peru travel blog

Peru Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Travelers flock to Peru to hike the famous Inca Trail, explore the lush jungles, and devour their way through the incredible food scene of Lima.

But while the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu attract the majority of the attention (2,500 people visit Machu Picchu every day), there is much more to see and do in Peru if you’re willing to get out there and explore.

From the famous Lake Titicaca to the beaches in the north to the vibrant indigenous culture, Peru is bursting with things to see and do.

While many travelers just visit for a week to see the highlights, you can easily spend a month here (or more) and still not see everything.

Best of all, traveling around Peru is inexpensive. You don’t need a lot of money to visit here (even if you hike the Inca trail).

This guide to Peru can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in this beautiful destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Peru

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Peru

1. Explore Machu Picchu

This legendary “lost city of the Incas” is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in South America. Here you have the chance to wander around the old Inca city observing ancient aqueducts, granite and limestone temples, and other forms of Inca architecture that are all beautifully preserved. There are two ways to see Machu Picchu depending on the amount of adventure and exercise you want. There is a 4-day/3 night hike that takes you through 43 kilometers (26 miles) of steep, yet scenic uphill terrain along winding Andean mountain trails starting from Ollantaytambo. The Inca Trail gets you to the majestic Machu Picchu at dawn in time to see it before the clouds arrive mid-morning. The alternative is to wake up super early to get the train there and enter along with the tour groups competing for the beautiful morning sunset photos. (There are also longer 7-8 day hikes too if you want an even bigger challenge. Multi-day hikes start around 2,600 PEN. You can also just buy a day pass if you don’t want to hike.

2. Check out Lima

Lima is a chaotic and beautiful introduction to the country. Check out the trendy, vibrant Miraflores neighborhood that overlooks the Pacific and has plenty of restaurants and bars to try. Also, visit the Larco Museum to see its pre-Columbian artifacts, the Aliaga House for Peruvian art and artifacts, and Plaza Mayor for colonial beauty. Tour the city’s colorful markets for both food and shopping, wander around the world’s only Cat Park, or check out the Park of Love for good luck in love. At night, head to the artsy Barranco district for the nightlife and try a local drink with pisco, a local brandy. The city is a foodie hub too so don’t forget to try the ceviche!

3. Fly over the Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs that dominate the San José desert and Nazca Valley. There are over 10,000 lines and 300 different plant and animal figures that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. No one really knows how they got there (maybe aliens?) but the park itself is free to visit. If you want to splash out and get a better view, take a scenic helicopter or plane tour (they cost around 400 PEN).

4. Relax at Lake Titicaca

This stunning lake covers over 7,790 square kilometers (3,000 square miles) and sits at 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level, making it the world’s largest high-altitude lake. With deep blue water and spectacular sunsets across the lake lined with snowy mountains, this lake attracts people from all over the world to the nearby towns, which offer a mix of colonial architecture and bustling markets. There are three islands on the lake that are home to pre-Inca ruins: Isla del Sol, Taquile, and Amantani. Every year, the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca at Puno celebrates the Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria in February. However, the best and driest time to visit is June, July, and August.

5. Hike the Colca Canyon

Other things to see and do in peru, 1. hike the inca trail.

Getting to Machu Picchu is best via the famed Inca Trail . This multi-day hike allows you to see the mountains, jungles, and follow the route the Incas used to take. It is a truly spectacular hike, but it is challenging and you may experience altitude sickness. There are two ways to do this hike: you can sign up to be part of an organized tour, or you can hire your own private guide. You cannot hike the trail independently. Tours start around 2,600 PEN for a 4-day, 3-night tour with a reliable, reputable company. The final leg of the hike can actually get a bit crowded, so if you can do a longer 7-day hike you’ll be able to beat the crowds and enjoy the incredible landscape before you arrive. The driest time is May-October but also unfortunately the most crowded. If you go from November-April, prepare for mud and perhaps rain but fewer crowds.

2. Visit the Islas Flotantes de los Uros

The Floating Islands of the Uros may sound like an Indiana Jones title, but it is actually the name of the group of man-made islands in Lake Titicaca. The islands are home to the indigenous Uros people who have built their own houses, islands, and boats from the tortora reeds which grow along the banks of the lake. This is an extremely touristy site and is a bit exploited as such, so it’s not for everyone. The boat tours start at 165 PEN.

3. Surf at Máncora Beach

Great fresh seafood, watersports, horseback riding, whale watching, fishing with locals, visiting the mangroves, and plenty of relaxation are the order of the day at this popular beach resort. Máncora is one of the finest beaches in South America and its year-round sunshine, two ocean currents, and beginner-friendly waves also make it Peru’s surfing Mecca. Accommodation prices can be expensive from December to March, so it’s best to book in advance. Whale watching costs 135 PEN, surfing classes start at 95 PEN, and SUP tours with sea turtles cost 175 PEN.

4. Step back through time at Batán Grande

Batán Grande, also known as the Sicán Archaeological Complex, is an archaeological site comprising 50 pyramids and tombs, which are thought to date to 750-1300 CE. Located near Chiclayo, this site was once the ancient Sicán capital and has yielded many impressive pre-Columbian artifacts. For example, a gold Tumi ceremonial knife weighing almost seven pounds was recovered from one of the royal tombs! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks for the day.

5. Discover Cusco

This colonial city is a major tourist destination and sits on Inca-built stone foundations not far from Machu Picchu. The area is popular with trail walkers, history lovers, and party goers who come to enjoy the city’s nightlife and festivals. Cusco is the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas and an essential part of your trip to Peru. The Cusco Tourist Ticket grants admission to most of the popular archaeological sites and attractions in the Cusco area (with some notable exceptions, including Machu Picchu). Note that transportation and guide services are separate. You can purchase either a 10-day pass that includes admission to over 16 sites (130 PEN) or one of several different “circuit” tickets that include admission to a smaller number of sites and are valid for one day only (70 PEN). Be sure to visit Coricancha (15 PEN) and Sacsayhuaman (included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket) during your visit. Right outside Cusco, take a day trip to the incredible Rainbow Mountains. For great food, head to Green Point. Plan to spend around 3-5 days in Cusco as there is plenty to see and it’s a good place to acclimate before doing any hiking as the city sits at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level.

6. Get your Amazon fix in Iquitos

Accessible only by boat or plane, jungle-locked Iquitos is the largest city within the Peruvian rainforest. The city sits at the mouth of the Amazon and is the perfect destination for eco-tourism. The nearby Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is Peru’s largest reserve at two million hectares. It’s home to a huge range of nearly 1,000 birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and more. A 3-day, 2-night tour through the reserve starts from around 1,400-1,500 PEN per person including food.

7. Sandboard in Huacachina

This little town is a desert oasis and a welcome relief after hiking through Machu Picchu. It’s very affordable and hostels here offer great deals for sandboarding and sand buggy tours around the nearby dunes. Two-hour tours cost about 100-125 PEN, which includes a sand buggy driver and sandboard rental. Most tours leave around 4pm so you can catch the sunset on the dunes. There is also a lagoon surrounded by palm trees in Huacachina, and you can rent a rowboat to paddle around it. A half-hour rental costs around 5 PEN per person. Huacachina is easily reached by bus from Lima, Cusco, Nazca, Arequipa, and Paracas.

8. See penguins in Paracas

Paracas is in the south of Peru and is sometimes called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos” for its impressive wildlife, consisting of over 400 different species. Thousands of birds, as well as large sea lion and penguin populations, call the area home. You can visit the Paracas National Reserve via an organized boat tour. Be sure to go early. A full-day tour of Paracas includes a boat trip to the Islas Ballestas and a bus trip around the national reserve in the afternoon. It costs about 150 PEN.

9. Walk through the White City

Arequipa is a beautiful city with a historical center that was constructed primarily from volcanic rock. Start getting to know the city by wandering around the Plaza de Armas and take in the city’s architecture over a glass of wine overlooking the main square with views of the stunning Basilica Catedral de Arequipa. Then, visit the gorgeous, vibrantly colorful Santa Catalina Monastery, see a frozen Inca mummy, and enjoy the local cuisine with favorites like shrimp soup or spicy stuffed peppers. It’s easy to see why Arequipa is undoubtedly one of the most beloved destinations in the country; everyone who visits here loves it.

10. Go to El Parque de la Reserva

This park in downtown Lima is home to the largest water fountain complex in the world, called El Circuito Mágico del Agua . There are 13 distinct fountains in total, including the Tunnel Fountain of Surprises, the Children’s Fountain, and the Fantasia Fountain, whose water jets are synchronized to music during the evening laser light shows. The park is open daily from 3pm-10pm, with beautiful, colorful light shows taking place at 6:50pm, 7:50pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. The entrance fee is 4 PEN. The park also hosts a lot of events and is a popular place with dog owners too.

11. Visit Chachapoyas

This region in the Andean mountains was home to the Chachapoya civilization that lived there between 500-1432 (they were eventually conquered by the Aztecs). Today, you can visit Kuelap, the fortified city at known as “The Machu Picchu of the North.” The ruins are accessible via a guided tour, 4-hour hike, or cable car from the nearby town of Nuevo Tingo for 21 PEN roundtrip. Be sure to also visit Gocta, a beautiful waterfall that, at 770 meters (2,526 feet), is one of the tallest in the world. You can get there by taking a tour from Chachapoyas.

12. Tour Trujillo

Trujillo is the second-oldest Spanish city in Peru, located on the coast with eternal spring-like weather and widely considered the capital culture of Peru. While here, visit the archaeological site of Chan Chan, the world’s largest adobe city ever built and the largest pre-Columbian city. It was built by the Chimu, a civilization that inhabited the area until 1470 when they were defeated by the Incas. Admission is 11 PEN. Be sure to also visit Huanchaco, a small fishing town directly on the beach.

13. See Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain

Chances are you’ve seen these colorful mountains on social media. Over the past few years, Rainbow Mountain has become a huge tourist attraction. Just keep in mind that the colors are not as vivid in real life and the place is super crowded (it’s a very popular site). Day trips and multi-day hikes are available from Cusco, usually starting around 110-135 PEN per person. There is also an “Alternative” Rainbow Mountain called Palcccoyo where you can enjoy an incredibly colorful scenic panoramic at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). If you want to escape the hordes of people (though it’s also pretty busy these days).

14. Hike the Salkantay

If you want an alternative to the busy Inca Trail, try hiking the Salkantay. It sees a fraction of the tourists and is half the price of the Inca Trail — but just as stunning! There aren’t as many ruins, but there are epic mountain views and summits of up to 5,200 meters (17.060 feet)! Hikes can vary in length, but the 7-day hike offers the best views. You’ll need to be in decent shape though. 5-day hikes start around 1,700 PEN.

Peru Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 35-65 PEN while a bed in a dorm with 10 or more beds generally costs 32-38 PEN. A private room costs 115-170 PEN per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have a kitchen or include free breakfast.

Budget hotel rooms with basic amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and occasionally free breakfast cost around 85-105 PEN per night.

On Airbnb, which has limited availability in Peru, private rooms average around 100 PEN while entire homes start at 200 PEN per night. Book early though or prices will double.

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is permitted as long as you’re not on somebody’s land.

Food – Cuisine in Peru varies from region to region, though you can expect to find staples like potatoes (most potatoes in the world originated here), quinoa, seafood, and indigenous animals like guinea pig and alpaca. Be sure to try ceviche, which is the national dish (it’s a seafood dish with fresh raw fish). Other popular dishes include stir-fried beef, roasted cuy (guinea pig), arroz con pato (rice with duck), and roasted chicken.

Overall, dining out in Peru is very inexpensive. Street food is incredibly cheap, costing 5-7 PEN for a meal from a parrilla (grill) set up on the side of the road. A plate of food at a casual takeaway restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine costs around 10 PEN.

A meal of traditional cuisine at a casual restaurant with table service costs around 15-25 PEN. If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 45 PEN.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) is 20 PEN for a combo meal. A large pizza is around 28-30 PEN.

Beer is around 8 PEN while a glass of wine or a latte is around 9 PEN. Bottled water is 2 PEN. A cocktail is 15-20 PEN and up, though many restaurants have extended happy hour specials (sometimes even all day).

If you plan on cooking, expect to pay 60-80 PEN per week for groceries such as pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. The best places to shop are the local markets, though Plaza Vea is the big grocery store chain with affordable prices as well. However, given how cheap food is here, it’s best to just eat out all the time. Buy snacks and fruit at the markets but eat out all other meals.

Backpacking Peru Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget of 135 PEN per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat out for a few meals at cheap local street stalls and cook some meals, limit your drinking, take the bus to get around, and do mostly free or cheap activities like relaxing on the beach and going hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 400 PEN per day, you can afford a private Airbnb room, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like going surfing or day-tripping to Machu Picchu.

On a “luxury” budget of 700 PEN or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, take some domestic flights, and do a longer multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in PEN.

Peru Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Peru is generally pretty cheap, but it is easy to splash out here on food and tours. Here are a few hacks to cut down your costs in Peru:

• Stay at hospedajes – These are family-run hotels and are the cheapest accommodation you can find outside of hostel dorms. Try to stay in these as often as possible.
• Take public transportation – Embrace public transportation to get around — it’s super affordable so skip the taxis. You’ll save a fortune.
• Eat the meal of the day – These are set meals, often including multiple plates, that restaurants offer. Look around for set menu meals to eat out on the cheap.
• Travel off-season – For a low-cost trip, the best times to visit Peru are the fringe months of April and May or September and October. Prices are usually cheaper during these months.
• Take the colectivos – These are cheap buses that cost around 2-10 PEN for a ride. They are a bit confusing as they don’t necessarily have a schedule, but there is always a door person whom you can ask if the bus is going to your location. There are not always marked bus stops, so look for gathering crowds.
• Book tours last minute – If you are looking to do the Inca Trail and have a bit of extra time to wait for a deal, showing up in Cusco and booking a last-minute tour can save you lots of money. Booking months in advance means paying the premium price but if you can wait your patience may be rewarded. I wouldn’t recommend trying to get on last-minute if you have your heart set on doing it though since it might not work out.
• Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Walking Tour Peru has tours that can guide you around both Lima and Cusco. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Peru

Peru has a ton of hostels. Here are some of my favorite places to stay throughout the country:

• Pariwana Hostel (Lima)
• 1900 Backpackers Hostel (Lima)
• Loki Hostel (Cusco)
• Kokopelli (Cusco)
• Wild Rover Hostel (Cusco)
• Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta (Cusco)
• Arequipay Backpackers Downtown (Arequipa)
• Loki del Mar (Mancora)
• The Point Mancora Beach (Mancora)

How to Get Around Peru

Public transportation – City buses cost around 1.50-3 PEN per trip. Microbuses ( colectivos ) are available and prices vary depending on the distance. Trips generally cost 2-10 PEN, though they are a bit hectic and take some getting used to.

Bus – Buses can take you all over Peru and are the most common way to get around for budget travelers. The usual price for a 10-hour bus journey is around 40 PEN depending on how nice the bus company is. You can use Cruz del Sur to look up bus schedules and prices. Keep in mind that any journey through the mountains will be a slow ride! Lima to Cusco takes over 21 hours and costs 185 PEN, though you can get a ticket for as low as 39 PEN if you book in advance.

Peru Hop is another reliable and comfortable bus company designed for backpackers. This bus is a hop-on/hop-off service you can take around the country. Three-day journeys from Lima to Cusco start from 683 PEN, while 7 days in Southern Peru costs 836 PEN.

Flying – Peru has five international airports (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Iquitos, and Piura), as well over a dozen airports with domestic service. LATAM, Avianca, and Star Peru are the main domestic airlines.

Flying between destinations isn’t always the cheapest option, but it’s a whole lot quicker. A flight from Lima to Cusco takes just over an hour (as opposed to the 21 hours by bus) and prices start around 250 PEN. Lima to Arequipa starts around 200 PEN.

Train – Like the rest of South America, the rail system in Peru is basically non-existent. There are nice tourist options though, like PeruRail and Inca Rail, which both run trains between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo (the gateway to Machu Picchu). On PeruRail, tickets start from 179 PEN. Inca Rail also runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo with tickets starting around 220 PEN.

From Lima, there’s just one train: the Ferrocarril Central Andino, the world’s highest passenger train, which travels across the Andes to Cerro de Pasco and Huancayo. One-way fare starts from 230 PEN. However, service is limited — sometimes the train only runs once a month. Journeys are currently suspended due to Covid so be sure to check their website for updates.

