Peru is a huge country, known for its incredible biodiversity with almost every climate you can think of. In addition, it has a rich cultural history as one of the six cradles of civilisation in the world. Because of this, there’s so much to see, just in one country. Beaches, the Andes, ancient Incan and Pre-Incan ruins, deserts and the Amazon, Peru has it all. That’s why it’s no surprise that planning a trip to Peru can be so overwhelming. The aim of this 2 Month Peru Itinerary is to show all of the best things that Peru has to offer.
If you’re pushed for time and can’t spend the full 2 months here, we’ve marked (***) which destinations are must-sees. Even with 2 months, there’s always more that you can do in Peru and this 2 Month Peru Itinerary will include some details of possible extensions.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Peru for 2 Months? TLDR: October to December
Peru has two main seasons, wet (Summer) and dry (Winter). The wet season usually lasts from November to April, bringing more rain but also more heat. On the other hand, the dry season lasts from May to October, offering clear skies but cooler temperatures. However, depending on the region, the weather brought about by the seasons is different. There are three main climate regions in Peru: the mountains, the rainforest and the coast. Although if you’re looking for the best time to complete this 2 Month Peru Itinerary, we recommend October to December.
The Mountains – Best Time to Visit = October, November, April, May
During the dry season, there isn’t much rain up in the mountains but it can get very cold, especially at night. During October-November and April-May, the seasons are transitioning from dry to wet and vice versa. By visiting during these shoulder months you get warmer days, clearer skies and less rain – all good things for hiking.
The Rainforest – Best Time to Visit = December to April (But it doesn’t matter too much)
In the rainforest, the wet season brings a lot of rain. The rainiest months are January and February, but typically, the rain only starts in the late afternoon, continuing into the night and clearing up in the morning. So, if you visit during the wet season, you’ll still be able to take part in activities. The main benefit of the wet season is that it’s when trees are fruiting. This results in many animals like parrots and monkeys appearing to feed on the fruits. In addition, this is the best time to see the clay licks, with lots of parrots and macaws descending on the clay banks to eat it for its medicinal properties.
The dry season does have its own benefits. Less rainfall means water levels are lower. This results in more animals congregating around the lakes, coming out of their hideaways in the jungle. Also, less rain means you’re able to do more activities during the day, especially in the evening. But, if like me you value lush jungle, visiting during the wet season will give the best results.
The Coast – Best Time to Visit = December to April
Peru’s coastline is part of a long desert. This means it rarely ever rains here, even in the wet season. In this region, the wet season is usually referred to as summer and the dry season as winter. During summer, the temperature is high, the skies are clearer and the humidity is low. In winter, the temperature is slightly milder and the skies are usually grey with a misty fog that’s created from the cold Pacific ocean.
Why visit October-December? (Although I wouldn’t plan around this)
These are the shoulder months going into the wet season (summer). By following this itinerary, you’ll do most of the hiking, including Machu Picchu whilst it’s not too hot, and there’s a high chance of clear skies. Then by the end of the trip, you’ll be on the coast and you can enjoy relaxing on Peru’s beaches with high heat and clear skies.
The Best 2-Month Peru Itinerary
Day 1 – 4: Lima
If you love food, Lima is the place to be. With world-renowned fine dining options like Central and Maido, you have the chance to try some of the very best food in the world. Other than that, Lima is pretty popular for surfing and there are a few historical sites that are worth a trip to. If you’re not that into food, then you can reduce the number of days here and get on over to Cusco.
We recommend staying in the bohemian Barranco district filled with street art, bars and museums or the high-end Miraflores district for shopping and restaurants.
Where to go and What to Eat:
- Eat at top restaurants: Central, Maido, Astrid y Gastòn and Kjolle to name a few. ***
- Visit the Plaza de Armas to see various museums and cathedrals.
- Walk over the Bridge of Sighs and make a wish.
- Try local anticuchos and ceviche.
- Visit Museo Larco for a good history of Incan and Pre-Incan civilisations. ***
Where to Stay in Lima?
The two districts of Barranco and Miraflores tend to have the most available to tourists. Miraflores caters for the more luxurious crowd with high-end shopping malls, fancy hotels and plenty of cliff-side parks. On the other hand, Barranco offers a more interesting view of Lima. This bohemian district has vibrant street art, unique architecture and cevicherias that overlook the Pacific.
Barranco Recommendations
- Budget: Kokopelli Hostel Barranco – Mixed Dorm, S/.56 / £12 / $15
- Mid-Range: Casa Fanning Hotel – 1-Bed Apartment, S/.140 / £30 / $37
- Luxury: 3B Barranco’s B&B – Standard Double Room, S/.233 / £50 / $62
Miraflores Recommendations
- Budget: Llaqta Wasi – Mixed Dorm, S/.37 / £8 / $10
- Mid-Range: Hotel Andesmar – Queen Room, S/.160 / £34 / $42
- Luxury: JW Marriot Hotel Lima – Deluxe Room with Ocean View, S/.990 / £210 / $260
Day 4 – 5: Travel to Cusco
You can get a long ~22hr bus from Lima to Cusco but honestly, we’d recommend the plane. It doesn’t cost that much more than the bus and the flight only takes around 1 hour.
