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Travel advice for Peru
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Peru
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 08.10.2024
Nestled in the heart of South America, Peru stands as a vibrant tapestry of ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. A 14-day odyssey through this enchanting country promises an immersive experience that transcends mere sightseeing, offering a profound exploration of history, nature, and the warm spirit of its people. Here’s our guide to creating your own Peru 14 days itinerary.
Travel ideas for Peru
Created by local experts
Itinerary #1: Essential Peru
Discover the highlights of Peru on this 14-day trip which is perfect for a first trip to the country. Spend Day 1 in Lima, where you will acclimatize and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2 is a half-day tour of Lima's historic center that will immerse you in Peru's rich history and vibrant culture.
On Day 3, you'll fly to Cusco and visit local artisan workshops and markets, getting a true sense of life in the Andes. Day 4 will take you through the breathtaking Sacred Valley with visits to the Maras salt marshes and Moray terraces. On Day 5, the journey reaches its climax as you travel by train to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
On day 6, you'll enjoy a serene sunrise at Machu Picchu and a relaxing visit to the local hot springs. On day 7, you'll return to Cusco, exploring its cobblestone streets and Inca heritage. On day 8 you'll travel by train to Puno, where on day 9 you'll take a kayaking trip on Lake Titicaca and visit the unique 'floating islands' Uros.
On day 10, the adventure continues at Colca Canyon, a stunning natural wonder. On day 11, you'll have the opportunity to observe Andean condors and explore local villages.
On day 12, you'll return to Arequipa, enjoying the local scenery, and day 13 will be spent exploring Arequipa's historic sites. Finally, on day 14, you will depart Arequipa. Read more.
Machu Picchu, an essential for any 14 days Peru itinerary © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this Peru 14 days itinerary:
Day 1
- Arrive in Lima and explore the city at leisure for the rest of the day.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 2
- Half-day guided tour of Lima's Historical Center.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 3
- Flight to Cusco and an exploration of the region.
- Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Day 4
- The Sacred Valley, the Maras Saltpans, and the citadel of Ollantaytambo.
- Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Day 5
- Transfer to Machu Picchu and guided tour of the Citadel, including the Main Plaza and the Sacred Sun Dial.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
Day 6
- Hot Springs, the Town of Machu Picchu and a visit to the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 7
- Tour of the ancient sites of Cusco.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 8
- Transfer to Puno.
- Overnight stay on the boat.
Day 9
- Llachon Village, kayaks and the "Floating Islands" of the Uros.
- Overnight stay on the boat.
Day 10
- Transfer to the Colca Canyon and free time.
- Overnight in Ajpi.
Day 11
- "Cruz del Condor" observation point and a visit traditional villages and towns.
- Overnight in Ajpi.
Day 12
- Transfer back to Arequipa.
- Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 13
- Half-day tour of Arequipa, including the main square and Cathedral.
- Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 14
- Transfer to Arequipa Airport for departure.
If this trip is to your liking, why wait? Customize your experience with our personalized travel service and book today.
Arequipa Church with the Misti Volcano Behind on sunset, Arequipa in Peru © JorgeAndres/Shutterstock
Itinerary #2: The Andes to the Amazon
Mid-morning snack in Pisac, Peru © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this Peru 14 days itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive in Lima and explore the city at leisure for the rest of the day.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 2
- A fascinating sightseeing tour of Lima.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 3
- Early departure from Lima to Arequipa followed by a city tour.
- Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 4
- Early morning departure to Colca Canyon.
- Overnight in the Colca Canyon region.
Day 5
- Visit the Condor Cross and explore traditional villages with ancient terraced houses before heading to Puno.
- Overnight in Puno.
Day 6
- Full-day excursion to Uros & Taquile Islands.
- Overnight in Puno.
Day 7
- Transfer to Cusco via Pucara, Abra La Raya, Raqchi, Checaupe, Andahuaylillas, and Wacarpay Lake.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 8
- Tour of historical sites in Cusco and free time.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 9
- Visit Awanacancha, Pisac Market, Pisac Ruins, and Ollantaytambo Fortress.
- Overnight in Moccopata.
Day 10
- Excursion to Machu Picchu via roundtrip train.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 11
- Free time in Aguas Calientes with an optional second visit to Machu Picchu.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 12
- Transfer to Puerto Maldonado.
- Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.
Day 12
- Canopy tower visit and presentation on the Infierno ecotourism project.
- Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.
Day 13
- Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake visit.
- Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.
Day 14
- Transfer to the airport and departure.
Planning your trip to Peru? See our Peru itineraries for inspiration.
Colca Canyon, Peru © Shutterstock
Itinerary #3: Peruvian Inca Domains
This 14-day Peru adventure begins in the bustling capital city of Lima. Day 1 will allow you to settle in and explore the bustling city at your leisure. On day 2, you'll immerse yourself in Lima's historic core with a panoramic tour of the city's colonial architecture.
