The Perfect Peru Itinerary: 15 Days in Peru from the Andes to the Amazon
Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Paracas, Huacachina, and the Amazon — our complete 15-day Peru itinerary
Peru had been on my travel list for years, and when we finally planned our trip, I knew I didn't want to visit Machu Picchu and call it a day. I wanted mountains, ancient ruins, colorful markets, desert landscapes, wildlife, and the Amazon — and I wanted to experience it all as a family.
So we planned a 15-day adventure that took us from the high Andes to the Pacific coast and deep into the Amazon rainforest. Along the way, we discovered just how much this incredible country has to offer.
If you're planning your first trip to Peru and want to experience more than the typical Lima–Cusco–Machu Picchu route, this 15-day Peru itinerary will show you how to combine the country's most iconic sights with unforgettable adventures beyond the usual tourist trail.
Start Planning Your Peru Trip
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Our 15-Day Peru Itinerary
Days 1–2: Cusco
Day 1: Toronto to Lima to Cusco
We flew overnight from Toronto to Lima, arriving early in the morning. Rather than spending the day in Lima, we caught a connecting flight straight to Cusco. It was a long travel day with very little sleep, and arriving at approximately 3,400 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level made it even more exhausting.
We checked into our accommodation and kept the rest of the day as relaxed as possible. If you're planning a similar trip, I recommend avoiding strenuous activities on arrival.
Overnight: Cusco
Day 2: Cusco to Pisac by Collectivo
On our second day, we took a collectivo from Cusco to Pisac to explore its famous archaeological site and traditional market.
One thing I wish we'd known beforehand: take a taxi directly to the entrance of the Pisac archaeological park. We made the mistake of starting a hike without realizing how long it would take. What we thought would be a relatively simple visit turned into hours of hiking!
The archaeological site is enormous, with incredible terraces and mountain views, so it's worth allowing plenty of time to explore. We also visited the local market, where you can find traditional textiles, souvenirs and handmade crafts.
My tip: If you're visiting independently, take a taxi to the archaeological park entrance instead of starting the hike from town. You'll save yourself a lot of time and energy.
⚠️ A little altitude warning: Even though Pisac is lower than Cusco, it’s still at a high altitude, so I would only do the longer hike if you’re feeling okay with the altitude. We felt fine enough to continue, although our hearts were definitely pounding and we were out of breath — and yes, we kept eating coca candies like they were popcorn 😂. Take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t feel like you have to prove anything by doing the full hike.
Overnight: Cusco
On our second day, we took a collectivo from Cusco to Pisac to explore its famous archaeological site and traditional market.
One thing I wish we'd known beforehand: take a taxi directly to the entrance of the Pisac archaeological park. We made the mistake of starting a hike without realizing how long it would take. What we thought would be a relatively simple visit turned into hours of hiking!
The archaeological site is enormous, with incredible terraces and mountain views, so it's worth allowing plenty of time to explore. We also visited the local market, where you can find traditional textiles, souvenirs and handmade crafts.
My tip: If you're visiting independently, take a taxi to the archaeological park entrance instead of starting the hike from town. You'll save yourself a lot of time and energy.
⚠️ A little altitude warning: Even though Pisac is lower than Cusco, it’s still at a high altitude, so I would only do the longer hike if you’re feeling okay with the altitude. We felt fine enough to continue, although our hearts were definitely pounding and we were out of breath — and yes, we kept eating coca candies like they were popcorn 😂. Take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t feel like you have to prove anything by doing the full hike.
Overnight: Cusco
Days 3–7: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and back to Cusco
Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
For our third day, we booked a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco that ended in Ollantaytambo. Looking back, I think this is one of the most convenient ways to explore the valley, especially if you're planning to continue on to Machu Picchu.
Our tour included Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo. Each stop was completely different, from traditional weaving and impressive agricultural terraces to the famous salt pools.
