How Many Days Do You Need in Peru?
Days Need in Peru
A few days to a week in Peru is enough to tick most of the country’s highlights off your bucket list. You can visit the capital Lima at a relaxed pace, and if you’re a foodie then you’ll love sampling the incredible local cuisine.
If you have a little more time, then three weeks in Peru will give you plenty of wriggle room to travel slowly. This is a good amount of time to follow the classic Gringo Trail through Peru’s most popular tourist hotspots, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, and also include an expedition up into the Amazon jungle or to the lesser-visited north.
The best time to go to What to do in Peru is May through October, when the weather is fine and dry. But be aware that this is the peak season when prices are at their highest and there will be large crowds in places like Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Ideally, you want to spend at least two or three days in each place you visit. That will let you get a feel for the culture and soak up some of the atmosphere. Plus, it will give you a chance to relax before you tackle a more active excursion.
Peru has some mighty mountain scenery, which means there are a huge number of spectacular miradores (lookout points) that will give you fantastic panoramic views over the mountains, desert, beaches or jungle. It’s worth taking the time to look for these, as you never know what hidden gems you might find!
How Many Days Do You Need in Peru?
There’s no doubt that Peru is an archaeological treasure trove, and the city of Cusco is particularly famous for its ancient ruins. You’ll be able to see some of the most important sites by joining a guided tour, but it’s worth looking up the standard taxi fares before you leave home (or asking your accommodation) so you don’t get ripped off when you hire one.
A great day trip from Cusco is heading out to Huacachina and the amazing sand dunes there. You can try sand-boarding, or take a ride in a dune buggy to watch the stunning sunset.
If you’ve got a few extra days then consider adding a visit to the wildlife sanctuary of Paracas, or head south of Lima to see the highlights of the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca. Then you can fly over the Nazca Lines and visit Arequipa, a beautiful city that sits under the towering peak of El Misti.
A few more days will also give you enough time to reach the deep jungle of Tarapoto, another popular destination in the Amazonas region. It’s a pretty mountainous city, and there are some impressive Inca ruins in the surrounding area. You can also do a river cruise or visit the nearby lakes of Iquito and Mercado.
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. Visitors can explore traditional floating islands inhabited by the Uros people, visit ancient Incan ruins on the islands of Taquile and Amantani, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.