Catherine - Savvy Family TravelThis 2 week Peru itinerary is designed to give you a taste of everything: ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley (Machu Picchu and more), vibrant Cusco, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Arequipa’s elegant plazas, the surreal Nazca Lines, sandboarding in the desert, Paracas’ wild coast, and of course, plenty of time in Lima to eat your way through the capital.
This 14 day Peru itinerary works well for first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the country, families who need a balance of activity and downtime, and foodies who want to sample everything from market snacks to local delicacies.
2 Week Peru Itinerary
2 Week Peru Itinerary at a Glance
This 14 day Peru itinerary is a mix of small villages, bustling cities, and quiet nature escapes. The route makes a loop through southern Peru, starting in the Andes and finishing on the coast. Days 1–3 are dedicated to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Days 4–5 are spent in Cusco. Days 6–7 bring you to Lake Titicaca. Days 8–9 are for Arequipa, with the option to tack on Colca Canyon. Day 10 covers Nazca and its mysterious lines. Days 11–12 are about wildlife and desert landscapes in Huacachina & Paracas. And finally, days 13–14 wrap up in Lima.
- Days 1–3: Sacred Valley – ruins, terraces, colorful markets
- Days 4–5: Cusco – history, culture, day trips
- Days 6–7: Lake Titicaca – Uros floating islands, Taquile Island
- Days 8–9: Arequipa – colonial charm, optional Colca Canyon
- Day 10: Nazca Lines – scenic flight or viewpoint stop
- Days 11–12: Huacachina, Paracas & Ballestas Islands – desert sandboarding, ocean wildlife
- Days 13–14: Lima – food, neighborhoods, museums
Tip: Keep in mind that this itinerary covers a variety of climates, from high-altitude mountains to dry desert coastlines, so packing layers is essential.
Reaching the Sacred Valley
Day 0: Travel & Check Into Hotel
Many international travelers will enter the country through Lima’s airport. From there, we recommend booking a flight to Cusco that departs 3 hours after your incoming flight lands. This gives you sufficient time to clear immigration, collect bags, pass customs then re-enter the terminal through security for your next flight.
Flying into Cusco and immediately heading into the Sacred Valley is a smart move. The altitude is slightly lower in the Valley vs. Cusco, so it gives your body time to adjust while still immersing you in Incan history and building anticipation for your Machu Picchu tour.
Travelers should choose between lodging in either Urubamba (more luxury options) or Ollantaytambo (a living Incan city). Families often prefer Urubamba’s larger hotels with pools, while couples and solo travelers may love Ollantaytambo’s cobblestone charm. Ollantaytambo is also convenient for catching the train.
Here are some wonderful hotel options:
Ollantaytambo
- El Albergue – Attached to the Ollantaytambo Train Station that will take you to Aguas Calientes. Minutes by tuk tuk to the center of Ollantaytambo. Family bungalow available.
- Tunupa Lodge – Alpaca hang out on site, rooms for four, easy access to train and downtown.
Urubamba
- Aranwa– Top Rated Luxury.
- Lizzy Wasi – Affordable stay for families and groups.
- Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Upscale stay for families.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
We booked a private guide and driver, Hernan + Isaaq, to take us around on Days 1-4 of our 2 week Peru itinerary. We paid $1060 plus tips for their phenomenal service. Hernan also offers a full service package price where he books all the entry tickets and train tickets for you, but we opted to do that ourselves.
Day 1: Salt Flats, Weaving, and Incan Farm
The valley is dotted with archaeological sites, villages, and stunning scenery.
Hire a driver and guide to take you to the salt mines and Moray’s circular terraces. The Maras Salt Mine’s pools are each privately operated and the owning families sell their salt onsite as well as distribute.
The Moray Incan farm is a fascinating example of ancient practices of bioengineering. Farmers would gradually acclimate plant seeds to altitude changes but moving them up or down the terraced farm. To get in, you’ll purchase the Boleto Turístico card for 130 soles per adult. This card will get you into several tourist sites in the Sacred Valley and in Cusco.
Take a break for lunch at La Portada Restaurante before heading to the Chinchera Weaving Center.
At the Weaving Center, kids can feed guinea pigs, alpaca, and llama. Then you’ll be served traditional tea while you learn about the process of washing, dying and spinning alpaca fibers into string.
The presentation is captivating and you’ll be happy to support them buy purchasing a Peruvian souvenir.
