Travel Wanderlust resources: Peru travel itinerary

Peru is a country with a rich history and culture, and it is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. This itinerary will take you to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, including Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.

However, before we get into the Peru travel itinerary, let’s find out a little bit more about the country’s rich history.

READ MORE: Why Peru is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world

The history of Peru

The history of Peru is long and complex, dating back to the pre-Columbian era. The first known inhabitants of Peru were the Chavin, who lived in the Andes Mountains around 1200 BC. The Chavin were followed by the Moche, the Nazca, and the Wari. The Wari Empire was the largest and most powerful empire in pre-Columbian Peru, and it lasted from around 600 to 1000 AD.

In the 12th century, the Inca Empire emerged in the Andes Mountains. The Incas were a highly organized and militaristic society, and they quickly conquered much of the territory that is now Peru. The Inca Empire reached its peak in the 15th century, and it was ruled by the Inca emperor Pachacuti.

In 1532, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro invaded Peru. The Spanish were initially outnumbered by the Incas, but they were able to defeat them through superior technology and tactics. The Spanish conquest of Peru was a major turning point in the history of the country.

The Spanish ruled Peru for over 300 years. During this time, they introduced Christianity and European culture to Peru. They also exploited the country’s natural resources, such as silver and gold. The Spanish colonial period was a time of great upheaval and change for Peru.

In 1821, Peru declared its independence from Spain. The first president of Peru was José de San Martín. The early years of Peruvian independence were marked by political instability and conflict. However, the country eventually began to develop and grow.

In the 20th century, Peru experienced a period of economic growth. The country also became more politically stable. However, Peru has also faced some challenges in recent years, such as terrorism and drug trafficking.

Today, Peru is a vibrant and diverse country. It is home to a wide range of cultures and languages. Peru is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning scenery and rich history.

Peru travel itinerary for a Week

Peru is a country with a rich history and culture, and it is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Day 1:

• Arrive in Lima, Peru. Lima is the capital of Peru and the largest city in the country. It is a vibrant city with a diverse population. There are many things to see and do in Lima, including visiting the Larco Museum, the Plaza de Armas, and the Miraflores district.
• Check into your hotel in Miraflores.
• Take a walk along the Malecón, a seaside promenade with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
• Have dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in Miraflores.

The Miraflores district is a popular tourist destination in Lima. It is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, and lively nightlife. The district is located on the coast of Lima and is home to many hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Day 2:

• Visit the Larco Museum, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art. The Larco Museum is one of the most popular museums in Lima. It houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art, including ceramics, textiles, and gold objects. The museum is located in the Miraflores district of Lima.
• Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Peruvian dishes.
• Enjoy a night out in Barranco, a trendy neighbourhood known for its nightlife.

Day 3:

• Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley, home to many Inca ruins. The Sacred Valley is a beautiful valley located about 80 kilometres from Lima. It is home to many Inca ruins, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. The Sacred Valley is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in learning about the Inca culture.
• Visit the Pisac Market, a lively market where you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts. The Pisac Market is a lively market located in the Pisac district of the Sacred Valley. It is a popular destination for tourists who are looking to buy souvenirs and handicrafts. The market is held every Sunday and is home to many stalls selling a variety of goods, including textiles, ceramics, and jewellery.
• Hike to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, a fortress built by the Incas.

Chinchero is a village located in the Sacred Valley. It is known for its traditional textiles. The village is home to many textile workshops where you can see the traditional weaving techniques being used.

Day 4:

• Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo is a fortress built by the Incas. It is located in the Sacred Valley and is a popular destination for hikers. The fortress offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley and is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in learning about the Inca culture.
• Check into your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Relax in the hot springs or take a walk around town.

Day 5:

• Visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning views of the ruins.
• Return to Aguas Calientes in the evening.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Andes Mountains. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning beauty and mysterious history. Machu Picchu is a must-see for any visitor to Peru.

This itinerary can be customized to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in hiking, you could spend more time in the Sacred Valley or even hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you are on a tight budget, you could stay in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Peru, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Day 6:

• Take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.
• Check into your hotel in Cusco.

Often, there are days where you need to slow down slightly, to ensure that you actually have time to enjoy yourself and bask in the here and now. That is why our Peru travel itinerary tries not to pack in too many things.

Day 7:

• Visit the Cathedral of Cusco, a beautiful church built in the 16th century.
• Take a walk around the Plaza de Armas, the main square in Cusco. The Plaza de Armas is the main square in Lima. It is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The square is home to the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
• Visit the San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artisan shops.

READ MORE: Machu Picchu made our list of famous landmarks you need to visit

This itinerary can be customized to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in hiking, you could spend more time in the Sacred Valley or even hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you are on a tight budget, you could stay in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels.

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Peru, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.