Peru Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip
Quick answer: South American highlights — Machu Picchu, Cusco's Inca heritage, Lima's food, Amazon jungle, Lake Titicaca.
This complete Peru travel guide covers everything you need to plan your trip: best regions, length, season, costs, top experiences, food, and transportation.
Peru Travel Essentials
1. Best regions
Cusco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu (the classic), Lima (food capital), Lake Titicaca, Amazon jungle.
2. Length of trip
Cusco circuit + Lima: 7-10 days. Add Amazon: 10-14 days.
3. Best time
May-October (dry season). June-August peak. November-April rainy.
4. Cost (mid-range)
$110-180/day. Budget travelers $50-80/day.
5. Top experiences
Machu Picchu sunrise, Sacred Valley markets, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca floating islands, ceviche in Lima.
6. Food highlights
Ceviche, lomo saltado, anticuchos, cuy (guinea pig), pisco sour. Lima is Latin America's food capital.
7. Transport
Lima-Cusco flight 1.5 hr. Cusco-Machu Picchu via Vistadome train (2 hr). Bus for budget.
8. Altitude warning
Cusco at 3,400m. Acclimatize 1-2 days. Drink coca tea. Avoid alcohol day 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend in Peru?
For first-time visitors, Cusco circuit + Lima: 7-10 days.
What's the best time to visit Peru?
May-October (dry season). June-August peak. November-April rainy.
How much does a Peru trip cost?
$110-180/day. Budget travelers $50-80/day.
What's the best way to travel around Peru?
Lima-Cusco flight 1.5 hr. Cusco-Machu Picchu via Vistadome train (2 hr). Bus for budget.
What food should I try in Peru?
Ceviche, lomo saltado, anticuchos, cuy (guinea pig), pisco sour. Lima is Latin America's food capital.
What are the top experiences in Peru?
Machu Picchu sunrise, Sacred Valley markets, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca floating islands, ceviche in Lima.
Related Peru Resources
- Things to Do in Peru
- Where to Stay in Peru
- Best Food in Peru
- Best Time to Visit Peru
- Peru Trip Cost
- Peru Itinerary
Planning your visit? Follow our 3-day Machu Picchu itinerary from Cusco — Sacred Valley, train and a sunrise citadel tour.
Best time to visit Peru (real climate data)
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Peru’s warmest month is February (avg 25°C / 77°F), the coolest is August (low 14°C / 57°F). The wettest is March (15 mm) and the driest is April.
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 climate normals (2019–2023). See the full month-by-month weather →