Planning a Trip to Peru? Use This Detailed Guide

It took 12 years after one very big fail of a trip for us to return to Peru, but the wait was worth it. We were finally able to explore Machu Picchu, a wonder that should be on any travel bucket list.

As I’ve learned, you do have to put in the work to put together a solid plan for Peru. Luckily, we’ve already done that for us. Whether you’re planning a trip to Peru for the first time or a return trip as we were, use this guide to help you make it happen.

This jewel of South America is waiting.

How to Plan a Trip to Peru

To plan a trip to Peru, consider what you want to do while you’re there before booking anything else.

If you’re visiting Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, for example, you’ll need to get those tickets first. At high season, Inca Trail permits go quickly and can get booked months in advance.

If you’re not doing anything that aggressive, watch for cheap flights and plan your trip that way. You may even want to consider off-season travel if you don’t mind some rain on your trip. The dry season is ideal to see the Inca sites, though.

Here are a few more tips to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch:

That said, here are a few tips to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch:

• Don’t drink the water. You should only drink bottled water while in Peru. Avoid ice, as well. Brushing your teeth and showering is fine with the local water. You just don’t want to chug it. Trust me. Intestinal issues in a foreign land aren’t pretty.
• Book hotel shuttles when possible. Taxis across Peru are notorious for ripping off tourists. Most hotels offer good rates on transport from the airport to their front doors, so book a driver ahead of time if you don’t want to haggle.
• Expect to get ripped off. If your shuttle doesn’t show up, as happened to us, don’t freak out. Taxis are plentiful. Just expect your driver to change their price upon arrival. Agree to a firm total before you get in and have maps downloaded.
• Embrace the art of politely declining. I can’t tell you how many times we had to give locals the “No, gracias” while in Cusco. They want you on their buses, to buy their tchotchkes, and get you into their eateries. If you’re tired of it, ignore them.
• The altitude change is a doozy. If you’re visiting Cusco, Lake Titicaca, or Colca Canyon, expect altitude effects. Sip on coca tea, eat Andean chicken soup for lunch, and pick up over-the-counter medications. Rest when your body is telling you to.

How Many Days You Need to See Peru

A full 10 days in Peru will allow you to get in a good mix of city life, historical sites, and natural wonders while in the South American country.

Our first trip was planned for a full week. With a seven-day Peru itinerary, you can pull off a trip to Lima and Machu Picchu if you aren’t hiking the full Inca Trail.

Our second trip was 11 days. That gave us a buffer when we weren’t feeling well due to the altitude in Cusco.

Note: Keep in mind that building in rest days is crucial if you’re planning any hiking at elevation.

The Best Time to Visit Peru

The cheapest time to go to Peru is during the off-season. That includes late October through the start of December and from about mid-January through April. That doesn’t mean it’s the best time to visit Peru, though.

Generally, Peru has a wet and dry season, with the dry season falling from May through October. High season peaks within that time in July and August. Check out more information by season below:

• Spring (September-November): September remains a popular month for travel in the mountains, so it’s on the cusp of high season. October is a good shoulder season month for mild temperatures and lower prices for travel across Peru.
• Summer (December-February): If your trip is centered around the coast, you’ll get the hot weather some people enjoy. This is the wet season in the mountains and jungles of Peru, and the Inca Trail closes for maintenance in February.
• Fall (March-May): This is the beginning of the end of the rainy season. Our big trip fail happened in March, so I’d avoid that month again on a personal level. May is the best month to visit Peru for ideal temperatures and more budget-friendly pricing.
• Winter (June-August): This is the dry season in Peru, and the ideal time for outdoor adventuring in the mountains, including the Inca Trail. July and August are high-season months across Peru, so book everything well in advance.

How to Get to Peru

You’re most likely to find deals from the United States and throughout Europe to Lima, the gateway to most of what you’ll do in the country.

The high season for flights to Peru is during the country’s dry season, and the months of July and August in particular. If you’re headed to Peru during those times, make sure to book your flights well in advance.

Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, and countries within the European Union don’t need to apply for a visa before they enter Peru. The length of your approved stay is determined by Peru officials upon your arrival, but this is typically 90 days.

For additional information for those traveling from outside of those countries, see this complete list to determine whether you’d need to apply for a visa prior to your arrival.

For additional entry requirements, Peru’s official tourism site is a great place to start, especially if you’re traveling during times of year known for weather events.

