I recently spent 6 amazing days in Peru, and although I was short on time, I experienced a lot! From sand dunes and sandboarding in Huacachina, to Machu Picchu. I had so much fun within six days and wanted to share how you can spend 6 days in Peru.
Peru’s rainy season is November-April, and although the chance of rain is higher, visiting during this time has plenty of perks. For example, I experienced fewer crowds and lines in popular tourist spots, and better deals and prices. Also, it only rained once in Cusco during the evening and light sprinkles in the evening in Lima.
Day 1—2: Lima
Accommodation: Airbnb
Day 1: Explore Lima
Monumental Callao
Since we arrived in Lima at 3 am the first day, we made the itinerary light by exploring Lima. We started the day heading to Monumental Callao – a trendy area with art galleries, public art, and restaurants. Think Wynwood Walls in Miami and Graffiti Alley in Toronto. Apparently, this area was once dangerous, but new art initiatives have helped spark a transformation. We took photos and then ate lunch at Restaurante el Comedor – a cute restaurant that feels family-oriented. I ordered the Calentado de Barrio (steak, rice and beans, salad, sweet plantains, and fried eggs) and passion fruit juice. Everything was delicious, the portions were so big, and all of this only cost S./ 37.50 | $11.31!
Historic Centre of Lima
Afterward, we visited the Historic Centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We checked out Plaza de Armas, and saw a wedding and a protest nearby raising awareness about violence against women.
Huaringas Bar
Later that evening we visited Huaringas Bar, a bar near our Airbnb that’s known for its pisco sours. I got their passion fruit pisco sour and it was SO delicious! I also love that they have shareable plates you can order. We got the anticucho de lomo – beef tenderloin on a skewer with a side of potatoes and choclo (Peruvian/Cusco corn). It also came with two sauces and salsa. Huaringas Bar has three levels and an interesting ambiance and decor that highlights the elements. Think water, air, earth, and so on.
Day 2: Day Trip to Huacachina
Huacachina is a village built around an oasis and surrounded by dunes. You can stay overnight in Huacachina in one of the many hostels around, however we were unfortunately short on time. So, we had to do a day trip instead. Although there are tour companies that do day trips, they are pricey, so we did a DIY trip. Also, most company’s day trips pick you up early because they’re also taking you to Paracas. Since we got into Lima early the day before, we really wanted to sleep in a little longer. So, a DIY trip made the most sense for us.
I wasn’t sure how feasible it’d be to do a DIY trip, but after extensive research, I figured it out.
How to DIY to Huacachina
Travel time: 4 hours one-way
Total cost: S/ .154 | $46.12 (excluding food and drinks)
Buy round-trip bus tickets to/from Ica
My round-trip bus ticket: S/. 80 | $24
To get to Huacachina, you’ll first have to get to the city of Ica. There are a few bus companies that take you from Lima to Ica, including Peru Bus and Cruz del Sur. I’d recommend buying your round-trip tickets online or at the counter in Lima or Ica. Both Peru Bus and Cruz del Sur let you buy tickets online. Buses can sell out quickly, and the last thing you’ll want is to be stranded or take a later bus. You’ll be able to pick your seat(s) online and in person, but this depends on the bus’s capacity.
We knew we wanted to do the sunset tour, which is at 4 pm and lasts two hours. So, we took a 10 am Peru Bus and arrived around 2 pm – just in time to grab lunch before the tour.
Take taxi from Ica to Huacachina
Round-trip taxi ride cost: S./ 20 | $6
Duration: 10 minutes
Once you’ve arrived at the Ica bus terminal, you’ll see tons of taxi drivers outside offering rides to Huacachina. You should only pay S./ 10 or less, so search until you find a driver offering this range. We really lucked out because we found a reasonably priced driver almost immediately.
Huacachina + Sandboarding and dune buggy
Sandboarding and dune buggy tour cost: S/. 50 | $15
Entrance fee: S/. 3.70 | $1.12
In Huacachina, you’ll see tons of vendors selling sandboarding and dune buggy tours. Again, we lucked out because our taxi driver recommended his friend, who charged $15 for the two-hour sunset tour. We arrived in Huacachina around 2:15 pm and had until 3:45 pm to explore before our tour. So, we grabbed food and drinks at Wild Olive Trattoria and Guest House.
The sandboarding and dune buggy tour was so much fun! The dune buggy drivers drove to an area where we could sandboard, and then another to catch the sunset. It was so peaceful and beautiful, but prepare yourself for the sand that blows in the wind. I’d bring a scarf to tie around your mouth, nose, and (maybe?) hair, and sunglasses to block your eyes. You’ll inevitably get sand in other places, for instance, I had a lot in my sneakers afterward.
Back to Lima
The tour ended around 6 pm, so we took a taxi back to Ica, then the 7:30 pm bus to Lima.
Day 3—5: Cusco
Accommodation: Selina Cusco Saphi
Day 3: Explore Cusco
Limbus Resto Bar
We arrived in Cusco at 8:40 am through Sky Airline, but we couldn’t check into our hostel until 3 pm. So we went to eat at Limbus Resto bar – a rooftop restaurant and bar close to Plaza de Armas. We ordered: tequeños with Andean cheese and guacamole, fried tortillas with guacamole, boliyucas, and spicy potatoes with cheddar cheese. I also got their strawberry juice, all of which was delicious. The prices are definitely more than most places, but the view, service, and food/drinks make it worth it. We spent S./ 112 | $33.79 in total for food and drinks.
MERCADO CENTRAL DE SAN PEDRO
You have to make a trip to this market while in Cusco because it has everything you need. From ponchos and keychains to Pisco sour and produce. There’s something for everyone – we spent a couple of hours here getting souvenirs and snacks.
Plaza de Armas
Cusco’s main square, there are tons of places to eat and shop. You can also hold a baby llama and take photos, or check out the different temples.
Day 4: Day trip to Machu Picchu
This day trip to Machu Picchu was definitely unforgettable, and long, but worthwhile. Read my How to DIY to Machu Picchu post for details on how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Day 5: Day trip to Palccoyo (Tres Rainbows) Rainbow Mountain
If you’re not a big hiker or nervous about hiking Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, then consider going to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Read my Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain post for details on the FlashpackerConnect tour and the Rainbow Mountain trek.
Day 6: Cusco/Lima
JC’s Cafe
Before heading back to Lima, we stopped here for breakfast. It’s a very small cafe, so seating is limited, but the service was amazing, and the food/drinks were delicious. I got french toast topped with fruit, a side of eggs, and passion fruit juice. Also, the prices are fairly cheap, I paid S/. 82 | $25.
Ayahuasca Resto Bar
This unique venue is an old mansion converted into a bar. Ayahuasca has great vibes, a wide variety of pisco sours, and good food. Although, they really only sell sharable/finger food and not full meals. We got their tequeños stuffed with Andean cheese accompanied with guacamole and a chili pepper sauce. Also, we ordered their lomo saltado empanadas, accompanied by a chili pepper sauce and another sauce I can’t remember. Their passion fruit pisco sour is delicious, and the overall service at Ayahuasca was also great.
Larcomar
A really unique mall with views overlooking the Pacific – shop, dine and take in the views from the sea-front cliff. This mall has a mix of Peruvian and American stores (e.g. Starbucks, Papachos, and Aldos).