Day 2: Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes
Ollantaytambo feels frozen in time, with original Incan street plans and a fortress that brings stories of the Battle of Ollantaytambo to life. This was a crucial battle where the Inca’s militia army defeated the invading Spanish forces.
Start the day with a visit to Pumamarca Fortress. It’s a well preserved archaelogical site about 20 minutes outside Ollantaytambo.
The Ollantaytambo Fortress is best visited early in the morning before tour buses arrive from Cusco.
For lunch, head to Apu Veronica Restaurant. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu, but I really enjoyed their Ceviche. Of the 6 I had while in Peru, theirs was the best.
In the mid-afternoon, catch a train on Inca Rail or Peru Rail to Aguas Calientes. This town is the gateway to Machu Picchu so you’ll spend one night there before your Machu Picchu tour. For more details on the Machu Picchu highlight of your journey, read this post.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Here it is, the day you’ve been waiting for for months! (OK, maybe years!) After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you’ll board the bus for Machu Picchu or hike in on the Inca Trail.
No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the moment you see the citadel framed by Huayna Picchu.
Ticket Recommendations:
- Book tickets via the official site (use an incognito browser for best results)
- The clouds typically lift between 9-10am if they are going to clear, so an 8 or 9am ticket is ideal.
- Circuit 2 Lower (Inferior) is an excellent option. Our guide explained that it is less popular because people wrongly assume lower means you won’t get to go the upper viewpoints but that’s not the case.
- Circuit 2 takes about 2.5-3 hours and is a one way route through this section of the ruins.
Understandably, Machu Picchu has strict rules on what can be carried in in order to protect the site. Download our printable Packing List for Machu Picchu to make sure you have everything you’ll need while respecting these rules.
When you return to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu, catch the train directly to Cusco if you have all your suitcases, or back to your Urubamba or Ollantaytambo hotel. We did the latter and our driver drove us to Cusco that evening.
When you get to Cusco, check into your hotel and if you aren’t wiped head to the Plaza de Armas to experience its night vibes.
Cusco
Day 4: Historic Cusco
Cusco is one of those cities where you can spend days just wandering. But we still had our guide and driver for one more day so we hit all the historic sites and saved our sauntering for Day 5.
The Plaza de Armas is the obvious starting point, surrounded by colonial churches and lively cafes.
From there, its a quick walk to the San Pedro Market for a sensory overload of fruit juices, textiles, and local dishes.
A short drive will get you to Qorikancha, once the most important Incan temple, is fascinating to explore, especially how Spanish architecture was built right on top of Incan foundations.
Next up, is Cusco’s best local archaeological site. Sacsayhuamán is a massive Inca fortress just above Cusco, known for its enormous stone walls that fit together so precisely no mortar was needed. The site once served both as a ceremonial center and a military stronghold, playing a key role in protecting the Inca capital. Today, it’s one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru, offering sweeping views of Cusco and a glimpse into Inca engineering genius.
Our kids really enjoyed its tunnels and the giant rock slides.
If you want an authentic local lunch, head to a cuyería where they’ll serve baked or fried guinea pig. If you want a place with a more diverse menu and fantastic atmosphere, check out Jack’s.
Spend some of your afternoon souvenir shopping and then use your Boleto Turístico to see a dance performance at the Native Art Center.
Day 5: Cusco Continued
Start Day 5 exploring the artsy district of San Blas where you’ll stumble upon art workshops, boutiques, and cozy cafes. It’s the perfect area to grab your morning coffee and take in the beauty of its decorated narrow streets before it gets crowded. Prepare for the hills!
While you’re in San Blas, check out the Sapantiana Aqueduct.
Next, head to Choco Museo for their mini chocolate workshop. You’ll leave with loads of chocolate after a 45 minute class. ($15 per person)
Splurge on dinner at Morena or find more casual fare at Huaraca Grill. Both have great views over the Plaza de Armas.
Make sure to try Picarones (Peruvian doughnuts) for dessert at a street vendor or at Picarones Ruinas.
After dessert, head back to your hotel and grab you bags, as tonight we are catching the 9pm bus down to Puno for the next region of our 2 week Peru itinerary.
If you don’t like the idea of an overnight bus, a train is an alternate option. The rail journey doubles as a sightseeing tour but it does use up an entire day. When we compared the prices, it was about $800 more for our family to take the train vs. the bus.
Cusco Alternatives & Special Events
We wrote a detailed guide to the best things to do while in Cusco packed with day trip inspiration and how to get a feel for local life through festivals and sporting events. If you want to swap out any of the above or add more time in this Incan capital, be sure to read our Cusco Guide.