Chinchero is known for its traditional weaving, colourful textiles and beautiful Andean setting. It was a great introduction to the culture of the Sacred Valley.
Moray was one of those places that looks almost unreal. These enormous circular agricultural terraces are carved into the landscape and were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.
Next, we visited the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside. The view is incredible, and it's definitely one of those places that looks even better in person.
We finished the day in Ollantaytambo, which quickly became one of my favourite places in Peru. The town has charming cobblestone streets, ancient Inca architecture and beautiful mountain scenery. Honestly, I could have stayed longer just walking around and taking it all in.
Instead of returning to Cusco, we stayed overnight in Ollantaytambo. This made the next part of our journey to Machu Picchu much easier and saved us from having to backtrack to Cusco.
My tip: If you're planning to visit Machu Picchu after exploring the Sacred Valley, consider booking a tour that ends in Ollantaytambo. You can see several major attractions in one day and then stay overnight, making your journey to Machu Picchu much more convenient.
Overnight: Ollantaytambo
For our third day, we booked a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco that ended in Ollantaytambo. Looking back, I think this is one of the most convenient ways to explore the valley, especially if you're planning to continue on to Machu Picchu.
Our tour included Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo. Each stop was completely different, from traditional weaving and impressive agricultural terraces to the famous salt pools.
Chinchero is known for its traditional weaving, colourful textiles and beautiful Andean setting. It was a great introduction to the culture of the Sacred Valley.
Moray was one of those places that looks almost unreal. These enormous circular agricultural terraces are carved into the landscape and were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.
Next, we visited the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside. The view is incredible, and it's definitely one of those places that looks even better in person.
We finished the day in Ollantaytambo, which quickly became one of my favourite places in Peru. The town has charming cobblestone streets, ancient Inca architecture and beautiful mountain scenery. Honestly, I could have stayed longer just walking around and taking it all in.
Instead of returning to Cusco, we stayed overnight in Ollantaytambo. This made the next part of our journey to Machu Picchu much easier and saved us from having to backtrack to Cusco.
My tip: If you're planning to visit Machu Picchu after exploring the Sacred Valley, consider booking a tour that ends in Ollantaytambo. You can see several major attractions in one day and then stay overnight, making your journey to Machu Picchu much more convenient.
Overnight: Ollantaytambo
Day 4: Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
We took the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in the morning. After arriving, we headed to Machu Picchu for our afternoon visit.
We had booked Circuit 1B, and seeing Machu Picchu in person was an incredible experience. No matter how many photos you've seen, the real thing is something else entirely.
After our visit, we returned to Aguas Calientes, where we spent the night.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Machu Picchu Again and Back to Cusco
Yes, we visited Machu Picchu twice! We had an early morning visit using Circuit 2A, which offered a different experience from our first visit.
If your schedule and budget allow it, I think visiting twice is worth considering, especially if you want to experience different circuits.
After our second visit, we took the train back and continued to Cusco.
Yes, we visited Machu Picchu twice! We had an early morning visit using Circuit 2A, which offered a different experience from our first visit.
If your schedule and budget allow it, I think visiting twice is worth considering, especially if you want to experience different circuits.
After our second visit, we took the train back and continued to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Day 6: Cusco’s Inca Ruins
We dedicated this day to exploring some of the impressive archaeological sites around Cusco. We booked a tour, which was a really convenient way to visit several places in one day without having to figure out transportation between each site.
Our stops included Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Each site was different, from the enormous stone walls of Sacsayhuamán to ancient ceremonial spaces and ruins scattered throughout the hills around Cusco.
We also spent some time exploring more of Cusco, walking through the streets, checking out the shops and, of course, stopping for food along the way.
My tip: I definitely recommend booking a tour for these ruins. You get to visit multiple archaeological sites in one day, and having a guide explain the history and what you're actually looking at makes the experience so much more interesting.
