Americas · Destination Guide
Peru
Machu Picchu, Amazon & Lima's food scene
Peru compresses a continent's worth of wonders into one country: the Andes at their most dramatic, the Amazon at its most accessible, a coastline of surf and ceviche, and the greatest archaeological site in the Americas.
And then there's Lima — quietly one of the world's great food cities, where a tasting menu at Central costs less than a mediocre dinner in Paris and changes how you think about potatoes forever.
Peru compresses a continent's worth of wonders into one country.
Don't Miss
The Unmissables
Machu Picchu at first light
Whether you hike the Inca Trail or ride the train from Ollantaytambo, the moment the mist lifts off the citadel justifies every superlative.
The Sacred Valley
Pisac's market and terraces, Ollantaytambo's living Inca town, salt pans of Maras — spend more time here than you think you need.
Trekking the high Andes
From Rainbow Mountain's mineral stripes to the Ausangate circuit — Peru's trekking above 4,000m is a brutal, glorious altitude test.
Lima's cevicherías
Lunchtime-only, fiercely local, and serving citrus-cured fish that ruins all other seafood for you. Start at a barrio spot in Barranco.
Timing Is Everything
When to Go
Dry season
Clear Andean skies, prime trekking, Machu Picchu at its best. Book Inca Trail permits 6 months out.
Shoulder
Fewer crowds, greener valleys, occasional showers. Excellent value window.
Wet season
Afternoon downpours in the Andes; the Inca Trail closes in February. Amazon is fine year-round.
The Route
The Perfect Peru Itinerary
Lima
Barranco's street art and cevicherías, Miraflores clifftops, and a world-class dinner.
Cusco
Acclimatize at 3,400m: San Pedro market, Qorikancha, coca tea and slow walks.
Sacred Valley
Pisac ruins and market, Moray's crop circles, Maras salt pans, overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu
Train to Aguas Calientes, first-bus entry at dawn, optional Huayna Picchu climb.
Amazon (Tambopata)
Fly to Puerto Maldonado: macaw clay licks, caiman night walks, river lodge life.
Arequipa & Colca
The white city, then condors riding thermals over one of the world's deepest canyons.
Plan Your Spend
What Peru Costs
Backpacker
Hostels, menú del día lunches ($3!), colectivos and overnight buses.
Mid-range
Boutique hotels in Cusco, Vistadome train, guided Sacred Valley tours.
Luxury
Belmond hotels, Hiram Bingham train, private Machu Picchu guides, Amazon lodges.
Estimates per person, excluding international flights. Book stays via our partners to support free guides like this one.
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