Last Updated on May 19, 2026
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Peru is an incredible country and was easily one of my favorite trips ever. It’s very diverse with amazing landscapes, natural beauty and the food that is to die for . But planning a Peru itinerary, a realistic one, can feel overwhelming, because there’s just so much to do and see.
Is 2 weeks enough for Peru? If you’ve got two weeks in Peru, you can see a lot of places, but you won’t be able to see everything. It’s a pretty big country and the main places to visit in Peru are spread across different regions. While getting around is fairly easy, the distances are long and traveling in between can take up a good amount of time.
This 2 week in Peru itinerary is very detailed and covers many of the country’s highlights: including Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, the desert oasis of Huacachina and the coast. It’s a great mix of culture, nature, history and adventure, which is perfect for anyone visiting Peru for the first time.
This itinerary is also designed to gradually ascend to the high altitude, giving your body time to adjust, which is a key to avoid the altitude sickness. You’ll also notice a couple of afternoons that are on the lighter side with nothing major planned and that is intentional. I could have squeezed in a couple more places into this itinerary, but having some down time was more important.
A trip to Peru will be a very active one, no matter what. With so many places to visit, lots of moving around and traveling between locations, you’ll appreciate having a couple of slower paced days.
Get ready for your Peru trip with The Ultimate Peru Packing List – What to Pack for Peru in both seasons.
Best time to visit Peru
Without a doubt the best time to visit Peru is during dry season, which is from May to October. That’s when days are sunny with bright blue skies and minimal rainfall. As dry season is Peru’s winter, early mornings and evenings are chilly, but it warms up during the day. This is a great time to visit, especially if you plan to do any hiking.
June is an especially great month to visit, not only for the perfect weather, but also if you want to experience some local festivities in Cusco. Many celebrations happen in the city that month. And Inti Raymi, which is the festival of the light, takes place on June 23.
But dry season is also the peak season in Peru, so it’s busier and you’ll want to book everything in advance, especially Machu Picchu and train tickets.
The rainy season in Peru is from November to March and that’s when you can expect significant rainfall, especially in January and February. This is not the best time to visit Peru’s highlands. Also, if you plan on hiking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the trail is closed in February, which is the rainiest month. If you do decide to travel during the rainy season, it will definitely be less crowded, and you might be able to score better deals on flights and hotels.
The weather does vary a bit in different regions of Peru. The coastal areas stay pretty dry year-round, and the Amazon (not included in this itinerary) sees higher temperatures and more rain in wet season.
How to get around Peru
Flying
Peru is a huge country, and flying is the best way to cover long distances in a short time. Most flights between cities take just over one hour. LATAM is the most popular airline with several flights a day to choose from. I had a great experience with them flying from Lima to Cusco, and then back to Lima several days later. They are a bit more expensive than the budget airlines.
And those budget airlines are JetSmart and Sky Airlines.
Trains
There are two train companies to choose from PeruRail and IncaRail.
If you plan on traveling to Peru in high season, do book your train tickets in advance. They get more expensive the closer you get to the travel date, and they do sell out.
NOTE: There are restrictions on how much luggage you can bring on the trains to Machu Picchu. Both PeruRail and IncaRail allow one carry-on bag up 11-17 Ibs (5-8kg). If you have a large suitcase, there are lockers at the train station, where you can store it for free and bring just a small backpack on the train. There are some luggage racks on the trains, and I have seen some people bring their big bags onboard, but I also heard about people not being allowed to board the train with a lot of luggage. So, you might get lucky, if there’s room on the racks, but I would plan on storing your bag at the train station. Most hotels are also very accommodating and will be happy to store it for you.
Bus
Buses are a great way to cover shorter distances in Peru and are very affordable. You could technically cover long distances by bus as well, but I don’t recommend it. Spending 10-20 hours on the bus is a terrible use of your time with just 2 weeks in the country.
I’ve traveled by bus in various European destinations, USA and Mexico and I have to say, bus travel in Peru is hands down the best so far. Cruz del Sur is one of the biggest bus companies in Peru and their buses are quite luxurious. They are very comfortable, with big reclining seats, on board entertainment and a toilet. If you have a lot of luggage, you check it in just like you would for the airplane (don’t lose the little slip you get).
You can prebook your bus tickets in advance or right at the bus station. I got mine online 1-2 days before the travel date with no problems. You’ll need to show your passport to board the bus.
All the bus travel included in this Peru itinerary was with Cruz del Sur, but a couple of other companies are Oltursa and CIVA. Keep in mind, that bus companies in Peru have their own terminals. So, if you are taking a taxi to the bus station, you need to specify which bus company.
Private taxi service
Taxidatum was one of my best finds when planning my Peru trip. Can’t recommend them enough if you are looking for a private taxi service.
During my 2 weeks in Peru, I used them 6 times and each time they provided excellent service. They were always on time, very professional, great cars and drivers. Competitive prices as well. I highly recommend them for airport pick-ups/drop off and for longer distance rides.
The booking process is very easy. You make a reservation online and pay in person (in cash) after the ride. You can see all the details and book your ride here.
