Planning a trip to Peru? Discover the best places to visit, when to go, how long to stay, getting around, and what to consider when planning your trip.
By Vacation Intel
Peru pairs Machu Picchu — one of the most famous ancient sites in the world — with colonial cities, the Amazon rainforest and some of South America’s best food, all in one country.
This guide covers the best places to visit, how long to stay, when to go and what to consider when planning your Peru vacation.
Best Places to Visit in Peru
Cusco
The historic gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco combines Incan and Spanish colonial architecture with a genuinely walkable historic center — most visitors spend a few days here to acclimatize to the altitude.
Best for: Acclimatization, history and a Machu Picchu base
Recommended stay: 2–3 nights
Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
The main event — the ancient Incan citadel, reached by train through the scenic Sacred Valley, home to its own worthwhile ruins and markets along the way.
Best for: The bucket-list highlight of any Peru trip
Recommended stay: 2–3 nights in the Sacred Valley
Lima
Peru’s coastal capital and a genuine food destination in its own right, home to some of the best restaurants in South America along with colonial architecture.
Best for: Food and a city bookend to your trip
Recommended stay: 2 nights
When Is the Best Time to Visit Peru?
May through September is Peru’s dry season and the best time for hiking and visiting Machu Picchu, though also the busiest.
The wet season (November through March) brings more rain but fewer crowds, particularly at Machu Picchu.
How Long Should You Spend in Peru?
7–10 days works well for combining Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without feeling rushed.
Build in acclimatization time in Cusco before heading to higher elevations — altitude sickness is a real consideration for this trip.
Getting Around Peru
Domestic flights connect Lima and Cusco efficiently. Machu Picchu itself is reached by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley — there’s no road access to the site.
Is Peru Good for Families?
Peru works best for families with older kids and teens who can handle altitude and some walking — it’s a more adventurous trip than a typical family beach vacation.
Is Peru Good for Couples?
Yes — Machu Picchu is a genuine bucket-list destination for couples looking for an adventurous, memorable trip beyond a typical beach vacation.
What Kind of Traveler Will Love Peru?
- History and archaeology enthusiasts
- Hikers and adventure travelers
- Foodies
- Couples wanting a bucket-list trip
- Photographers
Peru Travel Guide: Start Planning Your Vacation
Machu Picchu entry tickets are limited daily and sell out well in advance during peak season — booking months ahead is genuinely necessary for popular dates.
For official destination information, PromPeru is a useful planning resource.