Ultimate 2-Week Peru Adventure
About the trip
Discover Peru in depth on this 2-week journey through the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and extraordinary landscapes. Explore its most iconic cities, uncover ancient Inca heritage in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu, and enjoy unforgettable culinary experiences that reveal the flavours and traditions of Peru. The adventure continues into the Amazon rainforest, where you will stay at a jungle lodge and experience the incredible biodiversity of this unique region. Best time to travel: all year round.
Lima
Transfer from the Airport to Your Hotel – Day at Leisure
Your Peruvian adventure begins in Lima, the vibrant coastal capital and the first stop on this 2-week exploration of the country. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Once the centre of the Spanish Viceroyalty and one of the most influential cities in South America during colonial times, Lima today is a fascinating blend of cultures and eras. Historic churches, colonial mansions, and archaeological sites coexist with modern neighbourhoods, Pacific Ocean views, and a renowned culinary scene that makes the city one of the gastronomic capitals of the continent.
What to Do on Your First Day in Lima?
Make the most of your first evening by taking a relaxed walk through the Plaza Mayor, the heart of historic Lima. It is the perfect introduction to the city’s colonial heritage and lively atmosphere.
And, of course, do not leave Lima without tasting some of its most traditional flavours. Try a classic ceviche, prepared with fresh local fish and citrus, or sample anticuchos, one of Peru’s beloved street food specialties. Consider it your first delicious introduction to the country’s extraordinary cuisine.
Lima
Colonial Heritage & Coastal Views
Today, uncover the fascinating history of Lima, a city where colonial architecture, ancient traditions, and modern coastal life come together. Your exploration begins in the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with remarkable landmarks and centuries of stories.
Start with a visit to the Main Square, the heart of colonial Lima, surrounded by impressive buildings that reflect the grandeur of the Spanish Empire. Admire the Cathedral of Lima, whose construction began in the 16th century and took nearly 80 years to complete, becoming one of the city’s most important historical monuments.
Continue to Casa Aliaga, one of the oldest colonial residences in the Americas. Granted in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains, this remarkable mansion has remained in the same family for generations and offers a unique glimpse into Lima’s colonial past.
The cultural journey continues at the Larco Museum, located in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre. Set inside a beautifully restored viceroyal mansion, the museum houses one of the most impressive collections of pre-Hispanic art in Peru, including extraordinary gold and silver pieces, ceramics, textiles, and its renowned collection of ancient erotic art.
To end the day, head towards the coastal district of Miraflores and visit the charming Love Park. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this colourful space is decorated with mosaic benches and is home to the famous sculpture celebrating love and romance. Enjoy the ocean views and the unique atmosphere of this beloved Lima landmark before returning to your hotel.
Puno
Puno
Discover Uros Islands & Taquile
Continue your journey through Peru’s cultural heritage with a full-day exploration of Lake Titicaca and the communities that have preserved their ancestral traditions for generations.
After pickup from your hotel, head to the port of Puno and board a boat towards the remarkable Uros floating islands. Built entirely from totora reeds, these artificial islands are a unique example of human adaptation to the lake environment. Learn how local communities create and maintain their floating homes, boats, and everyday objects using this versatile plant that has been part of their way of life for centuries.
Continue across the lake to Taquile Island, a place where ancient traditions remain deeply rooted. During your visit, discover the island’s fascinating history, from its connection with the Inca Empire to the preservation of its unique customs and textile traditions. Unlike many other communities around Lake Titicaca, the people of Taquile speak Quechua, and their traditional clothing and weaving techniques continue to reflect their cultural identity.
Enjoy a guided walk around the island, taking in the impressive views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Before returning to Puno, share a memorable lunch prepared by a local family, offering an authentic opportunity to experience Taquile’s hospitality and flavours.
After this enriching cultural encounter, return by boat to Puno and your hotel.
Cusco
Bus from Puno to Cusco
Today, continue your journey towards Cusco aboard a tourist bus that transforms a simple transfer into a cultural and scenic experience. Along the way, discover the landscapes of the Southern Valley and visit some of the most remarkable archaeological and historical sites between Puno and the former capital of the Inca Empire.
The first stop is Andahuaylillas, a charming Andean village known for its impressive Church of San Pedro Apóstol, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” thanks to its beautifully preserved baroque decoration and extraordinary mural paintings.
Continue to the archaeological complex of Raqchi, home to the famous Temple of Wiracocha. Explore the remains of this important Inca site, recognised for its monumental structures and its significance as a religious and administrative centre during the Inca Empire.
The final stop along the route is La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno, located at approximately 4,335 metres above sea level. Take a moment to admire the spectacular Andean scenery before continuing to Cusco.
Upon arrival at the bus station, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel, ready to begin discovering the historic heart of the Inca world.
Today, discover the fascinating history of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and a city where ancient traditions and colonial influences blend together. Your exploration begins at Koricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun, commissioned by Inca Pachacútec between 1438 and 1471.
Once the most important religious centre of the empire, Koricancha was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and was covered with gold sheets during the height of the Inca civilisation. Its courtyards were decorated with golden representations of corn and life-sized llama sculptures, reflecting the importance of agriculture and nature in Inca beliefs.
Continue to the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Main Square. Built over nearly a century, this impressive colonial church is one of the finest examples of Spanish religious architecture in the Americas and houses an important collection of colonial artwork.
The journey continues outside the city centre at Sacsayhuamán, one of the most impressive examples of Inca engineering. Explore this monumental fortress, known for its enormous stone blocks precisely fitted together and the mysteries that still surround its construction.
The tour concludes with visits to nearby archaeological sites. Discover Q’enqo, a ceremonial complex believed to have played an important role in Inca religious rituals, and Puka Pukara, also known as the “Red Fortress,” a strategic site thought to have served military and administrative purposes.
After a day immersed in Cusco’s history, culture, and remarkable landscapes, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Machu Picchu
Transfer Cusco Hotel / Cusco Airport
Today, trade the heights of the Andes for the lush landscapes of the Peruvian Amazon. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Cusco Airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Journey to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción – Amazon Rainforest Experience
Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the local pier. From here, board a motorised canoe for an approximately 25-minute journey along the Madre de Dios River to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
After settling in, enjoy lunch prepared with organic ingredients and flavours inspired by the Amazon before setting out to explore the Concepción Trails. Accompanied by your guide, walk through primary and secondary rainforest while discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of this ecosystem and learning about its importance for the region and the planet.
As daylight begins to fade, experience the Amazon from a completely different perspective during the Twilight River Excursion. Cruise along the Madre de Dios River while your guide introduces you to the waterways, nocturnal wildlife, and changing rhythms of the jungle after sunset. On clear nights, look towards the sky to discover the southern constellations above the rainforest.
Return to the lodge for dinner at Casa Grande, bringing your first day in the Peruvian Amazon to a peaceful close.
Included
- 3-night accommodation in Lima
- 1-night accommodation in Arequipa
- 1-night accommodation in Colca Valley
- 2-night accommodation in Puno
- 5-night accommodation in Cuzco
- 2-night accommodation in Puerto Maldonado
- Daily breakfast
- Meals according to the itinerary: lunch on days 4, 5, 6, 7, 9. Lunch & dinner on days 12 & 13.
- Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
- Bilingual guides (English/Spanish)
Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- National Park entrance fees
- Travel / Medical Insurance – Follow this link to get a free quote (only available for U.S. Travelers)