14 Day Peru Itinerary
Experience Peru's incredible diversity from Lima's world-class food scene to ancient Inca ruins in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This itinerary balances must-see highlights with authentic local experiences, including proper altitude acclimatization.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Gentle arrival day exploring Miraflores and the coast
Pro tip: Take it easy today - jet lag and Lima's humidity can hit hard. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals.
Route Map
Budget Breakdown
Estimated cost per person for 14 days. Includes accommodation, all meals, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. Does not include international flights or travel insurance.
| Category | Daily | Total |
|---|---|---|
| accommodation | $88 | $1232 |
| food | $65 | $910 |
| transport | $35 | $490 |
| activities | $25 | $350 |
| misc | $12 | $168 |
| Total | $225 | $3150 |
* Budget tier: mid-range. Prices in USD per person.
Money-saving tips:
- Book Machu Picchu train and entry tickets 2-3 months ahead to secure better prices
- Eat lunch at markets and street stalls - quality is excellent and costs 60% less than restaurants
- Use shared vans instead of private transfers between cities to save $20-30 per trip
- Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket for S/130 - covers 10 major sites and saves money vs individual entries
- Drink coca tea instead of buying altitude sickness medication - equally effective and free at hotels
When to Go
Dry season in the mountains with clear skies for Machu Picchu and minimal rain
Rainy season with heavy precipitation in Cusco and Sacred Valley, trail closures possible
Neighborhood Guide
Get oriented before you arrive — what each area feels like and how to get around.
Centro Histórico
good walkabilityColonial grandeur meets gritty urban reality, where street vendors hawk empanadas beneath ornate baroque balconies. The air buzzes with honking traffic, street musicians, and the constant chatter of locals going about their daily business.
Known for: UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture and government buildings
Local tip: Locals come here for bureaucratic errands - follow them to hole-in-the-wall cafés serving the best café con leche for 2 soles
Transit: Plaza de Armas station on Line 1 Metro
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Miraflores
excellent walkabilityManicured parks and glass towers create a bubble of affluence overlooking the Pacific. It feels more like Miami than Peru, with joggers on the malecón and couples sharing sunset drinks at rooftop bars.
Known for: Upscale dining, shopping, and clifftop ocean views
Local tip: Limeños exercise here early morning - join the 6am yoga classes in Parque Kennedy for free
Transit: No metro, but abundant buses and taxis
Best time: anytime
Barranco
excellent walkabilityBohemian charm oozes from every colorful colonial house and street art mural. By day it's sleepy and artistic; by night it transforms into Lima's party central with live music spilling from every bar.
Known for: Nightlife, street art, and bohemian culture
Local tip: Locals pre-game at small bars on Ayacucho before hitting the main scene - drinks are half the price
Transit: 15-minute walk from Bulevar station on Line 1
Best time: evening
Centro Histórico
moderate walkabilityAncient Inca stones support Spanish colonial walls while tourists and locals navigate narrow cobblestone streets. The thin air adds urgency to every step, and coca tea vendors call out from every corner.
Known for: Inca ruins, colonial architecture, and Plaza de Armas
Local tip: Shop at Mercado Central early morning when vendors offer free samples and lowest prices
Transit: Walking city - no public transit needed in center
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
San Blas
poor walkabilitySteep cobblestone alleys wind between artisan workshops and hidden cafés. It's quieter than the main plaza, with a village-like feel where you can hear hammer strikes from silversmith workshops echoing off ancient walls.
Known for: Artisan workshops and traditional crafts
Local tip: Artisans offer 30% discounts if you pay cash and don't ask for a receipt
Transit: 15-minute uphill walk from Plaza de Armas
Best time: afternoon
Not stroller-friendly
What to Eat inPeru
Lima
Eating etiquette
- •10% tip is standard only in upscale restaurants
- •Don't eat ceviche after 3pm - fish isn't fresh
- •Say 'buen provecho' when passing people eating
Breakfast
Locals grab pan con chicharrón or tamales from street carts before 9am, paired with fresh juice
Lunch
Look for 'menú del día' signs - 3-course meals for 12-15 soles at neighborhood restaurants
Dinner
Dinner starts at 8pm, reservations essential for top restaurants, many close Sundays
Dishes you can't miss
Chef Rafael Osterling perfected the acid balance here
El Mercado in Miraflores · $18-22
Best marinated beef hearts in Lima, locals queue here nightly
Doña Pochita cart on Av. Brasil · $3-5
Gastón Acurio's casual spot does the definitive version
Panchita in Miraflores · $16-20
Street food highlights
Cusco
Eating etiquette
- •Chew coca leaves before meals to help digestion at altitude
- •Don't refuse offered chicha - it's cultural
- •Meals are communal - share dishes
Breakfast
Heavy breakfast with quinoa soup and bread, locals eat early around 6-7am before work
Lunch
Fixed-price almuerzo típico 10-15 soles includes soup, main, and mate de coca
Dinner
Early dinner around 6pm due to altitude fatigue, many restaurants close by 9pm
Dishes you can't miss
Traditional preparation of guinea pig, crispy and flavorful
Kusikuy restaurant · $25-30
Lean, tender meat with Andean potato varieties
Chicha por Gastón Acurio · $20-25
Perfect for altitude adjustment and local superfood
Any local mercado · $3-5
Street food highlights
Getting Between Cities
How to book: Book online 2-3 weeks ahead for best prices, check-in online mandatory
Platform: Sit on right side for Andes mountain views on approach
Luggage: 23kg checked bag included, pack altitude sickness meds in carry-on
Pro tip: Window seat on right side for mountain views
How to book: Book through hotel or agencies on Plaza de Armas day before
Platform: Pickup usually from Plaza Regocijo
Luggage: Light daypack only, leave main luggage in Cusco hotel
Pro tip: Sit on left side for valley views going to Ollantaytambo
How to book: Book online 1 month ahead, bring passport for boarding
Platform: Depart from Ollantaytambo station, arrive 30 min early
Luggage: Maximum 5kg backpack allowed, lockers available in Aguas Calientes
Pro tip: Right side for river views, left side for mountain views
How to book: Same as outbound, afternoon flights often cheaper
Platform: Arrive airport 2 hours early, frequent delays due to weather
Luggage: Check weight limits for souvenirs, excess baggage expensive
Pro tip: Either side offers good coastal and mountain views on descent
Daily Walking Distances
Packing List
Cusco is 11,200 feet - even fit travelers struggle
Andes temperatures drop 40°F from day to night
Machu Picchu involves 3+ hours on uneven stone paths
Sacred Valley gets sudden downpours year-round
Legal altitude remedy that actually works
UV is 50% stronger at high altitude
Dehydration happens faster at altitude
Many places don't accept cards or large bills
Protect electronics from Sacred Valley humidity
Long days touring with limited charging options
Public restrooms rarely provide it
Street food safety and limited handwashing facilities
Lima's coastal humidity makes closed shoes uncomfortable
English is limited outside tourist restaurants
Skip These
Save your time and money — here's what to skip and what to do instead.
