warm and humid throughout the year. In September, temperatures can range between20°C at night and 30°Cor more during the day. There may also be sporadic showers.

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):
   • Light long-sleeve clothing and shorts for the day.
   • A light jacket or a sweater for cool nights and mist (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 yourself from the sun.
   • Sunglasses and sunscreen: UV radiation is strong at high altitudes.
   • Waterproof or rain poncho, especially if you plan to visit areas where there might be sporadic rain.
3. Selva (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 cover to protect your belongings.

Regardless of the region, it is advisable to carry:

• 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. Airplane:
   • Domestic flights:They are the fastest way to travel between major cities, especially if you plan to travel from the coast to the highlands or the jungle. Airlines such as 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. Bus:
   • Long distance:There are many bus companies that offer services between cities. Some of the most popular and reliable ones are Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Civa. The buses vary in terms of quality and price, ranging from economical services to luxury services with sleeper seats and onboard meals.
   • Urban transport:In cities like Lima, there is a system of buses and minibuses locally known as combis. These can be challenging for visitors due to unclear routes and heavy traffic. Lima also has the Metropolitano, a rapid transit bus system with its own lane that covers main routes.
3. Taxi:
   • The taxis are abundant in most cities. It is advisable to negotiate the fare before getting in or make sure the taxi has a meter. There are also services like Uber and Beat in certain cities.
4. Train:
   • 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 travel classes.
   • There is also a train service between Cusco and Puno, which offers a scenic experience through the Altiplano.
5. Rental car:
   • 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. Bicycle:
   • 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. Boat:
   • In the Amazon region, especially around Iquitos, boats are a primary form of transportation, as many areas are not accessible by road.

When planning your trips in Peru, it is important to consider factors such as altitude and geography.

For example, although cities may seem close on the map, 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 the geographical location and the specific date of the month. However, here is 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, 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 westernmost regions, 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 sunrise and sunset times.

Peruvian Coins

The official currency of Peru is theSunIt is represented with 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 tend to be less favorable.

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