Explore, Plan, and Travel

Explore Peru: Timing & Events

Golden hour light warms up the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the tops of the sand dunes in Great Sand Dune National Park, Colorado
Cost-Effective Travel

The most affordable times to visit are during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to October, which avoid peak tourist seasons and offer better deals on flights and accommodations.

Ideal Weather for Sightseeing

In the Andean region, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, the dry season from May to September is ideal for hiking with clearer skies. The Amazon is best visited during the dry season (June to October) to avoid heavy rains. The coastal region is pleasant during the Peruvian summer (December to March).

Festivals & Events

Inti Raymi: Held in Cusco on June 24th, this festival is a reenactment of an ancient Inca ceremony. Semana Santa in April and Fiestas Patrias on July 28th and 29th are marked by vibrant celebrations and parades.

Peru's diverse geography means weather varies greatly between regions. Plan accordingly for a well-rounded travel experience.

Plan Your Adventure Seamlessly

📜 Travel Documentation: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Most nationalities do not need a visa for short visits, but always check the latest entry requirements for your country.

💊 Health Precautions: Consult a travel clinic for vaccinations and health advice. Consider vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. Altitude sickness can be a concern in high-altitude areas like Cusco; acclimatize slowly and stay hydrated.

💵 Currency: The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is used. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carry cash for remote areas.

🔒 Safety: Be vigilant as petty theft and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas. Use official taxis or reputable transportation services. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas.

✈️ Transportation: Domestic flights are useful for large distances. Use reputable bus companies for shorter routes for safety and comfort.

🗣️ Language: Spanish is the official language. Basic Spanish knowledge is helpful, as English is not widely spoken outside major tourist destinations.

🌍 Cultural Respect: Peru has a rich indigenous culture. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting rural and indigenous communities.

✅ Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, theft, and activities like trekking or visiting high-altitude areas.

🔌 Electrical Plugs: Peru uses Type A and C plugs. The standard voltage is 220V, so bring a converter if needed for your devices.

👕 Clothing and Gear: Pack for varied climates – light clothes for the coast and rainforest, and warm, layered clothing for the Andes. Include good walking shoes and rain gear.

📞 Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers. In Peru, the general emergency number is 105.

By following these tips and staying aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy a safe and enriching experience in Peru.

Explore Peru with Ultimate Travel Guide

One Week Itinerary

Day 1-2: Lima

  • Visit the historic center: Plaza Mayor, Cathedral of Lima, San Francisco Monastery.
  • Explore Larco Museum for pre-Columbian art.
  • Miraflores district: Malecón, Parque Kennedy, Larcomar, try ceviche.

Transport: Bus system, Metropolitano, taxis, Uber.

Day 3-4: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

  • Cusco: Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, San Blas neighborhood.
  • Sacred Valley: Pisac market, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray.

Transport: Flight to Cusco. Hire taxi or guided tour for Sacred Valley.

Day 5-7: Machu Picchu

  • Aguas Calientes: Explore town, hot springs.
  • Visit Machu Picchu, consider hiking Huayna Picchu.
  • Return to Cusco: Shop at San Pedro market, relax in cafes.

Transport: Bus to Ollantaytambo, train to Aguas Calientes. Book in advance.

Travel Tips

  • Altitude: Acclimatize and stay hydrated.
  • Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN), use ATMs.
  • Safety: Standard precautions, especially at night.
  • Packing: Layers, comfortable shoes, rain jacket, sun protection.

This one-week itinerary in Peru offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural wonders, and ancient history, making for an unforgettable adventure.

Two Weeks Itinerary

Two Week Peru Itinerary

Exploring Peru in two weeks allows you to experience its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural landscapes. This itinerary includes visits to iconic sites and hidden gems, from the bustling capital of Lima to the mysterious Nazca Lines, the unique biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, the cultural richness of Cusco, the majestic Sacred Valley, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Week 1: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, and Arequipa

Day 1-2: Lima
Activities: Explore the historic center, visit the Larco Museum, and enjoy the coastal views in Miraflores. Try Peruvian cuisine in one of Lima’s renowned restaurants.