Car rental – I don’t suggest renting a car here as the drivers are aggressive, the roads are poorly maintained, and accidents are common. If you do decide to rent a car, use Discover Cars to find the best prices.

When to Go to Peru

Peru has just two seasons: wet and dry. May through October is the dry season, while November through April is the rainy season. The wettest months are from January to the end of April. This isn’t a great time to visit Peru — at least not in the mountain areas, where roads and hiking trails may become blocked or closed.

Most people come to Peru from the beginning of May to the end of November, with July and August being the busiest months. May and September are great months to visit, as tourism slows down slightly but temperatures are still pleasant.

If you want to spend more time in the mountains, June to September has clear, sunny days (but chilly nights). This is a good time to trek the Inca Trail. It’s also the best time to visit the Amazon Basin, when mosquitos are fewer.

Temperatures on the desert coast can get as high as 25-35°C (77-95°F) from December to April, while temperatures cool off from May-October. In the highlands from May-October, you can expect temperatures to reach 20-25°C (68-77°F).

How to Stay Safe in Peru

Peru is a pretty safe place to backpack and travel around, even for solo travelers, and even for solo female travelers. Your biggest worry is petty theft, which is rampant in the bigger cities and on overnight buses. Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or belongings. Avoid taking your phone out in public if you can. Lock your bags on overnight buses and keep your valuables secure and out of sight. It’s easy to get robbed if you aren’t careful here (especially at night).

If you’re in Lima, don’t walk around alone at night, unless you’re in the safer neighborhoods (Miraflores and Barranco). Smaller cities and towns are perfectly safe to walk around alone day and night.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams aren’t super common but if you’re worried about getting ripped off, here’s a list of common travel scams to avoid .

If you’re doing any hiking, check the weather in advance and bring plenty of water. If you’re hiking to Machu Picchu, arrive early to adjust to the altitude. 3-5 days early can make all the difference!

If you experience an emergency, dial 011 for assistance. If you’re in one of the bigger cities, you can also seek out the tourism police.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Peru, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Peru Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Peru Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Peru travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Cusco

The 4 Best Tour Companies in Peru

Is Peru Safe to Visit?

How to Hike the Inca Trail

How to Turn Right at Machu Picchu and Find Atlantis

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Ultimate Peru Itinerary: From One Week to One Month of Travel

By Author Arakita Rimbayana

Posted on Last updated: 6th October 2023

Home to an abundance of cultural and archaeological sites, many of which are surrounded by breathtaking nature, Peru is guaranteed to exceed your expectations. And then there’s the local cuisine: many agree Peru’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world.

Whether you’ve got a week or two weeks in Peru (or perhaps even more), there’s plenty of time to explore the country’s famed archeological sites, hit the beach, or head into the jungle, all the while treating yourself to the country’s unique offering of traditional coastal and Andean dishes.

Machu Picchu is on everyone’s list when it comes to a vacation in Peru, and it’s to understand why. In fact, all of our four Peru travel itineraries include a visit to what is by far the country’s premier tourist attraction. But there’s plenty more to add to your Peru vacation itinerary.

Often forgotten, northern Peru also offers big adventure, from surfing to archeological sites that are significantly older – and perhaps more impressive – than better-known Machu Picchu.

Luckily, these different Peru itineraries can help you explore the country’s most acclaimed destinations and get you off the beaten trail.

Click to navigate this article:

What should you consider before planning your itinerary?

• Altitude sickness is no joke in Peru , especially if you plan to hike or trek. Our itinerary focuses on helping you adjust to the altitude slowly while exploring the best of Peru. Generally, your body needs two weeks to get used to it completely. However, a couple of days of adjustment is better than nothing. Drinking plenty of water and having enough sleep usually help with altitude sickness. You can also consume coca leaf tea and apply herbal oil made for this type of sickness; both are available in most local markets in Peru. Alternatively, consult your doctor before departing your home country as they can prescribe you medication, such as acetazolamide, to ease symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s worth noting that eating spicy, sour, and greasy seafood combined with alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of altitude sickness. Drinking a cup of coca or muña tea in the morning and after a big meal is one of the known remedies for stomach discomfort.
• Instead of doing both the Colca Canyon hike and the Inca Trail, it’s best to choose only one, no matter how long your itinerary is. There are so many cool things to do in Peru other than just trekking, and it would be a loss to miss them while you’re here. Besides, both trails are strenuous – especially considering the altitude – and you may end up spending the rest of your vacation recovering – rather than enjoying Peru.
• Different regions in Peru usually have different weather conditions. For example, Arequipa is a high-altitude desert where the sun is quite intense, yet Lima and its shores have their own microclimate where winter days are mostly cloudy, but it almost never rains. With that in mind, before you finalize your itinerary, it’s worth reading our article on the best time to go to Peru to learn when’s the best time of the year to travel there.
• Peru is an affordable destination. Dining at a fancy restaurant generally costs less than $50 USD for two, even in the capital city, Lima, while you can expect to spend around $70 USD per night for a decent mid-range hotel, or around $15 USD per night for a bed in a dorm room. Transportation is also very affordable: flights between Lima and Cusco can cost as little as $100 USD one-way, while a bus covering this route can cost as little as $45 USD. As a result, you can cover a lot of distance during even a shorter trip. Read out complete guide to how much it costs to travel in Peru for more information.
• There are only a few direct domestic flights within Peru that don’t travel through Lima . Most flights have at least one stop in the capital city. There are plentiful bus routes throughout the country, although many routes wind through the mountains and it’s wise to always pay for a more expensive bus company, as cheaper operators can be dangerous; we recommend using companies such as Cruz del Sur , Oltursa , TEPSA , Movil and Civa for their higher safety credentials. Bus Bud is a great site for finding bus tickets before you travel, but they are often cheaper bought at the bus station directly. If you have significant issues with motion sickness, do bring medication.
• Public transport in Peru is accessible and affordable. Bus routes pass each city’s popular places, while taxis are cheap, too. A one-kilometer trip usually costs around S/4 ($1 USD) or less. Note that most taxis are unmetered, so it’s best to agree upon the fare before you get into one.
• Packing for your trip to Peru depends a lot on what you plan on doing. To visit Machu Picchu, pack light and comfortable clothing, alongside a waterproof jacket as there’s a high chance of rain. Medication to help you deal with altitude sickness (and motion sickness if you plan on taking long bus rides) is always helpful. Sunblock is very important, particularly in high-altitude destinations such as Cusco where the sun is more powerful. Packing a wide-brim hat is also useful. Check out our complete South America packing list for more details.

Planning Your Trip to Peru?

Save time, stress & money with a customized travel itinerary planned for you by a Peru expert

One week in Peru

Overview of this one-week Peru itinerary:

• Days one and two: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Days three and four: Machu Picchu

Day five: cusco, days six and seven: lima.

One week in Peru is enough to explore Machu Picchu and the former capital of the Inca, the historic city of Cusco before heading back to Lima for a final few days on the coast.

Day one: Cusco

Instead of Lima, make Cusco your first stop in Peru. Landing here only requires a further one-and-a-half-hour flight from the capital – and which is definitely the best way to get from Lima to Cusco. And it’s worth the chance to dive into the cultural highlights right away. Cusco also offers some of the best tour companies for Machu Picchu.

Spend your first day in Cusco taking things nice and easy; at 3,400 meters (around 11,000 feet) above sea level, this city can leave you feeling breathless. Adjust to the altitude and the low oxygen levels by exploring the old town – the focal point of this city – on foot.

Head to the Museo Inka (Inca Museum) to explore over 10,000 Inca artifacts including mummies and gold figurines, as well as the Museo de Arte Precolombino (Museum of Precolombian Art) to admire gold and silver ornaments, some of which date as far back as 1250 BC.

End your walking tour with a visit to the cathedral , where you can find painter Marcos Zapata’s famous rendition of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, just this time featuring a guinea pig as part of the feast.

If you’re still feeling good, take the 15-minute walk uphill to the Sacsayhuaman site , a walled complex that served as both a temple and fortress for the Inca and has fantastic views of the city. An easier alternative is a taxi ride from the city; expect to pay around S/10-25 ($2.5-6.3 USD), although the exact fare depends on which road is accessible on that day.

Where to stay in Cusco: Promising affordable comfort in a charming setting,  El Mercado  ($210 USD double) is a perfect getaway in the city center. The 32 bedrooms are decorated with modern furnishings and artwork, adding a modern twist to a historic  casona . 

Where to stay in Cusco on a budget: Few places offer the degree of comfort and affordability as  MOAF Boutique Hotel  ($80 USD). The rooms are bright thanks to plenty of natural light and have modern furnishings and pleasant neutral decoration. This helps to enhance the rooftop views available in some bedrooms, as well as in various communal areas.

Day two: The Sacred Valley

On your second day, it is time to explore the different attractions of the Sacred Valley , where the Urubamba River brings life to otherwise barren land. Take a colectivo (a public van), bus, or taxi from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and the town of Pisac . The former is the cheapest and easiest option; you’ll find they leave every ten minutes or so from Puputi Street, and cost between S/4-10 ($1-2.5 USD).

Pisac is a peaceful little town where you can hike (or take a taxi) to a magnificent Inca fortress that sits in the hills above. The views of the Sacred Valley from the site are mesmerizing. Located only an hour away from Cusco and also home to a busy daily market (although it’s best visited on a Sunday), Pisac is one of the best day trips from Cusco.

Other great options in the Sacred Valley are Moray , a series of concentric circular stone terraces that were used for testing out growing crops in different conditions, as well as the Salinas de Maras (Maras salt pans), where local people have panned for salt for hundreds of years. You can take local transportation to get to them, or book this tour that’ll take you to each.

From Pisac in the Sacred Valley, you can return to Cusco or continue downriver to Ollantaytambo , another picturesque town home to further archeological sites, as well as horseback riding, rafting and hiking tours. The train to Machu Picchu is available from both.

Where to stay in Ollantaytambo: Right next to the train station, but home to a lush garden and suntrap terrace, El Albergue ($142 USD double) is a tranquil place to while away the evening. They also have a fantastic on-site restaurant that cooks up ingredients from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden.

Where to stay in Ollantaytambo on a budget: Rustic but clean bedrooms are the norm at the affordable Picaflor Tambo Guest House ($42 USD double) run by owners who will ensure you have the most comfortable stay possible.

Head northeast along the train to reach Aguas Calientes , a small town at the base of Machu Picchu and which is filled with bars, restaurants, and markets. The train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes four to five hours, while the one from Ollantaytambo only takes one and a half hours.

If you choose the latter option, you can spend your morning visiting Ollantaytambo’s archaeological sites before departing and the afternoon in Aguas Calientes relaxing in your hotel, soaking in the thermal baths that give the town its name, or even checking out the local butterfly sanctuary .

The next day, get up bright and early to board the earliest bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu – at 5:30 am. By doing this, you can expect to be one of the first to arrive at the site. What a treat: there’s nothing like enjoying your first view of the ruins accompanied by little else than the sound of birdsong.

For the best weather – and for a clear, unobstructed view of the site’s magnificent stonework – read our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu and Peru in general.

Feeling adventurous? Eschew the bus and instead hike from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

However, depending on your fitness level, the hike can take between one and two hours – so start early if you want to see the site at its quietest.

Be aware when planning your trip to Machu Picchu that you must book tickets well in advance as there is a limit on the number of people who can enter the site per day. Your ticket gives you four hours within the grounds, and it generally takes around two hours to explore Machu Picchu.

Note that it’s now mandatory to visit with a guide, which you can hire at the entrance to the site, although you’ll have more control over the language they speak if you book with a tourism agency in Cusco.

It’s another couple of hours to your visit if you plan to hike up Huayna Picchu, too (just note you’ll need to buy a ticket with permission to visit Huayna Picchu in order to do this). This hike is strenuous, but the views across the entire site are a highlight of any trip to Machu Picchu.

It can be pricey visiting Machu Picchu, so make sure to read about how much it costs to visit the Inca citadel before planning your trip.

Return to Cusco in the evening by train.

Spend one last day exploring historic sites, as well as enjoying the city’s culinary traditions. Explore the imposing buildings of the formerly impressive Inca temple of Q’orikancha, join tourists and locals alike for locally-brewed beer in Cholos, head to the ChocoMuseo for a workshop on chocolate-making and spend an evening sampling heady pisco cocktails and listening to lively local music at the Museo del Pisco .

Wrap up your Cusco itinerary by visiting the Mercado San Pedro (San Pedro market), where you’ll find sweaters, bags, and knick-knacks made from Alpaca wool. While these are also available in other markets around the city, you’ll find them for the best prices in San Pedro.

Head back via plane to the capital city, Lima . Two days in Lima is just the right amount of time in order to get a glimpse of life in this dynamic city. Head to the trendy Barranco neighborhood , home to uber-chic cafes and chic bars in restored mansions, with all of this just a few steps away from the beach.

For an insight into the grittier side of Lima, head by taxi to the Callao neighborhood where Lima’s former shipping district and one of its most dangerous places has been transformed through street art and shops selling local arts and crafts – just don’t stray far aware from local hub Callao Monumental as the area remains dangerous for visitors.

Don’t miss the city’s renowned dining scene. For haute cuisine, head to Barranco and the world-famous Central , or dine on Nikkei (a Peruvian take on sushi) at Maido in Miraflores.

Any visitor to the city can’t miss the quintessential Peruvian dish: ceviche , so head to La Mar or Punta Azul in Miraflores to sample your newest favorite dish – washed down with a crisp glass of white or a pisco sour. After all, Peru is the best country in South America for affordable yet outstanding dining .

Spend your last days here museum-hopping (the Museo Larco is one not to miss), exploring the old town around the Plaza Mayor , or up the ante by testing the waves of the Pacific Ocean on a surfboard.

Where to stay in Lima: The Barranco neighborhood is known as a place of poets, artists and creatives, so there’s nowhere better to stay than in Second Home ($135 USD double), a grand, eight-room guesthouse in the former home of Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin, who you might even spot pottering around the house if you’re lucky.

Where to stay in Lima on a budget: One of our favorite places to stay when we’re in Lima, the Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast ($40 USD double) is run by a Peruvian-British couple and offers a handful of doubles with private bathrooms in a pleasant residential area in Miraflores. The terrace out the back where breakfast is served is a gorgeous place to while away the day.

Where to stay in Lima on a budget: Located in Miraflores and offering a youthful, friendly guide Selina Lima ($53 USD double) is our budget pick. (read our comprehensive Selina Lima review ) . Even though it’s a hostel, comfortable and stylishly presented private rooms with private bathrooms are available.

Got more time to spend in Cusco? Read our Cusco itineraries article for trips from three to ten days in length.

10 days in Peru

Overview of this 10-day Peru trip planner:

• Days one through three: Cusco and the Sacred Valley
• Days four through seven: The Inca Trail

Day eight: Machu Picchu

Days nine and ten: lima.

10 days in Peru is the perfect length of a trip that allows you to add the Inca Trail to your Machu Picchu trip. Follow the itinerary above but, instead of taking the train straight to Aguas Calientes on day three of the itinerary above, take a hiking tour of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu .

Days four through seven: Inca Trail

The trails built by the Inca throughout the Andes were used to connect what was once a vast empire to its territories across Peru and into neighboring Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile.

Known as the Qhapaq Ñan (Royal Road), many of these paths remain today and can be explored on foot – much the same way as they would have been used by the Inca royalty and pilgrims.

Hiking to Machu Picchu on the 40-kilometer (25-mile) Inca Trail generally takes four days and joining a guided tour is required. If you see three-day Machu Picchu tour operators, it is likely only for the fittest travelers, or the tour only includes part of the trail.

We recommend reading our extensive guide on what you need to know about hiking the Inca Trail before signing up for any tour and reading our comparison of the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek (another popular trek to Machu Picchu) to understand our options.

This hike is strenuous and can be dangerous in some parts. Even for experienced hikers, it’s challenging, so listen to your body, take your time, and pause if you need to.

The good news is you don’t need to pack food or a tent as those will be provided by the tour company. Some companies even offer a porter service, so you don’t need to carry anything during the entire hike!

The Inca Trail leads directly to Machu Picchu through what is known as the Sun Gate – named as such because the sun’s rays pass through here on the summer solstice. The view from here is also legendary and a privilege only to those who reach the site from the Inca Trail.

Once you’ve explored this magnificent stone fortress, descend to Aguas Calientes via the path or take one of the public buses from the gate of Machu Picchu.

