Peru is a land of sky-high Andes, Pacific breezes, and layers of Inca and colonial history. From Lima’s world-class culinary scene to the Sacred Valley’s ancient terraces and Cusco’s stonework that defies time, this itinerary puts Peru’s greatest hits and hidden gems on a smart, adventurous arc.

Across 25 days, you’ll savor ceviche and Nikkei, hike to rainbow-striped peaks, sleep in the Sacred Valley to acclimatize comfortably, and take your time with Machu Picchu. You’ll balance big-ticket sights with local markets, Andean weaving co-ops, and unique experiences like swimming near sea lions and sandboarding desert dunes.

Expect high altitude (plan acclimatization days), sensational food (book top spots ahead), strong sun (SPF + hat), and varied climates (layers). For flights into Peru and between cities, compare fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com. This plan assumes morning departures when moving between bases to maximize your afternoons.

Lima

Peru’s capital is a coastal mosaic: pre-Columbian huacas, elegant plazas, and neighborhoods like Barranco and Miraflores where creativity and cuisine collide. It’s one of the world’s great food cities—perfect for a mid-range traveler who loves trying it all, from markets to Michelin-lauded kitchens.

Base in Miraflores for clifftop parks, the malecón (oceanfront path), and easy dining; wander Barranco for bohemian galleries, street art, and pisco-forward bars. History buffs can add the Historic Center’s grand churches and catacombs, or museum-hop to Museo Larco’s renowned pre-Columbian collection.

Days 1–3: Miraflores & Barranco—Arrival, Ocean Views, and Foodie Foundations

• Arrive in Lima: Compare fares and bags-included options on Kiwi.com or Trip.com. From the airport, take an official taxi or app-based ride to Miraflores (45–70 minutes depending on traffic).
• Walk the Malecón: Stretch travel legs along parks and coastal cliffs—catch paragliders over the Pacific and sunset at Parque del Amor.
• Eat brilliantly:
  • Lunch: La Mar (midday-only ceviche; line moves fast), El Mercado (seafood classics with a chef’s twist), or Canta Rana (Barranco, old-school charm).
  • Dinner: Maido (Nikkei fine dining; book far in advance), Isolina (criollo comfort, huge portions), Siete in Barranco (seasonal plates, natural wines).
  • Casual gems: La Lucha (Peruvian sandwiches), Al Toke Pez (counter-service seafood favorite).
  • Coffee: Neira Café Lab (award-winning), Tostaduría Bisetti (Barranco), El Pan de la Chola (sourdough + espresso).

Days 4–6: History, Sea Lions, and Desert Adventure

• Historic Center: Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery & catacombs; go with a guide to decode the layers.
• Swim near sea lions at the Palomino Islands for a wild and totally unique Lima day:
  Visit the Sea Lions in Palomino Islands, in Lima Peru

  

• Food tour in Barranco to sample Peru’s flavors with local context:
  Lima Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour

  

• City walking tour to tackle highlights efficiently:
  Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups)

  

• Full-day Paracas & Huacachina: See Ballestas “mini-Galápagos,” then dune-buggy and sandboard at Huacachina:
  Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast

  

  
  Expect 3.5–4 hours by bus each way; day trip operators handle logistics.

Where to stay (Lima):

• Splurge: Belmond Miraflores Park or JW Marriott Hotel Lima (ocean views, easy dining access).
• Mid-range/budget-social: Selina Miraflores Lima.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Lima | VRBO – Lima

Next move: Fly Lima to Cusco (about 1h20; often $40–$120 one-way with a personal item). Check options on Kiwi.com and Trip.com. To acclimatize better, transfer straight from Cusco airport to the Sacred Valley (Urubamba/Ollantaytambo) at ~2,800–2,900 m—typically 1.5–2 hours by taxi or pre-arranged transfer (~$35–$60).

Sacred Valley (Urubamba & Ollantaytambo)

Green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and Inca ingenuity—this is where terraces cling to mountainsides and villages keep traditions alive. Use Urubamba or Ollantaytambo as a base to explore Pisac, Maras salt mines, Moray’s circular terraces, and Chinchero’s weaving communities.

Staying here first (before sleeping in Cusco) softens altitude adjustment. The vibe suits hikers and culture lovers: mellow mornings, spectacular day trips, then stargazing nights with clean Andean air.

Days 7–10: Acclimatize and Explore Pisac, Chinchero, Maras & Moray

• Pisac: Hike the ridge-top ruins (citadel, tunnels, terraces) and browse the market for ceramics and textiles.
• Chinchero: Visit a women-run weaving co-op to learn natural dyeing and backstrap techniques—buy directly from artisans.
• Maras & Moray: See the honeycomb salt pans (still harvested by local families) and the concentric terraces of Moray—an Inca agricultural “laboratory.”
• Eat & drink:
  • Urubamba: El Huacatay (Andean-fresh, garden herbs), Kaia (wholesome bowls, smoothies), Cervecería del Valle Sagrado taproom (local craft beer).
  • Ollantaytambo: Chuncho (farm-to-table Andean grains, river fish), El Albergue’s farm restaurant (wood-fired, garden produce), Hearts Café (casual, supports community projects).
  • Coffee: Cafe Mayu (at Ollantaytambo train station), small roasters dotted around Urubamba.