Transport: Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport serves as your entry point. Use taxis or rideshare apps to get around the city.

Day 3: Paracas and Ballestas Islands
Activities: Early morning bus to Paracas. Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and birds. Visit the Paracas National Reserve in the afternoon.

Transport: Bus from Lima to Paracas takes about 4 hours. Tours to the Ballestas Islands depart from the Paracas waterfront.

Day 4: Nazca Lines
Activities: Bus to Nazca. Take a flight over the Nazca Lines to see the geoglyphs from above. Visit the Chauchilla Cemetery if time permits.

​Transport: Bus from Paracas to Nazca takes about 3 hours. Flights over the Nazca Lines can be arranged in Nazca.

Day 5-6: Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Activities: Explore Arequipa’s historic center, including the Santa Catalina Monastery. Day trip to Colca Canyon to see the flight of the condors and enjoy the hot springs.

​Transport: Bus from Nazca to Arequipa takes about 10 hours, consider an overnight bus. Tours to Colca Canyon typically include hotel pickup in Arequipa.

Week 2: Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu

Day 7-8: Cusco
Activities: Wander through Cusco’s cobblestone streets, visit the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Sacsayhuaman fortress, and explore San Pedro Market. Acclimatize to the altitude.

Transport: Flight from Arequipa to Cusco takes about 1 hour. Cusco is walkable, but taxis are available for longer distances.

Day 9-10: Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray)
Activities: Visit the Pisac market and ruins, the Ollantaytambo fortress, and the Moray agricultural terraces. Consider a traditional weaving demonstration in Chinchero.

Transport: Buses and colectivos (shared vans) run from Cusco to various Sacred Valley sites. Ollantaytambo is about 2 hours from Cusco by bus.

Day 11-12: Machu Picchu
Activities: Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Spend the next day exploring Machu Picchu early in the morning. Consider hiking Huayna Picchu for a bird’s-eye view.

​ Transport: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5 hours. Buses shuttle from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Day 13: Return to Cusco
Activities: Return to Cusco. Use this day to relax, shop for souvenirs, or visit any sites you may have missed.

​Transport: Train back to Ollantaytambo, then bus or taxi to Cusco.

Day 14: Departure
Activities: Depending on your departure time, you may have free time in Cusco. Visit the San Blas neighborhood if you haven’t yet.

​Transport: Taxi from Cusco to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, approximately 20 minutes.

Travel Tips

  • Altitude Sickness: Spend time acclimatizing in Cusco to prevent altitude sickness, especially before visiting Machu Picchu.
  • Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities, but carry cash in small denominations for rural areas.
  • Safety: While Peru is generally safe for tourists, take standard precautions with your belongings and in crowded places.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language. Quechua is spoken in many Andean regions. English is understood in tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.

This two-week itinerary offers a balanced exploration of Peru’s historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable journey through this fascinating country.

Three Weeks Itinerary

Exploring Peru over three weeks offers an immersive journey through its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This itinerary covers the coast, highlands, and jungle, ensuring a comprehensive experience of Peru’s beauty and heritage.

Week 1: Lima, Paracas, and Nazca

Day 1-2: Lima
Activities: Explore the historic center, visit the Plaza Mayor, see the San Francisco Church, and enjoy the Larco Museum. Don't miss the Miraflores district for coastal views and dining.

​Transport: Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport is the main gateway. Use taxis, buses, or rideshare apps to get around.

Day 3: Paracas
Activities: Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see wildlife. Visit the Paracas National Reserve.

​Transport: Bus from Lima to Paracas takes about 4 hours. Tours to the Ballestas Islands can be arranged in Paracas.

Day 4-5: Huacachina and Nazca
Activities: Experience sandboarding and dune buggy rides in Huacachina. In Nazca, take a flight over the Nazca Lines.

​Transport: Bus from Paracas to Huacachina takes about an hour, then continue to Nazca (about 2 hours from Huacachina). Flights over the Nazca Lines depart from Nazca airport.

