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Are you planning to adventure for 2 weeks in Peru? I have a great Peru itinerary for you! Known for its unique culture, breathtaking nature, and mind-blowing archaeological sites, Peru is a fantastic destination for any adventurer.
What to Know About Peru Travel Logistics
Here are Peru FAQs and things to know about travel to Peru – before you go!
When to Go to Peru
Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to explore some of Peru’s most exciting destinations – it is a huge country after all, so if you have even more time, take it! Let’s cover when to go.
Peru can be pretty rainy for some of the year, so it’s best to go between May and October during the dry season. The wettest months are January and February, so you probably want to avoid booking your trip during these months. Note, the dry is season is often colder.
If you’re trying to save money, visiting Peru between November and April tends to be cheaper and less crowded, so it could be worth it if a bit of rain doesn’t bother you.
Weather & Climate
Peru’s overall climate is mild, sunny, and beautiful, but the temperatures can vary by region. Naturally, the coastal region is a bit cooler than other areas.
You can expect the temperatures here to be anywhere from 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the Amazon has a warmer climate and usually has temperatures between 84 and 91 degrees. Spanning from the Andes to the coast and the jungle, get the specifics of your route first for a more accurate weather forecast.
How to get around
The easiest way to get around Peru is by bus. For reliable and on-time service, use well-known bus companies like Peru Hop and Cruz del Sur.
Packing for Peru
Before we get into the Peru itinerary, you will need to know what to pack for your trip! Keep in mind that you’ll be outside and on your feet all day, so it’s best to pack comfortable clothes. Here’s a brief list of things you should be sure to bring with you:
- Comfortable shoes, like tennis shoes
- A raincoat or waterproof jacket always!
- 2 or 3 warm sweaters (even in the summer, it gets chilly at night)
- 2 or 3 pairs of long pants
- Comfortable t-shirts
- Longsleeve PJs and thermals for camping
- Multiple pairs of socks
- Bug spray
- Lots of sunscreen
Recommended 2 Week Peru Itinerary
Here’s my 2-week itinerary for Peru based on past experience.
Day 1: Fly into Lima
To begin your 2 week Peru itinerary, fly into the Lima airport and stay in the city for the first two nights. You can get to Lima’s city center by booking a taxi or taking a bus.
Take the first day to settle in and rest up for the next day’s adventure or take a walk around town and enjoy your first Peruvian meal.
Here are a few great hotel options that are top-rated and in fantastic locations. (You’ll also notice that even the nicest hotels here are incredibly affordable!)
Day 2: Lima Highlights
While you’re in Lima, there are so many things to see and do. The best way to experience the city and see everything it has to offer is by booking a guided day tour. For example, you could book a city highlight’s day tour that lasts 6 hours and takes you to all of Lima’s historic must-see locations.
There are also exciting water activity tours, such as this 6-hour cruise to the Palomino Islands on a luxury yacht. Relax on the water with snacks and drinks while you sail beside Lima’s surrounding islands, and you’ll even get the chance to swim with sea lions!
Day 3: Boat Trip to the Islands
For day three of this 2 week Peru itinerary, take a boat trip to experience the beautiful Ballestas Islands. Several boats from Lima will take you to these islands: I took PeruHop’s bus to the town of Paracas as a stop on a longer itinerary, and we got our boat tickets at the docks.
Tonight you’ll stay in Paracas. It’s only a 2-hours from Lima, and it’s a low-key vibe. Here are some great accommodation options for your night in Paracas:
Day 4: Dune Buggying & Sand Boarding in the Huacachina Oasis
Get ready for an adventurous day in the desert! For day four, you’ll spend the day out in the sun dune buggying and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis.
To make the most of your time in the Huacachina Oasis, you can book a dune buggy and sand boarding group tour. This tour is the best of both worlds with a stop at a local winery before heading to the dunes for a sandboard or sand surfing lesson.
Day 5: Travel Day to Arequipa
Continue your trip by taking a bus from Paracas to Arequipa. On the way, be sure to stop by the famous Nazca Lines, which are ancient pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into the desert sands.
