43 days in Peru Itinerary

Founded in 1535 by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, Lima represents an interesting blend of modern attractions and preserved colonial architecture, much of it clustered in the World Heritage-listed city center.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Huaca Pucllana and Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas. Visit San Pedro Church (Iglesia de San Pedro) and Caral Peru for their historical value. And it doesn't end there: get engrossed in the history at Museo Larco, get a taste of the local shopping with Shopping Center Larcomar (Centro Comercial Larcomar), examine the collection at Museo Nacional de Arqueologia, Antropologia e Historia del Peru, and stroll through Circuito Magico Del Agua.

To see other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Lima trip planner.

New York City, USA to Lima is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. Expect colder weather when traveling from New York City in July: highs in Lima hover around 66°F, while lows dip to 61°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to drive to Huascaran National Park.

A trip to Huascaran National Park allows visitors to explore part of the Cordillera Blanca, the world’s highest tropical mountain range.

Step out of Huascaran National Park with an excursion to Mirador Punta Olimpica in Carhuaz--about 32 minutes away. Spend the 16th (Mon) exploring nature at Huascaran. The adventure continues: take in the awesome beauty at Alpamayo and make a trip to Plaza Mayor de Chacas.

For ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Huascaran National Park visit site.

Drive from Lima to Huascaran National Park in 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of flight and taxi. You will have some time to spend on the 18th (Wed) before leaving for Trujillo.

Considered the country's capital of culture, Trujillo was the birthplace of the North Group, a community of artists and intellectuals that included celebrated poet Cesar Vallejo and notable novelist Ciro Alegria.

Chan Chan and Cao Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Site Museum and Catedral de Trujillo - Catedral de Santa Maria. There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at La Huaca del Sol, take in the spiritual surroundings of Iglesia de La Merced, examine the collection at Chan Chan Site Museum, and explore the world behind art at Museo de Arte Moderno.

To find maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Trujillo trip itinerary app.

You can do a combination of taxi and bus from Huascaran National Park to Trujillo in 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. July in Trujillo sees daily highs of 69°F and lows of 61°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Arequipa.

In an area dominated three imposing volcanoes, Arequipa vacations allow visitors to admire well-preserved colonial architecture in a dramatic setting.

Visit Historic Centre of Arequipa and Iglesia de Yanahuara ( San Juan Bautista) for their historical value. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Santa Catalina Monastery and Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. The adventure continues: explore the stunning scenery at Colca Canyon, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Iglesia de San Miguel Arcangel, admire the striking features of Plaza de Armas, and get engrossed in the history at Museo Santuarios Andinos.

To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Arequipa trip itinerary builder.

Getting from Trujillo to Arequipa by flight takes about 6 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Trujillo in July, expect slightly colder with lows of 47°F in Arequipa. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) to allow time to fly to Cusco.

Capital of the Inca Empire for three centuries, World Heritage-listed Cusco is now a major tourist destination, drawing nearly 2 million annual tourists with its well-preserved colonial architecture and proximity to Machu Picchu.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Sacsayhuaman and Centro Historico De Cusco. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Qorikancha and Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo. Explore Cusco's surroundings by going to Pisac (in Pisac), Ollantaytambo (Sitio arqueológico Pinkuylluna & Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries) and Maras (Moray & Salinas de Maras). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Plaza de Armas, take a stroll through San Blas, pause for some serene contemplation at Cusco Cathedral, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Museo de Vida Monastica - Monasterio de Santa Catalina del Cusco.

For photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Cusco trip builder.

You can fly from Arequipa to Cusco in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Cusco when traveling from Arequipa in July, with lows around 34°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Machu Picchu.

A symbol of the Incan civilization, the abandoned city of Machu Picchu represents a must-see on a Peru vacation.

Get a sense of the local culture at Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu and Intipuncu. When in Machu Picchu, make a side trip to see Zipline in Santa Teresa, approximately Santa Teresa away. There's lots more to do: explore the ancient world of Winay Wayna, tour the pleasant surroundings at Jardin Botanico en Machu Pichu, take in nature's colorful creations at Mandor, and take in the awesome beauty at Phutuq K'usi.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Machu Picchu trip planner.

Drive from Cusco to Machu Picchu in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) so you can fly back home.