Overnight: Cusco
Day 7: Cusco to Lima
We flew from Cusco back to Lima. Depending on your flight time, you can use the morning to visit San Pedro Market, explore San Blas or simply enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to the airport.
We had an early flight from Cusco back to Lima, but that actually worked out really well because we still had plenty of time to explore once we arrived.
We stayed in Miraflores, which was a convenient area for exploring Lima. After checking in, we headed out to explore the neighbourhood, including the famous Parque Kennedy (Cat Park), where you’ll find cats casually hanging around the park, and the local markets and shops nearby.
It was nice having a slower day after all the sightseeing and altitude in Cusco. We walked around, checked out the markets, grabbed some food and enjoyed getting a different feel for Lima before continuing with the next part of our trip.
Overnight: Lima
Days 8–10: Paracas, Ica, Huacachina and Flight to Iquitos
Day 8: Lima to Paracas
We left Lima and drove south to Paracas, a journey of approximately 3.5–4 hours.
We rented a car, which gave us the flexibility to explore the coast at our own pace. After arriving, we had time to enjoy the town and its coastal scenery.
Paracas was a completely different experience from the Andes, with its dry desert landscapes and Pacific Ocean views.
Overnight: Paracas
Day 9: Paracas National Reserve, Ica and Huacachina
We started the day exploring Paracas National Reserve, taking in the dramatic coastal scenery where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. The landscapes here are completely different from what we had seen in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
After exploring the reserve, we continued by car toward Ica and Huacachina, the famous desert oasis surrounded by enormous sand dunes.
This was one of the most fun days of our trip. We went dune buggy riding through the desert, which was basically a roller coaster on sand, and then spent some time enjoying the dunes and watching the sunset over Huacachina.
Once the sun went down, we drove back to Paracas, where we stayed overnight.
My tip: If you're driving this route yourself, give yourself enough time to enjoy both Paracas and Huacachina without rushing. The drive through the desert is part of the experience, and the sunset in Huacachina is definitely worth staying for.
Overnight: Paracas
Day 10: Paracas → Lima → Iquitos
After our time in Paracas, we headed back to Lima to catch our 6:00 PM flight to Iquitos.
We left Paracas early enough to give ourselves plenty of time for the drive back to Lima and to make it to the airport without rushing. With a flight later that day, I definitely recommend leaving some extra time for traffic — Lima traffic can be unpredictable!
From Lima, we flew to Iquitos, where we arrived in the evening and stayed overnight before starting our Amazon adventure.
It was basically a full travel day, but breaking up the journey this way worked well for our itinerary.
Overnight: Iquitos
Days 11–13: Amazon Rainforest and Flight to Lima
Day 11: Iquitos → Into the Amazon
Our Amazon adventure officially started in Iquitos, one of the main gateways to the Peruvian Amazon. One interesting thing about Iquitos is that it isn't connected to the rest of Peru by road, so getting there means flying or travelling by boat.
We were picked up by Edwin from Maniti Expedition, who was with us throughout our Amazon adventure. From there, we took tuk-tuks to Belén Market, where we had a quick look around before continuing to the Iquitos port.
At the port, we boarded our boat and headed deeper into the Amazon. The boat ride to our jungle lodge took about two hours, and even the journey itself felt like part of the adventure as the city slowly disappeared and the rainforest took over.
Once we arrived at the lodge and settled in, we headed out with Edwin for our first daytime jungle walk. We explored the rainforest, looking for wildlife and learning about the plants, trees and environment around us.
After dinner, we went back into the jungle for a night walk. The rainforest felt completely different after dark. With only our flashlights and the sounds of the jungle around us, it was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of our Peru trip.
Overnight: Amazon Jungle Lodge
Day 12: A Full Day in the Amazon
Day 13 was packed from morning until night — and probably one of the most memorable days of our entire Peru trip.
We started early in the morning with a boat ride to look for pink river dolphins. Watching them appear in the water around us was such a cool experience, especially being out on the Amazon so early in the morning.
