A trip to Peru in South America could be a life-changing experience. Nestled in the Andes and steeped in the ancient Inca civilization, the country is so exotic, full of indigenous flavor, and brimming with vibrant culture and tradition.
However, planning a Peru tour could be overwhelming: from choosing the best things to do to getting destinations and experiences connected, to arranging the most suitable overall itinerary for you.
Don't fret! Our Peru experts are here to help you streamline this process. See our guide below.
Is It Safe to Visit Peru in 2025？
The first concern may be the security situation in Peru when planning your trip. It is back to normal now with no protests or unrest, and so is relatively safe to visit currently, as long as you stick to suitable areas. You still need to be cautious of crime as you would when traveling anywhere.
The U.S. Department of State for Travel has issued a Level 2 notice for travel to Peru: "Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the possibility of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk."
"Do not travel to:
- The Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region due to crime.
- The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), including areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin, due to crime and terrorism."
- For more detailed information, please refer to the U.S. government website Travel Advisory.
When Is the Best Time to Go to Peru?
For a great Peru experience, the best time to visit the country is from May to October for the dry season weather.
During this period, the weather is sunny with little rain. The sky is clear and blue, and you would have a very good chance to fully appreciate Machu Picchu.
However, this is also the busiest travel time in Peru. You would see long queues at Machu Picchu and the hotel prices are higher.
Our travel experts suggest you visit Peru in late April, May, September, or October to avoid the huge crowds. This is the transition time toward the wet season and the travel prices are more reasonable.
We suggest you avoid the rainy months, especially the wettest period from mid-December to March. There are frequent heavy storms during this period.
From Which City to Enter Peru?
Lima is the best gateway city to enter Peru.
From the USA and Canada: Direct flights to Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport are available from key cities such as Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Toronto.
From Europe: Direct flights from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Madrid, Spain, offer convenient access to Lima.
Direct flights connect Lima with the major tourist cities in Peru including Cusco for Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos for the Amazon jungles, as well as Puno for Lake Titicaca.
How Many Days Do You Need in Peru?
Peru boasts Inca ruins, stunning Andes landscapes, and thrilling Amazon adventures. We recommend you stay for 7–10 days to explore the country at a comfortable pace.
If you have less than 1 week, you could still capture the country's essence, although it might feel a bit rushed. If you only have 5 days, we recommend you focus on the Cusco region. Dive into the heart of the Inca ruins with visits to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
With a 7-to-10-day trip, you could cover two to three regions, such as Machu Picchu/Cusco, the Amazon Rainforest, and Lake Titicaca.
If you have about 2 weeks, you could enjoy a leisurely exploration of Peru's Inca heritage, the Amazon jungle, and the spectacular Andes. You could venture through regions, such as Machu Picchu/Cusco, the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. Alternatively, you might consider a journey to discover the lesser-explored attractions of northern Peru.
The Best Places to Visit in Peru
We know that most people visit Peru mainly for Machu Picchu, but Peru has far more to offer than just its iconic ruins. Here are our suggestions for the best places to visit in Peru for a first trip.
1. Cusco - Inca Civilization
Cusco is the base for exploring Machu Picchu and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley. Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and it served as the heart of the Inca civilization from the 13th to the 16th century. The area is filled with Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu, and other Inca archaeological sites.
Moreover, the region offers breathtaking Andean landscapes and an authentic Peruvian experience in villages nestled amid the majestic mountains. So, if you have to pick only one place to visit in Peru, you definitely need to consider Cusco and its surrounding area.
Top attractions: Machu Picchu and other Inca ruins including Maras, Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo village..
2. Lima - Peru's Gateway City
Lima serves as the major gateway city for trips to Peru, and almost all Peru trips start from Lima.
While shrouded in gray mist most of the year, Lima itself is not so charming for most travelers like Cusco. However, the city offers a quite different experience from other parts of Peru. We highly recommend you allow some time in Lima for relish the finest Peruvian food, explore its rich arts scene, and admire the old colonial architecture.
Top Places to Visit:the Malecon de Miraflores, Plaza de Armas, and the Monastery of San Francisco.
3. Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, high in the Andes. The natural scenery is stunning with the vast blue water mirroring the blue sky and the brown mountains.
The Uros people living on the lake are almost completely isolated from modern society. They live on the floating islands they have built using totora reeds and make a living by fishing.
4. Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos for the Amazon Jungle
Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos are the two bases for exploring the Peruvian Amazon. We suggest you to choose Puerto Maldonado as it is less touristy and easier to connect with Cusco.
While Iquitos boasts a larger size and offers more activities, it tends to be more touristy. Puerto Maldonado, on the other hand, although smaller in scale, provides a more authentic experience with fewer crowds. Moreover, there are more flights to connect with Cusco and Machu Picchu from Puerto Maldonado than Iquitos.
5. Arequipa
Arequipa is famous for its colonial-era buildings. The city is nicknamed White City as the buildings in the downtown are built with structures made from sillar, a white volcanic stone.
