Twelve to 14 days is a great length for a Peru trip, with stops in Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 10 or 11 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Arequipa, Cabanaconde, and Amantani Island. Keep reading for more inspiring Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley itineraries.
Starting a new book is like opening the door to another world. Get in the mood for your trip to Peru by delving into one of these recommended titles: from fiction to history to poetry, they're great introductions to the country and its culture.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are brimming with accommodation, from friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. This article highlights the best among them, giving you options for the perfect stay during your time in the area.
With its mysterious Inca ruins, quaint villages, beautiful sunsets and colorful Quechua culture, Peru makes for a fascinating and romantic honeymoon. The following list covers the best places to visit in Peru after you say “I do.”
The Inca Trail is closed this month for maintenance, but the good news is that Machu Picchu is still open, as are some of the other classic Inca Trail alternative treks, such as the Salkantay trek. The year's heaviest rain this month makes hiking muddier and less appealing that at other times of the year: time, perhaps, to divert to some of the Sacred Valley's indoors attractions.
July sees the continuation of high-season tourism with warm, sunny days and chilly, crisp evenings. This time of year offers some of the best weather nationwide and lends itself to enjoying all the attractions Peru has to offer, from admiring Machu Picchu to adventures in Northern Peru or the less-rainy Amazon region. Beat the crowds and make the most of your July trip with this guide.
Machu Picchu and its surrounds offer a variety of seasonal outdoor activities and phenomenal festivals throughout the year. For ideal weather (bright, dry and cool), you'll want to join the many travelers that flock to the area from June to August, but almost-as-great conditions can still be had in September and October, with considerably fewer crowds. Learn more about Machu Picchu's weather, crowds, and annual events below.
Peru — a nation with abundant natural diversity, from coast, to mountains, to jungle — has long attracted lovers of the Great Outdoors. The Peruvian Andes, running like a backbone down the centre of the country, contain mesmerizing variations in landscape that make for some of the best trekking in the world. Cloud forests, 5000m+ cordilleras (mountain ranges), the world’s deepest canyon and the striking remains of ancient civilizations all await.
Lima is one of South America's most cosmopolitan cities. New boutique hotels are popping up overnight in the hip neighborhoods of Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro, and beyond. There are artsy hotels, bohemian hotspots, swish modernist joints bathed in white, and plenty of options in between that cater to all tastes and budgets.
Lima is a majorly underrated destination for travelers with kids in tow. Peru’s capital city has plenty to keep families entertained: hands-on museums, beachfront promenades, a zoo, and a water park popular with locals, to name just a few._x000D_