Depending on what time you get to town and your train schedule, you can either spend the night in Aguas Calientes or go directly to Cusco, where you’ll find flights to Lima.

As per the previous itinerary, spend the last two out of your ten days in Peru tasting local dishes, visiting museums, or simply relaxing on the beaches of Lima.

Two weeks in Peru

Overview of this two-week Peru vacation itinerary:

Days one and two: Lima

Day three: pisco and ballestas islands, day four: nazca, days five to eight: arequipa and the colca canyon, days nine and ten: cusco and the sacred valley.

• Days eleven and twelve: Machu Picchu
• Day thirteen: Cusco
• Day fourteen: Lima

With two weeks in Peru, you can explore four main destinations – Lima, Nazca, Arequipa, and Machu Picchu – and famous attractions near to these main draws.

Instead of going straight from Lima to Machu Picchu, spend two days exploring Lima as you would on the last days of the previous itineraries, and then take a day trip from Lima to the Ballestas Islands and Nazca.

Take the bus four hours south to Pisco , one of the most popular towns within striking distance of the city because of – well, you can guess from its name – Pisco, the famous Peruvian spirit. In this town, tourists can visit vineyards and sample their products.

However, if you’re short on time, head directly for Paracas , one of the most popular destinations to visit in Peru . This is where the boat trip to Ballestas Islands, aka the Peruvian Galapagos, starts.

While they’re certainly not as impressive as their Ecuadorian namesake, the Ballestas Islands are still full of a rabble of wildlife, that can include everything from Humboldt penguins to sea lions and pelicans.

Since the entire archipelago is a national reserve, you’re not allowed to swim or disembark on any of the islands, but your two-hour boat tour will give you front-row seats to the raucous melee of sea life that lives upon them.

Book with a local tour company on the day or in advance here .

Stay overnight in Paracas, ready for an early bus the next morning.

Where to stay in Paracas: Located just meters from the beach, the chic Casa Paracas ($108 USD double) will make you wish you had more time to hang here and soak up the sunshine. All rooms have their own private balconies, as well as much-appreciated air conditioning.

Where to stay in Paracas on a budget: Basic but budget-friendly, Atenas Backpacker Hospedaje ($18 USD double) is an extremely cozy home-away-from-home, with plenty of communal spaces and an extremely welcoming atmosphere.

Your next stop is Nazca , a four-hour bus journey from Paracas. This is where you’ll find the massive geoglyphs, the Nazca Lines , whose origins – and purpose – remain one of the greatest mysteries in the world.

For the best views of these remarkable lines, which are in the form of hummingbirds, spiders and bold geometric patterns, take a flight over the desert from the airport in Nazca.

There’s not much to do in Nazca besides wandering around the Plaza de Armas, so get an early night ready for tomorrow.

Where to stay in Nazca: It’s no looker, but Nasca Travel One Hostel ($22 USD) has everything you need for a comfortable one-night stay and is extremely clean and comfortable, particularly as it’s a little away from the town center meaning you’re guaranteed a peaceful night’s sleep.

A six-hour bus journey from Nazca brings you to the White City, Arequipa . Situated in the volcano-studded highlands of southern Peru at 2,335 meters above sea level, Arequipa is your first introduction to altitude, so take it easy once you get off the bus.

Arequipa is a striking place: Volcán Misti stands tall above the city, and the buildings around the center are built using dazzlingly white volcanic stone.

Spend the remaining part of the day exploring Arequipa’s old town – the Monasterio de Santa Catalina , a vast and beautiful nunnery, and the seventeenth-century cathedral are two not to miss – before an evening tasting the lip-smacking rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), a traditional Arequipan dish.

For more highlights of the city, read this article about things to do in Arequipa and our guide to the best places to stay in Arequipa .

On the afternoon of day six, hop on a minivan to Chivay (3.5 hours) and then onto Cabanaconde (1.5 hours) and spend the night there in preparation for the Colca Canyon trek .

The next day, embark on the two-day Colca Canyon trek , which starts from Cabanaconde and heads down into the bottom of the canyon.

Unlike the Inca Trail where you sleep in tents, you will be spending nights within rustic lodgings inside Sangalle, the oasis town at the bottom of the canyon, offering you a soft bed and a pleasant night’s sleep. But don’t be fooled: this hike is challenging.

After a day hiking into the canyon the only way back out is up – a climb of 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) over a five-kilometer (three-mile) stretch.

Return to Arequipa by bus for an overnight bus to Cusco or for a final night in the city before a bus the next morning.

Where to stay in Arequipa: Set in a charming old house with a gorgeous courtyard for a leisurely cup of coffee or cold beer, La Hostería Boutique Hotel ($72 USD) double) is one of Arequipa’s (and Peru’s) most luxurious hotels . A pool, sun terrace and spa facilities are just some of the highlights here.

Where to stay in Arequipa on a budget: The family-run La Casa de Margott ($30 USD double) has clean and spacious rooms, as well as a pleasant roof terrace for lounging in.

It’s a fair distance from Arequipa to Cusco, so you can expect a ten-hour bus journey to get you from the coastal highlands and up into the Andes.

Unlike flying, which can lead to altitude sickness due to the rapid change in altitude, taking a bus to Cusco is a much gentler form of transport and gives you the opportunity to view some of the country’s incredible mountain landscapes.

Finish your itinerary by following the one-week in Peru itinerary, just shaving off a day in Lima at the very end.

Adapting this itinerary: Want to hike the Inca Trail instead? Spend days fix and six in Arequipa, then head to Cusco for the Inca trail for days seven through ten, with day eleven at Machu Picchu. Spend days twelve and thirteen in Cusco, before heading back to Lima on day fourteen.

One month in Peru

Overview of this one-month Peru backpacking itinerary:

Days three and four: Trujillo and Huanchaco

• Days six and seven: Cajamarca
• Days eight to ten: Chachapoyas

Day eleven: Lima

• Day twelve: Pisco and the Ballestas Islands
• Days thirteen: Nazca

Days fourteen to seventeen: Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

• Days eighteen to nineteen: Puno and Lake Titicaca
• Days twenty to twenty-one: Cusco and Sacred Valley
• Days twenty-two to twenty-five: The Inca Trail

Day twenty-six: Machu Picchu

• Day twenty-seven: Cusco
• Days twenty-eight to thirty: Puerto Maldonado

Do you have one whole month to spend exploring Peru? Lucky you: you’ve got time to add northern Peru to your itinerary. In addition, a slower pace of travel means your body will have the time to adjust to the altitude changes well.

One month in Peru is also plenty of time for seeing the most unmissable destinations in Peru: going to the north but without excluding Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, as well as stopping in Pisco and the Ballestas Islands and Arequipa, plus a trip into the jungle in Puerto Maldonado.

Touch down in Peru’s lively capital city, Lima . While it might be packed with traffic and a little rough around the edges, this city is a place you’ll soon fall in love with.

Spend your days museum-hopping (the Museo Larco is one not to miss), exploring the old town around the Plaza Mayor , or up the ante by testing the waves of the Pacific Ocean on a surfboard.

You can also head to the trendy Barranco neighborhood , home to uber-chic cafes and chic bars in restored mansions, with all of this just a few steps away from the beach.

Any visitor to the city can’t miss ceviche, so head to La Mar or Punta Azul in Miraflores to sample your newest favorite dish – washed down with a crisp glass of white or a pisco sour.

From Lima, it’s a grueling nine-hour bus journey to reach Trujillo .

A better alternative is to take one of the multiple one-hour, forty-minute flights from Lima to the airport in Trujillo, which is an easy taxi ride into the city.

Trujillo is a city on few travelers’ bucket lists – but the intrepid who make it here are in for a treat. Many are unaware of the civilizations that predate the Inca Empire, but the archeological sites they left behind are often just as remarkable as Machu Picchu – made more so by the relative lack of visitors at these destinations.

Spend half a day learning about Peru’s remarkable past by taking a bus to Chan Chan , an archeological site just five kilometers away from the city of Trujillo.

Chan Chan was once the capital of the Chimú Empire and is the largest adobe brick city discovered anywhere on earth, having been home to 60,000 people at its apogee around 850 AD.

At the heart of this city was a fortress where temples once paneled with gold, and courtyards and walls decorated with finely carved fish and other symbols of the sea can still be explored.

Another unmissable site to explore in the region is that of the Huacas de Moche . The two pyramids known as the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna date from 500 AD and are adorned with polychrome friezes, which have been remarkably well preserved and depict the sacrificial rituals with which the Mochica civilization has become associated.

Best explored by a tour from Trujillo, they’re an easy half-day trip from the city.

Alternatively, spend a day on a tour of the Complejo Archeólogico El Brujo (The El Brujo Archeological Complex), a series of small pyramids in which the mummified remains of the Señora de Cao, a shamanic leader, were discovered.

Her body – bearing tattoos of fish, snakes, and spiders – as well as gold and silver artifacts found within her tomb, are on display in the on-site museum.

For a relaxing afternoon, consider dropping into Huanchaco , a beachside village a 45-minute bus journey north of Trujillo. Oozing buena onda (good vibes), it’s a great place to swim or surf. Read more about this Peruvian beach town in our complete guide to Huanchaco .

Where to stay in Trujillo: Located not far from the Plaza de Armas, Tierra Viva Trujillo ($100 USD double) might be located within a soulless tower block, but the hotel’s design and clean but chic bedrooms make up for this fact.

Where to stay in Huanchaco: Accommodation options abound, including the glorious tranquil yoga hostel,  ATMA  $7 USD dorm, $21 USD double), with cozy rooms and a very chilled vibe.

Days five and six: Cajamarca

Your next stop is Cajamarca , an historic Andean town sitting 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level and a six-hour bus journey east of Trujillo. Home to beautiful buildings constructed during the Spanish conquest, the city’s roots go much deeper.

Head to the El Cuarto del Rescato , the only remaining Inca building in the city and where the Inca emperor, Atahualpa, was captured and later executed by the Spanish and follow this with a trip to the Casa Museo Nicolás Puga, a privately owned museum showcasing 2,000-year-old textiles and other incredible pre-Hispanic treasures.

Adapting this itinerary: Want a more relaxing few days? Head north along the coast (10 hours by bus from Trujillo) for a few days of glorious beach time in Máncora, where the sun shines all year long, and the turquoise water temperature is pleasant for swimming and a popular destination to learn surfing or kitesurfing. A favorite among backpackers thanks to its wild nightlife, Máncora can be replaced with the neighboring surf enclave of Lobitos (1.5 hours south) or the tranquil – and pricey – luxury resorts of remote Las Pocitas. Try the truly remote bungalows at  Yemaya  ($126 USD double), which are right on the beach.

Spend a day outside of the city by taking a bus to the Ventanillas de Otuzco , a pre-Inca necropolis where the Cajamarca people were buried in holes cut into the volcanic rock. On your way back, visit the Baños del Inca, the Inca thermal baths that are still in use today for a relaxing soak.

Bear in mind that the bus ride up the mountains is a rough drive, and you might prefer to fly instead – although it won’t save you a huge amount of time. All flights go via Lima (1.5 hours) before heading to Cajamara (1 hour 15 minutes).

Where to stay in Cajamarca: Just off the Plaza de Armas and with a beautiful, flower-filled courtyard, El Cabildo Hostal ($35 USD double) promises comfortable, if somewhat old-fashioned, accommodation.

Where to stay in Cajamarca on a budget: Extremely comfortable and with a location good for both the Plaza de Armas and the bus station, the family-run Chakra Runa Backpacker ($12 USD double) is guaranteed to offer a warm welcome.

Days eight, nine and ten: Chachapoyas

Deeper into the Andes is the market town of Chachapoyas . Getting here isn’t easy: the most direct route is a ten-hour minibus journey, through damp cloud forest and alongside steep mountainsides. Though surrounded by spectacular views, this route is not for the fainthearted.

With that said, Chachapoyas is worth visiting for one particular reason: Kuélap. This site is known as the Machu Picchu of Northern Peru thanks to its mountain-top location – accessible only via cable car, minibus, or a grueling four-hour hike – and the fact it’s the largest ancient stone structure in Peru. It also pre-dates Machu Picchu.

Read more about this magnificent fortress city in our guide to visiting the fortress of Kuélap , which is worthy of a full-day tour from Chachapoyas.

Spend the next few days exploring other key archeological sites, such as the row of ancient sarcophagi located on a wall at Karajía or dropping in at the Museo de Leymabamba , where 219 mummies from the Chachapoya people are on display.

Alternatively, take a bus to Cocachimba and hike to some of the tallest one-drop falls in the world, the dazzling Cataratas de Gocta (Gocta Waterfall).

Where to stay in Chachapoyas: The most luxurious lodgings in Chachapoyas are  La Xalca Hotel  ($100 USD), another colonial mansion with large, antique-furniture decorated bedrooms, some of which have pretty balconies overlooking the central courtyard and an extensive breakfast buffet. If you’re visiting in winter, ask for a room with carpet, not tiles.

Where to stay in Chachapoyas on a budget: The best budget option in town is  Chachapoyas Backpackers Hostal ($22 USD), which has well-sized rooms, all with a private bathroom.

Take a flight with ATSA Airlines (only Monday, Thursday and Saturday; 1.5 hours) from Chachapoyas airport, or a minibus to Jaén (four hours) and a flight from there to Lima (1.5 hours).

Spend the afternoon relaxing or catching up on any museums or restaurants you didn’t get a chance to visit on your first stay here.  

Day Twelve: Pisco and Ballestas Islands

Stay overnight in Paracas, ready for an early bus the next morning.  

Day thirteen: Nazca

Spend the remaining part of the day exploring Arequipa’s old town – the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a vast and beautiful nunnery, and the seventeenth-century cathedral are two not to miss – before an evening tasting the lip-smacking rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), a traditional Arequipan dish.

For more highlights of the city, read this article about things to do in Arequipa and find out where you should stay in the White City .

On the afternoon of day six, hop on a minivan to Chivay (3.5 hours) and then onto Cabanaconde (1.5 hours) and spend the night there in preparation for the Colca Canyon trek.

The next day, it’s time to embark upon the two-day Colca Canyon trek , which starts from Cabanaconde and heads down into the bottom of the canyon.

Return to Arequipa for a final night in the city before a bus to Puno the next morning.

Day eighteen and nineteen: Puno and Lake Titicaca

Hop on a six-hour bus that’ll promise fantastic views, especially when navigating the Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserva Nacional, as it climbs further up into the Andes Mountains to arrive at what can seem to be the very top of the world.

At this high altitude of 3,800 meters (12,507 feet) lies Lago Titicaca, a vast lake covering more than 8,000 square kilometers and spit by the border between Peru and Bolivia. It’s Peru’s most impressive body of water – and one of the most scenic lakes in the whole of South America .

You’ll arrive in Puno , the gateway for all destinations in the Lake Titicaca area. Though small, this city houses accommodations catering to travellers.

Several options for day trips from Puno are available, but the one to Uros Islands is a must. Comprising over 120 islands, this man-made archipelago is the focal point of Lake Titicaca. Also known as the Floating Islands, each of the islands is made of totora or reeds woven by hand.

You can now stay in a reed guesthouse on the islands – just bear in mind that your money won’t necessarily go to the families themselves. All Ways Travel is the only company I know who pay the communities directly and equitably.

Besides Uros, there are two main destinations on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca: Taquile and Amantani. Both are reachable by sailboat and have been inhabited for thousands of years.

Nowadays, they’re best known for their striking textile weaving and you can even spend a night here staying with a local family.

If you can, go further across to the Bolivian side to the Isla del Sol (Sun Island), which is crisscrossed with Inca archeological sites and promises, from every point on the island, spectacular views of Lake Titicaca.

Take your time exploring Lake Titicaca’s secluded corners before you move on to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Where to stay in Puno: With a flower-filled courtyard and bedrooms tastefully decorated with art, you’ll feel a world away from the bustle of the city at Casa Panqarani  ($40 USD double). It even has an excellent on-site restaurant.

Days twenty and twenty-one: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

You should be nice and acclimatized to altitude by now, but it’s still worth taking things easy by exploring the old town – the focal point of this city – on foot. Head to the Museo Inka (Inca Museum) to explore over 10,000 Inca artifacts including mummies and gold figurines, as well as the Museo de Arte Precolombino (Museum of Precolombian Art) to admire gold and silver ornaments, some of which date as far back as 1250 BC.

If you’re still feeling good, take the 15-minute walk uphill to the Sacsayhuaman site , a walled complex that served as both a temple and fortress for the Inca and has fantastic views of the city.

