14 Days to Discover Peru in 2025
Discovering the most beautiful and popular parts of Peru in 14 days may seem very challenging but not impossible and if you want to find out how, keep reading.
With a useful and clear plan for each day I'll help you discover Peru in a fortnight. You will travel from Lima to Cusco on a public bus, taxi or hired car, boat and train. You can also decide to hop on a plane for part of this journey or use more trains than buses. As mentioned later trains can be less reliable though.
Feel free to use this post as your itinerary as well as a source of basic travel information about the country, recommended accommodation, and day trips for any budget including local tour guides and boat trips.
LET'S START WITH THE BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT PERU TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
Climate and what to wear: there is a rainy season from December - March, however on the coast it rarely rains. June - October is damp and misty, but temperatures never drop below 10°C. At high altitudes, although there are sunny days, temperatures can drop dramatically, and conditions can change suddenly.
Therefore, thermal underwear, a well insulated fleece/jacket and a thick jumper are essential. Bring something warm to sleep in. A light raincoat is also recommended. A sun hat and sunglasses are advisable as is high factor sunscreen, due to the thinness of the atmosphere. Bring a swimming costume for the thermal baths at Aguas.
Time difference to GMT: -5
Plugs & drones: 2 Pin Flat plugs. Please note drones are prohibited in most tourist areas in Peru.
Language: official language is Spanish but over 100 indigenous languages are still spoken including Quechua (About 13% of Peruvians speak Quechua, especially those residing in the central and southern highlands of the country. Quechua was spoken by ancient Peruvians well before the establishment of the Inca Empire) and Aymara (less than 2%).
Passports & Visas: to enter Peru as a British citizen, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive. You can travel to Peru without a visa for tourism or short visits. If you are travelling for any other reason, check requirements with the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish). For the latest UK government travel advice please check here.
Local currency & ATMs: Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the currency in Peru. You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the PEN is approximately PEN 4.3 to the British Pound. It is recommended you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange rate isn't very good. ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in Nuevos Soles. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable.
Booking a taxi: taxis in Lima and other cities and towns of Peru, can be safe if you take precautions. Proper registered taxis are safe, but they can be hard to distinguish from less scrupulous ones. Avoid hailing a taxi on the street; instead, ask your hostel or hotel to call one for you or arrange one through a restaurant. Reputable companies include Green Taxi, CMV, and Mitsui Taxi Remisse. Unregistered taxis may not be safe, especially at night.
DAY ONE OF THE 14 DAY PERU DISCOVERY
You are most likely to fly to Lima from the UK so this is where I want to start. Lima is Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, you can easily escape the busy traffic of the city for a little calm on nearby coastal walking paths where you can stroll to Miraflores and through the bohemian district of Barranco. Alternatively, you could visit the Larco Museum for an introduction to Peru's ancient history. The city is also gaining a reputation as a culinary centre, so why not try some ceviche (fish marinated in citrus juices) or sip on a pisco sour?
If you are arranging your own accommodation there are many hotels and hostels to choose from depending on your budget. For a 4* top rated hotel in the heart of the city I highly recommend INNSiDE by Meliá Lima Miraflores that can be booked here (quick registration required), approx. £45-£60pp per night but the price of course depends on the time of your travel and the number of people sharing the room. If you are looking for a more budget friendly option hostel Pariwana Hostel Lima has great reviews. It is located in the heart of Miraflores, the safest and most tourist-friendly neighbourhood in the city, making it the ideal starting point for your Peruvian adventure. Prices there are £20-£30pp per night with shared dorm or private rooms options. You can also book it here.
For a quick one day tour to explore the most beautiful places of old and modern Lima consider booking with this excellent and highly recommended tour company that gives back to the community with social projects and by helping the most vulnerable families and children. You can book a tour guide here from about £82pp.