Day 5 – 10: Explore Cusco and Pisac
The one downside of travelling straight from Lima to Cusco, regardless of if you go by bus or plane is that it doesn’t give enough time for your body to adjust to the altitude. You are likely to experience some altitude sickness, but power through it, make sure to hydrate and if needed take some medication. If the sickness is too much to handle, you can always head lower down into the Sacred Valley and then return to Cusco once you’ve acclimatized.
Otherwise, if you’re up for it, we recommend various small-scale hiking activities as the best way to get your body ready for the multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. Cusco is also a great place to book longer expeditions in Peru. We recommend booking a tour of the Amazon and the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Cusco recommendations:
- Get the Cusco tourist pass (Boleto turistico) and tick off the ruins on it. ***
- Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara and Cristo Blanco for a good view of Cusco. ***
- Three-lake hike and explore Pisac and the surrounding ruins.
- Rainbow mountain day trip. *** (Alternatively, the 4-5 day Ausangate Trek visits Rainbow Mountain)
- Visit Waqra pukara. ***
- Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, museums and galleries.
- Shopping for alpaca clothing.
- Visit Maras salt mines and Moray ruins
- Book Salkantay and Amazon Treks.
Where to Stay in Cusco?
In Cusco, most of the attractions are centred around the Plaza de Armas so it’s best to stay nearby.
Kokopelli: Kokopelli Hostel Cusco – Mixed Dorm, S/.50 / $14 / £11 (Not including Kokopelli discount)
Budget: Xplora Hostel Cusco – Mixed Dorm, S/.23 / $6 / £5
Mid-Range: Cozy Room Cusco – Standard Single, S/.77 / $21 / £17
Luxury: El Mariscal Cusco – Superior Queen, S/.172 / $47 / £38
Day 11 – 16: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake ***
This was such a great experience which we cannot recommend enough. The trek consists of four days of walking to the town of Aguas Calientes. The hike takes you from the heights of Humantay lake down into the lower jungle as you retrace a path that would once have been used by the Incans. On the fifth day, you climb and explore Machu Picchu, before catching a bus to the town of Ollantaytambo to rest up in the evening.
Day 17: Exploring Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a quaint town in the sacred valley, with flowing streams running throughout. There are a number of ruins here on top of the hills overlooking the town. You can do everything there is to do here in a day, but feel free to spend an extra day just relaxing after the Salkantay Trek, before taking a collectivo (budget shared min-van) back to Cusco in the evening. The ruins are included in the Cusco Tourist Pass.
Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo?
Dorm: Hostel Chaska Wasi – 4-Bed Dorm, S/.41 / $11 / £9
Budget: Casa Inka B&B – Double Room, S/.50 / $14 / £11
Mid-Range: Kiswar Lodge – Superior Queen Room, S/.96 / $23 / £19
Luxury: Kamma Guest House – Double Room, S/.244 / $23 / £54
Day 18 – 19: Relax in Cusco
From Cusco, you can get a bus to Puerto Maldonado to visit the jungle. If you have the energy then by all means get a night bus for the evening you arrive back in Cusco to take you there. Otherwise, spend a few more days visiting any remaining sites that you didn’t have time for and maybe getting a massage before heading to the jungle.
Day 19 – 20: Catch a night bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
There are buses and flights available from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. The bus takes about 9 hours and the plane takes 1 hour. The bus is considerably cheaper, and it’s still comfortable, so if you want to experience a night bus, we would recommend getting it.
Day 20 – 23: Tambopata National Reserve
After arriving in Puerto Maldonado, you’re now in the perfect place to explore the Tambopata region of the Amazon rainforest. Hopefully, you’ve booked a 3 or 4-day tour of the Amazon. Read about our 4-day tour of the Amazon and the clay lick here!
The highlights will include:
- Spotting monkeys, caimans, rare birds
- Night-time jungle walks
- Trying exotic nuts and fruit
- Visiting the famous macaw clay lick ***
Day 23 – 24: Catch a night bus from Puerto Maldonado to Puno.
This bus takes 11 hours. So, we recommend getting it as a night bus.
Day 24 – 26: Explore Puno
There isn’t too much going on in Puno, but after spending 4 days in the heat of the jungle, having some rest in Puno is definitely what’s needed.
Puno recommendations:
- Visit Lake Titicaca.
- Take a tour of the floating islands.