Uber
In big cities like Lima and Cusco, you can also get around by Uber. I personally only used it in Lima, and it was perfect to get between neighborhoods, as this is a huge city. I did notice that Uber drivers in Lima tend to cancel on you after accepting the ride, which happened to me every single time. It took 2-3 drivers to actually accept and show up. Not sure the reason, I’m guessing they accept, then get stuck in traffic and decide it’s not worth it.
That’s why I would not rely on Uber if you have to be somewhere at a specific time, like to catch a flight or train. In that case, book with Taxidatum instead. But Uber is good for random short rides around the city.
2 weeks in Peru itinerary – Places you visit
If you plan on traveling to Peru and want to get a good overview of the country, I think 2 weeks is a good amount of time. A couple of weeks will allow you to see the country’s highlights and experience a variety of landscapes and cultures.
While you’ll be able to cover a lot, two weeks is not long enough to see everything. Peru is a huge country and distances are long, so some of your time will be spent traveling between destinations. I wouldn’t do anything less than that.
This itinerary is based on my actual trip and below are the places in Peru I visited, in that exact order. I could have included a couple more stops, but as mentioned earlier, my goal was to have some down time as well.
- Lima
- Ollantaytambo
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
- Rainbow Mountain
- Paracas/Islas Ballestas
- Huacachina
- Nazca Lines
I saved Paracas and Huacachina for the end, but you can easily do it at the start of your Peru trip, right after Lima. In fact, that’s the typical Peru itinerary route. But with this particular list of places to visit (Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Machu Picchu), you can do it either way.
Altitude in Peru
You can’t talk about visiting Peru without mentioning that many of the popular places to visit in Peru are at a very high altitude. Which can present some challenges, especially if you live at sea level. Altitude sickness usually happens above 8,000 feet, but it can affect people differently.
There are no guarantees you won’t experience any altitude sickness symptoms, but there a couple of ways to reduce the risk. And that is ascend gradually and give your time to acclimate.
A good example of what you don’t want to do is to fly from Lima straight to Cusco, then go on a hike on your very first day.
This 2-week Peru itinerary is specifically designed to slowly work up towards the highest altitude. It will help your body adjust and avoid altitude sickness.
- Lima 505 feet
- Ollantaytambo 9,160 feet (2,792 m)
- Aguas Calientes 6,690 feet (2,040 m)
- Machu Picchu 7,972 feet (2,430 m)
- Cusco 11,152 feet (3,399 m)
- Rainbow Mountain 17,060 feet (5,200m)
- Paracas 23 feet
- Huacachina 1,332 feet
- Nazca 1,706 feet
By the time I got to Cusco and hiked Rainbow Mountain, which at 17,060 f (5,200 m) was the highest point, I have already spent a full week in Peru. My body was used to the altitude, and even though I live at sea level, I haven’t experienced any altitude sickness. Other than feeling a little winded while hiking up Rainbow Mountain, I was completely fine. Of course everyone is different, but gradually ascending from sea level to the higher points will really make a difference.
2 weeks in Peru itinerary – Day by day
Most likely you’ll be arriving in Lima, as this is the gateway to Peru, so I recommend spending a couple of nights, which will give you one full day in the city. I stayed in Miraflores, but Barranco is another great neighborhood to find Lima accommodations.
Day 1 – Lima
With just one full day in Lima on your Peru itinerary, it’s best to get an early start to fit in all the top sights and places. I think the following one-day Lima itinerary offers a great overview of the city.
After breakfast head to the Historic Center of Lima. Uber works great, and it’s about a 30-minute drive from Miraflores or Barranco (could be a little more if there’s heavy traffic).
Historic Center in Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s where you’ll find beautiful colonial architecture and some of the city’s biggest landmarks. Plaza de Armas (also known as Plaza Mayor) is the main square and a good place to start. Here you will find Lima’s Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and Palacio de Gobierno. Basilica y Convento de San Francisco, beautifully preserved Baroque style church is just around the corner and that it’s known for its library and the catacombs.
You can easily walk around the Historic Center on your own, but there are also several good walking tours, if you prefer a more guided experience.
One of the reasons I recommend starting your one day in Lima with the Historic Center is to time it with the Change of the Guard at the Palacio de Gobierno, which happens every day at 11:45 am. It starts with band playing music, followed by the actual Change of Guard at 12 pm. Plan to be there around 11.30 am to get a good spot.
After the Change of Guard, which lasts for about 15 minutes, you can grab a bite to eat with a view. Moyas restaurant is a good place to grab a bite to eat and has the best view of Plaza de Armas.
Next, you can stop at Gran Hotel Bolivar, which is about a 10 min walk away in Plaza San Martin, to try their famous Pisco Sour. The hotel itself is quite historic; it was the first big modern hotel in Lima when it opened in 1924.
From the hotel, hop back in an Uber and head to Miraflores. You can have it drop you off at Parque Kennedy so you can see the cats that the park is known for. Then you can walk from the park towards the Malecón, which is about half a mile walk. If you have no interest in the park, take the Uber straight to the Malecón Parque de Amor is a good spot to get dropped off.
This is the most popular section of the 6-mile boardwalk, with the colorful mosaic benches and the famous El Beso sculpture. The Malecón sits on the clifftop and runs along the Pacific Ocean, so the views are amazing. Be sure to walk at least a small section of it and enjoy the scenery. It’s among the best things to do in Lima.
