Southern Peru in 2 weeks: south coast, Arequipa, Titicaca and Cusco
Arequipa: 2-Day Classic Colca Canyon Tour
This itinerary is for travellers who want to go deep into southern Peru rather than tick off Lima. It concentrates the full two weeks on the coast south of Lima, the volcanic city of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the Cusco–Machu Picchu region, with only the minimum time in the capital. It suits returning visitors, anyone who has seen Lima before, or people who simply prefer the Andes to a big city.
What is southern Peru?
Southern Peru is the band of country below Lima: the desert coast around Paracas and Nazca, the volcanic city of Arequipa, the deep Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian border, and the Cusco region with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It holds most of Peru's headline sights and is the focus of this two-week route.
Why skip Lima
Lima is worth a day on a first visit, mostly for the food and the Larco Museum. But if you have been before, or you would rather spend your two weeks in the mountains and on the coast, you can treat Lima purely as a transit point. This route uses Lima only to arrive, position for the south coast, and catch internal flights. You sleep there at most one night.
The altitude staging is the same proven sequence: sea-level coast, then Arequipa, then Colca, then Lake Titicaca at 3,800 m, then over to Cusco and down to Machu Picchu. Building up in steps means the highest days come after a week of adjustment. Read the Cusco acclimatization plan and the Peru domestic flights guide.
Day 1: Arrive, head straight south
Land in Lima and, if your arrival time allows, transfer directly to the bus terminal for an afternoon or evening service to Paracas, about 4 hours. If you land late, sleep one night near the airport or in Miraflores and take a morning bus. Either way, you do not build a Lima sightseeing day into this route.
Day 2: Ballestas Islands and Paracas
Early boat to the Ballestas Islands for the sea lions, penguins and seabirds, then explore the Paracas National Reserve with its red-sand beaches and desert-meets-ocean cliffs in the afternoon.
Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve tourDay 3: Huacachina and the Nazca Lines
Move down to Huacachina for the desert oasis and a late-afternoon dune-buggy and sandboarding session at sunset. Continue toward Nazca, where the Nazca Lines flight is the main event; the figures only make sense from the air.
Nazca Lines flight from the south coastDay 4: Fly to Arequipa
Reposition to Arequipa. The most practical way is a flight from Lima, so plan a connection back through the capital or an onward flight; if you are coming straight from the coast, the overland alternative is a long bus. Aim to arrive in Arequipa by afternoon and settle into the historic centre. At 2,300 m this is your first gentle altitude step.
Day 5: Arequipa
A full day in the white city: the Santa Catalina Monastery in the morning light, the cathedral and Plaza de Armas, and the Museo Santuarios Andinos with the Inca mummy “Juanita.” Arequipa has Peru’s most distinctive regional food, so book a picantería lunch.
Days 6–7: Colca Canyon
A two-day Colca Canyon trip with a night in Chivay, centred on the morning condors at the Cruz del Condor. The drive crosses passes above 4,800 m, which advances your acclimatisation before Titicaca. Choosing a tour that ends in Puno saves a backtrack.
Colca Canyon 2-day trek ending in PunoDays 8–9: Lake Titicaca
Two nights in Puno on Lake Titicaca, at 3,800 m. The full-day boat trip covers the floating Uros islands and the weaving community of Taquile; an Amantaní homestay is the immersive alternative. Pace yourself; this is the altitude high point.
Lake Titicaca full-day Uros and Taquile tourDay 10: Overland to Cusco
The Route of the Sun bus across the altiplano to Cusco, stopping at Raqchi, Andahuaylillas and the La Raya pass. About 10 hours, but a sightseeing day in its own right.
Route of the Sun bus from Puno to Cusco with stopsDay 11: Cusco
A full day in Cusco, fully acclimatised: San Blas, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán and the Plaza de Armas. Mind the Cusco tourist traps and eat up in San Blas rather than on the plaza.
Day 12: Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley circuit: Maras and Moray, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Sleep in Ollantaytambo for the morning train.
Pisac, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo small-group tourDay 13: Machu Picchu
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the shuttle up to Machu Picchu. Timed entry ticket required well ahead; see the how to get to Machu Picchu guide and the ticket types compared.
Machu Picchu day trip with train and entrance ticketDay 14: Fly home
Cusco to Lima in the morning, then your international connection, with a wide weather buffer at Cusco.
Where to sleep
- South coast: Paracas lagoon-front; Huacachina on the oasis.
- Arequipa: the historic centre.
- Chivay: thermal-spa hotels for the canyon night.
- Puno: lakeshore or central.
- Sacred Valley / Cusco: Ollantaytambo and San Blas.
Realistic budget
Per person on the ground, mid-range, excluding international flights:
- Domestic flights (one or two short legs): USD 80–230.
- South coast tours (Ballestas, Nazca flight, dunes): USD 160–250.
- Colca 2-day tour: USD 60–110.
- Titicaca tour: USD 30–80.
- Route of the Sun bus: USD 50–70.
- Machu Picchu (train, bus, entry): USD 170–230.
- Hotels (13 nights, mid-range double per person): USD 500–950.
- Food and incidentals: USD 30–50 per day.
A comfortable two weeks lands around USD 1,900–2,900 per person on the ground.
Frequently asked questions about the southern Peru itinerary
Is it really fine to skip Lima sightseeing?
Yes, if you have been before or prioritise the Andes and the coast. Lima’s main draws are food and the Larco Museum, both of which you can save for a future trip. You still pass through Lima for flights, so it is never fully off the route.
How does this differ from the standard 2-week grand tour?
Mainly the start. The standard grand tour builds in two days of Lima sightseeing. This version trades those for more breathing room on the coast and in the Andes, and is aimed at returning visitors.
Is the altitude sequencing the same?
Yes: sea-level coast, then Arequipa, Colca, Puno at 3,800 m, then Cusco and down to Machu Picchu. Climbing in steps is what makes the high days manageable.
What is the hardest part of this trip?
The altitude around Puno and the couple of long overland days. There is no serious hiking unless you opt into the Colca trek. Acclimatising properly and hydrating handle most of the difficulty.
Can I add Bolivia from Puno?
Lake Titicaca straddles the Bolivia border, and crossing to Copacabana and La Paz is a common extension. It would add several days and is beyond this Peru-only route, but Puno is the natural jumping-off point.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season (May–September) for the high passes and Machu Picchu; the coast is fine most of the year. See the best time to visit Peru guide.
Top experiences
Bookable activities with verified prices and instant confirmation on GetYourGuide.
