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South America / South America

Peru

Machu Picchu, Lima ceviche, and Amazon biodiversity. As part of South America in South America, Peru suits travelers drawn to nature and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Peru

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: May – Sep

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Peru, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Cusco

Cusco pairs well with nearby highlights on a South America route through Peru.

Lima

Plan at least a full day in Lima to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Sacred Valley

Plan at least a full day in Sacred Valley to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Machu Picchu Inca citadel above the Urubamba
  • Nazca Lines geoglyphs in the desert
  • Lima ceviche and pisco sour cocktails
  • Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca striped slopes
  • Alpaca textiles and quinoa in Andean markets
key City
name
Cusco
label
Most popular city
why
Most travelers acclimatize in this Inca capital before the train or trek to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Places to visit
  • area
    Machu Picchu
    attractions
    • name
      Machu Picchu Citadel
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Huayna Picchu
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.
    • name
      Inca Bridge
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Cusco
    attractions
    • name
      Sacsayhuamán
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Qorikancha
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Plaza de Armas Cusco
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      San Pedro Market
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Lima
    attractions
    • name
      Historic Center of Lima
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Miraflores Boardwalk
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Larco Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Barranco District
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Sacred Valley
    attractions
    • name
      Ollantaytambo
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Pisac Ruins
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      Timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead at UNESCO sites in peak season.
    • name
      Maras Salt Mines
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Moray Terraces
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Peru Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Machu Picchu
    • Cusco
    • Lima
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Machu Picchu
    • Full day discovering Cusco
    • Full day discovering Lima
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Machu Picchu
      description
      Land in Machu Picchu, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Peru trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Cusco
      description
      Dedicate the day to Cusco: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Lima and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Lima visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Peru
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Machu Picchu
    • Cusco
    • Lima
    • Sacred Valley
    highlights
    • Cover Machu Picchu and Cusco
    • Explore Lima
    • Explore Sacred Valley
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Machu Picchu
      description
      Land in Machu Picchu, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Peru trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Cusco
      description
      Dedicate the day to Cusco: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Lima
      description
      Dedicate the day to Lima: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Sacred Valley and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Sacred Valley visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Peru Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Machu Picchu
    • Cusco
    • Lima
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Machu Picchu
    • Coastal day in Cusco
    • Coastal day in Lima
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Machu Picchu
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Machu Picchu.
    • day
      2
      title
      Cusco coast
      description
      Spend the day on Cusco's shoreline: Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas Cusco, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Lima and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Lima, visiting Historic Center of Lima, Miraflores Boardwalk, Larco Museum before you depart Peru.
  • title
    Peru Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Machu Picchu
    • Cusco
    • Lima
    • Sacred Valley
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Machu Picchu
    • Rural stop: Cusco
    • Rural stop: Lima
    • Rural stop: Sacred Valley
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Machu Picchu
      description
      Reach Machu Picchu, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Cusco countryside
      description
      Explore Cusco at an easy pace: Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas Cusco with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Lima countryside
      description
      Explore Lima at an easy pace: Historic Center of Lima, Miraflores Boardwalk, Larco Museum with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Sacred Valley and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Sacred Valley, stopping at Ollantaytambo, Pisac Ruins, Maras Salt Mines before heading home.
  • title
    Peru Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Machu Picchu
    • Lima
    • Sacred Valley
    highlights
    • Must-see: Machu Picchu Citadel
    • Must-see: Huayna Picchu
    • Must-see: Historic Center of Lima
    • Must-see: Miraflores Boardwalk
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Machu Picchu
      description
      Start in Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Citadel, Huayna Picchu, Sun Gate (Inti Punku), buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Lima monuments
      description
      Focus on Lima's tourist favorites: Historic Center of Lima, Miraflores Boardwalk, Larco Museum with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Sacred Valley landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac Ruins, Maras Salt Mines, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
May through September is dry season in the Andes, the only reliable window for Machu Picchu, Inca Trail permits, and Cusco without daily downpours. Lima and the coast are gray and cool in winter (Jun-Sep), while the Amazon is drier and more accessible.
typical Weather
Cusco/Machu Picchu May-Sep: highs 18-22°C (64-72°F), lows 0-5°C (32-41°F) at night, 10-20 mm rain, strong sun. Lima Jun-Sep: overcast, 16-18°C (61-64°F). Amazon Iquitos: highs 30-32°C (86-90°F), humid.
details
  • Jun-Aug peak for Machu Picchu; Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead.
  • Dec-Mar wet season closes some trails; landslide risk on mountain roads.
  • Shoulder May and Sep still dry with slightly fewer crowds.
  • Coast sunny and warm Dec-Mar; swap Andes and beach in one trip.
most Affordable
period
Dec – Mar
summary
Wet season offers Peru's lowest Cusco and Sacred Valley rates when Machu Picchu sees fewer crowds and Inca Trail permits are easier to obtain at lower package prices.
details
  • Cusco hotels discount 35-45% in wet season.
  • Machu Picchu day tours cheaper with lower demand.
  • Lima Miraflores hotels offer summer promotions.
  • Amazon lodges cut rates in rainy lowland season.
most Expensive
period
Jun – Aug
summary
Dry Andes peak fills Peru when Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and Cusco sell out at highest annual rates during comfortable winter trekking season.
details
  • Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead at peak Jun-Aug rates.
  • Machu Picchu entry slots premium in dry high season.
  • Cusco hotels require booking weeks ahead at peak rates.
  • Amazon lodges also charge peak in Jul-Aug holiday season.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Lima Jorge Chávez is the main hub; Cusco serves Machu Picchu visitors.
airports
  • name
    Jorge Chávez International Airport
    code
    LIM
    location
    Callao, serving Lima
    distance From Center
    11 km (7 mi) west of central Lima
    transfer Note
    Airport Express buses reach Miraflores
  • name
    Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
    code
    CUZ
    location
    Cusco
    distance From Center
    5 km (3 mi) southeast of central Cusco
    transfer Note
    Taxis reach the Sacred Valley and train stations
Getting around
overview
Peruvians use Metropolitano BRT in Lima, PeruRail to Machu Picchu, and intercity coaches; Uber and Cabify operate.
trains
  • name
    PeruRail
    description
    Scenic rail to Machu Picchu and southern routes.
    ticketing
    Buy at perurail.com or stations.
ferries
    subways
      public Transit
      • name
        Metropolitano
        kind
        public
        description
        Lima bus rapid transit corridor.
        ticketing
        Use tarjeta at station gates.
      • name
        Cruz del Sur
        kind
        public
        description
        Intercity coaches across Peru.
        ticketing
        Buy at cruzdelsur.com.pe or terminals.
      ride Share
      • name
        Uber
        kind
        rideshare
        description
        Ride-hailing in Lima and Arequipa.
        ticketing
        Book via Uber app.
      • name
        Cabify
        kind
        rideshare
        description
        Ride-hailing in Lima.
        ticketing
        Book via Cabify app.
      Currency
      code
      PEN
      name
      Peruvian sol
      symbol
      S/
      note
      Carry some peruvian sol in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

