Best time to visit Peru
Compare the weather in the Andes, on the coast and in the Amazon before choosing your dates.
Read guidePlan a journey that works for you
Peru Travel Guide
A practical starting point for choosing when to go, where to travel and how much time to spend in Peru.
From Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to the coast, highlands and Amazon, use these guides to put together a trip that matches your interests and pace.
Start here
Plan your trip to Peru
Choose your travel dates and trip length first. Then you can decide which regions fit comfortably into your itinerary.
How many days in Peru?
Decide what fits in a week, ten days or a longer journey without rushing every stop.
Read guidePeru travel costs
Plan for transport, accommodation, entrance tickets, food and guided experiences.
Read guideWhat to pack for Peru
Prepare for different climates, especially if your route includes hiking or the Amazon.
Read guideWhere to go
Places to visit in Peru
Peru's regions offer very different experiences. Pick a few places that matter most to you and allow time to move between them.
See Peru tour packagesCusco & Sacred Valley
Inca sites, mountain towns and a useful base for the journey to Machu Picchu.
Explore tours around CuscoMachu Picchu
Travel by train or arrive on foot. Check tickets and route options before fixing your dates.
See Machu Picchu toursLima, Paracas & Nazca
Add food, desert landscapes, wildlife and history to a southern Peru journey.
View a coast-to-Andes tripPeruvian Amazon
Rainforest lodges and wildlife excursions can complement a trip to Cusco.
See an Amazon itineraryFind your pace
How many days do you need in Peru?
A week is enough for a focused trip. More days let you connect regions with less time spent in transit.
7 days in Peru
Lares Trek, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
A week focused on the Andes, local communities and the walk through the Sun Gate.
View itinerary9 days in Peru
Nazca, Ballestas, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Combine the coast with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
View itinerary10 days in Peru
Amazon, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Add rainforest time to a trip through the Andes.
View itinerary13 days in Peru
Peru Adventure: Southern Peru & Machu Picchu
A longer route through several regions, with more room for stops along the way.
View itineraryThese are examples of existing itineraries. Travel days and inclusions depend on the individual tour.
Before you travel
Practical Peru travel tips
Weather changes by region
Drier months in the Andes are popular for hiking, while conditions on the coast and in the Amazon follow different patterns. Check the places on your route, rather than planning around a single national forecast.
Budget for the whole route
Allow for domestic transport, accommodation, meals, guides and major tickets. Compare tour inclusions carefully, particularly for train travel and Machu Picchu.
Pack for several climates
Layers, rain protection and comfortable walking shoes are useful on many Peru routes. Check your trek and airline luggage limits before packing.
Hiking in Peru
Considering the Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail and shorter routes have different walking times and availability. Build time into your itinerary to adjust to the altitude before a demanding hike.
Common questions
Peru travel FAQs
A few useful answers as you begin planning.
How long should a first trip to Peru be?
Seven to ten days can cover Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at a reasonable pace. Allow more time to add the coast, Lake Titicaca or the Amazon.
Should I visit Machu Picchu before or after Cusco?
That depends on your arrival time and route. Many travelers spend time in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first; choose a pace that lets you adjust before strenuous hikes.
When should I book Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail?
Check availability as soon as your dates are firm, especially for a particular Machu Picchu circuit or an Inca Trail departure. Ticket and permit availability can change.
Can I combine a Peru tour with free days?
Yes. You can build free time around a guided itinerary if you want to explore at your own pace. Ask the local team about a route that fits your dates.
Ready to go further?
Turn your Peru plans into an itinerary
Explore the tours already available or tell our Cusco-based team what you would like to see.
