With 12 days to spend in Peru, you can hit many of the country's highlights. In one trip, go from Lima to Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu to the Ballestas Islands. Or, combine 3-5 days of trekking on the Lares, Salkantay, or Inca Trails to Machu Picchu with a week of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the Sacred Valley. For travelers who aren't prioritizing the Sacred Valley, even more of the country opens up: spend a significant portion of your trip observing wildlife, staying in ecolodges, taking river cruises, and otherwise exploring the rainforest in the Amazon region, or get far off the beaten path with a tour of northern Peru.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 12-day trips in Peru.
A great 12-day tour that incorporates the best of Peru. In under two weeks, you'll explore the Amazon Jungle and trek to the heights of Machu Picchu. You'll experience the best of both worlds — from the jungle to the Andes.
From the Colca Canyon to Machu Picchu, this 12-day itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines, some of the world's most impressive geoglyphs, before exploring Lima and the colonial city of Arequipa. Then visit Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. Cap off your trip by walking in the footsteps of the Incas on a short hike to Machu Picchu.
Experience Peru's rich cultural history and hike through the Andes on this exciting blended trip. Spend several days exploring ancient Inca sites in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Then continue on foot through the mountains, trekking on and around Ausangate through vast glacial valleys and between herds of wild vicuñas. Spend your nights in cozy mountain lodges operated in collaboration with local communities.
This awesome 12-day adventure takes you to the pristine heartlands of the Cordillera Huayhuash, one of the most stunning mountain areas in Peru. Your lungs will be tested as you cross four passes over 14,700 feet (4480 m)—but the challenge is well worth it for the chance to see colorful lakes, glaciers, wildlife, and Peruvian mountain culture.
Visit some of the very best and biggest destinations in these two popular South American countries in under two weeks. This 12-day itinerary combines each country’s natural and historical highlights with the cosmopolitan cities of Buenos Aires, Lima and Cusco.
On this Peruvian highlights itinerary, you'll explore Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, then head out to Lake Titicaca - a place rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Next, travel to Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley before hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. End your trip among the wildlife and jungle lodges of the Amazon.
From the Amazon to Machu Picchu, this itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines, then spend some time exploring the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands and the metropolitan city of Lima. Next, journey into the Amazon to spot wildlife from the comfort of an ecolodge. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and explore the Sacred Valley before your short Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
From metropolitan cities and ancient Inca ruins to remote jungle lodges, this 12-day exploration of Peru's history and nature is perfect for the adventurous traveler. Start in metropolitan Lima, then continue to imperial Cusco. Explore 15th-century archaeological sites, colorful textile markets, and the famed Machu Picchu estate. Hike to see the colorful Rainbow Mountain, then spend 2 days deep in the Amazon exploring the jungle and seeing rare wildlife. Visit Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru to see steep glaciated peaks and icy alpine lakes.
From Lima to the Amazon, this 12-day itinerary has it all. Take in the sights, aromas, and tastes of Lima then head to Lake Titicaca to explore the region's history and beautiful Islands. Next, travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley to learn about its culture and ancient ruins, including a visit to Machu Picchu. Finally, head east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point for your journey to the rainforest. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.
This 12-day tour of Peru's highlights is perfect for adventurous and fit travelers. Begin in the imperial Incan city of Cusco, where you'll embark on a 3-day trek to Machu Picchu. Then, explore the Sacred Valley's ruins, markets, and villages before summiting Rainbow Mountain and getting your fill of culture and stellar views at Lake Titicaca.
During this 12-day journey, you will witness the rich culture, history, and landscapes across Peru and Bolivia. The first half of the trip is in Peru, where you'll explore the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient ruins in Cusco. Go on a Sacred Valley tour of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and — last but certainly not least — Machu Picchu. After seeing the floating Uros Islands, you'll cross the border into Bolivia and explore the city of La Paz, with day trips to the archaeological site of Tiwanaku and the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Discover the intriguing remains of the Chachapoya culture on this colorful tour of northern Peru. Visit archaeological sites, see hundreds of mummies in Leymebamba, then take a break and hike to Gocta Waterfall, one of the world's highest cascades. Find out how to manage your time with this 12-day trip plan.
From bustling cities to remote jungles, this tour of Peru's highlights is perfect for adventurous travelers. Discover Peruvian cuisine and culture in Lima, and continue to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Explore Inca ruins and colorful textile markets before embarking on a short Inca Trail trek, ending at the famed Machu Picchu ruins. Top it all off with a visit the Amazon, spotting wildlife like macaws, cayman, anaconda, and tapir.
From Lima to the Amazon, this 12-day itinerary has it all. Take in the sights and flavors of the capital city, then head east to Puerto Maldonado, a jumping-off point for a journey to the rainforest. Spend three days staying at a jungle lodge and seeing wildlife like colorful parrots and giant river otters, then travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley to learn about Inca history. Finish with hikes to Machu Picchu and vibrant Rainbow Mountain—the perfect way to end this whirlwind trip.
This active 12-day itinerary combines the cultural highlights of Peru's Sacred Valley with plenty of outdoor adventure. Based in historic Cusco, you'll tour ancient sites like Pisac and Moray then head into the cloud forest for a four-day trek along the Choquequirao Trail. Discover hidden Inca ruins and sleep under the stars as you make your way towards the crowning glory of Machu Picchu. After more downtime in Cusco, end the trip with a final hike up the "Rainbow Mountain" of Palcoyo.
During this 12-day tour in Peru, you'll experience the culinary highlights, incredible ruins, and gorgeous nature of this dynamic country. Start by taking a walking food tour in the capital of Lima, then head to the northern city of Chachapoyas. This is where you'll ride a cable car up to the "Machu Picchu of the North," Kuélap, and take a six-hour hike to see one of the world's tallest waterfalls, Gocta. From there, transfer to Cusco to explore Inca ruins, local markets, and the iconic Machu Picchu itself.
This 12-day Peru getaway is about luxury, adventure, and cuisine. Start by sampling Lima's street food and gourmet dishes, then begin a luxury three-night cruise on the Amazon River. From there, catch sunsets from the deck and explore the smaller offshoots to see river dolphins and monkeys. Next, fly to Cusco for a traditional lunch in the Sacred Valley and a scenic train to the famous Machu Picchu. End your trip in Arequipa, the "White City," for regional specialties and beautiful architecture.
