2 Week Peru Itinerary – Inca Trail And Amazon Jungle

When people ask us where they should go on holiday, we are always vouching hard for Peru. The South American country quickly swept us off our feet with its diverse range of activities and landscapes. From hiking the famous Inca Trail to exploring the depths of the Amazon jungle, this 2 week Peru Itinerary is about to take you on a whirlwind.

While you could easily spend years trekking across the country and always find something new and exciting, most people don’t have that kind of time. That’s where this 2-week itinerary comes in, carefully crafted based on our own travels to give you the best taste of Peru in a limited amount of time.

We’ll warn you now: it’s going to be a busy two weeks. From the moment you land, it’s boots on the ground, but trust us—it’s going to be epic!

2 Week Peru Itinerary

Get to the end of the post to find out how.

Peru is full of magical places, gorgeous hikes, and, seriously, some of the best food in the world. (No, really! They have more restaurants in the top 50 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants than any other country in South America.)

Peru is most famous for being home to Machu Picchu, and while most major tourist places are all hype and lots of crowds, Machu Picchu is one of those places that lives up to it all. This itinerary is centered around hiking the Inca Trail and experiencing this ancient wonder, but it will also include the elusive Amazon Jungle and quite a few day trips to nature’s natural playgrounds. (Every day is like a birthday party for your eyes!)

We happened to spend 2 months in Peru and still didn’t get to see and do everything, but we sure did try. What we can say is that you’ll never have enough time to explore Peru, but you can see quite a bit in two weeks. So we’ve made sure to pack this Peru itinerary to the brim with all the must-see places.

Where Is Peru

Peru is located in South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most diverse countries we’ve ever been to and around every corner is a new surprise.

The country is home to all four of the world’s major climates, making it an incredibly diverse destination. In the Northeast, you have the Amazon jungle where the air is sticky and thick with humidity. In the highlands you’re surrounded by the Andes mountains, and in the South you have the coastal desert with stunning beaches and sand dunes. Peru is absolutely incredible.

The two most difficult things you’ll encounter when traveling to Peru are the distances between the destinations (don’t worry, we’ll help you get from point A to point B) and packing. Yes… packing, ha! Can you imagine hiking in snowy mountains one day and then catching piranhas in the Amazon jungle the next? Yeah, welcome to Peru. But as long as you have your essentials, the rest can be figured out along the way. And we are here to help with that part too!

Day 1 – Flying into Lima

Lima is a love it or hate it city, often referred to as “La Gris” (The Gray) because it’s rare to see the sun here. With overcast days and thick fog, the sun is like a precious gem. But where the city lacks in the sunshine, it makes up for in culture, food, and nightlife.

When you land, grab an Uber straight to Miraflores. This upscale neighborhood, located right on the coast, is the best place to base yourself in Lima.

Personally, we think 1 to 2 days is enough in Lima. You can walk along the coast and watch some longboarders do their thing, visit the historic center, and try some amazing food. Grab a yummy crepe from Beso Frances (the ham and cheese was our fave!) and a coffee from Puka Puka, and enjoy the grey skies as you explore the Parque Del Amor and its large sculpture of two lovers embracing.

If you have extra time, you can also check out the Barranco district for a more bohemian feel with colorful streets and street art. (Personally, this was our favorite area. It’s a little more hipster than Miraflores, but that’s just our style.)

Lima is also home to four of the world’s best restaurants (Central currently holds the number one spot!), so if you’re a foodie, this is the place to be. Just make sure to reserve your spot well in advance, as they book up quickly. You can expect 10-course meals with a mix of traditional Peruvian dishes and modern gastronomy. And if you’re ever going to eat at a restaurant like this, then Peru is the place to do it. It’s going to be much cheaper than any other world-renowned establishment.

Once the sun sets, head to Calle de las Pizzas (Pizza Street) for some cheap drinks and dancing at one of the many bars and clubs in the area. Just be cautious, as it can get a bit rowdy, so make sure to keep an eye on your belongings. A money belt can come in handy here.

SIM CARD FOR DATA:

Figuring out the SIM card business wasn’t easy.  It took a little bit of charades with the Claro lady but eventually we had (most of it) figured out.  Sparing you the details, here’s what you need to know

• Find a Claro store (Movistar is also good) and ask for a “chip prepago”.
• The rep will sign you up and do the paper work.  Make sure you bring your passport.  They will also help set up your phone.
• The SIM card itself will have some funds on it but it won’t be enough.
• To recharge, you’ll need to go to a supermarket/bodega.  If it’s data you want, there are several packages based on the number of days you need.  For us, since we were there 2 weeks and wanted a good amount of data, I picked the 15 day package which comes with 1.5GB of data.
• You will probably look really puzzled at this point so the cashier will probably help you activate the credits on your number.
• After that you’re good to go!

If you have questions about voice, I wish I could help.  I wasn’t too concerned about calling but from what I understood, the base credits on the prepaid SIM card would cover you for emergency calls.

Day 2-3 – Huacachina

Huacachina is quite a phenomenon in South America. Located just outside the city of Ica, Peru, this desert oasis is like nothing you will see on this trip. With a small lake of emerald water in the middle and beautiful palm trees surrounding it, Huacachina is a true hidden gem.

