The HowTo NetworkTravel

Planning a Two-Week Peru Trip

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Focus on the 'Gringo Trail' loop to balance acclimatization with iconic sights. Fly between major hubs to save time, and spend your first three days in the Sacred Valley to adjust to the altitude before heading to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Budget
$150 per day
Duration
14 days recommended
Best Time
May to September
Visa Required
Depends; check your consulate for tourist exemption status.

Step by step

  1. Build in mandatory altitude buffer

    Do not fly into Cusco and head straight to Machu Picchu. Fly into Lima, then immediately take a connection to Cusco or train to the Sacred Valley. Stay at a lower altitude (like Urubamba or Ollantaytambo) for the first 48 hours to prevent altitude sickness.

  2. Prioritize internal flights

    Peru is massive and mountainous. Use LATAM or Sky Airlines for the Lima-Cusco and Cusco-Arequipa legs. A bus ride that takes 18 hours can be done in a 1-hour flight for roughly $60–$90 if booked 4 weeks out.

  3. Book your Machu Picchu entry early

    You must buy your circuit tickets and train tickets (PeruRail or Inca Rail) at least 2-3 months in advance. You cannot buy these at the gate. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu, book it 4-5 months ahead.

  4. Limit your scope

    Don't try to see the Amazon, the coast, and the Andes in 14 days. Pick one main region (Cusco/Sacred Valley) and one secondary region (Arequipa/Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca) to avoid spending your whole trip in transit.

Questions people ask

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Drink only bottled or filtered water everywhere in Peru, including in nice hotels.

Should I book tours before I go?

Book Machu Picchu and domestic flights months ahead. Book day trips like the Salt Mines or Colca Canyon 24 hours in advance through your hotel or local operators.

Notes
Expect $40/day for high-end meals, $30 for mid-range hotels, and $50/day for tours and internal transit. Excluding international flights.
Daily Estimate
120-180

Packing

  • Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
  • Lightweight down jacket (for altitude)
  • Personal water filtration bottle
  • Sunscreen (high SPF, the mountain sun is brutal)
  • Universal power adapter (Type A/C)

Itinerary

  • 1 — Light dinner, hydrate, sleep early. — Arrive in Lima (LIM). — Connect to Cusco (CUZ). Take a private transfer directly to Ollantaytambo. — Drink coca tea immediately to help with the elevation.
  • 2 — Rest. — Explore Ollantaytambo ruins. — Walk the town, visit local markets. — Ollantaytambo is at 2,792m, much easier on the lungs than Cusco.
  • 3 — Return to Ollantaytambo. — Visit Maras Salt Mines. — Visit Moray terraces. — Hire a private driver for the day ($50-$70).
  • 4 — Sleep in Aguas Calientes. — Take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. — Check into hotel, walk the town. — Bring only a small day pack for this overnight trip.
  • 5 — Check into Cusco hotel. — Machu Picchu circuit. — Train back to Ollantaytambo, then private car to Cusco. — Book the earliest bus up to the ruins (5:30 AM).
  • 6 — Dinner in San Blas. — Sacsayhuaman fortress. — Cusco Plaza de Armas. — Walk slowly; the altitude is real here (3,400m).
  • 7 — Cusco museum hopping. — Free morning in Cusco. — Visit San Pedro Market. — Buy the Boleto Turístico for all site entries.
  • 8 — Dinner in Arequipa. — Fly from Cusco to Arequipa. — Explore Santa Catalina Monastery. — Arequipa is the 'White City' and significantly warmer.
  • 9 — Stay in Colca Canyon hotel. — Tour to Colca Canyon. — Visit Chivay. — Pack layers; it freezes at night.
  • 10 — Relax in Arequipa. — Cruz del Condor viewpoint. — Return to Arequipa. — Bring binoculars for condor spotting.
  • 11 — Dinner in Lima. — Fly to Lima. — Check into Miraflores. — Lima traffic is heavy; leave plenty of time for transit.
  • 12 — Ceviche dinner. — Larco Museum. — Walk the Malecon. — Use Uber or Cabify instead of hailing street taxis.
  • 13 — Final Pisco Sour. — Barranco district street art walk. — Shopping for souvenirs. — Barranco is the best neighborhood for arts/cafes.
  • 14 — Flight home. — Morning coffee. — Depart from LIM. — Airport security at LIM is slow; arrive 3 hours early.

For the planning: more 2-week trips, how to plan a two-week trip from scratch and how to pack for two weeks in a carry-on.