2 weeks in Peru: the perfect 14-day itinerary
Two weeks is the sweet spot for a first trip to Peru: long enough to see the icons without rushing and to give your body the time it needs at altitude. This route follows the classic southern loop — Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa — climbing gradually and saving the highest days for when you are acclimatized.
The route at a glance
| Days | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Lima | Miraflores, Barranco, the historic centre and Peruvian food |
| 3–4 | Sacred Valley | Acclimatize lower; Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray |
| 5 | Machu Picchu | Train from Ollantaytambo and guided visit |
| 6–9 | Cusco | City tour, Humantay Lake, a free day and Rainbow Mountain |
| 10–11 | Puno and Lake Titicaca | Scenic road, Uros and Taquile islands |
| 12–14 | Arequipa | The White City, Colca Canyon option, flight home |
Days 1–2: Lima
Most international flights land in Lima, and it is worth two nights rather than rushing on. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco for clifftop walks over the Pacific and the bohemian art scene, visit the colonial historic centre and, above all, eat: Lima is one of the world’s great food cities, so book a memorable ceviche lunch. These two days at sea level also help you recover from the flight before the altitude.
Let us build your two weeks
Tell us your dates and interests and we will adapt this route to you, with tours, transport and guides.
Days 3–4: the Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco in the morning and go straight down to the Sacred Valley, which is lower and warmer — the best way to acclimatize. Spend two easy days among the terraces of Pisac, the fortress of Ollantaytambo, the salt pans of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray. See the 5 Sacred Valley sites you must see.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
From Ollantaytambo, take the train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu with a guide. Entry is by timed ticket on a fixed circuit and sells out in high season, so book early. Sleeping in Aguas Calientes the night before lets you enter early, before the crowds. If you prefer to walk, swap these days for the Short Inca Trail.
Days 6–9: Cusco and the mountains
Return to Cusco, now well acclimatized. Spend a morning on the City Tour, then do the two great mountain day trips: Humantay Lake and, last of all, Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 m. Keep a free day in between for San Blas, the markets and the museums. Our Cusco travel guide has everything else.
Days 10–11: Puno and Lake Titicaca
Travel overland from Cusco to Puno on a full-day scenic route across the high plateau, with stops along the way. The next day, sail Lake Titicaca to the Uros floating islands and Taquile, known for its textile tradition. Our Lake Titicaca day tour (from US $70) covers both; the 2-day version (from US $95) adds a night with a local family. More in our Lake Titicaca guide.
Days 12–14: Arequipa and home
A bus takes you down to Arequipa, the elegant “White City” built from volcanic stone and watched over by the Misti volcano. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and the historic centre, or take a two-day trip to the Colca Canyon to watch condors. Fly home via Lima on day 14.
Alternatives to this route
- Amazon instead of Arequipa: after Lake Titicaca, return to Cusco and spend three or four days in the Manu rainforest.
- A multi-day trek: replace the Cusco days with the Salkantay trek or the classic Inca Trail, finishing at Machu Picchu.
- Less time? See how many days you need in Peru or our 8-day itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Two weeks lets you see Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa or the Amazon at a comfortable pace.
Start low (Lima, then the Sacred Valley), visit Machu Picchu, then do the high excursions around Cusco and Lake Titicaca once acclimatized.
Lake Titicaca suits travellers interested in Andean culture and fits naturally between Cusco and Arequipa; the Amazon suits wildlife lovers. Two weeks is enough for one of them comfortably.
By tourist or long-distance bus. Cusco–Puno takes a full day on the scenic route; Puno–Arequipa takes about half a day.
May to September for dry weather in the Andes; April, October and November for a good balance of weather and fewer crowds.
