Ultimate 5-Day Peru Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Guide
Having traveled to the country multiple times, I can confidently say I’ve perfected my Peru itinerary. On my most recent trip, I made sure to confirm every detail, and now I’m ready to share my recommendations with you!
I love Peru (and specifically, Cusco) for its rich history, vibrant and welcoming culture, affordability, and endless activities it offers for adventure lovers (ATVs through the Andes Mountains? Hiking Machu Picchu? Yes, please!).
This Peru itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, and while it focuses on activities I’ve tried and loved, feel free to customize it with other hikes or day trips if you’re staying longer or looking for different adventures.
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Trip Overview:
- Home Base: Cusco, Peru
- Length: 6 days, 5 nights
- Time of Year: May
- Weather: The temperature in Cusco ranged from 40°F (4°C) in the early mornings and evenings to around 70°F (21°C) during the day. We didn’t have any rain! If you’d like to see what I wore for the weather, check out my Peru Outfits post!
Trip Summary:
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization
Day 2: Explore Cusco & Plaza de Armas
Day 3: Sacred Valley ATV Adventure (includes Salt Mine of Maras and Moray)
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Day 5: Horseback Riding & Uchu Steakhouse
Day 6: Visit Local Markets, Wrap Up & Depart
Getting to Peru
Fly into Lima, then take a short connecting flight to Cusco. From Cusco airport, it’s about a 15-20 minute ride to the city center.
I recommend pre-booking a taxi through platforms like Booking.com for convenience. Although, there are also plenty of local taxi drivers waiting for you when you arrive—just be sure to confirm the fare upfront!
Getting Around Cusco
I would definitely recommend skipping the the rental car. Taxis are affordable and sufficient for short trips, plus driving in Peru can be aggressive/something you’re not used to. Most activities included in this itinerary are walkable or include transportation, which is super convenient.
For example, our ATV tour picked us up in the town square, and our horseback riding host provided hotel pickup!
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization
Morning: Arrive in Cusco and head to your hotel (this is where we stayed and the price was amazing- especially for a place that could accommodate four people, but there are plenty of great options in the city).
Since Cusco sits at an altitude of over 11,000 feet, it’s important to take it easy on your first day to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude.
Learn more about how you can help your body acclimatize and reduce your risk of altitude sickness here.
If you haven’t already, this is also a great time to exchange money, either at the airport or a local exchange office (you can usually get a better exchange rate in Cusco, but you may want to exchange some earlier so you can pay your first taxi).
Afternoon: Take a walk around Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, where you can enjoy the city’s stunning Incan and colonial architecture. Spend some time exploring the local shops, sampling traditional Peruvian goods, and grabbing a coffee to drink while you walk the plaza and take in the city.
Evening: Head to Mistura Grill, a great spot overlooking the city center, for a delicious dinner. This restaurant offers an incredible view, perfect for a relaxing meal. Afterward, enjoy a walk around the main square as the city lights come to life.
If you’re craving a sweet treat, stop by for some gelato or explore a nearby café.
Day 2: Explore Cusco & Plaza de Armas
Morning: Start your day with a walking tour of the city. If it’s your first time in Cusco and you want a good feel for the city, I highly recommend booking a guide. They’ll take you to cool places near the town center and share fascinating historical information.
If you’d prefer to explore on your own, start with the Cusco Cathedral (the entrance ticket also gives you access to a nearby art museum) in the plaza. The cathedral is filled with stunning artwork and historical artifacts.
Afternoon: After your tour or museum visit walk down to Plaza San Blas (an art district that typically has street vendors/artists selling local goods).
Lunch/Dinner: Head to NaturAle Cusco (located near Plaza San Blas) for a delicious gluten-free pizza. The restaurant feels like you’re dining in a Peruvian woman’s kitchen, with a cozy, homey atmosphere.
Try the fries, pizza, and anything else that catches your eye—everything is made with care. I tried going back a second day, but unfortunately, it was closed. The hours are a bit unpredictable, but it’s definitely worth stopping by if you can!
Evening: Stroll through Plaza de Armas to wrap up your first full day. There’s always something happening here, from bamboo fire art displays (just as crazy and cool as they sound) to parades. It’s a great place to people-watch or enjoy a chill evening.
Day 3: Sacred Valley ATV Adventure
Morning: Start your day by grabbing breakfast at Cappuccino Café in the Square. This cozy spot serves great coffee and treats and offers an incredible view of the town square. Try to get a window seat for an amazing picture. It’s also the perfect place to stop in the evening for a treat after a busy day. We went here multiple times throughout our trip!