An easier alternative is a taxi ride from the city; expect to pay around S/10-25 ($2.5-6.3 USD), although the exact fare depends on which road is accessible on that day.

On your second day, it is time to explore the Sacred Valley , where the Urubamba River brings life to otherwise barren land. Take a colectivo (a public van), bus, or taxi from Cusco to the town of Pisac. The former is the cheapest and easiest option; you’ll find they leave every ten minutes or so from Puputi Street, and cost between S/4-10 ($1-2.5 USD).

Pisac is a peaceful little town where you can hike (or take a taxi) to a magnificent Inca fortress that sits in the hills above. The views of the Sacred Valley from the site are mesmerizing.

Located only an hour away from Cusco and also home to a busy daily market (although it’s best visited on a Sunday), Pisac is one of the best day trips from Cusco.

Other great options in the Sacred Valley are Moray , a series of concentric circular stone terraces that were used for testing out growing crops in different conditions, as well as the Salinas de Maras (Maras salt pans), where local people have panned for salt for hundreds of years. You can take local transportation to get there, or book this tour that’ll take you to each.

Day twenty-two to twenty-five: The Inca Trail

The trails built by the Inca throughout the Andes were used to connect what was once a vast Empire to its territories across Peru and into neighboring Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile.

Hiking to Machu Picchu on this 40-kilometre (25-mile) trail generally takes four days and joining a guided tour is required. If you see three-day Machu Picchu tour operators, it is likely only for the fittest travellers, or the tour only includes part of the trail.

We recommend reading our extensive guide on what you need to know about hiking the Inca Trail before signing up for any tour; alternatively, if you want even more of a challenge, consider hiking the Salkantay trek instead .

Want a cheeky 5% discount on the Inca trail or Salkantay trek?

Alpaca Expeditions are not only one of the most sustainable companies offering Salkantay and Inca trail treks to Machu Picchu, but their guides, porters and chefs are the ultimate hosts.

They’re now offering Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on all of their hikes – just mention Worldly Adventurer when you enquire!

Depending on what time you get to town and your train schedule, you can either spend the night in Aguas Calientes or go directly back to Cusco.

Day twenty-seven to thirty: Puerto Maldonado

From Cusco, it’s a 45-minute flight to Puerto Maldonado , the last stop on your adventurous month in Peru.

Located at the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, Puerto Maldonado is unlike all the other regions you have explored so far: here we’re deep into the tropical rainforest, a place renowned for its rich, untouched wildlife and extremely comfortable eco-lodges, many of which are accessed solely by boat.

Book a three-night stay in an eco-lodge located in the hard-to-reach and strictly protected Reserva de la Biosfera del Manu (the Manu Biosphere Reserve) or in one of the cheaper lodges located in the Reserva Nacional Tambopata (TambopataNational Reserve) Wherever you stay, you can expect to spot numerous species of monkeys, caiman, capybara and, if you’re extremely lucky, giant otters.  

At the end of your stay, return to Lima by plane (1.5 hours) and onto your flight back home.

Where to stay in and around Puerto Maldonado: Located in the Tambopata National Reserve, the fantastic  Tambopata Research Center  ($236 USD double) is the ultimate place to stay for piranha fishing, nocturnal hiking, birdwatching, ayahuasca rituals, and more.

FAQs about planning a Peru itinerary

How much does a trip to peru cost.

Excluding your flights in and out of Peru, budget travelers can keep their daily travel here below $30 USD per person. But if you plan on staying at hotels and eating at more expensive restaurants, you should budget around $50 USD per person per day. If you’re staying for two weeks in Peru, you’ll need at least $350 USD spending money for expenses outside of tickets and souvenirs.

What should you take to Peru?

Climates and weather conditions vary considerably across Peru, so your packing list will reflect this. Make sure you have light and comfortable hiking clothing, alongside a waterproof jacket for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Bring medication to help you deal with altitude sickness (and motion sickness if you plan on taking long bus rides), as well as sunblock and a wide-brim hat.

Comfortable hiking shoes, plus a pair of trainers for inside cities, are invaluable, while plenty of layers should keep you warm as you travel from the hot, humid coast up into the mountains. For more detailed information, check out our complete South America packing list .

How far is Lima from Machu Picchu?

Technically, it’s only around 500 kilometers away. But if you plan on getting to Machu Picchu from Lima by car or bus, the distance covers more than 1,000 kilometers, and it will take more than a day in a bus. The best way to reach Machu Picchu from Lima is by flying to Cusco and taking a train to Aguas Calientes.

How can you plan a trip to Machu Picchu?

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu depends on how you want to see this archeological site. If you’re wanting to hike the Inca Trail, you’ll need to book with a tour operator based in Cusco, who will organize your permits for food, porters, accommodation, meals, transportation to and from Cusco and permits for entry to Machu Picchu.

If you want to visit independently, you will need to purchase your own tickets for Machu Picchu via the government’s website . Note that you will need to decide at the point of purchase if you want to include Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain and the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon (an informative museum about the site located in Aguas Calientes, not Machu Picchu).

You will also need to book your own transportation to and from the site (either via train or minivan), as well as your overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes. We recommend arriving the day before you visit Machu Picchu but booking an afternoon ticket; by 2pm, the skies should be clear if they’re cloudy in the morning, and most day trippers and Inca Trail hikers will have left by this point, leaving the site must quieter to explore.

What souvenirs should you bring back from Peru?

Peru offers many kinds of souvenirs. We recommend buying handmade Alpaca wool products, such as sweaters and hats. They are available at most local markets, but the best and cheapest ones are available at San Pedro Market, Cusco.

Thursday 28th of December 2023

Great itineraries! Curious what your suggestions would be for 3 weeks in Peru with kids ages 8-14? Any places that would *not* be good with kids? Thinking we'd just take the MP train and not the Inca trail. But would Puerto Maldonado be okay? Tour to Kuelap? Thanks!

Steph Dyson

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Hi Scott, I don't think any of those places wouldn't be good with kids. They're all interesting places to visit and I can't see why it would be an issue. Steph

World Travel Explorers

Sunday 12th of February 2023

Thanks for such a detailed guide and interesting itinerary. We're looking to go to Peru later this year and Cusco in particular sounds amazing.

Wednesday 8th of March 2023

Great - have a brilliant trip! Steph

The Perfect Peru Itinerary

06/12/2018 by Kristin Addis 19 Comments

When I started planning out my Peru trip I Googled ‘Peru itinerary’ and found that I had a lot of narrowing down to do.

I had no idea back then how diverse Peru is. I felt like the options were so very good and so incredibly different even though Peru is just one country. A trip there can take you through a variety of experiences, cultures, and especially climates.

Within the span of one week I had gone from the mountains of Cusco to the jungles of the Amazon and then to the sand dunes of Huacachina, finishing in the capital of Lima. At no point over the past six years of my traveling have I experienced so much variety in such a short time and within the same country.

So with that in mind, here’s an itinerary template with different options beginning in Lima:

Table of Contents

Chances are you’ll be flying into or out of Lima. The city doesn’t have the best reputation in terms of safety, but each time I passed through I ended up liking it more and more. I suggest staying in Baranca, a hipster neighborhood, or Miraflores, which is a seaside neighborhood with lovely Airbnbs.

Check out the catacombs in the city and visit Palomino island to see the sea lions, finishing with a lovely sunset along the promenade in Miraflores.

Located about five hours south of Lima by bus, this desert oasis is perfect for an overnight. Hop in a dune buggy in the late afternoon and enjoy the ride! You can either sled or sand down the dunes and finish with a lovely sunset. Bonus points if you wake up and climb the dune for sunrise.

This is a tiny town without much to do other than enjoying the dunes, though it is a good jumping off point if you’d like to fly over the Nazca lines.

To get there, take a bus from Lima to Ica and then a taxi to Huacachina. Read the full Huacachina guide here.

You absolutely can’t go to Peru without visiting Cusco. This is the jumping off point for Machu Picchu, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, which was a big motivating factor for you to go to Peru in the first place, amiright?

The town itself is lovely with Spanish colonial architecture mixed with Incan structures. You’re also close to the Sacred Valley, the beautiful salt mines, and of course, the Inca Trail . Alternatively, you’re also close to the Salkantay and Lares trails.

Be sure to acclimate in town for a few days before attempting anything too strenuous, as you’ll be pretty high up. There are some nice ruins to check out like Sacsayhuamán, markets with alpaca sweaters, lovely little coffee shops and even a few vegan restaurants. Read the full Cusco guide here.

Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain really is rainbow-y in person! For me, this was a highlight of my Peru trip. You’ll be jumping off from Cusco and driving for three hours, taking off very early in the morning. This trail tops out at over 5000 m, so do this once you’re acclimated. Ideally, schedule it for after the Inca Trail or another trek in the area. It’s the perfect day trip to finish off your Cusco experience. Read more about how to do Rainbow Mountain the right way here .

Also known as the White City, Arequipa is a colonial city framed by three volcanoes. For those who love history and architecture, the Plaza de Armas and the 17th-century neoclassical Basilica Cathedral and museum could easily take up a day on their own. This is Peru’s second most populous city and while I haven’t visited myself, I’ve heard only good things.

Lake Titicaca

Though I did not personally visit Lake Titicaca, it’s on the list because it’s one of the more common stops on most Peru itineraries. I’ve heard mixed reviews to be honest. Some people say that it’s quite touristy and others say that it is quite spiritual. My guess is that if you’re really looking hard for a spiritual experience, you can find it there. The lake is huge, after all. From here you can head south into Bolivia over the water. This is something I would like to try in the future. You can read more about Lake Titicaca on this blog .

Cordillera Blanca

Though the whole country truly is beautiful, the Cordillera Blanca mountain range might be the crown jewel of Peru. It’s not nearly as popular as Cusco and Machu Picchu of course, but there are several hikes, and mountain tops, and incredible lagoons in shades of blue that are hard to believe even when you’re staring at them with your own eyes, that all make a visit worth it. I did the Laguna 69  and Santa Cruz hikes  there and both were fantastic. I can’t wait to go back and do Huayhuash!

Access via Huaraz from a stop in Lima. The bus ride takes 9-10 hours, which you can either do overnight or during the day.

Over 60% of Peru is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, so you really can’t visit Peru and feel like you’ve seen it unless you get a taste of this jungle. For me, it was a journey I’d dreamed about ever since I was a child.

During my five days staying out in an off the grid ecolodge in the jungle, I saw nine sloths, pink river dolphins, went swimming in the alkaline water which honestly felt like a day spa, and got to canoe all in and around the mangroves. If crossing in from Columbia or Ecuador, one could traverse through the Amazon to get into Peru as well.

Iquitos is the perfect jumping off point for this adventure, which you will need to either boat or fly into, as no roads lead into it. You can read a lot more details about how to visit the Amazon here .

Getting Around:

The easiest way to get around Peru is either by flying with one of the country’s regional airlines, or by taking buses. The buses in South America generally can be pretty nice with fully-reclining seats, depending on the company. Cruz del Sur is widely regarded as the best company in terms of service and the quality of the buses, though it is slightly more expensive than the rest. This is the method that I used to get from Lima to Huaraz and back. For the rest of the time, I either flew or had private transport as part of the BMTM Adventures tour .

If you’re not on a tour, I recommend the methods listed above. There is also a company called Peru Hop which services backpackers with slightly nicer buses, and they make it a bit easier if your Spanish is lacking. However if you can speak even a little bit, I recommend going the independent route as it is much cheaper. You can read more about how to get around, what the accommodation and food is like, and how to stay connected in my Peru guide.

Though this is by no means an exhaustive list of all of the places in Peru, it can get you started on planning the ideal itinerary. I didn’t know before going how incredibly diverse this country would turn out to be, and how interested I would be in returning again and again.

Peru, I’ll be back and that’s a guarantee.

READ NEXT: 15 things to Know Before Hiking the Inca Trail

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Ijana Loss says

06/12/2018 at 10:01 am

Thank you for having perfect taste in travel destinations and doing so much research for us!! <3

Rebecca says

06/17/2018 at 7:36 pm

I LOVE Peru! It’s such an amazing country – and now reading this post I’ve been reminded that I need to get back there and see so much more.

Kristin says

06/19/2018 at 9:34 pm

I can’t wait to go back and see more too!

05/17/2019 at 10:15 am

Great article. However. Machu Picchu is not one of the seven wonders of the “ANCIENT” WORLD.

05/17/2019 at 12:31 pm

Pretty sure it is a wonder of the world!

Rajkumari says

08/15/2019 at 11:26 pm

Heya…awesome blog!!!! Would like to know more about the city.

08/16/2019 at 8:56 am

Lima? Which city?

Jeremy Gillespie says

08/21/2019 at 1:59 pm

I’m planning a trip to Lima and Cusco for February and this was great info. I’d love to know more about off the grid adventure, the Amazon and more. Thank you!

Neetu Jain says

09/08/2019 at 10:53 am

I am planning to visit Peru next summer with my family and am starting the planning process now. We are a family of five (2 adults three teenagers 18, 16,13). We plan to do the INCA Trail and would like to what other highlights you think we should definitely see. Is two weeks too much??

09/08/2019 at 1:28 pm

The things on this list! No 2 weeks might even feel short!

Shreyas Nair says

11/03/2019 at 3:00 am

Hi Kristin,

This is a lovely blog. Hugely helpful.

We are a group of 8 looking to visit Peru in June 2020 for about 10-12 days.

Have made a draft plan:

14/06/2020 Toronto – Lima 15/06/2020 Lima 16/06/2020 Lima-Huacachina 17/06/2020 Huacachina – Lima – Cuzco 18/06/2020 Cuzco 19/06/2020 Machu Pichu 20/06/2020 Machu Pichu 21/06/2020 Rainbow Mountains & Red Valley 22/06/2020 Cuzco – Lima – Huaraz 23/06/2020 Huaraz – Cordillera Blanca 24/06/2020 Huaraz – Lima 25/06/2020 Lima – Toronto

Do you think this is doable?

Also while we visit Machu Pichu, do you suggest we stay somewhere close by so that we can visit the Rainbow mountains the next day?

11/03/2019 at 5:22 am

I’m not totally sure that you can go from Cuzco to Huaraz in one day, and also consider that the Cordillera Blanca is a large park with multiple options, all high altitude hiking. I’d consider cutting Huacachina and spending more time in Huaraz if you want to hike. You can base in Cuzco for Machu Picchu and the rainbow mountain if you find that easier. This is a lot of transit time so be ready for that!

11/24/2019 at 6:49 am

Thanks Kristin for your advice.

We have changed the plan a bit. We will put up at Cuzco and cover Machu Pichu, Rainbow mountains, Red Valley and Laguna Humantay.

15/06/2020 Lima 16/06/2020 Huacachina 17/06/2020 Huacachina – Lima – Cuzco 19/06/2020 Laguna Humantay 20/06/2020 Machu Pichu 21/06/2020 Machu Pichu 22/06/2020 Rainbow Mountains & Red Valley 23/06/2020 Cuzco – Lima

Thanks again.

11/25/2019 at 9:54 am

I’m still not totally sure you can make it from Huacachina to Cusco in one day but if you found a way then go for it!

Cindy Labish says

04/12/2020 at 8:25 am

Do u think travel will still be restricted ? Changed our travel plans to Jan 2021 ( is January a good month though to travel to Peru?)

04/12/2020 at 9:44 am

Unfortunately nobody can know right now when restrictions will lift 🙁

Aqsa Rani says

04/24/2020 at 10:50 am

Hi, bemytreavelmuse !! That was a very perfect itinerary for a buddy trip.Such a great article. Thanks for sharing this article with us. I really appreciate your work.

04/25/2020 at 10:06 am

Great I’m so glad!

01/22/2023 at 8:46 am

Hi Kristin: Would the recent unrest impact Peru itineraries or is that restricted to isolated areas and it should be fine? Thanks!

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2-Week Peru Itinerary: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu + More

If you are planning a trip to the heart of South America and explore the wonders of Peru, then you are in luck. Peru is one of my favorite countries in the world and my intended 1-month Peru trip actually turned out to be several months.

But I won’t bore you with every detail of my Peru journey (including an excruciating 24-hour bus ride), so I condensed all the highlights into an amazing 2-week Peru itinerary that’s going to give you a taste of the best this beautiful country has to offer.

