Peru is one of those destinations where history, culture, and stunning landscapes come together in one. If you’re planning two weeks in this country, we’ve got you! There’s so much you can do in 14 days: trekking through misty Andean trails, having some pisco sours while exploring colonial architecture, venturing into the Amazon... Here’s a unique itinerary that covers the must-sees, as well as some more unusual places to visit.
Day 1-2: Lima – A Taste of Peru’s Capital
You’re most likely to start your journey in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital. It’s known as the culinary hub of South America, so you can’t miss out on having some world-class ceviche (and other dishes) here. Stroll through the boho streets of Barranco – it’s got lovely colourful murals and countless trendy cafés –, and check out the historic heart of Lima at the Plaza de Armas. To learn a bit about Peru’s ancient civilizations, have a peek into the Larco Museum.
Day 3-5: Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Fly to Arequipa, Peru's stunning "White City" (which was briefly the capital), framed by three imposing volcanoes. You can spend the day exploring the UNESCO-listed city centre, visiting the colourful Santa Catalina Monastery, and trying rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers). On Day 4, head to Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, where you can birdwatch some Andean condors & hike through villages that seem frozen in time. To spend the night, check out some of the cosy lodges overlooking the canyon.
Day 6-8: Cusco – Gateway to the Sacred Valley
From Arequipa, catch a flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. At 11,000 feet, you’ll need to take it slow and let your body adjust to the altitude. Cusco itself is a mix of Inca ruins and Spanish colonial architecture, so check out the cobbled streets, visit the Koricancha Temple, and check out the lively San Pedro Market for a taste of local life.
On Day 7, head out into the Sacred Valley, a stretch of land filled with grand terraced hillsides, traditional markets, and small towns. Visit Pisac for the Inca ruins and handicraft market, or Maras for its ancient salt mines (still in use today!).
Day 9-10: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
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No trip to Peru is complete without seeing Machu Picchu. If you're up for it, we really recommend a two-day hike along the famous Inca Trail. This trek is shorter than the full four-day version but still very rewarding – however, if trekking isn’t your thing, you can take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and spend a night there before exploring Machu Picchu on Day 10.
Day 11-12: Lake Titicaca – Islands and Traditions
Next, hop over to Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Spend a day visiting the floating Uros Islands, made entirely of reeds, and the island of Taquile, where locals still follow pre-Incan customs. The views here, of the deep blue waters against the backdrop of the Andes, are just stunning.
Day 13-14: The Amazon Rainforest
To finish up your adventure, take a trip into the Amazon rainforest, either from Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos. Spend your last two days immersed in the wild; you'll spot monkeys, caimans, and possibly even pink river dolphins! Choose a jungle lodge and take guided hikes or boat trips to fully experience the biodiversity of this region.
