Johanna Fabian
When you become an expat in your birth country, you learn different tricks - you are not just a traveler but a local as well. This has given me a great appreciation for different cultures and has fed my love for traveling.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in Lima, Cusco and weekend getaways from Lima. Living in Peru for 7 years has given me the chance to know where are the best places to get out of the big city and all the spots in Lima and Cusco that are popular with both locals and foreigners. In the last years I've learned first-hand all Lima and Cusco have to offer, all of which I hope to share with our travelers. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"7 years ago I joined a study abroad culinary program in Peru. Here, my curiosity began to burst. Not only did I want to travel everywhere In Peru but I wanted to learn about different cultures and different food and techniques the world has to offer. Now no matter where I travel, making a stop at a local market is at the top of my list! "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"In 2012 I went to Iquitos with a couple of German friends, we camped out in an indigenous community in the middle of the Amazon, it was not at all glamorous, but one of the most memorable trips. I got to learn so much about how the community lived, their culture, their food, and their reality. It was both eye-opening and life-changing. "
Featured trips & expertise
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 to join the many travelers that flock to the area from June to August, but almost-as-great conditions can still be had in September and October, with considerably fewer crowds. Learn more about Machu Picchu's weather, crowds, and annual events below.
Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure - 14 Days
This tour of Peru's awe-inspiring landscapes is the perfect fit for adventurous travelers. Discover the capital city of Lima, then continue to Cusco for a tour of the Sacred Valley. Explore Inca ruins and colorful textile markets before embarking on the Inca Trail, finishing your trek at the famed Machu Picchu ruins. Finally, head east to Manu National Park to spot Amazonian wildlife in the jungle.
Machu Picchu in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
For tourist-free views of Machu Picchu, visit in January. Peru's most popular attraction is much less crowded in the wet season. Rainy weather means a lot of mud—and far-from-ideal trekking conditions. But with the rain, flora flourishes. When the rains clear, as they often do, Machu Picchu appears spectacularly verdant.
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.
Machu Picchu & Amazon Jungle - 7 Days
From the remote Machu Picchu ruins to the lush Amazon rainforest, this 7-day itinerary brings you to Peru's iconic landscapes. Fly to metropolitan Lima, then connect with the Inca capital of Cusco. Explore colorful textile markets, small towns, and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley before traveling east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the lush Amazon. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.
Salkantay Trek & Jungle Exploration - 11 Days
This 11-day exploration of Peru is perfect for adventurous travelers. Start in metropolitan Lima, then continue to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Head into the mountains to challenge yourself on the 4-day Salkantay Trek—a spectacular hike with remote camping and glacial views. End in Aguas Calientes for a relaxing night, then visit the famed Machu Picchu citadel—a marvel of ancient engineering. Finally, head to the Amazon jungle to spot wildlife like macaws, cayman, giant river otters, and tapirs.