You’ll hit the bus station early in the morning in Lima and make your way to the dunes of the desert. You’ll just need one day here as you’ll arrive earlier in the day and the main activity is to go dune buggying up and down the mounds of red sand. We recommend going on the sunset tour as you’ll have the opportunity to watch the sun disappear behind the rows of sand dunes, creating a truly breathtaking sight.

They’ll strap you in the back of a buggy with basically no safety features other than a chest seat belt and fly you up and down these massive dunes. You’ll also have a chance to try sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding but on the sand. It’s definitely not as easy as it looks, but it’s a ton of fun!

After the tour, you can relax at one of the many rooftop bars or restaurants that surround the oasis. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a cold drink while taking in the stunning views of the desert landscape.

Spend the night and enjoy a morning in the sun (it’s much warmer here than in Lima) before heading back to the bus station to make your way to your next destination. You’ll be heading back to Lima to catch a flight to Cusco.

Day 4 – Cusco

Cusco is one of our favorite places in all of Peru. It’s a magical town with a huge plaza full of beautiful little alleyways and cobblestone streets. As we explored the city, we could see the influence of both Incan and Spanish culture in its architecture and design.

When you arrive in Cusco, it’s super important to take it easy. The air is thin, and you may feel the effects of altitude sickness. Take it from us—it’s not pleasant. You’ll want to drink a lot of water and just stroll at a leisurely pace.

It’s easy to get lost (in a good way) in all the little nooks and crannies of Cusco. There are so many artisan shops with handmade goods, as well as restaurants serving delicious Peruvian cuisine. There is a place on the square called Ceviche Meat & Wine Co, and I kid you not—we went four times in just a few days. I’m drooling thinking about their ceviche now.

There are so many ways to spend your day in Cusco, whether it’s checking out the Mercado Central de San Pedro, visiting the famous Sacsayhuaman ruins, or simply wandering the streets and taking in all the colorful sights.

In the evening, we highly recommend taking a stroll through the San Blas neighborhood. It has a more laid-back bohemian vibe and narrow streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and cute cafes. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink and watch the sunset over the city.

You’ll also want to stop by the trekking operator’s office to check-in and pay.  Alpaca Expeditions also includes a briefing session before your trek so make sure to include time for this.(We’ll get to this in a few days as well.)

Day 5: Day trip to The Sacred Valley

To continue easing your way into the altitude of the Andes, head to the Sacred Valley for a day trip. This scenic valley is home to numerous Inca ruins and small towns, making it a perfect spot to learn more about Peru’s history and culture.

There are loads of different ways to see the Sacred Valley. We opted for an ATV tour with Quad Bike. It was fun and adrenaline-rushing, plus we knew we’d be hiking for the next few days.

We visited Moray, an Inca agricultural site with circular terraces that were used to test different crop varieties.

We also stopped at the Maras Salt Mines, where we got to see locals harvesting salt in traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. It looks like a big huge patchwork of white and pink squares, making for some amazing photos.

You can also join a van tour that will take you to the main sights, such as Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. These are great tours for the first few days of your trip as they allow you to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving while you take in the stunning landscapes.

After a day of exploring, head back to Cusco for some rest and relaxation before an early morning wake-up call to see one of Peru’s newest natural wonders.

Day 6: Day trip to Rainbow Mountain

Get ready to set your alarm for an obscene hour because today, we are heading to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Montana de Siete Colores (Mountain of seven colors) or Vinicunca. This mountain just revealed itself in the last decade, as the snow melted due to climate change, the mineral deposits underneath were exposed, showing us another beautiful natural wonder in Peru.

We do not recommend visiting Rainbow Mountain if you aren’t the first ones to the tourist site. This means you’ll be getting a 3:30 AM bus pick-up. You’ll spend the next 3 hours on the bus before you start your hike up to over 5,000 meters above sea level. (It’s really high, but the slope is quite gradual, so you won’t notice it besides the heavy breathing.)

While you’re huffing and puffing you’ll see locals walking up and down the mountain, all dressed in their traditional attire, offering horseback rides to those who need a break. Don’t be surprised if you start feeling lightheaded or out of breath, it’s completely normal at these high altitudes. Just take your time and remember to drink plenty of water.

Once you reach the top, take a moment to catch your breath and admire the stunning panoramic views of the colorful mountain range. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world! There are fluffy alpacas to take pictures with (a few soles (Peruvian currency) is a good amount to give the owners.)

You’ll also be given the option to hike to another viewpoint in the Red Valley, just about 20 minutes away from Rainbow Mountain. We highly recommend taking this extra hike, it costs a few extra dollars, but the drastic red views are otherworldly, and you’ve already come this far!

On your way down, you’ll see why we said we don’t recommend going if you aren’t one of the first ones to go to the site. There will be tour buses full to the brim and the narrow path is more like a can of sardines rather than a hiking trail.

Because you started so early you’ll have the evening in Cusco to prepare for the main Peruvian event, hiking to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail!

