Twelve to 14 days is a great length for a Peru trip, with stops in Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. If you don’t mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 10 or 11 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Arequipa, Cabanaconde, and Amantani Island. Keep reading for more inspiring Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley itineraries.
## Unveiling the Wonders of Peru: A Comprehensive Guide to Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Peru, a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient mysteries, beckons travelers from across the globe. From the bustling metropolis of **Lima** to the depths of the **Amazon** rainforest, from the historical heart of **Cusco** to the serene shores of **Puno**, and culminating in the awe-inspiring grandeur of **Machu Picchu** and the enchanting **Sacred Valley**, this South American gem offers an unforgettable journey. Planning a trip that encompasses these iconic destinations requires careful consideration of time allocation to truly immerse yourself in each unique experience.
This guide aims to assist you in crafting the perfect Peruvian adventure, offering insights into recommended itineraries and essential travel information to navigate between these remarkable locations. Whether you have a whirlwind ten days or a leisurely two weeks, we’ll help you make the most of your time in this captivating country.
* Most travelers find that a duration of 12 to 14 days provides a balanced experience, allowing sufficient time to explore **Lima**, delve into the **Amazon**, discover the wonders of **Cusco**, experience the tranquility of **Puno**, and marvel at the magnificence of **Machu Picchu** and the **Sacred Valley**. This timeframe allows for travel between destinations, acclimatization to the altitude, and adequate time for exploration.
* While it is possible to visit **Lima**, the **Amazon**, **Cusco**, **Puno**, **Machu Picchu**, and the **Sacred Valley** in a shorter timeframe of 10 or 11 days, be prepared for a more fast-paced and potentially rushed experience. This condensed itinerary might require sacrificing in-depth exploration of certain locations, focusing instead on the primary highlights.
* For those fortunate enough to have 15 days or more, the possibilities for exploration expand significantly. Many travelers opt to extend their journey by adding additional destinations, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of Peru’s diverse offerings.
* The most popular extensions to these itineraries include a visit to **Arequipa**, a city renowned for its stunning colonial architecture and the gateway to the **Colca Canyon**. Exploring the **Colca Canyon** often involves a stay in **Cabanaconde**, a charming village offering breathtaking views. Alternatively, a journey to **Amantani Island** on Lake Titicaca provides a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life of the island’s inhabitants.
## Embark on an Unforgettable Journey: Recommended Itineraries for Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
To help you visualize your dream Peruvian adventure, we present a selection of recommended itineraries, each tailored to a different timeframe and travel style. These itineraries serve as a starting point, which can be customized to fit your specific interests and preferences.
### A Classic Peruvian Adventure: Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks
This itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of Peru’s most iconic destinations, allowing you to experience the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and ancient history of this remarkable country.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—– | :————————————————————— | :———————– |
| Day 1 | Arrive in **Lima**, explore the city’s historical center | **Lima** |
| Day 2 | Immerse yourself in **Lima’s** culinary scene with a city and food tour | **Lima** |
| Day 3 | Transfer to the **Amazon**, begin your jungle adventure | **Puerto Maldonado** |
| Day 4-5| Embark on thrilling jungle excursions, encountering diverse wildlife | **Puerto Maldonado** |
| Day 6 | Travel to **Cusco**, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire | **Cusco** |
| Day 7 | Discover the historical and cultural treasures of **Cusco** | **Cusco** |
| Day 8 | Explore the **Sacred Valley**, visiting **Cusco**, **Pisac**, and **Ollantaytambo** | **Ollantaytambo** |
| Day 9 | Discover **Maras & Moray**, take a train to **Aguas Calientes** | **Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu** |
| Day 10 | Witness the breathtaking wonder of **Machu Picchu** | **Cusco** |
| Day 11 | Hike to the vibrant **Rainbow Mountain (Mount Vinicunca)** | **Cusco** |
| Day 12 | Fly to **Puno**, explore the shores of Lake Titicaca | **Puno** |
| Day 13 | Explore Lake Titicaca, visiting the **Uros Floating Islands** and **Taquile Island** | **Puno** |
| Day 14 | Fly to **Lima**, depart from Peru | |
This two-week itinerary seamlessly blends cultural immersion with natural wonders, offering a diverse and unforgettable experience. From the vibrant streets of **Lima** to the lush rainforests of the **Amazon**, and from the historical depths of **Cusco** and the **Sacred Valley** to the serene beauty of **Lake Titicaca**, this journey provides a comprehensive overview of Peru’s most captivating destinations. Your adventure begins in **Lima**, where you can savor the flavors of Peruvian cuisine and explore the city’s rich history. Next, you’ll journey to **Puerto Maldonado**, the gateway to the **Amazon** rainforest. Spend three immersive days observing fascinating wildlife, including giant river otters, caimans, and vibrant parrot species, all while enjoying the comfort and sustainability of an eco-lodge. The adventure then shifts to the highlands, with a visit to **Cusco** and the **Sacred Valley**, where you will delve into the region’s captivating culture and explore ancient Inca ruins. The highlight of this segment is undoubtedly the excursion to **Machu Picchu**, where you’ll witness the architectural genius and historical significance of this iconic site. You also have the opportunity to hike to **Rainbow Mountain**. Finally, your journey concludes in **Puno**, on the shores of **Lake Titicaca**, where you’ll explore the region’s history and immerse yourself in the unique culture of the local communities on the Islands.
