Peru is one of the most popular countries to visit in South America, thanks to its phenomenal “Wonder of the World” – Machu Picchu. Intrepid travelers flock to this remarkable country for the chance to not only see the world-famous attraction but to hike along the iconic Inca Trail, explore the wildlife-rich jungles, and gorge on some of the most delicious food ever created.
While the attractions mentioned above are certainly some of Peru’s biggest highlights, there are plenty of other fascinating things to do in the country if you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone and explore. This 14-day Peru itinerary aims to highlight the very best the country has to offer and invites you on all kinds of awesome adventures you’ll be telling people about for years to come.
From the fascinating attractions in Lima that most people miss out on and the colorful, bustling markets of Aguas Calientes to the enchanting secluded islands in Lake Titicaca and the mysterious Nazca geoglyphs that can only be seen from the sky, there’s so much to pack into your 2-week trip to Peru that it will fly past in the blink of an eye!
Creating your own Peru itinerary can be a huge challenge. There are just so many must-see places that it can feel beyond overwhelming simply getting started. To help you out, we’ve done all the research for you and put together a fun-filled travel guide you can follow to discover the very best that Peru has to offer. We’ve also included a handful of extra tips and travel hacks to make sure your Peruvian adventure gets off to the best possible start.
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Two Weeks in Peru
Preparing for Peru
When getting ready for your 2 weeks in Peru, you need to make sure your passport is good for at least six months after your departure date and it has at least one blank page. As long as you’re staying in Peru for less than 183 days and you’re only going to travel, you don’t need a visa.
To enter the country, you also need proof of your onward or return flight. It’s almost certain you’ll be asked for this at the airport, so make sure you’ve got it handy when you’re waiting in line to clear customs.
The currency in Peru is the sol (S/), which is divided into 100 céntimos. Credit and debit card payments are still pretty new throughout Peru – even in major cities like Lima. So you don’t find yourself in an awkward situation, consider exchanging money before you leave or plan on withdrawing some from an ATM at the airport as soon as you arrive.
Things to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning on traveling to some of the best places in Peru, like the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu, altitude sickness is something you may have to deal with. This itinerary is put together so you gradually become more accustomed to the high altitude without the need for any medication. But if you think you may struggle or you want to play it safe, consider bringing some pills, such as acetazolamide, to help you deal with the change in altitude.
Don’t worry if you wind up suffering from high altitude sickness and you didn’t pack any medication. Many hotels and tour guides stock coca leaves that help. These medicinal leaves have been used by indigenous people for centuries to reduce fatigue, boost energy, and reduce altitude sickness symptoms. If coca leaves aren’t your thing, you’ll be glad to know that many hotels at high altitudes in Peru supply oxygen tanks in their guest rooms.
Peru’s geography is staggeringly diverse, and because of this, the country boasts a huge number of microclimates. To make sure you’re comfortable during your adventure, pack clothes for warm, cold, wet, dry, and windy weather. Layers that you can take off or pile on are always helpful, especially when the weather changes throughout the day.
Getting Around Peru
During your 2 weeks in Peru, you’ll spend most of your time traveling around on buses. This method of transport is one of the most reliable, comfortable, and affordable in the country, although the condition of buses greatly varies depending on your route and budget. Buses that stay within a city tend to be old and battered, whereas those that travel between cities and across the country are much more luxurious and modern.
Some bus companies, such as Cruz del Sur, come highly recommended and offer excellent onboard facilities, including cafes and on-demand video entertainment. Oltursa is another bus company we suggest you check out, especially if you’re going to ride overnight. This company offers VIP seating, which allows you to recline 180°, just like you’re lying down on a bed!
The best way to get to many of the most popular tourist sites is by train. Although train travel is incredibly slow in Peru, it’s the easiest way to get to Cusco (via PeruRail) and Machu Picchu (via Inca Rail), depending on where you’re traveling from. It also allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about where you’re getting off.
