Best of Peru Self-Launched: Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno & Machu Picchu in 15 Days

Fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) and transfer to your hostel in the Miraflores or Barranco district — both are safe, well-connected neighbourhoods full of cafes and travellers. Settle in, grab a ceviche from a local restaurant, and get an early night ahead of a packed itinerary. Budget around £10–15 for a taxi from the airport to Miraflores (use official airport taxis or Uber).

🚌Official airport taxi or Uber to Miraflores (~£10–15)

🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse in Miraflores/Barranco — e.g. Pariwana Hostel Lima (~£12–16/night dorm)

• →Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport
• →Transfer to hostel in Miraflores or Barranco (~£10–15 by official taxi or Uber)
• →Explore the Miraflores waterfront (Parque del Amor, Larcomar cliffs) — free
• →Dinner at a local cevichería (~£6–10)

Take an early morning bus from Lima to Paracas with Soyuz or Peru Bus (~3.5 hours, ~£7). On arrival, check into your hostel and head straight to Paracas National Reserve. You can hire a local taxi driver for half a day to take you around the reserve, including the Obelisk and Interpretation Center, and to the stunning Red Beach — agree a price upfront (~£12–18 for the circuit). Entry to the reserve is ~£5.

🚌Soyuz/Peru Bus Lima → Paracas (~£7); local taxi circuit in reserve (~£15)

🛏Hostel in Paracas — e.g. Kokopelli Hostel Paracas (~£12–15/night dorm)

• →Bus from Lima to Paracas with Soyuz or Peru Bus (~3.5 hrs, ~£7)
• →Paracas National Reserve self-exploration by hired local taxi (~£12–18 for circuit)
• →Visit the Obelisk and Interpretation Center (~£5 reserve entry)
• →Red Beach exploration (included in reserve entry)
• →Sunset from the waterfront malecón — free

Start the day with a morning boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, bookable directly at the Paracas pier or via GetYourGuide (~£12–15 per person) — see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and the Candelabro geoglyph from the water. Afterwards, take a shared minibus or collectivo to Ica (~£2) and then a mototaxi to Huacachina Oasis (~£1). In the afternoon, book a buggy + sandboarding session directly with local operators at the oasis (~£10–14).

🚌Collectivo Paracas → Ica (~£2); mototaxi Ica → Huacachina (~£1)

🛏Hostel at Huacachina Oasis — e.g. Banana's Adventure (~£10–14/night dorm)

• →Morning Ballestas Islands boat tour — book at pier or via GetYourGuide (~£12–15)
• →See the Candelabro geoglyph from the water (included in boat tour)
• →Wildlife: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants
• →Shared collectivo from Paracas to Ica (~£2), then mototaxi to Huacachina (~£1)
• →Buggy and sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis — book locally (~£10–14)
• →Optional: wine and pisco tasting at Bodega El Catador in Ica (~£5–8)

Take a morning bus from Ica to Nazca with Oltursa or Cruz del Sur (~2 hrs, ~£5–8). Check into your hostel and arrange a visit to the Chauchilla Cemetery (necropolis) — book a shared tour from Nazca town for around £10–15 per person including transport and guide. For the Nazca Lines, small Cessna flights depart from Nazca Airport and can be booked directly at the airport or via local agencies (~£90–110 per person — a significant saving on the tour's $195/~£155 optional price). Alternatively, view the lines from the free roadside mirador tower.

🚌Oltursa/Cruz del Sur bus Ica → Nazca (~£5–8); local taxis for excursions (~£5)

🛏Hostel in Nazca — e.g. Alegría Hostel (~£10–13/night dorm)

• →Bus from Ica to Nazca (Oltursa/Cruz del Sur, ~2 hrs, ~£5–8)
• →Chauchilla necropolis guided tour — book locally (~£10–15 incl. transport)
• →Nazca Lines overflight from Nazca Airport — book direct with local aerodrome operators (~£90–110) OR free roadside mirador viewing
• →Optional: Nazca Lines Planetarium show in the evening (~£8)

Board an overnight bus from Nazca to Arequipa with Cruz del Sur or Oltursa (~9–10 hours, ~£18–25). These are excellent long-haul coaches with reclining cama seats (up to 160° recline), blankets, and meals included — the same carriers praised in traveller reviews of the original tour. You'll arrive in Arequipa in the morning. Check into your hostel in the historic centre and spend the afternoon exploring independently.

🚌Cruz del Sur/Oltursa cama bus Nazca → Arequipa (~£18–25)

🛏Hostel in Arequipa historic centre — e.g. Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa (~£10–14/night dorm)

• →Overnight bus Nazca → Arequipa with Cruz del Sur or Oltursa (~9–10 hrs, ~£18–25 cama class)
• →Morning arrival — check into hostel in Arequipa city centre
• →Afternoon: explore Plaza de Armas (free) and colonial architecture
• →Visit Santa Catalina Convent (~£10 entry) — a city within a city, unmissable
• →Santuarios Andinos museum (Juanita the Ice Maiden) (~£8 entry)
• →Sunset from Yanahuara overlook — free, short taxi ride (~£2)

A full free day to explore the White City at your own pace. Walk the Plaza de Armas, browse the San Camilo market for fresh fruit and local food, and visit the Cayma district overlook for views of El Misti volcano. Arequipa is one of Peru's best foodie cities — try rocoto relleno and adobo at a local picantería for lunch.

