Wandio

Begin your morning at the Plaza de Armas de Lima, where sunlight gleams off the colonial façades and the clang of church bells marks the rhythm of the city; stroll the perimeter to admire the Palacio de Gobierno’s ornate balconies and then step inside the Catedral de Lima to see gold leaf altars and centuries of Peruvian religious art, timing your visit for when the morning light pours into the nave to photograph the carved choir stalls. Allow time to sip a cortado at a café along the Plaza and watch locals and clergy pass by—this is the best way to feel the city’s pulse; practical tip: arrive early to avoid the midday guided tour crowds and bring small bills if you want to hire an official cathedral guide, and remember that March on the coast is late-summer warm so a light layer for cooler early mornings will be enough.

From the Plaza, amble to the Convento de San Francisco and spend a quietly thrilling hour exploring its baroque cloisters, gilded chapels and the famous catacombs beneath—each stone and crypt tells a chapter of colonial Lima; walk slowly through the convent museum to read the interpretive panels about Spanish religious orders in Peru and don’t miss the rooftop view of the adjacent barrios. This site is only a short walk from the Plaza de Armas so the routing keeps you centered and relaxed; practical tip: guided tours of the catacombs are scheduled throughout the day—strike a balance between joining a short museum tour and lingering in the cloister courtyard to absorb the scent of bougainvillea and sea air.

In the afternoon, wander Jirón de la Unión toward Plaza San Martín and let yourself be pulled into small bookstores, artisan shops and hidden patios; this block-by-block walk reveals Lima’s layered character, from beaux-arts façades to modern cafés, and is ideal for people-watching and picking up a handcrafted keepsake. Because March tends to be bright and warm along the coast, it’s a comfortable time for a slow urban stroll that transitions naturally into an early-evening passeggiata; practical tip: if fatigue sets in after the morning’s walking, split this into two short segments and choose one café with outdoor seating to rest and watch limeños come and go.

Close the day with a short visit to the nearby Museo del Banco Central (if you wish to see pre-Columbian goldwork) or simply stand at the edge of the Plaza as dusk falls when the colonial lights soften the stonework and the city’s music slowly builds—either option gives you a gentle, reflective finish to your first day in Peru. For couples, this hour is perfect for a quiet conversation about the trip ahead and to make small plans for tomorrow; practical tip: most central museums close by early evening—check opening hours and book tickets in advance if you plan to enter the major collections.

Start with the Miraflores malecón and a cliff-top stroll where the Pacific breeze carries the scent of seaweed and grilled anticuchos; walk from Parque Kennedy along the high walkway toward Parque del Amor and linger on the benches to watch surfers and paragliders catching thermals off the cliffs, timing your visit so you’re there for an ocean-kissed late afternoon when the city softens into gold. The route is entirely walkable and supremely romantic for couples; practical tip: wear comfortable shoes for the malecón’s paved pathways and carry a light layer because early mornings can feel fresher even in March.

After the seaside promenade, take a short taxi to Huaca Pucllana, the pre-Incan adobe pyramid set among Miraflores’ modern grid, and tour the on-site museum to understand Lima’s coastal cultures; the contrast of ancient sunbaked bricks against mid-century architecture is visceral and illuminating, and a guided tour explains ceremonial uses, agricultural techniques and urban expansion. This visit pairs perfectly with a late-morning coffee in Miraflores and keeps transit time short—about 10 minutes by taxi from Parque del Amor—so your day remains relaxed and uncrowded; practical tip: allocate time to visit the on-site restaurant terrace for views, or reserve morning hours to avoid the afternoon heat in March.

Cross the bridge into Barranco’s bohemian district where painted murals, galleries and craft shops populate narrow streets; linger at the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) and, as tradition suggests, hold your breath while crossing for a shared playful moment, then climb the alleyways to discover small studios and the MATE—Museo Mario Testino—if you enjoy photography. Barranco is compact and best explored on foot, so the routing keeps you within a comfortable 0–2 km walking radius, making it easy to hop from viewpoint to gallery; practical tip: late-afternoon is prime for golden-hour photography here in March, and small galleries often host evening openings.

