3-Week Peru Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Peru tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadinePeru travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Days in Peru, incl. Lima and Cusco

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima

    Start in Lima's historic center by visiting Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery early in the morning to avoid crowds. One traveler shared, "Skip the monastery's catacombs if you're sensitive about viewing human remains." Spend your evening in the artsy Barranco district. You can join local street food tours that include tastings of pisco sour, Peru's national cocktail.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Paracas & Nazca

    Take a 4-hour bus to Paracas. Book the Ballestas Islands boat tour for 8 AM when wildlife is most active. After that, travel to Nazca and stop at Huacachina oasis. You can take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, but be prepared. As one reviewer said, "Some people got motion sickness during the 30-minute flight. It's very difficult to take stable photos."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Arequipa & Colca Canyon

    Take the bus to Arequipa and spend a day exploring the White City's colonial buildings and Santa Catalina Monastery. The next day, join a guided tour to Colca Canyon to spot Andean condors. A recent traveler shared: "Get to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint by sunrise for the best chance to see multiple condors soaring below you. Bring layers - it's freezing at dawn but warms up quickly."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Lake Titicaca & Puno

    Bus to Puno at 3,800m elevation. Take time to adjust to the altitude. The next day, take a boat to the floating Uros Islands and stay overnight with a local family on Taquile Island. "The homestay was a highlight," one reviewer noted. "Our host family cooked traditional dishes and taught us about their textile traditions. Bring small gifts for your hosts - school supplies are appreciated."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Sacred Valley

    Head to the Sacred Valley from Cusco to adjust to the altitude more gradually. Visit Pisac's ruins and market, then explore Ollantaytambo. A traveler advised, "The altitude hits hard. Take it slow, drink coca tea, and don't overexert yourself the first few days."

    
  • Days 12-13

    Machu Picchu

    Catch an early train to Aguas Calientes. A visitor recommended: "Book the first bus up to Machu Picchu (5:30 AM) to beat crowds and heat. The site gets packed by 10 AM." If you want to hike Huayna Picchu, book permits several months ahead.

    
  • Day 14

    Cusco

    Explore Cusco's historic center, San Pedro Market, and nearby ruins like Sacsayhuaman. A recent guest noted, "The San Blas neighborhood has great artisan shops and cafes. But the hills are steep - take taxis at night and if you're still adjusting to the altitude."

    

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• 21 Days in Peru, incl. Machu Picchu and Amazon

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Lima & South Coast

    Start your journey in Lima with a morning exploring the colonial center and Miraflores district. Take a 4-hour bus ride south to Paracas to see wildlife on the Ballestas Islands. Stop at Huacachina oasis on your way to Nazca for some sandboarding on the giant dunes. While in Nazca visit the ancient Chauchilla cemetery and take an early morning flight over the Nazca Lines when the air is calmest.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Arequipa & Colca Canyon

    Take an overnight bus to Arequipa to see its distinctive white stone buildings and Santa Catalina Monastery. Try the spicy local dishes at traditional picanterías. Join a guided Colca Canyon tour leaving before dawn to see Andean condors. Remember the road climbs to almost 16,000 feet at Patapampa Pass so take it slow and bring coca tea for the altitude.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Lake Titicaca

    Stay in Puno to explore the lake. Visit the Uros floating islands and spend a night with locals on Taquile Island. A recent visitor shared: "Bundle up for the homestay - lake nights are surprisingly cold, but watching sunrise over Titicaca while helping my host family harvest potatoes was unforgettable."

    
  • Days 11-17

    Cusco & Sacred Valley

    Take time to explore Cusco's mix of colonial and Incan architecture. Plan day trips into the Sacred Valley to experience Pisac market and Ollantaytambo fortress. The highlight will be Machu Picchu. Take the first morning bus from Aguas Calientes to avoid crowds. If you're well adjusted to the altitude consider hiking Rainbow Mountain.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Amazon Jungle & Lima

    Fly to Puerto Maldonado and travel by boat to your jungle lodge. Join guided walks to spot wildlife paddle on oxbow lakes and look for caimans at night. The change from mountain air to jungle humidity is remarkable. End your trip in Lima enjoying Pisco Sours in Miraflores or Barranco.

    

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• 21 Days in Peru & Bolivia, incl. Lima and Cusco

  Peru's cultural tapestry unfolds across 21 days, visiting 12 destinations from Lima to Lake Titicaca. The journey features a 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon's condor viewpoints, and authentic experiences through Sacred Valley community visits and Lake Titicaca homestays.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima

    Start in Lima's Miraflores district to adjust to the altitude. Visit Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery's catacombs in the morning before the crowds arrive. "The walking tour through Lima's historical center gave us great insight into local life." Book your dinner spots ahead at popular cevicherias like La Mar.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Paracas & Nazca

    Take the 6 AM bus to Paracas (4 hours). Explore Paracas National Reserve in the afternoon but remember sunscreen and water since there's minimal shade. The next day you can take an optional Nazca Lines flight ($100). If you get motion sickness take some pills beforehand the small planes turn sharply.

    
  • Days 5-8

    Arequipa & Colca Canyon

    Take an overnight bus to Arequipa and spend a day getting used to the 2,300m altitude. Visit Santa Catalina Monastery first thing before tour groups show up. Head to Colca Canyon for condor watching. One visitor noted: "Getting to the canyon viewpoint by 6 AM meant we saw dozens of condors before the crowds arrived." Pack warm clothes for cold mornings.

    
  • Days 9-14

    Cusco & Machu Picchu

    Take 2-3 days in Cusco (3,400m) to adjust before any hiking. Pick between the classic Inca Trail (4 days), Quarry Trail or train. A hiker's advice: "Break in your hiking boots well before the trail and bring hiking poles - the stone steps are tough on knees." Book trail permits several months early since spaces are limited.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Sacred Valley

    Stay in Ollantaytambo while exploring the Sacred Valley. Check out the local markets in Pisac (best on Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday). The lower altitude here (2,800m) makes exploring easier. The community visit and lunch are great ways to understand local life.

    
  • Days 17-19

    Lake Titicaca

    Take the 7-hour bus ride to Puno to access Lake Titicaca. See the floating Uros islands early for the best morning light. Stay overnight with a local family on Llachon Peninsula and bring them a small gift. One traveler said: "The homestay was basic but authentic - we helped cook quinoa soup and learned about local traditions."

    
  • Days 20-21

    La Paz

    The Puno to La Paz border crossing takes 6-9 hours. Leave early and keep your passport ready for multiple stops. In La Paz check out the Witches' Market in the morning and take it slow at 3,640m altitude. Stay in the Sopocachi area for better food options and quieter streets.

    

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