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Peru Travel Guide: Machu Picchu, Amazon, and Beyond

  • Writer: David Loyless
    David Loyless
  • Aug 31, 2025
  • 4 min read

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Local people smile with a llama, Peru
Peru is more than just Machu Picchu -- it has a rich tapestry of ancient culture and traditions, five-star gastronomy, and unique wildlife.

Why Peru is an Adventure Icon


Peru is more than Machu Picchu — it’s a country of living history, dramatic geography, and emerging world-class luxury. Imagine hiking an ancient Inca trail with no crowds, then savoring a chef’s tasting menu featuring ingredients sourced from the very valleys you trekked through. Or spending the night in a glass pod clinging to a Sacred Valley cliff, followed by a serene Amazon river cruise where pink dolphins greet you at dawn.


For discerning travelers, Peru is a destination that delivers authentic adventure without sacrificing comfort or service.



Best Time to Visit Peru


Because Peru spans coast, mountains, and rainforest, timing matters:


  • Dry Season (May–September): Best for trekking, Machu Picchu, and highland adventures

  • Shoulder (April & October): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

  • Rainy Season (November–March): Lush, green, and quieter; Amazon is at its most vibrant


Pro Tip: If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience with minimal rain, aim for late May or September.



Entry & Visa Requirements


  • U.S., Canada, UK, EU travelers: Visa-free for up to 183 days

  • Passport: Six months validity beyond your stay is required

  • Vaccinations: Yellow fever recommended for Amazon regions; check current health advisories


Dig Deeper: Check out our three-part series on Permits, Visas & Logistics.


Aerial view of Machu Picchu, Peru
Morning mist burns away as the sun rises over the Lost City of the Incas.

Packing for Peru


Your packing list will vary depending on your route:


  • For the Andes: Layers (warm days, cold nights), rain jacket, sturdy boots

  • For the Amazon: Quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, hat, binoculars

  • For Lima & Coast: Smart casual for fine dining, light jackets for evenings


Don’t forget: A comfortable daypack for hikes, and a refillable water bottle (many luxury hotels provide filtered water).


For more information and recommendations, check out our guide on How to Build a Versatile Adventure Clothing Packing List.



Must-Visit Regions & Activities


1. Lima -- Culinary & Cultural Gateway

  • Explore Peru’s capital through a private gastronomic tour: Central, Maido, and Astrid y Gastón are world-renowned.

  • Visit colonial plazas, contemporary galleries, and oceanfront boardwalks.


2. Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

  • Take the Belmond Hiram Bingham or the new Andean Explorer train in style.

  • Stay in boutique lodges in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.

  • Trek less-traveled routes like Lares Valley or Salkantay (with luxury camping or lodges).


3. Cusco -- The Inca Capital

  • Private tours of Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, and hidden artisan quarters.

  • Luxury hotels in restored palaces (Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Inkaterra La Casona).


4. Amazon Rainforest

  • Luxury river cruises: Aria Amazon, Delfin Amazon Cruises.

  • Canopy walks, pink dolphin sightings, and sustainable community visits.


5. Lake Titicaca

  • Stay in overwater lodges or private islands.

  • Kayak among reed islands and explore pre-Incan ruins.


6. Arequipa & Colca Canyon

  • Boutique city hotels and condor-spotting excursions.

  • Thermal hot springs and photogenic colonial architecture.


Amazon River cruise
Experience wildlife awakening at dawn on an Amazon River cruise.

Peru for Families


  • Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are kid-friendly with private guides.

  • Multi-day Amazon cruises often have family cabins and soft-adventure activities.

  • Lima’s culinary scene includes hands-on cooking classes for kids.



Culinary & Dining Highlights


  • Lima: The gastronomic capital of South America

  • Cusco: Farm-to-table Andean cuisine with views of ancient streets

  • Sacred Valley: Private pisco tastings and Pachamanca (earth oven feasts)


Pro Tip: Many luxury hotels now integrate indigenous ingredients like quinoa, amaranth, and coca into modern tasting menus.



Sample Itineraries


  • 7 Days: Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley -- Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu by luxury train → Cusco

  • 10 Days: Highlands & Amazon -- Add a 4-night Amazon cruise or jungle lodge stay

  • 14 Days: Peru in Depth -- Lima → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Amazon → Arequipa & Colca Canyon → Lima


Belmond Hiram Bingham train cabin
The Belmond Hiram Bingham train is your ticket to experiencing the Andes in comfort and style.

Pitfalls to Avoid


  • Altitude sickness: Acclimatize in the Sacred Valley before Cusco or treks.

  • Over-packing: Laundry service is widely available.

  • Booking Machu Picchu tickets too late: Reserve at least 3–6 months in advance.



Adventure Highlights


  • Private trek to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) before the crowds arrive

  • Mountain biking through Maras & Moray salt flats

  • Whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River

  • Starlight dining in the Andes


Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Take a private guided trek to Vinicunca -- the "Rainbow Mountain" -- in the foothills of the Andes.

Pro-Tips for Luxury Adventure Travelers


  • Book Machu Picchu entry and Huayna Picchu climb together for seamless access.

  • Consider the Inca Rail Private Charter for a custom experience.

  • Combine Peru with Galápagos Islands for a two-country eco-luxury adventure.



Best Seasons for Specific Activities


  • Trekking: May–September (dry season)

  • Amazon Cruises: High-water (December–May) for deeper exploration; low-water (June–November) for more wildlife viewing

  • Festivals: Inti Raymi in June -- Peru’s iconic Sun Festival



Peru is where history feels alive, where every valley hides a story, and where luxury travel means connecting deeply -- without compromising on comfort or service.


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