Next up was piranha fishing. Yes, we actually caught piranhas! 🎣 And the best part? We ended up eating them for dinner later that evening. 😂 Talk about catching your own dinner!
We also visited a local Amazonian tribe, where we got to learn more about the people who live in the region and experience a very different side of life in the Amazon.
From there, we continued to Monkey Island, where we saw several spider monkeys and other wildlife. We also got to see some of the Amazon's fascinating species, including anacondas and turtles, and even had the chance to feed the monkeys.
By the time we returned to the lodge, we had packed an incredible amount into one day. And then came dinner — the piranhas we had caught earlier that day! 😂
After spending the first part of our Peru trip surrounded by mountains, Inca ruins and desert landscapes, being deep in the rainforest felt like we had travelled to a completely different world.
Overnight: Amazon Jungle Lodge
Day 13: Iquitos → Lima
After two incredible days in the Amazon, it was time to head back to Lima. We left the jungle early in the morning and made our way back to Iquitos by boat.
Once we arrived in Iquitos, we had a quick lunch and took some time to explore the city centre before heading to the airport for our flight back to Lima.
We arrived in Lima in the evening, but rather than calling it a night, we decided to make the most of our remaining time and explore the city after dark.
We spent the evening exploring Miraflores and Barranco, two neighbourhoods with very different atmospheres. We also stopped by Kennedy Park (the famous Cat Park), where cats casually roam around and have practically made the park their home. Of course, we couldn't resist checking them out!
It was a lovely way to spend our last evening in Peru, wandering around, enjoying the atmosphere and squeezing in a little more sightseeing before heading home.
Overnight: Lima
Day 14: Exploring Lima
We spent our last full day in Peru exploring more of Lima. After two weeks of travelling, it was nice to have a little flexibility in our schedule without rushing from one destination to another.
If you have a full day in Lima, there are plenty of places worth visiting, depending on your interests:
Historic Centre of Lima: Explore the beautiful colonial architecture and historic streets.
Plaza Mayor: Visit Lima's main square, surrounded by impressive historic buildings.
Lima Cathedral: Admire one of the city's most famous landmarks.
Larco Museum: A great place to learn more about Peru's fascinating pre-Columbian history.
Miraflores and Barranco: Spend more time exploring these neighbourhoods, browsing shops, visiting cafés and enjoying the sunset at the Love Park (Parque del Amor).
Historic Centre of Lima: Explore the beautiful colonial architecture and historic streets.
Plaza Mayor: Visit Lima's main square, surrounded by impressive historic buildings.
Lima Cathedral: Admire one of the city's most famous landmarks.
Larco Museum: A great place to learn more about Peru's fascinating pre-Columbian history.
Miraflores and Barranco: Spend more time exploring these neighbourhoods, browsing shops, visiting cafés and enjoying the sunset at the Love Park (Parque del Amor).
And, of course, don't underestimate Lima's food scene! Peru is famous for its cuisine, and Lima is the perfect place to enjoy a few more local dishes before heading home.
Whether you spend your last day sightseeing, shopping or simply enjoying some good food, I'd leave it flexible. After such a packed itinerary, having some time to explore at your own pace is a nice way to end the trip.
Overnight: Lima
Day 15 — Fly Home
It's time to go home.
Our flight from Lima to Toronto departed early in the morning.
And after two weeks of mountains, ruins, trains, deserts, wildlife and jungle, we were exhausted...
but very happy.
It's time to go home.
Our flight from Lima to Toronto departed early in the morning.
And after two weeks of mountains, ruins, trains, deserts, wildlife and jungle, we were exhausted...
but very happy.
Our Peru Route at a Glance
If you want to save this itinerary, here's the route:
If you want to save this itinerary, here's the route:
A Few Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Peru
- Don't underestimate the altitude
Cusco is high — really high.
