The Ultimate 4-Day Peru Travel Itinerary

Last fall, my best friend and I were mulling over where to visit for the winter holidays. We’re both big on travel and hadn’t taken an international trip in ages, but deciding where to go was tricky. Europe? No, too cold. South East Asia? It’s way too far for our short trip.

And then it hit us: Peru, where the Pacific meets the Andes! It’s summertime there; surprisingly, it isn’t in the thick of their tourist season. Looking back, I’m so happy we went – it was the perfect mix of activity, culture, and leisure. Our 4-day Peru travel itinerary gave us just the right balance to experience it all without feeling rushed.

Peru Travel Itinerary: 4 Days Overview

Day 1: Arrival In Lima & Exploring Miraflores

Day 2: Flight to Cusco & Plaza de Armas

Day 3: Full-Day Trip to Machu Picchu

Day 4: Cusco Culture & Return to Lima

Day One: Arrival in Lima & Exploring Miraflores

Morning

Arrive in Lima and check into your hotel in Miraflores, one of the city’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. Take a stroll along streets lined with colorful cafés and boutiques, and enjoy being just steps from the ocean.

Lima is a coastal city with a humid climate, so I recommend wearing light, comfortable clothing and shoes.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon strolling along the boardwalk, enjoying the cliffside views, sea breeze, and beautiful weather.

Evening

Kick off your trip with an unforgettable dining experience. Treat yourself to Osaka, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion spot with incredible seafood, or Central Restaurante, ranked among the best in the world. Lima is full of amazing restaurants, so be sure to book early if you want a fine dining experience.

Peru Travel Tip: If reservations are full, try arriving early and asking about bar seating—you might just snag a spot!

Day Two: Flight to Cusco & Plaza de Armas

Morning

Take a morning flight from Lima to Cusco and settle into your hotel in the historic center. Take a moment to sip coca tea and relax before heading out. Cusco sits over 11,000 feet (3,400m), so mild headaches or fatigue are normal—stay hydrated and take it slow. Sip coca tea or mint tea to help with altitude adjustment.

Peru Travel Tip: Coca tea is a beloved local remedy, but it can appear on certain drug tests. If your workplace does routine screenings, stick to mint tea or extra water.

Afternoon

Your Peru travel itinerary wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon stroll through Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s charming main square. Admire the beautiful cathedrals and the red-tiled rooftops set against the backdrop of the Andes. Pop into artisan shops in the San Blas neighborhood, enjoy a light lunch, and finish with a coffee at a rooftop café while soaking in the city views.

Evening

Take it easy, grab dinner near your hotel, and relax to recharge for the big day ahead.

Day Three: Full-Day Trip to Machu Picchu

Morning

Visiting Machu Picchu was the highlight of this Peru travel itinerary. Travel by car from Cusco to Poroy Station (arrange for your driver ahead of time), a quick 20-minute ride. Then board the PeruRail Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, a scenic 3-hour journey with breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and villages. From there, hop on the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu—brace yourself for winding roads.

Peru Travel Tip: Tickets sell out months in advance, so book early. Remember your passport; it’s required for entry.

Afternoon

Enjoy a guided tour of about 2 to 2.5 hours through the citadel’s terraces, temples, and viewpoints. Afterwards, take your time exploring at your own pace and capturing photos of this magical place.

We were lucky to have Odi, an incredible guide who brought the ruins to life with fascinating stories and history. There are no vendors inside Machu Picchu, so be sure to bring water and snacks, and note that restrooms are only available at the entrance.

Evening

Return by bus and train to Cusco, grab a light dinner, and unwind after a full day of exploring. Trains often arrive late, and you can choose to do this as a day trip like we did, or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes for more time.

Peru Travel Tip: If you prefer to do a package deal instead of doing this yourself, I’ve found that Viator offers good-quality packages.

Day 4: Cusco Culture + Return to Lima

Morning

Spend your last morning immersing yourself in Cusco’s culture. Explore San Pedro Market for local crafts, coffee, and snacks. If time allows, visit the Inka Museum or enjoy a final stroll around Plaza de Armas.

Peru Travel Tip: This is a perfect time to pick up coca tea bags or alpaca scarves as souvenirs.

Afternoon

Head to Cusco Airport for your flight back to Lima or onward home.

Peru Travel Tip: Flights from Cusco to Lima can be delayed, so leave plenty of buffer time for your international connection.

Peru Transportation

Getting around Peru was pretty straightforward—we relied mostly on taxis to get from place to place. If you do the same, my biggest tip is to always agree on a price before hopping in. Negotiating after the ride rarely works in your favor, and fares can jump quickly if you don’t settle up front.

It also helps to get a general sense of what locals are paying, so you know when a price seems inflated. Don’t be shy about bargaining a little, either—it’s expected in many places and can save you from overpaying.

In larger cities like Lima, ride-sharing apps such as Uber, DiDi, and Cabify are also available and can be a safer, more convenient option, as prices are set within the app.

Where to Stay

I’d recommend staying in Miraflores while in Lima and in the Historic Center when you’re in Cusco. It’s not only easier to get around and see the sights, but also safer.

Lima

📍 Best Budget Spot: NAIA (formerly Selina Miraflores)
Stylish and wallet-friendly, with dorms or private suites, plus a lively café, bar, and coworking vibe—just a stone’s throw from Larcomar and Waikiki Beach.

