28 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.

On the 6th (Sat), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. There's much more to do: take an in-depth tour of Museo Larco, stroll around Circuito Magico Del Agua, shop like a local with Shopping Center Larcomar (Centro Comercial Larcomar), and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas.

To find more things to do, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Lima route maker tool.

Zurich, Switzerland to Lima is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Peru Standard Time, which is usually a -6 hour difference. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Zurich in July: highs in Lima hover around 22°C, while lows dip to 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Sat) 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.

Arequipa is known for museums, sightseeing, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: examine the collection at Santa Catalina Monastery, admire the striking features of La Mansion del Fundador, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and take an in-depth tour of Museo Santuarios Andinos.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Arequipa trip maker website.

Getting from Lima to Arequipa by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Lima in July, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Arequipa, with lows of 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Puno.

Hugging the western tip of Lake Titicaca, Puno serves as a melting pot of indigenous and imported cultures, and makes a great base for explorations around the region.

Get out of town with these interesting Puno side-trips: Taquile Island (Taquile Island & Main Gate). On the 12th (Fri), spend a thrilling day on the water with a speed boat tour. Next up on the itinerary: step off the mainland to explore Uros Floating Islands, delve into the distant past at Sillustani, indulge in some personalized pampering at Inca Sauna, and don't miss a visit to Catedral de Puno.

To find more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Puno trip site.

Drive from Arequipa to Puno in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from Arequipa in July, plan for little chillier days in Puno, with highs around 20°C, while nights are cooler with lows around -5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Go for a jaunt from Cusco to Pisac to see Pisac about 54 minutes away. On the 15th (Mon), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. Spend the 17th (Wed) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Sacsayhuaman, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cusco Cathedral, admire the striking features of Centro Historico De Cusco, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Qorikancha.

For ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Cusco road trip planner.

You can fly from Puno to Cusco in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Puno in July, Cusco is a bit warmer at night with lows of 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to take a shuttle to Ollantaytambo.

Retaining much of its centuries-old architecture, Ollantaytambo represents one of the world's finest examples of Incan city planning.

Explore Ollantaytambo's surroundings by going to Cerveceria Willkamayu (in Urubamba), Maras (Moray & Salinas de Maras) and Iglesia San Martin de Tours (in Huarocondo). The adventure continues: delve into the distant past at Sacred Valley of the Incas, look for gifts at Anaqmisk'i Miel, hike along Lares Trek, and look for all kinds of wild species at Ada Spa Masages.

For maps, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, read Ollantaytambo journey planner.

You can take a shuttle from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Ollantaytambo can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) early enough to catch the train to Machu Picchu.

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

Step out of Machu Picchu with an excursion to Zipline in Santa Teresa--about 32 minutes away. There's lots more to do: delve into the distant past at Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, indulge in some personalized pampering at Wonderful Hands Spa, and stroll through Mandor.

To see traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Machu Picchu itinerary builder tool.

You can take a train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight back home.