Machu Picchu and More: 7 Days in Peru (2024)

Embarking on a journey to Peru? How thrilling! It stands out as one of the most enchanting and remarkable countries I’ve had the pleasure of exploring. The cuisine, the warmth of the people, and the breathtaking landscapes left a lasting impression. I’m confident you’ll have an incredible time. In this post, discover the ideal 7 days in Peru for an adventure truly unforgettable.

When a friend suggested a South American adventure as part of our annual travels, my mind immediately gravitated towards the iconic Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu. For me, Peru was synonymous with this legendary trail, and the prospect of witnessing one of the world’s natural wonders fueled my excitement. Eager to embark on this thrilling journey, I delved into researching potential destinations.

Despite my friend’s reputation for unexpectedly canceling plans, I didn’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. In a quick turn of events, I managed to rally two other friends to join me on the expedition. Together, the three of us eagerly explored various options and curated a list of places and activities to make our South American adventure truly unforgettable.

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About Peru

Peru is a country in the western South America continent. With rich history and culture, Peru is home to a section of Amazon rain forests, and the ancient Incan city, Machu Picchu. It is also the country to do the sacred hiking trail Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Quick Traveling Information for Peru
Capital City: Lima.
Currency: Nuevo Sol (Sol).
Main Language Spoken: Spanish.
Basic Greetings in Spanish: Hola (Hello), Buenos dias (Good Morning), Buenos tardes (Good Afternoon), and Buenos noches (Good Evening).
Best Time to Visit: Winter season (May to September).
Adapter required (Power Points): Type A and C.
Driving Licence: International Unexpired Valid Driver’s Licence required.

Some amazing facts about Peru are:

• The country has three main languages spoken. Spanish is the main language. Quechua is the second most spoken language. And Aymara is the third most spoken language. However, English is widely spoken as well, especially in the touristy places such as Cusco and Lima.
• There are over 3000 varieties of potatoes grown in Peru.
• The Giant Andean Condor, the largest flying bird on Earth, is found in Peru. I did see one in one of my hiking days in the country.
• Peru is the third largest country in South America.

Visa process for Indian and Australian citizens

When I visited Peru, I had an Australian residency and an Indian passport. So, I had to go through the visa on arrival process to enter the country.

Tip: It is advisable to apply for visa (if required) one to two months before your arrival date into Peru.

• Indian Citizen Visa Requirements – Indians need to get a tourist visa to enter Peru. It is a 180 days tourist visa application. You will need to fill out an application form, and submit the below documents at the Peru Consulate in your city:
  • Passport with minimum 6 months validity.
  • Return flight ticket.
  • Accommodation bookings.
  • 3 Passport photographs.
  • Bank statement showing the funds that you can survive in Peru during your travel.
• Indian Citizen with Australian Residency Visa Requirements – Visa for Indian citizens having Australian permanent residency is On Arrival. At the time of me traveling, I had the Australian Permanent residency and because of which I did not go to the Consulate to get the tourist visa.
• Australia Citizen Visa Requirements – Australian citizens do not require visa to enter Peru. They are allowed up to 183 days in Peru. Keep a watch on the Smart Traveler website for all up to date information on traveling requirements to Peru.

How to get to Peru?

• By Air – Peru has 5 International airports at different cities and 18 domestic airports so you can travel within the country. The main international airport is in Lima and is called the Jorge Chavez International Airport. Many airlines operate from this airport and LATAM Airlines is one of the main ones.

Tip: Try for various routes when looking for flights to get affordable ticket prices. While researching for flights, I realised that the cheapest flights between Sydney and any point in South America is through North America (example, Los Angeles).

As part of my South American travel, I had already entered the continent and was in Bolivia before entering Peru. And in Peru, I took a number of flights as part of my travels.

Flight 1: La Paz to Cusco

• Provider: LATAM Airlines.
• Route: La Paz to Lima and connecting flight from Lima to Cusco.
• Cost: AUD 235.10 (approx. USD 178.81) per person.

Flight 2: Cusco to Lima

• Provider: LC Peru.
• Cost: AUD 131.26 (approx. USD 99.83) per person.

