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Introducing Peru

Peru is a country steeped in culture and natural beauty. From the lush Amazon Jungle to the sacred peaks of the Andes, down whitewater rivers that carve their way toward the South Pacific, Peru has endless regions and highlights to explore. 

Where should I go?
Most travelers come to Peru to see Machu Picchu, the iconic ruins perched high above the Urubamba River, yet this is just a small glimpse into what Peru has to offer. One could spend over a week exploring the other ruins of the Sacred Valley, a corridor of villages, mountain peaks, and hiking routes above the Urubamba River. Travelers can also experience the Peruvian Amazon along the border of Brazil, which gives birth to many of the mighty tributaries of the Amazon River, full of wildlife, indigenous cultures, and pristine wilderness. The north of Peru, still undiscovered by mainstream tourism, rewards any traveler who ventures off the beaten path with untouched ruins and vistas. Then down along Peru's West Coast, past beautiful beaches with year-round surfing, you'll arrive at the mysterious Nasca lines, immense geoglyphs carved into the desert sand. Learn more

When is the best time to visit? 
Every region in Peru is a bit different. May is one of the best months to visit the Sacred Valley - it marks the end of the rainy season, and travelers can beat the crowds that arrive from June to August. September to November are the best months for wildlife viewing in the Amazon, and November offers some of the best surfing along the Peruvian coast. Learn more

Things to do in Peru
Peru is a great destination for outdoor activities as well as cultural exploration. Trekking, rafting, and biking are all popular activities. The Sacred Valley offers some of the best outdoor activity options in Peru - you can learn more here. If you're looking for a more relaxed trip focused on culture and history, get inspired by these itinerary ideas.

Getting around in Peru
Distances in Peru are very large, so domestic flights (for example from Lima to Cusco to reach Machu Picchu) are typically part of itineraries in Peru. Learn more

How many days do you need to visit Peru? 
No matter how much time you have in Peru, whether it's just a few days or a few weeks, this country can offer some unforgettable experiences. With just five days, it's possible to visit the national highlights of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. With a week or more the experiences just get better, allowing you time for historic cities and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Peru Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Machu Picchu
Map of Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If you’re looking for the best way to hike the Inca Trail, this classic route offers a unique approach which avoids the main crowds, and follows the ideal schedule for timing your visit to Machu Picchu.

Salkantay peak as seen during the Salkantay trek
Map of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay trek is one of Peru’s best alternatives to the Inca Trail. Trek over a beautiful mountain pass at the foot of Mt. Salkantay before stopping at a local organic coffee plantation, followed by a visit to the Llactapata ruins. Finally, get up early the last day to catch sunrise at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu
Map of Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure - 6 Days
Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure - 6 Days

Explore the essential highlights of Peru's Sacred Valley, including visits to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Then, journey through a land of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and herds of alpacas to arrive at your ultimate destination: the rainbow-painted slopes of Mount Vinicunca hidden deep in the Andes.

Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca
Map of Essential Peru - 14 Days
Essential Peru - 14 Days

From the Nazca Lines to Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu, this 14-day itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines - some of the world's most impressive geoglyphs, then spend some time exploring the metropolitan city of Lima before heading out to explore the colonial city of Arequipa. Next, explore Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, then head out to Lake Titicaca - a place rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley, and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Looking down on the city of Cusco
Map of Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour - 7 Days
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour - 7 Days

Explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu on this epic one week adventure. While in the Sacred Valley, you'll get to choose from a selection of great adventures, including mountain biking, horseback riding, or zip-lining. 

Caravan in Cordiliera Huayhuash
Map of Cordillera Huayhuash - 9 Days
Cordillera Huayhuash - 9 Days

Explore the Cordillera Huayhuash on this 9-day adventure through one of the most impressive regions of the Peruvian Andes. This is one of the lesser-known and uncrowded treks due to the remote location of this beautiful mountain range.

Make the Most of Your Time in Peru

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Checkout the Uros Floating Islands and visit Puno on Lake Titicaca
How Many Days to Spend in Peru

No matter how much time you have in Peru, whether it's just a few days or a few weeks, this country can offer some unforgettable experiences. With just three or four days and...

Explore famed Machu Picchu on all but four of the following one-week itineraries
Map of 1 Week in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In seven days, it's easy to combine Machu Picchu with day trips within the Sacred Valley or with a visit to another region like the Amazon Rainforest or Lake Titicaca. Trekkers...