DAY TWO - PUBLIC BUS TO NAZCA
Departing Lima early in the morning, you will board a modern public coach south (from about £30) or you might decide to hire a car, following the Pacific coastline before turning towards the fertile mountain valleys that lie around the town of Nazca. The journey is around seven hours and runs through some of the driest desert regions on earth. You'll pass through the winegrowing landscapes of the Ica Valley, a region that produces some excellent vintage, as well as Peru's distinctive local tipple, pisco, a particularly potent mix made from the white grape.
Your final destination for today is the oasis town of Nazca, lying in the shadow of Cerro Blanco, which, at over 2,000 metres, is the highest dune on earth. For the rest of the day you can relax or explore Nazca. In Nazca you can either stay at a budget but centrally located, clean, and highly rated Nasca Travel One Hostel (approx £10 - £15pp per night) or at a larger and better equipped Casa Andina Standard Nasca (from £30pp per night). Both can be booked here.
DAY THREE - IN NAZCA, NAZCA LINES FROM VIEWING PLATFORM OR CHAUCHILLA PRE - INCA CEMETERY
Spend the morning getting to know Nazca. Some specialists have speculated that the Nazca Lines represent the world's largest astrological calendar. Huge birds, spiders, whales, other creatures and geometrical figures are represented in outline.
There are several options for you today. You have the opportunity to climb nearby viewing platforms to look out over the lines etched into the desert or you can book a flight to see them from the sky. Here is a combined, highly rated tour for the flight and the Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetery. Or you could visit the nearby Antonini Archaeological Museum, the Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetery or the Nazca aqueduct. Alternatively, you could do a several hour tour of the area by land with a local guide available here.
DAY FOUR - AREQUIPA, DAY FOR SIGHTSEEING
You could take in the elegance of the Plaza de Armas and its immense twin-towered cathedral, or you might like to visit the striking 17th-century churches of La Compania and San Agustin and the colonial grandeur of Casa de Moras. You can also pay a visit to the extraordinary Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town in the heart of the city, which once housed 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion for nearly four centuries. Riddled with a network of cobbled streets and lavishly restored with period furnishings and beautifully ornate touches, the convent is, without doubt, one of the highlights of any visit to the city.
Other recommended sights are the old university and the archaeological museum, which has a collection of ceramics and mummies dating back to Inca and pre-Inca civilisations. Otherwise, you may choose to take a seat at one of the cafes overlooking the main square and watch the comings and goings.
To see all these attractions with a help of a local tour guide, you can find one here.
DAY FIVE - TRAVEL TO CHIVAY WITH OPTIONAL HOT SPRINGS
For a comfortable stay in Chivay, I would recommend Casa Andina Standard Colca. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of Peruvian cuisine and is supplied by its own vegetable garden. Due to the altitude, oxygen can be requested from the reception, price per night is approx. £30pp. For a more budget friendly stay, you can book COLCA Blue Inn for about £12pp per night. Both are available here.
DAY SIX - VISIT THE COLCA CANYON, CONTINUE TO PUNO
You might want to have an early start this morning to head to the Colca Canyon, it takes about 50min by car or taxi (£7-£10). A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the deeper Cotahuasi Canyon). Today it allows you to discover a world of Andean villages and Inca terraces that make up one of the most outstanding natural settings in the Americas. You can spend some time here at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, searching for a sighting of the majestic birds flying over the canyon.
This afternoon, from Colca Canyon you will go to Puno by either a rented car or using a group tour bus (from £32pp, leaves at 1.15pm), available here. During the trip you will enjoy views of volcanoes and mountains from the Mirador de los Andes viewpoint, spot vicunas, llamas, and alpacas at Patahuasi in Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and admire the reflections and Andean flamingos in the small lakes at Lagunillas. The bus will make four stops for sightseeing with a licensed tour guide, complimentary snacks, water & coffee provided.
Your destination is the town of Puno, a centre of Incan folklore nestling in a bay at the north-western tip of the lake and the perfect base from which to explore the cultural and historical significance of the lake itself.
