The Soul of Peru in 7 Days

Morning: coastal thrills and iconic parks

1. Paragliding at Parque del Amor (Miraflores): Kick off your day flying high over the cliffs of Miraflores.

2. Launch from the area near Parque del Amor – famous for its mosaic walls and the romantic sculpture “El Beso.” Ocean cliffs and adrenaline = the perfect action shot.

3. Stroll or bike the Malecón (Miraflores Boardwalk): Rent a bike or walk from Parque del Amor to El Faro de la Marina (the lighthouse) for epic coastline views. Stop at every mirador (viewpoint) for those wide Pacific shots.

4. Breakfast at a Miraflores Café: Try pan con chicharrón (crispy pork sandwich), tamales, or juane (Amazonian rice and chicken dish). Cafe tip: “La Lucha” for sandwiches or “Pan de la Chola” for artisanal breakfast.

Midday: markets, flavors, & culture

1. Visit a traditional local market – Surquillo Market No. 1: Browse native fruits (Lucuma! Granadilla!), colorful veggies, fresh seafood, and street-style snacks. Every fruit stand and ceviche cart is a photo op. Pro tip: Grab a fresh juice or mini ceviche while wandering.

2. Barranco District walking tour: Lima’s bohemian heart full of street art, historic mansions, and ocean-view parks. Must-sees include Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs—snap it from all angles), Bajada de Baños (a colorful, mural-lined path to the sea), and Plazuela Chabuca Granda for vibes and local music. Mural hunting here is a full-blown creative shoot.

Lunch break: seafood & scenic vibes

1. Cevichería in Barranco or Chorrillos: Try El Muelle, La Picantería, or Canta Rana for fresh, local-style ceviche and seafood. Pair with chicha morada or pisco sour. Colorful plates and rustic interiors and fresh fish = foodie heaven.

Afternoon: coastal culture & shopping

1. Visit Chorrillos: Explore El Morro Solar (for a viewpoint over Lima) or Playa Agua Dulce. Watch fishermen at the pier or spot pelicans near the harbor. Authentic coastal life meets sweeping sea views.

2. Shopping at Inka Plaza & Indian Market (Miraflores): These two places are close to Parque Kennedy. They are great for souvenirs, handmade clothes, alpaca items, silver jewelry, and pottery. Don’t forget to haggle gently—it’s expected. Colorful markets = visual treasure troves.

Evening: parks, pisco, & magic

1. Relax at Parque Kennedy (aka Cat Park!). Central Miraflores hangout with art vendors, cats lounging everywhere, and often live music in the evenings. Come for the quirky cat photos, stay for the energy.

2. Dinner + drinks in Barranco or Miraflores: Try Isolina (hearty Peruvian comfort food), Central (fine dining if you’re feeling fancy), or Ayahuasca Bar (for creative cocktails in a historic mansion). End the night with a pisco sour or chicha punch.

Set your alarms (and your coffee) early—this day trip doesn’t wait for snoozers. You will hop on a bus from Lima before the city even stretches its arms and head south to Paracas, where things will go wild fast—literally.

First stop: Ballestas Islands, Peru’s answer to the Galápagos — but with fewer tourists and just as much sass. We boarded a speedboat and zipped across the sea, passing the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph (Aliens? Pirates? Wwe’ll never know), then you will find yourself face-to-face with sunbathing sea lions, strutting Humboldt penguins, and aerial acrobatics from a thousand seabirds. Bonus points if you spot dolphins—or avoid a surprise from above.

Back on land, squeeze in a quick lunch (read: scarfed down fresh seafood with ocean views), then re-board the bus and roll into the surreal desert town of Ica, home to Huacachina, South America’s only natural desert oasis, and quite possibly the coolest mirage that’s actually real.

Now for the adrenaline: climb into dune buggies that drive like rollercoasters. Buckled in, and holding on for dear life (and your phone), blasting over towering sand dunes, hitting jumps and drops that made your stomach question its life choices. Then comes sandboarding, where you throw style and dignity out the window and slide face-first down sandy mountains. 10/10 would tumble again.

As the sun dipped low, pausing at the dune peaks to catch a sunset so stunning, even the wind seemed to hush. A quick dinner—empanadas, anticuchos, or maybe just a cold beer—because after that, it was a sleepy ride back to Lima, cameras full and your souls a little dustier and a lot more stoked.

If you’re still up for it, you can always get back to the hotel, wash up, and enjoy more of Lima’s nightlife.

Morning: historical vibes & caffeine highs

1. Start your day in the Historic Center of Lima, where the buildings are bold, the balconies are dramatic, and every block looks like it’s auditioning for a period drama.

2. Fuel Up: Grab a coffee and something flaky at a café near Plaza Mayor — Tostaduría Bisetti or El Pan de la Chola Express will do you right.

3. Governor’s Palace: Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard at around noon—marching, uniforms, trumpets, and more pomp than a Netflix royal series.