Week 2: Arequipa, Colca Canyon, and Puno

Day 6-7: Arequipa
Activities: Explore the "White City," including the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Arequipa Cathedral. Visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos to see the Juanita mummy.

​Transport: Bus from Nazca to Arequipa takes about 10 hours. Alternatively, consider a flight for longer distances.

Day 8-9: Colca Canyon
Activities: Take a tour to see the Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint for condor sightings.
Transport: Tours to Colca Canyon usually depart from Arequipa, taking about 3-4 hours to reach the canyon.

Day 10-11: Puno and Lake Titicaca
Activities: Visit the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca. Experience the unique cultures of the lake’s indigenous communities.

​Transport: Bus from Arequipa to Puno takes about 6 hours. Boat tours to the islands can be arranged in Puno.

Week 3: Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu

Day 12-13: Cusco
Activities: Acclimatize to the altitude while exploring Cusco’s historic center, Sacsayhuamán, and the Qorikancha. Enjoy the vibrant San Pedro Market.

​Transport: Bus from Puno to Cusco takes about 7 hours. Cusco is walkable, but taxis are available for longer distances.

Day 14-15: Sacred Valley
Activities: Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Maras salt mines. Consider a weaving workshop in Chinchero.

​Transport: Buses and taxis are available from Cusco. Consider renting a car or hiring a driver for flexibility.

Day 16-17: Machu Picchu
Activities: Take a train to Aguas Calientes, then bus or hike to Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient city early in the morning. Consider hiking Huayna Picchu for spectacular views.
Transport: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (about 1.5 hours), then a short bus ride or hike up to Machu Picchu.

Day 18-21: Return to Cusco and Departure
Activities: Return to Cusco to explore any missed sights or take day trips to nearby attractions such as the Rainbow Mountain. Use your last days for souvenir shopping and relaxing.
Transport: Return to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes. Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport offers flights to Lima for international connections.

Travel Tips

  • Altitude: Spend time acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities, but carry cash in rural areas.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions as you would traveling anywhere. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language. Quechua is spoken in the Andean regions. English is understood in tourist areas.

This three-week itinerary allows for a deep exploration of Peru’s wonders, from coastal deserts and highland valleys to the majestic Andes and the lush Amazon, capturing the spirit and diversity of this fascinating country.

Perus Hidden Gems

Exploring Peru through its hidden gems offers a unique journey into the heart of its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, away from the crowded tourist paths. This 14-day itinerary is designed to guide you through lesser-known yet captivating destinations across Peru, providing an authentic and memorable experience.

Day 1-2: Trujillo & The Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
Start your adventure in Trujillo, a coastal city known for its beautiful colonial architecture and as a gateway to the ancient Chimu civilization.
Activities: Explore the Chan Chan archaeological site, the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, and visit the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon) to see the impressive Moche culture ruins.
Day 3-4: Chachapoyas & Kuelap
Head to Chachapoyas, a city in the cloud forest of northern Peru, surrounded by mountains and known for its archaeological sites and waterfalls.
Activities: Visit the fortress of Kuelap, often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of the north," accessible by cable car. Explore the Gocta Waterfall, one of the tallest in the world, hidden among the cloud forest.
Day 5-6: Tarapoto & Lamas
Travel to Tarapoto, known as the "City of Palms," offering access to the Amazon rainforest, waterfalls, and lakes.
Activities: Visit the Ahuashiyacu Waterfall for a swim in its clear waters, explore the Lamas Castle for its unique architecture, and experience the indigenous culture in the nearby Quechua-speaking town of Lamas.
Day 7-8: Huascarán National Park
Venture into Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, offering some of the most stunning hiking and mountaineering in Peru.
Activities: Trek the Santa Cruz trail for breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and beautiful valleys. Visit the Pastoruri Glacier, one of the few accessible glaciers in the tropical areas of South America.
Day 9-10: Paracas & Islas Ballestas
Head to Paracas, a small port town and the departure point for visits to the Islas Ballestas and the Paracas National Reserve.
Activities: Take a boat tour to the Islas Ballestas to see the abundant marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and birds. Explore the Paracas National Reserve to witness its dramatic desert landscape meeting the ocean.
Day 11-12: Ayacucho
Travel to Ayacucho, a city in the Andes known for its 33 churches, traditional festivals, and nearby Wari archaeological sites.
Activities: Explore the Wari ruins, visit the Pampa de la Quinua for its historical significance, and enjoy Ayacucho’s vibrant market to see traditional crafts and textiles.
Day 13-14: The Sacred Valley
Conclude your journey in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring less-visited sites that offer insights into Inca history and culture.
Activities: Visit the Moray agricultural terraces and the Maras salt mines, less crowded alternatives to the more famous sites. Explore the town of Ollantaytambo and its ancient ruins. Consider a day hike to one of the nearby lesser-known Inca trails.
Travel Tips:
Transportation: Domestic flights can save time between distant locations. For local exploration, renting a car or using buses and colectivos (shared taxis) offer a more local experience.
Accommodations: Opt for locally-run guesthouses, eco-lodges, or homestays to support local communities and enjoy authentic hospitality.
Seasonal Considerations: The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season from May to September, especially for hiking in the Andes. The Amazon region is best visited in the wet season (December to May) when rivers are navigable.
Culinary Exploration: Peruvian cuisine is diverse and rich. Be sure to try regional specialties such as ceviche in coastal areas, cuy (guinea pig) in the Andes, and exotic fruits in the Amazon.
This 14-day itinerary invites you to discover Peru's hidden treasures, ensuring a journey filled with natural wonders, historical insights, and cultural richness, away from the usual tourist trails.

