The ultimate 14-day itinerary in Peru
Machu Picchu is often the main incentive to visit Peru, but did you know that this South American country has so much more to offer? Whether you're a history lover, nature spotter, explorer, or foodie, there's something for everyone. You could spend a lot of time here enjoying all of its wonders, but the itinerary below offers an excellent strategy to discover the main highlights of the varied landscapes, and unique cultures across this diverse country in 14 days including Lima, the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Amazon jungle, and Lake Titicaca for those on limited holiday budgets and time.
A map and a quick rundown of each day's activities are provided below, with more in-depth information to follow.
DAY 1 - LIMA
DAY 2 - AMAZON RAINFOREST
DAY 3 - AMAZON RAINFOREST
DAY 4 - CUSCO
DAY 5 - SACRED VALLEY
DAY 6 - TREKKING THE INCA TRAIL
DAY 7 - TREKKING THE INCA TRAIL
DAY 8 - TREKKING THE INCA TRAIL
DAY 9 - MACHU PICCHU
DAY 10 - CUSCO
DAY 11 - PUNO
DAY 12 - LAKE TITICACA WITH HOMESTAY
DAY 13 - PUNO
DAY 14 - JULIACA
Day 1 - Welcome to Lima!
Though there are plans for a second big international airport in Chinchero, right now most travelers reach Peru through the Jorge Chavez International Airport in the capital of Lima, and that's a great place to start your adventure. Luckily, the city has a lot to offer and is located at sea level so you will be able to dive right in.
Explore the historic center of Lima with its beautiful colonial buildings and visit attractions like the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Monastery with its catacombs, and the famous Larco Museum. Peru is a great place for foodies offering extremely diverse cuisine: Peru's abundant coastlines yield an amazing variety of fish and seafood and its highlands are ideal for trying traditional dishes such as ceviche, alpaca steak, or chicharron (deep-fried pork with potatoes). After dinner, you can take a stroll to Miraflores at night to enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk along this coastal neighborhood's boardwalk, or enjoy the Circuito Magico Del Agua - a magical water fountain park incorporating lights, music, and interactive elements.
Day 2-3 - Amazon jungle adventure
There are direct flights to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon jungle from Lima that start departing from very early in the morning. After your short flight, you can hop in a motorboat and head down the river towards your jungle lodge. We recommend staying 2 nights here.
The Peru Amazon has a diverse landscape with plenty to explore including lakes, creeks, and the jungle itself. You'll find all kinds of animals here like the giant river otter, macaws, monkeys, caimans, etc... not to mention butterflies and insects! There is also abundant flora - especially trees which could be considered the true champions of the Peru Amazon as some reach up to 200 feet tall!
Day 4 - Cusco, ancient Inca capital
Flights from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco only take about an hour but it's a good idea to not plan too many activities for this travel day. Once you arrive at your next hotel make sure to take some time to relax to help you acclimatize to the altitude (3,350m/11,000ft) here.
Cusco is Peru's most popular tourist destination and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name "Cusco" comes from the Quechua word "Qosqo" which means 'Center' and that's exactly what this historical city was and still represents: the center of the Inca universe and a melting pot of cultures and traditions. There is a lot to be explored and discovered here, but for today maybe simply go for an orientation walk to get yourself familiar with the layout and the locations of the best tourist spots, museums, restaurants, and amenities.
Day 5 - Treasures of the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is another beautiful destination in Peru that should not be missed. From Cusco it's easy to travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo on your way to Machu Picchu. You'll have the opportunity to discover some of the natural and Inca-designed hidden gems along the route, besides the beautiful views of the Urubamba River and terraced fields.
Stop to look at some local handicrafts and have lunch on your way to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, two ancient Inca ruins where you can learn about Inca philosophy and culture. The stunning Inca fortress in Pisac is one of Peru's most intact ancient sites and a perfect example of ingenious Inca architecture. At Ollantaytambo, climb 200 steps up to the top of the fortress to will find a temple to the sun used by the Incas for astronomical observations.
If you plan to do the Inca Trail, we recommend staying the night in the village of Ollantaytambo, so you don't have to get up too early the next morning to start your exciting hiking adventure. Otherwise, return to Cusco and spend an extra few days there exploring, or going on any number of interesting day tours like the rainbow mountain, then enjoy the gorgeous train ride to Machu Picchu.