Although we don’t include them in our itinerary, internal flights are also an option when you’re planning on traveling throughout Peru. LATAM, StarPerú, Avianca, and Peruvian Airlines are the best airlines for flying between cities.
Train tickets and internal flight tickets often sell out weeks in advance – or months during peak seasons. Because of this, we suggest booking your internal travel tickets as soon as you’ve booked your flights to avoid any nasty surprises.
Peru Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country
Lima – 2 Nights
Lima is so much more than a place to sleep off your jet lag before starting your adventure. One of the best cities to visit in Peru, Lima is a bustling metropolis that’s packed with everything from ancient wonders, archeology museums, and art galleries to contemporary shopping malls, Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautifully maintained parks.
Things to do in Lima
Basilica San Francisco
Start your 2-week trip to Peru by exploring Lima’s historic center. The Plaza de Armas is the beating heart of the city and is a great place to get a feel for the real Lima. After soaking up the atmosphere, head on over to the Basilica San Francisco, where you can tour an 18th-century Baroque-style Roman Catholic church and discover the eerie secrets hidden below the foundations.
Huaca Pucllana
The ancient Huaca Pucllana Site Museum is a must on any Peru itinerary. Here, you can see Peruvian pyramids that were built almost 2,000 years ago! When you need a break, head to Parque Kennedy. This lush, green park is teeming with friendly stray cats that are looked after by local volunteers.
Magic Water Circuit
End your time in Lima with a fantastic light, sound, and water show at the Magic Water Circuit. Make sure you’ve got plenty of memory available on your phone because you’ll be taking loads of pictures and videos!
Getting to Lima
Jorge Chavez International Airport is Lima’s main airport and is where you’ll most likely land, wherever you’re traveling from. The easiest way to get to the center of Lima from the airport is via a 25 to 30-minute taxi ride, which will cost 40-60 soles ($11 USD-$17 USD).
If you’re on a tight budget, you can take the bus. Airport Express Lima is the only bus company that operates between the airport and Lima. It runs from 7 am until midnight and stops at some of the biggest hotels in the city. You can purchase your ticket online, at the airport, or from the bus driver for just 15 soles ($4 USD) per way.
Paracas – 2 Nights
Next is one of the top places to visit in Peru – Paracas. This peaceful retreat is a much-welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Lima. Whether you’re dreaming of lazy days on the beach, getting up close to incredible wildlife, or stepping back in time to the Inca Empire, you’ll have an excellent time here.
Things to do in Paracas
Ballestas Islands
The best 2-week Peru itinerary has to include a trip to the Ballestas Islands. On this incredible trip, you’ll get to visit the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” where you’ll see sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and a range of other marine birds.
Paracas National Reserve
If you’d like to see even more local wildlife, take a tour of the Paracas National Reserve. This protected region is home to more than 400 different species of flora and fauna, including cute seals, sea lions, and a staggering number of birds.
Paracas’ coastal location makes it a fantastic place for watersports, particularly surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. Its prestigious location is also why Paracas is well-known for its excellent seafood, so make sure you try ceviche. This is a traditional Peruvian dish made of fresh raw fish that’s marinated in lime juice.
Getting to Paracas
The best way to get from Lima to Paracas is on the bus. Get ready for a long journey – the route covers around 150 miles and takes 3 hours and 40 minutes. Head to the Javier Prado bus station and look for the Cruz del Sur bus heading toward Paracas. This bus will drop you off at your next destination without any stops in between. Buses on this route start at 4 am, with the final bus leaving Lima at 1:30 pm, so plan accordingly.
Nazca – 1 Night
Nazca (also sometimes written as Nasca) is a must-visit during your 2 weeks in Peru. This old, sleepy village is famous for being home to astounding geoglyphs that can only be seen from the sky. As well as this enigmatic attraction, Nazca also boasts some fascinating historical sites, archaeology museums, and cute cafes. It’s a great place to experience what Peru was like decades ago.
