Peru

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season in the Andes, from May to early October. This is ideal if you want to visit Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Arequipa, as you'll experience mild temperatures, clear skies, and optimal conditions for activities like hiking and trekking. However, this is also the peak season, so booking in advance is essential. The best time to visit Lima and the coast is from December to April, with warm, sunny days. Visiting just before or after the peak season can provide a great balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

For most travelers, 7 to 10 days in Peru is ideal to see highlights like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley, allowing time to acclimate to the high altitude and enjoy the main attractions at a comfortable pace. If you have 2 to 3 weeks, you can expand your itinerary to include the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or Northern Peru. This longer stay will offer a more in-depth experience and allow you to discover the country's diverse regions and cultures.

A typical Peru itinerary begins with one or two days in the capital city, Lima, where you can relax and enjoy the world-class culinary scene, including local cevicherías and renowned restaurants. Next, fly to Cusco and spend a week visiting lesser-known Inca sites and hiking in the Sacred Valley and Lares Valley. Conclude your trip with a visit to Machu Picchu. Throughout your journey, immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Incas, admire the colonial architecture of the Spaniards, and participate in a cooking class with Peruvian families.

Elevate Destinations has over 20 years of experience in designing Peru programs. Our team collaborates with the best local guides to ensure you experience the country’s culture, history, and natural wonders authentically and comfortably. Thanks to our strong local connections and the support we provide before, during, and after your trip, you will enjoy a seamless, custom itinerary tailored to your interests.

The best things to do in Peru include hiking iconic routes in the Andes, such as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and visiting ancient Inca and pre-Inca sites. Mountain biking in the Sacred Valley is an excellent option for adventure seekers. Food enthusiasts will love sampling world-class Peruvian cuisine in Lima and Cusco. Wildlife lovers can journey to the Amazon rainforest to encounter a variety of animals, including monkeys, macaws, and river dolphins, as well as guided jungle hikes and river cruises. To learn about Peru’s rich history and culture, visit vibrant markets, colonial cities, and indigenous communities.

The best places to visit in Peru go far beyond Machu Picchu, though this iconic Inca citadel is a must-see for its breathtaking mountain views and ancient ruins. Cusco, the former Inca capital, offers vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and access to the Sacred Valley’s archaeological wonders. Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, is renowned for its world-class cuisine, historic plazas, and lively neighborhoods. The Amazon Rainforest invites wildlife lovers to experience its rich biodiversity and remote eco-lodges. In the south, Arequipa charms with its white volcanic stone architecture, while the nearby Colca Canyon is perfect for trekking and spotting condors. Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, offers unique cultural experiences on its floating islands. For off-the-beaten-path adventures, head north to Trujillo and Chiclayo for pre-Inca sites or to Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca for world-class trekking and mountain scenery.