August is the final month of high season and a popular time for North American and European holiday-makers to converge on the Inca Trail (and all Sacred Valley sights, for that matter). The Inca Trail will still likely be at capacity for much of August. If you want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of hikes apart from the Inca Trail to enjoy the great weather and beautiful landscapes in solitude.
No matter how much time you have in Peru, whether it's just a few days or a few weeks, this country can offer some unforgettable experiences. With just three or four days and good planning, it's even possible to visit the national highlights of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. With a week or more, the experiences just get better, allowing you time for historic cities and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Use this guide to help you make the most of your visit.
When the sun goes down in Lima, it's time to celebrate with a cocktail. Peru's national drink, the pisco sour, is a must—and there are plenty of chic and festive spots to try one. Let this list point you to the best spirits in the city.
Come for the ocean views, stay for ancient ruins and first-class shopping. Miraflores is one of Lima's most popular neighborhoods, thanks to its dramatic clifftop location, breezy green spaces, open-air malls, and stylish restaurants and bars. Find out what to do, where to stay, and what to eat with this neighborhood guide. _x000D_
Bohemian Barranco is one of Lima's coolest neighborhoods. One look at the area's vibrant street art, beachfront cafés, hip boutique hotels, romantic footbridges, and charming old mansions, and you'll understand why. From museums to ceviche bars, discover the best of Barranco with this guide.
The former capital of the Incas, Cusco is today a bustling city that attracts scores of travelers for its ancient Incan remains, Andean culture and Spanish colonial splendors. Small stonewalled alleyways spill onto impressive plazas full of brightly dressed indigenous women, while tucked away are surprisingly excellent museums, quirky nightlife venues, and stylish clothing stores. This guide will direct you toward the best Cusco has to offer.
Between the hiking mecca of Huaraz and the tourist hotspot of Cusco, lies an immense swathe of Peru’s Andean mountains — the Central Andes. These mountains reveal a less-travelled, more authentic side of Peru, where you can veer off the beaten path and travel back in time to a more traditional mode of life.
The Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is the most popular destination in Peru. But once you're there, it only takes a day or two to explore. What's next on your agenda? Visit a glacial lake, get your culinary fix in Lima, or bike the hills of the Sacred Valley—all within a short distance from Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Visit the Peruvian Amazon, one of the best places in the world to experience the rainforest. From multi-day river trips to nature walks, you’ll have the chance to observe a multitude of natural diversity and wildlife. Wherever you journey here, an adventure is guaranteed.
The five-day Lares Trek takes you high up in the Andes, hiking during the day and overnighting in luxurious lodges along the way. Providing impressive views of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, it’s a relatively demanding hike that will test your fitness.