Planning a trip to Peru can feel overwhelming. From vibrant Incan cities to spectacular landscapes in the mountains, deserts to the Amazon Rainforest, the possibilities are endless. This 2 week Peru itinerary will be best suited for those people who wish to visit all the top attractions of Peru.

The  trek is modeled around the classic journey from Lima to Machu Picchu route, visiting various locations like coastal sites, historic sites, cultural destinations, and natural settings. If you are looking for the best Peru itinerary for 2 weeks, this one will have you covered as you get to experience a little bit of everything at the right pace.

Regardless of whether you are creating an itinerary for backpacking around Peru or embarking on your first adventure in South America, this 2 Week Peru Itinerary will have all that you require.

Peru Travel Itinerary 14 Days at a Glance 

Route Overview

Lima → Huacachina → Nazca → Arequipa → Puno → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Rainbow Mountain → Humantay Lake → Amazon Rainforest

Best For:

• Peru itinerary for first-time visitors

• Adventure seekers

• Culture lovers

• Nature enthusiasts

• Photography lovers 

Days 1-2: Lima

Lima can be an overlooked destination since the travelers would be heading straight towards the Andes, but this country’s capital deserves a visit due to its spectacular culinary arts, panoramic views, delightful spots, and rich history.

Things to Do in Peru: Lima Highlights 

Before venturing into the highlands, make sure to explore Peru’s colorful coastal culture.

Must-See Attractions:

• Miraflores

• Barranco

• Malecón Coastal Walk

• Larcomar

• Plaza Mayor

Unique Experience 

Palomino Islands Tour 

One of the least appreciated things to do in Peru is going on a boat cruise to the Palomino Islands, where you can swim alongside wild sea lions in the Pacific Ocean.

Food Experiences

• Ceviche

• Lomo Saltado

• Pisco Sour

• Anticuchos

Day 3: Huacachina 

The next destination will be Huacachina, a small oasis encircled by huge golden sand dunes. This place will make you feel like you have stepped out of your world and offers some thrilling adventure activities in Peru.

What Makes Huacachina Special?

Unlike other mountainous destinations in Peru, Huacachina highlights Peru’s desert scenery and thrilling activities.

Top Experiences:

• Sandboarding

• Buggy tours on sand dunes

• Photography in the desert

• Sunset views

Bonus Stop:

Visit a vineyard in the nearby city of Ica producing the renowned Pisco drink.

Day 4: Nazca 

One of the most mysterious locations in South America, Nazca. The lines of Nazca continue to puzzle both historians and archeologists and are therefore the most fascinating place to visit.

Things to Do in Peru: Nazca Experience

The best way to appreciate the geoglyphs is to fly above them.

Key Highlights:

• Nazca Lines Scenic Flight

• Observation tower

• Archaeological museum

• Desert environment

• Famous Geoglyphs

Famous Figures:

• Monkey

• Spider

• Condor

• Hummingbird

Days 5-6: Arequipa 

Being located amidst volcanoes and characterized by its colonial buildings, Arequipa is nicknamed the White City of Peru. This two-day visit will provide you with leisure time and beautiful city views that are unparalleled in Peru.

Day 5: Explore Arequipa

The historical district of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most appealing cities in Peru.

Must-Visit Places

• Plaza de Armas

• Santa Catalina Monastery

• Mirador de Yanahuara

• Historic Center

Why Visit?

The combination of architecture, culture, and landscape contributes to Arequipa being an absolute must when traveling in Peru for 2 weeks. 

Day 6: Colca Canyon Adventure 

Colca Canyon is among the deepest canyons in the world with amazing views in Peru.

Highlights:

• Andean Condor flights

• Lookout points in the canyon

• Indigenous villages

• Hot springs

Travel Tip:

Begin early if you wish to increase your chances of seeing condors soar across the canyon.

Day 7: Puno & Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and perhaps the most culturally distinctive destination in this 2 week Peru itinerary.

Top Experiences

• Uros Floating Islands

• Taquile Island

• Local communities

• Reed boat tours

• Unique Accommodation

Unique Stay

Experience overnight camping on a floating island for a cultural encounter. 

Days 8-12: Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

This section represents the core of the 2 Week Peru Itinerary. Visiting the cities of Inca civilization, enjoying the mountains and the famous historical sites will make your days unforgettable.

Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary: Day 8 - Discover Cusco 

The city of Cusco does not merely serve as a base point for visiting Machu Picchu. Cusco has an intriguing history and each street is a story of the Incas and Spaniards making it a remarkable destination in South America.

Must-See Attractions 

• Plaza de Armas

• Qoricancha

• San Pedro Market

• Sacsayhuaman

Travel Tip 

Take things slowly during your first day as you get acclimatized to the elevation.