Famous view of the Lost City of Kuélap, near Chachapoyas, Peru
Map of 10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in Peru is an excellent amount of time to enjoy a well-rounded introduction to the country's highlights on a tour featuring Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon,...

See how many parrots you can count at Parrot Clay Lick on an adventure into the Amazon
Map of 2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

A two-week visit to Peru allows travelers to comfortably combine Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley with one of the country's more remote regions. Enjoy the culture and history...

Peru Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Ruins at Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley
Best Time of Year to Visit Peru

Each region of Peru has its own weather patterns and trip-planning considerations. The busy season for Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley runs from June-August, and...

Agricultural terraces surrounding the ruins
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu and its surrounds offer a variety of seasonal outdoor activities and phenomenal festivals throughout the year. For ideal weather (bright, dry and cool), you'll want...

View of Machu Picchu
Top 10 Places to Visit in Peru

From ancient Inca ruins to the mysterious Nazca Lines, snow-capped peaks to dense Amazonian jungle: Peru is one of the world's most diverse destinations. That diversity is also...

Spectacular mountain scenery in the Sacred Valley © Kiki Deere
Best Activities in Peru

Peru’s spectacularly varied landscapes offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities and sports: trekking, rafting and mountain biking are just a handful of the activities...

Peru Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Machu Picchu - the perfect set
5 Movies to Watch Before Your Trip to Peru

Grab some popcorn! Your adventures in Peru will be even more fulfilling if you take the time to watch a film or two before you begin the trip. And these comedies, biopics, and...

Train at Abra la Raya on the Cusco to Puno Line
Peru's Best Train Rides

All aboard! Trains are a practical solution for traveling in Peru: they transport travelers between key destinations around the country, and they're also a wonderful way to take...

Peru Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Cusco, historic capital of the Inca Empire, by night
24 Hours in Cusco

Cusco has been a bastion of Peruvian culture since its founding in the 12th century. Today, it's a sophisticated city filled with fabulous museums, galleries, restaurants, and...

Estancia El Chillo, Amazonas Region
Northern Peru: Everything You Need To Know

While the majority of travelers head straight for Machu Picchu in southern Peru, the North remains a hidden gem for those willing to venture off-the-beaten-path. You'll have...

Paragliding over the plush neighborhood of Miraflores in Lima
24 Hours in Lima

Lima offers history, world-class museums, an unbeatable foodie scene, and the second-largest cityscape in South America. Not sure where to start? To the rescue: a foolproof plan...

Peru Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Cusco
Antigua Casona San Blas
5.0
(30)
· Comfort
Located in Cusco's artisan neighborhood of San Blas, Antigua Casona San Blas offers a peaceful stay within a five-minute walk from the city center. San Blas is Cusco's oldest, continuously lived-in neighborhood, where you can find numerous artisan galleries, quaint coffee shops, and delicious...
Tambopata
Refugio Amazonas Lodge
4.9
(15)
· Mid-range
Refugio Amazonas is a rustic retreat set deep within the rainforest, surrounded by the beauty of the Tambopata National Reserve. This secluded 32-bedroom jungle lodge is about two hours from the Puerto Maldonado Airport in southeastern Peru. You can easily explore nearby attractions such as Lago...
Lima
Pullman Lima Miraflores
4.8
(6)
· Comfort
Located in Lima's vibrant Miraflores district, Pullman Lima Miraflores offers a prime location for exploring the city's key sites. Just a short stroll from the iconic Malecón de la Costa Verde and Larcomar Shopping Mall, you'll also be within easy reach of the Barranco District, Kennedy Park,...

Best Experiences in Peru

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu Tour
4.9
(27)
6 hours
·
Private
The ruins of the 15th century Incan citadel of Machu Picchu (which translates to "old mountain") were largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. Today over a million visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year. They come to see a masterpiece of ancient...
Peruvian ceviche
Lima
Lima Food Tour
4.9
(17)
5 hours
·
Small group
One of the best ways to discover Peru's capital city of Lima is through its food. With an eclectic combination of indigenous, African, Asian, and European culinary influences, Lima is one of the world's most impressive gastronomic and cultural centers. This food tour begins early in Lima's...
The Plaza de Armas, Cusco
Cusco
Cusco City Tour
4.9
(19)
5 hours
·
Private
Cusco isn't just an impressive Spanish-colonial city in Peru's southern highlands. It's also the historic capital of the Inca empire. Today's tour begins at the indoor San Pedro Market, in the heart of the colonial center. This is as authentic a Peruvian experience as it gets, since locals come...