Flight 3: Lima to Los Angeles

• Provider: AVIANCA.
• Route: Lima to San Salvador and connecting flight from San Salvador to Los Angeles.
• Cost: AUD 1571.18 (approx. USD 1194.99) per person.

Where to Stay in Peru?

When I was in Peru, I traveled to Cusco and Lima. All my accommodations were booked on Booking.com website.

Cusco

My most days in Cusco were spent trekking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, but the first and the last night, my friends and I spent at the below hostels. The stay were comfortable and they were close to the city centre.

• Killaqente, Jr.Atahuallpa 454 Urb Tahuantinsuyo, Cusco City Center, Cusco, Peru 51 – AUD 42 (approx. USD 32.09) per night for 3 people.
• Sunset House Hostel, Tandapata 353B, San Blas, Cusco, Peru – AUD 51.24 (approx. USD 39.15) per night for 3 people.

Lima

• Hostal Iquique, 758 Jr. Iquique Brea, Lima, Peru – AUD 43.42 (approx. USD 33.17) per night for 3 people.

7 Days in Peru with Planned Activities

During the 7 days in Peru, I traveled only to two major cities like Cusco and Lima.

Note: All these tours except the Inca Trail are booked with Viator. It is easy and convenient to book the tours.

Day 1 – Cusco

Cusco is a vibrant city with plenty of things that can be done. The food, and the vibes of the city is absolutely amazing. From pretty things to shop for to the old churches and landmarks, the city is stunning. Here are some of the awesome things to do when you are in Cusco. You can also visit some of the beautiful places around that form great one day trips from Cusco.

Activity planned: Cusco City Tour

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, boasts a wealth of historical sites and ancient ruins that provide insights into its storied past. A Cusco city tour offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an essential part of any visit to this remarkable city in the heart of the Andes. The city has character and you can also do the other things that the city can offer.

• There are entrance fee to enter the landmarks. I bought a collective entrance ticket for 30 Sols per person that gave access to 6 landmarks in Cusco.
• Do not forget to take the audio set to listen to the history and information about the place.

If you are a digital nomad and want to spend a few days / months in Cusco, read things that can be done in Cusco.

Cusco Cathedral

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other historical sites in Cusco, the Cusco Cathedral is a prominent and historically significant landmark located in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. Also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, the cathedral is a symbol of the Spanish colonial influence in Cusco following the conquest by Francisco Pizarro.

• This was my first stop as part of the Cusco city tour.
• You can take guided tours that provides insights into its rich history and cultural importance.

Shopping at Ciudad Del Cuzco

Offering a vibrant and diverse experience for visitors looking to explore local markets, boutique shops, and artisanal crafts, artisan markets such as the Centro Artesanal Cusco showcase traditional textiles, pottery, jewelry, and woodwork crafted by local artisans. Cusco is recognized for its silverware, and the city’s jewelers produce intricate pieces inspired by Andean and Inca designs.

Shopping in Ciudad del Cuzco is not just about buying souvenirs; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, appreciate traditional craftsmanship, and bring home unique and meaningful items that reflect the vibrant spirit of this historic city.

Palacio Arzobispal del Cuzco

Also known as the Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco, the Palacio Arzobispal del Cuzco is popular for its colonial architecture, characterized by stone facades, balconies, and archways. It reflects the Spanish influence on the region during the colonial period.

Situated in a historical building located at the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, the palace houses a museum with exhibits showcasing religious art, artifacts, and historical items related to the Catholic Church’s presence in Cusco and the broader region. One of my favourite artifacts at the museum was a massive painting of Jesus.

Templo de la Sagrada Familia

Composed of a Latin cross nave with a rectangular floor plan and small lateral niches, the Templo de la Sangrada Familia is a Renaissance church in Cusco. Also called as Templo de Jesus or Maria y Jose, the building was designed by Franscisco Becerra.

Templo de la Compania

Completed in 1698, the Templo de la Compania is a historic Jesuit church in Cusco. Built on an Inca Palace, the church is one of the best examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in Peru. Part of the Historic Centre of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the church has served as a significant religious center in Cusco, playing a role in the Catholic faith and the Jesuit order. The church was designed with earthquake-resistant features, a testament to the seismic activity in the region.

