Peru

Plan your trip to Peru

Peru is home to Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, and Lima's world-class food scene—offering everything from ancient ruins to biodiverse wilderness. A first visit typically combines the iconic Cusco–Sacred Valley circuit with coastal culture and jungle exploration. With so much diversity across regions, most travellers find Peru rewards both quick trips and extended stays.

Getting there & around

Fly into Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru's main hub with connections worldwide. Domestic flights link Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, and Iquitos; trains run Cusco to Machu Picchu and between highland towns; buses connect most regions but journeys are long due to mountainous terrain. Renting a car is possible but challenging given altitude and road conditions—most visitors use flights, trains, or organized tours.

How long to stay

Ten to fourteen days allows a balanced first visit: 3–4 days in Lima and the coast, 4–5 days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, 2–3 days in the Amazon or Puno Region, and travel time between regions. Shorter trips (5–7 days) work if focused on just Cusco and Machu Picchu.

When to go

May to September (dry season) offers clear skies and stable weather in the highlands; December to March brings rain but fewer crowds and lush landscapes. Lima and the coast are warm year-round, though June–August can be cool and cloudy. April, October, and November are shoulder months with decent conditions and moderate tourism.

Suggested itinerary

1. Lima: Food and Culture — Arrive in Lima and settle into Miraflores or Barranco district. Explore the historic centre, visit the Gold Museum or Rafael Larco Museum, and dine at one of Peru's renowned restaurants.
2. Lima and South Coast — Day trip south to the Nazca Lines (by plane) or explore the coastal towns of Paracas and Ica with pre-Incan ruins and wine country. Return to Lima or travel onward.
3. Fly to Cusco — Arrive in Cusco in the late morning, acclimatize to the 3,400 m altitude, and wander the historic colonial centre around the Plaza de Armas.
4. Sacred Valley — Day trip or overnight in the Sacred Valley to visit Ollantaytambo fortress, Pisac ruins and markets, and indigenous villages. Stay in the valley for easier acclimatization.
5. Machu Picchu — Take the train or hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, explore the citadel, and return to the Sacred Valley or Cusco by afternoon/evening.
6. Cusco and Surroundings — Explore Cusco's Incan temples, cathedral, and convents. Optional: day hike to ruins like Sacsayhuamán or visit the Sacred Valley again if time permits.
7. Amazon or Puno — Fly or bus to Iquitos (Amazon Region) for jungle lodges and wildlife, or travel south to Puno for Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands.
8. Amazon or Lake Titicaca — Spend a full day in the jungle with a guide (wildlife spotting, canoe trips) or on Lake Titicaca visiting island communities and archaeological sites.
9. Return to Cusco or Arequipa — Fly or bus back toward the coast, stopping in Arequipa if time allows to see the white volcanic-stone colonial architecture and nearby Colca Canyon.
10. Return to Lima — Fly back to Lima for final shopping, museums, or beach time before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Peru?

Ten to fourteen days is ideal for a first visit combining Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and one secondary region (Amazon, Puno, or Arequipa). Five to seven days works if you focus only on Cusco and Machu Picchu, though you'll miss Lima and other highlights.

Is Machu Picchu worth visiting?

Yes—it's one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites and genuinely breathtaking in person, though expect crowds and high prices. The Sacred Valley ruins and Incan sites around Cusco are equally impressive and far less crowded if you want alternatives.

What is the best time to visit Peru?

May to September (dry season) offers the clearest weather and best hiking conditions in the highlands, though it's also peak tourist season. December to March is wetter but has fewer tourists and greener landscapes; April, October, and November are good shoulder months.

Do you need a guide for Machu Picchu?

A guide is not required to enter Machu Picchu, but hiring one enhances the experience by explaining the history and pointing out details you'd miss alone. Guides are mandatory if you trek the Inca Trail.

Is Peru safe for tourists?

Peru is generally safe for tourists in well-traveled areas like Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, though petty theft occurs in crowded places. Avoid walking alone at night, use official taxis, and skip remote regions without local advice; hiring a guide or joining a tour reduces risk.