How to Plan a 2-Week Peru Itinerary

2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to spend in Peru if you'd like to see all the top destinations without having to rush. At Global Highlights, we believe that travel should not only be incredible and eye opening, but also relaxing and rejuvenating for the soul.

In Peru, you can take in the beauty of Machu Picchu with your own eyes, explore the many islands of Lake Titicaca, spend time in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, cruise down the Amazon River, or even take a quick flight to the Galapagos Islands or neighboring Bolivia to make your trip truly a dream experience.

Where to go during your 2 Weeks in Peru

Here are the most popular destinations that can be easily added to your journey.

We hope this helps you narrow down your favorite destinations and plan your perfect and unique itinerary!

Machu Picchu and Cusco are definitely the number 1 place to visit in Peru and for good reason!

Llama at Machu Picchu

Cusco is located high in the Andes mountains and is a wonderful place to explore as it's full of charming Spanish colonial architecture, great food, and beautiful views. After spending a day or two in Cusco, take the Inca train to the unrivaled ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu to take in the ruins, grab the quintessential Peru travel photo, and maybe even meet some friendly llamas and alpacas along the way.

Cusco is also the jumping off point for a day trip to Peru's famous Rainbow Mountain.

The Sacred Valley is definitely number two on the list of must-see spots in Peru. If you are fascinated by Incan culture and Peruvian mountain lifestyle, spend a few days touring the Sacred Valley located below Machu Picchu. This area is brimming with Peruvian mountain culture and gorgeous scenery.

Ancient Inca Terraces in Sacred Valley

Lake Titicaca is often called the highest lake in the world. At an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,800 meters), this is a great place to relax on a boat on the water as your knowledgeable guide takes you on a tour of the lake's famous man-made floating islands. An idyllic lake is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy nature, and truly relax with a beautiful view.

The Amazon River is another popular option if you want some relaxation time surrounded by nature during your trip. The best way to see the Amazon Rainforest is from a comfortable chair on the deck of a cruise boat. Take in the jungle in style as you travel down the river spotting wildlife and small villages on the shore.

Many cruises also make a stop along the journey to allow guests to get off the boat and explore local native communities.

Boat in the river in the peruvian Amazon jungle

Lima is a great stop in any Peru trip, especially for the food! As the capital of Peru, this city is the bustling center of modern Peruvian culture and cuisine. Take a food tour of the city to try out the best Peru has to offer. From whole-in-the-wall treasures to Michelin star-rated masterpieces, you can find a little bit of everything in Lima.

The Huaca Pucllana in the Miraflores district of Lima

If you want to see more than one country on your trip, consider a stop in the Galapagos. Here, you can travel by boat from island to island while relaxing in the sun and viewing the area's rich wildlife from giant tortoises to marine iguanas. Take a tour in a glass-bottomed boat to appreciate the variety of marine life, or go snorkeling to get an up close experience with sea turtles.

A panoramic view of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Many people who travel to Peru also like to visit Bolivia on the same trip. Bolivia and Peru are next to each other and even share Lake Titicaca. The two countries are also culturally similar, and Bolivia is just as rich as Peru when it comes to natural beauty. Bolivia is most famous for the reflective and picturesque Uyuni Salt Flats, the vibrant Laguna Colorada, the Ruins of Tiwanaku, the mountain-ringed city of La Paz, and the Salt-Harvesting village of Colchani.

2 Week Peru Itineraries: 3 Best Options

Below are three different examples of Peru itineraries to use as a reference for planning your own incredible trip!

1. The Classics of Peru

• Lima - Amazon Rainforest - Cusco - Machu Picchu - the Sacred Valley - Lake Titicaca

Hike in Cusco, Peru

Begin your journey in Lima where you will take a private tour of the city and start learning about the people of Peru as well as their culture and lifestyle. Then, explore the Amazon Rainforest on either guided excursions or from the deck of a cruise ship while relaxing with a drink in hand.

Afterwards, head to Cusco which will be your base to explore the ancient footsteps of the Incan empire from Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley. Finally, spend the last few days of your trip relaxing on the waters of Lake Titicaca, then return to Lima to catch your flight home.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima and check into hotel
• Day 2: Tour Lima

• Day 3: Fly to Iquitos and board your Amazon cruise
• Day 4: Explore the Amazon Rainforest
• Day 5: Visit native communities

• Day 6: Return to Iquitos and then fly to Cusco
• Day 7: Tour Cusco
• Day 8: Sacred Valley tour
• Day 9: Scenic Inca Train to Machu Picchu town
• Day 10: Tour Machu Picchu in the morning then return to Cusco
• Day 11: Rainbow Mountain

• Day 12: Fly from Cusco to Puno
• Day 13: Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands tour
• Day 14: Return to Lima and catch your flight home

2. Peru and the Galapagos Islands

• Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands - Lima - Cusco - Andes Mountains - Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca

Galapagos Sea Lions - Espanola - Galapagos Islands

Get the best of both worlds by seeing the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos and cultural diversity of Peru. Start your journey in Guayaquil, the jumping off point for the Galapagos Islands then travel by boat from island to island to take in the scenery and wildlife.