Even if you're normally active, altitude can affect you differently than you expect.
Give yourself time to acclimatize before doing strenuous activities.
We also found things like electrolytes, coca tea/candy and muña tea helpful during our time in the Andes.
2. Don't pack your itinerary too tightly
Cusco is high — really high.
Even if you're normally active, altitude can affect you differently than you expect.
Give yourself time to acclimatize before doing strenuous activities.
We also found things like electrolytes, coca tea/candy and muña tea helpful during our time in the Andes.
2. Don't pack your itinerary too tightly
Peru looks manageable on a map, but getting between destinations can take time.
Flights, trains, buses and transfers all need to line up.
Leave some breathing room.
3. Check the weather for every region — and pack accordingly
Peru looks manageable on a map, but getting between destinations can take time.
Flights, trains, buses and transfers all need to line up.
Leave some breathing room.
3. Check the weather for every region — and pack accordingly
One thing I definitely wouldn't assume: just because it's summer in North America doesn't mean it's summer in Peru. Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, so July and August are winter there.
But Peru's "winter" isn't the same everywhere. The weather can change dramatically depending on where you are — and sometimes even within the same day.
You can go from cold mountain weather in Cusco, to warm and humid conditions in the Amazon, to mild or even sunny weather on the coast in the same trip.
We experienced everything from cold mornings and chilly nights to heat and humidity, sometimes changing surprisingly quickly.
Pack layers! A light jacket, warmer clothes for the Andes, comfortable clothing for warmer areas and something suitable for rain or humidity can make a huge difference. Don't just pack based on the season — pack based on the regions you're visiting.
One thing I definitely wouldn't assume: just because it's summer in North America doesn't mean it's summer in Peru. Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, so July and August are winter there.
But Peru's "winter" isn't the same everywhere. The weather can change dramatically depending on where you are — and sometimes even within the same day.
You can go from cold mountain weather in Cusco, to warm and humid conditions in the Amazon, to mild or even sunny weather on the coast in the same trip.
We experienced everything from cold mornings and chilly nights to heat and humidity, sometimes changing surprisingly quickly.
Pack layers! A light jacket, warmer clothes for the Andes, comfortable clothing for warmer areas and something suitable for rain or humidity can make a huge difference. Don't just pack based on the season — pack based on the regions you're visiting.
4. Machu Picchu requires planning
Don't leave Machu Picchu until the last minute. Your entrance ticket, circuit, train and transportation all need to work together.
Research the available circuits and choose one that fits the experience you want.
5. Peru is incredibly diverse
This was probably my biggest takeaway.In one trip, you can experience:
🏔️ Andes mountains
🏛️ Inca ruins
🌵 Desert
🌊 Pacific coastline
🦭 Marine wildlife
🌴 Amazon rainforest
That's a lot of completely different worlds in one country — and that's what made the trip so unforgettable.
Don't leave Machu Picchu until the last minute. Your entrance ticket, circuit, train and transportation all need to work together.
Research the available circuits and choose one that fits the experience you want.
5. Peru is incredibly diverse
This was probably my biggest takeaway.🏔️ Andes mountains
🏛️ Inca ruins
🌵 Desert
🌊 Pacific coastline
🦭 Marine wildlife
🌴 Amazon rainforest
That's a lot of completely different worlds in one country — and that's what made the trip so unforgettable.
How Much Does a Peru Trip Cost?
This is probably one of the biggest questions when planning a Peru trip, and the answer can vary a lot depending on how you travel.
Accommodation and food can actually be quite affordable in Peru, especially if you're not looking for luxury hotels or high-end restaurants. Where your budget can really add up is getting to Peru, travelling between destinations and booking some of the major experiences.
