The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.
Thousands of people visit Peru every year for a chance to hike one of the world’s most famous treks — the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In order to plan a great trek and memorable experience, here’s an insider’s guide on what to expect, what to avoid, and how to get started in organizing your trip.
Cusco serves as the perfect base to explore the numerous sights of the Sacred Valley. Colonial settlements and ancient Inca towns are dotted here and there, while in remote mountain settlements life has largely remained unchanged for centuries. Use this guide to plan your day trips from the ancient Inca capital.
Avid traveler Laura Marshall knows the value of local expertise—that's why she enlisted kimkim to plan her dream trip to Peru. Her group decided on the Salkantay Trek, a five-day adventure through remote landscape, ending with Machu Picchu. Check out this interview to learn why she loved it and what it's like to trek with an expert guide.
Grab some popcorn! Your adventures in Peru will be even more fulfilling if you take the time to watch a film or two before you begin the trip. And these comedies, biopics, and documentaries aren't just educational—they're entertaining, too.
Shoulder season segues into high season as May goes on, which means higher numbers of trekkers on the Inca Trail. But trail conditions are improved dramatically: it is largely dry underfoot and generally sunny during the day, although camping out at night is colder than it has been in recent months. Overall May is one of the best months for hiking the trail, though, and interesting festivals throughout the Sacred Valley add to the color of the experience this month.
Each year more and more travelers to Peru are discovering the pleasures of its capital city—and bringing their kids along for the ride. It's easy to see why. From world-class gastronomy to great surf beaches and expansive colonial parks, Lima provides the ideal conditions for an epic family vacation. Convinced? Here's where you should stay.
The two intriguing festivals of Día de Todos Santos (November 1) and Día de los Muertos (November 2) make this a very interesting month to visit Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Rainy season is here in earnest, however, and at Machu Picchu the cloud cover is often heavy. Trekking is harder in the rain this month, as is cycling, but rafting is more popular because of the higher water levels in the rivers.
If it's your first time visiting Peru, let this FAQ put your mind at ease concerning the practical considerations of your trip.
Peru’s spectacularly varied landscapes offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities and sports: trekking, rafting and mountain biking are just a handful of the activities on offer. Home to the world's longest continental mountain range, Peru also possesses the Amazon jungle and a long Pacific coastline, meaning adrenaline junkies will be able to find their next fix at every corner. This list highlights the best activities in Peru.