15-day Peru tour

Are you looking for information or advice to prepare your next tour in Peru in 15 days? So maybe my trip to the land of the Incas will inspire you.

In 2 weeks, this circuit allows you to discover the main sites of Peru. Discover below the practical information on this trip, my advice and good tips for organizing an unforgettable trip yourself.

My 15-day tour in Peru

In 2016, with a couple of good friends and my husband, we decided to go to Peru backpack. We watched the ticket prices for Lima but we decided very early because the longer we wait, the more the prices skyrocket.

Thus, we obtained a Toulouse-Lima round trip with IBERIA at 816 Euros Multi-risk insurance-cancellations included. At this price, we had to add the one-way domestic flight Cusco-Lima that I paid 90 Euros.

Here it was, it was booked: we were leaving at four (in backpack) from October 15 to 31, 2016.

We drew here and there information to manage to stop a circuit. When you have little time, it is better to organize the circuit by booking hotels in advance, but especially buses and other trips.

Indeed, given the long distances between major cities, the bus is the most economical way to travel within Peru. However, to be sure of leaving on the date and time chosen, it is necessary to book in advance via the Internet.

For the organization of this trip, I must admit that some blogs were very useful to obtain practical information. This is why, in my turn, I am going to share my little advice and other tips with globetrotting Internet users ...

Why choose Peru?

You will probably answer me for the MACCHU PICCHU, TITICACA lake or NAZCA lines. Yes of course, but not only!

This country attracted me for its geographical diversity: COSTA + SIERRA + SELVA. It is rare to be able to pass from the Pacific coast, to the desert, to the Andes and to the Amazon rainforest without crossing several borders.

I had heard about Peruvian gastronomy and its famous ceviche… I must admit that this point also weighed on the scale of my choice (See my article on our dinner at Astrid y Gaston).

Finally, the last criterion was the estimated budget. Indeed, you will see below that by booking in advance, this trip was not too expensive.

Choosing the right time to visit Peru

Peru has a diverse climate and it is important to choose the right time to visit this beautiful country. Seasons can vary by region, so it's essential to consider weather conditions when planning your trip.

Peak tourist season in Peru is generally from May to September, when the weather is drier and temperatures are more pleasant. However, this also means that tourist sites are busier and prices may be higher.

If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider traveling in the off-season. Although the rains are more frequent, you will be able to enjoy cheaper rates and a more authentic experience.

For my part, I went there in October and the weather was always sunny except on the day of the visit to Machu Picchu.

How long for a tour in Peru?

We stayed there for a total of 16 days. But these were not enough to visit all the beautiful sites of Peru.

I had to decide and, with regret, give up visiting certain places like the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve on the ocean coast.

I also don't plan to go see the Amazon rainforest. In fact, it was complicated to organize logistically and required at least 3 days between the flights and the discovery on site.

I think the minimum duration of such a tour should be 21 days on site. But we do as we can with what we have and the little time we have!

Concerning the 16 days I spent in Peru, I found that the time on the sites and in the cities was sufficient to enjoy it without always looking at the watch. Here is the itinerary summarized below which allowed us to fully enjoy the sites and see the most beautiful places in Peru.

Create an itinerary for your trip to Peru

When planning your trip to Peru, it's important to create a detailed itinerary to ensure you don't miss anything. See : Itinerary of my tour in Peru.

Peru is full of extraordinary sites such as Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the city of Cusco and many more. Take the time to research each destination and decide how long you want to spend in each location.

Don't forget to take into account the distances between different destinations and the travel times required. You can also consider booking guided tours for certain sites (see on Civitatis), which will allow you to benefit from valuable information and not get lost in the maze of the ruins.

Book accommodation

Booking accommodation is an essential step in organizing your trip to Peru. The country offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cheap hostels.

It is recommended to book in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak tourist season. Check online reviews and compare prices to find the accommodation that best suits your needs and budget. See the hotels on my tour in Peru.

What transport for a tour in Peru?

When it comes to transportation, Peru has an excellent bus network connecting the country's main cities. Additionally, the bus is the most economical way to travel in Peru.

However, to be sure of leaving on the chosen date and time, it is necessary to reserve in advance on the Internet, particularly for night buses and tourist buses.

For colca region and the journey Arequipa-Puno, I opted for private transport. We booked a comfortable Van with a super nice driver: Julio.

This formula saved us time because Julio showed us sites without having to wait for a bus or a taxi. Plus, he took us hiking places we couldn't have gone on our own.

Finally, he drove us to PUNO, stopping when we wanted, where we wanted, for as long as we wanted.

And the best part is that he took us to sleep at the end of the world: at the Granja del Colca. This place is totally secluded, perched in the colca canyon. Without private transport it is impossible to go to this place and that would have been a shame! The price of this all-comfort formula is shown in the table below.

On the other hand, you will find in my daily articles the main information on the Bus Companies that I have selected, the prices and the websites for booking.

What is the budget for a 15-day tour in Peru?

With a conversion rate of 1 Euros for 3,77 PEN, here is the total budget of my 15-day tour in Peru calculated for a couple:

And here is the hotel budget detail included in the total budget (you will find my comments on CHEAP HOTELS IN PERU) :

	City	ACCOMMODATIONs			In suns	In euros
15-oct	Lima	Residential CARLOS				42
16-oct	Huacachina	Hostel Curasi				42
17-oct	Bus	Bus			0	0
18-oct	Arequipa	ELISA'S PATIO			125	33
19-oct	Arequipa	ELISA'S PATIO			125	33
20-oct	cabanaconde	La Granja in Cabanaconde				58
21-oct	Puno	Hostal Virgen de las Nieves				16
22-oct	Amantani Island				0	0
23-oct	Puno	Hostal Virgen de las Nieves				16
24-oct	Cusco	At ARNAUD / With PD			100	27
25-oct	Cusco	At ARNAUD / With PD			100	27
26-oct	hot water	El MISTICO MACHU PICCHU			128	34
27-oct	Cusco	At ARNAUD / With PD			100	27
28-oct	Cusco	At ARNAUD / With PD			100	27
29-oct	Lima	Hopedaje Dimar Inn - $ 35				31
30-oct	In the plane	IBERIA				0
				TOTAL PER COUPLE		413 Euros

My tour in Peru – What I liked

See the best moments and the sites that I preferred during my tour in Peru:

• The city ofAREQUIPA was my favorite. Indeed, I loved its atmosphere, its climate but above all its restaurants! and the Convent of Santa Catalina that it is absolutely necessary to discover.
• The Colca region nearby is also very beautiful and truly charmed me with its panoramas, its authenticity and its less touristy side than other Peruvian sites.
• Night in GRANJA del COLCA will also remain one of my best memories.
• Gastronomy : varied, creative, surprising and economical!
• Peruvians! I give them 20/20 for the welcome, kindness and availability.

My tour in Peru – What I didn’t like

Lake TITICACA but there is a reason for this (see my article on amantani). I didn't like it, but the context meant that this excursion left me with a bitter taste.

Discover now the story of my trip starting with the 1st day in Peru