Arequipa is famous for its colonial-era buildings. The city is famously nicknamed the White City as the buildings in the downtown area are built with structures made from sillar, a white volcanic stone.
The Most Popular Peru Itineraries
Find below the most popular Peru itineraries for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days. You could use them as inspiration to create your own unique adventure, which we could craft for you.
The Best Peru Itinerary for 5 Days
This 5-day itinerary is tailored to focus on the best of Peru's Inca culture: Machu Picchu and the Inca heritage around Cusco. Five days may seem short for exploring Peru, so we have carefully planned the itinerary below to make the most of your time:
- Day 1: Lima
- Day 2: Lima to Cusco (flight), explore the city
- Day 3: The Sacred Valley: Cusco–Pisac–Ollantaytambo
- Day 4: Cusco to Machu Picchu (train), explore Machu Picchu
- Day 5: Cusco to Lima, departure
Lima
Lima is the gateway city to explore Peru. The Peruvian capital is located on the desert coast. We recommend some leisure time on your own to explore the city's colonial architecture at Lima Centro or enjoy a clifftop promenade in Miraflores. The Peruvian dishes are full of fusion of indigenous flavors. So don't miss a traditional Peruvian meal in one of the neighborhood's many restaurants.
Cusco:
Fly from Lima to Cusco the next morning. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is the base city for exploring the Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu. Cusco is located at an altitude of more than 3500 meters (11,483 inches) above sea level, so we recommend you spend the rest of your day acclimatizing to the altitude at your hotel. Alternatively, you could explore the Koricancha or Coricancha ruins, visit San Pedro Market, or sip some local coffee at San Blas.
The Sacred Valley
Explore the vibrant heart of the Inca civilization in the Sacred Valley, a land filled with ancient remnants. Let us take you on a journey to marvel at the Pisac ruins, the intriguing Moray salt ruins still in operation, and the charming Ollantaytambo Andean village. Uncover Peru's rich history as you wander through majestic Inca ruins featuring houses, temples, terraces, and celestial observatories.
A Peru Itinerary for 7 Days
If you have 1 week to explore Peru, you could visit Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and another remarkable region, such as Lake Titicaca. Or, you may just concentrate on Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to enjoy a more relaxed trip.
The below 7-day Peru itinerary combines Machu Picchu, Incan ruins, and Lake Titicaca.
- Day 1: Lima
- Day 2: Lima to Cusco, explore the city
- Day 3: The Sacred Valley
- Day 4: Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, and return to Cusco Day
- Day 5: Cusco to Puno
- Day 6: Puno — the Uros and Taquile floating islands
- Day 7: Departure
Days 1 to 5 are similar to the 5-day Peru itinerary listed above.
Puno:
To get to Puno, enjoy a scenic road trip through the Andes from Cusco. The trip lasts for about 10 hours and includes stops along the way for meals and sightseeing, including a visit to Andahuaylillas, known as "the Sistine Chapel of America". The breathtaking Andean landscape viewed from the car windows would enhance your journeying experience.
Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, offers a unique cultural experience. On Lake Titicaca, visit the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. The Uros floating islands are built as homes by the Uro people using reeds from the lake. There, you would explore their traditional lifestyle and take a ride in an indigenous boat.
Visit the weaving community on Taquile Island, renowned for its vibrant and intricately woven fabrics crafted by the locals.
A Classic Peru Itinerary for 10 Days
With a 10-day trip, you could have a comprehensive exploration of the country: its Inca ruins, the Amazon jungle, and the Andes lakes. Below is a sample itinerary for a 10-day trip to Peru:
- Day 1: Lima arrival
- Day 2: Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (in the Amazon rainforest)
- Day 3: Puerto Maldonado — jungle nature tour
- Day 4: Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco
- Day 5: Cusco Day
- 6: The Sacred Valley
- Day 7: Day trip to Machu Picchu
- Day 8: Road travel from Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca)
- Day 9: Lake Titicaca — the Uros floating islands and an Incan community (the Llachon peninsula community or weaving communities on Taquile Island)
- Day 10: Fly from Puno to Lima, departure from Peru
There are two places from which you would usually explore the Peruvian Amazon — Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos. We recommend you go to Puerto Maldonado as it is less touristy and easier to connect with Cusco and Machu Picchu.
In Puerto Maldonado, explore Tambopata National Reserve in a dugout canoe and enjoy a jungle walk with the chance to spot wildlife, such as macaws, monkeys, and reptiles.
Peru Itineraries Lasting 14 Days
If you have 14 days, you could cover all the major highlights of Peru: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Peruvian Amazon, the 'White City' of Arequipa, and Lake Titicaca.
However, if you want to travel at a slow pace and explore more deeply, we recommend that you focus on just two or three regions.
If you want to be active, you could go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, horseback riding, or hiking. You could also wander around the remote ethnic villages, visit famous archeological sites, and shop for beautifully handcrafted souvenirs.
Create Your Own Peru Itinerary
We understand you have your own way of exploring Peru. Take the above itineraries as inspirations and let's help you create your own unique Peru adventure. Contact Us Now!
