Peru Itinerary: Two Weeks from Machu Picchu to Amazon

A two-week journey through Peru's highlights, from Lima to the Amazon rainforest.

The itinerary begins in Lima, where travelers spend two days exploring the city's renowned culinary scene.

Lima is noted as South America's culinary capital, with recommendations including fine dining at Mérito and relaxed dining at Clon.

Travelers are advised to stay at Fausto, a boutique hotel in Miraflores, for easy access to the city's attractions.

Days three and four focus on the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with a 1.5-hour flight to Cusco followed by a drive into the valley.

The Sacred Valley is described as a landscape of rolling green terraces, shimmering lakes, and mountain villages.

Belmond's Rio Sagrado hotel is highlighted as a luxury base, offering access to nearby attractions like Moray and Salineras de Maras.

The Hiram Bingham train is recommended as the most glamorous way to reach Machu Picchu, with included tickets and a guided tour.

The train journey includes 1920s-inspired carriages, a three-course lunch, and live jazz music.

Days five and six are spent in Cusco, where travelers explore historical sites and stay at Belmond’s Monasterio hotel.

Monasterio is described as a historic property housed in a 16th-century Jesuit monastery, with a nearby sister property offering fine dining.

Days seven and eight involve a journey on the Andean Explorer luxury sleeper train from Cusco to Puno.

The train offers guided excursions including visits to Lake Titicaca, Taquile Island, and Raqchi, an Inca temple complex.

Days nine and ten take travelers to the Colca Valley, where they stay at a tented camp called PUQIO.

The camp is described as a boutique hideaway with private amenities and guided excursions to the Chimpa Fortress and Colca Canyon.

Days 11 and 12 involve travel to Arequipa and back to Lima, with a stay at CIRQA, a monastery-based sanctuary.

The final days, 13 to 15, are spent in the Amazon rainforest, traveling by riverboat on the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

The journey includes sunrise skiff rides, wildlife excursions, and guided tours by local naturalists.

The Brief