📍 Peru

SOUTHERN PERU GRAND CIRCUIT: PACIFIC TO SACRED VALLEYS

Q: What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (May-September): Peak tourist season with minimal rainfall, clear skies, and excellent conditions for Machu Picchu and highland trekking. Highest prices but best weather. Shoulder Season (April, October): Good weather with moderate crowds and prices. Excellent balance of conditions and value, still dry enough for most activities. Wet Season (November-March): Higher rainfall, especially in highlands, but lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Inca Trail closed in February, coastal areas remain accessible. Regional Variations: Coast has minimal rainfall year-round, highlands have distinct wet/dry seasons, Amazon rainforest hot and humid with variable precipitation.

Desert dunes licked by Pacific spray, condors soaring through Colca Canyon depths, Inca stones aligned on sacred peaks. Southern Peru, staggering.

≈ 25

Days

2875

Stops

📖 11 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Follow Lima to Paracas, then reach Huacachina and its golden dunes. Explore Arequipa and its pale stone streets, then let Colca Canyon open its depths beneath condor flight. On Lake Titicaca, approach the Uros, before ending at Cusco and Machu Picchu. An itinerary from desert to altitude, never losing the thread of emotion.

Machu Picchu: inca citadel, cloud-wrapped
Colca Canyon: condor flight, volcanic depths
Cusco: inca walls, colonial layers
Uros Islands: floating reed world
Arequipa: white sillar, volcano crowned

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Lima

ceviche capital where pacific waves meet history

9 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Historic center of Lima: Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, San Francisco convent (exteriors and cloisters)

🎯

Activities

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Stroll in Miraflores along the Malecón and Parque del Amor (Pacific Ocean views)

Day

Lima

ceviche capital where pacific waves meet history

9 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Barranco: Bridge of Sighs, urban art, cliff viewpoints

🎯

Activities

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Guided culinary discovery of Miraflores (markets and local specialties)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 260 km

Travel time: 4h

Day

Paracas

sea lions bark beneath candelabra geoglyph cliffs

9 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Paracas National Reserve: Playa Roja, Yumaque, La Catedral cliffs (viewpoints)

🎯

Activities

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Boat excursion to Ballestas Islands (marine wildlife: sea lions, birds, penguins)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 75 km

Travel time: 1h15

Day

Huacachina

golden dunes embrace desert oasis palm lagoon

10 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Huacachina Oasis: lagoon tour and dunes panorama

🎯

Activities

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Buggy ride and sandboarding on the dunes at sunset

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 150 km

Travel time: 3h

Day

Arequipa

white sillar city glows beneath el misti

8 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Nazca: observation tour of the Lines (overview of the geoglyphs)

🎯

Activities

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Long-distance journey Nazca → Arequipa (overnight bus via Panamericana then Andes)

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Urban stroll in the 'White City' made of sillar stone

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Next stop

⏱️ Long drive (5h+)

Distance: 567 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Arequipa

white sillar city glows beneath el misti

8 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Arequipa: Plaza de Armas, viewpoints, Santa Catalina Monastery

🎯

Activities

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Short acclimatization walk near Yanque (high altitude)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 165 km

Travel time: 4h

Day

Yanque Colca

condor thermals spiral above canyon vastness

10 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Scenic route Arequipa → Chivay/Yanque: altiplano, vicuñas, volcanoes

🎯

Activities

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Gentle hike on Andean terraces (slow pace recommended)

Day

Yanque Colca

condor thermals spiral above canyon vastness

10 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Cruz del Cóndor: canyon and condor observation

Pre-Inca ruins of Uyo Uyo and village of Yanque (stroll)

🎯

Activities

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Leisurely walk in Arequipa's historic center at the end of the day

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 165 km

Travel time: 4h

Day

Arequipa

white sillar city glows beneath el misti

8 photos

Day 9

🔍

Discover

Return Colca → Arequipa with stops at viewpoints and volcanic landscapes

🎯

Activities

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Discovery of lake life on Uros (totora, traditional navigation)

🚗

Next stop

⏱️ Long drive (5h+)

Distance: 300 km

Travel time: 6h

Day

Uros

totora reed islands float on titicaca blue

10 photos

Day 10

🔍

Discover

Transfer Arequipa → Puno (altiplano), boarding to the floating islands of Uros

🎯

Activities

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Ride in traditional boat around the Uros islands

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 7 km

Travel time: 14min

Day

Uros

totora reed islands float on titicaca blue

10 photos

Day 11

🔍

Discover

Observation of Lake Titicaca at sunrise/sunset from the islands

🎯

Activities

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Navigation Puno ↔ Taquile then night bus to Cuzco