Lake Titicaca (Puno & Islands)
Day 6: Uros Islands and Amantani
The overnight bus reached Puno, the main city on the shore of Lake Titicaca, at about 5:30am. I’d booked a hotel here just so we’d have a place to rest, shower and eat breakfast before our 2 day Lake Titicaca excursion.
The altitude is at its highest here of all the places on this 2 week Peru itinerary.
Between 8-9am you’ll board a boat (with enclosed seating and a back deck). The first part of the journey is only about a 25 minute ride to reach the famous Floating Islands called Uros.
These islands are made entirely of reeds and inhabited by communities that welcome visitors now as their main form of income so as you’d expect it is quite touristy.
A presentation will explain how the floating islands came to be, after indigenous Uros people had been living out of boast to evade conflict on the mainland. They’ll demonstrate how the reeds are harvested and layered often maintain their floating islands which are now anchored in place.
After that, visitors will be split amongst family cabins to peruse their handmade goods for purchase. (Again, touristy, but still captivating.)
You’ll have the option then for a tourist ride on their Totora reed boats. for 15-20 soles per person. Or, if you prefer hop back on your tour’s boat.
The next stop is a 2 hour and 40 minute boat ride to Amantani, where you’ll stay with a local host family for the night, take a sunset hike, and join an optional party after dinner.
Day 7: Amantani, Taquile, Puno
After breakfast with your host, you’ll be walked down to the docks around 10 am to depart for Taquile island.
Taquile was the highlight of Lake Titicaca for me. Shopping at the weaving co-op was a treat and it was fascinating to learn about the significance of the hats, belts and Chuspas which indicates a person’s age and marital status. We learned about day to day chores and shared leadership in the community, wedding traditions, and more.
We had a good amount of time here to explore and have lunch before the 2.5 hour return boat trip to Puno.
To see our full review of our two day tour and a list of the hidden costs, watch for our upcoming article on Lake Titicaca.
If you’re lucky, your return to Puno will land on a Saturday so you can catch the sensory treat that is their Saturday Market. It consumes at least 10 city blocks with produce, fish, meat, spices, housewares, handicrafts, and more. We spent an hour exploring and I could’ve easily spent one more if the kids weren’t getting antsy for an open space to run.
Another must see in Puno is the Plaza Mayor and its towering Cathedral. Here you’ll also find a fantastic dinner spot called Mojsa.
If you need a snack or quick bite, our kids were thrilled to finally have pizza on our trip and I have to say it was remarkable at Pizzas D’Richety. You won’t believe the quality for the price.
Tonight you’ll catch another late night bus out of town, on Peru Hop. One of their vans will pick you up from your hotel around 9pm to take you to the bus’s loading spot.
Arequipa and the White City
Day 8: Arequipa
Arequipa arrival at 5:30am.
Known as the White City because of its volcanic sillar buildings, Arequipa is elegant and laid back. The Plaza de Armas is one of the prettiest in Peru with its massive cathedral and surrounding porticos.
Santa Catalina Monastery is like a city within a city, with colorful passageways and hidden courtyards that invite slow exploration. The Yanahuara viewpoint gives you postcard views of the city framed by El Misti volcano.
With kids, check out Mondo Alpaca, a free sanctuary where visitors can interact with the animals.
Day 9: Arequipa
The best way to enjoy Arequipa is on foot, meandering through streets and soaking up its relaxed vibe. After so much travel, it’s a good place to balance sightseeing with downtime.
That said, on your second day in Arequipa, you can continue enjoying the magic of its avenues and hidden alcoves or if you have the time and energy, take an excursion to Colca Canyon. There, you can watch condors glide over one of the world’s deepest canyons and indulge in a thermal bath on the route.
For more information on where to stay, things to do , and what to eat, check our our Arequipa guide.
Travel + The Nazca Lines
Day 10: Bus Journey with 3 Stops
The journey from Arequipa to Nazca is long, so today is dedicated to travel and rest. You’ll depart Arequipa at 5:30am and arrive in Huacachina around 7pm. There is a morning bio break, a lunch stop, and a brief stop at the Nazca lines in the late afternoon.
Included in your travel day is entry up the Nazca viewing tower along the highway, where you can see a couple of figures, though not the full effect.
Optional add on: I didn’t reserve time for it in this 14 day Peru itinerary, but if a flight over the Nazca lines is a priority for you, insert another day here.
