I’ve put together this Peru itinerary for 3-weeks to help you experience the best the country offers. From surfing in the north to hiking in the Andes and uncovering Inca history, this itinerary has a bit of everything Peru offers.
Peru stole my heart from the moment I arrived. My initial plan was to spend only 30 days there, but I ended up staying for six months. I explored its beaches, hiked to many peaks in the Andes, and visited several ancient ruins.
This itinerary is based on my firsthand experiences, mixing many adventures, culture, and relaxation. If you enjoy chasing waves, great mountain views, eating fresh local food, or walking around colonial cities, you won’t miss Peru’s highlights after reading this article.
It’s designed to give you a taste of everything—Peru’s natural beauty, rich history, and joyful culture.
You can start your trip in the sunny north and end in the cultural city of Cusco or vice-versa. In the next section, we will explore the best options for you to start this journey.
Let’s dive into this itinerary to help you discover the magic of this incredible country.
Table of Contents
Where to start?
When planning your 3-week Peru itinerary, the first question might be: where to begin the trip?
I chose to start in the north, landing in Piura and taking a bus to Mancora. This route lets you start your trip with sunny beaches and surf vibes before heading south to explore the Andes and Cusco. It’s perfect if you want to relax first(or not that much if you want to party or surf) and build up to the big adventures.
The closest airports to Mancora are Talara and Piura, and from both cities, you can easily find a bus to Mancora. Click here to check the available buses. There is transportation between Talara and Mancora very often; just make sure to arrive there during daylight. Usually, the last bus departs around 6 PM.
If you decide to land in Piura, it is better to check the website I provided and book the tickets in advance.
After Mancora, you’ll travel south by land, ending the trip in Cusco. This option gives you a natural progression—beaches, mountains, and finally, the cultural heart of Peru.
It’s a great way to relax into the trip, especially if you’re coming from a long flight. Trust me, Mancora’s energy is a great introduction to Peru.
From Cusco to Mancora
Alternatively, you can flip the itinerary and start in Cusco. Fly into Cusco, explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, then travel north to Mancora, ending in Piura. This option works well if you want to visit the high-altitude destinations first and end with beach relaxation.
One important thing to mention is that you need to acclimatize in Cusco before hitting the trails. Don’t play with the high altitude; I have seen many people struggling with it.
If you are going to Peru from a low-altitude place, go with the first option. Otherwise, you will spend the first 2-3 days of this itinerary acclimatizing. It is not a problem per se, but if you have only three weeks, we need to make the best of it, right?
This option is good if you plan to visit Ecuador afterward; from Piura, you can easily take a bus and start your explorations there.
Mancora(3 Days)
Mancora is where Peru’s desert meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a sunny place perfect for starting your 3-week Peru itinerary. The place is known for its warm weather and consistent waves.
It’s a hotspot for surfers, and I was surprised when I found out that many Brazilians go there and Lobitos for surfing. There are waves for beginners and people who are more familiar with the sport.
During my visit, I was lucky enough to watch a local surfing tournament with people of different ages. There were categories even for kids, and they were amazing surfers!!
What makes Mancora special is its incredible ceviche; it was the best I have tried in Peru. It was so fresh and good that I ate it almost every day without getting tired.
Intense nightlife
The town is small but lively, with many bars in front of the beach, fresh seafood restaurants, and an intense nightlife scene that keeps things fun after dark. You can go to parties or join salsa and bachata classes. Every day you will find something to do. Many parties are happening near the Playa del Amor.
If you are looking for recommendations for accommodation, I can recommend Wally’s House. Instead of staying 4 days there, I left only after 40 days!! This hostel was one of the best experiences in my life as a traveler.
The people I met and the memories I shared with them will stay with me forever. Another reason why I liked the hostel a lot was that we were far enough from the noise of parties but close enough to party on foot if I wanted to.
Wally’s is a hostel that gives a more laid-back, family vibes. However, if you are ok with party hostels, Wild Rover is one option.
Lobitos(2-3 Days)
Just a short ride from Mancora, Lobitos feels like stepping into a different world. This former oil town has transformed into a surfing hotspot, attracting people from many countries. If you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic vibe, Lobitos is the place to be.
What makes Lobitos special is the community living there. You will feel so inspired by them!! I was astonished at how everybody in town had artistic talent. Some people sing and make songs, while others draw, paint, or learn a new musical instrument.
Lobitos is the perfect place to develop your artistic side; being surrounded by such talented people will also inspire you.
The abandoned oil infrastructure adds an almost post-apocalyptic feel to the landscape, while the waves are some of the best in Peru. If you are interested in learning more about the history of this town, check out this article.