How to Get Around Peru

Once in Peru, if you’re planning to explore regions outside of Lima, you’ll have the option of domestic flights, long-distance buses, and trains, or a self-drive option.

Domestic flights will be the most efficient way to travel long distances in the country, and you can often find good deals if you book well ahead of time. LATAM Airlines and Avianca have the most routes.

Do your research and read consumer reviews before booking a super cheap domestic flight within Peru, and avoid Star Perú like the plague.

Buses in Peru are by far the preferred mode of transportation for locals. They’re also the cheapest mode of transportation. You’ll need to weigh whether you’d like to move about more efficiently or cost-effectively when you’re putting together itinerary.

For long-distance travel, the most popular, well-reviewed options are:

• Cruz del Sur,
• Oltursa,
• and Movil Bus.

Check out their websites for timetable information and ticket fees for the various classes on each line.

If you have the time for a scenic journey, consider long-distance train travel on PeruRail or Inca Rail. Both offer services to Machu Picchu, too.

If you’re a confident driver, a self-drive tour is another option to see the country at your own pace. Be warned that Lima is a hectic city with hectic traffic patterns.

To be honest, Arequipa and Cusco didn’t seem any less crazy, with folks making their own lanes and all kinds of honking.

As with all of your bookings, if you’re traveling during the high season and want to get the best deals, book any rental cars well in advance. I also like booking cars online if there’s a possibility that there may be a language barrier when I arrive.

Top Places to Visit in Peru

Peru is more than Machu Picchu, although the Incan site should definitely top your list if this is your first trip.

Here are my top places to visit in Peru from our multiple trips to the country, starting with a city that was quite a pleasant surprise.

Arequipa

Arequipa was somewhat of a last-minute addition to our Peru trip, but it shouldn’t serve the same purpose for you. The colonial city boasts an impressive historic center, a delicious food scene, and much more casual vibes than the more touristy Cusco.

It’s also a great jumping-off point for day trips to the Colca Canyon, the Salinas Salt Lagoon, and more intrepid treks to the volcanoes that make the city scenic.

Add Arequipa to your itinerary for Peru and you won’t be disappointed. Its monasteries alone are some of the loveliest places I’ve ever seen, mimicking Chefchaouen in Morocco with their colors. I have a full guide to Arequipa travel if you’re intrigued.

Interested in day tours of Arequipa? Check out these highly-rated options:

Colca Canyon

Once we decided on Arequipa, we knew we wanted to fit in a very long day trip to the Colca Canyon. While a multi-day trip would have been less tiring, this colossal canyon is worth any time you’re able to give it.

It’s also home to quite the wildlife spectacle. Andean condors regularly take flight here near the valley of the Cruz del Condor, or Cross of the Condor. Any tours from Arequipa will leave VERY early, so get your mind right for the wakeup call. It’s all worth it.

While you can get to Colca Canyon using public transportation, it’s much easier to go with a tour, despite the additional stops most make on the return trip. Here are a few highly-rated options:

Cusco

Cusco, or Cuzco, is known as the gateway to Machu Picchu alongside the smaller town of Aguas Calientes.

It’s also your likely starting point to the Sacred Valley and the historic towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and the Instagram-famous Rainbow Mountain.

The city, once the center of the Incan empire, also has much to offer in its own right. Explore its busy streets and the San Pedro Market, meet the “sexy woman” that is Sacsayhuaman, and sample a ceviche or three at one of the city’s best eateries.

You’ll get to practice your “No, gracias” while you’re there, too. This is tourist central, so expect lots of folks trying to sell you on tours and selfie sticks and photos with alpacas.

Note: Be prepared for altitude sickness. Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet above sea level. I drank what seemed like gallons of coca tea during our stay in Cusco but still had to pick up some over-the-counter medications to make my stay more pleasant. Don’t be shy. The pharmacies are helpful and plentiful!

Cusco is easy enough to explore on your own, but if you’re planning day trips with the city as your base, it’s easier to do so with a guide. Check out these highly-rated options:

Lima

I have to include Lima on this list if only because you’ll likely pass through the city on your way to and from other destinations in Peru.

We spent way too many days in Lima on our first visit to Peru, but that’s because our trip fell apart before our very eyes due to Mother Nature, illness, and airline fails.

While my opinion of the city is likely colored by that experience — skip it if you’re short on time — there is lots to do here if you find yourself with time in the city.