🚌Walking + local taxis within Arequipa (~£5–8 total)

🛏Hostel in Arequipa historic centre — e.g. Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa (~£10–14/night dorm)

• →Plaza de Armas and Cathedral exterior (free)
• →San Camilo covered market — buy fresh produce and street food (~£3–5)
• →Cayma overlook visit — free, local taxi ~£3 each way
• →Lunch at a traditional picantería (~£5–8): try rocoto relleno and chicha morada
• →Optional: half-day Colca Canyon tour booked via local agency (~£25–35 for day trip)

Take the Arequipa–Puno bus with Cruz del Sur or Oltursa (~6 hrs, ~£12–18). The route passes through the Aguada Blanca National Reserve with views of vicuñas and alpacas, the Chachani and El Misti volcanoes, and the high altiplano plateau — ask your driver or look out for wildlife. Arrive in Puno in the afternoon. Spend the evening acclimatising at 3,827m — drink coca tea and take it easy.

🚌Cruz del Sur/Oltursa bus Arequipa → Puno (~£12–18)

🛏Hostel in Puno — e.g. Casona Colonial Hostel (~£10–14/night dorm)

• →Bus Arequipa → Puno with Cruz del Sur or Oltursa (~6 hrs, ~£12–18)
• →En-route wildlife spotting in Aguada Blanca National Reserve (from window)
• →Views of Chachani Volcano and altiplano landscapes
• →Arrive Puno — check in, drink coca tea, rest and acclimatise
• →Evening walk along Puno's waterfront jiron Lima pedestrian street (free)

Book a 2-day Lake Titicaca tour directly at Puno's port or via a local agency — this takes you to the Uros floating reed islands and onwards to Amantaní Island for an authentic community homestay. Tours run ~£25–35 per person for 2 days including boat, guide, and homestay with full board. This is one of Peru's most memorable experiences — spend the night with a local family, share traditional meals, and hike to Pachatata summit (4,200m) for sunset views.

🚌Boat from Puno port (included in 2-day Lake Titicaca tour)

🛏Community homestay on Amantaní Island — included in local tour price (~£25–35 for 2-day package)

• →Morning boat from Puno port to Uros floating islands (~£25–35 for 2-day tour)
• →Uros reed island exploration with local community guide
• →Boat onwards to Amantaní Island (~3 hrs total from Puno)
• →Community homestay with local family (Patacancha area) — meals included in tour price
• →Hike to Pachatata summit (4,200m) for sunset — included in tour
• →Traditional dinner and evening with host family

After breakfast with your host family, the boat continues to Taquile Island, famous for its textile traditions and recognised by UNESCO. Walk the stone paths, visit the main plaza, and enjoy lunch overlooking the lake. The boat returns to Puno in the afternoon. Spend the evening in Puno resting before the early departure to Cusco tomorrow.

🚌Boat Amantaní → Taquile → Puno (included in 2-day tour)

🛏Hostel in Puno — e.g. Casona Colonial Hostel (~£10–14/night dorm)

• →Breakfast with Amantaní host family (included in tour)
• →Boat to Taquile Island — walking tour of island paths and plaza
• →Visit Taquile Island textile cooperative (free to browse, weaving for sale)
• →Lunch on Taquile (included in tour or ~£5 separately)
• →Afternoon boat back to Puno port
• →Dinner and rest in Puno (~£5–8)

Take the Puno–Cusco tourist bus or standard coach (~7–8 hrs, ~£12–20). The route passes through Pucará town (famous for ceramic bulls), crosses La Raya Pass (4,335m — the highest point on the road), visits the Racchi archaeological site (Temple of Wiracocha), and stops at the beautiful Andahuaylillas church (the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas'). These stops are often included on tourist bus services (e.g. Inca Express ~£35 all-inclusive with stops) or can be visited independently on a standard bus with a day of planning. Arrive in Cusco and acclimatise.

🚌Inca Express tourist bus Puno → Cusco (~£35 with stops) or standard bus (~£12–15)

🛏Hostel in Cusco historic centre — e.g. Loki Hostel Cusco (~£10–15/night dorm)

• →Tourist bus Puno → Cusco with Inca Express or similar (~£35 incl. stops) OR standard bus (~£12–15) with self-guided stops
• →Pucará town visit and ceramic bull market
• →La Raya Pass crossing (4,335m) — photo stop
• →Racchi archaeological site (Temple of Wiracocha) — entry ~£3
• →Andahuaylillas church visit — entry ~£2
• →Arrive Cusco — check in, rest, and acclimatise with coca tea

Buy the Cusco Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for ~£35, which covers multiple sites. Hire a taxi or join a half-day shared group tour from Cusco's Plaza de Armas (~£10–15) to visit the outer ruins: Tambomachay, Pucapucara, and Qenqo, then the mighty Sacsayhuamán fortress. In the afternoon, explore the city independently: visit Koricancha (Temple of the Sun, ~£8 or covered by Boleto), stroll the Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral (~£8 entry).