Your next stop of the day is Barranco, a lively neighborhood known for bohemian vibes and colorful street art. If you are up for a walk, it will take about one hour from Parque de Amor along the Malecón. You’ll know you’re there, when you see the colorful Barranco letter. There’s an elevated walkway to cross the very busy street.
The best things to do in Barranco is to wander around and find all the amazing street art and see the historic Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). You can usually see some street performers around that area in the afternoon. Take a walk down Bajada de los Baños, which is lined with nice buildings and restaurants, and ends with a viewpoint with great ocean views. Barranco has many great cafes and restaurants, so it’s a good place to hang around until dinner time.
Or instead of one big meal, you can sign up for a Food Tour and sample variety of food from several different restaurants and cafés in Barranco. It’s a great introduction of Peruvian cuisine. This particular Barranco food tour is highly rated, and they offer a couple of afternoon tours, which would work perfectly with this Lima itinerary.
You can find my detailed 1-day Lima itinerary here.
Day 2 – Fly from Lima to Cusco and go straight to Ollantaytambo
Today is a traveling day, first flying from Lima to Cusco, then heading straight from Cusco airport to Ollantaytambo. The main reason is to slowly acclimate and get used to the higher altitude. Spending a few of days in the Sacred Valley rather than going straight from sea level to Cusco at a whopping 11,152 feet (3,399 m), is the reasonable thing to do for most people.
This plan worked perfectly with my Peru itinerary, because by the time I returned to spend a few days in Cusco, I was already well adjusted to the altitude and able to explore the city without any issues.
The flight from Lima to Cusco is one of the most scenic flight I’ve taken. Be sure to choose a window seat on the left side of the plane. On a clear day, you’ll get amazing views of the Andes. The best seats are 1-6, as they offer an unobstructed view, but expect to pay a few extra dollars for those. They are totally worth it though.
I booked Taxidatum a few days before, so when I landed in Cusco, I had a driver waiting for me and a few minutes later, we were on our way to Ollantaytambo. I highly recommend doing the same. If you are on a strict budget, you could get from Cusco Airport to Ollantaytambo using a combination of bus and Colectivo (shared van), but it’s way more hassle and will take much longer.
Technically, it’s a 2-hour drive, but in reality, it’s more like 3 hours, with traffic and trying to get through busy streets of Cusco.
Many people pass through Ollantaytambo just to catch the train to Aguas Calientes without actually spending much time in town. I think that’s a mistake, because this town was one of my favorite places visited on this Peru trip. It’s location in the Sacred Valley is stunning, it’s beautifully preserved and has this small town charm.
Ollantaytambo is small and very compact and best enjoyed just by walking around. I spent my afternoon strolling the streets, hanging out at the main square, doing some people watching. There are several restaurants all around the square if you get hungry, many have outdoor seating or a terrace, so you can enjoy the scenery. I tried cuy for the first time at one of them.
Day 3 – Ollantaytambo
One of the top things to do in Ollantaytambo is to visit the ruins, they are right in town, you cannot miss them. And this is what I recommend doing as the first activity of the day. Try to visit right when they open, as it gets pretty crowded later in the day. By mid morning lots of tours come to town and they all visit the ruins. In the morning, it will be just a handful of people there.
Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the site. There will be guides near the entrance if you’d like to hire one. And be sure to roam the grounds as well to see the llamas.
To visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins you’ll need to purchase Boleto Turistico, which is a ticket that covers other Sacred Valley ruins and other attractions. There’s no such thing as a single ticket to enter the ruins. The main Boleto Turistico (there are three variations) covers 16 sites, costs 130 soles and is valid for 10 days from the day you purchase it (not when you first use it).
You can buy Boleto Turistico at any of the sites that are included in it. I got mine right at the Ollantaytambo Ruins ticket counter. At the time of my visit, it was cash only.
By the time you are done exploring the ruins, the artisan market, that is right outside of them, should be open. Whether you want to just look or buy something, it’s fun to walk through. Might be a good place to pick out some souvenirs.
Everyone visits the main Ollantaytambo Ruins, but very few go to the Pinkuylluna, which another set of ruins on the opposite side of town. It’s kind a hidden gem and completely free to visit. If you don’t mind a little hike (looks harder than it is), this is a fun activity for the afternoon in Ollantaytambo.
Pinkuylluna ruins sit on a hillside and it’s believed they were used as Inca storage buildings. The views of town are amazing from up there. And there was barely anyone there.
The hike is not too long and the ruins actually look like they are further away than they really are. The start of the hike is not too obvious, and many people have trouble figuring out where to begin. Head to Lares Calle and look for a gate right next to a Pottery shop, there you will see a set of stairs leading up and that is where you start the hike. This is the exact spot if you want to save it to your google maps.
Day 4 – Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguascalientes
Today you’ll be getting one step closer to one of the most visited places in Peru, Machu Picchu. From Ollantaytambo, you take a train (either Peru Rail or Inca Rail) to Aguas Calientes. If you’re visiting Peru in high season, I recommend booking your train tickets in advance. Booking early will also save you money, the tickets get more expensive closer to the date.
Aguascalientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a small town in the Urubamba Valley and serves a gateway to the famous Inca city. If you want to visit Machu Picchu, whether on foot or by train, you will need to pass through Aguascalientes first.
