Skip to main content

The ultimate Peru itinerary: how to spend the perfect two weeks

Machu Picchu, Peru

A true South American gem, Peru is NOT to be missed! Steeped in culture, adorned with impressive mountains and Inca sights, and fueled by some delicious foods, Peru should honestly be at the top of your travel bucket list – and if it isn’t, then shame on you really.

If you’re planning to travel to Peru and you’re looking for the perfect two weeks, then you’re in luck because we’ve already figured out the perfect Peru itinerary. Beaches and mountains and cities, this is how to spend the BEST 14 days in Peru on our Peru Uncovered trip! Let’s check it out.

Day 1 – Lima

Welcome to Peru and the capital city of Lima! Get together with your Contiki crew – soon to be Contiki family – and head off on a tour to get to know the city. From the beautiful Spanish-style churches, to the bohemian district, and all the unique attractions between (catacombs and Bridge of Sighs, anyone?), fall in love with Lima right from the get-go. 

Don’t forget to try the local ceviche, it’s to die for, and prepare for the most magical two weeks ahead.

Lima, Peru

Image source:Contiki

Day 2 – Lima to Arequipa

Today we’ll be making an early start and flying from the Northern coast of Peru down south to discover Arequipa, aka the White City. This is Peru’s second largest city and it’s pretty special! The city gets its moniker because of the beautiful baroque-style buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic stone. Arequipa is flanked by three volcanoes as well, so prepare for some utterly stunning views. 

Take a tour of the city with your crew, including a visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Plaza de Armas where you’ll be able to gawp at the grand Basilica, surrounded by lush palm trees and pristine streets. Make sure you try the local stuffed hot peppers and crayfish chowder – it’s delicious and you’ll need the fuel for the rest of this adventurous Peru itinerary. 

20 best places to visit in Peru

20 best places to visit in Peru

James Glaholm
by James Glaholm Aug 07, 2023

Day 3 – Arequipa to Colca Canyon

Day 3 of this Peru itinerary and things are getting serious. Are you reading to zipline over a canyon and view some volcanoes up close? Whizz through the jaw-dropping Salinas and Aguada Blanco National Reserve where you can spot fuzzy llamas and flamboyant flamingos hanging around the wetlands, and then we’ll make our way to one of the world’s deepest canyons. Wow!

At 4,910 meters above sea level (which is insane, by the way), we’ll explore some windswept landscapes and marvel at Colca Canyon. There’s also Misto Chachani and Pichu Pichu to see, two volcanoes, and some adrenaline-pumping ziplining to do. Exciting doesn’t begin to describe this day.

Day 4 – Colca Canyon to Puno

High up in the Andes mountains, we’ll spend the morning trying to spot Peru’s most impressive bird the Andean Condor. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water as well to keep that altitude sickness at bay – this is only the start of the best two weeks of your life.

We’re heading to Puno today, discovering the shores of Lake Titicaca and the culture around the area. Dance with locals and get to know the traditions of this mountain village. 

Day 5 – Puno

This is a day filled with culture! Discover something new at every turn and fall more and more in love with Peru. We’re starting with a ride through town on a triciclo – a three-wheeled taxi! – to get to the port where we’ll be hopping on a colourful boat cruising Lake Titicaca towards Taquile Island. Here you’ll get to meet the locals and discover their vibrant culture. 

Later, we’ll make our way to Uros Island, aka the floating islands. It’ll feel like you’re walking on water, and we’ll explore even more local culture including a fish farm and museum. Purchase some gorgeous traditional textiles to bring home for your friends and family, and then head back for the evening. Tonight we’ve got extra special lodgings in the form of a homestay where we’ll be warmly welcomed by locals in Llachon Village.

cultural village in Puno, Peru

Image source:Contiki

Day 5 – Puno to Cusco

We’re saying goodbye to Puno today and heading to Cusco, with a detour by the Raqchi ruins. Incan culture says that these ruins are home to powerful healing waters, so keep that in mind as we explore. We’ll settle into Cusco for the night which is a hub of Incan culture and history in Peru, so prepare for some interesting days ahead.