- Stay overnight at a homestay on one of the floating islands.
Where to Stay in Puno?
Hostel: Kantaya Hostel Backpacker – 10-Bed Dorm, S/.36 / $10 / £8
Budget: Maya Inn – Double Room, S/.54 / $15 / £12
Mid-Range: Casona Plaza Hotel Puno – Double Room, S/.104 / $28 / £23
Luxury: Conde de Lemos Hotel – Double Room, S/.190 / $52 / £42
Day 26: Take a bus from Puno to Arequipa
The bus only takes about 6 hours, so you can catch one in the morning and arrive in Arequipa for the afternoon.
Day 26 – 28: Explore Arequipa
This town feels almost like Rome in the country of Peru. Nicknamed the white city because the buildings in the city centre are made from white volcanic rock, this destination is a must-see. Arequipa is also quite a trendy city, so you’ll see more upmarket shops and restaurants if that interests you.
There are also a number of treks you can do around Arequipa if you’re looking to descend into canyons deeper than the Grand canyon or climb Misti volcano, which looms over the city. This itinerary includes the highly recommended Colca Canyon Trek.
Arequipa recommendations:
- Take a free walking tour to see the sights of Arequipa.
- Visit Alpaca Mundo, an alpaca clothing outlet to get some discounted clothes.
- 2D/1N Misti Volcano Trek
- 3D/2N Colca Canyon Trek ***
- Recommended Accommodation: Arequipay Backpackers Downtown
Where to Stay in Arequipa?
Hostel: Arequipay Backpackers Downtown – 6-Bed Dorm, S/.27 / $7 / £6
Budget: Villa Melgar Hostel – Single Room, S/.54 / $15 / £12
Mid-Range: Ayenda La Casa de Irma – Double Room, S/.90 / $25 / £20
Luxury: Sonesta Hotel Arequipa – King Room, S/275 / $75 / £61
Day 28: Staying overnight in Cabanaconde before starting the Colca Canyon Trek.
Get a collectivo from Arequipa to Chivay in the morning, followed by another collectivo to Cabanaconde. If you are tight on time, you don’t necessarily have to stay in Cabanaconde. Instead, you can take the collectivos early in the morning at around 4 am in Arequipa, and begin the trek as soon as you arrive in Cabanaconde. But, by staying one night in Cabanaconde you can wake up later, ready and refreshed for the trek. We stayed here: Arum Qurpawasi Hospedaje.
Day 29 – 31: Trek the Colca Canyon before returning to Arequipa ***
The Colca Canyon Trek is tough at times but definitely worth it. You start on the rim of the canyon and slowly make your way down to the town of Llahuar. We stayed here: Casa de Virginia. It had relaxing hot springs with a great view.
The next day you trek to the Sangalle Oasis, where you can enjoy the many swimming pools. We stayed here: Oasis Paraiso Ecolodge. On the final day, you trek back up the rim of the canyon to Cabanaconde and catch a bus back to Arequipa.
Day 31 – 32: Explore Arequipa
After arriving back from the Colca Canyon in the late afternoon, you’ll probably be tired so spend one night in the city before moving on to the next destination.
Day 32 – 33: Night bus to Ica, followed by a taxi to Huacachina.
If you want you can spend some time looking around Ica, however, there isn’t too much going on and people mainly use it to get to the nearby oasis town of Huacachina.
Day 33 – 34: Explore Huacachina
You’ll probably arrive early in the morning in Huacachina after the night bus, so you’ll have the full day ahead of you. We recommend booking a sand surfing and dune buggy tour, most places offer same-day bookings so don’t worry. If you go at 3 pm, you’ll also get a view of the sunset.
If you’re into partying then Huacachina is great for that as well, with locals and tourists alike flocking to this town. There isn’t actually too much to do here so unless you’re a fan of partying, one full day is probably enough. The next morning, enjoy the sunrise before catching a short bus to Paracas.
Huacachina recommendations:
- Sand surfing and dune buggy tour with a view of the sunset. ***
- Watch the sunrise.
- Chill by the hostel pool.
- Nazca Lines tour.
Where to Stay in Huacachina?
Party Hostel: Wild Rover Huacachina – Mixed Dorm, S/.41 / $11 / £9
Budget: Wild Olive Guest House – Double Room with Shared Bathroom, S/.90 / $25 / £20
Mid-Range: The Upcycled Hostel – Deluxe Queen Room, S/.145 / $40 / £32
Luxury: Hotel El Huacachinero – Superior Double Room, S/.325 / $89 / £72
Day 34 – 37: Explore Paracas and the Ballestas Islands
After all the hiking and activities, maybe it’s time for a break. Paracas is a small beach town, which locals normally visit on a day trip from Lima to see the Ballestas Islands. Again there isn’t too much to do here, but the hostel we stayed at (Kokopelli Hostel Paracas) has a great pool to relax by and beach access. The Ballestas Islands are also well worth the visit, where you’ll easily be able to spot sea lions, dolphins and penguins.
