Our Peru Itinerary 10 Days: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
We moved to Canada in 2019 and have been exploring the world ever since, always travelling as a family and sharing what we actually experienced on the ground.
From the Pacific coastline of Lima to the breathtaking Andes and the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, here is a glimpse into our unforgettable Peru adventure.
Some destinations surprise you. Others leave you speechless. Peru managed to do both.
When we started planning our 10-day trip to Peru from Toronto, we knew Machu Picchu would be the highlight. What we did not expect was how much we would fall in love with everything else along the way.
The dramatic landscapes, colourful streets, fascinating Inca history, incredible food and warmth of the Peruvian people made this one of our most memorable South American adventures.
And yes, we experienced it all while travelling as a family with our little one!
Our journey took us through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, combining history, culture, scenic train rides and some wonderful hotel stays.
If you are wondering how to spend 10 days in Peru, where to stay in Lima and Cusco, or whether visiting Machu Picchu with a toddler is possible, here is a glimpse into our experience.
Whether you are piecing together your first peru travel itinerary or refining an existing one, our complete peru itinerary 10 days covers the route, the hotels and the practical tips you need to make every day count.
Planning your trip? Our complete Peru digital itinerary covers every day of this route. Grab your copy here before you start booking.
Lima: Where Our Peru Adventure Began
Our first introduction to Peru was Lima, a city that beautifully combines coastal landscapes, historic architecture and a thriving culinary scene.
After an overnight flight from Toronto, we were ready to slow down and soak in the atmosphere.
One of our favourite areas was Miraflores, known for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, scenic walking paths and vibrant restaurants.
Watching the sunset along the Malecón de Miraflores was one of those simple travel moments that made us appreciate being somewhere new.
We also explored Lima’s historic centre, wandered through the colourful streets of Barranco and discovered how much history this city has to offer.
From the beautiful Plaza Mayor to the artistic atmosphere around the Bridge of Sighs, Lima deserves more than just a quick stopover on the way to Machu Picchu.
The Barranco neighbourhood genuinely surprised us. We had expected a quick walk through but ended up spending most of an afternoon there, drawn in by the street art, the quiet cafes and the view of the Pacific from the cliffs. It felt completely different from any other part of the city.
Address: Lima Historic Centre, Lima, Peru
Hours: Outdoor areas accessible at all times
Admission: Not applicable for public areas
Parking: Limited street parking in the historic centre; taxis and rideshare recommended
Confirm current entry requirements for specific museums before visiting.
For more inspiration on international city breaks, see our guide to things to do in New York City.
Where We Stayed in Lima: Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Ciudad
Choosing the right accommodation can make a huge difference when exploring a new destination, especially when travelling with a young child.
During our time in Lima, we stayed at Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Ciudad, a modern, upscale hotel that served as our base for discovering Peru’s capital.
What we appreciated about having a comfortable hotel to return to was the opportunity to recharge between sightseeing adventures, particularly after our long journey from Canada.
With a mix of coastal sightseeing, historic neighbourhoods and culinary experiences on our itinerary, having a dedicated place to unwind was an important part of our travel experience.
We returned to Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Ciudad for the final leg of our Peru adventure, making it our home base both at the beginning and end of the trip.
For travellers researching where to stay in Lima, we recommend including Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Ciudad on your accommodation shortlist.
Having a hotel with a proper restaurant and room service made a genuine difference on nights when our toddler was too tired for another outing. We could not have managed the pace of this trip without a comfortable base to come back to each evening.
Address: Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Ciudad
Jr. de la Union 1068, Lima, Peru
Confirm current check-in times and room availability before visiting.
✈️ Need a Hotel Near Lima Airport?
Book the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport through Expedia — ideal for early departures, late arrivals, or a seamless connection before your next Peru adventure.
Cusco: Discovering the Heart of the Andes
Leaving Lima’s coastal scenery behind, we flew to Cusco, the historic gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
And what a change of scenery!
Situated approximately 3,400 metres above sea level, Cusco welcomes you with mountain views, cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and centuries of Inca heritage.
There is something magical about walking through its historic centre, where ancient stonework meets beautiful Spanish colonial buildings.
We spent time exploring Plaza de Armas and the charming streets around San Blas, taking in the energy of this remarkable Andean city.
One thing worth remembering when visiting Cusco is the altitude. We intentionally kept our arrival day relaxed, giving ourselves time to adjust before heading out on bigger adventures.
The altitude hit us harder than we expected on day one. We took it slow, drank plenty of coca tea as recommended by our hotel, and felt significantly better by the second morning. If you are travelling with children, plan a full rest day on arrival. It made a real difference for us.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Hours: Outdoor plaza accessible at all times
Admission: Not applicable for public areas
Confirm current hours for specific churches and museums around the plaza before visiting.
Where We Stayed in Cusco: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Our accommodation in Cusco was an experience in itself.
We stayed at Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, a beautiful hotel housed in a historic 17th-century colonial mansion near Plaza de Armas.
Unlike a conventional city hotel, this property brings together historic architecture and the comforts of a modern hotel stay.