From the ruins of Machu Picchu to the ancient city of Cusco and the vibrant seaside of Lima, our 2 weeks in Peru itinerary has something for everyone, whether you are you’re into adrenaline-pumping activities, culinary adventures, or historical exploration.

So let’s wait no further, let’s see the highlights on our Peru two-week itinerary!

Where To Fly Into? Lima or Cusco?

The first question many travelers have when planning their trip to Peru is whether they should fly into Lima or Cusco. Both cities seem like a good starting point for your 2-week Peru adventure.

When it comes to sightseeing, flying into Cusco or Lima does not make much a difference. Because we’ll see both in our Peru travel itinerary, it’s only a question of whether you are seeing Lima last or Cusco last, or vice versa.

The only important thing to note is that Cusco is at 3400m high and Lima is at sea level.

My expert recommendation is that if you are flying from somewhere that is already quite high in altitude (1500m+), it is better to fly into Cusco because you’ll adjust to the altitude quicker.

If you are flying from a city that’s near sea level, then it doesn’t make much a difference, especially if you plan on flying from Lima to Cusco or vice versa anyways.

The only exception is if you plan on taking a bus from Lima to Cusco (as this will help you slowly acclimatize as the bus moves to higher elevation), but it is a 24-hour ride and you don’t really have time to for in this itinerary.

💪 Pro Tip: When booking your flights, make sure you are flying into Lima and out of Cusco or vice versa. This’ll save you time and money!

Peru 2 Week Itinerary Map And Overview

Above is a personalized map for your two weeks Peru itinerary. Our itinerary will focus on the southern part of Peru , where most of the best attractions such as Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Cusco are located. The Northern parts of Peru do have their own charm but they are off the beaten path. If you have more time, I recommend you to include them in your Peru itinerary. In crimson red are the places you will visit in Peru. They are numbered from 1 to 6, with number 1 as Lima and number 6 as Puno. This is the order you will follow for your Peru vacation. If you have more than two weeks in Peru, check out the extra attractions we have indicated with the blue stars.

📝 Note : You will notice that there is a pin in Bolivia. That pin is the Uyuni Salt Flats. Though it is far away, there are tours from Puno (number 6) all the way to the Salt Flats in Bolivia. If you have a few extra days, consider adding it to create a Peru and Bolivia itinerary.

14 Days In Peru: The Perfect 2-Week Peru Itinerary

Day 1-2: lima (peru’s capital).

Pariwana Hostel is one of the best hostels in Lima for any type of traveler . Are you traveling solo and wanting to meet other travelers? There are a bar and a ping pong table on the terrace for socializing. Are you traveling for work? You can take advantage of their business center.

The dormitory and private rooms are both clean and spacious. Located in the safe neighborhood of Miraflores, you will have access to nightlife and some of the best seafood restaurants in Lima.

Best Hotel In Lima –  Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel

Miraflores Park is one of the highest-rated hotels in Lima and it is not surprising why. This 5-tar hotel is guaranteed to offer guests a luxurious stay, especially with its charming rooms and bathrooms decked out with expensive marble.

The hotel is situated on the promenade, so every day guests can wake up to sweeping ocean views and a nutritious breakfast buffet. If you want to feel like kings and queens on your trip, Miraflores Park is the place to stay in Lima.

Day 3-5 (3 Days): Ica, Huacachina, Paracas

Located in Ica, Ica Adventures II is a hostel for budget travelers . With comfortable beds, a rooftop terrace , and an amazing breakfast, you can’t get a better deal anywhere else! No wonder why it is one of the highest-rated hostels in Ica!

Best Hotel In Ica/Paracas/Huacachina –  Hotel El Huacachinero

Located in Huacachina, Hotel El Huacachinero is a hotel close to the action . Featuring an outdoor swimming pool where guests can relax and admire the soft and silky dunes around them, Hotel El Huacachinero is one of the best hotels in the area.

Their breakfast is the perfect way to prepare yourself for a day of exploring!

Things To Do In Ica/Huacachina/Paracas

1. huacachina oasis.

Cusco is the hub for all local artists, merchants, and vendors. Without a doubt, it is the best place to get yourself some Peruvian souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Alpaca products such as sweaters and scarves are abundant, and visitors don’t have to spend a ton of money to buy something of decent quality. However, if you are interested in the legendary 100% baby alpaca stuff, expect to pay a fortune!

📚 Read More: How To Get To Machu Picchu From Cusco: All Ways Explained!

Where To Stay In Cusco, Peru

Because of the high elevation in Cusco, it is a lot trickier to find the perfect place to stay. For example, you might need an oxygen-enriched room to help with altitude sickness, one of the biggest dangers in Cusco .

Therefore, we have written a complete guide on  where to stay in Cusco here .

Best Hostel In Cusco –  Nao Victoria

Closely located to Cusco’s best sights, Nao Victoria is one of the best places to stay in Cusco. The main square Plaza de Armas is located a few minutes away. Though its location is amazing, it isn’t even close to Nao Victoria’s best features.

The hostel’s stylish and modern decoration along with its cleanliness makes it feel like a hotel more than a hostel.

Each dormitory bed is equipped with individual lights, a curtain, and an electric socket. The staff becomes your best friend on your arrival day and helps you with your visit to Cusco, including information about Machu Picchu.

Best Hotel In Cusco –  Tariq Boutique Hotel

Tariq Boutique Hotel is my favorite hotel in Cusco and it is easy to see why. The boutique hotel is small enough to get the individualized attention you need in case you fall ill. Their rooms have huge windows with jaw-dropping panoramic views of Cusco.

It is also much more affordable than all the other “big name” hotels in the area!

Day 12-13 (2 Days): Puno and Lake Titicaca

Things To Do In Puno, Peru

1. lake titicaca and uros floating islands.

Inka’s Rest Hostel is one of the few good hostels in Puno. Featuring comfortable single beds in dormitory rooms, guests can finally have undisturbed sleep. The showers are hot, which is something rare for a cheap hostel. Their free breakfast is also very tasty and filling.

Common areas have Netflix and computers for all your relaxation needs, and the owners are super friendly!

Best Hotel In Puno –  Tierra Viva Puno Plaza

Located next to Puno’s main plaza, Tierra Viva Puno Plaza is one of the prime hotels in Puno. Everything from the spacious rooms and comfortable beds to the helpful staff was amazing. You cannot go wrong with this hotel in Puno!

Day 14: Back To Cusco for Your Flight

It is highly recommended that you leave from a city different than the one you came in. If you came into Peru from Lima, then exit in Cusco and vice versa.

If your flight out of Cusco is at night, you can take one of the morning buses from Puno to Cusco. If your flight leaves in the morning or afternoon, you should leave in the night on Day 13 to arrive in Cusco early morning. Either way, check  busbud.com  for all bus schedules in Peru.

It will be sad to leave such a beautiful country but don’t worry, you can always come back. Northern Peru has plenty of hidden gems such as  Chachapoyas  for you to explore next time!

2-Week Peru Itinerary With Inca Trail

If you are planning on doing the Inca Trail in your two weeks in Peru, your itinerary will definitely look different. After all, the Inca Trail is a total of 4 days, which is a huge chunk of time of your trip. But believe me, it is totally worth the trek!

If you are doing the Inca Trail, we would recommend you to skip Puno and Lake Titicaca. Your Peru itinerary should look like this:

• Day 1-2 (2 days): Lima
• Day 3-5 (3 days): Ica, Paracas, Huacahina (Long-distance night bus to Cusco on Day 5 if not flying)
• Day 6-14 (8 days): Cusco and Inca Trail (Stay 2 days in Cusco before going on the Inca Trail for acclimatization purposes)

Right days might seem quite a bit for Cusco, but if you take in account. the two days you’ll need for acclimization and the one day you’ll want to relax after your hike. You don’t really have much time left.

📖 Note: If you are doing the Salkantay Trek inside of the Inca Trail, follow the same 2-week Peru itinerary just above. You’ll just spend 1 less day in Cusco.

More Than Two Weeks In Peru?

Do you have more than two weeks in Peru? If you have 3 weeks in Peru or even 1 month in Peru, here are some recommendations to add to your Peru itinerary.

Huaraz, The Hiking Captial of Peru

Peru is one of the safer countries in Latin America, but since it is still a poor South America country, there are inherent dangers when traveling in Peru. Some of the most common types of dangerous situations you’ll encounter are:

• Altitude Sickness – Altitude sickness is common for tourists, especially those visiting Cusco or anywhere near the Andes Mountain. Make sure you acclimatize properly to minimize your risk.
• Pickpockets and Thefts – This is fairly common in Peru, especially in nightclubs, bars, and other tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
• Robberies – Not as common as the other types of risky situations, but robberies have occurred to multiple travelers I’ve met in Peru, with most of them happening in Lima.
• Food Poisoning – It is bound to happen to travelers that are backpacking Peru. Avoiding street food will help with food poisoning, but there is no guarantee.

If you are visiting Peru (or any South America country), we highly recommend that you get travel insurance. It’ll also give you the peace of mind to fully enjoy this beautiful country!

Getting Around Peru

This is the end of our 2 week Peru itinerary! I hope this at least gave you a rough idea of the things you can do in Peru in 2 weeks. Any questions? Leave a comment!

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World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

2 thoughts on “2-Week Peru Itinerary: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu + More”

Thanks most helpful planning to go in November 🙂

Hi! Thank you for all the useful information. I hope to be able to visit Peru soon. I’ll keep reading your blog, it’s amazing!

Greetings from Panama 🙂

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Diary of a Tourist

A full time engineer, a part time blogger and a lifelong tourist

10 Days in Peru – What I Would Do Differently

Last week, I covered our 10 day trip itinerary to Peru and my highlights. This week I am looking at what I might to differently in a future visit.

More time in Cusco Although we had two nights in Cusco, we were mostly travelling in and out of the city, so we only had half a day to explore the city itself. We had a half a day city tour, but I would have liked more time to explore the city myself.

There are a number of museums and churches in Cusco I would have liked to visit to learn more about the history of this city which was the capital of the Inca empire. 

Rainbow Mountain When putting together the itinerary, we had considered visiting the famous Rainbow mountain, but discounted it due to worries about altitude. Many other travellers we met had made the trip and were very impressed by the mountain and the scenery. So a future trip to Peru would definitely have to include this.

Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo Similar to Cusco, I wish we had more time to spend in Ollantaytambo and explore the Sacred Valley. There is plenty to see and many Inca ruins to visit.

Also it is a good base if you don’t do well with the high altitude in Cusco. It is also possible to take a day trip to Machu Picchu from here.

One day Inca trail hike I really wish I had known about this option before our trip. The main reason I didn’t do the tradtional 4 day Inca trail hike was the aversion to camping. So the 1 day hike is a good option that offers the best of both worlds. You start your hike at Chachabamba (few kilometres outside of Aguas Calientes) and after a ~6 hour hike, arrive at Machu Picchu on the last part of the full Inca trail. You view the Machu Picchu citadel from the platform on the mountain and then you are taken down to Aguas Calientes on the bus.  There is no camping required and you stay overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. You get to explore Machu Picchu site the next day. 

Huayna Picchu Hike Huayna Picchu, meaning “young mountain” is the mountain that is the backdrop of all the pictures of Machu Picchu. You can hike to the top of this mountain for a different view of Machu Picchu. Tickets for this needs to be booked in advance. It is not an easy hike, so is not for the faint hearted.

More time in Lima We had a great time exploring central Lima and Miraflores. But we only had 1 full day in the city and I would love to spend more time in Lima. The city is home to many great places to eat and drink, including 4 out of the top 50 restaurants in the world. I would also like to visit the nearby ruins of Pachacamac, one of the most sacred temples of the Inca empire.

Visit Arequipa Although we flew back home from Arequipa, we didn’t visit the city itself. I have since found that it is a beautiful city with many great examples of the Spanish colonial architecture. So a few days on Arequipa is on a list for next time.

Mismi We saw the Mismi mountain peak from afar on our way to Colca valley.  The peak is at an altitude of 5597 m and part of the Chila mountain range. A glacial stream on Mismi mountain is thought to be the most distant source of the Amazon River.  Since our visit, I have found that it is possible to visit Mismi and see the source of the Amazon whilst visiting Colca valley, so this is definitely on the list for next time.

Colca Valley Although the Colca valley was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed the the hot springs, in hindsight I think the two days at Colca would have been better spent on one or more of the things above.  But I have no regrets going to Colca as we got to see a different part of Peru, which is less well known.

Have you been to Peru? Perhaps you are planning to go? What would you like to/recommend to see and do? Leave a comments below and let me know.

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Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Adventure Travel , Peru

This Is How to Travel to Peru – All You Need to Know Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

A Peru travel guide to show you how to travel to Peru adventurously and safely, with tips on transport, treks and sightseeing highlights.

Those who travel to Peru are usually those also stepping foot on the South American continent for the first time since the country serves as an easy gateway to wider adventure.

Peru is a diverse spectrum of landscapes beyond its famed jungle and highlands and the stretch of desert on the west coast. It dazzles with its Colonial architecture, marvels with mystery as people seek out its ancient Inca sites and the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, and tempts people into its untouched nature from deep canyon to high mountain peak as travellers seek out adrenalin fuel with a view.

Despite being more on the trodden path (with a chance to get off it a little), and because it is one of the cheapest of the 12 countries that make up the continent, travelling to Peru can still seem overwhelming for the first time visitor.

My visit to Peru also marked my first time in South America. I searched high and low to gather all the information I needed to capture the scenic and historical highlights, make the most of my budget and time, and stay safe when South America still has a less than desirable reputation in parts.

Here, I’ve pulled everything you need to know as a comprehensive one-stop Peru travel guide, from what to see and how much you spend, to safety and the most responsible, ethical travel choices you can make here.

Wet vs. Dry Seasons in Peru

Wet vs. dry landscape in peru, do you need a visa for peru, ecuador to peru, bolivia to peru, use the peru hop bus – the best bus travel in peru, flights to peru and travelling to and from lima airport, travelling in the north of peru, flights in peru – travelling from lima to cusco / cusco to lima, colca canyon, puno and lake titicaca, cusco and the sacred valley, free walking tours in peru, booking day trips and experiences, where to stay in lima, where to stay in paracas, where to stay in huacachina / ica, where to stay in nazca / nasca, where to stay in arequipa, where to stay in puno, where to stay in cusco, search and book a hotel in peru, the inca trail to machu picchu, the salkantay trek, the lares trek , taking the train to machu picchu, laguna 69 trek, trekking to rainbow mountain and red valley, trek in colca canyon, solo or group travel tours in peru, ccaccaccollo women’s weaving co-op, parwa community restaurant, parque de la papa, nunay reimy restaurant in cusco, the inti runakunaq wasin youth drop-in centre in cusco, positive social impact projects in lima, using the peruvian soles, atms in peru, cost of transport in peru, cost of treks in peru, cost of accommodation in peru, cost of trips and tours in peru, cost of food and drink in peru, safety tips for peru and scams to avoid, is lima safe, the best food in peru, internet in peru, drugs in peru, when is the best time to visit peru.

The easiest way to determine when is the best time to travel to Peru is by breaking it down into the country’s wet and dry seasons:

• May to October / November is the dry season in Peru
• December to March / April is the rainy season in Peru
• April and November are typically considered the shoulder seasons in Peru, where anything goes as the seasons pass over
• February is the hottest month in Peru, and August is the coldest.

Peru is an adventure holiday capital. Therefore, considering the country’s diverse topography from desert to jungle, the weather outcome also depends on where you plan to visit in Peru and what activities you will be doing.

For example, it’s not a good idea to visit the jungle highland and mountain areas to the north and those around Cusco and the Sacred Valley during the rainy season, where there is a high possibility of trails and pathways even to Machu Picchu being closed. Lima, conversely, would be more accessible since it is situated on the desert coastline.

As the Tourism website states, Peru is “a country of open doors,” and for American and Western European countries, no visa is required for travel.

The citizens of the following countries do not require a Peru visa :

• North America: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• South America: All South American countries.
• Central America: All Central American countries except Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
• Europe: All countries within the European Union (EU) and Switzerland.
• Africa: South Africa.
• Middle East: Israel.
• Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

However, check your country’s consulate for up-to-date information and any changes before you embark on your Peru holidays.

You can check if you need a visa and how many days you get upon entry here .

Tourist entry to Peru is a single entry stamp at the airport or land border that grants you a maximum stay of 183 days. You need a passport valid for at least six months and with at least two free pages. The entry stamp cannot be extended once you are inside the country, and any overstay time can be met with a fine.

