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.
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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
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
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 & 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.
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.
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.
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
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...
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...
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,...
2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries
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
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...
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...
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...
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
Salkantay Trek vs the Inca Trail: Which is Right for You?
Trekking to Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers—but there's more than one way to get there. The classic Inca Trail lets trekkers walk in the steps of the Incas, while the...
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...
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...
Places to Go Before or After Machu Picchu: Options for 1...
The Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is the most popular destination in Peru. But once you're there, it only takes a day or two to explore. What's next on your agenda? Visit a...
Peru Destination Guides
Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Ultimate Guide to Machu Picchu: Everything You Need To Know
The spellbinding scenery and perfect stonework of the Lost City of the Incas have fascinated historians, architects and tourists alike since the ruins were uncovered from the...
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...
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...
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
·
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
·
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...
Puerto Maldonado
Tambopata Research Center
·
Comfort
Tambopata Research Center is a lodge within the Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios, Peru, making it one of the most remote lodges in South America. The lodge is situated in front of the Bahuaja Sonene National Park and is surrounded by the best wildlife the Peruvian Amazon jungle has to...
Best Experiences in Peru
Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Cusco
Cusco City Tour
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...
Lima
Lima Food Tour
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...
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu Tour
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...
Our Latest Peru Content
Outdoor Luxury Tour of Peru's Mountains & Coastline - 10 Days
This 10-day luxury vacation takes you from the dazzling Inca highlights of its famous southern highlands to the wide and inviting beaches of its extensive Pacific coastline. The adventure begins in the capital of Lima, where you'll marvel at local art and dive into Peru's world-famous culinary scene. Then fly to the highlands to visit the most famous Inca ruins in the region, from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, before kicking back in a coastal resort with access to sand dunes and the "Galápagos of Peru."
Luxury Southern Peru: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu - 14 Days
Canyons, lakes, colonial cities and ancient Inca ruins—you'll explore all this and more over two weeks in Peru. Enjoy first-class amenities as you travel in style, beginning with fine dining, art, and culture in the dynamic capital of Lima. Then visit the nation's most awe-inspiring landmarks, like spotting condors at Colca Canyon, exploring Lake Titicaca, and horseback riding around the Spanish-colonial city of Cusco. You'll also hike at your own pace around that great citadel in the clouds, Machu Picchu.
Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu & Southern Peru - 14 Days
Experience the best of southern Peru on a luxury trip that combines world-famous landscapes with city culture in Lima and Arequipa. After a street-art tour in the nation's capital, you'll travel to the Sacred Valley to walk in the footsteps of Incas at Ollantaytambo and ride the rails to the sky-high ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The luxury train adventure continues to Lake Titicaca and the vast Colca Canyon for more hiking, followed by relaxation in the charming colonial city of Arequipa.
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
7 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries
View article
10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Experienced travel agents with a passion for Peru
active 8 hours 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...
active 12 hours 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...
active 15 hours ago
Anne Godoy
I fell in love with Peru with its landscapes, culture, food, and people! Not only for what I learned in college but because of what I had seen. So that passion and love drive me every day to...
read more...
active 24 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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Trip Reviews for Peru
The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
Amazing time in Cusco, Sacred valley and Machu Picchu
Peru
|
Apr 6 - Apr 12, 2024
Bjoern Andre E.
Flagami, FL
| Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024
Our trip to Cusco, Sacred valley , short Inca trail and Machu Picchu was amazing. The program was very well planned. The hotels included were very nice and perfectly located. We were picked up at the airport and hotels every morning always on time. Our guide for 4 days, Emilia, was perfect; full of knowledge, passion and interesting with a big smile. :-) We can recommend using kimkim for a trip to this region. Thanks!
Read more
Local specialist: Jessica Danker
Jessica Danker
Local specialist in New York City
| Replied on Apr 15, 2024
Thank you so much for the great review. It was a great experience working together to make this itinerary happen!
Everything was amazing. Martina planned a per...
Peru
|
Mar 21 - Mar 29, 2024
K
Keela B.
Flagami, FL
| Reviewed on Apr 06, 2024
Everything was amazing. Martina planned a perfectly balanced trip, just what we asked for. We had 2 guides: Diego and Herlin, both we top notch guides, knowledgeable, patient, friendly and helpful! Hands down would work with everyone again in the future!
Read more
Local specialist: Martina Capel
Martina Capel
Local specialist in France
| Replied on Apr 06, 2024
Dear Keela,
Thank you so much for your time in writing this great review !
I'm very glad that you enjoyed your trip to Cusco and the Sacred Valley - there is so much to do, to see and to learn ! It was my pleasure creating this specific itinerary for you.
Warm regards,
Martina
Our family trip to Peru was perfect.
Peru
|
Mar 21 - Mar 29, 2024
Jennifer F.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Apr 05, 2024
Our family trip to Peru was an absolute delight! With a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, we were seeking both adventure and and memorable family friendly experiences. Johanna crafted the perfect itinerary for us. We started out in Lima, where we learned what a beautiful city it was, although quite busy it was there that we experienced a wonderful food tour. The Lima culinary experience tour was a highlight, offering a plethora of new tastes for us to savor, which even our...
Read more
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru
| Replied on Apr 09, 2024
Hi Jennifer,
I'm so glad to hear you and your family had a great time in Peru, it is always nice to hear our guides left a positive mark on your trip.
We hope to help you with any future trips in South America!
Best,
Johanna