If you missed out on getting your Machu Picchu tickets, this is also where you can try your luck getting them in person. I have more details on that in my Machu Picchu guide. However, with this Peru itinerary I assume you already got your tickets online in advance.
The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is about 1.5 hr. long and it’s among the most scenic train rides in the world. It’s also the only way, other than walking, to get between those two places. There’s no road, so driving is not possible.
Once you check into your hotel in Aguascalientes, I recommend getting your bus tickets to Machu Picchu for the next day. The office is around the corner from the bus stop on a side street (this is the exact spot and there are also signs). You will need to show your passport, so be sure to grab it before heading over. Round trip ticket costs $24 ($12 one way). You can also buy the bus ticket online.
Aguascalientes is a small and yes, very touristy town. It’s safe to say, that most people are there because of Machu Picchu.
Most of the restaurants cater to tourists of course and prices are on the higher side, compared to other parts of Peru. The quality of food was hit or miss, depending on the place. For dinner I can recommend Poncho, a restaurant on the first floor of Rockrivers Machu Picchu hotel and if you are a guest, you get a 10% discount.
Depending on what time you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you can also do some exploring. This is a small town, so you can cover it in an afternoon. Walk around the town, explore the main Manco Capac Square and visit the artisan market right by train station
Day 5 – Machu Picchu
Today is a big one, as you’ll finally be visiting Machu Picchu. This is why most people come to Peru in the first place and it was definitely a highlight of my Peru itinerary as well. When planning your trip, be sure to secure your Machu Picchu tickets first, especially if you are planning to visit in high season.
Tickets usually become available online in December or January for the following year. They are releases in waves rather than all at once, so keep checking if you have particular dates in mind and book as soon as you can. When planning my Peru trip, I build my itinerary around the Machu Picchu tickets I was able to get. And I recommend doing the same. Secure your tickets first, then book anything else.
This is the official website to book Machu Picchu tickets.
The rules for visiting Machu Picchu and circuits change frequently and the last big change happened in June 2024. Now there are 3 Circuits, and each Circuit has different Routes. So, when booking your Machu Picchu tickets, you first choose your Circuit, then your Route, then the time slot for your visit.
The viewing platform where you get the postcard Machu Picchu photo, that everyone wants, is Circuit 2 (Circuto Clásico) Rute 2A (although 2 B will give you a great view as well. just slightly different angle). These are the tickets that sell out the fastest, so book as soon as you can.
Now onto the actual visit: th first bus from Aguas Calientes leaves at 6 am and runs until the afternoon. The line is always long, especially in high season, but moves fast, so don’t panic. Once one bus fills up, there is another one right behind it. You shouldn’t wait more than 25 minutes in line, even if it’s really long, and it’s another 20-25 bus ride to get to Machu Picchu. Get in line one hour before your entry time, and you will be fine.
A few practical tips before visiting Machu Picchu:
- bring your passport
- use the bathroom before you enter the site, there’s no restrooms once you’re inside
- there is a baggage storage if you need one
- technically you have 4 hours to stay, but it wasn’t really enforced when I visited
- tripods, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed
- you have to stick to your circuit and route once inside.
If you want to explore Machu Picchu with a guide, you can hire one once you get there. There are always guides near the entrance. You’ll most likely also get approached in bus line in Aguas Calientes.
I have a full detailed guide for Visiting Machu Picchu here.
If you visit Machu Picchu in the morning, that leaves you with a free afternoon in Aguas Calientes. You can visit the Hot Springs (Baños Termales de Machu Picchu), which are about a 15-20 min walk from the town.
Day 6 – Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco
Why visit Machu Picchu once if you can do it twice. I mean, how often do you get to be at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
For my second day I book the Circuit 3D Ruta Huchuy Picchu ticket, which allowed me to explore the Lower Ruins and hike up Huchuy Picchu, one of the three mountains at Machu Picchu. It’s the smaller of the two when you look at the classic Machu Picchu photo. This is a pretty easy hike and perfect if you want great views without a challenging hike.
It took me about 20 minutes to get to the top, less to get back down. With this ticket you also get to walk through the Lower Ruins, which gives you a whole different perspective of the ancient site. Especially after you’ve done the classic route before.
If you want something more challenging, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (also known as Wayna Picchu), the bigger mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. These are much longer hikes, so be sure to plan for a longer visit.
There’s a daily limit on how many people can climb any of these mountains, so these tickets especially should be booked way in advance. Again, I have more information on that in my Machu Picchu guide.
After your are done at Machu Picchu, take an afternoon train from Aguascalientes to Cusco. The train station in Cusco is outside of the city, so you’ll need to grab a taxi to get to Historic Center. Or you can take a train to Ollantaytambo, then take a transfer to Cusco.
Day 7 – Cusco
Have coffee at Cappuccino Cafe
Start your first full day in Cusco with coffee and breakfast at Cappuccino Cafe, right in Plaza de Armas. The cafe is located on the second floor of the building overlooking the square and if you’re lucky to get one of the balcony tables, you’ll have an amazing view.
It’s cash only, so be sure to have some on you.
Cappuccino Cafe is open every day 7.30 am – 10 pm.