Like other Peruvian cities, Arequipa is full of culture and beautiful nature. You’ll stay three nights here. Here are some top-rated accommodations you can book for your trip:
Day 6: Arequipa
Take day 6 to explore the beauty of Arequipa. This beautiful city has so much to offer. Start your Arequipa adventure with some delicious Peruvian food! For some of the best traditional Peruvian food head to Zig Zag and Chica por Gaston Acurio.
For some non-food-related exploration, take the Afternoon Panoramic Bus Tour that brings you around the city and shows you amazing 360 views of the landscape. You could also walk around the old town and explore the city’s offerings by foot.
Day 7: Arequipa
For your last day in Arequipa, take an unforgettable trip to Colca Canyon, which is a group of the largest canyons in the world. An easy way to get to the canyons is by booking this full day guided tour that lasts 12-15 hours and brings you right to the canyon.
The pickup is very early in the morning (around 3 am!), but the early bird catches the worm when it comes to experiencing these gorgeous canyons.
Day 8: Lake Titicaca
Get ready for another travel day on day 8 of your Peru itinerary! It’s time to go from Arequipa to Puno. You can expect the bus ride to be around 6 hours long, but luckily you will have a beautiful view out the window to keep you entertained.
You can find a bus and book tickets here. Keep in mind that there’s no train that goes from Arequipa to Puno.
Once you arrive in Puno, you have to take a visit to its famous Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is one of South America’s biggest lakes, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a long bus ride.
Day 9: Cusco
After exploring Puno and the beautiful Lake Titicaca, you’ll travel to Cusco. Cusco is essentially the jump-off point for visiting Machu Picchu and is full of exciting history. What was once the capital of the Incan Empire is now known for its vibrant culture, Spanish colonial architecture, and fascinating archaeological remains.
Day 10: Cusco
For day 10 of your Peru itinerary, relax and explore the historic city of Cusco. If you want an excellent and all-inclusive deal that allows you to explore the top tourist attractions, museums, and heritage sights, get this Tourist Ticket.
Day 11: Machu Picchu
Get ready for the ultimate Peru experience! The next stop on this 2 week Peru itinerary is Machu Picchu. You’ll head over to Machu Picchu and spend 3 nights/ 4 days here in total. You can choose from multiple treks, but we recommend Lares, Salkantay, and the Inca Treks.
To make your trek an unforgettable experience, consider booking a private, English-speaking tour guide like the one I wook with Valencia Travel Cusco. This private tour company is locally owned and provides everything you’ll need for a comfortable camping experience in Machu Picchu (no literally, they even brought a chef and private mobile toilet).
Day 12 + 13: Machu Picchu
Spend days 12 and 13 of your trip to Peru exploring, hiking, and relaxing within the beautiful atmosphere of Machu Picchu. Before your trek, be sure to be prepared for the ever-changing weather, as you might experience sunshine, rain, and hail all within a matter of minutes.
Day 14: Fly Out of Cusco
It’s time to say goodbye and wrap up this trip of a lifetime. To finish your 2 week Peru itinerary, you will fly out of Cusco after returning from Machu Picchu. It takes around 4 hours to get to the airport in Cusco if you take the train from Machu Picchu, so be sure you plan out enough time to make your flight.
Tips for Adjusting Your Peru Itinerary Schedule
If You Have Extra days in Peru
If you have extra days to spare, I recommend adding 3 more nights to your Peru trip.
Take a night to rest in Cusco after trekking Machu Picchu. Or stay an extra 2 nights so that you can visit Rainbow Mountain from Cusco.
The Rainbow Mountain is a popular tourist spot for a reason. Take in the colors of this mountain in the Andes of Peru and learn about how they came to be. To experience the mountains to their fullest, book a day tour that takes you through the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the surrounding glaciers.
If You Have Less time in Peru
If you don’t have 14 days to spare, I recommend cutting out Colca Canyon, reducing your stay in Arequipa (2 nights instead of 3), and skipping Lake Titicaca in Puno. That’ll bring your trip down to 12 days.
If you have even less time to spare, plan a 10 day trip to Peru instead by spending one night in Arequipa and taking a shorter Machu Picchu trek that lasts 2 days instead of 3. Some people even opt to skip the trek all together and take the train.
Peru is a beautiful country, no matter how long you plan to visit! Use this guide as a starting point for your planning or follow it step by step.
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