Is a long weekend approaching and you don't know where to go? Long weekends in Peru are the perfect excuse to get away from your routine and explore the breathtaking landscapes, kicking off your trip to Peru. Whether you're looking for adventure, nature, culture, or relaxation, there are ideal destinations you can enjoy in just 3 or 4 days. In this article, we present a complete guide to the 10 best destinations for long weekend getaways in Peru in 2025 .
1. Cusco and the Sacred Valley: living history and Andean landscapes
Cusco is a historic gem and one of South America's most important destinations. You can explore its historic center, visit the Temple of the Sun, enjoy its cuisine, and take excursions to places like Moray, Maras, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. With good planning, you can even visit Machu Picchu on a four-day getaway.
🧭 Ideal for Easter holidays, Fiestas Patrias or long weekends.
- Ideal climate: May to September.
- Recommended activities: city tour, tour to the Sacred Valley, train to Machu Picchu.
2. Paracas and Huacachina: sea, desert and adventure
Paracas is a perfect option if you live in Lima and want a quick getaway. You can visit the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve , then head to Huacachina for sandboarding and dune buggy rides.
🏝️ Perfect for summer holidays or any long weekend from Lima.
3. Arequipa and the Colca Canyon: sillar, volcanoes and condors
The "White City" offers colonial architecture, some of the best cuisine in the country, and access to the impressive Colca Canyon . It's ideal for those seeking nature and culture in one trip.
We recommend visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Yanahuara viewpoint, and taking a two-day excursion to Colca to see condors.
4. Tarapoto: pure nature in the high jungle
Located in San Martín, Tarapoto is the perfect destination if you want to relax in the middle of the jungle, enjoy waterfalls, lagoons, and typical Amazonian dishes like juane or tacacho with cecina.
🛶 Must-sees: Ahuashiyacu Waterfall, Blue Lagoon, and Lamas Castle.
- Recommended at any time of the year (tropical climate).
- From Lima, there are direct flights lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes.
5. Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca: for trekking lovers
Huaraz is the heart of mountaineering in Peru. On long holidays, you can hike routes like Laguna 69 , visit Huascarán National Park, and relax in the hot springs of Monterrey.
🎒 Tip: Arrive with a day of acclimatization before taking on challenging hikes.
- Ideal season: May to September.
- Access from Lima by land (8 hours by night bus).
6. Iquitos and the Amazon River: a unique experience
A city with no road access, accessible only by plane or boat, Iquitos offers pristine jungle, eco-lodges, wildlife viewing , and Amazonian cultures.
🏞️ Recommended excursions: Pacaya Samiria Reserve, Monkey Island, night sailing.
7. Máncora and the northern beaches: guaranteed sun
If you're looking for sun, sand, and relaxation, northern Peru is your best option. Máncora, Vichayito, and Punta Sal have excellent beaches, good hotel infrastructure, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Perfect for couples and groups of friends.
- Best time: December to April (although there is sun almost all year round).
8. Cajamarca: history and hot springs
Cajamarca blends history, culture, and stunning Andean landscapes. You can visit Atahualpa's Ransom Room, the Otuzco Windows, and relax in the Inca Baths.
🚶 It also hosts one of the country's most famous carnivals, in February.
9. Lunahuaná: adrenaline and wine
Less than four hours from Lima, Lunahuaná is an accessible destination for short trips. It's famous for rafting on the Cañete River , wine and pisco production, and activities like zip-lining, biking, and trekking.
- Ideal for family trips or couples getaways.
- It can be done in 2 or 3 days.
10. Puno and Lake Titicaca: mysticism and tradition
Puno is home to the highest navigable lake in the world . You can visit the floating islands of Uros, Taquile, and Amantaní, where communities maintain their ancestral traditions.
🌊 Unique experience: spending the night in homestays on the islands.
Tips for planning your long-term getaway
To make the most of your holiday getaways, keep the following in mind:
- Book in advance: Prices rise sharply during peak season.
- Check the weather: Some destinations like Huaraz or Cusco have specific seasons.
- Avoid congestion: Leave the night before the holiday.
- Travel with insurance: Some destinations include adventure or altitude.
Long holidays ideal for travel in Peru 2025
Some of the 2025 long holidays in Peru that are ideal for planning these trips are:
- Holy Week: from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th April.
- Fiestas Patrias: from Saturday, July 26 to Tuesday, July 29 (Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29 are holidays).
- Christmas: Thursday, December 25th (you can order on Friday, December 26th).
Recommended images
Image 1: Photo collage of the 10 destinations mentioned. Alt: Best places for short breaks in Peru during holidays
Image 2: Couple or group of friends hiking or backpacking on the beach. Alt: Young people traveling through Peru during the long holiday.
Looking for more holiday ideas?
On our site, you can explore more ideas for each 2025 holiday in Peru , see local events , and soon access discounts on tours, accommodations, and digital products for travelers .