A highly recommended place to stay is a lovely Tierra Viva Puno Plaza for about £20-30pp per night with breakfast included or a budget friendly Pukantu Hostal - £11 - £15pp with breakfast as well! Available to book here.
DAY SEVEN - BOAT TRIP ON LAKE TITICACA, VISIT UROS ISLANDS AND OVERNIGHT STAY WITH A LOCAL FAMILY
From Puno, you can take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, including the construction of their boats and homes. Then continue to the lesser-visited island of Taquile which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage. Here, the islanders still speak the language of the Inca - Runa Simi or Quechua.
The best way to explore these islands is to book a 2 day trip like this one here with an overnight stay with one of the local families! Prices start from £44pp and all meals and boats trips between the islands are included. They also offer pick up from your hotel or hostel.
DAY EIGHT - AFTERNOON IN PUNO
Later this afternoon, you will return to Puno with about a three hour boat journey, where in the afternoon you can take a stroll through the markets in search of llama and alpaca wool items or relax at your accommodation.
DAY NINE - PUBLIC BUS TO CUSCO
Today you will follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to find Cusco.
Rising early, you need to head to the public bus terminal where the coach awaits you. You can either choose a quicker 7-hour trip without sightseeing, available to book here from £47pp and departing at 8.10am or a longer 10-hour trip with a visit to the pre-Inca museum at Pukara, Raqchi's Wiracoha temple, and the magnificent 16th-century church in Andahaylillas with an included buffet lunch in Sicuani. Prices start from £77pp and tickets are available here.
As an option, you can also take the classic rail journey from Puno to Cusco. One of the great railway journeys of the world, this full-day trip traverses spectacular landscapes over the high altiplano. It includes a meal aboard the train, with the chance to try local delicacies, make use of the outside viewing platform and enjoy some traditional entertainment before arriving into Cusco.
Please note that rail strikes are common in Peru so there's a chance that the train may not always be running. Train routes and tickets are available here.
For a budget friendly accommodation in Cusco with excellent reviews, clean rooms and central location, I highly recommend Natural Hostal Cusco for as low as £10pp per night. A more luxurious stay but also at a very affordable price from £25pp per night with breakfast is Hosteria de Anita. It is a lively family-run guest house in the artistic San Blass District, central Cuzco. Both can be found here.
DAY TEN - DAY IN CUSCO
Walking around Cusco offers plenty of history, culture and art. The Main Square is a must, where you will see the colonial architecture that remains intact to this day, standing on the foundation stones of old Inca walls. Entering Cusco's main Plaza de Armas, the focal point of the city, you can choose to be welcomed by the baristas of Three Monkeys Coffee who serve the finest Peruvian beans. Once revived, you can continue walking, gazing upon the Qoricancha complex, once the Inca's most sacred site dedicated to the Sun God. The route will take you uphill through beautiful narrow streets to San Blas, the city's bohemian neighbourhood, known for being home to local artists' craft workshops. It's the perfect place to shop and take something special of this magical city with you! Your final destination can be Mercado de Wanchaq, a local hot spot jammed with rows of colourful stalls and filled with the aromas of seasonal fruit. Slurping freshly pressed juice, you'll watch the sellers hawking their wares before returning to the hotel or hostel.
Alternatively, you might want to go to see the Rainbow Mountain. It's an all day budget trip, starting at 4.30am (pick up from your accommodation) from about £20pp. More information here.
DAY ELEVEN - TRAIN TO AQUAS CALINTES, VISIT MACHU PICCHU
This morning you head over to the railway station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes (£30-£40, about 3.5h journey), your gateway to one of the greatest of all archaeological sites. The train slowly meanders down the valley, following the tumultuous waters of the Urubamba River through a series of rock-cut tunnels before emerging at the small town of Aguas Calientes, serenely nestled amidst a lush landscape of cloud forests.
From here, take a public bus up to the mountain complex of Machu Picchu (approx. £18), the fabled lost city of the Incas and probably the most spectacular feat of engineering in ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders.
