Most trips to Peru should include Machu Picchu, so you’ll first need to decide if you want to do a multi-day hike to Machu Picchu or not. If you choose to a Cusco Region Trek, it will take up most of your week. If you would rather see more and hike less, you should still plan two days for Machu Picchu.

1. Arrive in Lima and spend your first day in the capital city.
2. Fly to Cusco (City) and visit the markets and plazas while you acclimatize.
3. Visit the archeological sites near Cusco (i.e. City Tour).
4. Visit Machu Picchu In-2-Days; Start with a day in the Sacred Valley (spend the night in Aguas Calientes).
5. Visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco that night
6. Choose the lake, desert or jungle: Fly to Juliaca to see Lake Titicaca, to Arequipa for the desert along Ruta del Sillar or Puerto Maldonado for the jungle.
7. Spend your last day at the lake, desert or jungle, then fly back to Lima.

Most international flights arrive in Lima and most internal flights in Peru go through Lima. If you’re flying from one end of Peru to another, don’t be surprised if you have a layover in Lima.