📍 Best Mid-Range Spot: Intercontinental Real Lima Miraflores by IHG A sleek, modern stay in the heart of Miraflores, this hotel strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Guests love its spacious rooms, rooftop pool with panoramic city views, and easy access to the Malecón.

📍 Best Luxury Spot: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima
A soaring 5-star masterpiece perched on the Malecón, offering sweeping ocean views, a heated rooftop pool, indulgent spa treatments, and refined dining in its signature restaurants like Tragaluz and the rooftop Observatory Restaurant. It’s fusion elegance meets Pacific serenity.

Cusco

📍 Best Budget Spot: Centro by Casa Andina Cusco Saphi A charming boutique-style hotel set in a beautifully restored 18th-century colonial house, just a short walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. It’s cozy, affordable, and full of local character—perfect if you want comfort and convenience without splurging.

📍 Best Mid-Range Spot: Palacio del Inka in Cusco I absolutely loved this hotel. It’s a beautifully restored colonial palace steps from Plaza de Armas, blending heritage charm with modern comforts.

📍 Best Luxury Spot: Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel A luxurious 16th-century monastery transformed into an elegant 5-star hotel, steps away from Cusco Cathedral and Plaza de Armas.

Peru Packing List

This packing list mainly pertains to Cusco since Lima was easy to pack for. Remember, though, that there is a significant weather difference between Cusco and Lima in December – Lima is warm and humid, while Cusco can be quite chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Layering is key!

Sunscreen: The sun in Cusco is no joke. At over 11,000 feet above sea level, the UV index is intense, even on cloudy days. A good, high-SPF sunscreen is a must to avoid getting burned while exploring ruins or wandering around the city.
Scarves, gloves, and a warm jacket: Don’t be fooled by Cusco’s daytime sunshine—once the sun sets, the temperatures drop fast. Having a cozy scarf, gloves, and a reliable jacket made all the difference for me. Think light layers you can peel off in the day and bundle up with at night.
Comfortable shoes: Whether you’re tackling the cobblestone streets of Cusco or doing day trips to nearby ruins, you’ll be walking—a lot. A pair of sturdy, broken-in sneakers or hiking shoes will keep your feet happy.
Ibuprofen (or your go-to pain reliever): Altitude sickness is real—I felt it the minute I got off the plane in Cusco. Bring ibuprofen to help ease the headaches and nausea, and make sure to stay hydrated. Coca or mint tea also works wonders; I was skeptical at first, but once I tried it on day two, I felt a million times better.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to fight altitude sickness. You’ll want a sturdy reusable bottle to refill along the way (just stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking).
Daypack: A lightweight backpack is essential for day trips, hikes, and even exploring around Cusco. It’s handy for carrying layers, water, snacks, and a camera.
Travel adapter: Peru uses both Type A and Type C outlets, so if you’re coming from the U.S. or elsewhere, a universal adapter is a safe bet.
Light rain jacket or poncho: December is the start of the rainy season in Cusco, and sudden showers are common. A packable rain jacket or poncho will save you from being caught off guard.

Coca leaves in Peru airport — Coca leaves at the Peru airport

Other Peru Travel tips:

Flights from Lima to Cusco
I had read that domestic flights between Lima and Cusco were relatively inexpensive, so I wasn’t too worried about booking last-minute. What I didn’t expect was the “foreigner fee” many major airlines tack on—if you don’t hold a Peruvian passport, you can end up paying a couple of hundred dollars more for the exact same seat.

After some digging, I discovered that not all airlines charge this fee. We flew with Peruvian Air and paid the standard fare. It wasn’t the most glamorous airline (we even had air-conditioning issues on the return flight), but the savings made it worth it.

Keep Your Passport Safe
Like many cities around the world, Lima and Cusco do have pickpocketers, especially in crowded areas. I never personally felt unsafe, but I still followed the advice to carry copies of my passport and lock the original in the hotel safe. A crossbody bag or fanny pack is also a smart move for keeping your money and essentials close without drawing attention.

Be Selective with Day Trips
Cusco is full of day trip options, from colorful mountain hikes to remote ruins. They sound incredible, but not all are worth your time or money. Some excursions are designed more for tourists than for authentic experiences.

I found it helpful to ask locals and fellow travelers for recommendations before booking—this way, the trips I chose actually matched the experience I was looking for.

FAQs

Here’s a quick guide to the top questions travelers have when putting together a Peru travel itinerary:

Can You Do Peru in 4 Days?

Yes! In just four days, you can explore Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, as long as you plan your days carefully.

Is Lima or Cusco better?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Lima is perfect for food lovers, ocean views, and lively city energy, while Cusco shines with history, culture, and easy access to Machu Picchu. If you can, include both in your itinerary to experience the full magic of Peru.

How Many Days In Peru Is Enough?

It really depends on what you want to see. If you’re short on time, 4–5 days is enough to cover highlights like Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. But if you want a deeper experience, like exploring Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, or Arequipa, plan for 10–14 days.

Should I go to Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu First?

It’s best to visit the Sacred Valley first. The lower altitude helps you adjust gradually before heading up to Machu Picchu, and you’ll also get to see incredible Incan sites along the way.

Final Thoughts: 4-Day Peru Travel Itinerary

Peru has a way of staying with you. From ancient ruins hidden in the Andes to vibrant city streets buzzing with life, every moment feels unforgettable. No matter how many times you visit, Peru always finds a way to surprise you with something new.

I hope this 4-day Peru travel itinerary is helpful to you and inspires you to visit Peru! I had a great time there and loved the opportunity to learn about a country through its food, culture, and history.