Plaza de Armas
After breakfast spend some time in Plaza de Armas, which is Cusco’s central square. It’s one of the most beautiful in South America, surrounded by several historical sights, as well as restaurants and cafes. It’s a busy and lively place, worth spending some time in to see the beautiful architecture and some of the best people watching.
Two of the biggest sights in Plaza de Armas are Cusco Cathedral and Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. You can visit both for a small entrance fee.
Twelve Angled Stone
From Plaza de Armas, make your way to Hatun Rumiyoc, a narrow cobblestone street where you will find the 12 Angled Stone (about a 5-minute walk). The stone is part of the ancient Inca wall and it’s famous, as the name suggest, for its 12 angles. They are cut with such precision that the stone fits perfectly with the stones surrounding it without the use of mortar.
Even though it’s just a quick stop, this is one of top Cusco attractions and a popular stop on many Walking Tours. So, you’ll likely see a group of people in front of it.
Visit a museum
There are a couple of museums nearby, that you can visit next, both within a 5-minute walk from the Twelve Angled
Museum of Pre–Colombian Art (MAP) houses, as the name suggests, a big collection pre-Colombian art from all regions of Peru, displayed in chronological order. It’s regarded to be one of the best museums in Cusco.
Inka Museum is another popular museum and even though a bit outdated, it gives a good overview and is a nice introduction to Inca history and culture.
If you want to utilize your Boleto Turistico, you can also visit Regional Historical Museum of Cusco, which is one of the attractions covered by the ticket (the other two are not).
Shop at San Pedro Market
Latin America is known for its markets. They are vibrant, colorful, chaotic and can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never been to one. But it’s a great place to visit, not just for shopping but also to experience the local everyday life.
In Cusco, the main market is Mercado Central de San Pedro and it’s easy to visit as it’s a short walk from Plaza de Armas. There, you’ll find almost anything from fresh local food, flowers, meat, fish to clothes, textiles and handicrafts. Who knew there were so many kinds of potatoes.
Mercado Central de San Pedro is where you want to buy your souvenirs. Huge selection and prices much better than in stores.
If you get hungry, this is also a great place to get a very local and inexpensive lunch from one of the food stalls.
Dinner at KUSYKAY Restaurant
For dinner I recommend trying KUSYKAY, one of the Cusco restaurants I really liked. And you don’t need to go really far; it’s on a side street just off Plaza de Armas. They serve all the Peruvian classics, the food, ambiance and service are all top notch.
They have a few seats on a small balcony with partial views of the Plaza.
Day 8 – Cusco
Cusco is a very hilly city, and you’ll get a taste of that today. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Enjoy Cusco views from Sán Cristobal viewpoint
The steep streets and hills mean, there are many spots around the city that offer great views of Cusco. And first stop of the day is one of the viewpoints, Mirador de San Cristóbal. The viewpoint is part of a small plaza of the same name, about a 15-20 minute uphill walk from Plaza de Armas.
Because Mirador de San Cristóbal is right above the historic center, you get a great view of Plaza de Armas, classic red rooftops and surrounding hills. If you want, you can also go up the tower of the church, that is also part of the San Cristóbal plaza.
Explore Sacsayhuamán
Next stop on today’s Cusco itinerary is exploring Sacsayhuamán, one of the ancient Incan ruins surrounding the city. It’s a very impressive site with walls built using giant boulders cut with such precision, that they fit perfectly without the use of mortar.
It’s a very short walk from the viewpoint to the main gate of Sacsayhuamán, but that is just where the pedestrian trail to the ruins starts. From there, you have about a 15 minute uphill walk until you reach the ruins. This is also where you get your ticket validated at the booth (Sacsayhumán is by Boleto Turistico, so be sure to bring it with you).
Plan to spend about a couple of hours exploring the site, enjoying the views and taking photos.
Cristo Blanco
When you’re done exploring Sacsayhuamán I recommend walking over to Cristo Blanco, the 8 m Christ statue, sitting up on the hill. You see it from many parts of the city and since you’re that close, why not make a quick stop. And it’s free to visit.
As you leave the Sacsayhuamán site, you’ll see a wooden bridge and a path on your left. Follow it for about 10 minutes and you’re there. The statue is cool, but the real highlight are the views of Cusco.
Wander around San Blas
Next, it’s time to explore one of the most picturesque parts of Cusco: San Blas. It’s an artsy neighborhood right above Plaza de Armas, full of cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, artisan shops and cute cafes. Getting there means walking up steep stairs and it’s quite hilly once you get there, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Best way to explore San Blas is by wandering around and getting lost in its streets, but there are a few spots worth pointing out.
The first one if Siete Borreguitos, known as one of the prettiest streets in Cusco. And even though it gets crowded, and getting a nice photo on it is not easy, especially mid-day, the street really is beautiful. Both sides of the stairs are lined with colorful flowerpots, wooden balconies and cute stores.
Just down the street from 7 Borreguitos is Sapantiana Aqueduct, a stone aqueduct built in the 17-18th century to bring water into the city. Today it’s a historic site and a popular photo spot.
While strolling around, make a stop at San Blas viewpoint for beautiful views of Cusco.
For a quick pick me up, stop at L’atelier Cafe, a cozy coffee shop with a great view of the cobblestone street from one of the window seats. There are only two of those seats though, so not easy to score it, but not impossible either. I got lucky!
