Getting Around Peru
Let’s start with the basics: transportation. In Peru, you’ve got two solid options — buses or internal flights.

Flights are best for longer distances (think: Lima to Cusco) and can be surprisingly affordable. Check out local carriers like Avianca or LATAM.
If you're a fan of the scenic route (or just traveling on a tighter budget), buses are your friend. Peru Hop is a popular semi-guided hop-on-hop-off option that covers major sights and even recommends hostels and tours along the way. You can also go ultra-local with standard bus companies for cheaper fares.
🛬 Day 1-2: Lima

Ah, Lima — the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, always buzzing capital. We landed here during Halloween and found a city full of life, music, costumes, and dancing skeletons.

Things to do:

Explore Miraflores & Barranco – trendy, artsy, and full of seaside cliffs and colorful cafes.
Take a walking tour – many hostels offer them, or you can book via GetYourGuide. You'll learn a lot in just a few hours.
Foodie alert: Lima is a gastronomic paradise. Central (ranked among the world’s top restaurants) is here, but even your average corner cevichería can knock your socks off.
🧗‍♀️ Day 3-5: Huaraz & Laguna 69

Hop on an overnight bus from Lima to Huaraz to begin your high-altitude adventures in the Andes. This is basecamp for one of Peru’s most stunning hikes: Laguna 69.

Laguna 69 Hike:

A 6-hour round trip trek to a glacier-fed, neon-blue lake.
Altitude: 4,500m (aka: not for the faint-lunged).
Cold mornings, tough climbs, but views that will break your Instagram.
Pro tip: Take at least one day to acclimatize. Altitude headaches are real and, trust me, they’re not fun.

🐧 Day 6-7: Paracas

Ready for a change of scenery? Paracas, a small coastal town 4 hours south of Lima, delivers desert-meets-ocean vibes with a side of penguins.

What to do:

Islas Ballestas – the so-called “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Think penguins, sea lions, and dramatic rock formations.
Paracas National Reserve – otherworldly desert landscapes, multicolored beaches, and zero crowds.
Eat: Find a hole-in-the-wall serving caldo de gallina (chicken soup on steroids). It’s worth the hunt.

🏜️ Day 8-9: Huacachina

Yes, that oasis from Pinterest is real. Nestled just outside Ica, Huacachina is surrounded by towering sand dunes and makes you feel like you’re in a dream (or a car commercial).

Must-dos:

Sandboarding & Dune Buggy Tour – Adrenaline, sunsets, and a lot of sand in your shoes.
Climb a dune – Reward yourself with the view, then run/roll down like a happy lunatic.
🏛️ Day 10-14: Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Nicknamed the “White City” thanks to its baroque architecture made from volcanic stone, Arequipa might just steal your heart.

Highlights:

Colca Canyon – One of the world’s deepest canyons. Hike it in 2 days or book a tour for a more relaxed visit.
Santa Catalina Monastery – Surprisingly engaging for even the museum-averse.
Cooking class – Master ceviche, even if you somehow still manage to overcook raw fish.
Eat: Try chupe de camarones – a local shrimp stew that’s basically comfort in a bowl.

🌊 Day 15-16: Puno & Lake Titicaca

Truth time: Puno isn’t Peru’s prettiest city. But it is your gateway to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

Do:

Visit the Floating Islands of Uros – Reed-built islands that float and house indigenous families. Tourist trap? A little. Fascinating? Definitely.
Bring a coat. At this altitude, the sun burns but the nights bite.

🏔️ Day 17-27: Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

You’ve made it to the crown jewel. Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire, now blends colonial charm with backpacker buzz.

Base activities in Cusco:

Free walking tours (and maybe a spontaneous alpaca encounter).
Sacred Valley day trip – Visit Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Easier on the lungs, too.
Rainbow Mountain – It’s stunning, but at 5,200m, don’t even think about it on your first day.
Chocolate Museum – Free samples. Enough said.
🧗‍♂️ Trekking to Machu Picchu
You have four main routes to the iconic wonder:

Train + Bus – Easiest, fastest, priciest. Ideal for the trek-averse.
Inca Trail (4 days) – Must book months ahead. Enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
Salkantay Trek (5 days) – Glacier, jungle, ziplining. Budget-friendly and gorgeous. Camping involved.
Jungle Trek (4 days) – Rafting, biking, hiking. For the thrill-seekers.
Regardless of the path, Machu Picchu is worth it. Wake up early, beat the crowds, and let it all sink in.

🌟 Final Tips

Altitude: It’s no joke. Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize in Cusco or Huaraz.
Weather: Bring layers. The Andes can swing from sunburn to snowstorm real quick.
Booking tours: Hostels often have great prices — no need to plan everything in advance.
Peru is a wildly diverse, budget-friendly, and adventure-packed destination. Whether you’re ziplining in the jungle, dancing in Lima, or panting your way up Rainbow Mountain — every step is a story.

Now go pack that windbreaker, your hiking boots, and maybe some altitude pills... and buen viaje!