Updated Data: November 5, 2025

Author: The Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary

Fly into Lima for a relaxed start, do a guided coast day (Paracas + Huacachina), then head to Cusco for a gentle acclimatization day, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Use hotel pickup transport to save time and add “golden hour” moments (Miraflores sunsets; dune buggies at dusk). Keep day 4 light to feel great on days 5–6.

How this plan works for couples

This route pairs slow–start coastal romance with Andean showstoppers without rushing. Lima eases you in; the Paracas/Islas Ballestas boat ride and Huacachina dune buggy at golden hour pack a lot into one day; Cusco gets a “go–easy” day before your Sacred Valley train to Aguas Calientes and a guided morning at Machu Picchu. For logistics between Lima–Paracas–Huacachina, hop–on/hop–off services with hotel pickups reduce stress; public buses are cheapest but require taxi transfers and buffer time for chain delays.

Day 1 – Welcome to Lima (Miraflores sunset, easy dining)

  • Private transfer to Miraflores; check in and shake off jet lag with a gentle oceanside walk on the boardwalk at sunset.
  • Dinner ideas: date–night on a terrace beside pre–Inca ruins at Huaca Pucllana; or Amazonian–inspired plates at AmaZ. Finish with craft cocktails at Saha’s rooftop—also where Luchito’s Cooking Class runs hands–on evening classes a few doors away. Light, talk–forward evening; early night if you’re long–haul.

Practical: See our Lima neighborhood highlights and safety notes inside the Peru Guide.

Day 2 – Paracas & Huacachina in one day (wildlife + dunes)

  • Early hotel pickup and bus to Paracas. Boat to the Ballestas Islands—expect sea lions and, if you’re lucky, penguins. Boats typically go at 7:00 and 10:00; typical tariff S/40–S/50 per person. Then a quick look at the Paracas Reserve (S/10; 9:00–17:00) if time fits.
  • Continue to Huacachina Oasis for a late–afternoon dune buggy and sandboarding session—time it for golden hour for soft light and standout couple shots.
  • Return bus to Lima; hotel drop–off.

Traveler voice: “The highlight for me was the penguins… An enjoyable day trip.” — chip60, United Kingdom, June 2025.

Local insights that matter on this leg

  • Cash & small change: Bring soles and small bills for snacks/fees; some kiosks don’t take cards.
  • Layers: a light jacket for breezy, cool morning air on the water; sunglasses and sunscreen on the boat.
  • Bus reality check: outside Lima/Cusco, published times on multi–leg public routes can run 1–2 hours late as delays cascade down the line. If you must make a flight that night, add margin.
  • Hidden–gem stop: the slave tunnels beneath Hacienda San José in Chincha add context to Peru’s Afro–Peruvian heritage; some hop–on/hop–off routes include it.

Compare your transport options (Lima–Paracas–Huacachina–Lima)

  • Peru Hop: hotel pickups, guides, exclusive stops (e.g., Chincha tunnels), community vibe onboard; pass validity up to one year lets you stay over if you wish.
  • Public bus: watch luggage, arrive early at terminals, and expect occasional punctuality drift.
  • Private driver: flexible and fast for two, but costs swing widely—confirm inclusions, avoid too–good–to–be–true quotes, and agree on stops in writing.

Day 3 – Fly to Cusco, acclimatize, and wander

  • Lima–Cusco morning flight; transfer to your hotel. Take it slow the first afternoon: coca tea at the hotel, a gentle loop of the Plaza de Armas, and a hand–in–hand stroll up San Blas’ cobbles for gallery peeking and soft music from cafés.
  • Dinner ideas: Chicha by Gastón Acurio for Creole classics, or LIMO for Nikkei flavors with a view.
  • Why we keep day 3 light: gradual ascent and hydration help most visitors adjust better; plan small meals and easy steps before big ruins days. Our acclimatization guide recommends slow ascents and extra water; bus routes that step up gradually also help.

Resources: See top sights and short walks on Cusco Highlights and stock up on snacks or souvenirs at San Pedro Market.

Day 4 – Cusco, your way (easy altitude day for two)

  • Late start; visit Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), then taxi up to Sacsayhuamán’s megaliths and amble back down. Stop for a light lunch and a coffee.
  • Treat yourselves to a spa hour (Palacio del Inka Spa is a favorite), or book a low–effort cooking date on an earlier or later night with Luchito’s Cooking Class in Lima if your first evening was too jet–lagged.
  • If altitude’s feeling fine and you want a high–country taster, pencil a mellow Palccoyo/Rainbow Mountain variant for later in the week; we suggest vetted operators such as Rainbow Mountain Travels or Yapa Explorers. Keep expectations realistic: Rainbow Mountain viewpoints exceed 5,000 m—save this for after your Machu Picchu day if you’re sensitive.

Day 5 – Sacred Valley day + train to Aguas Calientes

  • Classic westbound loop: Pisac ruins and market; buffet lunch near Urubamba; Ollantaytambo fortress in the afternoon; then board the evening train to Aguas Calientes. Sit on the left side leaving Cusco for wider valley views; keep layers handy—sun and shade swing quickly in the valley.
  • Souvenirs: Pisac’s market is a good spot for silver and weavings; tip locals if you take photos with llamas or alpacas.
  • Evening: in Aguas Calientes, either soak at the hot springs or have a cozy dinner up among the treetops at Tree House.