Dinner at Territorio Restaurant
When you are in Cusco, you have to have a meal at Territorio restaurant. It’s a very small, family place with just 4 tables, run by the nicest couple. I stumbled upon it while making my way up to the San Cristobal viewpoint and loved it so much, I came back twice. Food is excellent and beautifully presented. I had Mariscos al Fuego, Aji de Gallina and Lomo Saltado and everything was delicious. They make a really good Pisco Sour as well.
Territorio Restaurant is tucked away in a small alley, just a short walk away from Plaza de Armas. You can click on this link for the exact location and be sure to save it. I’ve had a lot of great meals during my 2 weeks in Peru, but this was my absolute favorite restaurant.
Day 9 – Cusco – Rainbow Mountain Day trip
Cusco is an excellent base for taking day trips and there are several great ones to choose from. Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular excursions and that’s the one I suggest taking on your third full day in Cusco.
It’s no coincidence that I planned this day trip on your last day in Cusco. Rainbow Mountain sits at a whopping 5,200 m (17,060 f) above sea level. This is higher than Cusco, which is already at over 11,000 f. The idea is, that you give your body a chance to acclimate before attempting the trek up the mountain.
Thanks to social media, the colorful mountains are now one of the most visited places in Peru and it gets very crowded there. The key is to get there early before most tours arrive.
I went with Rainbow Mountain Travels, and I strongly recommend booking with them. They leave the city the earliest (between 3-3.30 am) and get there before any other tours. Getting up that early was brutal, but it’s a 3+ hour drive from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain, so you can nap in the van. And it was totally worth it at the end.
With going there, back and time spent at the mountain, you’re looking at a 12-hour excursion. We were back in Cusco around 4 pm. Because of such an early day and hiking in high altitude, I wouldn’t add anything ambitious for the rest of the day.
You can try to visit Rainbow Mountain on your own, but honestly, this is one of those day trips that is best doing with a tour (a good one!).
You can read all the details here: What’s it really like to visit and hike Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
Day 10 – Fly from Cusco to Lima and take a bus to Paracas
This is going to be mostly a travel day, as you will first fly from Cusco back to Lima, then hop on the bus to Paracas, your next destination. For that reason, you want to book one of the early morning flights.
Once you are in Lima, the best way to get to Paracas is by taking Cruz del Sur Bus, which takes a little over 4 hours. The Cruz del Sur bus terminal is located on Javier Prado, in La Victoria neighborhood, at least one hour drive from Lima airport, more if you hit traffic. And in Lima, you should always expect traffic. The last bus from Lima to Paracas is 1.30 pm, that’s why you need to be on one of the morning flights, one that lands in Lima no later than 11 am.
You can buy your bus tickets online or at the station. Usually, you don’t really have to book ahead of time, but given this is the last bus of the day, I recommend getting your ticket a few days ago, to make sure you get a seat.
And speaking of seats, when going from Lima to Paracas, you want to get a window seat on the right side for great views.
When you get to Paracas, the bus station is just a 5-minute drive from the town. There will be taxis waiting, or you can ask your hotel if they can arrange for one to wait for you. The short ride to town is 10 soles.
Day 11 – Paracas
Paracas is a small coastal town, about 4 hours south of Lima. It’s often referred to as “Poor Men’s Galapagos”, because you get to see similar wildlife for much cheaper and with easier access. Having been to Galapagos, I can tell you, that you can’t even compare the two.
But Paracas is cute and you do see some sea lions, penguins and lots of birds.
There are two main attractions in Paracas, a boat tour to Islas Ballestas and Paracas National Park. You can easily fit both in one day.
Take a Boat tour to Islas Ballestas
Start you day in Paracas with a boat tour to Islas Ballestas. It’s a cluster of small islets that’s part of Paracas National Reserve, where you can spot birds, penguins and sea lions. By boat is the only way you can visit the islands.
It’s a 2-hour tour and first boats go out at 8 am, and this is when you want to go. Wildlife is most active in the morning, weather is usually better too, and you will be back by 10 am, leaving you plenty of hours to explore more of Paracas.
Boat tour to Islas Ballestas is the most popular activity in town, and as soon as you arrive in Paracas, you will be approached by offers. If you want to go out at 8 am, which I recommend, make arrangements with one of the guys in town the night before. All you need to do is take a walk along the water and they will find you.
If you prefer to book online, this Islas Ballestas tour gets great reviews and is exactly what I booked and can highly recommend.
PRO TIP: When getting on the boat, try getting a seat on the left side. The views are better and so is the lighting in the morning. The boat will turn around at the main spots, so everyone gets a chance to take photos of wildlife, but the left side gets the best views for most of the tour.
You can also book this combo tour Ballestas Islands & Reserve in One Day Experience.
Visit Paracas National Park
As much as I enjoyed the boat tour, the real highlight of my time in Paracas was visiting Paracas National Reserve. A place that I didn’t even have on my 2 weeks in Peru itinerary.
The Reserve is just a few km outside of the town and it’s huge, with incredible landscapes. Inside there are various beaches, viewpoints and spectacular scenery in between. Some of the most popular stops are La Catedral, Playa Roja, Playa Supay and Playa Las Minas.
