Destination Overview
Peru is South America's most complete destination: Machu Picchu and the Inca heartland, one of the world's great food cities (Lima), the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, and desert coastlines — all in one country, at excellent value.
The classic first trip is 8–10 days: Lima (1–2 nights for the food), fly to Cusco, acclimatize in the lower Sacred Valley (2–3 nights), Machu Picchu (the big day), then Cusco itself (1–2 nights). Add Lake Titicaca or the Amazon with more time.
Altitude is the one real planning factor: Cusco sits at 11,150 feet. The smart itinerary lands in Cusco and immediately descends to the Sacred Valley (9,000 ft) for the first nights, saving Cusco for last. Coca tea, hydration, and an easy first day handle the rest.
Peru suits culture lovers, hikers (the Inca Trail books out months ahead), foodies (Lima alone justifies the trip), and adventurous families. Tourist infrastructure on the classic route is excellent.
Photo Gallery
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Top Attractions
What to prioritise, why it is worth your time, and roughly how long to allow.
The 15th-century Inca citadel on a mountain saddle, reachable by train to Aguas Calientes plus a bus up, or on foot via the Inca Trail. Entry is by timed ticket with a set circuit — book weeks to months ahead.
Why go: One of the New Seven Wonders — and it exceeds the photos.
Full day (or 2 with a second entry)
The Urubamba valley below Cusco: Pisac's market and ruins, Ollantaytambo's living Inca town and fortress, the Maras salt pans, and Moray's circular terraces.
Why go: The Inca heartland — and the smart place to acclimatize.
2–3 days
The Inca capital turned colonial gem: the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (the Inca sun temple under a convent), Sacsayhuamán's massive stones, and the San Blas artisan quarter.
Why go: The most beautiful city in South America.
1–2 days
The food capital of the Americas: Central and Maido (World's 50 Best), ceviche at noon, the clifftop Miraflores and Barranco districts, and the Larco Museum.
Why go: One of the world's great eating cities.
1–2 days
The striped mineral mountain at 16,500 feet — a day trip from Cusco with a 2-hour hike (horses available). Go only when well acclimatized.
Why go: The famous striped peak — spectacular if you're ready for the altitude.
Full day
A 45-minute flight from Cusco to jungle lodges on the Tambopata river: macaw clay licks, giant river otters, and canopy walkways.
Why go: The easiest Amazon add-on in South America.
2–3 nights
The world's highest navigable lake (12,500 ft): the Uros floating reed islands and the traditional weavers of Taquile, from Puno.
Why go: Living culture on a mythic lake.
1–2 days
The 4-day trek through cloud forest and Inca ruins, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at dawn. Permits are limited and sell out months ahead.
Why go: The greatest walk in South America.
4 days
Send us your dates and travelers and we'll put together a Peru trip with flights, hotels, and the experiences worth booking ahead.
Things To Do
Grouped by the kind of trip you're planning.
Where To Stay
Location matters more than star rating. Here's what each area is actually best for.
Miraflores for the clifftop hotels and restaurants; Barranco for bohemian charm.
Lower than Cusco and beautiful — the smart first base, with the train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo.
The historic center for sights, San Blas for artisan lanes; save it for after the valley.
The town below the ruins — one night buys you the first bus up.
Recommended Stays
A cross-section by budget. Send us any property — including one you found online — and we'll check our rate before you book.
Luxury
Urubamba / Ollantaytambo
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and Tambo del Inka — mountain lodges with spas and their own train station. Ideal for acclimatizing in style.
Luxury
Cusco
Belmond Monasterio and Palacio Nazarenas — colonial convents with oxygen-enriched rooms.
Upscale
Aguas Calientes
One night near the ruins for the first entry; Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is the standout.
Upscale
Miraflores / Barranco
Hotel B and its peers — art-filled bases for the food scene.
Best Value
All areas
Peru's mid-range is excellent value; Cusco and the valley have charming $60–100 options.
Hotel suggestions are editorial recommendations based on location and traveler fit. Availability, room categories, and rates are confirmed at the time of quoting.
When To Go
Weather, crowds, and what the season does to pricing.
Weather
The Andes: dry, sunny winters (May–Sep) with cold nights; wet summers. Lima: grey and mild May–November, sunny December–April.
Crowds
Machu Picchu peaks June–August; the first and last entry slots are always calmest.