      Convert your travel budget ↗

      Visas & official entry links
      Local customs
      summary
      Peru is indigenous Andean, Catholic, and cuisine-proud, with Machu Picchu rules and coca tea altitude culture. Quechua communities expect permission before photos. Lima cosmopolitan life differs from Sacred Valley villages.
      customs
      • Coca tea is common for altitude; coca leaves are legal culturally, not as narcotics export.
      • Two-kiss greeting in cities among friends.
      • Market bargaining expected; fixed prices in malls.
      dos
      • Acclimate in Cusco before strenuous hikes.
      • Ask before photographing Quechua weavers and llama handlers.
      • Use official Inca Trail operators with permits.
      • Tip guides and porters as agency guidelines recommend.
      • Dress modestly in churches and rural villages.
      donts
      • Do not fly drones at Machu Picchu; they are banned.
      • Do not take stones or artifacts from archaeological sites.
      • Do not treat coca as cocaine in conversation with officials.
      • Do not drink tap water without filtration in rural areas.
      • Do not ignore altitude sickness symptoms.
      Useful travel phrases
      language
      Spanish
      phrases
      • english
        Please
        local
        Por favor
        pronunciation
        por fah-BOR
      • english
        Thank you
        local
        Gracias
        pronunciation
        GRAH-syahs
      • english
        Yes
        local
        Sí
        pronunciation
        see
      • english
        No
        local
        No
        pronunciation
        noh
      • english
        How much?
        local
        ¿Cuánto cuesta?
        pronunciation
        KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
      • english
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        local
        ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
        pronunciation
        DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
      • english
        Where is the airport?
        local
        ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
        pronunciation
        DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
      • english
        I need help
        local
        Necesito ayuda
        pronunciation
        neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
      • english
        I need a hospital
        local
        Necesito un hospital
        pronunciation
        neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
      • english
        Call the police
        local
        Llame a la policía
        pronunciation
        yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
      Longer stays
      visa Summary
      U.S. citizens may enter Peru visa-free for up to 183 days per year for tourism and business. Rentista and work visa categories, plus carné de extranjería residence cards, support longer stays through income proof or employer sponsorship. Peru adjusts permitted stay lengths and visa categories periodically, so confirm with Migraciones.

      Practical tips.

      • Buy Machu Picchu tickets on the official government site weeks ahead because daily visitor caps sell out in peak season.
      • Spend at least two days acclimating in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before attempting high passes or Rainbow Mountain.
      • Use registered taxis with phone numbers on the door in Lima and Cusco rather than hailing random street cabs.
      More travel tips ↗

      Locate Peru.

      Location map of Peru

      Before you go.

      Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Peru ↗