🚌Walking + shared taxi tours (~£15 total)

🛏Hostel in Cusco historic centre — e.g. Loki Hostel Cusco (~£10–15/night dorm)

• →Purchase Cusco Boleto Turístico (~£35 — covers 16 sites over 10 days)
• →Shared half-day taxi tour to Tambomachay, Pucapucara, Qenqo (~£10–15/person)
• →Sacsayhuamán Fortress (covered by Boleto Turístico)
• →Koricancha / Temple of the Sun (~£8 or Boleto)
• →Plaza de Armas exploration — free
• →Cathedral of Cusco (~£8 or combo ticket)
• →Dinner in San Blas neighbourhood (~£6–10)

Join a full-day Sacred Valley shared tour from Cusco (~£20–30 per person) covering Moray's circular Inca terraces and the Maras salt mines — or hire a private taxi for flexibility (~£40–50 split between travellers). In the afternoon, explore Pisac — its impressive hilltop ruins (Boleto Turístico) and the lively artisan market in the town below. This is a great day for picking up alpaca textiles and handmade crafts.

🚌Shared tour minibus Cusco → Moray → Maras → Pisac (~£20–30); colectivo back (~£1.50)

🛏Hostel in Cusco historic centre — e.g. Loki Hostel Cusco (~£10–15/night dorm)

• →Shared day tour from Cusco to Moray and Maras (~£20–30) OR private taxi (~£40–50 split)
• →Moray circular agricultural terraces (Boleto Turístico or ~£8 entry)
• →Maras salt mines exploration (~£3–5 community entry fee)
• →Pisac artisan market — free to browse
• →Pisac hilltop ruins (Boleto Turístico)
• →Return to Cusco by shared colectivo from Pisac (~£1.50)

Travel by shared colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (~1.5 hrs, ~£3). Explore the magnificent Ollantaytambo archaeological complex — one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru (Boleto Turístico or ~£12). Then board the PeruRail or Inca Rail train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (~1.5 hrs, ~£35–55 depending on service). Check into your hostel in Aguas Calientes and prepare your entrance ticket for Machu Picchu tomorrow — book in advance at culturacusco.gob.pe (~£35–40 entry).

🚌Colectivo Cusco → Ollantaytambo (~£3); PeruRail/Inca Rail train (~£35–55)

🛏Hostel in Aguas Calientes — e.g. Supertramp Hostel (~£12–16/night dorm)

• →Colectivo Cusco → Ollantaytambo (~1.5 hrs, ~£3)
• →Ollantaytambo archaeological complex (Boleto Turístico or ~£12 entry)
• →Artisan market at Ollantaytambo town base — free
• →Train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail, ~£35–55)
• →Check into hostel in Aguas Calientes
• →Confirm Machu Picchu entry ticket (book in advance online, ~£35–40)
• →Hot springs at Aguas Calientes (~£4)

Rise early and take the first Consettur bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu (~25 mins, ~£12 return) or hike the Inca Trail steps (~45–60 mins, free). Enter the citadel on your pre-booked ticket and explore independently or join a small-group guided tour at the entrance (~£10–15). For Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book in advance — tickets are limited (~£12–18 extra). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus, then take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and a colectivo or taxi back to Cusco.

🚌Bus Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu gate return (~£12); train back (~£35–50); colectivo → Cusco (~£3–5)

🛏Hostel in Cusco historic centre — e.g. Loki Hostel Cusco (~£10–15/night dorm)

• →Early bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu gate (~£12 return)
• →Machu Picchu citadel exploration (pre-booked ticket ~£35–40)
• →Optional: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ascent (~£12–18, book in advance)
• →Optional: guided walking tour at entrance (~£10–15 small group)
• →Return bus to Aguas Calientes (~included in return ticket)
• →Afternoon train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (~£35–50)
• →Colectivo/taxi Ollantaytambo → Cusco (~£3–5)

Join an early morning Rainbow Mountain day tour from Cusco — depart around 4–5am. Tours run ~£25–35 per person including transport, breakfast, and lunch. The trek to Vinicunca (5,200m) takes ~2–3 hours return from the trailhead. Optional horse hire is available locally at the start (~£10–15). Return to Cusco by afternoon and transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport for your evening flight back to Lima (~£60–100 booked in advance). Note: book flights Cusco–Lima well in advance for best prices.

🚌Shared tour minibus for Rainbow Mountain (~included in tour); taxi to Cusco airport (~£8); flight Cusco → Lima (~£60–100)

🛏N/A — end of tour (overnight in Lima if needed, ~£12–16 hostel)

• →Pre-dawn pickup for Rainbow Mountain day tour (~£25–35 incl. transport, breakfast, lunch)
• →Trek to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain summit (5,200m, ~2–3 hrs return from trailhead)
• →Views of Ausangate Mountain and Inca terraces
• →Local village visits along the trail
• →Optional horse hire at trailhead (~£10–15)
• →Return to Cusco, transfer to airport
• →Flight Cusco → Lima (Latam/Sky Airline, ~£60–100 booked in advance)