For a trip like ours, make sure you budget for:
✈️ International flights to Peru
✈️ Domestic flights between destinations
🏨 Hotels and accommodation
🚂 Trains to Machu Picchu
🎟️ Machu Picchu entrance tickets
🚐 Tours, buses and private transfers
🌴 Amazon lodge or expedition package
🍽️ Food and restaurants
🏛️ Museums and entrance fees
🎟️ Activities and excursions
🛡️ Travel insurance
The biggest expenses for us were getting to Peru, domestic flights, and the whole Machu Picchu logistics — tickets, trains and transportation. The Amazon expedition was another significant part of the budget.
So don't look at Peru and assume the entire trip has to be expensive. You can save quite a bit on hotels and food, but flights, Machu Picchu and big excursions can quickly add up.
For reference, our family of three spent around CAD $13,000 (USD $9,000) for our July 31–August 13 trip, including flights, accommodation, transportation, food, tours, Machu Picchu and our Amazon adventure. Your total could be considerably different depending on your travel style and what you choose to include.
This is probably one of the biggest questions when planning a Peru trip, and the answer can vary a lot depending on how you travel.
Accommodation and food can actually be quite affordable in Peru, especially if you're not looking for luxury hotels or high-end restaurants. Where your budget can really add up is getting to Peru, travelling between destinations and booking some of the major experiences.
For a trip like ours, make sure you budget for:
✈️ International flights to Peru
✈️ Domestic flights between destinations
🏨 Hotels and accommodation
🚂 Trains to Machu Picchu
🎟️ Machu Picchu entrance tickets
🚐 Tours, buses and private transfers
🌴 Amazon lodge or expedition package
🍽️ Food and restaurants
🏛️ Museums and entrance fees
🎟️ Activities and excursions
🛡️ Travel insurance
The biggest expenses for us were getting to Peru, domestic flights, and the whole Machu Picchu logistics — tickets, trains and transportation. The Amazon expedition was another significant part of the budget.
So don't look at Peru and assume the entire trip has to be expensive. You can save quite a bit on hotels and food, but flights, Machu Picchu and big excursions can quickly add up.
For reference, our family of three spent around CAD $13,000 (USD $9,000) for our July 31–August 13 trip, including flights, accommodation, transportation, food, tours, Machu Picchu and our Amazon adventure. Your total could be considerably different depending on your travel style and what you choose to include.
Would I Do This Peru Trip Again?
Absolutely.
Our Peru trip wasn't just about checking Machu Picchu off a bucket list.
It was about experiencing how incredibly different one country can be.
We went from walking through ancient Inca streets in Cusco, to standing high above the Sacred Valley, to watching the sunset over the desert dunes in Huacachina, and then listening to the sounds of the Amazon jungle at night.
Peru was one of those trips that reminded me why I love traveling in the first place.
You don't always need a luxury vacation.
Sometimes you just need a plane ticket, a little planning, a comfortable pair of shoes...
and the curiosity to see what's around the next corner. ✈️🌎
If Peru is on your travel list, save this itinerary for later!
Absolutely.
Our Peru trip wasn't just about checking Machu Picchu off a bucket list.
It was about experiencing how incredibly different one country can be.
We went from walking through ancient Inca streets in Cusco, to standing high above the Sacred Valley, to watching the sunset over the desert dunes in Huacachina, and then listening to the sounds of the Amazon jungle at night.
Peru was one of those trips that reminded me why I love traveling in the first place.
You don't always need a luxury vacation.
Sometimes you just need a plane ticket, a little planning, a comfortable pair of shoes...
and the curiosity to see what's around the next corner. ✈️🌎
If Peru is on your travel list, save this itinerary for later!
Ready to Plan Your Peru Adventure?
From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru is an incredible country to explore — but getting everything to line up takes some planning.
Search flights, hotels and travel options for your Peru trip through my Expedia travel page.
Plan Your Peru Trip with Expedia →
From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru is an incredible country to explore — but getting everything to line up takes some planning.
Search flights, hotels and travel options for your Peru trip through my Expedia travel page.
Plan Your Peru Trip with Expedia →
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