What to expect
This route changes scenery often: Lima, the coast at Paracas, Huacachina's dunes, then Arequipa and the Sacred Valley. That variety comes with a long journey to Arequipa. Do not turn it into half a sightseeing day on paper; both the bus journey and arrival need space.
How it fits into a journey
Suggested plan: days 1–2 Lima (2 nights); day 3 Paracas (1 night); day 4 Huacachina (1 night); day 5 transfer to Ica and the long bus journey to Arequipa (1 bus night, subject to a suitable booked service); day 6 arrival and day 7 Arequipa (2 hotel nights); day 8 fly to Cusco (1 night); days 9–10 Ollantaytambo (2 nights); day 11 Aguas Calientes (1 night); day 12 Machu Picchu and return to Cusco; day 13 Cusco (2 nights altogether); day 14 departure. Total: 13 nights, one in transit. An international flight through Lima may require moving the final overnight stay there.