Peru Itinerary The Essentials – The Gringo Route
The Peru Gringo Route itinerary, also known as the Gringo Trail, is a popular route that winds through some of Peru’s most iconic destinations covering the southern part of Peru. It’s favored by travelers seeking adventure, culture, and authentic experiences.
TIP – You can also do this itinerary in the opposite direction where you fly into Cusco and finish at Lima.
Things to consider when choosing your the staring point. For example if you finish at Cusco you can then explore the Amazon in the South of Peru (Manu Bioshpere or Tambopata) and head into Bolivia via Lake Titicaca.
If you finish at Lima you can explore the Andean region of Huaraz for hiking and adventure enthusiasts, the cultural areas of Trujillo and surrounding, the beach town of Mancora and finally the Northern Amazon of Peru, Iquitos.
If you would like to book your holiday with a sustainable travel company check out the Peru Tour Packages by Kynd Erth.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each stop along the route.
Lima 2-3 days
Start your journey in the capital city, Lima. Spend a couple of days exploring its vibrant neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco. Sample local Peruvian cuisine at the bustling food markets and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife. Explore its historic center, including Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Government Palace. Also a great place for surf lovers.
Paracas 1-2 days
Travel south to Paracas, a coastal town known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Take the Ballestas Islands tour to see sea lions, penguins, and a variety of bird species. Visit the Paracas National Reserve to see dramatic coastal landscapes and red sand beaches.
Huacachina 1-2 days
From Paracas, head to Huacachina, a desert oasis near the city of Ica. Spend a day sandboarding down the dunes or taking a thrilling dune buggy ride. Relax by the oasis lagoon and enjoy the sunset over the desert or immerse yourself in the tradition of pisco with visits to artisanal wineries in the region.
Nazca (0-1 day)
Visit Nazca enroute Arequipa for a few hours, known for the mysterious Nazca Lines. Take a flight over the Nazca Lines to see the ancient geoglyphs from above and learn about the theories surrounding their purpose and creation.
Arequipa 3-7 days
Travel inland to Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city. Explore the colonial architecture of the historic center, including the Santa Catalina Monastery. Take a day trip to the nearby Colca Canyon to see Andean condors soaring above the canyon walls or climb the volcanoes of Misti or Chachani. Arequipa also offers a vibrant nightlife with several restaurants and bars.
Cusco 3-7 days
Next Head to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu. Spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring the city’s Inca and colonial heritage. Visit attractions like Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, and the San Pedro Market. Take day trips to see Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley and Humantay Lake.
TIP -If you have extra time spend a few days in the Sacred Valley towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. You can visit the Inca ruins in these places as well as enjoy the laid back vibes with several cafes and restaurants. Pisac also has a growing wellness and spiritual community. Furthermore there are several adventurous activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, zip lining and mountain biking that can be accessed from the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu 1-4 days
No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu. Take the train or hike the famous 4 day Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Explore the ruins with a guided tour and soak in the awe-inspiring views.
This itinerary covers some of the highlights of the Gringo Route in Peru, offering a mix of cultural immersion, adventure, and natural beauty. Adjust the duration of your stay in each destination based on your preferences and available time.
PERU FOOD TOUR
Go on an exclusive Lima Food Tour with Kynd Erth. Get in touch to get more information.
Peru Itinerary Extended – Southern Peru
TIP – Tambopata and Manu Biosphere are both part of the Amazon forest in the Southern part of Peru. People usually tend to choose either one of them with Tambopata being more popular. Tambopata provides access to the Amazon tributaries rivers while Manu Bioshpere is a more protected reserve with fewer options for accommodation and higher prices.
You can also access the Amazon in the Northern part of Peru via Iquitos which is detailed in the next section of the Northern Peru Extended Itinerary.
Tambopata 2-5 days
The Tambopata National Reserve is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, home to a vast array of plant and animal species, including jaguars, giant river otters, macaws, and countless insect species.
This region is renowned for ecotourism, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Amazon rainforest, navigate the Tambopata River, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about indigenous cultures.
Manú Biosphere Reserve 2-5 days
With tours departing from Cusco, Manu Biosphere is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It encompasses a vast expanse of Amazon rainforest, ranging from lowland tropical forests to high-altitude cloud forests. The reserve is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species. Excursions to the Manu biosphere are more expensive in comparison to other Amazon excursions in the northern part of Peru in the Iquitos region.
Puno and Lake Titicaca 1-3 days
After Cusco, travel southeast to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Take a boat trip to the Uros Islands, where the indigenous Uru people live on floating reed islands. Explore Taquile Island for its textile traditions and stunning scenery.
After Puno you have the option to cross over to La Paz in Bolivia and visit a new country or head back to Cusco and take a bus or flight back to Lima or one of the destinations in the northern region of Peru.
PERU FOOD COOKING CLASS
Go on an exclusive Peru Food Cooking ClSS with Kynd Erth. Get in touch to get more information.
Peru Itinerary Extended – Northern Peru
Huaraz 3-7 days
An overnight bus from Lima, Huaraz is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, including the iconic Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru.
Multi day treks like the Santa Cruz Trek and Huayhuash Circuit offer breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and dramatic valleys. Other notable day treks and attractions include Laguna 69, Lake Paron, Pastoruri Glacier, Laguna Rokutuyoc and visiting the ancient archaeological site of Chavín de Huántar.
Trujillo 1-2 days
Explore the archaeological complex of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Temple of the Sun and the Moon, ancient Moche pyramids adorned with intricate murals and reliefs.
Huanchaco 1-2 days
Spend the morning in Huanchaco, a coastal town famous for its traditional reed boats called “caballitos de totora.” Enjoy surfing or relax on the beach. Visit the nearby archaeological site of Huaca de la Luna, another Moche temple complex.
Chiclayo 1-2 days
Travel to Chiclayo, known for its lively markets and archaeological sites. Explore the Mercado Modelo for local handicrafts and fresh produce. Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum to see the treasures of the Moche ruler buried at the site.
Chachapoyas 1-2 days
Take a scenic bus ride to Chachapoyas, gateway to the cloud forest region. Visit the impressive Gocta Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Explore the ancient fortress of Kuelap, an archaeological site perched on a mountain ridge.
Leymebamba 1-2 days
Drive to Leymebamba to visit the Leymebamba Museum, home to a collection of mummies and artifacts from the Chachapoya culture. Explore the nearby Revash mausoleums, cliffside tombs adorned with geometric designs.
Máncora 2-5 days
A picturesque beach town renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere, yoga retreats and excellent surfing conditions. After sunset, the town comes alive with a lively nightlife scene, offering an array of bars, beach clubs, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and cocktails. From July to October, Máncora becomes a prime spot for whale watching as humpback whales migrate along the coast.
Iquitos 2-5 days
Iquitos is a gateway to the Amazon rainforest, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Visitors can explore the bustling markets of Belén, where colorful fruits, spices, and traditional handicrafts are sold, or take a boat ride along the Amazon River to spot wildlife such as pink dolphins, sloths, and monkeys.
The city is also known for its rich history, with attractions like the Iron House and the historic district of Plaza de Armas, where colonial buildings line the streets. For those seeking a taste of the Amazonian cuisine, Iquitos offers a variety of culinary delights, including exotic fruits, fresh fish, and traditional dishes like juane and tacacho.
With its lively atmosphere, diverse ecosystem, and cultural heritage, Iquitos promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Amazon.
