16 days in Peru: itinerary
A realistic 16-day route through Peru with sensible stop lengths, travel days and costs.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-01
Lima food, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
The route
- Days 1–4: Lima
- Days 5–8: Sacred Valley
- Days 9–12: Machu Picchu
- Days 13–16: Cusco
Why this order works
It keeps transfers short and ends near a major airport. Domestic flights link Lima with Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos and the north quickly
What it costs
At mid-range pace, an estimated $1,520 per person on the ground, excluding flights.
When to run it
Best months: May, June, July, August, September.
Recommended destinations
Where to go in Peru
Lima
Coastal capital with landmark restaurants, clifftop districts and pre-Columbian museums.
Explore Lima
Cusco
Inca capital at altitude, the base for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Explore Cusco
Sacred Valley
Lower-altitude valley of Inca sites, markets and terraces between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Explore Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel above the Urubamba — ticketed, capped entry with timed circuits.
Explore Machu PicchuRelated guides
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