Day 6-9 - The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
For 4 days and 3 nights, you'll be hiking in the footsteps of the Incas for 25 miles on Peru's most famous and original trek. What we know now as the Inca Trail was an ancient pilgrimage route over rugged terrain with altitudes of 13,000 feet, but is only a small part of the old network of Inca Trails that spanned much of South America. The Classic Inca Trail is the best way to get up close to the country's most iconic site - Machu Picchu. The trail itself is very well-marked and allows for enough time for acclimatization at every camp site. There is a faster alternative with fewer miles to cover, called the Short Inca Trail. Both of these options do need permits as both the path and entry at Machu Picchu is strictly managed and regulated by the Peruvian government. When permits are sold out, or the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance (always in February) there are alternative, equally stunning treks available like the Quarry Trail and the Salkantay Trek.
As mentioned before, if hiking is not for you, there's also a train option to get to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) from either Ollantaytambo or Cusco. It's a lovely train ride with beautiful vistas. Opt for the vistadome train with panoramic windows and dances entertainment.
Day 10 - Cusco
Go back to Machu Picchu for a second time to marvel at its beauty and to discover more inside the citadel, or take the early train back to Cusco arriving mid-morning. After such a challenging but highly rewarding few days trekking, spend it in Cusco at your own leisure - maybe go shopping, visit some museums or enjoy some celebratory Pisco Sours over dinner with live music and traditional dances! Or there are a multitude of other adventurous day trips available.
Day 11 - Puno
Today you’ll be heading to Peru's lake region. It takes about 7 hours on a bus to get there, but you pass through the beautiful Peruvian highlands of Altiplano.
Puno lies on Peru's highest navigable body of water: Lake Titicaca! It is Peru's most colorful and energetic town and well known for its festivals and markets so expect lots of activity here. In Puno, the traditional way of life for the local Andean cultures of the Aymara and Quechua is thriving.
Day 12 - Uros Man-Made Floating Islands and Lake Titicaca Homestay
The views from the Uros Islands floating in the lake will take your breath away! The entire island, everything on it, as well as the reed boats used by the people living here, are man-made from dried totora reeds that cover the surface of Lake Titicaca. They continuously grow new layers which allow them to be harvested every 3-4 years and then burned to create more room for growth. Life on the Uros Islands is simple and made of natural materials, as the president of the island living here will explain and demonstrate.
The beauty of the environment inspired us to include a special homestay here in an indigenous community on one of the islands. Spend the afternoon with a local family to learn how to make artisanal crafts from dried reeds, try Peru's national drink Pisco Sour, and experience a traditional Aymara dinner among other things! This is where you'll get to see Peru from a different perspective. A spectacular sunrise awaits you in the morning.
Day 13 - Puno
Say goodbye to your local host family and make your way to another famous island named Taquile where we will check out some local handicrafts. The men will help the local men with knitting and the woman will help with spinning following the local customs. Then take the 2.5 hour boat ride from Taquile island back to Puno.
Day 14 - Juliaca back to Lima
It's time to say goodbye to Peru and head back home! You'll fly back to Lima from Juliaca airport where you can make any necessary international connections out of Peru.
Potential extension - Peru-Bolivia border crossing & Puno to La Paz
A bus can take you from Peru into Bolivia as Lake Titicaca belongs to both nations and you're very close to the border. Bolivia may be the second poorest country in South America, but it is very rich in culture and traditions. It's also the highest capital city in the world (3,600m/11,800ft). The salt flats in Uyuni are truly a marvel of nature, we highly recommend a visit.
Does the above itinerary sound perfect to you but don't know where to start?
You won’t have to worry about planning every detail of your trip because we have done all the hard work for you! Papi’s Treks 14 day Amazing Peru itinerary is the perfect way to explore Peru. You’ll get an in-depth look at its vibrant cities, ancient Inca and pre-Inca sites, and natural wonders. All you have to do is book your international flights and enjoy yourself. Our expert local guides will show you around each destination and make sure that every detail is taken care of for you from the moment you land at the airport.
We designed this itinerary as a flexible experience – it can be modified to suit your specific interests or needs. If there’s something specific you want to see or do during your time here, just let us know and we can make it happen for you. Let's plan your perfect holiday together!
For the Amazing Peru 14-day itinerary, we have at least 1 guaranteed group departure for May 2022 already but we run departures all year round. Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entry tickets tend to sell out fast for the most popular months of the year so don't delay and get in touch with us today.
Have a bit more time? Check out our 21-day itinerary that includes a visit to the Colca Canyon with its soaring condors (deeper than the Grand Canyon). We also have 7-day and 10-day itineraries for those in a bit more of a hurry. For more ideas on where to take your travels in Peru, see our Peru trips page.
Are you ready for your Peru adventure? We are waiting for you!