Three Week Peru Itinerary
Having reflected on my own experience of Peru, I have put together what I think is the ultimate three week (21 day) Peru itinerary.
There are not many countries where you can visit major cities, the desert, Ande’s Mountains and rainforest. Therefore, three weeks gives you plenty of time to see all that Peru has to offer.
Days 1-4: Lima
With most international flights flying into Lima our itinerary is going to start here. It’s good food, interesting neighbourhoods and beautiful parks make this city worth a stop.
Three nights in Lima is the perfect amount of time to get over your jet lag and pick up anything you may need for the rest of your trip such as a SIM card.
Days 4-5: Paracas
This small beach town is made up of wonderful landscapes and diverse wildlife. A night in Paracas is more than time to see what it has to offer.
Days 5-6: Huacachina
You’ve probably seen pictures of this tiny village all over Instagram. Surrounded with the highest sand dunes in South America, centred by a green lagoon and palm trees. Huacachina is a great place to slow down and recharge but it’s unique landscape also offers adrenaline seekers some unique experiences.
Days 6-9: Arequipa
With it’s stunning architecture, great food and variety of things to do, it is well worth spending a few days in Arequipa. Located at 2,300m it is also the perfect place to acclimatise before heading up to higher altitude.
Days 9-10: Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon is quite the sight. Whether you’re hiking or just going to admire the scenery, it is worth spending a night here so you aren’t feeling like you’re rushing around.
Top tip: see if you can find a tour that will drop you off in Puno instead of Arequipa, giving you one less bus ride.
Days 10-12: Puno and Lake Titicaca
Said to be the birth place of the Incas’s, Lake Titicaca sits 3,100m high with Peru on it’s west and Bolivia on it’s East.
Now half way through you trip a stay on the Uros Islands is the perfect place for some rest and relaxation.
Check out my guide to find out why I think it’s worth visiting Lake Titicaca here.
Days 12-18: Cusco
No list of Peru would be complete without the jumping off point for Machu Picchu.
With lots of worthy day trips departing from Cusco it is well worth spending a week here.
Days 18-21: The Amazon
Many people do not realise you can visit the Amazon Rainforest in Peru, in fact the Amazon takes up 60% of the countries landscape. With its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, it really feels like you are living in a David Attenborough documentary.
Check out my guide to find out how best to visit The Amazon, here.
Have an extra week to spend in Peru?
If you are fortunate enough to have enough time to spend a month in Peru, I highly recommend heading north of Lima to stay in Huaraz. With snow capped mountains and bright blue lakes this is a hikers paradise.
This was really interesting to read. Most people only think of Cuzco and Lima when they think or Peru. I really want to go to the amazon rainforest now!
Book the flight, there is so much to see in Peru!
Wow! What a fun read! Colca Canyon looks amazing! Peru is going on my bucketlist! 🙂
Thanks Jenn, the different landscapes are incredible!
I spent 6 months in Peru and this is a great three week itinerary! I also agree with you – Huaraz shouldn’t be missed! The hikes were challenging but this is one of my favorites in Peru that often travelers skip.
Totally agree, there is so much more to Peru than people realise!