Overpriced tourist trap with mediocre pre-Columbian collection
→ Instead:Visit Museo Nacional for authentic artifacts at 1/3 the price and fewer crowds
Expensive entrance fee for ruins you can see from the road
→ Instead:Walk to San Cristóbal viewpoint for free panoramic views and photo ops
5-hour round trip for 15 minutes at altitude that leaves many sick
→ Instead:Spend extra time in Sacred Valley visiting authentic weaving villages
Mediocre food at triple local prices with aggressive touts
→ Instead:Walk 5 blocks to residential areas for authentic ceviche and local atmosphere
Instagram spot with nothing else - 10 minutes maximum
→ Instead:Spend time at Malecón cliff walks for better ocean views and local life
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 14 days enough for Peru?
Yes, 14 days allows you to see Lima's food scene, explore Cusco and Sacred Valley thoroughly, visit Machu Picchu properly with sunrise, and have time for rest and acclimatization. You could add Amazon or northern Peru with more time, but this covers the classic highlights comfortably.
How much does 14 days in Peru cost?
Budget travelers can do it for $1,800-2,200, mid-range travelers $2,800-3,500, and luxury travelers $4,500-6,000+. Major costs are Machu Picchu train ($240), entrance fees ($100+), and flights ($250). Food ranges from $3 street meals to $150+ fine dining.
What is the best month to visit Peru?
May through September is ideal - dry season with clear mountain views and minimal rain. June-August is peak season (higher prices, book ahead). April and October are shoulder months with good weather and fewer crowds. Avoid January-March due to heavy rains in Cusco region.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
US, Canadian, EU, UK, and Australian citizens get 90-day tourist visas on arrival - no advance visa required. Just need passport valid 6+ months. Keep your entry stamp safe as you'll need it to leave. Extensions possible but rarely needed for normal tourism.
How do I prevent altitude sickness in Cusco?
Arrive in Cusco and rest first day - no strenuous activities. Drink coca tea constantly (hotels provide free). Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol 24 hours, eat light meals. Consider visiting Sacred Valley (lower altitude) first. Prescription altitude medication available but coca tea works well for most people.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu?
Book 2-4 months ahead, especially June-August. Train tickets and entrance permits can sell out. Book train first, then entrance ticket. Consider booking through tour company if sold out individually - they hold allocations. Huayna Picchu hike requires 6+ months advance booking.
Travel Tips forPeru
Cash is King in Peru
Many places only accept cash, especially markets, street food, and small restaurants. ATMs are reliable in cities but bring backup USD. Tip 10-15% at restaurants, round up for taxis, S/2-5 for tour guides.
Book Internal Flights Early
Lima-Cusco flights can double in price close to travel dates. Morning flights are more reliable than afternoon due to mountain weather. LATAM and Sky Airlines are most reliable carriers for domestic routes.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
English is limited outside tourist areas. 'Habla inglés?' (Do you speak English?), 'La cuenta, por favor' (The bill, please), and 'Dónde está?' (Where is?) will help immensely. Peruvians are patient with language attempts.
Tourist Police Are Your Friends
Green-uniformed tourist police in major sites speak English and help with directions, scams, or emergencies. Avoid displaying expensive items. Use official taxis or rideshare apps. Tourist areas are generally very safe.
Street Food is Generally Safe
Look for busy stalls with high turnover and locals eating. Avoid raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. Ceviche is safe at reputable places - the acid 'cooks' the fish.
Pack for All Climates
Lima is desert (light layers), Cusco is mountains (warm layers), Sacred Valley varies by altitude. Bring rain jacket May-September, warm jacket for mountain evenings. Comfortable walking shoes essential for cobblestone streets.
Essential Info
Peruvian Sol (PEN). Cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but bring cash for markets, street food, and tips. ATMs widely available in cities.
Restaurants: 10-15% for good service. Taxis: round up fare. Tour guides: S/10-20 per person per day. Hotel staff: S/5-10. Not expected at street food stalls.
Claro or Movistar SIM cards at airport or phone shops. Claro has better mountain coverage. eSIMs like Airalo work well in cities.
More Options inPeru
Places that didn't make the main itinerary but are worth knowing about.
More Restaurants
More Activities
Bars & Nightlife
Shopping
Cafes & Coffee
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