Pricing
Shoulder months save 20–30%; Inca Trail permits and top hotels sell out regardless of price.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F / 19°C | 45°F / 7°C | Rainy season in the Andes; green and quiet | |
| February | 66°F / 19°C | 45°F / 7°C | Wettest month; Inca Trail closed | |
| March | 67°F / 19°C | 44°F / 7°C | Rains ease late month | |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 42°F / 6°C | Green, drying, lovely | Shoulder value |
| May | 68°F / 20°C | 39°F / 4°C | Dry season begins; clear skies | Best months begin |
| June | 67°F / 19°C | 34°F / 1°C | Dry and sunny; Inti Raymi festival; cold nights | Peak season |
| July | 67°F / 19°C | 33°F / 1°C | Peak season; book everything ahead | |
| August | 68°F / 20°C | 36°F / 2°C | Dry; busy | |
| September | 69°F / 21°C | 40°F / 4°C | Excellent; crowds thin | Best shoulder |
| October | 70°F / 21°C | 42°F / 6°C | Lovely; occasional showers | |
| November | 70°F / 21°C | 43°F / 6°C | Rains begin; quiet | |
| December | 68°F / 20°C | 44°F / 7°C | Showers; festive Cusco |
Temperatures are typical seasonal averages and are provided as general guidance only.
Trip Planning
What each trip length realistically gets you — plus day-by-day plans.
7–8 nights
Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco — the classic first trip.
10–12 nights
Add the Amazon (Tambopata) or Lake Titicaca.
14+ nights
Add the Inca Trail trek, Arequipa and Colca Canyon, or the Nazca Lines.
Day 1
Lima
Arrive; Miraflores clifftop walk and a ceviche lunch.
Day 2
Lima
Larco Museum, Barranco, and a World's-50-Best dinner (booked months ahead).
Day 3
To the Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco, transfer straight down to the valley (9,000 ft); easy afternoon at Pisac market.
Day 4
Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo fortress, Maras salt pans, and Moray.
Day 5
Machu Picchu
Early train to Aguas Calientes; afternoon entry to the citadel.
Day 6
Machu Picchu & Cusco
Second morning entry or Huayna Picchu; afternoon train to Cusco.
Days 7–8
Cusco
Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, San Blas, and the city's restaurants.
Day 9
Depart
Fly via Lima.
Flights, hotels, transfers, and the tours worth reserving in advance — priced and arranged by a travel professional.
Getting There & Around
7 miles from Miraflores
Typical transfer: 30–50 minutes
3 miles from the center
Typical transfer: 15 minutes; 90 minutes to the Sacred Valley
Jungle lodges by boat
Typical transfer: 1–3 hours by boat
Domestic flights
RecommendedLima–Cusco is a 75-minute hop; book LATAM or Sky. Flights are the only sensible way between regions.
Train to Machu Picchu
RecommendedPeruRail and Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo (or Cusco); the Vistadome's glass roof is worth the upgrade.
Private driver / tours
UsefulThe standard for the Sacred Valley loop and Rainbow Mountain; affordable with a group.
Walking
UsefulCusco and the valley towns are walkable — slowly, at altitude.
Food & Dining
Book Lima's famous restaurants 1–3 months ahead. Ceviche is a lunch dish. Drink bottled water, and go easy on raw salads your first days at altitude.
Family Travel
Family-friendly areas: Sacred Valley · Cusco · Lima (Miraflores)
Recommended trip length: 9–11 nights; the valley's lower altitude suits kids' acclimatization.
Couples & Luxury
Luxury stays
Spa
Special occasions
Practical Information
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN); US dollars accepted in tourist areas
Language
Spanish; Quechua in the highlands; English in tourist areas
Time zone
Peru Time (UTC-5, no daylight saving)
Plugs & voltage
Type A/C, 220V (US plugs fit; check voltage)
Tipping
10% at restaurants; guides and porters tipped on treks
Local transport
Domestic flights between regions; trains to Machu Picchu; taxis/Uber in cities
Entry & visas
US citizens visa-free for 90 days; passport valid 6 months
Safety
Tourist areas are safe; use normal city caution in Lima. The real considerations are altitude (acclimatize properly) and sun at elevation.
Entry, visa, and health requirements change. Always confirm current rules with the official government sources for your nationality before travel.
Map
Main tourist areas, major attractions, neighborhoods, and the airport.
FAQs
The questions our travelers ask most.
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Hotels & Resorts
We match the property to the trip — location, room category, and what's actually included. Send us a hotel you found online and we'll check our rate.
Individual property pages for Peru are added as official hotel media and supplier content is supplied — we don't publish stock photos as if they were pictures of a specific resort. In the meantime, tell us the property you're considering (or ask us to shortlist options) and we'll come back with our rate and honest guidance.
Things to Do
Tours, attractions, excursions, day trips, and family activities — provided and fulfilled by third-party providers.
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