Highlights include:

• the Huaca Pucllana or Huaca Juliana ruins,
• the Magic Water Circuit,
• and the Erotic Gallery, a pottery exhibit of phalluses and other examples of sexually-charged art.

Yes, I’ve been.

Foodies will also love the dining scene in the city. Just have your wits about as you navigate Lima. The taxis are intense.

On our second trip, we avoided spending much time in Lima at all, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be planning the same kind of trip to Peru. Visit and see if you like it for yourself.

Fun fact: You don’t even need to leave the airport upon arrival in Lima if you want to skip the city. Book a Lima airport hotel to simplify your trip. We booked two nights at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport upon arrival and on our return trip back to the United States. It’s literally across the street from the airport, with comfy beds for rest and a decent restaurant on site.

Lima is easy enough to explore on your own or on any of the available tourist buses. For guided tours, check out these highly-rated options:

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is likely the reason Peru is in your travel plans already. I have to admit that visiting Machu Picchu will meet any expectations you have for it.

Fun fact: Despite the planning involved with any visit there, more than half a million people wander the ancient ruins every year.

The Inca citadel is spectacular no matter when you’re able to go, but it’s extra special at sunrise and sunset if you can swing it. If you’re ambitious, guided hikes will take you on multi-day treks on the Inca Trail along the very stone steps used by the Incan people.

If you’re short on time, the well-connected Inca Rail is an easier option. The ride is also scenic as heck, with waterfalls and viewpoints of glaciers along the way.

I’m usually all about planning things myself, but we gave control over to Action Peru Treks for our two-day adventure to Machu Picchu.

That included a full day of hiking along the Inca Trail, or the “short” Inca Trail, followed by a full morning at Machu Picchu the next day. I highly recommend them, and get into the details in our Inca Trail guide.

If you’re short on time and want help planning a full-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, here are a few highly-rated options:

More Places to Visit in Peru

Even though we’ve been there twice, there are still so many more places we’d love to see in Peru. Here’s our short list:

• Chachapoyas: This is the gateway to Kuelap, an ancient walled city built by the Chachapoya people. Often called the “Machu Picchu of the North,” Kuelap is a marvel of engineering set in a lush cloud forest.
• Huascarán National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site in the Andes is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. It features snow-capped peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife, including the endangered spectacled bear.
• Iquitos: Visit the largest city in the world inaccessible by road. This vibrant jungle city and a starting point for exploring the Amazon. Travelers can enjoy river cruises and wildlife spotting as they leave the grid on adventures here.
• Lake Titicaca: Apart from a name that is very fun to say, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It’s a good access point to nearby Bolivia, too, if you’d like to extend your trip.
• Nazca Desert: There are numerous theories about how the Nazca lines came to be. The most popular theories include a communication system with the gods, an alien landing strip, and a giant solar calendar. I’m here for all of it.

READ MORE: If you love a little mystery with your travel, plan a trip to Petrified Forest National Park.

Peru Travel Itineraries

Since a week is what many travelers have to work with, I wanted to share a few itinerary possibilities with you to help with your planning:

Option 1: Peru Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima.
• Day 2: Travel to Cusco.
• Day 3: Acclimate in Cusco.
• Day 4: Tour the Sacred Valley
• Day 5: Travel to Aguas Calientes.
• Day 6: Visit Machu Picchu.
• Day 7: Return via Lima.

Option 2: High-Altitude Adventures

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima.
• Day 2: Explore Lima.
• Day 3: Travel to Arequipa.
• Day 4: Explore the Colca Canyon.
• Day 5: Travel to Puno.
• Day 6: Explore Lake Titicaca.
• Day 7: Return via Lima.

Option 3: Unique Mysteries

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima.
• Day 2: Explore Lima
• Day 3: Travel to Huacachina.
• Day 4: See the Nazca lines from Ica.
• Day 5: Travel to Paracas from Nazca.
• Day 6: Explore Islas Ballestas.
• Day 7: Depart via Lima.