A comprehensive guide to souvenir shopping in Peru

by Chantal Ford May 20, 2017

Day 7 – Cusco

Today is the day to use your Sol! Explore the city on a tour of San Pedro market and treat yourself to some delicious Peruvian street food, as well as local souvenirs like jewelry and woodworks. You also have the option of touring the city and surroundings by bike, and experiencing an authentic and interactive cooking class for dinner! This day is all about you and what you want to make it, so enjoy.

That wraps up the first week of your incredible Peru itinerary, with so much more magic to come. 

dinner evening in Cusco, Peru

Image source:Contiki

Day 8 – Cusco to Sacred Valley

Another day filled with culture, you’re getting local textiles and artistry, llamas, Incan mystique, and the absolutely stunning Sacred Valley. Heading from Cusco in a private coach, we’ll first stop off at a llama farm where you can encounter the feisty and fluffy things, and then we’ll have our first MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learning about the Andean tradition of weaving. 

Once we arrive at the Sacred Valley site, we’ll be doing lots of shoes – so make sure you’re wearing good shoes! We’ll visit the sleepy village of Pisac and the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins. It’s truly a world like no other up here in the high altitudes. 

Some of you will be departing on the Inca trail tomorrow – exciting – while others get to chill and take the day to themselves in this peaceful pocket of the world. 

Beyond Machu Picchu: 18 interesting facts about Peru

Beyond Machu Picchu: 18 interesting facts about Peru

Sandeep Sandhu
by Sandeep Sandhu Sep 27, 2023

Day 9 – Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes

Get your hiking boots laced up nice and tight because it’s time to explore! It’s a 3.5 hour hike ahead, taking you to Huayna Picchu, aka ‘Little Peak’ where you can spot some ancient Inca ruins. Soak in the majesty of it all and cross it off your bucket list – what an achievement!

Don’t worry, we’re not hiking to our next spot. Instead we’re hopping on a train and heading to Aguas Calientes, a sweet town with beautiful architecture and good vibes all around. Enjoy a cosy hotel bed for some well deserved rest. Tomorrow is going to be big.

Sacred Valley, Peru

Image source:Contiki

Day 10 – Aguas Calientes to Cusco

We’re heading back to Cusco today but not before we all hike to iconic Machu Picchu. A fun fact about Peru: Machu Picchu is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around 1450, prepare to be completely blown away.

We’ll take a guided tour of these magical ruins altogether, because the best way to experience these life-changing moments is as a family! Temples and mountains are all for taking, and make sure you snap plenty of pics on the way.

A good day spent, we’ll take the train back to Cusco and ready ourselves for the final leg of this exciting Peru itinerary. 

Day 11 – Cusco

Back in lovely Cusco, treat yourself to some downtime. Feast on delicious food, get a massage (ooo, luxury!), or if you’re not adventured out yet, head to the Rainbow Mountains for one of the more unique things to do in Peru

This day is for you!

Cusco, Peru

Image source:Contiki

Day 12 – Cusco to Jungle Lodge

So far on this trip you’ve had mountains and lakes, but no jungle! Well, now’s the time to crank the heat up a notch (it’ll be humid), by spending the night in a lush jungle lodge. We’ll be flying to Puerto Maldonado where we can take a quick walking tour, before we head into the Amazon.

This jungle lodge is extra special as it’s only accessible by boat, making it super private and ideal for some Contiki-crew-only fun. Take in the lush sights, hike through the thick foliage, and work up an appetite for a delicious family dinner. If you’re lucky you may spot some caimans, though be sure to keep a distance from these hissing crocs!

A few observations on Peruvian cultures & traditions

by Lost Wanders Jan 14, 2017

Day 13 – Jungle Lodge

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle: birdsong, monkeys hooting, trees and bushes rustling. Bliss, hey? We’ll be taking a cruise over Lake Sandoval altogether to admire the natural beauty from the water. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds and furry river otters – totally adorable. 

The rest of the day is yours to do with as you please, so really make sure you soak in this unique paradise. I mean, how often do you get to spend the day in the jungle in Peru?

Jungle lodge, Peru

Image source:Contiki

Day 14 – Puerto Maldonado to Lima

Finally, our Peru itinerary comes to an end. We’ll fly back to Lima and say our final goodbyes. Sob, hug, take plenty of teary-eyed selfies, but this isn’t the end! There are plenty more Contiki adventures to be had with your new-found fam.

Up next

Recommended by us

Stop dreaming and make sh*t happen!