There are several ways in which you can visit Paracas National Reserve. You can go by bus, on a dune buggy tour or if you are up for some exercise, by bike. The entrance to the Reserve is about 6 km outside of Paracas and there’s a check point you go through where you need to pay the entrance fee of 11 soles.
I decided to rent a bike, and it took me about 15 minutes to reach the entrance/check point from town.
This was an incredibly beautiful bike ride, but way more challenging than I anticipated. It was hot, windy, lots of the paths were in bad shape (very bumpy). The route however was pretty easy to follow as there are signs throughout, and distances between stops are also posted.
If you do decide you want to visit by bike, try to leave right after your boat tour to Isla Ballestas, to ensure you are back by 5 pm. With the wind, road conditions and photo stops, it might take you longer than you think. Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water!
You can rent a bike for about 30-50 soles for the day. It’s important to check the quality of the bike before you rent one and take off, as not all of them are in great condition. You will also need a helmet to enter the National Park, so remember to ask for one. I recommend Paracas Travel Express (you can find them here), they have pretty good bikes, they oiled the chain and checked everything. I paid 30 soles for the day with the return of the bike by 5 pm.
If biking 30 km in mid-day heat sounds like a nightmare, you can also book the 4-hour bus tour, which stops at several of the most popular viewpoints and sites. Or this dune buggy tour, which is a fun way of exploring the reserve.
Day 12 – Huacachina
Your next destination is Huacachina, a small oasis surrounded by sand dunes, probably one of the coolest places in Peru. Not a lot of people expect to see that kind of landscape in Peru.
There are basically two things to do in Huacachina, so one day is all you need. Two if you take a day trip to see Nazca Lines.
Huacachina is popular with backpacker party crowd, so if you want a good night sleep, avoid booking staying right next to any hostels.
Take a bus from Paracas to Ica
Huacachina is a little over one hour away from Paracas and to get there, you’ll be taking a bus to Ica, which is the closest main terminal to Huacachina. Buses between Paracas and Ica run throughout the day, so you have plenty of options. I recommend catching one of the Cruz del Sur morning buses, so you have most of the day to enjoy Huacachina.
When you arrive at the bus station in Ica, you are just a quick 10 min taxi ride to Huacachina. Plenty of taxis are there with a set price of 20 soles, or you can also grab one of the tuk-tuks outside of the bus station, which will cost you half of that.
Some people suggest staying in Ica and visiting Huacachina from there, as it’s much bigger and hotels are cheaper. I personally really liked staying in Huacachina and recommend doing the same, unless you can’t find anything available.
Lunch + Walk up the sand dunes
Assuming you arrived in Huacachina mid-day, you might be ready for some food. The Tiki Backyard Huacachina is a fun casual spot to grab a bite to eat.
After lunch, walk up the sand dunes to get a good view of the oasis. You’ll see how small it is and how big the sand dunes are. The views are incredible, and even though you’ll be doing the dune buggy ride later, it’s worth climbing up the dunes on your own and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. It’s a workout though!
There is a popular viewpoint get a good panoramic view of the oasis below and the surroundings, which is right here. There’s one spot (like an entrance) where they charge a small fee to enter the dunes, so be sure to have some cash on you when you go. Although the first time I walked up, there was no one there collecting it.
Sand dune excursion
The number one activity in Huacachina is taking a dune buggy ride through the sand dunes.
They offer rides throughout the day, but I recommend booking one in the afternoon at 4 pm. This way you’ll be at the top of the dunes right on time for the sunset, before heading back down. It’s an incredible experience and those sunsets over the dunes are spectacular.
I booked this exact Dune Buggy at Sunset tour, and it was so fun. It’s a crazy ride though, so get ready for adrenaline rush and hold on to your hat if you wear one. I lost mine. Part of the tour is a stop for sand boarding as well.
You can book the exact same Dune Buggy at Sunset & Sandboarding tour here.
Dinner
After the ride, walk down to town and have dinner at one of the restaurants in town. I really enjoyed Wild Olive Trattoria, one of the places right by the lagoon. The truth is, Huacachina is tiny and most places (restaurants, hotels and stores) are concentrated around the oasis lagoon. You can just take a walk around and see what looks good.
Day 13 – Huacachina – Day trip to see Nazca Lines
Since Huacachina’s attractions can be covered in one day and you are already on the south coast of Peru, why not spend your next day taking a day trip to Nazca. The town itself is not overly exciting, but it’s home to Nazca Lines, one of Peru’s most fascinating attractions.
Nazca lines are the ancient geoglyphs carved into a desert. They date back to 500 BC – 500 AD and are one of the world’s greatest mysteries. The best way to see them is from the air, so booking one of the 30-35-minute flights is the way to go. It’s not one the cheapest things to do in Peru, but it’s definitely the best way to see Nazca Lines.
If you are traveling to Peru on a strict budget or simply don’t want to do the flight, there are several viewpoints from which you can see the Nazca Lines, but what you can see is limited.
You could also do a Nazca Lines Tour by Land, they offer them throughout the day and will pick you up at the bus station when you arrive from Ica.