Explore, Discover, and Plan Your Journey

Let Ultimate Travel Guide simplify your vacation planning with comprehensive travel data

Machu Picchu and Cusco

Stay Duration: Cusco: 2-3 days, Machu Picchu: 1-2 days

Activities: Explore the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, wander the historic streets of Cusco, and visit Sacsayhuamán.

Accommodation: Boutique hotels in Cusco, lodges in Aguas Calientes.

Specialties: Cuy (guinea pig), alpaca steak, chicha morada.

The Sacred Valley

Stay Duration: 2 days

Activities: Visit the markets in Pisac, explore the Ollantaytambo ruins, and experience traditional Andean communities.

Accommodation: Eco-lodges, guesthouses.

Specialties: Corn beer (chicha), quinoa dishes.

Lake Titicaca

Stay Duration: 2 days

Activities: Visit the floating Uros Islands, explore Taquile or Amantani islands, and learn about local cultures.

Accommodation: Homestays on the islands, hotels in Puno.

Specialties: Trout, quinoa soup.

Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

Stay Duration: Arequipa: 1-2 days, Colca Canyon: 1 day

Activities: Explore Arequipa's white stone city and visit the Colca Canyon to see condors.

Accommodation: Colonial hotels in Arequipa, lodges near Colca Canyon.

Specialties: Rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones.

Nazca Lines

Stay Duration: 1 day

Activities: Take a flight over the mysterious geoglyphs and visit the nearby Chauchilla Cemetery.

Accommodation: Hotels in Nazca.

Specialties: Traditional coastal dishes.

Iquitos and the Amazon Rainforest

Stay Duration: 3-4 days

Activities: River cruises, jungle treks, and wildlife watching.

Accommodation: Jungle lodges, riverboats.

Specialties: Juane, tacacho.

Lima

Stay Duration: 2-3 days

Activities: Explore the historic center, visit the Larco Museum, and enjoy the vibrant Miraflores district.

Accommodation: Hotels and hostels across all budgets.

Specialties: Ceviche, causa limeña.

Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

Stay Duration: 1-2 days

Activities: Boat tours to the "Galapagos of Peru" and adventure sports in the Paracas National Reserve.

Accommodation: Resorts and hotels in Paracas.

Specialties: Seafood, especially ceviche.

Huacachina

Stay Duration: 1 day

Activities: Sandboarding and dune buggy rides in this desert oasis.

Accommodation: Hostels and boutique hotels around the lagoon.

Specialties: Pisco sours, local wines.

Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca

Stay Duration: 3-4 days

Activities: Trekking in Huascarán National Park, visiting Laguna 69, and exploring ancient ruins.

Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, and hotels in Huaraz.

Specialties: Cuy, pachamanca.


Trujillo and the Chan Chan Archaeological Site

Stay Duration: 2 days

Activities: Visit the pre-Columbian adobe city of Chan Chan, explore the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna.

Accommodation: Hotels in Trujillo.

Specialties: Cabrito, shambar soup.

Mancora

Stay Duration: 2-3 days

Activities: Surfing, beach relaxation, and nightlife.

Accommodation: Beachfront hostels, luxury resorts.

Specialties: Ceviche, seafood.

The Moche Route

Stay Duration: 2 days

Activities: Explore the ancient Moche pyramids, such as the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, and visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Accommodation: Stay in Trujillo or nearby towns.

Specialties: Traditional northern Peruvian cuisine.

Cajamarca

Stay Duration: 2 days

Activities: Visit the Cuarto del Rescate, explore the Ventanillas de Otuzco, and relax in the Inca Baths.

Accommodation: Guesthouses and hotels in Cajamarca.

Specialties: Cheese, manjar blanco.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

Stay Duration: 1 day (as a day trip from Cusco)

Activities: Hike to see the stunning naturally colored mountain landscape.

Accommodation: Stay in Cusco.

Specialties: Quinoa and potato-based dishes.

Ayacucho

Stay Duration: 2-3 days

Activities: Explore the colonial city, visit the Wari ruins, and see the artisan workshops.

Accommodation: Colonial-style accommodations.

Specialties: Puca picante, queso helado.

Puno and Sillustani

Stay Duration: 2 days

Activities: Visit the pre-Incan burial grounds at Sillustani and explore Lake Titicaca from Puno.

Accommodation: Hotels and guesthouses in Puno.

Specialties: Trout, alpaca steak.

The Sacred Valley's Moray and Maras

Stay Duration: 1 day

Activities: Explore the Inca agricultural terraces at Moray and the salt evaporation ponds at Maras.

Accommodation: Stay in Cusco or in accommodations within the Sacred Valley.

Specialties: Corn beer (chicha), choclo con queso.

Kuelap Fortress

Stay Duration: 2 days (including travel time from Chachapoyas)

Activities: Visit the ancient cloud forest fortress of the Chachapoyas culture.

Accommodation: Hotels in Chachapoyas.

Specialties: Juane, chicha de jora.

Choquequirao

Stay Duration: 4-5 days (for the trek)

Activities: Trek to this less-visited 'sister' of Machu Picchu, explore the ruins with far fewer tourists.

Accommodation: Camping along the trek.

Specialties: Traditional Andean dishes prepared by trekking chefs.

How Much Money You Will Need

Budget Travel

Accommodation: Budget hotels or hostels may cost around €10-€20 per night.

Food: Eating at local eateries or street food might average €5-€10 per meal.

Transportation: Using public transportation like buses could cost about €5-€10 per day.

Activities: Free or low-cost attractions, plus a few paid entry fees, could average €5-€15 per day.

Total: Approximately €25-€55 per day.

Mid-Range Travel

Accommodation: Mid-range hotels might cost about €40-€80 per night.

Food: Dining at mid-tier restaurants can average €15-€30 per meal.

Transportation: Renting a car or taking domestic flights for longer distances might cost €20-€50 per day.

Activities: Paid attractions and guided tours could average €20-€40 per day.

Total: Around €95-€200 per day.

Luxury Travel

Accommodation: Luxury hotels or resorts could start from €100 upwards per night.

Food: High-end dining experiences might be around €30-€60 or more per meal.

Transportation: Private drivers or upscale travel options could average €50-€100 per day.

Activities: Exclusive tours, experiences, and premium attraction entry fees can range from €50 to €100 or more per day.

Total: Approximately €230-€360 or more per day.

These estimates provide a general guideline. Costs in major cities like Lima or tourist areas like Cusco might be higher, while smaller towns or rural areas could offer more affordable options. It's always a good idea to check current exchange rates and consider any potential variations in costs due to seasonal changes or special events.