Peru
11 Days in Peru: Andes Peaks, Ancient Paths & Coastal Flavors
High-altitude ruins, wild landscapes, and world-class Peruvian flavors
An 11-day, fast-paced Peru adventure that blends Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lima’s food scene, and Andean wildlife with just enough comfort and planning to keep everything smooth. Each day is tightly clustered by neighborhood or valley so you maximize experiences while still savoring premium meals and boutique stays.
Highlights
Experience dawn light over the citadel after a scenic train and mountain ascent.
Combine Inca sites, Andean villages, and gentle adventure in one dramatic valley.
Sample ceviche, Nikkei, and contemporary Peruvian in South America’s top food city.
Photograph baroque churches, Inca walls, and buzzing plazas at 3,400 meters.
Boat out from Lima to see sea lions, seabirds, and coastal cliffs up close.
Tackle a high-altitude hike to surreal striped peaks and sweeping Andean views.
Good to Know
Altitude Acclimatization Strategy
Plan low-exertion activities on your first day in Cusco, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and consider coca tea or, if advised by a doctor, acetazolamide.
Booking Permits Early
Machu Picchu entry, Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain hikes, and the best train times sell out weeks to months in advance, especially in high season.
Cash vs Card
Use cards at hotels and upscale restaurants but carry small bills (10–20 soles) for markets, tipping, bathrooms, and rural snacks; ATMs are available in airports and major towns.
Safety and Taxis
Use official airport taxis or reputable apps where available, keep valuables out of sight, and ask your hotel or restaurant to call a trusted cab when going out at night.
Street Food Hygiene
Choose busy stalls with high turnover, opt for cooked-to-order items, and avoid anything that looks like it has been sitting out for a long time.
Packing for Microclimates
Bring a small daypack, lightweight rain jacket, warm mid-layer, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and quick-dry clothing to adapt quickly from coastal humidity to Andean chill.
Photography Etiquette
Ask before photographing people, especially in markets or rural communities, and be mindful of where drones are prohibited (such as Machu Picchu).
Market Bargaining Basics
In artisan markets, it is normal to politely negotiate, starting around 60–70% of the initial price and meeting somewhere in the middle.
Tipping Norms
In restaurants, tipping 10% is appreciated if service is not already included; for guides and drivers, small cash tips based on service level are customary.
Water and Hydration
Drink only bottled or filtered water and keep a reusable bottle to refill from safe sources; avoid ice in very basic places if you are unsure.
Sun Protection at Altitude
UV exposure is strong in the Andes; apply high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and use sunglasses even on cloudy days.
Choosing Adventure Operators
For climbing or high-altitude hikes, prioritize agencies with clear safety briefings, oxygen on board, and good recent reviews rather than simply the lowest price.
Layered Payment for Tours
Some tours do not include entrance fees or certain meals, so read inclusions carefully and keep cash set aside for tickets and tips.
Airport Timing in Lima
Factor in potential traffic delays of 45–90 minutes between Miraflores and the airport, especially during weekday rush hours.
Language and Communication
Basic Spanish phrases go a long way; download offline translation packs and maps, as connectivity can be patchy in the Sacred Valley and on hikes.
Staying Healthy with Food
Introduce raw foods like ceviche earlier in the trip in Lima, where standards are high, and stick more to cooked dishes right before big travel or hike days.
Respecting Sacred Sites
At archaeological sites, stay on marked paths, do not touch or climb on restricted walls, and follow local rangers’ guidance.
Carrying Copies of Documents
Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and travel insurance separate from the originals and carry only what you need for the day.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Q’enqo, Puka Pukara & Tambomachay
Continue by taxi between these smaller ruins for a relaxed archaeological circuit.
2h · $15-25 (shared taxi and Boleto Turístico portion)Juntos Café
Small café with simple breakfasts and good coffee before a Sacred Valley departure.
30m · $6-10 per personPisac Ruins & Pisac Market
Visit the hilltop terraces and temples, then browse the artisan market in town.
2h 30m · $25-40 (transport and entry)Ulrike’s Café
Traveler-friendly café near the market offering salads, sandwiches, and cakes.
1h · $10-18 per personOllantaytambo Fortress & Old Town
Climb the terraces of the Inca fortress and wander the cobbled streets of the living Inca town.
2h · $15-25 (entry and guide)11 activities across 6 days