20 days in Peru Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 11th (Thu): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Museo de la Catedral de Arequipa, contemplate the long history of Historic Centre of Arequipa, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, and finally contemplate the geological forces at Volcan Misti. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 12th (Fri): get engrossed in the history at Museo Santuarios Andinos, wander the streets of Yanahuara, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de Yanahuara ( San Juan Bautista), then see the interesting displays at Santa Catalina Monastery, and finally make a trip to Complejo de la Compania de Jesus.

To see maps, photos, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Arequipa route planner .

Austin, USA to Arequipa is an approximately 15-hour combination of car and flight. You can also fly; or do a combination of bus and flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Austin to Arequipa. Traveling from Austin in June, things will get cooler in Arequipa: highs are around 24°C and lows about 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can travel to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sat): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Trujillo - Catedral de Santa Maria, contemplate the long history of Chan Chan, then make a trip to Plaza de Armas de Trujillo, then pause for some serene contemplation at Parroquia Senor de Huaman, and finally steep yourself in history at La Huaca del Sol. Keep things going the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa de Huanchaco.

To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Trujillo planning site .

Traveling by flight from Arequipa to Trujillo takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Trujillo when traveling from Arequipa in June, with lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Mon) to allow time for the car ride to Paracas.

A port town largely devoted to tourism, Paracas serves as a popular starting point for exploration of Peru's south coast.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Tue): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa de la Mina and then step off the mainland to explore Islas Ballestas. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to The Chandelier, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Roja, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Supay Beach.

To find reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Paracas itinerary maker tool .

Drive from Trujillo to Paracas in 12 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Traveling from Trujillo in June, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Paracas, with lows of 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Puerto Maldonado.

Puerto Maldonado sits at the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Rivers in the Amazon rainforest.

Visiting Lago Sandoval and Jungle Nature Hikes will get you outdoors. Discover out-of-the-way places like Puerto Maldonado Tours and Mariposario Tambopata. There's much more to do: stroll through Inkaterra Ecological Reserve, wander the streets of Native Community of Ese"Ejas, don't miss a visit to Puente Billinghurst, and take a peaceful walk through Monkey Island.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Puerto Maldonado route maker site .

Traveling by flight from Paracas to Puerto Maldonado takes 21 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Paracas in June, things will get somewhat warmer in Puerto Maldonado: highs are around 35°C and lows about 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can travel 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.

Step out of the city life by going to River Rafting & Tubing and Salinas de Maras. Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Tipon, stroll through Santuario Animal de Cochahuasi, admire the striking features of Centro Historico De Cusco, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus.

To find other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read Cusco visit site .

Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. When traveling from Puerto Maldonado in June, plan for a bit cooler days in Cusco, with highs around 24°C, while nights are colder with lows around 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) to allow time to travel 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. Visiting Zipline and Banos Termales de Cocalmayo will get you outdoors. And it doesn't end there: delve into the distant past at Winay Wayna, look for gifts at Arte Joyeria Rumiwasi, and stroll through Los Jardines de Mandor.

For other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Machu Picchu online vacation planner .

Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu by combination of bus and train takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.