Late morning: catacombs & traditional coolness

1. Lima Cathedral: Step inside this stunning 16th-century cathedral where art, architecture, and old-world elegance collide.

2. Basilica and Convent of San Francisco: Time to get cryptic. Wander through ancient libraries, moss-covered courtyards, and the infamous catacombs, home to thousands of carefully arranged skulls (very aesthetic, in a spooky way).

Midday: lunch & a dash of Chinatown chaos

1. Calle Capón (Lima’s Chinatown): Just a few blocks away, this buzzing stretch offers a curious cultural mash-up.

2. Lunch: Chow down on chifa (Peruvian-Chinese fusion) at a local favorite like Salon Capon or Wa Lok—soy sauce meets aji, and it works so well.

3. Local shops & artisan finds: Meander through nearby side streets and local boutiques for souvenirs, alpaca gear, and quirky treasures.

Afternoon: park life & water light show

1. As the city softens into the evening, head to Parque de la Reserva—aka the Magic Water Circuit—where fountains do more choreography than a Broadway ensemble.

2. The show starts around sunset. Think: 13 illuminated fountains, dancing lights, water tunnels, and an accidental splash if you misjudge a photo op. Totally worth it.

Optional dinner tip

Hungry after your stroll? Pop into El Bodegón or Tanta for classic Peruvian comfort food with a modern twist, or get some amazing sushi at Osaka (reservation required)— all within an easy drive or Uber from the park.

Fly out to Cusco, spend the day drinking coca leaf tea, and acclimate to the elevation difference.

4:30 am: Cusco wake-up call

Elevation: 3,400m (11,150 ft)

Cusco’s air is thin, but your excitement is thick. You rise, gasping for air, adventure, and a strong coca tea.

5 am: Transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station

Elevation drop: ~600m

As you descend the Sacred Valley, notice your breathing ease up. That’s oxygen making a long-awaited comeback. Optional napping encouraged. Dream of llamas.

6:10 am: Train to Aguas Calientes

Elevation: 2,040m (6,693 ft)

The train glides along the Urubamba River like a snake through Eden. Steep cliffs, misty jungle, occasional Inca ruins peeking like shy celebrities. Order a coffee. Watch the Andes wake up.

8 am: Zigzag bus to Machu Picchu

Elevation: 2,430m (7,970 ft)

You ascend again—because glory requires a little climbing. You’re surrounded by mist and mystery. Board the zigzagging bus that climbs the “Hiram Bingham Highway,” a name far too gentle for a road that winds like a drunk condor.

8:30 am: Explore Machu Picchu: A city in the clouds

Walk among sun temples, royal quarters, agricultural terraces, and the occasional noble llama. Your camera says “thank you.” So does your soul.

Optional hike: Huayna Picchu (prepare your thighs).

Optional vibe: Sit. Stare. Absorb 600 years of mystery.

11:30 am: Descent back to Aguas Calientes

Dropping: ~390m

The bus returns you to breathable air and the sounds of river life and tourist chatter. You’ve seen the citadel. You’ve walked the gods’ highway. Now? You eat.

12:30 pm: Late lunch in Aguas Calientes

Suggested: Indio Feliz or Toto’s House

Raise a fork to civilization. Dine on trucha a la plancha, alpaca medallions, or go full fusion with tropical sauces and Andean herbs. Wash it down with maracuyá juice or a cheeky pisco sour.

You’ve earned this meal. You may now eat like an emperor.

3 pm: Train back through time

With a full belly and a full camera roll, relax as the train climbs slowly back toward civilization.

7:30 pm: Return to Cusco: party altitude restored

Back at 3,400m, lungs wheezing—but heart full.

Drop your bag. Freshen up. Channel your inner conquistador—not for conquest, but for cocktails. (If you still have the energy for it or you can call it a night here.)

8:30 pm: Cusco after dark: altitude, attitude, & añejo

Option 1: Classy & chill

• Museo del Pisco: Pisco flights, live music, and bartenders who take their job way too seriously.

• Limbus Restobar: Rooftop views and neon-lit Andes. Great for photos and ceviche with altitude.

Option 2: Vamos locos

• Mama Africa: Classic Cusco club. Touristy? Yes. Fun? Also, yes.

• Ukukus Bar: Live music, local crowd, Andean-electro beats. Dance like you’ve never danced at 11,000 feet.

2 am: Back to the hotel

Collapse into bed like a stone in an Incan wall. You’ve climbed ancient ruins, dined like nobility, and conquered Cusco nightlife. A perfect arc—literally, figuratively, and topographically.

9:30 am: Breakfast at Café Panam

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Panam, just steps from Plaza Regocijo. This charming café offers a variety of pastries, including their famous empanadas, perfect for fueling up before your adventure.