The best and most efficient way to see this incredible place is to book a three-hour guided visit with an experienced guide, available here. Cost per group of up to 8 people from £77 plus entrance fee to Machu Picchu of about £60, to avoid long waiting times and lines buy your official Machu Picchu entry ticket here.
After your visit, head back to your hotel or hostel in Aguas Calientes. My recommendation for a budget friendly but clean and very hospitable stay is Catari's House with prices starting at £15pp per night. They will even pick you up from the train station! For a more luxurious option you can book a 4* Taypikala Hotel Machupicchu from £35pp. Both can be found here. In the evening you have an option to unwind after a busy day relaxing in the local thermal pools.
DAY TWELVE - DISCOVER MORE OF MACHU PICCHU, TRAIN BACK TO CUSCO
This morning you can either relax in Aguas Calientes, or decide to explore Machu Picchu more. There are several optional ways that you might like to choose from.
The first option is to revisit the site, giving you another chance to explore at your own pace. There are one-way circuits in place in the site, and if you choose to revisit you would need to buy a permit that allows you to choose which circuit you wish to take on the day.
Alternatively, there are two optional hikes available within the site, each one unguided. These climb to the summits of either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain to look down on the citadel. Machu Picchu Mountain is a 700-metre hike from the top of the citadel. There are cobbled stairs all the way up with a few exposed sections in some parts, but predominantly very enclosed and with a fairly steady, but not too strenuous, gradient. The round-trip takes around two-and-a-half to three hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is only 350 metres, half the size of Machu Picchu Mountain, but much steeper. There are many more sheer drops, and it is not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. For those who fancy doing the one-hour climb, you'll be rewarded with unbeatable views of Machu Picchu and the feeling that you're standing on a precipice at the top of the world.
A final option is to simply relax in Aguas Calientes - it's a fantastic little town with a great market, excellent cafes and a laidback vibe. Later, take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, from where you'll get the bus to Cusco.
DAY THIRTEEN - DAY IN CUSCO, TRIPS TO SACRED VALLEY
Today you can enjoy your day exploring Cusco, with optional excursions into the Sacred Valley. For water lovers there is the opportunity to go river rafting on Urubamba River and go down a zip line over the river, finished with sauna! You can book this trip here for £54pp.
Alternatively, you can take a trip to Maras and Moray, from £33pp, two of the Sacred Valley's most impressive sights; first, visit the huge concentric Inca terraces of Moray, a sort of botanical laboratory that the Incas used to test their crops. Then, visit the weirdly beautiful Maras salt mines, laid out across the mountainside like a chess board, before making a final 45-minute descent to the small salt-producing town of Pichingoto.
If you'd prefer a less demanding activity, there's the chance to visit a craft beer brewery, including a tasting of the various beers. Craft beer is relatively new in Peru but is growing quickly. The range of local ingredients used in the brewing process is fascinating. Alternatively, if you are a food lover book a market tour with traditional Peruvian cooking class!
Of course you can simply remain in Cusco - visit the fortress-citadel of Saqsayhuaman, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) or the incredible cathedral, or head to the markets for an atmospheric wander.
DAY FOURTEEN - TIME TO HEAD HOME
This is the last day of the two-week trip to Peru, you can of course extend your stay in this incredible country, head over to the Amazon or another South American country! The choice is yours.
This is only a sample guide to what a fortnight trip to Peru could look like. There's a lot packed in this itinerary but you can of course adjust it to your needs and abilities. If you don't fancy long bus drives, choose a plane for part of the trip or a train for a more comfortable and faster transfers between the cities.
Lastly, if you feel like the task of arranging all accommodation and transport by yourself is a bit daunting or you simply don't have the time, please get in touch and I can send you some planned and guided tour options for Peru with a similar itinerary and from one of my trusted tour operators.
Happy planning and travelling!
Magdalena
Your Independent Travel Agent