Peru
"Follow the Incas from Cusco to the clouds"
Peru at a glance
- Best time to go
- Roughly May to September is the dry season across the Andes and the classic window for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, and also the busiest and most expensive. April and October to November are shoulder months with a good mix of drier weather and thinner crowds. December to March is the wet season; the Inca Trail closes entirely every February for maintenance, so trekkers head to Machu Picchu by train that month instead.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest ten to twelve days to combine Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without rushing, longer if you're adding a multi-day trek or the Amazon.
- Who it's for
- History and trekking lovers who want ancient sites, dramatic Andean scenery and are willing to plan permits well ahead.
- Might not be for you if
- You're hoping to book an Inca Trail permit at short notice. They're limited, tied to specific dates, and commonly need booking six to nine months ahead in peak season, especially May to October.
Peru packs Machu Picchu, the Amazon, the world's second-deepest canyon, and one of the planet's great food scenes into a single trip. Trek the Inca Trail or ride the train, eat your way through Lima, and don't skip the Sacred Valley — it's the best part almost everyone rushes.
Best Time to Visit
May to September (dry season in the Andes)
May to September (dry season in the Andes)
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
Peru's Andes make road travel slow — flights and trains are the sane way to combine Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.
✈️ Domestic Flights
LATAM and Sky Airline link Lima with Cusco, Arequipa, and Puerto Maldonado in about an hour.
🚂 PeruRail / IncaRail
The only way (besides trekking) to reach Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu.
🚌 Cruz del Sur
Comfortable long-distance buses along the coast — Lima to Paracas, Nazca, and Arequipa.
🚕 Uber / Cabify
Safer than street taxis in Lima and Cusco; agree fares in advance elsewhere.
💡 Spend 2 days acclimatising in the Sacred Valley (2,800m) before Cusco (3,400m) to avoid altitude sickness.
Suggested Itineraries
Lima Arrival
Barranco neighbourhood, ceviche lunch.
Fly to Cusco
Acclimatise, San Blas, early night.
Sacred Valley
Pisac, Chinchero, overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu
Early train and guided visit.
Cusco Historic
Cathedral, Qorikancha, San Pedro market.
Rainbow Mountain or Humantay
Long day hike (permits and altitude — pace yourself).
Fly to Lima & Depart
Return to Lima, farewell dinner, evening flight.
🌙 Pace yourself, spark-chaser. A trip you actually remember beats a checklist you barely survived.
Highlights
Must See
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
- Sacred Valley
- Rainbow Mountain
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Spend at least 2 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize before Machu Picchu — altitude sickness can wreck the trip.
Peru travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Peru and Machu Picchu?
Roughly May to September is the dry season and the most popular time for Machu Picchu and Andean trekking, with the clearest skies but the biggest crowds. April and October to November are shoulder months with a solid mix of decent weather and lighter crowds. December to March is wetter, and the Inca Trail closes for the whole of February for maintenance.
How far in advance do you need to book Inca Trail permits?
Six to nine months ahead for peak season (especially May, June, July, August and October), since permits are limited and sell out through licensed tour operators, not independently. If your dates don't work for the Inca Trail, the Salkantay and Lares treks don't use the same permit system and are usually bookable with less lead time.
Do you need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance regardless of trekking?
Yes. Machu Picchu operates a timed entry system with a daily visitor cap that's adjusted seasonally, and even visitors arriving by train rather than on foot need a specific entry slot booked ahead, especially in the May to October high season.
How many days do you need in Peru?
Ten to twelve days lets you properly combine Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at a reasonable pace, with time to acclimatise to Cusco's altitude before any trekking. Add three to five days for a multi-day trek or an Amazon extension.
Details last checked 23 September 2026.
More sparks for Peru
Stories, films and books to keep the daydreaming going.
AI-generated editorial illustration — Unofficial AI-generated editorial illustration inspired by the destination and atmosphere of the film or series. Not an official poster or promotional image.
Without Saying Goodbye
A backpacker's Peru romance that wanders from Lima's coast to the Sacred Valley and the Inca ruins above the clouds.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu
by Mark Adams · Peru