Peru
12 Days in Peru: Andes Peaks, Inca Traces & Amazon Wildlife
Hike the Andes, trace the Incas, drift through the Amazon
Planning a trip to Peru?
A 12‑day premium adventure through Peru’s Andes, Inca heartland, and Amazon rainforest, balancing iconic historical sites with hiking, wildlife, and soft adventure. Designed for a comfort‑seeking couple, it clusters days by region to minimize transit while adding curated free‑explore windows in atmospheric neighborhoods.
Highlights
Arrive early at this iconic Inca citadel and explore its terraces and temples with fewer crowds and soft morning light.
Combine Inca ruins, Andean villages, and a zipline or via ferrata above dramatic river canyons.
Wander cobblestone streets layered with Inca foundations, Spanish plazas, and lively Peruvian café culture.
Take a high‑altitude hike to mineral‑striped mountains and sweeping Andean vistas, with a guide for pacing and safety.
Sleep in a jungle eco‑lodge, take guided night walks, canoe quiet oxbow lakes, and spot monkeys, macaws, and caimans.
Taste Peru’s world‑class gastronomy with ceviche, pisco sours, and coastal sunsets in the capital’s vibrant districts.
Good to Know
Plan for Altitude in Cusco & Rainbow Mountain
Spend at least two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before attempting high‑altitude hikes like Rainbow Mountain, hydrate well, and avoid heavy alcohol the first days.
Advance Booking for Machu Picchu
Secure Machu Picchu entry tickets, train seats, and any additional hike permits (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) weeks in advance, especially in dry season.
Layered Clothing Strategy
Pack light layers, including a base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell, since Andes mornings are cold, midday can be hot in the sun, and Amazon humidity is high.
Cash, Cards, and ATMs
Carry some soles in small denominations for markets, tips, and rural areas; ATMs are common in Lima and Cusco but less so in smaller towns and lodges.
Stay Hydrated and Use Sun Protection
High‑altitude sun is strong even on cloudy days; drink water regularly and use high‑SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Respect Archaeological Sites
Follow marked paths, don’t climb on off‑limits walls, and avoid touching ancient stonework at Inca and pre‑Inca ruins.
Choosing Rainbow Mountain vs Palcoyo
Vinicunca is more famous but steeper and more crowded, while Palcoyo offers similar colored mountains with shorter, easier walking.
Zipline & Via Ferrata Safety
Use reputable Sacred Valley operators that provide certified gear, bilingual guides, and clear briefings; always follow harness and clipping instructions.
Insect Protection in the Amazon
Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, use strong repellent on exposed skin, and sleep under provided mosquito nets.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask before photographing locals, especially in markets or rural communities, and be discreet in churches and sacred spaces.
Tap Water and Food Safety
Avoid drinking tap water; opt for bottled or filtered water, and favor busy, well‑reviewed spots for street food and ceviche.
Tipping Norms
Round up in restaurants and consider 5–10% for good service, plus small tips for guides, drivers, and porters on tours.
Keeping Connected
Buy a local SIM or eSIM with a modest data package so you can use maps and messaging, then rely on hotel Wi‑Fi for heavier use.
Safety in Urban Areas
Use registered taxis or ride‑hailing apps at night, keep valuables out of sight, and stay aware in busy areas like markets and bus stations.
Pace Yourself on Arrival Days
Plan lighter, mostly walking‑based activities in Lima and Cusco on arrival days, saving bigger hikes for when you’ve rested and acclimatized.
Booking Domestic Flights
Allow generous connection time between international and domestic flights, and keep key items and a change of clothes in carry‑on.
What to Wear for Adventure Days
Use moisture‑wicking tops, sturdy trail shoes, and a small daypack for water, snacks, and layers; avoid new shoes to prevent blisters.
Respect for Local Communities
Dress modestly in rural Andean and Amazon communities, avoid handing out sweets or money to children, and support community‑run initiatives instead.
Dealing with Motion and Boat Travel
If you’re prone to motion sickness, carry medication for winding Andean roads and Amazon boat rides, and choose seats near the front.
Language and Key Phrases
Basic Spanish phrases like “buenos días,” “por favor,” and “gracias” go a long way; many tour operators in tourist hubs speak English, but not everyone does.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Convento de Santo Domingo & Torre View
Cloistered convent with tiled courtyards and a tower offering panoramic views over the old city.
1h · $5-8Miraflores Pisco Sour Tasting (Hotel Bar)
Try a classic pisco sour and a seasonal variation at a quality hotel bar within walking distance of your accommodation.
1h · $10-20Sacred Valley Inca Sites (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
Guided day exploring Pisac ruins and market plus Ollantaytambo fortress, with scenic valley drives between.
7h · $60-90Ollantaytambo Village Evening Walk
Wander stone‑paved lanes and water channels of this living Inca town after the day‑trip crowds leave.
1h · Free17 activities across 9 days