A flight in a small plane gives you a bird’s-eye view of the enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert.
From above, you’ll clearly see the hummingbird, monkey, and condor designs. It’s thrilling, but the flights can be bumpy, so be prepared if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Upon arrival in Huacachina, settle into your hotel and walk alongside the lagoon to find a spot for a late dinner. For our recommendations, scroll to the bottom of our Huacachina article.
Huacachina
Day 11: Pisco Winery in Ica & Huacachina Sandboarding
Up next on our 2 week Peru itinerary is possibly the most epic of days!
If you arrived after dark last night, your morning will undoubtedly start with marveling at the towering dunes that surround Huacachina.
After breakfast, we suggest hiking them on your own. Just pay the 4 sole entry fee for the reserve and start hoofing it up. (You can use this same day ticket later when you come back for sandboarding.) Thank goodness the altitude dropped significantly between Arequipa and here because it is a workout!
Around 1pm, join Peru Hop’s free your to one of the many Pisco Wineries in Ica. It’s just 10 minutes from Huacachina and you’ll learn about the Pisco production process, enjoy generous samples, and then can optionally dine at their restaurant.
4pm is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll set out on a sandboarding lesson followed by sunset on the dunes. My son will tell you this was “the best day of his life.” Find out everything you need to know about tours and Huacachina sandboarding, here.
Immediately after this tour, you’ll catch the 7pm Peru Hop bus to Paracas.
Paracas and the Ballestas Islands
Day 12: Island Boat Tour and National Reserve
Head to the docks for a 10am tour of Paraca’s “mini Galapagos” tour. A 2-2.5 hour boat ride to the Ballestas Islands brings you up close to sea lions, penguins hobbling along the cliffs, and thousands of seabirds. Along the way, you’ll also see the Candelabra prehistoric geoglyph and learn about its history and mystery.
At only about $15 USD per person, this boat tour is a great value.
Back on land, the Paracas National Reserve landscape is a windswept desert meeting dramatic coastal cliffs, Hidden beaches are tucked along the shoreline. You can explore by bus or ATVs.
A Paracas National Reserve tour is offered for free in the Peru Hop busses at 2:30pm.
At 4:30pm the Peru Hop bus departs for Lima.
The only stop on the bus route this evening is at the Secret Slave Tunnels at the Hacienda San Jose which has now, oddly enough, been converted to a luxury hotel.
You’ll arrive in Lima around 10:30pm.
Lima – Peru’s Capital
Day 13: Lima’s Historic Center
The capital city is often overlooked, but it’s worth at least one day in Lima or two if you want to feel less rushed or have an evening flight home.
Start your morning with coffee and a walk through the Central Market to watch the Limeños go about their day.
Try to be in the Plaza Mayor by 12pm for the Changing of the Guards at the Government Palace.
This historic center has more grand colonial buildings like the Cathedral and nearby San Francisco Monastery.
A few blocks from the plaza, you’ll find the free Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru. It’s easy to explore in 30-60 minutes to peruse ancient Peruvian treasures and historic paintings.
Other museums worth visiting include the Larco Museum ($15), which houses pre-Columbian artifacts in a beautiful mansion, and MALI for Peruvian art ($12).
For lunch, try Restaurant “El Pacífico” or Restaurant Huascarán.
Day 14: Lima’s Coast
Miraflores offers ocean views, modern shopping at Larcomar, and easy walking paths along the clifftops.
Barranco is Lima’s artsy, bohemian side, filled with colorful murals, cozy cafes, and live music.
Food is where Lima really shines, especially on this side of town. This is one of the culinary capitals of the world, and you can eat your way through everything from street-side anticuchos (grilled skewers) to multi-course tasting menus at internationally acclaimed restaurants.
The following Lima restaurants are consistently named on the list of the world’s best:
Central (Barranco), Kjolle (Barranco next to Central), Maido (Miraflores), Mayta (Miraflores), and Astrid y Gaston (San Isidro)
For accommodations, Miraflores and Barranco are the best bets for short stays — safe, vibrant, and convenient.
If you want to find out how to do it all on one day, check our our upcoming Lima Guide.
Practical Planning Guide for a 2 Week Peru Itinerary
Entry Requirements
- Check the latest Visa requirements here.
- Fingerprints will be scanned upon entry. They may ask where you’re spending your 2 weeks in Peru so have lodging addresses prepared.
- Note: It is normal for your tours and hotels to request pictures of the first page of your passport.