After 5 days in the Galapagos, start your Peru journey in the foodie city of Lima. Then head up to Cusco to explore the Andes Mountains and Machu Picchu.

Finally, complete your journey with a relaxing day on Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Land in Guayaquil, Ecuador
• Day 2: Fly to the Galapagos, tour Black Turtle Cove
• Day 3: Explore Sullivan Bay and Rabida Island
• Day 4: See the black sand beaches of Urbina Bay
• Day 5: Snorkel at Punta Espinosa and Punta Vicente Roca
• Day 6: Fly to Lima, Peru
• Day 7: Lima guided tour
• Day 8: Fly to Cusco and tour the city
• Day 9: Sacred Valley tour
• Day 10: Take the Inca Rail to Aguas Calientes
• Day 11: Private tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
• Day 12: Fly from Cusco to Puno
• Day 13: Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands tour
• Day 14: Return to Lima and catch your flight home

3. Peru and Bolivia

• Lima - Cusco - Andes and Machu Picchu -Puno - Lake Titicaca - La Paz

Check two countries off your travel list by visiting both Peru and Bolivia together. Start your journey in Lima with a food tour of this bursting culinary hotspot. Then travel to Cusco which is not only a charming colonial-era city, but also your base for exploring the Andes and Machu Picchu.

From Cusco, fly to Puno where you will spend a day relaxing while exploring the famous Uros man-made floating islands on Lake Titicaca. Then return to Puno and start you discovery of Bolivia after a flight to La Paz. In La Paz, explore the ruins of Tiwanaku before traveling to the truly picturesque salt flats. Then, spend your last day relaxing in La Paz before returning home.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru and take a tour of the city
• Day 2: Fly to Cusco and tour the city
• Day 3: Sacred Valley tour
• Day 4: Take the Inca Train to Machu Picchu town
• Day 5: Tour Machu Picchu then return to Cusco
• Day 6: Travel from Cusco to Puno
• Day 7: Tour Lake Titicaca and the Uros Floating Islands
• Day 8: Fly from Puno to La Paz, Bolivia
• Day 9: Explore the Ruins of Tiwanaku
• Day 10: Travel to Uyuni
• Day 11: Spend your day taking in the Uyuni Salt Flats
• Day 12: Visit the salt-harvesting town of Colchani
• Day 13: Relax and sightsee in La Paz
• Day 14: Fly out of La Paz and return home

How Much is a 2-Week Trip to Peru?

Train to Machu Picchu - the lost city of the Incas, Peru

Peru is great for value for money. For most travelers coming from North America or Europe, you'll find that you are able to afford a hotel room at a 5-star luxury hotel for the same price per night as a 3-star hotel room back home.

• If you have a lower budget, you will need around 150-200 USD per day per person for your trip. This price includes airfare within Peru, a 3-star hotel, lunch, attractions, a private guide, and transfers. Total cost of a 2-week Peru trip would be around 2100-2800 USD.
• For a medium budget, it will cost from 200-300 USD per day per person. This price includes flights within Peru, a 4-star hotel, lunch, attractions, a private guide, and transfers. Total cost of a 2-week Peru trip would be around 2800-4200 USD.
• For a higher budget, the price per person per day will be 300 USD and up. This means that the total price of the trip would be $4200 or more. This price includes travel within Peru, a 5-star hotel, lunch, attractions, a private guide, and transfers.

If you choose to add a trip to the Galapagos Islands to your Peru travels, you will likely need to spend 400-500 USD per day. Visiting the Galapagos requires more money for boat rentals, snorkel gear, and accommodation. Adding Bolivia to your Peru trip will not affect the price much as the cost of travel in both countries is relatively similar.

Tips for Arranging a 2-Week Trip to Peru

• While it's important to see as much as you can, remember don't arrange your schedule too tightly. If you try to pack too many activities into one day, it will leave you feeling exhausted.
• Prepare your documents in advance. Citizens from the U.S., Canada, and the European Union do not need a visa to enter Peru, however, travelers will need to gather documents related to Covid-19 entry requirements. As the pandemic changes, these requirements also change. We can help you figure out exactly what you need, just drop us a line!
• Keep an eye on flights. Peru and other Latin American countries have reopened for tourism and as more and more people start traveling again, flight prices can change quickly. Peru is a popular travel destination and you should book your tickets early, especially if you plan on visiting during the dry season (May to October).
• Use a travel agency. A professional travel agency can prepare a well-planned tailor-made itinerary that will save you time and money, help you prepare documents, deal with last minute problems in a timely manner, and be your safeguard as you travel overseas.

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