Paracas recommendations:
- Relax at the pool or on the beach.
- Take a trip to the Ballestas Islands ***
- Take a dune buggy tour of the Paracas National Reserve
Where to Stay in Paracas?
Budget: Kokopelli Hostel Paracas – 8-Bed Dorm, S/.63 / $17 / £14
Mid-Range: Atenas Backpacker Hospedaje – Doube Room, S/.68 / $18 / £15
Luxury: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paracas – King Suite, S/.870 / $236 / £192
Day 37 – 40: Explore Lima
Get a short bus from Paracas to Lima. It’s up to you how long you want to stay in Lima, but if there are any sights that you still want to see or restaurants to visit, then now’s a great time before heading off for more trekking in the Huaraz, the hiking capital of Peru.
Day 40 – 41: Get a night bus from Lima to Huaraz
Day 41 – 45: Explore Huaraz
In Huaraz, you can find the most breathtaking hikes of the Andes that Peru has to offer. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to adjust to the altitude again, but hopefully, you understand the symptoms by now and what works for you. We found getting stuck into short hikes was the best way to acclimatise us for the bigger hikes. There isn’t too much to do in the town of Huaraz, but there are numerous day trips and multi-day treks here.
Huaraz recommendations:
- Hike to Wilcacoche – the hike begins after a short collectivo from Huaraz. Look for collectivos going to Bedoya and ride it until the town of Chiwipampa. The trail begins from the town. The lake itself isn’t amazing, but you can get some pretty good views of snow-capped mountains.
- Laguna Paron – Take an organised tour and you’ll get a bus to take you all the way to the lake. There’s a short 20-minute hike to a viewpoint. The mountain behind Paron is the logo used for Paramount pictures. ***
- Laguna 69 – I highly recommend this. Unlike Paron, the bus doesn’t take you all the way to the Laguna, so you have to undertake a pretty gruelling but impressive 3-hour hike to the top. The water is so blue and you can see the glacier above slowly melting into the Laguna. ***
- Chavin ruins
- Pastoruri Glacier
- Santa Cruz Trek (multi-day)
- Cordillera Huayhuash Trek (multi-day)
Where to Stay in Huaraz?
Hostel: Krusty Hostel B&B – 4-Bed Dorm, S/.32 / $9 / £7
Budget: Kame House Hostel – Double Room, S/.63 / $17 / £14
Mid-Range: La Aurora – Double Room, S/.140 / $38 / £31
Luxury: Hotel El Patio de Monterrey – Double Room, S/.280 / $76 / £62
Day 45 – 46: Catch a night bus from Huaraz to Trujillo to visit the chilled beach town of Huanchaco
Day 46 – 51: Explore Huanchaco, learn to surf and visit Pre-Incan Ruins
In Huanchaco, you have the perfect opportunity to relax on sandy beaches, try some of the best ceviches in Northern Peru and most importantly learn to surf. This is the final destination on the itinerary before heading back to Lima and flying home, so why not fit in a mini beach holiday. Huanchaco is also one of the best places to learn how to surf, as the waves are super consistent. The guarantee is to stand up on your board by the end of the first lesson or your money back.
Huanchaco recommendations:
- Learn how to surf. ***
- Sample some of northern Peru’s ceviche.
- Check out the Chan Chan ruins – a city belonging to the Pre-Incan Chimú people.
Where to Stay in Huanchaco?
Budget: Punta Huanchaco Hostel – Mixed Dorm, S/.41 / $11 / £9
Mid-Range: Hotel Sol De Huanchaco – Double Room, S/.86 / $23 / £19
Luxury: Hotel Huankarute – Double Room, S/.154 / $42 / £34
Possible Extensions
Ok, so this 2-Month Peru Itinerary isn’t completely 2 months. However, by including some of the recommended treks or some extra destinations in Northern Peru, this itinerary can easily be extended. Here are some of the possible extensions we recommend for this 2-Month Peru Itinerary.
Treks
- 4 or 5 Days Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Cusco).
- 1 to 10 Days Huayhuash Trek (Huaraz) – supposedly one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
- 4 Day Santa Cruz Trek (Huaraz).
Extra Destinations
- Chiclayo – In Northern Peru. Visit here if you want to learn about the Moche civilisation.
- Chachapoyas – This has one of the tallest waterfalls in the world – Gocta Cataracts.
- Mancora – Visit if you’re craving some of the best beach life in Peru. This is almost on the Ecuador border, so great as a transit town as well.
Now go experience everything Peru has to offer!
Hopefully, this 2-Month Peru Itinerary has been a useful guide for planning your trip to Peru.
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