Our Latest Peru Content

Discover local arts and crafts and channel your own creative spirit on this weeklong adventure in Peru
Map of Adventures & Art in Lima & Peru's Sacred Valley - 7 Days
Adventures & Art in Lima & Peru's Sacred Valley - 7 Days

Spend a week soaking up the famous culture, ruins, food, and art of Peru, from Lima to the Sacred Valley. Sample seafood, walk seaside boulevards, and drink pisco sours in the capital before flying to the Sacred Valley. Explore ancient Inca villages, ride a horse through Andean meadows, and take a painting class with a view. Take a scenic train to the wonders of Machu Picchu for a day of exploration, then end your trip in Cusco, eating local specialties and visiting an old convent atop Inca ruins.

Lounge poolside with views of Colca Canyon on a southern Peru luxury adventure (photo courtesy of Belmond Las Casitas)
Map of 2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Private drivers, luxury trains, and well-appointed cruise ships ensure you can visit Peru's cities, jungles, and mountains in two weeks—and in style. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting monkeys and other critters from their private Jacuzzi on an Amazon cruise. Active travelers can overnight in a cliffside capsule in the Sacred Valley, tackle high-altitude trekking in Colca, and sandboard in Ica. Those seeking a rejuvenating journey can try Andean healing treatments and unwind in 5-star spas.

Ride aboard a luxury train to arrive in the high-altitude city of Cusco, en route to Machu Picchu
Map of 10 Days in Peru - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Peru - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Ten luxury days in Peru are perfect for focusing on two or three regions while discovering the country's impressive ruins and natural beauty. Must-see sights include Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, and you can experience all of them during activities catered to your preferences. Wildlife lovers should also include time in the Amazon, while those who love train travel can glide to Lake Titicaca. Paracas, known for its coastal dunes and wildlife, is another superb destination to consider.

Peru Travel Videos

Peru Travel Specialist Interview - Nicole
Peru Travel Specialist Interview - Clara
Exploring the Sacred Valley

Peru Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries
View article
Map 10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Peru
Travel specialist Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 1 min ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian delicious food, unique culture, and fascinating history are part of me! And as a good cusqueñian, I am very proud of my culture and heritage. I have lived and worked in the USA and made...

read more...
Travel specialist Johanna Fabian
active 17 mins ago

Johanna Fabian

I enjoy slow travel, ideally being in one country for a month where I can really get to know the local people, their way of life and of course their food! I am Peruvian-American and have traveled...

read more...
Travel specialist Anne Godoy
active 21 mins ago

Anne Godoy

I fell in love with Peru's landscapes, culture, food, and people—not only because of what I learned in college but also because of what I had seen. That passion and love drive me every day to...

read more...
Travel specialist Kristy Tizon
active 36 mins ago

Kristy Tizon

Kristy, a Peruvian-American originally from Los Angeles but now based in Lima, Peru, has a deep passion for travel. She founded Miski Travels, a travel agency that offers customized trips to...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

A memorable family holiday in Peru
Peru | Sep 1 - Sep 11, 2024

Karen
Karen T.
South Africa | Reviewed on Sep 13, 2024
Johanna helped us arrange a memorable family trip to Peru. We enjoyed every moment of our holiday thanks to the good planning and well executed logistics of the trip. Special mention must go to Edy from Cusi Travel who accompanied us on several days and hiked with my husband and son. His passion for his people and his country shone through and we enjoyed learning from him.
Thanks to Kimkim and Johanna for ensuring everything went smoothly and accommodating us when changes needed to be...
Read more

Johanna helped us arrange a memorable family trip to Peru. We enjoyed every moment of our holiday thanks to the good planning and well executed logistics of the trip. Special mention must go to Edy from Cusi Travel who accompanied us on several days and hiked with my husband and son. His passion for his people and his country shone through and we enjoyed learning from him.
Thanks to Kimkim and Johanna for ensuring everything went smoothly and accommodating us when changes needed to be made. We won't hesitate in using Kimkim to plan future trips.

Hotel Reviews
Palacio del Inka Cusco
Cusco

Our stay at Palacio del Inka Cusco was good, although it was more of a commercial hotel, which isn't typically our style. It wasn't as personal or intimate as the other hotels we stayed at, but it was still a high-quality experience. The service was great and there were no complaints, but we simply prefer smaller, more boutique-style hotels. In hindsight, we would have preferred to return to the first hotel in Cusco, as it was more suited to our tastes.