Finish with an evening visit to Larcomar, the cliff-side shopping and cultural center that offers ocean views and galleries; even if you avoid the shops, the terraces and promenades provide a warm coastal ending to your day with the Pacific sunset as backdrop. For couples, this is a classic sunset moment—bring a blanket or settle on a bench to watch the horizon melt into color; practical tip: Larcomar is a short 10–15 minute walk from Parque del Amor along the malecón so you can reach it on foot if you prefer a continuous coastal promenade.

Depart Lima in the early morning for the coastal drive to Paracas (roughly 3.5–4 hours by private transfer or comfortable tourist bus) and arrive ready for a mid-morning boat—this timing maximizes wildlife activity and typically provides calmer waters. The drive is scenic along the Panamericana Sur and the arrival into the small port town feels like a different Peru: salt, wind and open sky replace urban bustle; practical tip: book a reputable boat operator in advance, bring sun protection and a light waterproof layer for spray, and plan to be on deck for photography because March’s clear mornings are ideal for capturing seabirds and the sculptural cliffs.

Board a small public or private boat to the Islas Ballestas where vast colonies of Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies and playful sea lions gather on the rocky islets; guides narrate the marine ecology and point out the famed Candelabro geoglyph etched into the Paracas peninsula’s hillside, a large desert figure that is best viewed from the sea. The boat trip is typically about 1.5–2 hours round-trip from Paracas port and is the region’s clear highlight; practical tip: mornings are less windy and therefore calmer on the water in March, so aim for the earliest slots and keep binoculars handy for the best wildlife viewing.

After returning to Paracas, take a short coastal drive to the viewpoints inside the Reserva Nacional de Paracas where wind-bent shrubs and red sandstone cliffs frame the turquoise sea; walk the short trails, visit the interpretation points to learn about the marine protected area and, if you have time, relax on a quiet cove with a packed snack as you watch fishing boats come and go. The reserve’s interpretive centers are close to the port so travel time is short and the pacing leaves you time to savor the landscape; practical tip: sun in March can be intense on the cliffs—hat and water are must-haves.

Spend the evening in Paracas under a wide sky, exchanging stories of the day’s wildlife encounters and planning a gentle start for tomorrow’s desert and oasis adventure; this slow seaside interlude is perfect for couples who want a private, contemplative moment before moving inland. Practical tip: accommodations in Paracas range from boutique hotels to comfortable coastal lodges—book something with an ocean view to make the most of the late-summer March sunsets.

In the morning, transfer from Paracas to Huacachina near Ica (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by private vehicle) and arrive ready for dune-adventure: hire a certified driver and experience a high-adrenaline dune buggy circuit that launches you across steep crescents of golden sand, the wind and grit carrying laughs and a sense of wild freedom. The dune run lasts about an hour but the memory lasts a lifetime—bring sunglasses and a bandana for sand and time the outing for late afternoon if you want a sunset run; practical tip: choose an operator with safety equipment and ask for a quieter stretch of dunes if you prefer a less noisy, more romantic ride as a couple.

After the buggy, try sandboarding together on the gentler slopes—whether you sit tandem on one board or take turns carving arcs down the face, the exhilaration and shared laughter make for a memorable couple’s moment. Lessons are typically brief and informal and the activity is appropriate for most fitness levels; practical tip: beginners find it easiest to ride sitting down the first few runs and March’s dry sands provide excellent sliding conditions.

When the desert cools, walk into Ica for a cultural stop at Bodega Tacama (roughly 15 minutes by car from Huacachina) to learn about pisco production and the valley’s winemaking history; tour the winery’s colonial cellars, taste pisco samples and listen to stories about viticulture in southern Peru—this is a culturally rich and romantic way to connect with the region’s gastronomy. The winery visit is short and pairs perfectly after sand activities; practical tip: if you prefer a smaller, family-run experience, book in advance and request a private tasting for a more intimate moment in March’s warm evening light.