Days 11–12: Adventure Options—Bike, Via Ferrata, or Raft

• Bike/ATV around the plateau between Maras and Moray for big-sky views; or tackle the Via Ferrata & zipline in Pachar for a safe vertical thrill with panoramic rewards.
• Rafting on the Urubamba River (seasonal flows) for intermediate-level rapids amid Andes scenery.

Days 13–15: Machu Picchu, with Flexible, Mid-Range-Friendly Choices

• Option A: 2-Day Short Inca Trail (hike from KM104, see Wiñay Wayna, arrive via Sun Gate at golden hour; overnight in Aguas Calientes; guided Machu Picchu visit next morning):
  2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Panoramic Train

  

• Option B: Train & Overnight (no big hike; enjoy Valley, take train to Aguas Calientes, sunrise Machu Picchu next day):
  2-Day Tour: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train

  

• Secure your entry early (tickets sell out weeks ahead):
  Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu

  

• Consider a private guide to make your time on site count:
  Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes

  

• Aguas Calientes eats: Indio Feliz (Franco-Peruvian), The Tree House (creative Andean), Mapacho Craft Beer (casual, river view). Coffee: La Boulangerie de Paris (early opens) for pre-bus pastries.
• Stay steps from nature:
  • Upscale eco: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • Mid-range: Casa del Sol Machupicchu or Casa del Sol Machupicchu Boutique Hotel
  • Budget-social: Supertramp Hostel or Supertramp Hostel Machu Picchu
  • Browse more: Hotels.com – Machu Picchu | VRBO – Machu Picchu

Where to stay (Sacred Valley):

• Urubamba for quiet and central access; Ollantaytambo if you love cobblestone charm and an easy walk to the train.
• Options to browse: Hotels.com – Urubamba | VRBO – Urubamba

Next move: After Machu Picchu, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer 1.5–2 hours to Cusco (or train to Poroy/Bus + transfer). Plan a morning departure so you can enjoy an easy first afternoon in Cusco.

Cusco

The former Inca capital is a living museum: alleyways lined with precise stone foundations give way to Andean-Baroque facades, plazas bloom with festivals, and San Blas artisan workshops hum with creativity. At 3,400 m, take it slow on day one.

Food is superb—think alpaca steaks, Andean grains, and vibrant market stalls. For nightlife, craft beer bars and pisco specialists await, with knockout viewpoints over terracotta rooftops.

Days 16–18: City Highlights, Sacsayhuamán, and San Blas

• Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) for Inca–Spanish juxtapositions.
• Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay—visit by taxi circuit or half-day tour; the cyclopean stones amaze.
• San Pedro Market: Taste lucuma smoothies, choclo con queso, and explore spice and grain stalls. Pick up cacao or coffee to bring home.
• Eats & drinks:
  • Cicciolina (small plates, great pastas), Chicha by Gastón Acurio (modern Peruvian), Pachapapa (oven-fired trout, Andean classics), Green Point (excellent vegan).
  • Views & cocktails: Limbus Restobar (terrace sunsets), Museo del Pisco (flights and expert bartenders).
  • Coffee: Three Monkeys Coffee, The Meeting Place (San Blas social enterprise).

Days 19–21: Big Hikes—Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake

• Rainbow Mountain day trip: Choose a later start to avoid the dawn rush or consider the Palccoyo alternative for gentler hiking and fewer crowds.
  Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: Exclusive 8 AM Departure

  

• Humantay Lake: A turquoise glacial lake framed by Salkantay—start early, layer up, and bring coca tea or candies for the altitude.

Days 22–25: South Valley, Workshops, and One Last Feast

• South Valley circuit: Tipón’s water-fed terraces (engineering wonder), Andahuaylillas’ “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” and pre-Inca Pikillacta’s adobe city.
• Hands-on experiences: Bean-to-bar at ChocoMuseo, pottery or silver workshops in San Blas, or a market-to-table cooking class.
• Machu Picchu (day-trip fallback): If plans shifted earlier, you can still do a whirlwind train day:
  Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

  

  
  Or:
  Machu Picchu Tour Full Day by Train

  

• Farewell dinner: Morena Peruvian Kitchen (bright flavors, good value), MAP Café (glass-cube setting in a museum courtyard), or Kusikuy (try cuy if curious). Craft beer at Cervecería del Valle Sagrado’s Cusco taproom; final pisco sours at Museo del Pisco.
• Departure: Fly Cusco–Lima (about 1h20). Check times and fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com and leave buffer time for connections.

Where to stay (Cusco):

• High-end heritage: Belmond Hotel Monasterio or Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
• Reliable mid-range: Novotel Cusco.
• Budget-social: Kokopelli Hostel Cusco or Pariwana Hostel Cusco.
• Browse more: Hotels.com – Cusco | VRBO – Cusco

Practical tips for this 25-day Peru itinerary

• Budget (50/100): Mix affordable lunches and mid-range dinners; prioritize a few splurges (e.g., Lima tasting menus, one premium Valley hotel night, or the Short Inca Trail).
• Altitude: Hydrate, pace yourself, and sleep first in the Sacred Valley before Cusco. Carry coca candies or tea.
• Tickets: Book Machu Picchu entry and train/hike slots weeks ahead—especially in high season (May–September).
• Safety & logistics: Use reputable taxis/rideshares, keep valuables close in busy areas, and wear sunscreen at altitude.

Across Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, this route gives you Peru’s greatest hits—Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, dune buggies—balanced with markets, neighborhood cafés, and artisan workshops. It’s adventurous yet thoughtful, foodie-forward yet budget-savvy, and paced so the Andes feel welcoming, not rushed.