- While proof of vaccines are not required upon entry, find out what is recommended to protect your health while traveling, here.
Cost of 2 Weeks in Peru
We kept a detailed record of our spending as a family of four so we could give you a detailed answer to this question, plus provide a breakdown so you can factor in the size of your travel party and spending preferences.
Peru can be as affordable or as indulgent as you want. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels at $20 a night to luxury hotels well over $200. Meals are similarly flexible: you can grab a menu del día (set lunch) for a few dollars or splurge on fine dining.
Our total spend was $5,683. See the asterisked notes below for where we saved a significant amount of money.
*These expenses were covered by credit card points. We estimate we saved about $800pp ($2400) on our roundtrip International Flights during a peak travel period.
We also redeemed four Hyatt nights with free night credits and points earned through their branded credit cards (my favorite Hotel card). You can learn more about how to travel with points and miles, here.
**On average, we spent $50 per day to feed our family of four. Additionally, this included any meals for our driver and guide when they dined with us in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Our breakfasts were all included at hotels/hostels.
When to Visit Peru
Peru’s climate is diverse. The Andes are best from May to September, when it’s dry and sunny.
The coast, including Lima and Paracas, is warmest between December and March. Lake Titicaca and Cusco can get chilly year-round, especially at night. (Pack a hat and gloves to sleep in.)
The Amazon has its own rainy and dry seasons if you ever add it to your plans. Overall, the shoulder months of April and October can be ideal for fewer crowds, but you may sacrifice visibility at Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain.
If Machu Picchu is a key attraction for you, secure your tickets before booking transportation and lodging. In peak season, it is recommended to secure them 3 months in advance.
How to Get Around Peru
Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover long distances, especially between Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa on this 2 week itinerary.
Long-distance buses are surprisingly comfortable and often include reclining seats and WIFI, though travel times are long.
Trains are more limited but unforgettable — think Cusco to Machu Picchu or Cusco to Puno. Private transfers are most efficient in the Sacred Valley if you’re traveling as a group to offset the cost.
Uber was sometimes available in Cusco, but more reliable in Lima. Taxis are everywhere, just negotiate your fare up front.
What to Pack for Peru
Packing for two weeks in Peru means preparing for multiple climates. In the Sacred Valley and Cusco, you’ll want layers: warm jackets for evenings, breathable shirts for sunny days, and sturdy hiking shoes.
On the coast and dessert, lighter clothing will do.
Sun protection is a must everywhere, especially at high altitudes.
Don’t forget tech essentials like a universal adapter (with voltage conversion), portable charger, and a local eSIM for easy navigation.
Food & Drink Tips
Peru’s food is a highlight. In each region, try the local specialties: trout by Lake Titicaca, rocoto relleno in Arequipa, ceviche in Lima. Street food is generally safe in busy markets but stick to cooked items if you’re cautious.
Only drink bottled water, and go easy on heavy meals your first days at altitude.
Health & Safety
Altitude sickness is real, especially in Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and the Sacred Valley. Give yourself time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and consider bringing medication.
To find out which vaccines are recommended before travel to Peru, visit the CDC website.
Safety: Cities are generally safe if you use common sense — avoid flashing valuables and stick to licensed taxis. Travel insurance is worth it for peace of mind, especially if you’re planning hikes or flights over Nazca.
Cultural Tips & Etiquette
Learning a few Spanish phrases goes a long way, and in the highlands, Quechua greetings are especially appreciated.
Always ask before taking photos of people, and respect traditions in rural or indigenous communities.
Closing Thoughts on this 14 Day Peru Itinerary
This 2 week Peru itinerary is the perfect balance of bucket-list sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences. In 14 days, you’ll stand in awe at Machu Picchu, wander the narrow streets of Cusco, boat across Lake Titicaca, sandboard in the desert, marvel at the Nazca Lines, and relax by the Pacific coast.
You’ll eat unforgettable meals, meet welcoming locals, and see landscapes that shift dramatically every few days.
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Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.
It is a huge help how you detailed the cost of your 14-day trip for a family of four by line item (accommodations, hotel, food, private tour, etc.) I think it can be overwhelming for a family with young children to plan a trip on abroad on a tight budget. But you proved it can be done. It is also essential to fly free by using travel miles. Great article!
What a great mix of cities, culture, trails, and lakes! This must have been a wonderful experience for the kids too.
Loved going through your Peru itinerary. It’s such a great mix of must-see places and chill spots. Definitely saving this for when I plan my own trip.