Travel to Peru from Neighbouring Countries Overland

A Peru trip is surrounded by travel temptation, with borders to Ecuador and Colombia in the north, Bolivia and Brazil in the east, and Chile to the South. That makes Peru a perfect starting point for onward travel or the ideal country to travel to, paired with a neighbour.

Entering Peru from neighbouring countries overland requires you to do some immigration legwork afterwards. Immigration authorities may not allow you to leave Peru without proof of a valid exit stamp from the last country you visited, and it is required by law to apply for an entry stamp once you are in Peru. That is if you didn’t get an entry stamp at the land border. You will need to show authorities various documentation of your travel journey.

Via Huaquillas (the most popular), Macará or La Balsa at Zumba . If you enter Peru overland from Ecuador, you will need to get your passport stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the local immigration office where you are staying.

If you enter Peru from Bolivia via Copacabana , make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office in Desaguadero or Copacabana (near Puno, which is a known traveller hub).

What is the Best Way to Travel Around Peru?

A large country with a lot of ground to cover, it’s important for this Peru travel guide to cover the best, safest and most cost-effective way to get around. Through means I’ve tried and tested. 

Furiously researching how I would travel from Lima to Cusco and see everything from the sand dunes, colonial cities and the manmade habitable lake islands in between, I mostly came across stories of dodgy local bus rides and rip-off taxi drivers.

Travelling within Peru is no longer difficult. In this research, I came across a great and relatively new bus service in Peru called Peru Hop, which gave me a pass to try out during my two-week journey from Lima to Cusco.

Peru Hop offers a multi-stop Flexi ticket in either direction between Lima and Cusco (and one that also takes you to La Paz, Bolivia), stopping at Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa and Puno in between. More than just a transport service, it acts as a flexible experience where you can tour Peru independently, adapting to your interests and itinerary. There are even extra, exclusive stops and Peru tours along the way.

It means having one ticket, one easy-to-use online booking system, maximum flexibility, and not dealing with rogue travel agents or the hassle of local bus stations. You can see the major cities and hotspots easily and safely (everyone who boards the bus has to have a valid seat booking, from which their passport details are logged) , be picked up and dropped off at your hostel, and have the help of an onboard local guide who speaks English and Spanish.

Tickets start from $159 (valid for one year); you can read my full Peru Hop review here .

Buses are the easiest means of getting around Peru, with the Peru Hop service being great for accessible travel on the southern loop through major sites.

The best-priced flights to Peru usually get you to Lima, which becomes the main starting hub for the majority of travellers. The company behind Peru Hop also operates the Airport Express Lima bus that has multiple stops in the city centre.

You can book online or show up and hope for space. This is a cheaper option than the taxi pick-ups organised by many hostels, although I much preferred the organised taxi option late at night.

Peru Hop currently doesn’t offer any bus service in the north of the country, which is a shame and is a service I hope comes in time. Many travellers I met making their way to northern Peru for grand treks such as Laguna 69 used local buses (with many citing there were enough gringos riding them not to feel too sketchy and isolated).

You can book buses here via the Cruz Del Sur website .

If you want to travel from Lima to Cusco (or vice versa) without any stops in between, the easiest way is via an internal flight. Many use Lima as a cheap flight route from their home city to then fly to Machu Picchu, making it a more popular direction.

While you might find a good deal with Peruvian Airlines, I recommend Latam, which has a good safety record, is more of an established pan South American airline, has regular routes between cities, and isn’t too expensive. You can land a flight for around $60 if you get lucky.

Sightseeing Peru – Where to Visit

Typically on the first visit to Peru, travellers will visit the ‘southern loop’ between Lima and Cusco, with Cusco often the only or main stopping point because of getting to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. This is a shame, as there are plenty of places to visit in Peru on this loop with great historical interest or famed natural landscapes.

Those with more time typically venture north for the famed Laguna 69 trekking route or do so on a second visit.

You will likely start in Peru’s capital because of the regular flight routes. Lima is a sprawling coastline metropolis, with much of its outer residential areas completely off-limits. Most visitors stay in the safer touristic neighbourhood of Miraflores, from which you can mix modern city hangouts with Inca ruins and beaches. Others stay in the bohemian area of Barranco, known for its artist and alternative scene.

Downtown Lima is accessible from both and is usually visited as part of a day trip. It’s largely sketchy beyond the small cluster of squares and streets where you’ll find grand buildings from cathedrals to Palaces around Plaza de Armas and colourful streets peppered with ornate wooden balconies as you wander between local cafes, restaurants and stores.

Huaca Pucllana Inca Ruins in Lima.

Coastal Paracas may not have much going on apart from its super chill vibes, but people come here to head out on a speedboat to visit the protected Ballestas Islands. Dubbed the “Poor Man´s Galapagos”, this is a chance to spend two hours spotting wildlife, including pelicans, penguins, birds and sleepy sea lions in the Paracas National Reserve. 

The contrasting sweeping desert plains of Paracas National Park, marked by cliff drops and jagged rock formations, are also another highlight. However, there are plenty of nature-focused things to do if you decide to stay for a few lazy days.

The coastline of Paracas National Reserve, Ballestas Islands, Peru.

See the famed Paracas Candelabra geoglyph rock carving.

Huacachina is all about the mighty sand dunes. As soon as you arrive in this desert oasis town, you’ll realise it’s surrounded by a ring of golden mounds.

The best way to experience them is by strapping yourself into a sand buggy and enjoying a fast and bumpy nature coaster ride to some of the highest points and stomach-churning ploughs down. Alternatively, you can also learn how to Sandboard down, which is a real thrill ( beginner tips here ). Travellers also come here to indulge at the nearby Pisco vineyards.

The sand buggy ride to the Huacachina sand dunes in Peru.

The 2,000-year-old geometric Nazca Lines are a world-famous site, despite the fact we still do not know exactly why these markings in the desert were created . This UNESCO world heritage site remains a mystery, and you can’t pass through without taking a look for yourself.

Three of the Nazca Lines can be viewed for free from a tower that is perched along the Trans American Highway. Still, the best way to see all the mysterious shapes and symbols is via a dizzying plane flight as you curve around the desert basin trying to spot the spider, condor, monkey, whale and astronaut.

View from the plane shows a road cutting through some of the geoglyphs carved into the Nazca Desert. A viewing tower has been set up for those who do not want to fly over. 

Can you spot the astronaut? It’s one of the famed desert soil-carved Nazca Lines in Peru.

Arequipa is a beautiful city decked in colonial architecture, with a panorama of mountain peaks, including the dominant Misti volcano. For a historical introduction and some hidden neighbourhoods and viewpoints, take the free walking tour offered daily.

A full day alone can be granted to the Santa Catalina Convent (Monasterio D Santa Catalina), dubbed “a city within a city.”

The Misti Volcano can be seen from the streets of Arequipa, Peru.

Visit the Santa Catalina Convent in Arequipa.

Four hours from Arequipa is Colca Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world that is said to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

Attracting everyone from day-trippers to hardened trekkers, not only can you view the Andean Condor birds in flight from above, as well as find majestic viewpoints to surrounding volcanoes, but also you can hike down into the Canyon, stay overnight in the oasis below and hike out at sunrise. It was a painful, but unforgettable landscape to experience.

Join the locals visiting Colca Canyon on a day trip from Arequipa, Peru.

A condor in flight in the Colca Canyon – a highlight of a visit here.

Puno is famous for Lake Titicaca – the highest navigable lake on Earth at over 3,800 meters above sea level.

It’s here that people visit the man-made floating reed islands, with the chance to stay overnight with a local family on one of the remote islands a bit further out. I recommend this option if you have time, as I found the half-day and day tour trips set up only for tourists. Not to mention it has induced a culture of begging, even amongst the local children.

Others come to Puno, extending their lake visit as a means to also connect into Bolivia via Copacabana.

Visit Puno to see Lake Titicaca.

Travel to Peru and visit the unique reed houses on the floating islands on Lake Titicaca, Peru.

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is, of course, the starting point for those on their way to the famed Machu Picchu – the grand highlight of any Peru trip.

However, there’s more to Cusco than a gateway for those making the pilgrimage to the ancient Inca Site. The centre of Cusco itself is full of sites, including Colonial architecture and stone walls and ruins of Inca days that line the steep cobble-stoned streets.

Fun tours in Cusco can be found in abundance if you want deeper historical and cultural insights. Hip coffee shops, vegan cafes and restaurants, independent design stores and funky hangouts define the city, especially in the bohemian San Blas neighbourhood.

The high altitude cobbled streets of Cusco valley.

There are also a few key sites and treks that make for great day trips from Cusco, including.

The Salinas Salt Ponds are a terrace system of evaporated salt ponds a short drive from the town of Maras, located around one hour outside of Cusco. A man-made layered landscape in the Sacred Valley, these salt basins have been in use since the days of the Incas, with a section now open to the public to marvel at.

One of Peru’s best places to visit is the Salinas Salt Ponds in the Sacred Valley, Cusco.

Moray is an archaeological site of ringed Inca ruins in a remote area near Maras (and easily combined with Salinas). Defined by its circular terraces at a plateau of 3,500 metres, it is believed this was used for agricultural research, with the different terrace levels having unique microclimates.

Sacsayhuaman is a hilltop Inca citadel that sits on the northern fringes of Cusco and is said to be a fortress overlooking the city. It is known for its huge dry stones that fit together in the same way as those on the old Inca walls in Cusco – without any mortar or filling such as soil or clay.

Things to Do in Peru – Further Suggestions

In Lima, Cusco and Arequipa, I used free walking tours (payment based only on tips). I used the company Free Walking Tour Peru in both Lima (for Downtown Lima and Barranco walking tours) and Cusco (for an orientation and history walk) and highly recommend them both for cultural and historical insights, as well as a good balance of fun.

Go on a free walking tour in Cusco for orientation and an introduction to Inca history and culture.

Most hotels and hostels offer ideas and services for excursions and experiences. Many are packed full of maps and leaflets detailing local companies. Others offer their own, like cooking classes and Spanish lessons. When booking day trips or short excursions, I used Find Local Trips, one of South America’s largest and most trusted tour booking platforms and GetYourGuide

Where to Stay in Peru

I lived it up in a luxury hotel and stayed in a dorm and private room at a hostel. There’s a mix of everything in the city to suit all budgets and preferences of atmosphere from quiet to party.

• Casa Andina Premium – Beautiful boutique-style hotel on a quiet street just a few blocks from Parque Kennedy.
• Pariwana Hostel – One of the hostels you hear about on the grapevine. Close to the beach and complete with terrace and bar, table tennis table and continental breakfast.
• Alpes Lima – I stayed in both their dorm room property (home to the rooftop bar) and their second property two blocks away that has private rooms and a quieter environment.
• Pool Paradise Lima – The only hostel in Miraflores with an outdoor pool.
• The Point – For those wanting to hang out in the arty, hip neighbourhood of Barranco.
• Paracas Backpackers House – More chilled, family-run hostel just a five-minute walk to the coastline.
• Kokopelli Backpackers – More of a party hostel, with its own pool and lively bar.
• Banana’s Adventure Hostel – New, funky, modern touches and great atmosphere. The place I wish I had stayed after finding it.
• Casa de Arenas – The biggest hostel in this tiny town, complete with bar and pool but is a little worn and the staff attitude isn’t very welcoming.
• Le Casa de Bamboo – The quiet traveller’s option, complete with a small bar.

Not many people stay overnight in Nazca. Instead, they pass through on the way to Arequipa. For those wanting to chill here and break up the journey, the following places were recommended.

• Nazca Travel One – Central, family-run establishment.
• Hotel Alegria – Considered one of the best hotels in this area, and the bonus is it has a pool.
• Casa de Avila – I adored this cosy, quiet 3-star hotel and treated myself to four nights here (at only $40 a night) to get some proper rest pre and post-Colca Canyon trek. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to the very centre and the Plaza de Armas. You can also take a Peruvian cooking class here.
• Wild Rover – The party hostel with a pool. Part of the Irish hostel chain in Peru.
• Flying Dog – The quieter, chilled out hostel with lounge areas and easy access to the centre of the city.
• Suites Independencia – We left our bags here as we explored on day trips before catching the night bus, but a friend stayed overnight so I got to see the rooms. Basic, spacious room right in the very centre of town.
• Pacha Suites is also a centrally based accommodation and was a mid-range option that was recommended.
• Staying with a local family found on Airbnb was an option fellow travellers recommended me for those wanting a proper homestay experience on Lake Titicaca. 
• Casa del Carmen – A family-run, quiet, cosy residence located in the cool arty district of San Blas. Carmen is very motherly and always on hand to help, although the only downside is you may be asked to move around if you are there for many days as there doesn’t seem to be a set system in place for the rooms. But for $25 for a private room in central Cusco, I wasn’t going to complain too much.
• Wild Rover – The party hostel option in Cusco for revelling travellers.
• The popular  Kokopelli Backpackers chain in Peru also has a base in Cusco. It’s right on the main square, although it can be pricey.

The Best Way to Visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

Getting to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the highlight of Peru, and figuring out the best treks and Machu Picchu tours and days trips is the eternal question in planning.

Trek through the mountains of the Sacred Valley to reach Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Treks

The most popular of all, this four-day trek takes you through various communities and the ancient Incan ruins of the Sacred Valley, set within stunning Andean scenery. The final day marks the start of a pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise as you enter the magnificent Machu Picchu.

A lifeline of Peru tourism, it is important to visit Machu Picchu as responsibly and ethically as possible.

G Adventures Inca Trail Tours – Awarded the best operator for the Inca Trail route. 

Inca Trail 4-Day Trek – A highly rated trek on GetYourGuide with a local operator.

Huayna Picchu Hike — This entry ticket grants access to the 2,693 m peak, which offers elevated views over Machu Picchu’s Inca citadel. Only 400 people per day are allowed to visit Huayna Picchu, so book ahead. 

Dubbed an alternative trek to the Inca Trail, this route crosses the Salkantay Pass at 4600m, following a trail descending into cloud forest. The final point of the hike is to the Inca site of Llactapata, where you get the first look at Machu Picchu from a distance.

See Salkantay trek dates and book here . 

This three-day hike through the mountains of the Sacred Valley is more about the untouched natural scenery than Inca ruins, reaching highs of 4800m. The scenic train journey from Ollayntambo to Aguas Calientes completes your trip to Machu Picchu.

See Lares trek dates and book here .

There are plenty of ways to get to Machu Picchu – which will you choose?

For those who do not embark on the Machu Picchu trek that leads you directly to the site by foot, the train is part of the final journey to this ancient Inca citadel, 2430m above sea level.

A train is also a great option for those who do not wish to trek or who cannot fit time for a trek into their Peru itinerary. It means everyone gets a chance to view Peru’s most renowned pilgrimage site, which remains a mystery as to why it was built.

The Peru Rail train to Machu Picchu.

The Peru Rail trains depart from either Porary or Ollantaytambo station, located in the Sacred Valley. It’s an incredibly scenic three-hour and 50-minute or one-hour and 50-minute journey to the station of Aguas Calientes.

From here, you catch a bus up the winding valley to the entrance to the Machu Picchu site. It is advised to book your bus ticket in advance to avoid the long queues.

Permits are only needed for the Inca Trail and not for entrance tickets to Machu Picchu . However, your entrance tickets need to be booked in advance, alongside your train ticket. You must bring your passport – it is checked both at the Machu Picchu entrance and when you board the train.

Tours of Machu Picchu with a registered guide are highly recommended for those who want detailed insight into each aspect of its design and the history of the Inca people.

One of the most beautiful train journeys you can take.

Peru Rail Ticket to Aguas Calientes (one way): $50 – $70+

Book Here  direct at Peru Rail

Bus Ticket: $12 one way / $24 return

Book Here  via the Machu Picchu ticket service or order a pre-booked round-trip bus ticket here .

Machu Picchu entrance ticket: €38 / $46 (152 Peruvian Soles)

Trekking in Peru

Aside from the Machu Picchu treks, Peru has a variety of stunning trekking options tempting the explorer, whether that’s day trips from Cusco, canyons in the south or more technical lagoon hikes in the north.

This super scenic trek is located in Huascaran National Park – a two-hour bus journey from Huaraz (nine hours northeast of Lima), which travellers use as a base for this expedition. Forest tracks, snow-capped mountains and steep rocky pathways lead to the magnificent turquoise mountain lagoon at 4500m. This can be completed in one day, but more adventurous souls choose multi-day trekking routes to cover more ground in the region.