The building’s colonial character complements the atmosphere of Cusco, making it a fitting base for exploring one of South America’s most fascinating historic cities.
Its location near Plaza de Armas was particularly appealing for our itinerary, allowing us to experience the historic heart of Cusco while having a comfortable base to return to after our excursions.
Cusco also served as our gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. After our overnight adventure to Machu Picchu, we returned to Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco before continuing our journey back to Lima.
For anyone wondering where to stay in Cusco near Plaza de Armas, this is a property worth considering, particularly if you appreciate historic architecture and a central location.
Walking out of the hotel and being steps from Plaza de Armas each morning was genuinely one of our favourite parts of the whole trip. We could hear the cathedral bells and watch the square come to life without needing to travel anywhere.
Address: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Santa Catalina Ancha 396, Cusco, Peru
Confirm current check-in times and room availability before visiting.
Sacred Valley: A Journey Through Peru’s Inca Heritage
If there is one region in Peru that deserves a place on your itinerary beyond Machu Picchu, it is the Sacred Valley.
Surrounded by the Andes, this region is home to some of Peru’s most fascinating archaeological sites, traditional villages and extraordinary landscapes.
Our Sacred Valley adventure introduced us to the colourful weaving traditions of Chinchero, the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray and the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines.
Seeing thousands of salt pools cascading down the mountainside was unlike anything we had experienced before.
We also explored Ollantaytambo, a historic Inca town surrounded by towering mountains and impressive stone terraces.
Every stop offered a different perspective on Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
The Maras Salt Mines were the moment the Sacred Valley really clicked for us. Standing there watching the afternoon light change the colour of the pools from white to gold, with the mountains behind them, was genuinely one of the most beautiful things we have ever seen.
Address: Sacred Valley, Cusco Region, Peru
Hours: Vary by site; Maras Salt Mines generally accessible during daylight hours
Admission: Varies by site; confirm current fees for Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo before visiting
Confirm current entry requirements and tour availability before visiting.
Our travel tip: The Sacred Valley can be explored through guided group tours or private experiences. Choosing the right option depends on your travel style, budget and how much flexibility you need.
We have shared our preferred route, transportation considerations and sightseeing recommendations in our complete Peru travel itinerary.
Machu Picchu: The Moment We Had Been Waiting For
No trip to Peru feels complete without experiencing Machu Picchu.
And even after seeing countless photographs of this iconic destination, nothing prepares you for witnessing it in person.
Our adventure began with a scenic PeruRail journey through the Sacred Valley towards Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
The train ride was an experience in itself, with beautiful Andean landscapes unfolding outside the windows.
We stayed overnight in Aguas Calientes at Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, a riverfront boutique hotel close to the Machu Picchu bus station.
Visiting Machu Picchu was undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of our entire journey.
Standing among the ancient Inca ruins, surrounded by towering green mountains, was a reminder of just how extraordinary our world is.
We arrived at the site early in the morning, just after the gates opened, and the experience of watching the mist lift slowly from the ruins as the sun came up was something we will never forget. If you can book the earliest possible entry slot, do it. The difference in crowd levels between the first hour and mid-morning is enormous.
Address: Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu
Calle Imperio de los Incas, Aguas Calientes, Peru
Confirm current check-in times and room availability before visiting.
Address: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes, Cusco Region, Peru
Hours: Entry by timed slot; gate times vary by circuit booked
Admission: Fees apply; confirm current pricing at machupicchu.gob.pe before visiting
Confirm circuit availability and book Machu Picchu tickets several months in advance.
Can You Visit Machu Picchu With a Toddler?
Yes, visiting Machu Picchu with a toddler is possible, but planning ahead is essential.
From choosing the appropriate entry circuit to understanding train connections, bus transfers and the physical demands of the site, there are several factors families should consider.
We planned our visit around travelling with our little one, balancing sightseeing with a manageable pace.
One of our biggest recommendations is to book Machu Picchu tickets well in advance, particularly if you are travelling during popular months.
Our complete Peru travel itinerary covers the practical details we considered while planning this part of the journey, including family-friendly logistics and important booking tips.
Best Time to Visit Peru
Peru is a year-round destination but the experience varies significantly depending on when you travel.
The dry season runs from May to October and is widely considered the best time to visit, particularly for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Skies are clear over the Andes, hiking conditions are at their best, and the Sacred Valley is at its most accessible. Crowds peak in June, July and August, so book accommodation and Machu Picchu tickets several months in advance if you are travelling during these months.
The wet season runs from November to April, with January and February seeing the heaviest rainfall in the highlands. The upside is significantly lower crowds and lush, green landscapes. Lima, being on the coast, has a different climate and can actually be grey and overcast during the dry season months due to sea mist known locally as garua. We visited in the drier months and found the highland conditions ideal, though Lima itself was surprisingly cloudy.
Free and Low-Cost Experiences in Peru
Peru offers a range of free and low-cost experiences that add real depth to any itinerary without stretching your budget.