Next, ATV/Sacred Valley Tour: Head to the meeting point for the ATV/Sacred Valley experience (this is the one we booked). This was hands down one of the best parts of our trip and only cost about $35 USD—such a great deal, considering experiences like this in the States would easily cost over $500. Don’t forget to bring some cash to tip your guides!
The ATV ride through the Andes was incredible! You’ll ride through incredible mountains, taking in the beauty of the valley, and ride up to Moray.
- Moray: Moray is an impressive archaeological site made up of circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but be in awe of the craftsmanship and the history.
Salt Mines of Maras: After completing the ATV ride you’ll be bussed to the Salt Mines of Maras (yes, this is part of the same experience!). This event turned out to be a highlight for us. We didn’t have many expectations going in, but we were blown away by the beauty and history of this site.
The salt mines are owned by hundreds of Peruvian families who have passed them down for generations. The sight of the thousands of salt pools in the middle of the Andes mountains is truly stunning.
- Before heading into the salt mines, the bus stopped at a local shop, where we got to sample some delicious chocolate made with salt from the salt mine. We ended up stocking up on some salt and chocolate as gifts—if you visit, I highly recommend doing the same. The salt from the mines is still something I use today, and it’s the best I’ve ever had.
Evening: The ATV experience lasted several hours, and by the time we got back, it was dark. You’ll likely be a bit dusty from the ATV ride, so head back to your hotel to shower or freshen up. If you’re hungry, grab a quick bite at Cicciolina Cafe (open until 9pm).
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Early Morning: Start your day with an early breakfast or pack something to eat on the journey. We left our hotel around 6am to head to the train station. The train ride to Machu Picchu takes a few hours, and the route is so beautiful.
Machu Picchu: After arriving at Aguas Calientes (the town right below Machu Picchu), you’ll take a bus up to the ruins. Be sure to book your Machu Picchu tickets well in advance, as it’s essential for entry. I’ve shared more details about the entire Machu Picchu experience (including how to buy tickets and what to expect day of) in this post.
Dinner: After exploring Machu Picchu, head back down to Aguas Calientes and grab an early dinner or snack. We had a meal at Sami Restaurant overlooking the river. It was a great place to relax and chat about the day’s adventure before our train ride back to Cusco.
Aguas Calientes: If you have the opportunity, consider staying overnight in Aguas Calientes. We didn’t expect the town to be so beautiful, but it really surprised us. Nestled between mountains with a river running through it, the town offers cute restaurants and shopping.
Day 5: Horseback Riding & Uchu Steakhouse
Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or head to Jack’s for a more “American” breakfast if you’re craving something familiar.
Horseback Riding: Another top experience for us! We booked a horseback riding adventure through Airbnb Experiences, and I’m so glad we did. Our host, Arnold, was amazing. You could tell how much he loves and respects his horses, and he shared fascinating insights into Incan culture and spirituality.
During the ride, we visited a Temple of Fertility, tried coco leaves, and even explored a cave believed to have healing properties. If you’re interested in learning about Incan traditions or you’re a fan of horseback riding in beautiful locations, this is an experience I highly recommend. Arnold made this adventure both educational and spiritually enriching.
Dinner at Uchu Steakhouse: For dinner, head to Uchu Steakhouse, a must-visit if you’re in Cusco. We loved it so much, we went twice during our trip. The food and the experience here are top-notch, and while this may be one of the more expensive meals in Cusco, it’s totally worth it.
Day 6: Final Shopping & Departure
Final Shopping & Exploring: If you have some free time before you leave, head to the San Pedro Market. This is more of a farmers’ market, but you’ll still find plenty of local goods and souvenirs. This market is across from the train station, so you might have already seen it during your trip to Machu Picchu.
You can also visit the Centro Artesanal Cusco (Artisan Market), which we didn’t have a chance to visit but heard great things about. This market is more artsy and likely offers a wider variety of unique items and handmade goods, perfect for picking up something special to remember your trip.
Packing & Departure: Use the last few hours of your trip to wrap up anything you may have missed. Whether it’s revisiting a favorite restaurant, picking up one last souvenir, make the most of it! Then, head back to your hotel to pack up and prepare for the trip home.
And don’t forget to start planning your next trip to Peru — trust me, there’s always more to explore in this incredible country!
Save This Peru Itinerary for Later
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful and that you’re now even more excited to visit this beautiful country! Be sure to save this Peru itinerary to refer back to later.
Take full advantage of all the opportunities that come your way to make your trip truly unforgettable. Enjoy every moment, and I’m sure you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!
Madison is a Nashville-based traveler sharing itineraries, packing tips, and budget-friendly travel advice to help adventurous women plan epic trips and see the world.