Return to Lima in the evening (approximately 3.5–4 hours drive) or choose to overnight in Ica if you prefer a gentler pace; this day is engineered to group desert adventures and cultural tasting in one cohesive arc so you travel efficiently and enjoy maximum beach-to-desert contrast. Practical tip: if you do drive back to Lima, expect coastal traffic near the city—plan to arrive in the late evening to rest and prepare for the morning flight to Cusco.

Take a morning flight from Lima to Cusco (about 1 hour 25 minutes) and upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, transfer to your hotel in the historic center to rest and hydrate—this easing-in is essential because Cusco sits high at about 3,400 meters and March mornings are crisp and bright. Use this first hour to walk gently around the Plaza de Armas, let your body adjust to the altitude and admire colonial architecture built atop Inca stonework; practical tip: drink coca tea at your hotel and avoid heavy exertion for the first 24 hours to acclimatize comfortably in March’s weather which can shift to afternoon showers.

When you feel ready, visit the Temple of the Sun, Qorikancha, a visually striking site where polished Inca stone met colonial-era convent walls—the mix of stonecraft and Baroque architecture encapsulates Cusco’s complex history and is best seen with a local guide who can explain ritual uses and syncretism. Qorikancha is close to Plaza de Armas (5–10 minutes walking) which keeps transit minimal and your day efficient; practical tip: mornings are often the clearest time to appreciate the sunlit stonework in March before any typical afternoon cloud build-up.

From there, walk up to the nearby Museo Inka to deepen your understanding of pre-Columbian life in the Andes and to view carefully curated artifacts that contextualize the ruins you will see over the coming days; the museum’s exhibits are compact but rich, making it a perfect cultural stop without exhausting your acclimatization reserves. It dovetails geographically with Qorikancha and the Plaza, so you remain within a tight 0–2 km walking radius which is ideal for gentle exploration.

End the afternoon with a short trip to Sacsayhuamán—just 15–20 minutes by taxi from the Plaza de Armas—where massive terraces and cyclopean stonework perch above the city; walk the broad escarpments slowly while guides explain Inca engineering and seasonal festivals, and return to Cusco in time for an early, relaxed dinner. Practical tip: schedule Sacsayhuamán for late morning if you prefer clearer skies, but if your acclimatization requires a very gentle day, save it until you feel fully ready—March’s pattern of sunny mornings and showers means early visits often offer the best light and fewer clouds.

Depart Cusco early for Pisac (about 45 minutes by road) to arrive when the famous artisan market is opening; wander amid stalls piled with colorful textiles, silverwork and hand-carved gourds while bargaining gently with local vendors—this market is a perfect place to choose a tie-dyed alpaca textile or a handwoven scarf and to speak with weavers about natural dyes and ancestral patterns. After the market, climb or take the short drive up to the Pisac archaeological site where terrace agriculture and cliffside tombs unfold in a dramatic panorama over the valley—this pairing of market and ruins provides cultural context and keeps travel distances short within Pisac’s cluster; practical tip: buy small items with cash in soles and aim for the market’s morning hours in March before potential afternoon showers.

Continue through the valley to Urubamba for a relaxed lunch and a short riverside walk in the town that sits at the valley’s agricultural core; the town’s calm tempo and surrounding fields are a chance to experience contemporary Andean life between the two major ruins stops. Urubamba is an efficient midday stop between Pisac and Ollantaytambo and helps stagger your day so you aren’t rushing—March’s warmer valley temperatures make an outdoor riverside respite particularly pleasant.

In the afternoon visit Ollantaytambo fortress—this living Inca town retains its original stone streets and granaries, and the fortress’s steep terraces offer an intimate lesson in Inca military architecture and agricultural design. Walk the narrow streets, visit the ancient water channels, and climb the stone steps to the terraces for sweeping valley views; the close proximity of town and ruins makes this a compact, rewarding stop that naturally sets you up for a restful night in Ollantaytambo before your Machu Picchu departure. Practical tip: the town’s lower altitude than Cusco can help your acclimatization a bit and March afternoons may bring showers so aim to explore the fortress earlier if you want clearer photos.