In Lima, the Miraflores clifftop walkways along the Malecón are completely free and offer some of the best ocean views in the city. The Kennedy Park in Miraflores, known for its resident cats, is a lovely free stop and very popular with families. The historic centre around Plaza Mayor is free to walk and explore, and many of the exterior views of the churches and government buildings are accessible without paying entry fees.
In Cusco, Plaza de Armas is free to visit and sit in, and wandering the streets of San Blas costs nothing. The Cathedral of Cusco charges an entry fee but the views from the square outside are memorable on their own. The local markets in Cusco, including San Pedro Market, are free to browse and give a genuine sense of everyday life in the city.
One practical tip we found useful: the PeruRail train to Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu bus tickets are not optional costs but booking them early online is significantly cheaper than buying at the last minute. Budget for these in advance and treat them as fixed costs for the trip.
Tips for Visiting Peru with Kids or Toddlers
Travelling with a toddler in Peru is entirely doable with the right preparation, and we would encourage any family to consider it.
The altitude is the single most important factor to plan around. Flying directly to Cusco from sea level and attempting full sightseeing on arrival day is not recommended. We flew to Lima first, spent two days there at sea level, and only then flew to Cusco. This approach gave our little one time to adjust gradually and made the Cusco days far more enjoyable.
For Machu Picchu specifically, choose the circuit with the least walking distance if you are carrying or accompanying a young child. The bus from Aguas Calientes to the site gate is essential and tickets should be pre-booked. The site itself has uneven stone paths and some steep sections, so a child carrier backpack is far more practical than a stroller.
Accommodation choice matters more when travelling with children. We found that staying centrally in both Lima and Cusco meant we could return to the hotel quickly when needed, rather than facing a long commute after a tired child had had enough for the day. For more family travel ideas closer to home, see our guide to ultimate things to do in New York City.
Your Peru Adventure Awaits — Book It Today
Don’t let the perfect hotel slip away. Find and book top-rated stays anywhere across Peru through Expedia and travel this incredible country with total confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 days enough in Peru?
Yes, 10 days is enough to experience Peru’s most iconic destinations including Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. A well-structured peru itinerary 10 days gives first-time visitors a thorough introduction to the country’s history, landscapes and culture. The key is minimising unnecessary travel days and grouping destinations logically.
When is the best time to avoid crowds at Machu Picchu?
The peak crowd months at Machu Picchu are June, July and August. If you want fewer visitors, consider travelling in May or September when the dry season conditions still apply but schools are in session in the northern hemisphere. Arriving at the site for the earliest timed entry slot also makes a significant difference regardless of the time of year.
Is Lima or Cusco nicer?
Both cities offer completely different experiences and both are worth spending proper time in. Lima is a coastal metropolis with a world-class food scene, vibrant neighbourhoods like Miraflores and Barranco, and a rich colonial history. Cusco is a highland city where Inca stonework sits beneath Spanish colonial architecture, and the energy of Plaza de Armas is unlike anywhere else in South America. We would not choose one over the other.
How expensive is a 10 day trip to Peru from Canada?
Costs vary considerably depending on accommodation level, whether you book guided tours, and how far in advance you book Machu Picchu tickets and PeruRail trains. Budget travellers can manage the trip at a moderate cost, while those choosing upscale hotels as we did should plan for a higher overall spend. Booking flights, Machu Picchu tickets and PeruRail in advance is where the biggest savings are available.
Can you visit Machu Picchu with a toddler?
Yes, it is possible and we did it ourselves. The most important steps are choosing the right entry circuit, pre-booking bus tickets from Aguas Calientes, and managing the pace on the day. A child carrier is more practical than a stroller given the uneven terrain. Plan for a shorter visit rather than a full-day itinerary if you are travelling with very young children.
Where should you stay in Cusco?
Staying near Plaza de Armas gives you the best access to the historic centre, the San Blas neighbourhood and the transport links to the Sacred Valley. We stayed at Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco and found the central location invaluable, particularly for managing logistics with a young child. Confirm room availability and current rates well in advance of travel.
Back to Lima: One Last Taste of Peru
After our adventure in the Andes, we returned to Lima for the final part of our trip.
It was the perfect opportunity to enjoy the city’s coastal charm again, revisit Miraflores and explore more of its historic and cultural attractions.
We also made time for shopping, local experiences and discovering more of Peru’s incredible food scene.
Our final days brought us back to Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Ciudad, where we wrapped up our adventure before flying home to Toronto.
From the coastal landscapes of Lima to the ancient wonders of Cusco and Machu Picchu, every part of our journey offered something different.
And that is exactly what makes Peru such a special destination.
Whether you are planning your first peru travel itinerary or returning to explore a different side of South America, this 10-day route covers everything that made our trip truly unforgettable.
If this peru trip itinerary has inspired you to start planning, we hope you experience the same magic we did from the moment we landed in Lima to the final goodbye at the airport.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
Related Pages
Ultimate Things to Do in New York City
Your Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide
Peru Itinerary: Download Our Complete Digital Guide
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep bringing you great travel content. All recommendations are based on our personal experience.