Peru 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Peru (Lima & Cusco)

Day 1: Exploring Lima

Places to Go

  1. Larcomar: A cliff-edge shopping center with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a popular spot for watching the sunset.
  2. Huaca Pucllana: An adobe pyramid built by the Lima culture around 500 AD, located in the heart of Miraflores district.
  3. Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and Art (MAAA): Houses one of the most important collections of pre-Columbian art in Latin America.
  4. Central Park: A beautiful park in the heart of Miraflores with a variety of food stalls, art exhibitions, and cultural events.

Activities

  1. Paragliding over the Pacific Ocean: Experience the thrill of soaring above Lima’s coastline.
  2. Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes such as Ceviche or Lomo Saltado.
  3. Pisco Sour Workshop: Discover the art of making Peru’s national drink, the Pisco Sour.

Things to Know

  1. The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in many tourist areas.
  2. The currency is Peruvian Sol (PEN).
  3. Tap water is not safe to drink; it’s recommended to buy bottled water.
  4. Tips are appreciated in Peru, especially in restaurants and taxis.
  5. Lima is located in the Costal region, so it can be quite foggy and humid.

Transportation

  1. Taxi: Taxis are readily available and affordable. Make sure to use reputable companies or app-based services for safety reasons.
  2. Uber: Uber is also available in Lima.
  3. Metro: Lima has a metro system, but it’s not as extensive as in other cities like Mexico City or Sao Paulo.

Day 2: Cusco & Sacred Valley

Places to Go

  1. Cusco: The ancient Inca capital and current cultural hub of Peru. Visit the Plaza de Armas, Korikancha, and the nearby Inca ruins like Sacsayhuaman.
  2. Sacred Valley: A beautiful region filled with Incan sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.

Activities

  1. Machu Picchu Tour: Visit the iconic Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (This requires an additional day or two due to travel logistics.)
  2. Andean Cultural Show: Experience traditional Peruvian music and dance in a local theater.
  3. Visit a Local Market: Explore the vibrant markets of Cusco or the Sacred Valley, where you can find unique handicrafts, textiles, and fresh produce.

Things to Know

  1. Cusco is located at a high altitude (11,000 feet/3,352 meters), so it’s important to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities like hiking.
  2. The weather can be cool and rainy, especially during the afternoon, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
  3. There are many local tour agencies that offer guided tours of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Transportation

  1. Bus: There are several bus companies offering transportation from Lima to Cusco. The trip takes approximately one hour by plane or 20 hours by bus.
  2. Train: You can also take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the town nearest Machu Picchu).
  3. Taxi/Uber: Taxis and Ubers are available in Cusco, but prices can be higher than in Lima.