Things to do in Nazca
Nazca Lines
The best thing to do in Nazca is to hop on a plane and check out the Nazca Lines. These ancient geoglyphs are etched into the Nazca Desert and take the form of geometric shapes, animals, and human-like figures. No one knows for sure what they’re for, making the chance to see them even more magical.
Other Attractions
If you like obscure attractions, check out the Chauchilla Cemetery. Located just south of Nazca, this cemetery is home to remarkably well-preserved mummies, skeletons, and ancient burial artifacts. To learn more about the ancient people that once inhabited Peru, visit the Antonini Archaeological Museum. Here, you can see even more bones and artifacts that have been discovered in the local area.
Getting to Nazca
It’s time to get back on the bus! The Cruz del Sur bus will take you from the bus station in Paracas to the bus station in Nazca with just one stop. The journey takes around 3 hours, 12 minutes and covers approximately 130 miles. You’ve got to be pretty organized for this leg of your trip because there are only three buses per day (10:45 am, 11:30 am, and 2:45 pm).
Arequipa – 2 Nights
Arequipa is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Peru. This vibrant city is bursting with a rich cultural heritage, spectacular architecture, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving foodie scene. The capital and biggest city of this region, Arequipa offers everything from a vibrant historic center and generations-old culinary schools to mountains teeming with hiking trails and unique buildings made of volcanic white stone.
Things to do in Arequipa
Cathedral of Arequipa
Start off by exploring Arequipa’s historic center. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning city is filled with colonial-era buildings made of volcanic white stone, the dazzling Cathedral of Arequipa, and the bustling Plaza de Armas square.
Plaza de Armas
The city is well-known for being an amazing spot for foodies. Here, you can sign up for a foodie walking tour, join a chocolate-making workshop, or learn how to cook authentic Peruvian food.
Colca Canyon
Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the top Peru attractions – Colca Canyon. One of the world’s deepest canyons, Colca Canyon is an incredible place for hiking and bird-watching. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see the mesmerizing Andean condor swooping through the air here!
Getting to Arequipa
Get ready for a long journey ahead. The best way to get from Nazca to Arequipa is via a long bus journey with Oltursa. This route covers 350 miles and takes around 10 hours to complete. But don’t worry – it’s not as bad as it sounds.
There are only two buses that take you between these two places – one at 9:30 pm and another at 11 pm. Both of these journeys travel through the night and have seats that recline 140° and 160°, so you’ll be able to sleep the whole way if you want to. You’ll arrive in Arequipa at 6 am or 8:45 am, depending on the bus you choose.
Lake Titicaca – 2 Nights
One of the most spectacular things you’ll see during your 2-week trip to Peru, Lake Titicaca is absolutely one of the highlights of this trip. Nestled on the border between Peru and Bolivia, this remarkably high lake is well-known for its sensationally beautiful landscapes.
But there’s much more to the iconic landmark than that. Lake Titicaca also invites you to explore indigenous cultures and discover traditional ways of life far removed from what you’re used to.
Things to do in Lake Titicaca
Uros Islands
The best parts of Lake Titicaca are the mesmerizing islands you find within it. The Uros Islands is one mini archipelago you’ve definitely got to check out on a Floating Island Tour. These unique islands, as well as the houses on the island and the boats that surround them, are made entirely from totora reeds which grow around the lake.
Taquile Island
Taquile Island is also worth a visit. This gorgeous place is known for its traditional Quechua-speaking communities and their skill in weaving and textiles. If you stop by, you can buy some of the handmade textiles which are known for their high quality and intricate designs.
Amantani Island
Other islands worth visiting include Amantaní island, where you can get involved in local cultural activities, and Isla del Sol, which is said to be the birthplace of Inca civilization.
Getting to Lake Titicaca
You guessed it – the best way to get from Arequipa to Lake Titicaca is by bus. Cruz del Sur operates one bus per day between the two destinations. While there are plenty of other companies that offer more regular journeys, we prefer Cruz del Sur because the buses are more comfortable and reliably include extras like air conditioning.
