The Perfect Month Itinerary in Peru
Are you ready for an unforgettable trip through Peru?
Look no further! Here’s our month in Peru itinerary, that took us from the bustling streets of Lima to the wild deserts of Paracas, the mystical oasis of Huacachina, the majestic colonial charm of Arequipa, the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, and finally, to the sunny beach town of Mancora. Each destination offers an unforgettable blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, making this journey the ultimate Peruvian experience!
Our month in Peru itinerary
Lima – 3 Nights
Kick off your Peruvian adventure in Lima, the capital city. Of course, this. is the starting point for most travellers as getting to Lima is the most straightforward, with Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) serving as the main gateway. This is where we began our South/Central America trip.
Known for its excellent culinary scene and historical significance, Lima is a great introduction to the richness of Peruvian culture. If you want to find out more about Lima, go to our blog all about it here!
Explore the Historic Centre: Walk around Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic center and take in the grand Plaza de Armas, the impressive Lima Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Why not try a half day walking tour like this one?
Visit the Larco Museum: A must for history buffs, this museum houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art, showcasing Peru’s rich history.
Miraflores and Barranco: Explore the upscale neighborhood of Miraflores, perfect for coastal strolls, and the bohemian Barranco district, known for its street art, cafés, and nightlife.
Try the Local Cuisine: Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America! Make sure to try ceviche, Peru’s iconic seafood dish, and why not do a food tour, like this one!
Accommodation in Lima
Budget: 1900 Backpackers Hostel – A fun, vibrant hostel close to the historical center.
Mid-Range: Arawi Miraflores Express– A stylish, comfortable hotel in Miraflores with easy access to restaurants and shops and the ability to add breakfast on for cheap!
Luxury: Belmond Miraflores Park – A 5-star hotel offering luxurious ocean-view rooms and world-class service.
Paracas – 2 Nights
Next, head south to Paracas, a tranquil coastal town known for its unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Want to find out more? Check out our Paracas blog here!
Top Activities in Paracas
Ballestas Islands Tour: Take a boat ride like this one to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds. This is often called the "Poor Man’s Galapagos."
Paracas National Reserve: Hire a scooter or do a mini-buggy tour and explore the dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes on and enjoy incredible sunsets!
Nazca Lines and Huacachina - Why not do it all in a day, departing from Paracas!
Accommodation in Paracas
Budget: Kokopelli Hostel Paracas – A beachfront hostel with great vibes and social activities.
Mid-Range: Paradise Camp Lodge – A family run business that believe in creating memorable experiences for the whole family. That's why they have a child-friendly policy that allows children up to 6 to stay for free!
Luxury: Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort – A luxury resort with a private beach, pools, and an exclusive spa.
Huacachina – 2 Nights
A short drive from Paracas is Huacachina, an actual desert oasis that looks like truly unreal! It’s the perfect place for adrenaline junkies too. Want to find out even more? Check out our Huacachina blog!
Top Activities in Huacachina
Dune Buggy and Sandboarding: This is the main attraction! Get ready for an exhilarating dune buggy ride tour followed by some thrilling sandboarding on towering dunes. This is an excellent one!
Oasis Walk: If you want a break from the action, take a peaceful walk around the emerald-green oasis and soak in the surreal scenery.
Accommodation in Huacachina
Budget: Wild Rover Hostel – A popular hostel with an Irish charm, where else would you want to stay?!
Mid-Range: Ecocamp Huacachina– Offers cute 'glamping' style accomodation with a pool and garden.
Luxury: Hotel El Huacachinero – A comfortable hotel with desert views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Arequipa – 4 Nights
Arequipa, also known as the "White City," is a gem nestled between three volcanoes. With its stunning colonial architecture and nearby natural wonders, it’s an unmissable stop on your Peru adventure. The reason we chose 4 nights is because one of those nights was spent on the Colca Canyon Overnight Hike, which is something you CANNOT miss! Want to find out even more, check out our Arequipa or Colca Canyon blog!
Top Activities in Arequipa
Colca Canyon: Take a 2-night trek through one of the world’s deepest canyons. You'll likely spot the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world.
Santa Catalina Monastery: Wander through this vibrant, sprawling monastery that feels like a city within a city.
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral: Marvel at the beautiful architecture and grab a coffee with a view of the volcanoes.
White Water Rafting: Get the adrenaline junkie out of you with this crazy ride through the rivers!
Accommodation in Arequipa
Budget: Flying Dog Hostel– An extremely affordble hostel with lovely staff and close to all the attractions
Mid-Range: Selina Arequipa – Conveniently situated in the Historical Center part of Arequipa, this hostel/hotel offers a pool and a yoga room
Luxury: Cirqa – Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas A luxury hotel right in the heart of the square with free breakfast and rooftop views of the city!
Cusco – 3 Nights
The historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a city rich in culture, history, and breathtaking (literally with the altitude!) sights. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, which will be the next stop! Want. to learn even more about Cusco, check out our Rainbow mountain and Cusco blog!
Top Activities in Cusco
Sacsayhuaman: Explore this massive Inca fortress overlooking the city.
Plaza de Armas: The heart of Cusco, this bustling square is surrounded by colonial-era buildings, shops, and cafés.
San Pedro Market: Dive into local culture at this colourful market, where you can try fresh juices and local snacks.
Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain and Sacred Valley: Visit key Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Accommodation in Cusco
Budget: Magic Packer Hostel – A fun, centrally located hostel perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
Mid-Range: La Casona Real Cusco – A charming hotel with Andean-style décor and free breakfast.
Luxury: Palacio del Inka– Set in a restored palace with elements dating from the 15th century, this refined hotel is across the road from the remains of Coricancha temple and walking distance from other attractions
Salkantay Trek – 5 Nights
For those looking to take the path less traveled to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek was maybe my favourite activity of the whole 7 months! Great company, great sights and one hell of a laugh! We went through the company Machu Picchu Reservations and we couldn't reccomend it enough! Read our blog for the entire five days, here!
Mancora – 3 Days
Finish your Peru adventure on the sunny northern coast in Mancora. Known for its beaches, laid-back vibe, and lively nightlife, it's the perfect place to unwind after trekking through the Andes!
Top Activities in Mancora
Relax on the Beach: Simply enjoy the Pacific Ocean and sunshine.
Surfing: Mancora is a great spot for beginner and experienced surfers alike.
Kite Surfing: Try your hand at kite surfing, a popular water sport in the area.
Nightlife: Mancora has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and beach parties.
Accommodation in Mancora
Budget: Wild Rover Hostel – An Irish hostel right next to the beach with both private rooms and dorms.
Mid-Range: Selina Mancora – A beachfront hotel with beautiful views and relaxing vibes.
Luxury: Arennas Mancora – A secluded luxury resort offering private beachfront bungalows and excellent service.
Budget Breakdown for Peru Itinerary
We have a detailed breakdown of our month spending in Peru on our Instagram here. But we have also created a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend, depending on your travel style:
Budget Travelers: $35-$50 per day (hostels, street food, public transport)
Mid-Range Travelers: $80-$120 per day (budget hotels, restaurants, guided tours)
Luxury Travelers: $200-$300+ per day (luxury hotels, fine dining, private tours)
We had the best time in Peru, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combined adventure, culture, history, and natural beauty. We believe whether you’re into trekking through ancient Incan trails or sandboarding down towering sand dunes, Peru has something for every traveler! So why not pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
If you enjoyed our blog and are planning your trip to around South America, why not check out our other blogs! We spent 7 months in SA and have plenty of activities and itineraries for you! Thanks for supporting us! ☘️
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