A fun fact about Lobitos: it’s one of the few places in Peru where you can surf right next to desert cliffs. The contrast of sand, waves, and arid hills creates an unforgettable view worth a postcard.
Lobitos is all about slowing down and connecting with nature. Spend your days surfing, exploring beaches, artistically inspiring yourself, or enjoying the peaceful vibe. It’s a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your 3-week Peru itinerary.
Huanchaco(2 Days)
Huanchaco is the last stop to end the surfing spree in this itinerary. This town near Trujillo is known for its iconic Caballitos de Totora (reed boats used by Peruvian fishermen). There are some archaeological sites in the area, and Chan Chan is one of them. It’s a great place to learn about pre-Columbian history.
What makes Huanchaco special is its mix of history and Peruvian culture with beautiful sunsets.
It is also possible to surf there, and many hostels offer surfing classes and have equipment available for rent. I stayed at the Punta Huanchaco Hostel, and they had a deal with a local shop where I could rent everything at a discounted price!
Huanchaco is located south of Mancora and Lobitos, so expect the water to be cold. While in Mancora, it was fine to go surfing without a dry suit, that feat wasn’t possible in Huanchaco.
After Huanchaco, you will end the first week of the 3-week Peru itinerary. It’s time to leave the beach vibes and start facing the mountains. The next destination is Huaraz.
Huaraz(4 Days)
Located in the heart of the Andes, Huaraz is the gateway to some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. It’s known as the hiking capital of the country for a reason: it’s a paradise for hikers, and one can spend months there exploring.
The landscapes are diverse; you will find glacial lakes and open green fields in valleys and snow-covered peaks. Huaraz offers adventures that will leave you speechless; please make sure to visit Lake 69 and Paron during your visit.
My recommendation for these 4 days in Huaraz is to do two hikes: One is the Lake 69, already mentioned, and the other one is Lake Shallap. Lake Paron is not a hike, only a short 10-minute walk, but it will take most of the day because of the driving to the spot.
A place for hikes
What makes Huaraz special is its access to the Cordillera Blanca, home to some of the most stunning hikes in South America. There are two great trekking adventures that are not included in this itinerary because of their length.
The first trek is the Santa Cruz Trek, a 4-day adventure through several valleys. Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, the views here are worth the effort.
The second trek is called Huayhuash, and this, my friends, is rated among the best treks in South America. It’s long (180kms), and it can be done between 8 to 14 days, depending on your pace. Unfortunately, you will have to add these to your to-do list for your next visit to Peru and trust me; you will return.
A fun fact about Huaraz: it’s one of the few places in the world where you can hike to glaciers at relatively low altitudes.
Spend your days exploring the mountains and your evenings relaxing in town. I recommend staying at the El Tambo Hostel; this place seems well-known in the French community; I met many French people there.
Lima(3 Days)
After 4 days of hiking and sweating, surrounded by mountains, changing the landscape is a good idea. The next destination of this itinerary is Lima, Peru’s capital, a city of contrasts—where colonial history meets art and urban vibes.
The city is big, and depending on the neighborhood you decide to stay in, it will feel like you are in another country. Honestly, it’s a sad part of Lima; it’s easy to see how Miraflores and Barranco are very different from other parts of the city, mostly development-wise.
I stayed in both neighborhoods, and Barranco is my favorite!! The alternative and relaxed vibes got my attention. Walking around the neighborhood and watching the sunset with a sea view feels good.
My recommendation is to stay at Ancestral Hostel in Barranco. They have a nice rooftop where you can socialize, meet travelers, and enjoy the nice view of the area.
Culture, Art and Parties
When it comes to activities and things to do, Lima offers a couple of options related to culture, art, and nightlife. Your sportish and active side will flourish in Lima as well; you can go to Malecon for a running session or go surfing if the cold water doesn’t bother you.
There are several museums in the city included in this 3-Week Peru itinerary, and the most interesting ones are the Contemporary Art Museum, Larco Museum, National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History, and the Gold Museum, which is considered one of the most important museums in Peru.
If nightlife is something for you, many bars and clubs are around the Plaza Mayor and Kennedy Park. Use this opportunity to try the most famous cocktail in Peru: Pisco Sour.
Last but not least, the food in Lima is special and diverse, so you will have access to cuisines from many countries. The Ceviche there is not as fresh as in the north, but it is still good to try out. After eating Ceviche in Mancora, the bar will stay high for you when the subject is Ceviche.
A fun fact about Lima: it’s home to the oldest university in the Americas, San Marcos, founded in 1551. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is built with colonial architecture, like the Plaza Mayor and the Monastery of San Francisco.
Huacachina(2 Days)
Peru is so diverse that the next stop in this 3-week Peru itinerary is a desert oasis. You read that right! There’s an oasis waiting for you, and you can hop on a jeep, cruise around, and even try sandboarding if you want more adrenaline.