The Cruz del Sur bus leaves the Arequipa bus station each night at 10 pm and arrives in Puno at 4:30 am the next day. These buses have 160º and 140º seats, so you can recline and sleep most of the way. When you get to Puno, you’ll need to take a taxi or another bus to your accommodation, depending on where you’re staying around the lake.
Cusco – 2 Nights
Without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Peru, Cusco is a must-visit for anyone traveling in the country. Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, today Cusco is a fascinating place to explore, filled with ancient temples, eye-catching architecture, and an enigmatic vibe you’ll fall in love with. The place where ancient traditions and modern life combine, vibrant Cusco is guaranteed to win you over as soon as you arrive.
Things to do in Cusco
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas, the main square in Cusco, is the heart and soul of the city and is where you should start your time in Cusco. This dynamic meeting point is a hub of activity and is surrounded by colonial-era buildings, like the impressive Cathedral of Cusco.
Here, you can challenge your taste buds and broaden your palate by trying the local cuisine. Alpaca steak and guinea pig (known locally as cuy) are two popular favorites here.
San Pedro Market
Cusco also boasts one of the best places to go in Peru for shopping. The San Pedro Market is bursting with fresh produce, aromatic spices, handmade jewelry, delicate textiles, cute souvenirs, and almost anything else you could think of.
Museums in Cusco
If you’re looking for something more cultural, check out the Museo de Arte Precolombino for a remarkable collection of pre-Columbian art or the Museo Inka, which features artifacts related to the Inca Empire.
Getting to Cusco
It’s time to change things up. The best way to get from Lake Titicaca to Cusco is by train. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can board the Andean Explorer in Puno and arrive in Cusco in style 10 hours 30 minutes later.
This ultra-luxurious train ensures you ride in total comfort while being surrounded by dazzling mountain scenery. Along the way, you’ll be treated to gourmet Peruvian meals and traditional cocktails – it’s incredible!
Alternatively, you can head to the Puno bus station and ride the Inka Express to Cusco. This journey takes the same amount of time, but it’s considerably cheaper at around 160 soles ($43 USD).
Aguas Calientes – 2 Nights
Home to one of the best things to do in Peru, Aguas Calientes is a convenient starting point for visiting Machu Picchu if you’re not up for the challenge of the Inca Trail. As well as boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this magical village is full of opportunities to relax, indulge your taste buds, interact with the local wildlife, and reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime Peruvian adventure.
Things to do in Aguas Calientes
Macchu Picchu
Start your time in Aguas Calientes by riding the bus (or following a 30-minute steep hike if you’re feeling energetic) to Machu Picchu. As you’d imagine, this incredible attraction gets very busy, so try to get there first thing in the morning. Not only will you be able to watch the sunrise over the wonder, but you’ll also be able to snap loads of pictures with nothing but you, the ruins, and cute llamas in the frame.
Hot Springs
Aguas Calientes (meaning “Hot Waters” in English) is named after the natural hot springs in the area. There are no taxis in town, so simply follow the main road (Hermanos Ayar) and look out for signs advertising the springs to visit.
Mariposario de Machupicchu
For something a little different, visit Mariposario de Machupicchu. This little-known attraction is a local sanctuary and conservation project filled with all kinds of butterflies. It’s best to visit in the morning when the dazzling creatures are most active.
Getting to Aguas Calientes
The final leg of your adventure is done by taxi and train. Take a taxi from your accommodation to Ollantaytambo station. The ride should be around 20-25 minutes and cost 40-60 soles ($11 USD-$17 USD).
From here, you can ride the PeruRail or Inca Rail directly to the train station at the bottom of Aguas Calientes. The ride takes around 1 hour, 30 minutes and is remarkable. The views along the way are guaranteed to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. No matter how tired you are, this trip is definitely worth staying awake for!
There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Peru itinerary. Where will you be visiting during your 2-week trip to Peru?
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