21-Day Peru Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure through Peru's Highlights

Day 1-3: Lima – The Vibrant Capital
Begin your journey in Peru’s bustling capital, Lima. This dynamic city combines colonial architecture with modern flair. Start with a visit to the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore the Plaza Mayor, the beautiful Cathedral of Lima, and the grand Government Palace. Don’t miss the Larco Museum, home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art. For food lovers, Lima is a gastronomic paradise, famous for its seafood. Dine at Central, ranked among the world’s best restaurants, or enjoy fresh ceviche at the local institution, La Mar.

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at the luxurious Belmond Miraflores Park for a breathtaking view of the ocean or opt for Hotel B in Barranco for a chic and artistic boutique experience.

Day 4-5: Pisco – Gateway to the Coastline
Travel south to Pisco, a charming coastal town and the gateway to the Ballestas Islands. Here, take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Galapagos of Peru,” home to a variety of wildlife including sea lions, penguins, and numerous bird species. Visit the nearby Paracas National Reserve, an expansive coastal desert offering stunning views and diverse ecosystems. Enjoy the fresh seafood, especially the local specialty, ceviche de conchas negras (black clam ceviche).

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at Hotel Paracas, a beachfront resort with stunning views, or the more budget-friendly Hostal Islas Ballestas.

Day 6-7: Nazca – Ancient Mysteries
Next, head to Nazca to marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines. Take a scenic flight to get a bird's-eye view of these giant geoglyphs, which have puzzled archaeologists for decades. Afterward, explore the nearby Cantalloc Aqueducts, an ancient water system. Nazca also offers excellent local dining, so be sure to try the regional dishes, such as tamales and picarones (Peruvian doughnuts).

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at Hotel Casa Andina or the basic but comfortable Nasca Oasis.

Day 8-10: Arequipa – The White City
Continue your journey to Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its colonial buildings made of sillar stone. Explore the beautiful Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city that offers a fascinating glimpse into religious life in colonial times. Don’t miss a visit to the Andean Sanctuary Museum to see the famous "Mummy Juanita," a well-preserved Inca mummy discovered on Mount Ampato. For food, indulge in the region’s specialties such as rocoto relleno (stuffed chili pepper) and chupe de camarones (shrimp soup).

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at the luxurious Casa Andina Premium Arequipa or the quaint Hotel Casona Solar.

Day 11-12: Puno – The Gateway to Lake Titicaca
From Arequipa, head towards Puno, the base for exploring Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Take a boat trip to the Uros Islands, a unique community living on floating reed islands, and visit Taquile Island, known for its traditional weaving techniques. The region’s cuisine is centered around fresh lake trout and quinoa-based dishes. Make sure to try “papa a la huancaína,” a traditional dish of boiled potatoes in a spicy cheese sauce.

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at the luxurious Titilaka Lodge, perched on the shores of the lake, or the simpler but comfortable Hotel Libertador.

Day 13-15: Cusco – The Ancient Inca Capital
Arrive in Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Begin with a stroll through the Plaza de Armas, where you can visit the impressive Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha). Take a day to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can visit the famous ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Don’t forget to try local specialties like cuy (guinea pig) and the hearty Peruvian stews known as "locro."

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at the luxurious Belmond Hotel Monasterio or the charming and boutique Palacio del Inka Hotel.

Day 16-17: Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel. Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and then ascend to the ancient site by bus. Spend the day exploring this awe-inspiring wonder of the world, learning about its history and significance. For a more adventurous experience, hike the Inca Trail or the shorter Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views. In Aguas Calientes, try a variety of fresh trout dishes or indulge in Peruvian classics like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with vegetables).

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge for the ultimate convenience, located at the entrance to Machu Picchu. For a more affordable option, stay at the comfortable Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Day 18-19: Sacred Valley – Culture and Nature Combined
Take a few days to relax and explore the Sacred Valley, a lush region filled with picturesque landscapes and ancient Inca ruins. Explore the archaeological site of Moray, a series of circular terraces thought to be used for agricultural experimentation, and visit the salt mines of Maras. Enjoy a visit to the village of Chinchero, where you can observe traditional Andean weaving techniques. The Sacred Valley is also home to excellent dining, so savor dishes like alpaca steak or the famous Peruvian corn and potatoes.

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at the luxurious Tambo del Inka Resort in Urubamba or the charming Posada de Inca in Ollantaytambo for a cozy and scenic stay.

Day 20-21: Puerto Maldonado – The Amazon Rainforest
End your journey with an unforgettable experience in the Amazon. Fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Stay in an eco-lodge, such as Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, where you can explore the rainforest, spot diverse wildlife, and take guided excursions on the Madre de Dios River. For a truly immersive experience, take a night walk through the rainforest or embark on a boat ride to spot caimans and capybaras. Local cuisine often includes fish dishes such as "patarashca" (fish cooked in banana leaves) and Amazonian fruits.

Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at the eco-luxurious Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica or the more budget-friendly and intimate Tambopata Research Center.

Day 22: Return to Lima
After an unforgettable adventure, return to Lima for your flight back home. Take some time for last-minute shopping in the vibrant markets of Miraflores or relax before your departure.

This 21-day itinerary offers the perfect balance of cultural exploration, ancient wonders, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you’re uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu, tasting traditional Peruvian dishes, or exploring the Amazon rainforest, Peru will captivate you at every turn.