Peru 3 Day Itinerary

Peru 3-Day Itinerary: Exploring Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu

Day 1: Lima

Arrival in Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport)

  1. LarcoMar (Miraflores District): Start your day with a visit to Larcomar, an upscale shopping and entertainment complex overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy Peruvian cuisine at one of the seafood restaurants.

  2. Huaca Pucllana (Miraflores District): Visit this adobe pyramid built by the Lima Culture around 500 AD. Guided tours are available.

  3. Parque del Amor (Miraflores District): A romantic park offering a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and a famous kissing statue.

  4. Barranco District: Explore this bohemian neighborhood known for its street art, bars, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs.

  5. Lima Nightlife (Barranco or Miraflores): End your day with a night out at one of Lima’s vibrant bars or clubs.

Things to Know:

  • Peru uses Peruvian Sol (PEN) as their currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • The official language is Spanish, although English is spoken in tourist areas.
  • Lima’s time zone is PET (Peru Time), which is GMT -5 hours.

Day 2: Cusco

Flight from Lima to Cusco (Estimated duration: 1 hour)

  1. Sacsayhuaman: Visit this Incan archaeological site located just north of Cusco city. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

  2. Coricancha (Temple of the Sun): This was once the richest temple in the Incan Empire, now occupied by the Santo Domingo Convent.

  3. Plaza de Armas: The central square of Cusco city, surrounded by beautiful Spanish colonial architecture.

  4. San Pedro Market: Shop for souvenirs, textiles, food, and flowers at this bustling market.

  5. Cusco Nightlife (San Blas or Plaza de Armas): Spend your evening enjoying local music, food, and drinks in Cusco’s lively bars and restaurants.

Things to Know:

  • Cusco is located at a high altitude (3,400 meters/11,150 feet), which may cause altitude sickness. Drink coca tea to help with symptoms.
  • Cusco’s time zone is PET (Peru Time), which is GMT -5 hours.

Day 3: Machu Picchu

Travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Estimated duration: 3-4 hours by train)

  1. Machu Picchu: Spend the entire day exploring this iconic Incan city, including the main plaza, temples, and farming terraces. Don’t forget to visit the Sun Gate for a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

  2. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: If you feel up to it, hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more stunning views of the ruins and surrounding landscapes.

  3. Aguas Calientes: Relax in the hot springs after a long day of exploring. Enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants before returning to Cusco.

Things to Know:

  • Tickets for Machu Picchu must be booked in advance, and there are limited entries per day.
  • The best time to visit Machu Picchu is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • A round trip train ticket from Cusco to Aguas Calientes costs around 100 USD.

Visa Requirements:

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries do not require a visa for stays up to 183 days in Peru. Check with your local Peruvian embassy or consulate for the most accurate information regarding visa requirements for your nationality.