SUNDAY'S
All destinations
Peru landscape
South AmericaSouth America

Peru

Best time: May – Sep
Safety Level 2
NatureHistoric

OVERVIEW

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.

WHEN TO GO

Recommended window: May – Sep

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
  • 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.

SEASONAL TRAVEL COSTS

Flight, hotel, and tour prices in Peru shift with demand, holidays, and weather. These windows usually mark the biggest savings and the steepest premiums.

Most affordable

Dec – Mar

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.

  • 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

Jun – Aug

Dry Andes peak fills Peru when Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and Cusco sell out at highest annual rates during comfortable winter trekking season.

  • 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.

BEST KNOWN FOR

Cusco

Most popular city

Most travelers acclimatize in this Inca capital before the train or trek to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

  • 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

TOURIST HOT SPOTS

The regions and landmarks travelers visit most in Peru, with typical visit times, booking windows, and links to official tickets.

Machu Picchu

4 highlights

  • Machu Picchu Citadel

    Typical visit: 2-3 hours

    Book ahead: Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Huayna Picchu

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.

    Find official tickets

  • Inca Bridge

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Cusco

4 highlights

  • Sacsayhuamán

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Qorikancha

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Plaza de Armas Cusco

    Typical visit: 1-3 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.

    Find official tickets

  • San Pedro Market

    Typical visit: 1-3 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.

    Find official tickets

Lima

4 highlights

  • Historic Center of Lima

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Miraflores Boardwalk

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Larco Museum

    Typical visit: 1.5-3 hours

    Book ahead: Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.

    Find official tickets

  • Barranco District

    Typical visit: 1-3 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.

    Find official tickets

Sacred Valley

4 highlights

  • Ollantaytambo

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Pisac Ruins

    Typical visit: 2-4 hours

    Book ahead: Timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead at UNESCO sites in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Maras Salt Mines

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Moray Terraces

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

PHRASES TO GET AROUND

Ten useful Spanish phrases with pronunciation guides and English translations. Save or screenshot this list before you go.

Spanish

  • Please

    Por favor

    Pronunciation: por fah-BOR

  • Thank you

    Gracias

    Pronunciation: GRAH-syahs

  • Yes

    Sí

    Pronunciation: see

  • No

    No

    Pronunciation: noh

  • How much?

    ¿Cuánto cuesta?

    Pronunciation: KWAHN-toh KWES-ta

  • Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?

    ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?

    Pronunciation: DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no

  • Where is the airport?

    ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?

    Pronunciation: DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh

  • I need help

    Necesito ayuda

    Pronunciation: neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah

  • I need a hospital

    Necesito un hospital

    Pronunciation: neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL

  • Call the police

    Llame a la policía

    Pronunciation: yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

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.

Local 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.

Do

  • 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.

Do not

  • 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.

AIRPORTS

Lima Jorge Chávez is the main hub; Cusco serves Machu Picchu visitors.

  • Jorge Chávez International Airport

    LIM

    Callao, serving Lima

    From city center: 11 km (7 mi) west of central Lima

    Getting in: Airport Express buses reach Miraflores

  • Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    CUZ

    Cusco

    From city center: 5 km (3 mi) southeast of central Cusco

    Getting in: Taxis reach the Sacred Valley and train stations

GETTING AROUND

Peruvians use Metropolitano BRT in Lima, PeruRail to Machu Picchu, and intercity coaches; Uber and Cabify operate.

Trains

PeruRail

Scenic rail to Machu Picchu and southern routes.

Tickets & use: Buy at perurail.com or stations.

Visit PeruRail

Buses & public transit

Metropolitano

Public transit

Lima bus rapid transit corridor.

Tickets & use: Use tarjeta at station gates.

Visit Metropolitano

Cruz del Sur

Public transit

Intercity coaches across Peru.

Tickets & use: Buy at cruzdelsur.com.pe or terminals.

Visit Cruz del Sur

Ride share & taxi apps

Uber

Ride share

Ride-hailing in Lima and Arequipa.

Tickets & use: Book via Uber app.

Visit Uber

Cabify

Ride share

Ride-hailing in Lima.

Tickets & use: Book via Cabify app.

Visit Cabify

PRACTICAL TIPS

Before you book, read our Safety travel tips. That guide explains how to read U.S. State Department advisories (including Level 2 for Peru), register for STEP alerts, get embassy help abroad, and what to do if family at home cannot reach you.

  • 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.

MOVING OR STAYING LONGER

Visa rules and money basics for U.S. citizens thinking about a longer stay in Peru. Confirm current requirements with official immigration and consular sources before you move.

Visa & residence

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.

Official sources

Currency

Peruvian sol (PEN · S/ )

Carry some peruvian sol in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

Convert USD to PEN

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Five ready-made day-by-day routes through Peru: classic highlights, beaches, countryside, and top monuments. Mix and match segments to fit your schedule.

5 daysBest for: Weekend warriors and short trips

Peru Highlights Express

Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lima

  • Day 1: Arrive in Machu Picchu

    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: Explore Cusco

    Dedicate the day to Cusco: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Lima and farewell

    Spend your final day in Lima visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Full day discovering Machu PicchuFull day discovering CuscoFull day discovering Lima

Sample route for Peru. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Outdoor lovers and slow travel

Classic Peru

Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lima · Sacred Valley

  • Day 1: Arrive in Machu Picchu

    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: Explore Cusco

    Dedicate the day to Cusco: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Explore Lima

    Dedicate the day to Lima: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 4: Sacred Valley and farewell

    Spend your final day in Sacred Valley visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Cover Machu Picchu and CuscoExplore LimaExplore Sacred Valley

Sample route for Peru. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips

Peru Beaches & Coast

Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lima

  • Day 1: Arrive in Machu Picchu

    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: Cusco coast

    Spend the day on Cusco's shoreline: Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas Cusco, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.

  • Day 3: Lima and farewell

    Enjoy a final beach morning in Lima, visiting Historic Center of Lima, Miraflores Boardwalk, Larco Museum before you depart Peru.

Coastal day in Machu PicchuCoastal day in CuscoCoastal day in Lima

Sample route for Peru. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel

Peru Countryside

Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lima · Sacred Valley

  • Day 1: Arrive in Machu Picchu

    Reach Machu Picchu, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.

  • Day 2: Cusco countryside

    Explore Cusco at an easy pace: Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas Cusco with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.

  • Day 3: Lima countryside

    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: Sacred Valley and farewell

    Wrap up with a slow morning in Sacred Valley, stopping at Ollantaytambo, Pisac Ruins, Maras Salt Mines before heading home.

Rural stop: Machu PicchuRural stop: CuscoRural stop: Lima

Sample route for Peru. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters

Peru Monuments & Hot Spots

Machu Picchu · Lima · Sacred Valley

  • Day 1: Icons of Machu Picchu

    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: Lima monuments

    Focus on Lima's tourist favorites: Historic Center of Lima, Miraflores Boardwalk, Larco Museum with breaks for local food between sights.

  • Day 3: Sacred Valley landmarks and farewell

    Catch any remaining must-sees in Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac Ruins, Maras Salt Mines, before your departure.

Must-see: Machu Picchu CitadelMust-see: Huayna PicchuMust-see: Historic Center of Lima

Sample route for Peru. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.