If you want to visit Nazca independently, there are buses that go there from Ica throughout the day, and it takes over 2 hours one way. Once there you can either head to the airport or choose one of the ways to see the lines. Or you can book one of the organized tours from Huacachina and have everything taken care for you. Either way, you’re looking at a full day excursion.
Day 14 – Return to Lima
Today is a day to start making your way back to Lima.
If your flight leaves later in the day, there are early buses from Ica to Lima. Be sure to book the direct one from Ica to Javier Prado station, which is a 4-hour bus ride. Plan for an extra hour, or more depending on time of day, to get from the bus station to the airport. Lima’s traffic is no joke.
If your return flight is the following day and you need to stay near the Lima Airport, there are currently three hotels to choose from. The most convenient is Wyndham Grand Costa de Sol, connected to the brand new Lima Airport, that opened in 2025. Right near the old airport terminal is Costa del Sol Wyndham (15 min away by free shuttle) and also close by Holiday Inn Lima Airport (also with a free shuttle).
Where to stay in Peru
Where to stay in Lima
Most people stay in one of the two neighborhoods: Miraflores or Barranco. They are both great, safe and walkable with many restaurants and an easy access to the Malecón. Miraflores is more modern, while Barranco is more artsy, so it depends what kind of vibe you prefer.
Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores – if you want a modern hotel in an excellent location, this is where you want to stay. Rooms are spotless, spacious and breakfast is included in the rate. There is a rooftop pool and a bar with great city and ocean views.
Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel – housed in a beautiful building, this boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Barranco. It’s in a great location, close to the Malecon. Your rooms come with breakfast, and they also have free bikes for guests.
Where to stay in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is very small, so most places will be in a great location within walking distance to anything in town.
Inka’s Haven Hotel – very simple but cute and spotless hotel in the perfect location. Inka’s Haven Hotel is located on the side, dead end street, just steps away from the square and the Ruins. Great value for money
Kamma Guest House – small and cozy place with just 6 rooms, located in one of the narrow alleys, just a short walk from Plaza de Armas. There is a terrace with great views, and that’s where breakfast (included) is also served.
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes
Rockrivers MachuPicchu – this is where I stayed in Aguas Calientes. It’s a great, new hotel with very comfortable rooms, just steps away from the train station. Keep in mind though, that if you book any of the rooms with balconies, the train track is right outside of your window. It did get noisy, so if you are a light sleeper either bring ear plugs or opt for a room in the back of the building. Breakfast is included in the rate and starts at 5.30 am, which is great if you have the 7 am Machu Picchu tickets and need to catch one of the early buses. Ponchos restaurant is downstairs and guests of the hotel get a 10% discount.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – this is one of the nicest hotels in Peru. It’s set in cloud forest with beautiful lush gardens, waterfalls and many opportunities to spot wildlife. They offer all kinds of activities like bird watching, guided nature walks and tea making. It feels hidden away, but the train station and bus to Machu Picchu are within a short walking distance.
Where to stay in Cusco
For a short visit, best area to stay in Cusco is near Plaza de Armas. This way, you will be in the heart of the city, near many cafes, restaurants, shopping, tourist attractions and many tour offices. Basically, right in the middle of all the action.
If you want to be close to all the action, but not right in it, I recommend staying in San Blas. This is a beautiful, artsy neighborhood with cobblestone streets, many cafes and great restaurants. It is very hilly though, so be ready for some exercise.
Atoq San Blas Hotel – charming boutique hotel in the San Blas neighborhood, just five blocks away from the main square.
Rumi Wasi – beautiful boutique hotel with just 7 rooms. One of them comes with a private terrace with amazing views of the city. The rooms have a heating system, which is not always the case with Cusco hotels and will sure be nice during the dry (winter) season in Peru. The location of the hotel is also great, close enough to Plaza de Armas, but far enough, so it’s quiet. Pick up and drop off at the airport is included as well.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel – if money is no object, Palacio del Inka is one of the best hotels in Cusco. Located in a historic mansion in the heart of the city, this is a gorgeous and luxurious property with beautiful rooms and many amenities.
Where to stay in Paracas
Paracas is a really small town, but there are quite a few hotels to choose from to satisfy every budget.
Bamboo Lodge Paracas – I recommend booking one of the sea view rooms with a balcony overlooking the harbor. Perfect for watching the sunset at the end of the day. Breakfast is included and served in the restaurant downstairs.
Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort – if you don’t mind splurging a bit, this resort is highly rated and recommended.
Where to stay in Huacachina
Huacachina attracts a lot of young travelers and is kind of a party place. There are several hostels, so just know that if your hotel is near one, you’ll be hearing loud music till very late. Speaking from experience! Bring earplugs!
Hotel El Huacachinero – this is where I stayed in Huacachina and while I have no major complaints; I think the hotel is a bit overpriced. The rooms are pretty basic for the price, but they do come with AC, which was the selling point for me. They have a great pool, free parking, breakfast is included and there is a path directly behind the hotel to go up the sand dunes. There are a couple of hostels next door, so it can get noisy.
READ MORE:
- What’s it really like to visit and hike Rainbow Mountain in Peru
- Top Things to do in Cusco, Peru + Cusco Travel Essentials
- How to Visit Machu Picchu in 2026
- How to Spend One Day in Lima, Peru
- The Ultimate Peru Packing List – What to Pack for Peru in both seasons
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