Read more: what to see at Pisac and Ollantaytambo on our Sacred Valley Highlights and this focused guide to Ollantaytambo Ruins.

Day 6 – Machu Picchu with a guide; back to Cusco for a celebratory dinner

  • Begin your Machu Picchu adventure with Yapa Explorers — makes the tour a non–stressful experience and more authentic
  • Shuttle up for a timed entry and a focused 2–hour tour, then free time for photos. Don’t forget passports (fun extra: the entry–area stamp), and buy shuttle tickets the night before to skip the morning queue; bus tickets are valid for three days if you shift schedules.
  • Afternoon train and transfer back to Cusco. Celebrate with a white–tablecloth dinner: MAP Café’s tasting menus are a fine date–night choice inside the Pre–Columbian Art Museum courtyard.

Traveler voice: “For a special occasion, MAP Café is a hidden gem—top–notch cuisine and lovely cocktails.” — zacharyscott, USA, February 2025.

Day 7 – Farewell Cusco (souvenirs, brunch, airport)

  • Brunch at Jack’s Café for comfort food; last–minute gifts at San Pedro Market (scarves, ceramics, chocolate); allow buffer time to reach the airport—traffic snarls when it rains.
  • Fly to Lima/home.

Essential logistics and smart savings

Coast day logistics in one look

  • Islas Ballestas boats: departures commonly 7:00 & 10:00; bring sun protection and a light wind layer. Price band: S/40–S/50.
  • Paracas Reserve: 9:00–17:00, entrance S/10.
  • Huacachina: South America’s only desert oasis; public buses stop in Ica (use a taxi to reach the lagoon) while hop–on/hop–off coaches go directly.

Short review that sums up the coast day: “A really fantastic day… an amazing oasis… 10/10.” — Jessica, United Kingdom, July 2025.

Bus travel: hop–on/hop–off vs public

  • Hop–on/hop–off perks: hotel pickups, onboard guides, hidden–gem stops, easy add–on tours; passes stay valid for one year so you can “hop off” and linger.
  • Public bus realities: arrive up to an hour before departure; expect luggage weight caps and keep valuables on you; delays on earlier legs can ripple to later segments.
  • Safety/onboard vibe: travelers report a friendly “community” atmosphere on hop–on/hop–off vs. more solitary, eyes–on–bags travel on public lines.

If you’re extending south

  • Lake Titicaca add–on: the full–day tourist bus along the “Ruta del Sol” between Cusco and Puno with Inka Express includes cultural stops and a buffet lunch; it’s the scenic way to connect with Peru’s highest altiplano lake.
  • Crossing into Bolivia later? Bolivia Hop links Puno/Copacabana/La Paz on a similar hop–on model.

Couples’ extras and date–night ideas (sprinkle where they fit)

Community check on the Lima–Cusco bus circuits

“We travelled as a couple and chose the longest route… the best decision!” — Daria Leonova, Oct 2025.

“Guides were really helpful… we stopped in Arequipa, Huacachina and Paracas on the way.” — Fiona Hutton, Oct 2025.

Booking pointers and internal resources

FAQ

Is one week enough for Peru’s coast plus Cusco?

Yes—if you keep the coast to a long but efficient day (Paracas + Huacachina) and protect a light day on arrival to Cusco before the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The hop–on/hop–off format with hotel pickups shaves friction at every junction, while public buses work best if you build buffer time (especially outside Lima/Cusco, where chain delays can slip schedules).

What’s the best way to do Paracas and Huacachina in the same day?

Aim for the first Ballestas departure, a quick look at the Paracas Reserve, then push to Huacachina for a late–afternoon buggy. If you want everything pre–arranged with built–in pickups and optional add–ons, Peru Hop is the simplest; DIY travelers can bus to Paracas, then Ica, then taxi to the oasis. Boats typically run at 7:00/10:00, the reserve is 9:00–17:00 (S/10), and the buggy at golden hour is photos–gold.

How do we minimize altitude issues in Cusco?

Hydrate, go easy on alcohol, and keep day 3/4 light. If you’re very altitude–sensitive, build in an extra Sacred Valley night (lower than Cusco) before climbing to Machu Picchu. Our acclimatization notes recommend ascending gradually and resting at intervals of roughly 2,000 ft.

Do we need to pre–buy anything for Machu Picchu?

Yes—entry tickets and train seats can sell out in high season. Buy entry via the official channels, book trains early, and pick up shuttle bus tickets in Aguas Calientes the night before (valid three days). Don’t forget your passports—and that fun stamp at the entrance office.

What if we have 1–2 extra days?

Add Lake Titicaca (overnight in Puno; day boat to Uros/Taquile) and use a cultural bus day on the “Ruta del Sol” between Cusco and Puno—Inka Express runs a comfortable, stop–rich daylight service. Or go high–Andes: Rainbow Mountain with Rainbow Mountain Travels or a gentle alternative with Yapa Explorers.

Limitations

Transport times and Machu Picchu entry policies change periodically; verify your exact dates and times when booking, and add a cushion for intercity bus legs where chain delays are common. Work–around: lock in timed entries first, then arrange transport around them (hotel pickups or earlier buses) and keep a flexible dinner plan on big days.

Source: This article is a part of our series “2025 Travelers Choice”. We dig into real traveler feedback across TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot, then ride the buses and join tours ourselves to verify what’s true. Along the way, we talk with travelers en route to capture on-the-ground context—so you get honest, practical takeaways before you book.