Amazing Facts About Peru

Peru is a weird and wonderful place. Check out a few of my favorite fun facts about Peru that make for great talking points after you’ve had a few pisco sours:

1. There are more than 3,500 varieties of potatoes in Peru, more than in any other country. They celebrate that fact with a National Potato Day each year on May 30.
2. The Incas were the first to establish many modern traditions, but if you’re a fan of the census, you have them to thank. They used a system of knots to keep records.
3. It’s easy to find the available single ladies among the native Quechua people. Custom says they’ll be wearing knitted hats. Married women wear straw hats.
4. The Peruvian Inca Orchid isn’t a flower. It’s a breed of hairless dog that’s often a participant in the annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
5. If you don’t come back from Peru without at least a dozen alpaca pictures, you’re doing it wrong. Peru is home to at least three-quarters of the alpaca population.

What to Pack to Peru

As Peru has both a wet and dry season, what you pack depends on when you’re going.

Here are some ideas to cover the most popular Peru trip itineraries, which typically include some outdoor activity time at Machu Picchu and other Inca ruins:

• Hiking backpack: A big reason many travelers go to Peru is to hike at least part of the Inca Trail. Come prepared with a hiking backpack, preferably one you’ll easily be able to house a water bladder in.
• Hiking shoes: If you’re going to Peru during the wet season and hoping to do some hiking, you’ll need a pair of waterproof hiking shoes to do that. I’m a big fan of my Altra’s Lone Peak version these days.
• Layered jacket: A rain jacket may be fine, but if you’re headed to Peru in the rainy season, you may want to look into something a bit heavier. A layered jacket or shell allows for some versatility.
• Thermal tops: No matter when you’re headed to Peru, if you’re doing any hiking, you’ll likely be doing so in the morning hours. Mornings in the mountains are chilly. Pack at least one thermal top to layer underneath your jacket.
• Wool socks: You’ll be doing some exploration at elevation. That means chilly temperatures, even in the summer, in the mornings when you’ll be out and about. Pack several pairs of wool socks to keep those toes warm.

Peruvian Foods to Try

We ate very well in Peru, and the cuisine keeps getting better if our experience between our first trip and most recent one means anything. since our first visit years ago.

Here are a few Peruvian favorites to try (or be aware of) on your trip to Peru:

• Aji de Gallina: The ultimate comfort stew, this chicken stew also includes yellow chili peppers, walnuts, garlic, and turmeric.
• Anticuchos de Corazon: Eating grilled heart wasn’t as scary as it sounds. The common preparation is on a skewer after it’s been marinated in vinegar.
• Carapulcra con Sopa Seca: This is a stew of peanuts, chicken, ají panca, and dehydrated potatoes. It’s served with sopa seca, or heavily seasoned noodles.
• Causa: There are different versions of causa, but it’s essentially a mashed potato casserole or terrine. The traditional filling is tuna fish.
• Ceviche: All visitors to Peru must try the country’s version of ceviche, typically made with sea bass marinated in lime juice, onion, salt, and hot chilis.
• Choritos a la Chalaca: This is a spicy mussels dish often served right out of the shells. The mussels are filled with onions, tomatoes, and corn kernels.
• Cuy Chactado: Guinea pig is particularly popular in Cusco and Arequipa. I admit trying a bite when Brian went for it in Aguas Calientes, and it wasn’t for me.
• Lomo Saltado: This dish resembles a stir fry and is typically made with strips of beef marinated in soy sauce, onions, tomatoes, and chilis.
• Pollo a la Brasa: Peru’s version of roasted chicken is made with garlic, herbs, and spices, and often served with a huacatay, or mint sauce.
• Tacacho con Cecina: This Amazonian dish is more of a platter. It includes plantain balls served alongside dried pork, not unlike jerky.

READ MORE: Love a foodie city? It doesn’t get much better than Bologna!

Special Events and Festivals in Peru

If you’re planning a trip to Peru during a specific time of year, consider whether there are any festivals or holidays occurring. You may want to attend special events or avoid them, as it could mean bigger crowds and higher costs.

Here are a few notable dates across Peru:

• Festival de la Candelaria: This festival takes place in Puno each year in celebration of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the city.
• Carnival: Carnival is celebrated the week before Lent, all over Peru. Expect lots of indulging and partying.
• Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun is a festival in celebration of the winter solstice in Cusco. The event includes traditional dances and parades.
• Arequipa Week: Arequipa Week celebrates the day Peru’s second city, Arequipa, was founded. Events include parades, beauty pageants, and fireworks displays.
• Trujillo Spring Festival: This is a celebration of spring in Trujillo, naturally. Festival events include parades, art exhibitions, and dance competitions.