Rainbow Mountain has become a very popular trek in recent years after the site was discovered when snow on the mountains melted to reveal the incredible lines of colour, giving the Vinicunca mountain (also called Montaña de Siete Colores – Mountain of seven colours) its name.

A hard day trek, which peaks at 5,000 metres above sea level, the struggle of the altitude is worth it for the unique view at the end. Get yourself on a Rainbow Mountain trek with a very early start to avoid the crowds (we left Cusco at 3 am), and look for a trek that takes in the Red Valley on the way back. *Article coming soon*

The views you reach when trekking Rainbow Mountain in Peru.

Trekking in the Red Valley on the way back from Rainbow Mountain.

And don’t believe those who say it’s a secret they wish they had kept. Over 1,000 people from the local community are employed, including over 200 people renting the horses. That’s a lot of community regeneration and a community thanking us over and over for sharing this wonderful site.

Trekking in Colca Canyon is no easy feat, yet it is just as much an accolade as it is a chance to be embedded in some of the most incredible scenery in Peru. Why? It’s the second biggest and second deepest canyon in the world.

I chose the two-day trekking option to get more immersed in the canyon landscape and national park, located four hours drive from Arequipa.

The start of the two-day Colca Canyon trek.

This trekking route also included short stops at the best scenic viewpoints throughout the canyon, before and after the trek, which included long winds down and a VERY steep (and relatively painful) three-hour climb out on the last morning starting at 5 am.

Not everyone wants to travel solo; others may be limited on time and want the ease of having everything organised with a local guide. In Peru, I mixed small group trips with solo travelling.

Peru tours are also a great starting point to cut your teeth on the South America travel circuit, where a tour might be just the familiarity and confidence you need to get started. Here’s a taster of some small adventure group tour options and itineraries, including those that mix Peru with neighbouring countries.

Browse and book 50+ Peru tour options here.

As an official ambassador for G Adventures, I encourage taking their tours to Peru, having met some travellers using them as their introduction to South America. I have been travelling with G Adventures for over a decade, and they advocate responsible travel.

In Peru, where differing levels of poverty and corruption still exist, it’s important to travel as ethically minded as possible, where local communities and social enterprises can benefit from your visit.

Responsible Travel in Peru – Social Impact

One of the main reasons I was in Peru was to visit a collection of incredible projects of positive social impact in Lima and Cusco, set up by G Adventures and their charitable arm, Planeterra. These are projects where tourism footfall and the money we spend benefit local communities when travelling through. It can also serve as a means of empowerment, helping preserve culture and allowing for the continuation of micro-enterprise within communities as one person’s success can fund another business idea.

Travellers pass through these projects on G Adventures’ small adventure tours in Peru or on their way to Machu Picchu on the renowned Inca Trail trek , or you can also visit these sites independently with a bit more planning. 

Positive Social Impact Projects in Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op was G Adventures’ first social enterprise project. While men in the Sacred Valley are often employed in agriculture or as porters for treks, women now have the opportunity to work and continue a beautiful tradition.

Here, travellers have the chance to not only visit the community and see how the weaving co-op is set up but also have a chance to buy a range of handmade souvenirs from jumpers, scarves and items for the home.

Buy handmade souvenirs from the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op in the Sacred Valley.

The group learns about how the women of this area continue the beautiful tradition of weaving. 

50km from Cusco, in the village of Huchuy Qosqo in the Sacred Valley, a community struggled due to limited access to economic opportunities. Yet travellers were passing nearby, and so an idea was set in place for the construction of the Parwa Community Restaurant.

Over 1,500 G Adventures travellers pass through each month, eating meals using ingredients sourced from local farmers, served by those who are given hospitality training and employment benefits. All income earned by the restaurant is reinvested back into community social projects, including separate micro-enterprises, like Warmicha, which sells various locally made snacks to travellers hiking their way to Machu Picchu.

The Parwa Community Restaurant in the Sacred Valley near Cusco.

Meeting the indigenous Parwa Community in the Sacred Valley, Peru.

Parque de la Papa (Potato Farm) is a conservation project dedicated to potato seeds. Over 6,000 indigenous community members work together to preserve the 3,000 species of potato in this area. This provides not only economic opportunities and the preservation of indigenous culture but also preserves agricultural biodiversity unique to this region of Peru.

Learning about the 3,000 varieties of potato in Peru at the Parque de la Papa conservation project.

A former G Adventure Chief Experience Officer (CEO) set up Nunay Reimy restaurant in Cusco. Travellers on G Adventures trips visit this restaurant, where a portion of the establishment’s profits is returned to the community.

Cuisine insights at Nunay Reimy restaurant in Cusco.

One of the first big Planeterra projects for G Adventures, money to build the centre was raised by a huge five-year-long international fundraiser by G travellers. Children who live in extreme poverty in Cusco are usually forced to drop out of school and beg on the street to help their families.

You will be contributing to a project that provides children from poor families with a place to get guidance and support. You can support the centre in your visit by buying handicrafts produced by the children who have the opportunity to train in various workshops such as leatherworking and jewellery-making.

Bite Peru was the first project to come out of the ‘G Values Fund’ where former CEOs looking to move on from their role are given the opportunity to submit a business plan for an idea they can set up at home, with the best and most socially viable being granted the funds for it to start.

What was initially set up to provide culinary journeys in Lima and its thriving food scene soon turned into other offerings which help change the perception of the city. It was with these guys that I visited the San Juan barrio, as well as the street art project emerging in the socially displaced neighbourhood of Callao. I can also recommend ceviche making classes and market tours with a special focus on fruit tasting.

A perception changing tour of the San Juan de Miraflores barrio in Lima, Peru.

Art is transforming the run-down, dangerous and forgotten neighbourhood of Callao in Lima.

Money in Peru

The currency in Peru is the Sol. It doesn’t take long to get used to it. There are just over three Soles to the US Dollar (USD), around three and a half Soles to a Euro (EUR) and just over four Soles to the Pound (GBP). Rounding up helps you make quick conversions when deliberating prices and making payments.

While some businesses accept US dollars and some ATMs allow you to withdraw it even, it is much easier to pay for day-to-day things with Soles, including food and drink, shopping at local markets and entry to local attractions.

We found that Dollar payments were applied for bigger things and where it was easier to pay by debit or credit card like booking the Rainbow Mountain and Colca Canyon treks and hostel and hotel stays.

I also kept 200 Dollars hidden away in case of emergencies.

There are ATMs in every major city in Peru, typically found near each city’s Plaza de Armas (the main square) . It’s highly unlikely that you will find any ATMs in more rural areas, including villages and small towns.

Like most ATMs in South America, it is wise to use those inside a bank or to avoid using any located on the street at night. I always withdrew money in the middle of the day when plenty of people were around.

I was able to use my Mastercard and Visa debit cards. Despite having a pre-loaded travel card that limits being charged extra ATM fees, I was charged a small fee at every ATM transaction in Peru, no matter what card I used.

The fee for withdrawing money at the Peru ATM was always around $5-$7 per transaction , so I soon learnt to take out hearty amounts each time to cover me for a while. The maximum withdrawal was around $200 – $250 per transaction.

How much does it Cost to Travel in Peru?

Peru is significantly cheaper than the other countries in South America, which adds to its popularity. Like anywhere, your daily budget depends on your style of travel and whether you want to live like a local or live it up in comfort.

The biggest cost for a traveller in Peru is normally a trek, connected to visiting Machu Picchu. My other biggest costs were accommodation, since I always took a private room (average prices for a dorm room in Peru are also listed), alongside more convenient means of transport such as a flexible bus pass and an internal flight.

Costs of Travel in Peru (Average Prices in US Dollars)

• Local, long-distance bus rides: $5-$15
• Intercity El  Metropolitano bus in Lima: Under $1 (S/. 2.50)
• Peru Hop ticket: $159 for a ‘Get Quick’ pass / $199 for a ‘Full South’ Pass
• An internal flight between Lima and Cusco: $60-$70
• A taxi between Lima airport and a hostel: $20
• A taxi between Cusco airport and a hostel: $5
• Big Treks like Inca Trail or Salkantay – $600 – $1,000+
• Small two-day treks like Colca Canyon – $50
• Day treks from Cusco like Rainbow Mountain – $50 – $100
• Dorm in a hostel – $10-$15
• Private room in a hostel – $25
• Room in a mid-range hotel – $35-$50
• Two-hour speedboat tour from Paracas to Ballestas Islands: $15
• Two-hour sand buggy tour in Huacachina: $15
• Nazca Lines flight: $80 + 30 Soles ($9) airport tax
• Day trip to Colca Canyon: $25-$30 + 70 Soles ($20) tourist entry ticket fee
• Half-day tour to Lake Titicaca, Puno: $10-$15
• Full-day tour to Lake Titicaca, Puno: $20-$25
• Food in a local restaurant (two courses) –$2-$5
• Food in a gringo restaurant – $10-$20
• Food at a local market – $1- $2
• Coffee: $2-$4
• Local beer: $2

Is Peru Safe to Travel to?

While I have never encountered any major problems in Peru, like anywhere in South America, you need to exercise more caution following the region’s turbulent history, which has largely dissipated and hasn’t affected major tourist areas for over a decade. However, it is good to be aware of petty crimes and scams that can still occur and to keep up to date with any Peru travel alerts from your home country.

‘Express Kidnappings’ – This is where travellers are taken to an ATM and forced to withdraw money, normally as much as they can get and effectively held against their will until they can extract the money. This is said to be a common occurrence, particularly at Lima airport.

Muggings – This form of petty crime in Peru usually occurs in more dark and isolated areas. There have been some cases at major monuments such as Sacsayhuaman in Cusco, the hilltop monument in Arequipa at sunrise and sunset when the crowds disperse. I also never walked alone in Lima at night, even in Miraflores, away from the busy areas like Parque Kennedy.

Something-On-Your-Shoe Distraction – There have been a few stories of someone spilling something on your shoe or dropping money in front of you where you feel inclined to help and pick it up. Distraction is the greatest tool for those wanting to commit petty crimes. Don’t fall for it.

Short-changing – I encountered this on many occasions in both shops and hostels. Always, always check your change. I’ve had everything from being given four 10-cent coins when my change should have been four Sole coins to a hostel receptionist giving me change in coins and conveniently leaving out the 10 Soles note that should have come with it. Refuse to leave until you get your right change. I never gave in.

Always carry a photocopy of your passport and not the real thing! I used a Pacsafe Portable Safe the entire time I was in Peru and locked it to the bathroom sink pipes and/or furniture attached to the wall. I also had photocopies of my travel insurance, vaccinations and relevant trip documents.

Only carry enough cash that you need for the day. I only took my credit or debit cards when I knew I had to withdraw cash. I didn’t carry them around daily and kept them stored with my passport in the safe mentioned above.

Keep your bag with you and in sight at all times. I always had my daypack/handbag slung over my shoulder or on my lap, especially in crowded places.

Avoid travelling at night in Peru. Travelling by night is still not considered the best option, as armed holdups on buses and other transport routes still occur, more so in the far northern reaches of the country and on the Peru-Bolivia border at Lake Titicaca. I only travelled overnight on the Peru Hop tourist bus.

Be aware of what border crossings are accessible or not. For example, many official websites mention that the border to Colombia is best avoided due to narcotics (drug) trafficking.

Don’t withdraw money from ATMs at night, and don’t withdraw money from an ATM in an unpopulated or dodgy-feeling area. Withdraw enough money from an ATM in the centre of major cities so that you have enough with you to last through less busy and remote areas.

Don’t flash your valuables. This might sound obvious, but the number of travellers I saw with a camera hanging off their neck or dripping in expensive jewellery and clothing was abundant. Don’t be an obvious target when you already look ‘gringo’ enough. And especially hide your stuff in less affluent and less touristic areas.

Use Uber, especially at night. As a solo female traveller in Peru, there were times I met friends in town for drinks but didn’t want to walk back through quiet, narrow streets at night, especially in Cusco. Uber was a great choice, and I never had any issues. My Peruvian friends always recommended it.

Hold onto your bag when riding local buses, and don’t put it in the overhead compartment. There are countless stories of theft on buses, as well as a classic tale of someone telling you that you have to move seats when you don’t (this is a strategic move to be able to rob you more easily).

The smaller cities in Peru, as in South America generally, are no more of a major threat than other large cities worldwide. However, the Capitals have a lot of major no-go areas. Therefore in Lima, you absolutely need to know where you can and can’t go and what areas are absolutely and completely off-limits.

It’s wise to do some digging on Lima before you arrive. A handful of neighbourhoods in Lima, in particular, should be avoided – like the Callao district next to the airport and Rimac just across the bridge from Downtown Lima and the Presidential Palace.

Miraflores is the safest neighbourhood in Lima and where you should, ideally, stay. It is the more affluent one where locals can afford security guards at both their homes and to sit guard outside of their business premised all night. Miraflores is, therefore, fine to roam by day, yet I would still exercise caution at night when the residential streets are quiet and there is not a security guard on every corner like those roaming at Parque Kennedy.

Barranco, the more artsy and bohemian neighbourhood south of Miraflores, is also a good choice to either visit or stay when in Lima.

When a new district turns into another, it is not marked, and it is easy for your curiosity to get the better of you. A friend and I accidentally wandered into the neighbourhood of Rimac during our day exploring Lima Downtown. If it wasn’t for a local woman on a balcony furiously waving for us to get the hell out, who knows what might have happened? A Peruvian friend later told me we would have 100% been robbed if we were just one more block east.

Impoverished neighbourhoods back onto the affluent ones like Miraflores, and the city widely sprawls to include some VERY dangerous places. For example, next to the Mercado on the fringes of Miraflores is the neighbourhood of Surquillo. Wander too far in, and you may stand out too much. One traveller’s curiosity saw him robbed and beaten, as was his wife, who was wearing a camera around her neck.

Lima is not the place to show your riches. You can feel the atmosphere drop to another level. Don’t take the risk if you haven’t done your research.

On the other hand, Lima is developing with social enterprise schemes and local tours booming. These are helping the areas to regenerate and educating visitors about Peruvian politics, society, culture and what is happening today. I visited an art project in Callao and the San Juan favela/barrio in the east, guided by locals and with genuine insight into how things work and the changes taking place that could turn things around for those less prosperous here.

Lima is so complex, and it is all too easy to dismiss by spending two days in Miraflores before leaving altogether.

The Miraflores neighbourhood of Lima.

Ceviche is Peru’s classic dish, and Lima is the heart of the dish’s origination. A melody of fresh fish, lime juice and the rich flavours of pepper, onion and chilli combined, it has to be tried at least once as a rite of passage to Peru. You’ll find everyone from local markets to high-end restaurants serving it with their own little twist.

A Ceviche stall in a market in Lima, Peru. 

Lomas Saltado is ‘salted beef’; marinated strips of beef are combined with a stir fry type mix of pepper, onion and tomato and served with rice. It’s often also served with fries or a mix of both.

Aji de Gallina is well worth a try, especially since it’s always on the menu when you eat in a local establishment. It’s a yellow cream sauce made from yellow Aji peppers, usually served with meat such as chicken, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes and rice. The best ones normally have a light spicy flavour for an extra kick.

Locals dining at the San Blas market in Cusco.

Pisco Sour. Ok, this is not food, but it’s technically a staple part of the culinary menu. Lemon juice, egg white and Peru’s Pisco (a fermented wine) on ice, topped with bitters, make up this famous and timeless classic cocktail. Of course, in Peru, it’s cheaper and made to perfection.

The Internet in Peru can be patchy and not always fast or reliable, which makes travel in Peru and planning a little frustrating. Get yourself a local SIM card, which saves you from relying on the patchy hostel and guesthouse Wi-Fi. A SIM card in Peru costs about 15 Soles (about $5 USD), and I got a starter package with a local carrier, Claro, for 30 Soles (about $5 USD), which gave me 3MB of data.

Remember to take a copy of your passport to purchase the SIM. The main two carriers are Claro and Movistar, and you will find many convenience stores, supermarkets and other outlets where you can top up. Just look for the flag signs and shop window stickers for Claro and Movistar.

Peru is the largest exporter of cocaine to the western world, with this trading belt up into Colombia enticing ‘Narco Tourism’. While offers of cocaine and cannabis frequently occur on the street, especially in Cusco, don’t be that tourist whose curiosity gets the better of them.

Punishment for drugs in Peru is severe, especially if you try to take drugs out of the country (Google ‘Peru Two’ for an example).

