How to plan a two-week trip to Peru
Focus your itinerary on the southern circuit to balance acclimatization with iconic sights. Spend 3 days in Cusco for altitude adjustment, dedicate 4 days to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and wrap up with 3 days in Arequipa and 2 in Lima.
- Prioritize Altitude Acclimatization. Fly directly from Lima to Cusco, but immediately take a taxi to the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba) which sits at a lower elevation than Cusco. Spend your first two nights there to avoid severe altitude sickness.
- Book Permits Early. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, you must book 6 months in advance. For standard Machu Picchu entry, buy your ticket on the official government website at least 60 days ahead; they sell out daily.
- Use Domestic Flights. Peru is massive. Take internal flights between Lima and Cusco, and Cusco and Arequipa. Use buses only for short distances (e.g., Cusco to Puno or within the Sacred Valley) to save days of transit time.
- Schedule the Andes Loop. Start in the Sacred Valley, move to Machu Picchu, head back to Cusco, take a bus to Puno (Lake Titicaca), then fly out of Arequipa. This loop minimizes backtracking.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No. Drink only bottled or filtered water everywhere in Peru, even in high-end hotels.
- Should I book internal flights in advance?
- Yes. Prices jump significantly 2 weeks before travel. Book your LATAM flights at least a month out.