Peru 4 Day Itinerary

Peru 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Lima (Arrival & City Exploration)

  • Place: Lima, the capital city of Peru.
  • Activities: Visit the Larco Museum, a great place to learn about Peru’s pre-Columbian history with its extensive collection of artifacts. Stroll around the Miraflores district, take in the views at Parque del Amor, and enjoy local Peruvian cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
  • Things to Know: Lima is located on the coast, so remember to pack layers as it can get chilly in the evening.
  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available, or use ride-sharing apps like Uber and TaxiBeat. Public buses (colectivos) are also an affordable option.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for stays under 183 days in Peru. Always check the current requirements before your trip to ensure there have been no changes.

Day 2: Magic Circuit (Lima - Paracas - Huacachina)

  • Place: The Magic Circuit, consisting of Lima, Paracas, and Huacachina.
  • Activities: Start the day with a visit to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas for a chance to see sea lions, penguins, and Humboldt current wildlife. Travel to Huacachina, an oasis surrounded by sand dunes, and enjoy a Sandboarding adventure.
  • Things to Know: Bring sunscreen and a hat for the day in Huacachina. It can get very hot and sunny.
  • Transportation: Book a tour that includes transport between destinations or organize private transportation if preferred.

Day 3: Nasca Lines & Pisco (Huacachina - Nasca - Pisco)

  • Place: Nasca and Pisco, located in the Ica Region of Peru.
  • Activities: Fly over the famous Nasca Lines, a collection of ancient geoglyphs representing various plants and animals, created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD. Visit Pisco for a tour of a local pisco distillery and learn about the production process of Peru’s national spirit.
  • Things to Know: Pisco is also known for its culinary delights, including ceviche and anticuchos.
  • Transportation: Tours typically include transportation between destinations, or arrange private transportation if needed.

Day 4: Cusco & Machu Picchu

  • Place: Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, and Machu Picchu.
  • Activities: Fly from Lima to Cusco, explore the city’s Inca ruins, and spend the night acclimating to the altitude. The next day, take a train to Machu Picchu and spend several hours exploring this iconic Incan citadel before returning to Cusco in the evening.
  • Things to Know: Remember to bring warm clothing for Cusco, as it can get cold at high altitudes. Also, book your tickets for Machu Picchu in advance to ensure availability.
  • Transportation: Flights and trains are available between Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu). Taxis, buses, and combis (minivans) are common forms of transportation within Cusco.