Day 2 to 5 – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and iconic trekking routes in the world.

Activity planned: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Starting from the Sacred Valley near the town of Ollantaytambo and finishing at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers approximately 26 miles (43 kilometers) over a span of 4 days.

• Local tour contact: Inca Trail Reservations.
• Cost of the tour: AUD 1007.98 (approx. USD 770) per person.
• The tour is a return tour from Cusco.
• Tip: Ensure you get your permit first before booking anything else, as the permits get sold out pretty quickly.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca citadel on a 2430 metres high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. It is above the Urubamba River. The ancient site is located kilometres from Cusco.

• There is an entrance fee of 152 Sols to get into Machu Picchu. The best way is to buy tickets online as there are long queues at the ticketing office in Machu Picchu.
• There are trains that go between Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and buses that go between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

Day 6 – Rainbow Mountain

The Rainbow mountain is a mountain in Andes of Peru with an altitude of 5200 metres. The colours on the Rainbow mountain is due to weathering and mineralogy.

Activity: Rainbow Mountain Day Trip from Cusco

A day trip to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) from Cusco is a popular excursion that allows travelers to witness the stunning natural beauty of the colorful mountain landscapes.

• Local tour contact: Rainbow Mountain Cusco.
• Cost of the tour: AUD 63.84 (approx. USD 48.77) per person.
• The tour is a return tour from Cusco.

• I found hiking this mountain more difficult than the Inca trail. And unfortunately, I had to take a horse to go to the top of the mountain. The horse ride is an extra cost.

I do not encourage riding animals. Even though I did ride a horse to get to the Rainbow Mountain peak, I have vouched to never do it again.

Day 7 – Lima

With a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era when it was inhabited by indigenous people, Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru. Known as the “City of Kings,” the historic centre of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring colonial architecture and well-preserved buildings.

Activity planned: Lima City Tour

Lima’s combination of historical significance, vibrant culture, and culinary excellence makes it a fascinating destination for travelers exploring Peru. With numerous museums that showcase the country’s rich history and culture, Lima has plenty of things to do and see. You can use the city’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and the Metropolitano rapid transit system.

Plaza de Armas

Founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, the Plaza de Armas is the central and historic heart / square of Lima. Surrounded by some of Lima’s most important and historic buildings, showcasing a mix of architectural styles, the square has been the main square of Lima since its founding. You can visit the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), the Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima), Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzbispal), bronze statue of Francisco Pizarro, City Hall (Palacio Municipal) among others.

Miraflores

Known for its scenic coastal views, and vibrant atmosphere, Miraflores is one of the most upscale and popular districts in Lima. Situated along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the area is a great place for a leisurely walk or to enjoy the sunset. Featuring a well-preserved adobe pyramid built by the ancient Lima culture, the Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site is located in the heart of Miraflores.

Parque Kennedy

Officially known as Parque Central de Miraflores, Parque Kennedy is the central park in the district. Known for its resident cats, the park is a popular gathering spot with green spaces, benches, and a variety of activities.

Barranco

Often considered the artsy district of Lima, Barranco’s streets are decorated with colorful murals, street art, and eclectic architecture. The Bridge of Sighs, a wooden bridge that spans across a charming alley, is Barranco’s iconic landmark. According to local tale, if you make a wish while crossing the bridge and hold your breath until you have crossed the bridge, then your wish will come true. While visiting Barranco, you can visit the art galleries and museums such as Mario Testino Museum (MATE), Casa Museo Pedro de Osma, and Dedalo Arte.

Closing Notes

Peru holds a special place in my heart and stands out as my preferred destination in South America. The enchanting vibes, charming llamas, friendly locals, and delectable cuisine in Cusco made my travel experience in this remarkable country truly unforgettable.

From the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu to the vibrant markets of Lima, each moment was a chapter in a captivating adventure. Peru, with its diverse offerings and historical treasures, has woven an indelible tapestry of experiences. And this 7 days in Peru itinerary provides you with a glimpse and information of what can be done in this beautiful country.

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