From Lima Peru to the World’s Highest Navigable Lake

If you’re planning to explore Peru, get ready for a journey full of rich history, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. I kicked off my 2-month backpacking trip through South America in Lima, Peru. After a few days in the capital, I flew to Cusco – once the capital of the Inca Empire and now the getaway to sites like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain. To wrap up this first leg of the trip, I headed to Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world.

In this blog post, I’ll share a detailed Peru itinerary that takes you from bustling Lima to the remote shores of Lake Titicaca. Over just 15 days, you’ll explore one of the 7 Wonders of the World, walk among ancient Inca ruins, experience local Peruvian culture, and discover a vibrant city life. In my opinion, Peru is one of the most rewarding countries to travel in South America.

Itinerary Overview & Map: Lima, Cusco, Lake Titicaca

We spent a total of 2 months in South America, starting and finishing in Lima, Peru. After spending some days in Lima, we then flew to Cusco. Here, we did the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, explored the Sacred Valley and the Rainbow Mountain. The trip then continued by bus to Puno, on lake Titicaca. During our stay, we spent a night on one of the islands with the local community, hiked on of its mountains and danced in local Peruvian outfits. This is then where we entered Bolivia.

Days 1-2: Arrive in Lima & Explore UNESCO Historic Center

Many travelers on a backpacking trip through South America or just a trip to Peru, often start their adventures in Lima. We arrived in August, expecting sunshine and warm weather, but instead were met with grey skies and chilly air. Still, that didn’t stop the locals. We watched surfers paddling out and catching waves, undeterred by the cold and clouds.

Like many others, this was our first time exploring Peru and South America overall. To settle down, we spent the first day in the neighbourhood of Miraflores, where we also booked our hostel.

We walked along the cliffs of Miraflores in the early evening, following the coastal path that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The view was peaceful, even under a grey sky, and the sound of waves below made for a relaxing stroll. 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, we decided to go on a walking tour to discover Lima’s historic centre and dive deeper into the city’s colonial past. In fact, Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of Spanish architecture. We started our tour in the main square in front of the impressive 16th-century Cathedral. This imposing structure took 80 years to complete and showcases the style and ambition of the Spanish Empire.

Unfortunately, Lima and overall region is prone to earthquakes, which have unfortunately led to the destruction of many historic buildings over the years.

Good To Know Before Traveling to Lima, Peru

• Where to stay: We stayed in Miraflores, which is a popular area for backpackers. It is quite close to the city centre and has many shops as well as restaurants to choose from. Highly recommend it!
• When to visit: December to March for most sunshine and clear skies. During the rest of the year, Lima is cooler and often covered in a thick grey fog. We visited in August, and still had a great time.
• How many days: 2-3 days should be enough to explore this metropolitan city.
• How to move around: Uber or Cabify are very popular and cheap. Otherwise, Lima has a metro (more of a bus actually) to reach the main attractions. If you are into an adventure, then opt for a minibus.
• SIM card: Yes, I highly recommend it. Sim cards and internet plans are very cheap in Peru. We used Claro and never experienced any problems.
• ATMs: We always went to BCP and were never charged withdrawal fees. But, this also depends on your issuing bank, so you’d better check with them before traveling.

How To Spend 2 Days in Lima, Peru

Days 3-12: Fly to Cusco, Head to Machu Picchu, Tour the Sacred Valley and Hike to Rainbow Mountain

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 majestic mountains. Overall, it is home to around 489,000 residents.

In the main square, Plaza de Armas, the blend of architectural styles beautifully reflects both the legacy of the Inca Empire and the influence of Spanish colonialism. In fact, most Peruvian cities feature a Plaza de Armas (known as Plaza Mayor in Spain), a result of the Spanish invasion and rebranding that began in the 1500s.

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.

Due to its proximity to numerous attractions, Cusco serves as getaway to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and many other adventures in the Andes. One of the best ways to reach Machu Picchu ruins is by hiking, either along the famous Inca Trail or the lesser-known Salkantay Trek. While the Inca Trail is more popular and often booked out months in advance, the Salkantay Trek offers a spectacular alternative. Over 5 days, you’ll hike through dramatic mountain passes, glaciers, ancient ruins, and lush cloud forests before arriving at the lost city of Machu Picchu.

We chose to hike the Salkantay Trek, a 5-day journey through the Andean mountains, to reach the Machu Picchu ruins. On our return to Cusco, we booked a tour to discover Inca Ruins in the Sacred Valley. The next day, we embarked on one last hiking trip to the colourful Rainbow Mountain.

Good To Know Before Traveling to Cusco, Peru

• Where to stay: Hostels or hotels around Plaza de Armas
• How to get there: From Lima you can either take a plane or go by bus (>20h drive). If you’re short of time, I recommend flying in.
• When to visit: May to September, with the peak tourist months in June and July. We visited in August and had a very enjoyable time.
• How many days: It largely depends on your interests. If you’d like to hike along the Salkantay Trek or Ausangate, as well as Rainbow Mountain, you’d need at least 10 days. But, if you prefer to take the train to Machu Picchu, 7 days should be enough.
• How to move around: Cusco itself is a very walkable city
• Weather: Since Cusco is located above 3,000 m (9,843 ft), at night it can get quite cold. In August, for instance, the days were quite warm, but as soon as the sun set, the temperature dropped sharply.
• Altitude: give yourself at least 3 days to properly acclimatize in Cusco, before doing any hikes. Also, make sure you drink enough water and get yourself used to the higher altitude.
• Hot water: It’s not uncommon for hot water to be inconsistent at certain hostels or hotels. So be sure to read reviews and thoroughly check accommodations before making a booking.

How To Spend 10 Days in (and around) Cusco, Peru

You might also like: 3 Days in Cusco: The Best Itinerary for First Timers

Days 12-15: Head to Puno & Explore the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca

Our next stop was Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3,810 m / 12,500 ft), the largest lake in South America and highest navigable lake in the world. If you want to reach Puno, there are several ways. 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.

Lake Titicaca Tour: Uros, Amantani and Taquile Islands

How To Visit the Floating Islands With a Tour

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 like GetYourGuide or Viator.

Overview of a 2 Day Tour of the Floating Islands

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 from the top of the Titicaca lake.

In the evening, the host families organized a traditional night of music and dancing. 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 went to 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

The day after returning from the islands, we took a bus to Copacabana and crossed the border with Bolivia. Don’t miss out on the different types of nuts and snacks at the border. Delicious and very cheap! We loved this first leg of our backpacking trip through South America. Since we wanted to explore Peru a bit longer, we returned after traveling through Bolivia and Northern Chile. Check out the second part of our Peru adventure, which includes new stops and experiences.

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