Day 9: Sacred Valley Exploration

The Sacred Valley used to be the hub for agriculture and spirituality in the Inca civilization. Today, it continues to be among the most picturesque places of Peru.

Best Stops:

• Pisac Ruins

• Pisac Market

• Moray Terraces

• Maras Salt Mines

• Ollantaytambo

Why Visit? 

Any travel plan for first-timers to Peru won’t be complete without seeing Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Travel Guide: Day 10 - Explore Peru's Greatest Wonder

No Peru itinerary for first-time visitors would be complete without Machu Picchu. Located amid clouds that veil the mountains, Machu Picchu is an incredibly beautiful archaeological site in Peru.

Machu Picchu Travel Guide Essentials 

• Book tickets well in advance

• Pick Circuit 2 route

• Arrive early

• Wear layers and rain gear

Don’t Miss

• Temple of the Sun

• Main Plaza

• Agricultural Terraces

• Classic Viewing Point

Why You Must Go

Not only is Machu Picchu Peru’s top tourist destination, but it is also arguably one of the most fulfilling trips in the world.

Day 11: Rainbow Mountain  

The Rainbow Mountain has gained popularity as one of the most favorite activities in Peru because of its unique colors and breathtaking high altitude scenery.

High Highlights

• Colored striped mountains

• Mountain peaks covered in snow

• Alpacas and llamas

• Amazing picture-taking opportunity

Difficulty 

Moderate to difficult trek because of the altitude.

Day 12: Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake serves as an excellent conclusion to adventures in the Andes. The stunningly blue water stands out perfectly against the glacial backdrop of the mountains.

What to Expect 

• Early morning departure

• Hike through the scenic mountains

• Mountain lakes fed by glaciers

• Panoramic views

Photography Tip

Come in the early morning hours when the water mirrors the nearby mountains.

Days 13-14: Amazon Rainforest

This two-week Peru itinerary ends up taking you to a whole other planet. After traveling through deserts, mountains, and ancient ruins, there are the Amazon jungles with great biodiversity to explore.

Choose either Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos as the starting point for the rainforest exploration trip.

Top Amazon Adventure Activities to Do in Peru

• Jungle trekking

• Wildlife watching

• Canoeing

• Night safaris

• Bird watching tours

Wildlife You May Encounter

• Macaws

• Sloths

• Monkeys

• Caimans

• River otters

Why End Here? 

The Amazon brings out a side of Peru that tourists rarely get a chance to experience, making it an excellent place to end your 2 week Peru itinerary. 

Peru Trip Planning Tips 

Best Time to Visit

• May through September: Perfect time for hiking due to dry weather

• October through April: Lush environment, fewer crowds 

Transportation Tips

• Air transport within the country will save a lot of traveling time.

• PeruHop enjoys a good reputation among backpackers.

• Be proactive and reserve your train tickets to Machu Picchu.

Altitude Advice 

• Accustom yourself in Cusco

• Stay hydrated

• Drink coca tea 

• Don't overexert yourself upon arriving

Essential Packing List

• Wear layered clothing

• Rain jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sun block cream

• Water bottle 

Which Peru Itinerary Should You Choose? 

Choose 7 Days If: 

• It's your first visit to Peru.

• Machu Picchu is your primary focus.

• You would like something exciting.

Choose 10 Days If:

• You want to visit both the coast and some culture.

• Arequipa and Lake Titicaca are places you’d like to visit.

• You have a well-rounded itinerary in mind.

Choose 14 Days If:

• You are looking for an authentic Peru experience.

• Amazon is one destination that is on your wish list.

• Traveling outside the conventional tourism route is your cup of tea. 

No matter how you decide to travel through Peru, you can expect an amazing experience with its Incan ruins, spectacular mountain scenery, bustling cities, wildlife, and some of the most delicious food in South America.

Conclusion

This 2 week Peru itinerary offers a great combination of culture, adventure, history, and nature in one trip. You will visit Lima, Huacachina, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and even travel through the Amazon rainforest all within two weeks time.

Plan Your Next Adventure with EraEase 

Want to discover more expert travel guides and hidden gems? Check out EraEase for your next unforgettable journey. 

FAQ’s

Is 14 days enough for Peru?

Yes, spending 14 days would be great for seeing all major sites in Peru, such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, and the Amazon.

What is the best time to visit Peru?

Traveling from May to September would be the best time since there would be good weather for sightseeing and hiking.

How many days should one plan to stay in Cusco?

You should spend a minimum of 4-5 days in Cusco for sightseeing, including the Machu Picchu hikes.

Is Machu Picchu worth visiting?

Absolutely, Yes, since it is one of the top attractions in Peru and also among the top historical places to see in the world. 

Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?

Yes, you should consider doing that at least weeks before your visit.