What makes Huacachina special is its surreal setting. The oasis itself will make you admire and appreciate nature more. There are palm trees and a lagoon at its center.
The real magic lies in the endless sea of sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a place that feels both calm and exciting at the same time.
A fun fact about Huacachina: legend says the lagoon was created by a mermaid who fled from a hunter, leaving behind a pool of her tears.
Whether you believe the tale or not, the oasis has a mystical charm. At night, the clear desert skies make it a great spot for stargazing.
Nazca(1 Day)
Before we talk about the next destination, let me tell you that this day will be full and busy, which is expected for a 3-week Peru itinerary. It will be a lot of driving, but you will get to see one of the biggest mysteries on this planet; you won’t regret it!
Nazca is a place of unknown and wonder, famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines inscribed into the desert floor. These ancient geoglyphs are one of Peru’s most intriguing attractions. There are no records of why the Nazca people carved these geoglyphs, so we can only guess their meaning.
There are two ways to see the lines: the traditional way, where you can freely walk and check one viewpoint for a better view, and flying over the lines on a small plane. Please go for the second option and hop on the plane; I know it is pricier, but it will be a memory you will never forget.
How to see the Nazca lines
This is the plan I suggest for you to see the Nazca Lines (this is how I did, btw): On your last day in Huacachina, you will find someone offering a tour of Nazca. It won’t be hard to find one because dozens of them are in the main street. Talk to one of them and make a deal to see the lines from the plane.
I made a deal with Juan for 380 Soles. Initially, he wanted more, but if you speak Spanish, you can bring the price down. He was a fun dude, though; having lunch and hanging out with him was interesting.
After making a deal, you will leave early the next day. The agency will drive you from Huacachina to Nazca and bring you to the airport. After hopping on the plane and having one of the best experiences of your life, ask the driver to get you to the bus station in Nazca.
You will easily find buses from Nazca to our next destination: Cusco. It is a long ride, so I recommend not going cheap on the ticket this time. Go with Cruz del Sur, they are more expensive, but their buses are the best ones in the country, and you need to be comfortable until you reach the next destination because Cusco will demand your energy.
Cusco(5 Days)
Ah, the loved Cusco!! The heart of the Inca Empire and the cultural soul of Peru, and also the last stop in this 3-week Peru itinerary. It is one of the most dynamic cities I have ever been in: every week, something is happening.
If you want to explore the region deeply, you can spend months there. I lived there for three months. The amount of things to do and see is vast. It is also a good city to live in for a while.
It is difficult to cover the best of Cusco in only five days, but I will do my best. I recommend doing a day tour of Machu Picchu, but I need to be honest and tell you that getting to Machu Picchu by hiking the Salkantay route is an experience of a lifetime. It will make you appreciate the ancient city even more.
Use one day to explore Pisac and the Sacred Valley, and use one day to walk around Cusco to get to know the city. Join a walking tour so you can learn more about Inca history.
The city has good museums, like the Museo of Pre-Columbian Art and the Inka Museum. If you can pick up only one, visit Qorikancha. If you can pay for one of the guides at the entrance, you will get a lot of value from their knowledge. If you are solo, just wait for more people to show up and split the costs of the guide.
High altitude hikes
One idea behind this itinerary is to get you used to high altitudes during the second week in Huaraz. Cusco has dozens of incredible hikes, but you must be properly acclimatized for most of them.
If you plan to explore Cusco deeply and trust my knowledge, get a copy of my Cusqueno Travel Guide for ecotourism. It is very complete and has enough information about the region and activities to keep you busy for months.
You need proper time to acclimatize, and everybody is different. If you feel good after the third day in Cusco, hike to the Seven Lakes (Ausengate) or the Rainbow Mountains.
Otherwise, you can visit places like Saqsaywaman and the Moon Temple. Again, I feel bad for not talking about places like Huchuy Qosqo, Choquequirao, Humantay, and Wakrapukara. Cusco is a place to stay for a few weeks minimum.
Conclusion
Peru is a country that leaves you breathless—not just from the altitude but from its beauty and diversity. This 3-week Peru itinerary takes you from the beaches in the north to Cusco’s mountains and ancient ruins, with plenty of adventures in between.
After experiencing Peru through this itinerary, you will better understand what the country offers. The goal is to show a bit of everything, and many places were left out due to the difficulty of choosing the best for this short amount of time.
Peru’s landscapes are stunning, its history is fascinating, and its people are warm and welcoming.
Anyway, I enjoyed crafting this itinerary a lot, and I would love to know your opinion or if you followed some of it.
So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Peru is waiting to show you its magic. And who knows? You might fall in love with it, just like I did.
