Two Week Peru Itinerary
Exploring Peru in two weeks allows you to experience its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural landscapes. This itinerary includes visits to iconic sites and hidden gems, from the bustling capital of Lima to the mysterious Nazca Lines, the unique biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, the cultural richness of Cusco, the majestic Sacred Valley, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Week 1: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, and Arequipa
Day 1-2: Lima
Activities: Explore the historic center, visit the Larco Museum, and enjoy the coastal views in Miraflores. Try Peruvian cuisine in one of Lima’s renowned restaurants.
Transport: Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport serves as your entry point. Use taxis or rideshare apps to get around the city.
Day 3: Paracas and Ballestas Islands
Activities: Early morning bus to Paracas. Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and birds. Visit the Paracas National Reserve in the afternoon.
Transport: Bus from Lima to Paracas takes about 4 hours. Tours to the Ballestas Islands depart from the Paracas waterfront.
Day 4: Nazca Lines
Activities: Bus to Nazca. Take a flight over the Nazca Lines to see the geoglyphs from above. Visit the Chauchilla Cemetery if time permits.
Transport: Bus from Paracas to Nazca takes about 3 hours. Flights over the Nazca Lines can be arranged in Nazca.
Day 5-6: Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Activities: Explore Arequipa’s historic center, including the Santa Catalina Monastery. Day trip to Colca Canyon to see the flight of the condors and enjoy the hot springs.
Transport: Bus from Nazca to Arequipa takes about 10 hours, consider an overnight bus. Tours to Colca Canyon typically include hotel pickup in Arequipa.
Week 2: Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu
Day 7-8: Cusco
Activities: Wander through Cusco’s cobblestone streets, visit the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Sacsayhuaman fortress, and explore San Pedro Market. Acclimatize to the altitude.
Transport: Flight from Arequipa to Cusco takes about 1 hour. Cusco is walkable, but taxis are available for longer distances.
Day 9-10: Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray)
Activities: Visit the Pisac market and ruins, the Ollantaytambo fortress, and the Moray agricultural terraces. Consider a traditional weaving demonstration in Chinchero.
Transport: Buses and colectivos (shared vans) run from Cusco to various Sacred Valley sites. Ollantaytambo is about 2 hours from Cusco by bus.
Day 11-12: Machu Picchu
Activities: Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Spend the next day exploring Machu Picchu early in the morning. Consider hiking Huayna Picchu for a bird’s-eye view.
Transport: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5 hours. Buses shuttle from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Day 13: Return to Cusco
Activities: Return to Cusco. Use this day to relax, shop for souvenirs, or visit any sites you may have missed.
Transport: Train back to Ollantaytambo, then bus or taxi to Cusco.
Day 14: Departure
Activities: Depending on your departure time, you may have free time in Cusco. Visit the San Blas neighborhood if you haven’t yet.
Transport: Taxi from Cusco to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, approximately 20 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Altitude Sickness: Spend time acclimatizing in Cusco to prevent altitude sickness, especially before visiting Machu Picchu.
- Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities, but carry cash in small denominations for rural areas.
- Safety: While Peru is generally safe for tourists, take standard precautions with your belongings and in crowded places.
- Language: Spanish is the official language. Quechua is spoken in many Andean regions. English is understood in tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.
This two-week itinerary offers a balanced exploration of Peru’s historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable journey through this fascinating country.
