Peru Travel Itinerary: 2-Week Guide to Machu Picchu & More

If you’re seeking a vibrant, diverse destination in South America, Peru should top your list. From ancient history and colourful landscapes to thrilling hikes, this country has it all. For Daniel and me, Peru became our favourite stop in South America. Over two weeks, we trekked across snow-capped mountains, explored desert dunes, and marvelled at the world-renowned Machu Picchu. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s the ultimate 2-week Peru travel itinerary, packed with adventure and must-see attractions.

Week 1: An Adventure-Filled Peru Travel Itinerary Introduction

Lima: A Colourful Capital with a Coastal Vibe in Your Peru Travel Adventure

Start your journey in Lima, the bustling capital city. Known for its rich history and coastal beauty, Lima is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture. We only stayed for a night, but if you have more time, there’s much to explore, from historic sites to a booming culinary scene.

Where to Stay in Lima: We stayed at Alps Lima Kennedy in the Miraflores district, offering a comfortable hostel experience with a rooftop bar. Located near shops and restaurants, it’s ideal for an easy stopover. Moreover, Miraflores we found to be a relatively safe area to stay in, in Lima. Safety is something to always keep in mind when travelling around South America.

Highlights in Lima:

• Miraflores District: Stroll through the upscale neighbourhood offering panoramic ocean views, great restaurants, and cultural experiences like paragliding over the cliffs.
• Eating and Shopping: Enjoy a meal at Chillies in a shopping centre and shop for hiking gear—essential if you’re planning on tackling Peru’s trails.
• When my phone got stolen in Ecuador I bought a new one from the Apple Store in Lima!

Quick Tip: Use the bus apps RedBus or BudBus for easy travel across Peru.

Huaraz: A Must-See Destination in Your Peru Travel Itinerary for Outdoor Lovers

Next, make your way to Huaraz, a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the Andes, it’s the perfect base for hikes and high-altitude adventures as part of your Peru travel itinerary.

Getting to Huaraz: A bus from Lima to Huaraz takes about 7-8 hours. We booked our ticket through RedBus, which made the process smooth and affordable.

Accommodation in Huaraz: We stayed at Krusty Hostel, a budget-friendly option perfect for hikers. We also booked all of our tours through them as well!

Highlights in Huaraz:

• Laguna 69: One of Peru’s most stunning hikes. The trek leads to a pristine blue lake nestled between snow-capped mountains. Though challenging, the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.
• Pastoruri Glacier: A scenic, easy tour to a glacier at over 5,000 meters above sea level. A great introductory adventure if you’re new to high-altitude treks.

Altitude Sickness: Don’t underestimate the altitude. We experienced intense symptoms on our first day, so we recommend acclimatising before heading to higher elevations. There is a pharmacy in town where you can buy altitude sickness tablets, which I needed and would recommend if you suffer!

Huacachina: A Desert Oasis on Your Peru Adventure Itinerary

After Huaraz, take a bus back to Lima, then transfer to Huacachina. Known for its surreal desert landscape, this small oasis is the perfect place for a quick but unforgettable stop on your Peru travel itinerary.

Where to Stay in Huacachina: We stayed at Banana Adventures Hostel, with a cool bar, a pool, and views of the surrounding dunes. Though a bit pricier, it was worth it for the experience.

Top Activity: Don’t miss the sandboarding and dune buggy tour. It’s the ultimate adrenaline rush, complete with stunning desert views and a sunset that’s hard to beat.

Top Tips:You don’t need more than a few days here, as the main attraction is the sand dunes, and there’s not much else to do. The food at the hostel was delicious, but if you’re looking for a change, there are a few great local spots nearby that offer equally tasty options. When heading out to the sand dunes, be sure to bring a bandana or something to cover your face – the sand can whip against your skin and it can be a bit harsh!

Week 2: Exploring Cusco and Hiking to Machu Picchu on Your Peru Trip

Getting to Cusco:

The bus journey from Huacachina to Cusco takes about 20-24 hours, but it’s worth it for the budget-friendly price. If you’re short on time, consider flying from Lima to Cusco for a quicker journey.

Cusco: A Must-Visit City in Your Peru Travel Itinerary and Inca History Hub

Once in Cusco, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. As the former capital of the Inca Empire, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key stop in your Peru travel itinerary.

Accommodation in Cusco: We stayed at Intro Hostel, located near the Plaza de Armas and it made for the perfect stay before going on all of our hikes.

Highlights in Cusco:

• Rainbow Mountains (Vinicunca): The multi-coloured peaks of the Rainbow Mountains are one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes. We booked a tour through Machu Picchu Reservations for $25 USD (which you can book in the nearby shop). While challenging due to high altitudes, the stunning views make the journey worthwhile. We did hear from other backpackers that the Rainbow Mountains were underwhelming and wouldn’t bother. However, we did and we were so glad we went! The mountains really are rainbow colour!

Salkantay Trek: A 5-Day Adventure to Machu Picchu in Your Peru Travel Guide

The Salkantay Trek was the highlight of our Peru travel itinerary. This 5-day trek takes you from the high-altitude mountains to the lush Amazon jungle, culminating at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

What to Expect on the Salkantay Trek:

• Stunning views of snow-capped peaks, dense jungle, and Inca ruins.
• Challenging but rewarding, with the option to hire horses for parts of the trek if needed.
• A true bucket-list experience that’s physically demanding but incredibly fulfilling.

Machu Picchu Tips:

• Book your Machu Picchu tickets in advance—there are various zones, and availability can be limited.
• If you’re visiting after the trek, make sure your tour company arranges tickets to avoid disappointment. We went with Machu Picchu Reservations and they booked our entry ticket to Machu Picchu for us. I highly recommend that you select this option when booking the trek as you don’t want to be queuing for a ticket when you get there! You will also have to depart the trek early in order to be able to go queue for tickets. SO GET THE TICKET IN ADVANCE 😀

Dining in Cusco: Satisfy Your Appetite After Your Peru Adventure

Cusco also boasts a fantastic food scene, adding a delicious experience to your Peru travel itinerary. Here are some of our favourite spots:

• Dolce Far Niente: The best Italian restaurant in town.
• JC’s Cafe Cusco: Great for large portions and strong coffee.
• Molly’s Irish Bar: A cosy pub for delicious meals and drinks.
• Taste of India: For authentic Indian food with a beautiful balcony view.

Final Thoughts: Why Peru Should Be Your Next Peru Adventure

From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru offers an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re trekking to Machu Picchu or simply soaking in the vibrant culture, the country’s diverse landscapes and rich history make it a must-visit destination. Our 2-week Peru travel itinerary is just the beginning—Peru has so much more to explore.