Originally Posted by
SanDiego1K
Why don't you tour Peru for a week? We flew from Peru to Arequipa, stayed overnight, then went to Colca Canyon for an overnight trip to see the condors. Next, we went to Lake Titicaca, with the floating reed islands. Fascinating. We took the train to Cusco, where we went to Machu Pichu and a number of the other ruins. You can easily fill a week and more.
I highly recommend using
Insight Pocket Guide: Peru. I had done a lot of research before stumbling on this book, and was very confused as to how much time to spend where. This book provided a very succinct, high end summary that was precisely what I needed to organize my trip.
Agree with this recommendation (and yes, I'm biased toward Peru, having lived there for four years). Peru is a great country with a lot to see and do, and if you only have seven or eight days for your trip, you might as well just stick with one country rather than spending all your time in planes and airports.
In addition to SD1K's suggestions, you might also consider two or three days in the rain forest. You can easily get to Puerto Maldonado from Cuzco by air and from there get to the Tambopata River. Arequipa is also a good alternative, a fascinating city. And if you enjoy good food, spend a few days in Lima and check out the cevicherías and other restaurants, there are plenty of recommendations in other threads.
¡Buen viaje!