## Venture Further: Extended Itineraries for a Deeper Exploration of Peru
For those with a bit more time, extending your Peruvian adventure opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to delve deeper into the country’s diverse regions and cultures. Consider these extended itineraries to enhance your experience.
### A Journey of Landscapes and Wildlife: 2-Week Itinerary Including Arequipa & Cabanaconde
This itinerary combines the highlights of the classic Peruvian adventure with the stunning landscapes of the Colca Canyon and the vibrant culture of Arequipa.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—– | :——————————————————————– | :—————————— |
| Day 1 | Arrive in **Lima**, explore the city’s historical center | **Lima** |
| Day 2 | Fly to **Arequipa** & City Tour | **Arequipa** |
| Day 3 | **Colca Canyon** Tour: **Arequipa**, **Chivay** & **Cabanaconde** | **Cabanaconde** |
| Day 4 | Morning in **Colca Canyon**, transfer to **Puno** | **Puno** |
| Day 5 | Lake Titicaca Tour: **Uros Floating Islands** & **Taquile Island** | **Puno** |
| Day 6 | Transfer to **Cusco**, explore the city | **Cusco** |
| Day 7 | **Sacred Valley** Tour: **Cusco**, **Chinchero** & **Ollantaytambo** | **Ollantaytambo** |
| Day 8 | Short Inca Trail to **Machu Picchu** | **Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu**|
| Day 9 | **Machu Picchu** Excursion | **Cusco** |
| Day 10 | Transfer to the **Amazon** | **Puerto Maldonado** |
| Day 11-12| Jungle Excursions | **Puerto Maldonado** |
| Day 13 | Transfer to **Lima**, Depart | |
This extended two-week journey begins with a visit to the impressive **Colca Canyon**, renowned as one of the deepest canyons on the planet. From there, you’ll explore the floating islands of **Lake Titicaca** and immerse yourself in the ancient Inca capital of **Cusco**. Delve into the vibrant markets and charming towns of the **Sacred Valley**, embark on a short Inca Trail trek to the magnificent **Machu Picchu**, and conclude your adventure in **Puerto Maldonado**, where you’ll encounter the diverse wildlife of the **Amazon**, including colorful macaws, elusive caimans, playful giant river otters, and majestic tapirs.
### An Immersive Cultural Experience: 16-Day Itinerary Including Amantani Island
This itinerary offers a more relaxed pace, allowing for deeper cultural immersion and exploration of lesser-known gems like Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—– | :———————————————————————— | :———————— |
| Day 1 | Arrival in **Lima** | **Lima** |
| Day 2 | **Lima** City & Food Tour | **Lima** |
| Day 3 | Transfer to the **Amazon**, Explore | **Puerto Maldonado** |
| Day 4-5| Jungle Excursions | **Puerto Maldonado** |
| Day 6 | Transfer to **Cusco**, Explore | **Cusco** |
| Day 7 | **Cusco** City Tour | **Cusco** |
| Day 8 | Tour the **Sacred Valley**: **Cusco**, **Pisac** & **Ollantaytambo** | **Ollantaytambo** |
| Day 9 | ATV & Ziplining in the **Sacred Valley** | **Ollantaytambo** |
| Day 10 | Short Inca Trail to **Machu Picchu** | **Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu** |
| Day 11 | **Machu Picchu** Excursion | **Cusco** |
| Day 12 | **Rainbow Mountain (Mount Vinicunca)** Hike | **Cusco** |
| Day 13 | Fly to **Puno** | **Puno** |
| Day 14 | Lake Titicaca: **Uros** & **Amantani Islands** | **Amantani Island** |
| Day 15 | Lake Titicaca: **Taquile Island**, Return to **Puno** | **Puno** |
| Day 16 | Fly to **Lima**, Depart | |
This sixteen-day tour provides the ultimate Peruvian adventure. Commence with three days at an eco-lodge in the **Amazon** rainforest, where you can witness wildlife. Next, travel to **Cusco** and the **Sacred Valley** to learn about its ancient ruins and short treks to **Rainbow Mountain** and **Machu Picchu**. End your trip at **Lake Titicaca**, immersing in the culture of this region’s famous Islands.
## Navigating Peru: Essential Travel Information Between Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Planning your transportation between these diverse destinations is a crucial aspect of your Peruvian adventure. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the options:
**How to get to Machu Picchu**
As South America’s most famous and most visited travel destination, **Machu Picchu** requires little introduction. Getting to this Inca site always involves first traveling to **Cusco**.
**How to get to the Peruvian Amazon**
The **Amazon** jungle covers almost half of Peru’s land area. To get to the Peruvian **Amazon**, there are three key entry points: north, central, and south.
**How to get to Puno**
**Puno** sits along the shores of Peru’s Lake Titicaca.
**How to get to the Sacred Valley**
The **Sacred Valley** is the valley of the Río Urubamba and the towns that cling to its sides amid Inca ruins. **Cusco** is the access point to the **Sacred Valley**. All travel to the **Sacred Valley** first necessitates a journey to **Cusco**.
**How to get from Lima to Cusco**
The most popular place to head from **Lima** is **Cusco**, the ancient capital of the Inca and the jumping-off point for **Machu Picchu**. The easiest means of getting there is to fly. It isn’t recommended to drive yourself.
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