Planning a trip to Peru but not sure where to start? This Peru itinerary 7 days guide covers everything, from Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain to Lima’s food scene.
We have designed this itinerary after planning dozens of Peru trips for first-time and repeat travelers. We know the best route, the right altitude strategy, and every must-see stop along the way.
You will know exactly what to do each day, how much to budget, and what to expect. This is your complete one-week Peru plan, built to work.
Trip Overview
This 7-day Peru trip follows a smart route designed around altitude adjustment. You start in Ollantaytambo, a quieter town at a lower elevation than Cusco, giving your body time to adapt.
Then you move to Cusco as your base for mountain hikes and city exploration. The trip ends in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital.
The pace is fast but very rewarding. You cover the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Huacachina in one week. Best time to visit is May to October (dry season). Less rain, clearer skies, and better hiking conditions.
The itinerary works best with pre-booked guided tours and private transfers. Booking early is important, especially for Machu Picchu entry tickets.
Trip Highlights
- Days 1 to 2: Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo as your base. You arrive, acclimatize, and head straight to Machu Picchu on day two. This is the highlight most people come to Peru for.
- Days 3 to 5: Cusco becomes your base. You visit the Moray terraces, Maras Salt Mines, and Pisac Ruins on day three. Day four takes you deep into the Andes for the 7 Lakes of Ausangate hike. Day five is Rainbow Mountain, one of the most colorful landscapes on the planet.
- Days 6 to 7: You fly to Lima and spend time in the Barranco district. Day seven is a full-day trip to Paracas and Huacachina, where you sandboard down desert dunes and spot sea lions from a boat.
