2-Week Peru Itinerary: Lima to Machu Picchu

This 14-day route covers Peru's highlights while managing altitude carefully. Start at sea level in Lima, gradually ascend through the Sacred Valley (2,800m), then Cusco (3,400m), and finish at Lake Titicaca (3,800m). This bottom-up approach minimises altitude sickness. Fly between Lima, Cusco, and Juliaca to save time.

Day 1: Arrive Lima. Explore Miraflores — cliffside Parque del Amor, Larcomar mall, sunset over the Pacific. Dinner at a cevichería (La Mar or Al Toke Pez for great value). Day 2: Historic centre — Plaza de Armas, San Francisco catacombs. Lunch at Mercado de Surquillo. Afternoon in Barranco — street art, bridges, bohemian cafes. Lima's food scene alone justifies 2 days.

Fly to Cusco, transfer directly to Sacred Valley (lower altitude — 2,800m vs Cusco's 3,400m). Day 3: Ollantaytambo ruins and town — the last living Inca town. Day 4: Moray circular terraces and Maras salt mines. Pisac market and ruins. Day 5: Rest day in the valley — acclimatise, explore local villages, try chicha (corn beer).

Day 6: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours). Afternoon: hot springs or explore the town. Day 7: 5:30am bus up to Machu Picchu. Guided tour of the citadel (2-3 hours). Climb Huayna Picchu if you booked a permit. Afternoon train back to Cusco.

Day 8: Cusco city tour — Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), San Pedro Market for fresh juice and food stalls. Day 9: Sacsayhuamán fortress (massive Inca stonework), Rainbow Mountain day hike (5,200m — only if well acclimatised), or explore San Blas artisan neighbourhood.

Day 10: Bus or fly Cusco to Puno (7h bus / 1h flight via Juliaca). Day 11: Boat tour to Uros floating reed islands and Taquile Island. Day 12: Homestay on Amantaní Island — spend the night with a local family, stargaze at 3,800m. Return to Puno.

Option A: Bus to Chivay (6 hours), Colca Canyon condor viewpoint at dawn (Cruz del Cóndor), hot springs, return to Arequipa and fly home. Option B: Fly Juliaca to Lima, spend the last day in Lima for shopping and a final ceviche. Either ending works — Colca is spectacular if you have the energy.

Mid-range estimate for 14 days: $1,200-1,800 per person (excluding international flights). Includes domestic flights, trains, hotels, food, guides, and entrance fees. The Inca Trail (4 days) adds $500-700 per person. Machu Picchu entry: $45-65 depending on circuit.