14 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Huaca Pucllana and Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas. Get some historical perspective at Cathedral of Lima and San Pedro Church (Iglesia de San Pedro). Step out of Lima with an excursion to El Silencio in Punta Hermosa--about 1h 15 min away. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Penascal, walk around Circuito Magico Del Agua, take a stroll through Miraflores, and admire the striking features of Palacio de Torre Tagle.

To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Lima online route planner.

Calgary, Canada to Lima is an approximately 16-hour flight. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Calgary to Lima due to the time zone difference. Prepare for much warmer weather when traveling from Calgary in April: high temperatures in Lima hover around 28°C and lows are around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to travel to Huanchaco.

In a historic town on the famous "Moche Route" tourist circuit, vacations in Huanchaco tend to be as active as they are culturally enriching.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): kick back and relax at Playa de Huanchaco.

For reviews, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Huanchaco travel route builder site.

Fly from Lima to Huanchaco in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or drive. In April in Huanchaco, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 20°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sacsayhuaman and Centro Historico De Cusco. Get some cultural insight at Qorikancha and Salinas de Maras. There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Plaza de Armas, delve into the distant past at Tambomachay, pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, and visit San Blas.

To find maps, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Cusco route planner.

Getting from Huanchaco to Cusco by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. While traveling from Huanchaco, expect slightly colder days and cooler nights in Cusco, ranging from highs of 23°C to lows of 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) 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.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): contemplate the long history of Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take some stellar pictures from Intipuncu, explore the ancient world of Winay Wayna, and then examine the collection at Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon.

To see traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Machu Picchu trip builder.

Do a combination of bus and train from Cusco to Machu Picchu in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.