10:30 am: Depart for Rainbow Mountain

Your tour departs from Cusco, heading towards the base of Rainbow Mountain. The journey takes you through picturesque Andean landscapes, offering glimpses of the majestic Ausangate Mountain along the way.

2:30 pm: ATV ride to Qosqopata (altitude: 4,900 m / 16,076 ft)

Arrive at Qosqopata, a small community at 4,900 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll embark on a 35-minute ATV ride, covering 1.5 kilometers to reach the base of Rainbow Mountain. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

3 pm: Hike to Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (Altitude: 5,037 m / 16,466 ft)

From Qosqopata, enjoy a moderate 45-minute hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. At 5,037 meters above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the vibrant, multicolored slopes of the mountain, a result of mineral-rich sediment layers.

4:30 pmPM: Lunch at Pitumarca (Altitude: 3,890 m / 12,760 ft)

After descending from the viewpoint, return to Pitumarca for a well-deserved buffet lunch. This meal offers a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge before the journey back to Cusco.

8:30 pm: Return to Cusco

Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive back to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 pm. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, bringing an unforgettable day of exploration and exhilaration to a close. (You can return to your hotel and rest up after such a long day, or if you decide to continue, the following is for you)

9:30 pm: Dinner at Pachapapa

Location: Plaza San Blas 120, Cusco

Cuisine: Traditional Andean fare with a cozy courtyard setting

Highlight: Savor the famous cuy chactado (fried guinea pig), a Peruvian delicacy, accompanied by classic sides like potatoes and corn.

Ambiance: Rustic charm with live Andean music, perfect for a relaxed start to your evening.

11 pm: Pre-party drinks at Mushrooms Lounge Bar

Location: Portal de Panes 109, Plaza de Armas

Vibe: Chill atmosphere with pool tables and a great selection of cocktails.

Tip: Grab a drink here before heading upstairs to Mama Africa for dancing.

Midnight: Dance the night away at Mama Africa

Location: Portal de Harinas 191, Plaza de Armas

Music: A mix of Latin, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic beats.

Scene: A lively crowd of locals and travelers, with salsa lessons available.

Cover Charge: Free before 11 pm— S/10 after, including a drink.

1:30 am: Live music at Ukuku’s

Location: Calle Plateros 316

Music: Live performances ranging from jazz and reggae to Latin and rock.

Vibe: A bohemian space with a large dance floor and a pizza bar for late-night cravings.

Pirwa Hostels

Hours: Open until 6 am.

3 am: EDM & Reggaeton at Inka Team

Location: Portal de Panes 151

Music: Trance, house, and hip-hop beats.

Vibe: High-energy atmosphere with two dance floors and a vibrant crowd.

Hours: Open until 4 am.

11 am: Wake, Sshine, & caffeinate

“Who needs an early sunrise hike when your pillow’s this soft?”

Ease into the day at L’Atelier Café Concept in the San Blas neighborhood. Nestled in a cozy artisan studio with dreamy mountain views, sip on a Peruvian flat white and munch on warm croissants while plotting your day with llama-like calm.

Noon: The Heart of Cusco: Plaza de Armas

Snap some sun-drenched shots of the stunning Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. These colonial marvels are straight-up postcard material. Bonus points for doing a slow-mo spin with a churro in hand.

1 pm: Santo Domingo Convent/Qorikancha

Time to dive into history! Explore the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the Incan Temple of the Sun, Qorikancha. It’s like walking through a mash-up of civilizations, where golden walls once reflected divine light—and now your phone flashes.

2:30 pm: Lunch at Morena Peruvian Kitchen

You’ve earned some ceviche glory. Grab a table at Morena, where traditional Peruvian dishes get a modern twist. Order the lomo saltado and a pisco sour the size of your ambitions. Your taste buds will do a little Machu Picchu dance.

4 pm: Museum time: Museo Inka or Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)

If you’re in the mood for rich Incan relics and history, hit up the Museo Inka. Feeling artsy? Go to MAP, where pre-Columbian artifacts are displayed like they’re ready for Milan Fashion Week.

5 pm: Photo op & wandering: San Blas Neighborhood

Get lost (on purpose) in San Blas—Cusco’s boho quarter. Think narrow cobblestone streets, blue balconies, alpaca wool shops, and murals that beg to be your new profile pic background. Keep an eye out for local artisans sketching llamas like life depends on it.

6 pm: Golden hour at Sacsayhuamán

Head uphill to Sacsayhuamán (pronounced “sexy woman”—yes, really), the epic stone fortress with panoramic views of Cusco. Golden hour hits differently up here. The sky, the stones, the selfie potential—it’s practically illegal not to post about it.

7 pm: Dinner & drinks at Cicciolina

Wrap it all up with a cozy dinner at Cicciolina, an upscale tapas bar tucked inside an old colonial house. Order a glass of wine or go bold with a chicha-based cocktail. Toast to a day well-adventured—without setting an alarm.