36 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.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sat): admire the striking features of Balcones de Lima, explore the galleries of Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas, then make a trip to Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), and finally admire the striking features of Edificio Rimac. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at Huaca Pucllana, shop like a local with Shopping Center Larcomar (Centro Comercial Larcomar), and then get engrossed in the history at Museo Larco.

Plan trip to Lima with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Lima is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Peru Standard Time (PET) is minus 6 hours. When traveling from Amsterdam in July, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Lima: temperatures range from 22°C by day to 19°C at night. On the 10th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Cusco: Pisac (in Pisac), Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva (in Yucay) and Maras (Moray & Salinas de Maras). There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Sacsayhuaman, get engrossed in the history at Museo Inka, get insight into ancient worlds with CrossoverPeru Tour Operator, and admire the masterpieces at Museo de Arte Precolombino.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Cusco trip itinerary maker site.

Fly from Lima to Cusco in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Lima in July, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be colder in Cusco, with lows of 1°C. On the 28th (Fri), you're off 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.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Fri): step off the mainland to explore Uros Floating Islands and then head off the coast to Taquile Island. On your second day here, get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour.

For traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Puno sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Cusco to Puno in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Cusco in July, expect Puno to be slightly colder, temps between 20°C and -5°C. On the 30th (Sun), you're off to Espinar.

On the 30th (Sun), explore the stunning scenery at Tres Canones.

To find photos, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Espinar online vacation planner.

You can drive from Puno to Espinar in 5 hours. Another option is to drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Mon) so you can drive to Chivay.

Scenic Chivay draws a growing number of tourists each year, yet this remote town of 5,000 inhabitants manages to retain much of its rustic, dusty character.

Venture out of the city with trips to Cabanaconde (Condor's Cross & Mirador Cruz del Condor). There's lots more to do: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, stop by Q'olca by Made in Colca, take in the natural beauty of La Calera Thermal Waters, and don't miss a visit to Plaza de Armas de Chivay.

For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Chivay trip maker website.

Getting from Espinar to Chivay by car takes about 4 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) early enough to go by car to Arequipa.

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

On the 3rd (Thu), examine the collection at Santa Catalina Monastery, then admire the landmark architecture of Plaza de Armas, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 4th (Fri): make a trip to Iglesia de San Miguel Arcangel, then stop by Yanahuara, then contemplate the long history of Historic Centre of Arequipa, and finally stop by La Iberica.

To see maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Arequipa trip tool.

Traveling by car from Chivay to Arequipa takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. In August in Arequipa, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Nazca.

The southern city of Nazca draws visitors to its archaeological and historical sites.

Nazca is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Nasca Lines, stroll the grounds of Cementerio Chauchilla, and delve into the distant past at Cantalloc Aqueduct.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Nazca trip maker.

Drive from Arequipa to Nazca in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of flight and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Ica.

Located on the Ica River in the desert areas of Peru's southern coast, the city of Ica stands as something of an oasis in the dry, barren landscape.

Ica is known for wineries, nature, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: do a tasting at Tacama, contemplate the waterfront views at Laguna De Huacachina, walk around Parque De Las Brujas De Cachiche, and admire the landmark architecture of Santuario del Senor de Luren.

For traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Ica trip itinerary builder site.

Traveling by car from Nazca to Ica takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 15°C. You'll set off for Lima on the 10th (Thu).

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Fri): take a stroll through Miraflores, then see the interesting displays at Museo de Minerales Andres del Castillo, then take a stroll through Barranco, and finally walk around Circuito Magico Del Agua.

To see where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Lima day trip planning website.

You can drive from Ica to Lima in 4.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.