Travel to Peru adventurously, safely, and responsibly. Is there anything else you would add to this list?

Planning a Peru Trip? – Pin It! 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

4 April 2024 at 7:11 am

Great article 🙂 I’m hitting up Peru for the first time with G Adventures this summer and all the info you provided on their community work was helpful. Cheers! Kim

4 April 2024 at 2:48 pm

Glad it was helpful, and have a great time touring Peru!

10 July 2023 at 9:06 pm

Hi! This was very helpful, I am traveling solo in August and I was wondering if you had an opinion on which city to visit first between Cuzco and Arequipa? Also safety wise what are the best ways to get from airports to our hostels?

17 July 2023 at 4:41 pm

Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco are almost a triangle of cities, so depend which direction you are travelling in. Safety wise, most hostels can arrange an airport pick up for you. Just email them before with plenty of time. And try to get flights that arrive in the day.

29 September 2022 at 3:10 pm

I’m new to solo travelling, as in never done anything more than an overnight by myself. Peru is first on my list. As someone in my shoes, do you think it is best to find an all in one package for my first trip or attempt to plan everything separately, on my own?

1 October 2022 at 8:41 pm

If you are new to solo travelling, maybe find a fun group tour for Peru. South America is a little more tricky to cut your teeth on than say, Asia.

13 October 2022 at 8:55 pm

Great thank you!

Gloria Butner says

8 August 2022 at 4:03 pm

Hi there, interesting information but how do I visit Amazon rainforest, macho picchoo and galapoluos islands in one trip?

8 August 2022 at 6:05 pm

You can’t. The Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and Machu Picchu is in Peru. You can visit the Amazon in both.

20 February 2020 at 4:26 pm

Great guide! I am going in April. Wondering which travel guide to buy now. I always go for Lonely Planet, but wondering if I should try something new that you could recommend?

1 March 2020 at 10:24 am

You could try Rough Guides as well. People are usually in one camp or the other.

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Ultimate 2 Week Peru Itinerary

Peru is the ultimate destination.  This 2 week Peru itinerary, is fulled with unforgettable experiences, breathtaking natural wonders and vibrant culture.  Whether you are an avid hiker, history buff or outdoor adventure enthusiast, Peru is a country that appeals to anyone.

Located on the west coast of South America, Peru is a country full of diverse landscapes including snow capped mountains, lush rainforests, arid sand dunes and a dreamy coastline.  In this article, I’ll go into detail the best ways to spend your time in Peru and offer any tips that will aid you in your travel planning.

A trip to Peru is a remarkable blend of history, nature and cultural experiences that will leave lasting memories.  From the depths of the Amazon to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, this ultimate itinerary showcases the best of what Peru has to offer.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

2 Week Peru Itinerary

The average person only gets about 2 weeks of vacation time, so that’s the time frame I’m going to use for this Peru itinerary post.  I spent 2 months traveling around Peru and the only reason I left was because our visas were about to run out.

If you have the gift of time, spending as much time in Peru as you can will only increase your experience.  Below is a quick view at what this 2 week in Peru itinerary looks like.

I’ll suggest several different itinerary options because 2 weeks in Peru is not enough time to explore all of its wanders.  For more information about a specific location or activity, click on the blue links below.

• Arrive in Lima
• Fly to Cusco
• Book Accommodation in Cusco  for 5 Nights

Day 2-5 Explore Cusco & Sacred Valley:

• Cusco 
• Sacred Valley
• Ollantaytambo
• Humantay Lake
• Rainbow Mountain
• Maras Salt Flats

Day 6-10 Trek to Machu Picchu:

• Trek to Machu Picchu – Inca Trail or Salkantay Trail
• Explore Machu Picchu

Day 10-13 Choose between exploring:

Puno & Lake Titicaca

• Arequipa & Colca Canyon 
• Amazon Rainforest – Iquitos

Day 13 & 14:

• Book 2 nights Accommodation in Lima

🦙 Read Next:   Ultimate Peru Travel Guide

Peru Travel Vlogs

🎥 Watch our Peru Series on YouTube

Peru Itinerary Day 1: Arrive

Begin your journey in Cusco.  All international flights will connect through Lima so be prepared for a long travel day.  Flights from Lima to Cusco are an hour long and affordable.  The alternative is the bus and it’s not worth your time or comfort.  This is speaking with experience.

By the time you arrive in Cusco, you’ll be tired.  Take the evening to get settled in and start to adjust to the altitude.  Cusco sits at 11,152′ feet in elevation so you may experience altitude sickness.  Drink plenty of water, avoid booze and cigarettes and buy some cocoa leaves at the store.

Day 2-5: Explore Cusco & Sacred Valley

Book accommodation in Cusco for 5 nights.  This will give you time to explore Cusco and some places in Sacred Valley.  You’ll also be acclimating because you should climatize at least 4 days before you attempt any hike in Peru .

Cusco is a captivating and picturesque city nestled high in the Andes Mountains.  Its cobblestone streets are lined with charming boutiques, fantastic restaurants and vibrant markets.  I spent half a month exploring Cusco and its surroundings.

📍 Cusco Travel Guides: Best Things to do in Cusco 12 Best Restaurants in Cusco Where to Stay in Cusco 17 Things to Know Before Traveling to Cusco

Pisac – Small town in Sacred Valley known for its Inca ruins and large market.

Lake Humantay – A lake located at the base of Soraypampa village.  The hike is strenuous to get to the lake at 13,900 feet.

Ollantaytambo – A major stop on the train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu.  Known for its ruins and traditional Andean charm.

2 Week Peru Itinerary Day 6-10: Trek to Machu Picchu

I’ve included trekking to Machu Picchu as part of the 2 week Peru itinerary because this was my favorite experience in Peru.  If you aren’t into multi-day trekking, you can replace these 4 days with one of the areas I talk about in the section.

There are 2 separate ways to trek to Machu Picchu.  You can book a tour and trek the classic Inca Trail or you can trek the alternative route to Machu Picchu which doesn’t require a permit.

Trekking the Inca Trail requires a permit and you must be apart of a booked tour.   Trekking Salkantay however can be done without a guide or permit.  Each trail takes minimum 4 days to complete depending on which tour your book.

Best Inca Trail Tours

• Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-Day Trek
• From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu: 2-Day Group Tour of the Inca Trail (for those short on time)

Salkantay Trek

If you weren’t able to get a permit or just prefer more of an adventure, the Salkantay Trek is 46 miles and peaks at 15,000 feet at the Salkantay Pass.  You can hike from village to village sleeping in local homestays along the way.

This is what Joe and I did and we hiked Salkantay without a guide, tent, snacks or reservations.  Don’t worry, I wrote several guides and we vlogged the entire way.

🏔️ Salkantay Trek Guides:

17 Essential Salkantay Trekking Hiking Salkantay without a Guide, Tent or Reservations  Salkantay Trek Packing List

Machu Picchu

• Tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked in advance.  You can do this is Cusco or online here.
• Book Tickets to Huayna Picchu even earlier.
• Train tickets in and out of Aguas Calientes should also be booked in advance.  Tickets out of town book up quicker than coming in.
• Splurge on a stay at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
• There are some biting mosquitos at Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes, wear long light clothing and use plenty of strong insect repellent.

☕️ Read Next: 10 Things to do in Aguas Calientes 

2 Week Peru Itinerary Day 10-13

Another highlight in Peru is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.  Explore the floating Uros Islands, constructed entirely out of reeds and see the traditional way of life of the indigenous communities that call the lake home.

There are four ways to travel from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca – by air, by train, by bus and by car .  Train being the most scenic and luxurious.

Puno sits at an elevation 12,556 feet so prepare to be cold.  Check out the guides below for information exploring Puno region and Lake Titicaca.

🛶 Lake Titicaca Travel Guides: What to Expect on a Homestay on Lake Titicaca Best Hotels on Lake Titicaca Best Things to do in Puno

Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city, surrounded by volcanoes and known for its stunning colonial architecture.  Many visitors use Arequipa as a home base to explore the nearby Colca Canyon.

The Colca Canyon offers breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to spot majestic Andean condors soaring through the skies.  It is possible to go trekking in the canyon staying at different villages along the way.

We explored the Colca Canyon on a 2 night, 3 day trek.  The first night we were rewarded with hot springs and the second night we slept at the bottom of the canyon.

🥾 Colca Canyon Hiking Guides

15 Essential Tips for Hiking the Colca Canyon Trekking Colca Canyon Independently 

Cordillera Blanca/Huaraz

The Cordillera Blanca is a premier hiking area in Peru, geared towards experienced hikers as you’ll have altitude and extreme weather conditions to deal with.  To get to Huaraz, you’ll have to connect through Lima.

Since this is back in the mountains, I’d only choose this area if I had more than a couple days.  There are tons of great hikes, alpine lakes and mountain huts to explore.

🥾 Read Next: 10 Epic Hikes in Peru

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To complete your 2 week Peru itinerary, head to the Amazon rainforest.  The only way to reach Iquitos is to fly from Lima.  If you followed the itinerary and trekked to Machu Picchu, you’ll already be in Cusco.  This makes it easy to hop on a flight to Lima and then another flight to Iquitos.

Embark on an adventure through the lush jungle.  Explore the incredible biodiversity, encounter exotic wildlife and learn about indigenous cultures that have called the Amazon home for thousands of years.  Stay in a jungle lodge, kayak along the meandering rivers and take guided hikes to discover the wonders of this awe-inspiring ecosystem.

2 Weeks in Peru Days 13 & 14: Lima

Your 2 week Peru itinerary will end in Lima, the capital city.  Lima is a vibrant and historically rich destination that offers a multitude of experiences.

Nestled along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Lima is known for its culinary scene, showcasing a mouthwatering fusion of traditional Peruvian ingredients and international influences.   

Spend your last couple days in Peru exploring its charming districts like Miraflores, sampling delicious Peruvian cuisine, and sipping Pisco sours.

☕️ Read Next:   Best Things to do in Miraflores Best Places to Stay in Lima

2 Week Peru Itinerary Tips

Best Time to Go to Peru

Dry season lasts from March through October,  this means warmer weather at night and blue bird skies during the day.  The best time to visit Peru is in the shoulder months of dry season – March-May or October-September.

Traveling to Peru during dry season also means busy season, especially June to August.  But if you time it right, you can travel during the off peak months which allows you have the best of both worlds – great weather and thinner crowds.

What to Pack for Peru

If you plan on doing some trekking, make sure you bring:

• Warm Jacket
• Waterproof Hiking Pants
• Hiking Boots

Peru has a beautiful coast line and in the North you’ll have summer weather:

• Sandals/Slippers

Travel necessities:

• Power Bank Charger
• Life Straw Water Bottle
• Packing Cubes

What to buy in Peru:

• Alpaca Scarf
• Alpaca Sweater
• Hiking Poles

Peru Accommodation Guides

A bed in a dorm will cost 2- 10 USD’s.  You can get comfortable accommodation for $20-$25 a night for 2 people.  A higher budget allows you luxury that’s worth the cost.  Peru is a great place to travel on a budget and ball out in luxury.

Below are city specific Peru Travel Guides for accommodations to help plan your trip.

📍 Peru Hotel Guides:

Where to Stay in Cusco Where to Stay in Lima Best Hotels in Lake Titicaca

How to Get Around Peru

By Bus: This will be the easiest way to travel around Peru.   Buses are frequent within the country.   Bus rides are never the most glamorous way to travel but usually the cheapest.

Taking the bus isn’t just for tourists, most Peruvians travel via bus.   Roads are well maintained in most parts of the country.   Always plan a few extra hours on bus travel days as buses are never fully on schedule.

By Plane:   Domestic flights within the country are frequent and plentiful.   New budget airlines pop up every year but the most established airlines are LAN, Peruvian Airlines and Star Peru.

Peak season for air travel within Peru is North America summer time – late May to early September.   So plan ahead if you are traveling Peru during this time.

🚌 Tra nsportation Guides : How to Get from Cusco to Aguas Calie ntes How to Travel from Cusco to Lake Titicaca

Peru Travel Budget

You can spend $50 a day in Peru, living comfortably and not denying yourself any comforts or pleasures.  It is possible to get by on $15 -20 a day traveling Peru but that’s only eating street food and staying in a bed in a dorm.  

For a slightly higher budget it’s nice to have your own room and bathroom.  If you have a budget of $100 a day, you’ll get to stay in some of Peru’s nicest hotels and travel the country by plane.

Peru Travel Tips

• It’s not uncommon to see stray dogs as you explore Peru.
• Book  tickets to Machu Picchu in advance and to Huayna Picchu farther in advance.
• Trains out of Aguas Calientes sell out quicker than trains coming.
• You need to show your physical passport to enter Machu Picchu and to purchase bus tickets to get to the top of the mountain.
• Tap water throughout Peru is not safe to drink.
• Knowing some basics in Spanish will go along way.
• Cash is the preferred way of paying for things in Peru but credit cards are accepted in major areas.
• Many of Peru’s cities such as Cusco and Puno sit at a high elevation so you could experience altitude sickness.

Peru Travel Guides

📍Plan your Trip:   The Ultimate Guide to Peru 17 Useful Tips to Know Before Traveling to Cusco 14 Remarkable Things to do in Peru 15 Incredible Places to Visit in Peru 20 Essentials Tips for Traveling Peru 🗺 How long to travel Peru?   2 Week Peru Itinerary ☔️ Best Time to Visit:   Shoulder months of dry season – March-May or October-September. 💰 Average Daily Budget: $40 - 50 a day for basic accommodations and sit down meals. ⛺️ Peru accommodation Guides Where to Stay in Cusco Where to Stay in Lima 10 Epic Lake Titicaca Hotels  🪂 Highlights Machu Picchu Best Hikes in Peru Trekking Salkantay Independently  Sacred Valley Exploring Cusco Hiking Colca Canyon Homestay on Lake Titicaca  Lima's Food Scene Trekking Cordillera Blanca Arequipa Huacachina Desert Oasis 🧳 What to Pack : Salkantay Trek Packing List 🎥 Watch our Peru Series on YouTube 📧 Get on my Email list to see what I’m up to and all the best travel content!

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IAEA Head Holds Meeting in Peru to Boost Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection

Expressing gratitude for peru’s recognition of his efforts, grossi was honored with an order of merit for distinguished service by the peruvian government..

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), concluded a series of high-level meetings in Peru aimed at bolstering the country's sustainable development through nuclear technology applications in food security, health, and environmental protection.

During his visit, Grossi and Peru’s Foreign Minister Javier González-Olaechea formalized their commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the IAEA’s Atoms4Food programme. This initiative focuses on enhancing food security by implementing climate-smart agricultural practices. Notably, Peru has already leveraged nuclear and isotopic techniques to improve sugarcane production and combat Banana Fusarium Wilt, a devastating disease threatening agricultural yields.

Expressing gratitude for Peru’s recognition of his efforts, Grossi was honored with an Order of Merit for Distinguished Service by the Peruvian government. As the first Latin American Director General of the IAEA, Grossi underscored the significance of Peru’s gesture in promoting peace, multilateralism, and the advancement of nuclear technology for development.

Beyond agriculture, the IAEA’s collaboration with Peru extends to addressing environmental challenges such as microplastic pollution in coastal waters. Through the NUTEC Plastics initiative, Grossi reaffirmed the agency's commitment to supporting Peru’s efforts in sustainable mining practices and lithium exploration, essential for the nation’s economic sustainability and environmental protection.

Grossi’s visit also highlighted the IAEA’s contributions to Peru’s health sector, particularly at the San Borja National Institute for Child Health, where the IAEA-supported tissue bank aids in treating burns patients through advanced radiation technology, significantly enhancing recovery outcomes.

Moreover, Peru’s strides in cancer control were lauded during Grossi’s visit to the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN). Recognizing Peru’s progress, Grossi announced further support under the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, aimed at expanding access to cancer care, including radiotherapy and diagnostics, to underserved regions of the country.

At the Centro Nuclear Óscar Miró Quesada de la Guerra (RACSO), Grossi commended Peru’s leadership in nuclear research and highlighted the role of the RACSO Nuclear Center in managing radioactive waste and fostering regional cooperation through the Regional Network of Research Reactors and Related Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean (RIALC).

Grossi’s visit to Peru not only strengthens bilateral cooperation in nuclear applications but also underscores the IAEA’s commitment to supporting Peru’s sustainable development goals across various sectors, from agriculture and health to environmental conservation and scientific research.

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