Peru: Where Ancient Meets Extraordinary

Peru is South America's crown jewel—home to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon rainforest, and Lima's world-famous food scene. Few destinations offer such dramatic diversity: desert coastlines, Andean peaks, and jungle lowlands within one country.

Understanding Peru

Geography

• Coast (Costa): Lima, desert, beaches
• Highlands (Sierra): Andes, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca
• Jungle (Selva): Amazon rainforest (60% of Peru)

Why Peru

• Machu Picchu (bucket list essential)
• World's best food scene (Lima)
• Living Incan culture
• Amazon access
• Affordable luxury
• Warm, welcoming people

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (May-October)

• Best for Machu Picchu/Andes
• Clear skies, cold nights in highlands
• Peak tourist season (June-August)
• Book Inca Trail months ahead

Wet Season (November-April)

• Amazon best (higher water, wildlife)
• Fewer tourists
• Afternoon rains in highlands
• Inca Trail closed February
• Greener landscapes

Lima/Coast:

• Year-round destination
• Winter (June-September) overcast
• Summer (December-March) sunny

Machu Picchu

The Icon

• 15th-century Inca citadel
• Rediscovered 1911
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• One of New 7 Wonders
• 2,430 meters elevation

Getting There

Classic Inca Trail (4 days):

• The legendary trek
• Limited permits (500/day including guides/porters)
• Book 6+ months ahead
• Physical challenge, high altitude
• Ends at Sun Gate for sunrise

Alternative Treks:

• Salkantay Trek (5 days, dramatic scenery)
• Lares Trek (4 days, cultural focus)
• Choquequirao Trek (4-8 days, remote)

Train:

• PeruRail or Inca Rail
• Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes
• Scenic journey
• Day trip possible (long day)

Tips

• Acclimatize in Cusco first (3,400m)
• Book entrance tickets in advance
• Arrive early or late afternoon
• Huayna Picchu/Montana tickets extra
• Guides recommended (not required)

Cusco & Sacred Valley

Cusco

Former Inca capital, now touristic hub:

• Plaza de Armas: Beautiful main square
• Qorikancha: Inca sun temple + Spanish church
• San Pedro Market: Local food, crafts
• Sacsayhuamán: Massive Inca fortress
• San Blas: Artisan neighborhood

Sacred Valley

Fertile valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu:

• Pisac: Market, Inca ruins
• Ollantaytambo: Living Inca town, fortress
• Moray: Agricultural terraces (Inca laboratory)
• Maras: Salt mines (stunning)
• Chinchero: Weaving, Sunday market

Altitude Advice

• Cusco sits at 3,400m
• Take it easy first 24-48 hours
• Drink coca tea
• Stay hydrated
• Consider staying in Sacred Valley first (lower)

Lima: Foodie Paradise

Why Lima Matters

• Ranked #1 food city (multiple years)
• Fusion of indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese
• Three of world's top 50 restaurants
• Street food to fine dining

Must-Try Dishes

• Ceviche: Fresh fish in citrus (the national dish)
• Lomo saltado: Stir-fried beef, Chinese influence
• Anticuchos: Grilled beef heart skewers
• Causa: Layered potato dish
• Ají de gallina: Creamy chicken stew
• Picarones: Sweet potato/squash donuts

Top Restaurants

• Central: #1 in South America, elevation tasting menu
• Maido: Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei)
• Astrid y Gastón: Gastón Acurio's flagship
• Isolina: Traditional tavern
• La Mar: Ceviche institution

Neighborhoods

• Miraflores: Tourist hub, coastal, safe
• Barranco: Bohemian, nightlife, street art
• Historic Center: Colonial architecture, museums
• San Isidro: Upscale residential

Amazon Peru

Access Points

• Puerto Maldonado: Budget-friendly, easier access
• Iquitos: Remote, fly-in only, larger jungle area
• Manu National Park: Most biodiverse, expensive

Experiences

• Wildlife spotting (macaws, monkeys, caimans)
• Night walks
• Canopy walkways
• Indigenous community visits
• Piranha fishing
• Pink river dolphins

Lodge Options

• Basic to ultra-luxury
• Usually 3-5 day packages
• All-inclusive with guides
• Book through reputable operators

Lake Titicaca

The Highest Navigable Lake

• 3,812 meters elevation
• Border of Peru and Bolivia
• Sacred to Inca civilization

Experiences

• Uros Islands: Floating reed islands
• Taquile Island: Textile traditions
• Amantani Island: Homestay experience
• Puno: Gateway city (not much to see)

Rainbow Mountain

The New Instagram Star

• Vinicunca (5,200m elevation)
• Colorful striped mountain
• Recent glacier melt revealed colors
• Day trip from Cusco
• Challenging (altitude, crowds)

Tips

• Acclimatize fully before attempting
• Leave 4-5am from Cusco
• Bring warm layers
• Consider horse for final section
• Manage expectations (crowds, weather)

Practical Information

Visa

• Most nationalities: 90-183 days visa-free
• Check current requirements

Currency

• Peruvian Sol (PEN)
• 3.7 PEN ≈ $1 USD
• USD accepted in tourist areas
• ATMs widespread in cities

Language

• Spanish (official)
• Quechua (indigenous, common in highlands)
• English limited outside tourist areas
• Learn basic Spanish phrases

Health

• Altitude sickness real concern
• Yellow fever vaccine (Amazon)
• Traveler's diarrhea common
• Travel insurance essential
• Pharmacies well-stocked

Transportation

• Flights: Lima hub, domestic flights to Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado
• Buses: Comfortable long-distance buses
• Trains: Tourist trains (Sacred Valley, Titicaca)
• Taxis: Negotiate or use apps

Safety

• Generally safe for tourists
• Petty theft in cities
• Use registered taxis
• Be aware of altitude
• Avoid protests if occurring

Costs

Peru offers good value:

• Budget: $40-60/day
• Mid-range: $80-150/day
• Luxury: $250+/day

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Peru (10-12 days):

• Lima (2-3 days)
• Cusco + Sacred Valley (3-4 days)
• Machu Picchu (1-2 days)
• Optional: Amazon (3-4 days)

Peru Explorer (2-3 weeks):

• Lima (3 days)
• Arequipa + Colca Canyon (3 days)
• Lake Titicaca (2 days)
• Cusco + Sacred Valley (4 days)
• Machu Picchu (2 days)
• Amazon (4 days)

Final Thoughts

Peru humbles and amazes in equal measure. Standing before Machu Picchu at sunrise, floating on Lake Titicaca, or tasting ceviche at a world-class Lima restaurant—these experiences stay with you. The altitude challenges, the distances test patience, but Peru rewards the effort tenfold. Come hungry, come curious, come ready to be moved.

Ready for Peru? Our South America specialists can design an itinerary from Machu Picchu to Amazon adventures.