As evening arrives, choose a local guesthouse or boutique hotel in Ollantaytambo to enjoy small-town cuisine and a quiet couple’s dinner, allowing the valley’s pre-Inca atmosphere to settle in your bones; staying here shortens the morning transfer to the train station if you plan to take the early scenic Vistadome service to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. Practical tip: book an Ollantaytambo lodging early because rooms sell fast during high-season windows and even in March it’s wise to reserve to guarantee proximity to the station.

Rise before dawn and take the Vistadome or regular tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes—this 1.5–2 hour journey follows the Urubamba River through a green gorge and offers an intimate view into the valley’s cloud forests, a fitting prelude to the day’s great archaeological encounter. Arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), then board the short bus ride up to the sanctuary, planning to be among the first groups admitted so you experience the site in relative quiet and cooler, clearer air before March’s typical afternoon cloud builds. Practical tip: book your Machu Picchu entry time and train tickets well in advance and aim for the first entry slot to make the most of the morning light.

Take a guided tour through Machu Picchu’s main sectors—Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the main plaza—listening as your guide traces cosmology, Inca construction methods and evidence of seasonal ritual; walking slowly through the stone avenues, you’ll feel both the precision of Inca stone-laying and the landscape’s spiritual resonance. For couples, a guided tour paired with a quiet personal moment at a scenic viewpoint makes this feel like a shared pilgrimage; practical tip: if you want the extra challenge and a higher vantage point, secure a Huayna Picchu permit months ahead (permits are limited) or plan a hike to the Sun Gate for expansive views on the back side of the sanctuary.

After your tour, linger at a viewpoint to photograph the classic Machu Picchu panorama before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the train back—many travelers choose an afternoon return to Cusco, which keeps your itinerary flowing smoothly and lets you rest in the city that evening. March afternoons can bring showers in the highlands so returning after an early morning visit reduces the risk of being clouded in during peak daylight hours; practical tip: bring a lightweight waterproof layer and quick-dry clothing, and consider booking a later train only if you prefer to relax in Aguas Calientes’ thermal zones.

If time and energy allow, explore Aguas Calientes’ small artisan market and botanical walk before the train departure; the village is compact and offers a gentle decompression after the intensity of the ruins, making it easy to collect a few souvenirs and reflect on the morning’s experience. Practical tip: purchase last-minute handicrafts with small bills and arrive at the train station early to secure a comfortable return seat—trains can fill even during March.

Begin in San Blas, Cusco’s artisan quarter, where narrow stepped streets host woodcarvers, painters and small studios; wander the cobbled lanes hand-in-hand, step into a local carver’s workshop to watch traditional techniques and perhaps commission a small wood relief, and climb to the San Blas viewpoint for a sweeping panorama over Cusco’s tiled roofs. The neighborhood is compact and eminently walkable, keeping transit minimal and the mood intimate—perfect for couples wanting a hands-on, creative morning experience; practical tip: mornings in March are best for outdoor photos and to avoid the short showers that can appear later in the day.

Visit the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco for a guided, hands-on introduction to Andean weaving traditions; you’ll meet master weavers from surrounding communities, examine naturally dyed yarns and participate in a short demonstration where you practice a simple weaving technique under expert guidance. This center supports local artisans and is a culturally authentic experience that deepens your appreciation for Andean symbolism and craft; practical tip: purchase a small textile directly from the weavers if you wish to support their work and bring it home as a meaningful couple’s memento.

In the afternoon, spend an hour at Mercado San Pedro to taste regional produce stalls and watch daily commerce unfold—this is a lively place to meet vendors, learn about Andean staples like chuño and oca, and feel the rhythm of Cusco’s food culture. The market is near Plaza de Armas so the routing keeps you within the city center and reduces taxi time; practical tip: March sees a mix of sun and showers so carry an umbrella for quick shelter while you browse.