On day 3, get closer to nature with a fascinating boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where you'll see sea lions, penguins and other wildlife in their natural habitat. On day 4, prepare for an unforgettable experience by flying over the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Then, on day 5, head to the charming city of Arequipa, where you can tour its famous white volcanic stone buildings. On day 6, travel through the highland plains of Pampa Cañahuas, known for its wildlife and dramatic scenery. On day 7, you'll be able to see condors soaring over the majestic Colca Canyon.
On days 8 and 9, immerse yourself in the culture of Lake Titicaca by visiting the floating islands of Uros and following the scenic route to Cusco. Days 10 and 11 focus on the rich history of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Read more for the complete itinerary.
The Nazca Lines are a must for any 14 days Peru itinerary © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this Peru 14 days itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive in Lima and explore the city at leisure for the rest of the day.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 2
- Lima sightseeing tour.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 3
- Transfer to Paracas Pier for a boat excursion to Ballestas Islands.
- Overnight in Nazca.
Day 4
- The flight over the Nazca lines.
- Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 5
- Arequipa city tour.
- Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 6
- Journey to Pampa Cañahuas and arrival in Chivay.
- Overnight in the Colca Canyon region.
Day 7
- A visit to the Cross of the Condor viewpoint and transfer to Puno.
- Overnight in Puno.
Day 8
- Excursion to Lake Titicaca with a visit to the floating islands of Uros and then Taquile Island.
- Overnight in Puno.
Day 9
- Transfer to Cusco via Pucara, "La Raya" viewpoint, Raqchi archaeological center, and Andahuaylillas church.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 10
- Cusco city tour.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 11
- Pisac town, handicraft market, Sacred Valley of Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo.
- Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Day 12
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 13
- A day of leisure in Cusco.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 14
- Transfer to the airport in Cusco and departure.
Looking for ideas for a trip to Peru of a different duration? Explore our 7-day and 10-day itineraries to Peru.
Incan site of Choquehuirao, Peru © Shutterstock
Itinerary #4: Peru - the modern, the iconic, the wild
This 14-day Peru adventure will immerse you in the country's most iconic and diverse landscapes.
Your journey begins in Lima, where you'll experience the city's colonial charm. Day 2 is a culinary experience in Barranco, Lima's bohemian neighborhood, where you'll sample more than 15 delicious Peruvian dishes.
On day 3, fly to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. You will visit ancient ruins and temples such as Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha. Day 4 is an early start, during which you'll embark on a stunning hike to Rainbow Mountain, known for its surreal multicolored layers.
Day 5 is dedicated to the Sacred Valley, and on day 6 you will finally reach the highlight of the trip, Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel located high in the Andes.
On day 7, you will be treated to a scenic transfer to Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca. Day 8 will be spent cruising the lake, visiting the unique Uros Islands and learning about the culture of the people who live there.
Days 9 through 13 will take you deep into the Amazon rainforest. You'll go on guided hikes, take a boat ride on jungle rivers and take a wildlife tour where you can see monkeys, toucans or even jaguars.
The trip will end on day 14, when you'll fly back to Lima and have plenty of stories to tell. Read more.
Islas Flotantes, Lake Titicaca, Peru © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this Peru 14 days itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive in Lima and explore the city at leisure for the rest of the day.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 2
- Walking food tour in Barranco, sampling over 15 Peruvian foods and drinks.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 3
- Transfer to Cusco followed by a visit to the Cathedral, Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) and nearby ruins.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4
- Rainbow Mountain day tour.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5
- Transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas followed by a visit to Pisaq Market, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo.
- Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Day 6
- Transfer to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu tour.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 7
- Transfer to Puno and explore the city at leisure for the rest of the day.
- Overnight in Puno.
Day 8
- Full-day excursion to Uros & Taquile Islands.
- Overnight in Puno.
Day 9
- Transfer to Lima.
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 10
- Flight from Lima to Iquitos, visit the CREA wildlife rehabilitation center.
- Overnight in a private river-view bungalow.
Day 11
- Morning hike to learn about medicinal and industrial plants followed by boat rafting on the Yanayacu River.
- Overnight in a private river-view bungalow.
Day 12
- Boat ride to see the Victoria Amazonica and Hoatzin birds.
- Overnight in a private river-view bungalow.
Day 13
- Boat ride to San Joaquin, car ride back to Iquitos.
- Overnight in a private river-view bungalow.
Day 14
- Flight to Lima and connect with international departure flight.
Debating what time of year to plan your trip? See our guide to when to go to Peru.
Titicaca Lake, Uros Islands, Peru @ Shutterstock
Prepare your 14 days Peru itinerary
Our team of local travel experts has carefully designed each of these itineraries. Need more details? Check out our guide on the optimal time to visit Peru, the top activities in the country, or explore other Peru itineraries for ideas.
Alternatively, you can bypass the extensive research and planning typically required for crafting your dream trip. Take advantage of our tailor-made trip service, where every aspect is customizable to suit your preferences.