Day

Cusco

inca foundations anchor spanish colonial grandeur

10 photos

Day 12

🔍

Discover

Excursion to Taquile island: textile traditions and views of the lake

🎯

Activities

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Guided walk on Inca and colonial history of Cuzco

🚗

Next stop

⏱️ Long drive (5h+)

Distance: 387 km

Travel time: 8h

Day

Cusco

inca foundations anchor spanish colonial grandeur

10 photos

Day 13

🔍

Discover

Sacsayhuamán site then descent to Plaza de Armas

San Blas neighborhood: artisan workshops and narrow streets

🎯

Activities

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Train Cuzco/San Pedro → Aguas Calientes then bus to site entrance

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 110 km

Travel time: 3h30

Day

Aguas Calientes

jungle steam rises toward machu picchu gates

10 photos

Day 14

🔍

Discover

Machu Picchu (main circuit: citadel, districts and terraces)

🎯

Activities

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Gentle walk in the sacred valley floor (rest and observation of terraces)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 32 km

Travel time: 1h30

Day

Ollantaytambo

inca terraces guard sacred valley fortress stones

9 photos

Day 15

🔍

Discover

Train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo and discovery of the Inca village (canals, narrow streets)

🎯

Activities

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Panoramic hike along irrigation canals (Urubamba valley)

Day

Ollantaytambo

inca terraces guard sacred valley fortress stones

9 photos

Day 16

🔍

Discover

Pumamarka site and walking descent to Ollantaytambo via ancient Inca trail

Ollantaytambo fortress (terraces and remains)

🎯

Activities

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Day by car/taxi with photo stops and short walks between sites

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 60 km

Travel time: 2h

Day

Cusco

inca foundations anchor spanish colonial grandeur

10 photos

Day 17

🔍

Discover

Moray (circular terraces), Maras salt flats, Chinchero and Pisac (archaeological sites)

🎯

Activities

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Final walk on the Malecón de Miraflores/Barranco (Pacific views)

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Departure formalities and boarding

🚗

Next stop

⏱️ Long drive (5h+)

Distance: 585 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Lima

ceviche capital where pacific waves meet history

9 photos

Day 18

🔍

Discover

Huaca Pucllana (exteriors) or downtown museums depending on available time

🎯

Activities

→

Final walk on the Malecón de Miraflores/Barranco (Pacific views)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 12 km

Travel time: 30min

Day

Lima Airport

gateway where peruvian adventures begin and end

9 photos

Day 19

🎯

Activities

→

Departure formalities and boarding

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

🛡️ Travel advice - Peru

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (May-September): Peak tourist season with minimal rainfall, clear skies, and excellent conditions for Machu Picchu and highland trekking. Highest prices but best weather.

Shoulder Season (April, October): Good weather with moderate crowds and prices. Excellent balance of conditions and value, still dry enough for most activities.

Wet Season (November-March): Higher rainfall, especially in highlands, but lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Inca Trail closed in February, coastal areas remain accessible.

Regional Variations: Coast has minimal rainfall year-round, highlands have distinct wet/dry seasons, Amazon rainforest hot and humid with variable precipitation.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 20 and 30 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Peru?

Incan heritage with Machu Picchu, Amazon rainforest, and incredible cuisine. Experience ancient civilizations, traditional cultures, and natural beauty. The country offers cultural immersion with adventure activities and culinary excellence. Peru provides transformative experiences with historical significance and natural wonders. ⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: Peru is generally safe in tourist areas with good infrastructure along main tourist routes. Exercise standard precautions regarding petty crime in cities, avoid displaying valuables, use official transportation, and stay in established tourist zones. Some remote areas and certain Lima neighborhoods should be avoided.

SOUTHERN PERU GRAND CIRCUIT: PACIFIC TO SACRED VALLEYS

Your day-by-day itinerary

Lima

Discover

Activities

Lima

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Paracas

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Huacachina

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Arequipa

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Arequipa

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Yanque Colca

Discover

Activities

Yanque Colca

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Arequipa

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Uros

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Uros

Discover

Activities

Cusco

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Cusco

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Aguas Calientes

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Ollantaytambo

Discover

Activities

Ollantaytambo

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Cusco

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Lima

Discover

Activities

Next stop

Lima Airport

Activities

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

PERU ESSENTIALS: FROM LIMA TO MACHU PICCHU IN 2 WEEKS

COMPLETE ADVENTURE ACROSS BOLIVIA: FROM THE ANDES TO THE AMAZON

ANDEAN ADVENTURE AND NATURAL WONDERS OF BOLIVIA

🛡️ Travel advice - Peru

❓ Frequently asked questions