Peru Travel Guide: Machu Picchu, Lima & Beyond

The 15th-century Incan citadel perched at 7,970 feet above the Sacred Valley is genuinely transformative. Most visitors take the four-day Inca Trail trek ($600–$1,200 with licensed guides; book 2–3 months ahead) or ride the train from Ollantaytambo ($50–$150 one-way). The hike is steep, altitude is real, and crowds are intense—but sunrise over the ruins justifies the effort. Pro tip: enter at dawn (gates open 6 AM) to beat crowds, or visit Wayna Picchu (steep final peak) early. The train offers comfort if you've limited time or fitness.

This Andean region is Peru's cultural heartland. Cusco (11,150 ft) mixes Incan foundations with Spanish colonial architecture—Plaza de Armas is beautiful but touristy. Ollantaytambo's fortress overlooks a picturesque town; Pisac offers archaeological ruins and a colorful Sunday market where locals actually shop. Stay 2–3 nights here to acclimatize, explore, and visit smaller ruins (Moray's circular terraces, Sacsayhuamán's massive stones). This region rewards slow travel more than any other.

Peru's capital is a world-class food destination with incredible museums, coastal cliffs, and neighborhood charm. Eat at Central or Maido (both top-50 globally; book weeks ahead) or wander Barranco's street-food scene for ceviche and anticuchos. The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is excellent; the Larco Museum covers Peruvian art beautifully. Miraflores is modern and safe; Barranco is bohemian; San Isidro is upscale. Spend 3–4 days here—Lima easily justifies it.

Straddling the Peruvian-Bolivian border at 12,507 feet, Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Puno's colonial architecture is modest, but boat trips to the Uros Islands (artificial floating islands made of totora reeds) and Taquile Island are unique. Taquile offers homestays with lake views and weaving demonstrations. The lake can feel touristy, but the setting is surreal. Plan 2 days here; arrange tours through your hostel to avoid overpriced city operators.

These 1,500-year-old geoglyphs etched into desert plains are best seen via small aircraft ($70–$120 per person, 30–45 minutes). The lines depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes visible only from the air—scientifically impressive and spiritually mysterious. Nazca town itself is unremarkable, but nearby Kuching town offers pottery workshops. The southern coast (Arequipa, colca Canyon) combines colonial cities with dramatic geology. This region requires 4–5 days but feels distinct from the north.

Colca Canyon (11,000 ft, deeper than the Grand Canyon) is Peru's most dramatic trek. The three-day trek descends to river level with incredible views and Andean condor sightings near Mirador del Condor. Arequipa, Peru's second-largest city, sits at 7,560 feet and combines colonial architecture (check out the Monastery of Santa Catalina's painted rooms) with proximity to trekking. The town is walkable, food is excellent, and the Porongos hot springs are nearby. A solid 3–4 day stop.

Peru's Amazon is accessible via Puerto Maldonado (fly from Cusco, 1 hour, ~$150 round-trip). Lodges range from rustic (Tambopata National Reserve, $60/night) to mid-range ($120–$200/night), offering guided jungle walks, canoe trips, and wildlife observation (macaws, caimans, pink river dolphins). The jungle is wet, buggy, and unpredictable—but unmatched for biodiversity. Book 2–3 nights minimum; guides make or break the experience.

Beyond Machu Picchu, Cusco itself is stunning. The Qoricancha (former Incan temple with Spanish church built atop it) symbolizes colonial conquest; the Museo de Arte Precolombino houses incredible textiles and pottery. The Cathedral is ornate. Wander the stone streets at your own pace—many are original Incan construction. The city's altitude (11,150 ft) demands acclimatization: arrive early, drink coca tea, avoid alcohol. Plan 2–3 full days before trekking.