Day 7 to 10 – Inca Trail

For four days, you’ll be doing one of the most epic hiking experiences you can have. The Inca Trail is a 26-mile/46-kilometer trek through the Andean mountains, passing through stunning landscapes and ancient ruins. The highlight of the trail is reaching Machu Picchu, the iconic citadel built by the Incas in the 15th century. And trust us, it lives up to the freaking hype, it’s awesome!

There are multiple hikes you can do with different stops along the way. The most popular one is the traditional Inca Trail, taking you up and down steep mountain passes and through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu.

Starting in Cusco, your tour will drive you to the starting point of your trek. You’ll hike for several hours each day, stopping at designated camping spots along the way. Your guide will provide meals and take care of all logistics so you can focus on… well, breathing if we’re being honest!

You’ll pass through stunning scenery, including cloud forests, high mountain passes, and ancient Inca ruins. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the history and culture of the Incas, it almost feels impossible that this group of people could build something so complex and grand as I struggled hiking it with my 15lb backpack!

As you reach Machu Picchu, the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming, and it will all have been worth it when you see the majestic ruins in front of you. Take your time exploring this wonder of the world and soak in the incredible views.

After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, the town that serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Cusco by train.

Super important! Most tours do not come with an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, so be sure to book that in advance. There are little to no tickets available on arrival. 

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, you can also opt for the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek. These treks are longer and more challenging but offer less crowded routes with some seriously epic viewpoints. (If you have the time, we really recommend the 5-day Salkantay Trek.)

For more info, here’s a list of our posts that go a bit more in-depth into our experience, and you’ll find a wealth of information:

Day 11 – Recovery in Cusco

In the morning, you’ll take the scenic train ride back to Cusco. With big glass windows all around, you’ll have unobstructed views of the Andean mountains and valleys. The train ride is about 3 hours long so you’ll have plenty of time to sit back, relax, and reflect on your incredible journey.

Once back in Cusco, take some time to rest and recover from your trek. This is your last day in Cusco so spend it how you like. Enjoy one of the cute coffee shops. The pesto toast from Qura was so good. Or, if you’re feeling up for it, explore more of this charming city on foot. There are plenty of markets to wander through and little shops to buy some cute handmade goods.

We recommend having an early night as tomorrow you’re off to the Amazon Rainforest! If you’re super eager, you can take an evening flight to Iquitos to get a head start on your adventure. Otherwise, there are plenty of early morning flights available as well.

Day 12 to 14 – Amazon Jungle

To get to the Peruvian Amazon, you’ll need to fly from Cusco to Iquitos and then take a boat to your jungle lodge. There are loads of different types of tours. We recommend a 3-day/2-night tour. This will give you enough time to experience the jungle and its wildlife without cutting too much into your 2-week itinerary.

What lodge you choose will depend on how long your journey is. Some lodges are an hour’s boat ride away, while others can be up to three hours. Make sure to do some research on the different lodges and choose one that fits your budget and expectations.

Personally, we recommend Refugio Amazonas or Lupuna Jungle Tours.

Once you arrive at your jungle lodge, you’ll have a variety of activities to choose from, including hiking, bird watching, canoeing, and even fishing for piranhas! Your tour will also include meals and accommodations at the lodge.

In all of our years of travel, nothing quite beats a sunset in the Amazon. The jungle comes alive at night with the sounds of animals and insects, making it one of the most amazing experiences we’ve ever had. And because you’re disconnected from Wi-Fi and other distractions, it’s the perfect place to unwind and reminisce on how epic the last two weeks were.

Like our Inca Trail experience, we put together detailed guides on the Amazon Jungle. Here’s everything you need to know about our journey through the Amazon.

Peru Was A Trip To Remember

Peru is the ultimate travel destination for those who love adventure and want their days jam-packed with activities and new experiences. We’re telling you, you’ll be tired after this two-week itinerary to Peru, but it will be so worth it. From hiking the gorgeous Andes, slurping pisco sours, discovering the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and then to the Amazon Jungle, you’ll constantly be pinching yourself, asking if this is real life!

We can recommend one last thing: don’t underestimate hiking in Peru. You might be used to going out for a 10 km hike that takes you 6 hours, but hiking at high altitudes will kick your butt if you aren’t ready for it. So drink your water, take in every sight and sound, and have an awesome trip to Peru!

Frequently Asked Questions

Book With Alpaca Expeditions

I highly recommend that you book with Alpaca Expeditions.  They’re best in class and would recommend them to anyone.  If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Alpaca Expeditions Promotion

If you’re looking to book with Alpaca Expeditions, mention that you were referred by “Going Awesome Places” and you’ll be able to get free walking sticks and sleeping pads.  Also make sure to email me as well so I can resolve any issues that you may have.

How?  When you fill out their booking form, their second step has a drop-down for “How did you hear about Alpaca Expeditions.” Select “Going Awesome Places Blog” in the drop-down.

This is the best Alpaca Expeditions promotion and discount you’ll find on the market.

This is the best Alpaca Expeditions promotion and discount you’ll find on the market.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

• KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
• AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
• Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
• Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.