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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
(26)
· 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
(11)
· 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
4.8
(5)
· 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
The Plaza de Armas, Cusco
Cusco
Cusco City Tour
4.9
(17)
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...
Peruvian ceviche
Lima
Lima Food Tour
5.0
(12)
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...
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu Tour
4.9
(22)
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

Ride aboard a luxury train to arrive in the high-altitude city of Cusco, en route to Machu Picchu
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.

On an outdoor adventure in an Amazon reserve, enjoy three nights at the luxury Tambopata Research Center
Map of 1 Week in Peru - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Peru - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Peru, you can uncover the historical, natural, and cultural wonders of one or two regions while indulging your creature comforts. Must-see destinations for first-time visitors are Machu Picchu and the vibrant cities of Lima and Cusco, while the Peruvian Amazon is an excellent fit for adventure lovers. Other options include a trip down Peru's Pacific coast and a gourmet food tour amid the Andean highlands.

Sit back and enjoy the Amazonian scenery while dining on a cruise (photo courtesy of Aqua Nera)
Map of Luxury Culture, Food & Nature Tour in Peru - 14 Days
Luxury Culture, Food & Nature Tour in Peru - 14 Days

This two-week holiday is packed with adventures throughout Peru, starting in the dynamic capital of Lima, with its coastal bluffs, historic Spanish-colonial center, and mind-blowing cuisine. Then, kick things up a notch on a trip to the southern highlands and imperial Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the jewel in the crown: Machu Picchu. Not to be outdone, the trip finishes with three days of nature excursions on a luxury Amazon cruise where you'll return to the boat each night to dine in style.

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 7 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...
Travel specialist Johanna Fabian
active 2 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...
Travel specialist Anne Godoy
active 8 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...
Travel specialist Kristy Tizon
active 2 hours 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

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Manuel our guide in Cusco was fabulous! Very...
Peru | Apr 27 - May 10, 2024

Hilary
Hilary P.
Canada | Reviewed on May 17, 2024

Manuel our guide in Cusco was fabulous! Very knowledgeable, helpful and a lot of fun.
We had a packed itinerary which suited our group.
The food tour in Barranco was very well organized and our tour guide was great.
The amazon experience was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Our transfers were bang on. Everything was well organized. .
Thoroughly enjoyed Peru and it’s people

Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on May 17, 2024

Hi Hilary,
Thanks for taking the time and leave us your comments. I'm happy to know that you enjoyed your trip to Peru. I'm sharing this with Lisbeth, Manuel and with the rest of our team.
Hugs from all the Andean Travel Experience family!
Liz.

Trip of a Lifetime
Peru | Apr 25 - May 7, 2024

L
Laura S.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on May 14, 2024
My group had an outstanding trip to Peru. From our pick up in Lima to our drop off on our final day, everything was taken care. All of our drivers and guides were incredible and made our trip feel fun and special. We did a food tour in Lima and then flew to the sacred valley, where we hiked and visited a number of Incan sites, including Macchu Picchu, and we ended our trip in Paracas, where we relaxed, took a boat trip to the ballestas, visited the nazca lines, and did sand boarding. The... Read more

My group had an outstanding trip to Peru. From our pick up in Lima to our drop off on our final day, everything was taken care. All of our drivers and guides were incredible and made our trip feel fun and special. We did a food tour in Lima and then flew to the sacred valley, where we hiked and visited a number of Incan sites, including Macchu Picchu, and we ended our trip in Paracas, where we relaxed, took a boat trip to the ballestas, visited the nazca lines, and did sand boarding. The customized experience allowed us to get a perfect mix of experiences for our group in the most fun and comfortable way. I would definitely recommend Kim Kim to anyone looking to book an incredible vacation.

Hotel Reviews
La Hacienda Bahía Paracas
Paracas

Great hotel - amazing room, staff/service, and location.. The pool is beautiful, the hotel offers free kayaks/paddleboards, and there’s a free museum on site. Great food at the restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taypikala Deluxe Valle Sagrado
Urubamba

The room was lovely and clean, but the experience at this hotel was strange. They wouldn’t give my husband and I each a key card for the room because they ran out of keys, but we both wanted to come in and out of the room at different times. We had terrible service at the restaurant (for example they brought out the wrong order for me and didn’t bother to correct it after I mentioned that the order was wrong, and service was slow), and the food wasn’t very good. They also put the wrong charges on our room and it took a while to correct. I also found the vibe strange - it felt like a hunting lodge meets wellness retreat.

Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International
Miraflores

Awesome boutique hotel in Lima

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paracas National Reserve Cliff-top Viewpoints Afternoon
Paracas National Reserve Cliff-top Viewpoints Afternoon
Paracas
Arrival to Lima and journey to Paracas
Arrival to Lima and journey to Paracas
Peru
Sandboarding at Paracas Desert
Sandboarding at Paracas Desert
Paracas
Ballestas Islands from a private hotel pier
Ballestas Islands from a private hotel pier
Paracas
Hike to Machu Picchu (Short Trail)
Hike to Machu Picchu (Short Trail)
Peru
Machu Picchu Exploration
Machu Picchu Exploration
Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu
 Pachamanca: Traditional Andean Underground Cooking
Pachamanca: Traditional Andean Underground Cooking
Sacred Valley
Andean Ceremony at Viacha Community & Hike Downhill to Pisac
Andean Ceremony at Viacha Community & Hike Downhill to Pisac
Peru
Soft hike from Pachar to Ollantaytambo
Soft hike from Pachar to Ollantaytambo
Sacred Valley
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
On route stops at Maras & Moray
On route stops at Maras & Moray
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lunch at Unu
Lunch at Unu
Sacred Valley
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking food tour at Barranco
Walking food tour at Barranco
Lima
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nicholas Cino
Nicholas
Nicholas Cino
Local specialist in Peru | Replied on May 14, 2024

Hi Laura! Thanks for taking the time to review each aspect of the trip, this is extremely helpful for us. I appreciate your detailed comments on Taypikala too. I will certainly chat with them, provide them honest feedback and, hopefully, help them correct these issues.

All the best and we look forward to having you travel with Kim Kim again.

Best,

Nicholas

I contacted Kimkim to help organize a long aw...
Peru | Apr 28 - May 6, 2024

C
Cathie B.
Bonita Springs, FL | Reviewed on May 13, 2024
I contacted Kimkim to help organize a long awaited family trip to Peru with my husband and 2 adult sons. We chose a 2 week vacation including Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest. We worked with Liz who helped us condense the 2 week trip into 10 days. We did everything we hoped to, including the one day hike on the Inca trail leading to Machu Picchu. Liz was great. She helped with every request and responded quickly each time.
The trip was so easy! We...
Read more

I contacted Kimkim to help organize a long awaited family trip to Peru with my husband and 2 adult sons. We chose a 2 week vacation including Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest. We worked with Liz who helped us condense the 2 week trip into 10 days. We did everything we hoped to, including the one day hike on the Inca trail leading to Machu Picchu. Liz was great. She helped with every request and responded quickly each time.
The trip was so easy! We were met at the airport in Lima and taken to our hotel, picked up the next morning, taken to the airport for our flight to Cusco, and were picked up at the airport there and taken to our next adventure, and it continued that way through the whole trip. It was so nice not having to think about our transportation or accommodation. Many of our meals and tours were included. The local guides were great - David in the Sacred Valley, Angel on the Inca trail and Machu Picchu and Dennis in the rainforest. All were knowledgeable and well spoken and personable. They really made our trip special. I would not hesitate to recommend Kimkim to anyone.

Hotel Reviews
Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado

This is a fantastic lodge in the Amazon rainforest. The rooms are open air with one whole wall of the room open to the forest. The beds had mosquito nets that were lowered prior to bedtime. It was a unique experience - like sleeping outside with all the wonderful sounds of the rainforest. It was quite hot and humid and there was no air conditioning anywhere on property. The food was very good and the tours were also excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Antigua Casona San Blas
Cusco

This was a fantastic hotel! Well located in Cusco - walking distance to the main square, and near many artists and shops and restaurants. The hotel itself is beautiful with many small touches to make guests feel welcome. For instance, they warm the beds with hot water bottles and offer tea bags and a thermos of hot water to make tea in your room when you arrive. The breakfast was included and it was excellent! One of the best I've had. There were many healthy choices at the partial buffet, and you also order eggs and other food from the menu.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taypikala Boutique Machupicchu
Machu Picchu

The staff at this hotel were wonderful. The hotel itself is being renovated with obvious signs of construction throughout. Unfortunately, not enough thought has gone into making the rooms accommodating for travellers. For instance, there was an outlet at the head of the bed - which would have been fine, except it was located directly behind the mattress and not usable. The walls were empty which made the room feel stark - but probably due to the renovations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Albergue Ollantaytambo Boutique Hotel
Cusco

This is a lovely hotel with on a beautiful property with a great restaurant. The downside is that it is a bit of a walk from the main square and located right beside the very busy train station. The first night we had dinner there and could smell the diesel fumes from the trains as they idled out front. Some people may appreciate the proximity to the train station, but I would have preferred to stay closer to the main part of town.

Authenticity & Character
This is a charming hotel in an interesting building
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on May 13, 2024

Hi Cathie,
It was my pleasure helping you with your trip to Peru. I am so glad to know that you all had a great time here!
I'll share this with the rest of our team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if needed.
Take care!
Liz.