14 Days From Lima Peru to the World’s Highest Navigable Lake

This 14 day Peru itinerary is perfect for anyone visiting Peru for the first time. It covers the main highlights and must-see attractions, such as Machu Picchu, but it also includes travel tips, less visited sights and unique experiences.

Peru was the first country we traveled to on our 2 month backpacking trip through South America and in just 2 weeks we visited Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca and much more. Below, I share a detailed 14 day Peru itinerary that takes you from Lima to the remote shores of Lake Titicaca.

14 Days in Peru Itinerary with Map

Our 14 day itinerary in Peru started in Lima. We initially spent 2 days in the capital before flying to Cusco, where we acclimatized and traveled to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.

Then we continued our backpacking trip in South America to Puno on Lake Titicaca. To experience the local Quechua culture, we also spent a night with the local community on one of the islands on the lake.

After 2 weeks in Peru, we traveled to Bolivia and the Atacama Desert in Chile, before returning for another 3 weeks in Peru.

1. Explore Lima and the UNESCO Historic Center (Day 1-2)

We visited Lima in August, expecting sunshine and warm weather, but instead we were greeted with grey skies and cold air. This was our first time visiting Peru, and after a long flight, we used the first day to settle down and explore the Miraflores neighbourhood, where we booked our hostel.

We loved the coastal views of Lima from the boardwalk in Miraflores, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Then, we eventually reached Parque del Amor (or Love Park) where colorful mosaics line the walls and a large sculpture of a kissing couple sits at the center. Even without a sunset, it was a beautiful spot to pause and take in the ocean view.

On the second day in Lima, we decided to book a walking tour to discover Lima’s historic centre and dive deeper into the city’s colonial past. Lima is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a treasure trove of Spanish architecture. We started our tour in the main square in front of the impressive 16th-century Cathedral, which took over 80 years to complete.

Things To Know Before Traveling to Lima

How To Spend 2 Days in Lima

2. Fly to Cusco and Acclimatize (Day 3-5)

To reach Cusco, we chose to fly instead of taking a bus, hoping to save time and avoid early travel exhaustion. Cusco is situated at an impressive 3,399 meters above sea level and rests in a valley surrounded by mountains.

I recommend spending the first 3 days in Cusco, getting used to the higher elevation, before attempting any hikes or tours, such as Humantay Lake, Salkantay Trek or Rainbow Mountain.

We decided to book a walking tour to explore Cusco and learn more about its history. In fact, one of the highlights in Cusco is the main square, Plaza de Armas, which blends the influence of Spanish colonialism and the legacy of the Inca Empire.

When traveling across Peru, you may notice how many cities have a Plaza de Armas (known as Plaza Mayor in Spain), a result of the Spanish invasion and rebranding that began in the 1500s.

Good To Know Before Traveling to Cusco

3. Hike Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (Day 6-10)

One of the main reasons we wanted to visit Peru was Machu Picchu. But we didn’t want to just hop on a train to get there. We preferred to reach Machu Picchu on foot, crossing mountain passes and stopping a local towns along the way.

To hike to Machu Picchu you have two main options: the popular Inca Trail or the lesser-known Salkantay Trek. While the Inca Trail is often booked out months in advance, the Salkantay Trek is a bit more difficult but also a less crowded alternative.

We decided to hike the Salkantay Trek in 5 days to Machu Picchu with an organized local tour and loved it. In fact, we loved it so much that decided to hike the Huayhuash trek, an 8-day trek near Huaraz, later during our South America trip.

4. Visit Sacred Valley (Day 11)

At the end of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, we returned to Cusco. The next day we decided to visit the Sacred Valley at a relaxed pace. Once again, we booked a day trip to Sacred Valley with a local guide that provided additional insights on the Incan ruins.

5. Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Day 12)

On our last day in Cusco, we decided to hike Rainbow Mountain. We would have preferred to organize the trip without a tour, but the logistics were slightly complicated and a tour worked out best for us in the end.

How To Spend 10 Days in Cusco and around

6. From Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca (Day 13)

Our next Peru stop was Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3,810 m / 12,500 ft), which is the largest lake in South America and highest navigable lake in the world.

To get to Puno you can either fly into Juliaca Airport or take a bus from Cusco or Arequipa. In my opinion, buses are the best way to explore Peru. But, if you’re short on time, flights are a convenient option for connecting to key cities inland.

Before heading to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca, we spent one night in Puno. Here, we visited the small historical town and enjoyed a night savouring the local food.

7. Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca (Day 14-15)

Visit Floating Islands With a Tour: Uros, Amantani and Taquile Islands

To visit the floating islands on Lake Titicaca, we booked a guided tour that included an overnight stay on Amantani Island. The tour started with a visit to the Uros floating islands, followed by a boat ride to Amantani, where we spent the night with a local host family. This is a great way to experience daily life on the lake. The next day, we visited Taquile Island before returning to Puno in the afternoon.

We booked the tour directly at the Puno port the day before departure, but you can also find similar options through local agencies in town or online via platforms, such as GetYourGuide or Viator.

Floating Islands 2 Day Tour Overview

The Uros Islands, often called the “floating islands”, are just a short boat ride from Puno’s harbor. Wondering if they actually float? They do! These unique islands are man-made, built from layers of totora reeds that grow in the lake and are tightly bound together with rope.

Everything, from the islands themselves to the boats and homes, of the Uros people is crafted from these reeds. To keep the islands from sinking, new layers of fresh totora are added regularly, usually every few weeks. It’s an impressive local Peruvian tradition that the Uros community has maintained for generations.

Then we arrived on Amantani Island, where we had the chance to experience daily life with a local Quechua family. Despite our limited Spanish and the simple living conditions, we welcomed the peaceful atmosphere and appreciated the chance to connect with a different way of life.

Amantani island has two peaks, “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) and “Pachatata” (Father Earth), that rise above 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Later at sunset, we went to visit them both and enjoyed the view of Lake Titicaca from above.

Then, in the evening, the host families organized a traditional night of music and dancing. For the occasion, we were dressed in typical ponchos, skirts and hats, and joined the locals in a fun, lively celebration that gave us a glimpse into their customs and community spirit.

The next morning, we visited Taquile island and enjoyed a relaxing walk around its shores. The island is mostly known for its weaving, which plays a significant role in local traditions and tourism.

Cross the Border with Bolivia

In Puno, you can either decide to continue the trip to Bolivia or to continue to Arequipa. In our case, we took a bus to Bolivia, where we continued our South America backpacking trip by visiting La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Alternatively, check out this 3 weeks in Peru itinerary that covers the main attractions between Arequipa, Lima and Huaraz.

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