Here’s a wild stat that blew my mind — Peru gets over 4 million tourists a year, and honestly? It deserves every single one of them. I spent 7 days in Peru last year and it completely wrecked my expectations in the best way possible. If you’re planning a 7 days Peru itinerary, buckle up because I’m about to walk you through exactly how I’d do it again, mistakes and all!

Days 1–2: Lima — Don’t Skip It Like I Almost Did

I’ll be honest, I almost flew straight to Cusco and skipped Lima entirely. Huge mistake that would’ve been. Lima’s food scene alone is worth two full days — we’re talking about a city with Central, literally one of the best restaurants on the planet.

On day one, explore the historic center and Miraflores district. Walk along the coastal cliffs, grab some ceviche from a hole-in-the-wall spot, and just soak it in. Day two, I’d recommend hitting up the Barranco neighborhood — it’s artsy, colorful, and has this bohemian vibe that totally caught me off guard.

Pro tip: eat at a menu del día spot where locals eat. You’ll get a full three-course lunch for like 10 soles. That’s roughly three bucks, people.

Day 3: Fly to Cusco and Take It Easy

Here’s where I messed up big time. I landed in Cusco at 11,000 feet elevation and thought I could just power through and go sightseeing immediately. Nope. Altitude sickness hit me like a freight train by 3 PM.

So please, learn from my suffering — spend day three acclimatizing. Drink coca tea, walk slowly through Plaza de Armas, and don’t overdo it. Maybe visit San Pedro Market for some fresh fruit and people-watching. Your body will thank you tomorrow when the real adventure starts.

Day 4: Sacred Valley Exploration

The Sacred Valley is one of those places that makes you go quiet. Like, you just stop talking and stare. I booked a full-day Sacred Valley tour that covered Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Moray terraces, and it was honestly the best money I spent on the whole trip.

Ollantaytambo especially blew me away — the Inca ruins there are massive and way less crowded than Machu Picchu. If you’re into textiles and handicrafts, the Pisac market is where you wanna be. I bought an alpaca scarf that I still wear basically every winter.

Day 5: Machu Picchu — The Main Event

Okay, this is the reason most people build their entire 7 day Peru itinerary in the first place. And yeah, it lives up to the hype. I took the early morning train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then caught the bus up to the citadel.

Get there as early as possible. The morning mist lifting over the ruins is something that no photo can capture properly, though you’ll take about 400 trying. Book your tickets way in advance because they limit daily visitors now, and slots fill up fast during peak season from June to August.

Days 6–7: Rainbow Mountain or Lake Titicaca

For your last two days, you’ve got options. I chose Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on day six and it was absolutely brutal — the hike is no joke at 17,000 feet. But those striped, colorful peaks? Unreal.

Alternatively, you could head to Puno and explore Lake Titicaca and its floating islands. Either way, spend your final day back in Cusco doing some last-minute shopping and savoring one more plate of lomo saltado. You’ve earned it.

Your Peru Adventure Starts Now

Look, a week in Peru barely scratches the surface, but it’s enough to fall completely in love with the country. Tweak this itinerary to fit your pace and interests — maybe swap Rainbow Mountain for a cooking class, or add an extra day in Lima. Just remember to respect local communities, stay hydrated at altitude, and always book Machu Picchu tickets early.

Want more travel planning tips and destination guides? Head over to Wander Tactics for more itineraries and insider advice that’ll make your next trip unforgettable!