Antigua Casona San Blas
Cusco

Staying at Antigua Casona San Blas in Cusco was wonderful. This hotel had a very traditional and cozy atmosphere, which we appreciated greatly. It felt very personal and was definitely our style. The service was attentive and the ambiance was perfect for our first stay in Cusco. It truly set the tone for the rest of our trip.

Casa República
Barranco, Lima

Casa República in Lima was absolutely delightful. We loved staying in this charming old building with its personalized treatment from the staff. It had a very personal, boutique feel that made us feel right at home. The service was exceptional, and the vibe of the place was just perfect for us. It was the ideal start to our trip. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who prefers a more intimate and unique hotel experience

Activity Review
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu was an absolute highlight of our trip. The experience was simply breathtaking. We had a private guide who was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and significance of the site, which really enriched our visit. My husband and son did the hike to Machu Picchu via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna the day before and it was a perfect lead-up to discovering the treasures of this iconic place. The whole experience was well-organized and we felt very well taken care of.

Local specialist: Johanna Fabian

Another great trip with Kim-Kim
Peru | Sep 2 - Sep 3, 2024

Pauline
Pauline B.
Pleasanton, CA | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2024
Kristy at Kim-Kim did a great job organizing exactly the trip I wanted. As usual with Kim-Kim, everything was smooth and easy. Our guide,Sonja, was spectacular. Her English was great. She was extremely knowledgeable about the history and locations we visited. And very fit, as she easily took us hiking up mt Machu Picchu. Read more

Kristy at Kim-Kim did a great job organizing exactly the trip I wanted. As usual with Kim-Kim, everything was smooth and easy. Our guide,Sonja, was spectacular. Her English was great. She was extremely knowledgeable about the history and locations we visited. And very fit, as she easily took us hiking up mt Machu Picchu.

Hotel Review
El Mapi by Inkaterra
Lima

Clean, good food, nice comfy robes, water.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right downtown
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu
Scenic Train Journey to Aguas Calientes from the Sacred Valley
Scenic Train Journey to Aguas Calientes from the Sacred Valley
Peru

Since we ended up traveling at night, this wasn’t very scenic.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sacred Valley Tour: Cusco - Chinchero - Moray - Maras
Sacred Valley Tour: Cusco - Chinchero - Moray - Maras
Peru
Lunch at Mountainview
Lunch at Mountainview
Peru

Great food. Plus the adorable llamas and alpacas.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Kristy Tizon
Kristy
Kristy Tizon
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Sep 05, 2024

Hi Pauline, thank you so much for your kind review. I am so glad you had a great time. Hope to stay in touch for any future travel! :)

Family trip to Peru
Peru | Aug 15 - Aug 29, 2024

A
Alexis G.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2024
The trip we took to Peru was very special and something I never could have organized without the expertise of our Kim Kim local specialist. Johanna was thoughtful in her suggestions and made an extra effort to ensure all four members of our family would enjoy each day. I would use this service again no questions asked. Many thanks to the team. Read more

The trip we took to Peru was very special and something I never could have organized without the expertise of our Kim Kim local specialist. Johanna was thoughtful in her suggestions and made an extra effort to ensure all four members of our family would enjoy each day.

I would use this service again no questions asked. Many thanks to the team.

Activity Reviews
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Discovering the Treasures of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu

This truly is a wondrous place. While it is a major tourist attraction, the walk up to the sun gate made it feel much less crowded. The Sumaq hotel is exquisite. Our guide, Claudio, was also so passionate and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Via Ferrata & Ziplining
Via Ferrata & Ziplining
Peru

The most terrifying thing I have ever done and would do it again in a second! The guides were exceptional. Very fun for teens.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sacred Valley Tour: Chinchero - Maras - Lunch at MV
Sacred Valley Tour: Chinchero - Maras - Lunch at MV
Peru

We spent a wonderful discovering many sites wishing the sacred valley. The mountain view lunch was fabulous with the spectacular views and lamas/alpacas roaming around. The salt mines were surprisingly interesting as well!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Activities-a-la-carte - Refugio Amazonas
Activities-a-la-carte - Refugio Amazonas
Peru

This is a very special place with tons to see. A must do for birders and wildlife enthusiasts!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lima City & Food Tour
Lima City & Food Tour
Peru

This food tour was a great introduction to Peru. The guide not only shared knowledge about the country’s food culture, but also its rich history.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Sep 02, 2024

Alexis, I'm so glad to hear you and your family had a great time in Peru. We hope to be able to help you with your future travels.

Best,
Johanna