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Aerial view showcasing vibrant patchwork farmland patterns in Junín, Perú.

3-Day Peru Adventure for Nature Lovers

⛰️Hiking & Outdoors⚖️Balanced Mix
3 daysspring

Experience the best of Peru's breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures in spring with hiking, cycling, scenic viewpoints, and unique nature reserves.

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Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Peru, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Andean Hiking and History
Morning
Sacsayhuaman

~3 hours

Explore the ancient Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman on the northern outskirts of Cusco. Walk along its gigantic stone walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Midday

Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley

Take a morning hike or drive to the Sacred Valley, visiting local villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This area offers stunning Andean landscapes and opportunities for nature walks and cultural exploration.

4.8(549 reviews)~4 hours
Google Maps Directions
Afternoon
Explore a local food market

~2 hours

Spend the afternoon wandering through San Pedro Market in Cusco. Taste fresh fruits, Andean spices, and local snacks while observing daily life in a vibrant market setting.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a bakery or café near the Plaza de Armas and try a cup of strong Peruvian coffee with fresh pastries like pan con chicharrón, a crunchy pork sandwich popular in the morning.
~PEN 4
Lomo Saltado
Lunch~PEN 10

Look for a stall or restaurant in the Sacred Valley area and order Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, and onions served with rice and fries.

Lomo Saltado
Aji de Gallina
Dinner~PEN 12

Pick a cozy restaurant back in Cusco's San Blas neighborhood and try Aji de Gallina, a creamy chicken stew with spicy yellow sauce, paired with a glass of Chicha Morada, a purple corn beverage.

Aji de Gallina
Use local taxis or Uber for easy travel within Cusco; they cost about PEN 0.6/km. For longer trips to the Sacred Valley, consider booking a shared minivan or tour. Beat and Cabify are reliable taxi apps too.

Accommodation— San Blas (artistic and bohemian neighborhood near Cusco's center)

Close to many restaurants, markets, and easy access to hiking tours and historical sites like Sacsayhuaman.

Bed & Breakfast in San Blas (artistic and bohemian neighborhood near Cusco's center)
$40-60/night

Close to many restaurants, markets, and easy access to hiking tours and historical sites like Sacsayhuaman.

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Day 2Iconic Machu Picchu Trek
Early Morning

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Arrive early at Machu Picchu to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning light over the ruins. The site opens at 6 AM; be sure to have your ticket and bring water and sun protection.

4.8(83k reviews)~4 hours
Google Maps Directions
Late Afternoon
Try a traditional Andean hiking route

~3 hours

Explore an Andean trail near Aguas Calientes such as the hike to the Putucusi Mountain viewpoint. This steep route offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding forest.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a café in Aguas Calientes town and try Emoliente, a traditional warming herbal tea, alongside fresh local bread and cheese.
$2
Lomo Saltado
Lunch$5

Stop at a small local eatery in Aguas Calientes for Lomo Saltado, a popular Peruvian stir-fry dish of beef, onions and tomatoes served with rice and fries.

Lomo Saltado
Dinner
Look for a restaurant in Aguas Calientes that serves trout, a regional specialty from the nearby rivers, grilled with Andean herbs and served with vegetables.
$8
Walking is the best way to get around Aguas Calientes as the town is small and taxi rides are limited. For travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, take the train to enjoy scenic valley views. Beat and Uber operate in Cusco but not in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes. Local taxis price about 0.6 PEN per km.

Accommodation— Aguas Calientes (gateway town to Machu Picchu)

Perfect for resting after hiking and early morning access to Machu Picchu.

Hotel in Aguas Calientes (gateway town to Machu Picchu)
$20-30/night

Perfect for resting after hiking and early morning access to Machu Picchu.

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Day 3Coastal and Rainforest Outdoor Activities
Morning
Cable Car gondolas for city views

~2 hours

Take the Metropolitano Train to the cable car station in Miraflores. This gondola offers panoramic views of Lima's coastline and city skyline, a perfect photo opportunity early in the day.

Midday

Amazon Rainforest Lodge

Amazon Rainforest Lodge

Visit a nearby Amazon Rainforest Lodge accessible by a short taxi ride from Miraflores. Enjoy guided nature walks, birdwatching, and learn about local flora and fauna.

3.4(8 reviews)~4 hours
Google Maps Directions
Afternoon
Find a cycling tour along the coast

~3 hours

Search for cycling tour companies in Miraflores that offer rides along the Costa Verde. Ride from Miraflores to Barranco for scenic ocean views, stopping at beaches and parks.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Picarones
Breakfast$2-3

Find a café in Miraflores and try a traditional Picarones, Peruvian fried doughnuts made from squash and sweet potato, with coffee.

Picarones
Ceviche
Lunch$5-7

Look for a rustic restaurant near the Amazon Rainforest Lodge and order fresh Ceviche made with local fish and lime juice.

Ceviche
Lomo Saltado
Dinner$6-8

Find a casual dining spot in Miraflores and order Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, and onions served with rice and fries.

Lomo Saltado
The best way to get around is by taxi using apps like Beat and Uber, with an average cost of 0.6 PEN per kilometer. Public transport options include buses and the Metropolitano train.

Accommodation— Miraflores (coastal district with parks and vibrant nightlife)

Miraflores is central and safe, close to major attractions and the coast, making it ideal for outdoor activities and dining.

Hotel in Miraflores (coastal district with parks and vibrant nightlife)
$60-90/night

Miraflores is central and safe, close to major attractions and the coast, making it ideal for outdoor activities and dining.

Search hotels in this area

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$20
Food / day$7
Transport / day$5
Activities / day$15
Daily total$47
Trip total$141

Accommodation: budget hotel $20/night, Food: mix of restaurant meals and street food approx $7/day, Transport: taxis and local transit approx $5/day, Activities: hiking, parks, cycling, water sports, and entry fees approx $15/day

Good to Know

Tap Water: Unsafe to drink. Use bottled or purified water.
Currency: Local currency is PEN (Peruvian Nuevo Sol)
Power Plugs: Types A, B, C, F. Bring adapters.
Taxi Apps: Best apps are Beat, Uber, Cabify
Outdoor Activities: Excellent for hiking, cycling, water sports
Public Transport: Use buses, minibuses, and metropolitan train
Safety: Exercise caution: traffic and violent crime below average
Vaccinations: Get Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever vaccines
Best Visit Times: May to September - dry season, best for outdoors
Languages: Spanish, Quechua widely spoken; average English proficiency

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