End the evening with a private, small-group folklore performance or a quiet cultural dinner that features live Andean melodies—choose an intimate venue that highlights local musicians and dancers for a romantic immersion in living tradition. For couples, this closing ritual of music and food crystallizes the day’s cultural learning into a memorable shared moment; practical tip: book any evening performance in advance as the best small venues have limited seating.

Take an early flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (about 1 hour) and transfer by river and lodge boat to your Amazon ecolodge such as Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica—this combined plane-and-boat transfer moves you from high, dry Andean air into a humid, verdant world in a few hours and is part of the travel experience itself. The lodge arrival feels like a doorway into another ecosystem: expect warm, humid March conditions and the immediate chorus of forest sounds; practical tip: pack lightweight quick-dry clothes, long sleeves for mosquitoes, and a small daypack with binoculars for canopy watching.

Join a guided canopy walk in the reserve where elevated platforms and hanging bridges reveal the forest from the parrot’s-eye perspective; the canopy is particularly alive in March thanks to abundant fruiting and flowering, and your guide will point out ceiba and kapok trees, orchids and the rich insect life that supports larger species. This perspective gives a deep ecological context and is ideal for couples who appreciate quiet shared discovery; practical tip: canopy activities are best in the morning before potential afternoon storms and many lodges provide rain ponchos for wet-season excursions.

At dusk, set out on a motorized canoe to reach a macaw clay lick (collpa de guacamayos) or to explore oxbow lakes and river margins, watching the colors change as parrots gather and nocturnal animals stir—March’s higher water levels often improve boat access to hidden channels and lagoons, increasing the chance of sighting species that are otherwise elusive. The lighting at dusk combined with the calls of macaws is unforgettable and especially romantic for couples who savor shared nature encounters; practical tip: guides time visits to vantage points when birds are most active, and lodges often provide dry socks and insect repellent for comfort.

Round out the night with a guided nocturnal forest walk to encounter frogs, caecilians and night birds and to hear the forest at its most alive; moving slowly with a guide reveals a completely different set of species and highlights the layered complexity of Amazonian life. Practical tip: carry a small flashlight and always follow your guide’s instructions—March storms can be dramatic but guides are expert at reading conditions and routing the group to safe, rewarding viewing spots.

Travel back by boat and plane to Puerto Maldonado and catch a mid-morning flight to Lima (roughly 1 hour 40 minutes depending on routing), then transfer to Miraflores where the city’s coastal energy meets urban sophistication; take the afternoon slowly, checking in to a Miraflores hotel and preparing for a final coastal walk. The logistics are straightforward but allow buffer time for domestic flight variations; practical tip: schedule your international departure for the evening or the following day if possible so you can enjoy a calm final afternoon in Lima without rushing.

Spend your last hours walking the Malecón de Miraflores, moving from Parque Central toward Parque del Amor where mosaic benches and a bronze sculpture overlook the Pacific—this is a classic romantic perch for couples and a lovely place to exchange quiet reflections about the trip. The route is all pedestrian-friendly and compact, making it easy to wander without transport; practical tip: March’s sunsets are often vivid—arrive early to claim a bench and watch paragliders drift by as the sky deepens.

If time allows, visit the nearby Amano Museum or the MATE collection (depending on which you missed earlier) for a final cultural encounter with photography or Pre-Columbian textiles, or simply sit at a café overlooking the sea to savor a last locally inspired meal. These options keep you within Miraflores and minimize transit stress before departure; practical tip: confirm airport transfer time with your hotel and plan to leave Miraflores at least 45–60 minutes before your Lima flight depending on traffic.

End with a relaxed taxi to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, carrying home textiles, a handful of photos and the memory of two weeks of coastal, highland and rainforest discoveries; this last quiet transit is an ideal moment to exchange highlights and tuck the trip’s stories into memory as you head toward home. Practical tip: allow extra time for domestic-to-international connections and consider one last check of your passport and airline timings before departing Miraflores.