Chynna SymoneA few weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Peru and it was truly one of the best vacations I’ve been on in a while. I wanted to write up a Peru travel guide to ensure that you have a trip that was just as amazing as mine! This guide is great for those who only have a week in the country and want to see some great views
This Peru travel guide only shows my experiences of the Andean highlands, however it’s such a great country with a lot to offer such as the coastal cities and deserts, so definitely keep that in mind when building your itinerary. For all of these great views I’d recommend making the main city of Cusco your base camp.
Best Times of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Peru largely depends on your interests and where you plan to go on your trip. If you’re interested in the Andean highlands, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, the dry season from May to September offers the most favorable weather with clear skies and mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities. My trip was in July and the weather was absolutely perfect the entire time!
Coastal regions like Lima have their peak season from December to April, offering warm, sunny beach weather.
Sacred Valley Hikes
Sacred Valley is right outside of the city of Cusco and was the heart of the Inca Empire. If you’re staying in the city there’s day tours and private vans you can hire to get you to different hikes, farmlands, and Spanish colonial villages.. My first hike that we did was actually the tour of Killarumiyoq, which is an Inca ruin dedicated to the moon.
There’s a lot of different hikes to choose from outside of the city, but I also visited the Ollantaytambo Ruins which also included a hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall. With any hike in a foreign country I always recommend going with a guide! You definitely don’t want to get lost out there!Â
<- Sacred Valley!
Other hikes and treks around Cusco that are pretty popular include the Pisac Ruins, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray.
Machu Picchu
The star of the show is definitely Machu Picchu, and a Peru travel guide would be lacking without it included. On my trip we took a train from Cusco to the closest town to Machu Picchu called Aguas Calientes (“hot waters”). It’s known for its thermal baths, and its proximity to Machu Picchu. You’ll find higher prices here for things since its such a touristy area, however it is a very cute little city. If you’re coming with a significant other, bring a lock to put on the bridge in the city!
My most important tip regarding Machu Picchu is to book in advance and make sure that you book for Circuit 1. There’s a limited number of tickets available and multiple circuits that take you through Machu Picchu but in different paths. Circuit 1 is the best if you want the view from above. All the views are gorgeous (I was on Circuit 3!), but the pictures I’ve seen from the top are amazing!Â
Important things you’ll need to get in is bus ticket to Machu Picchu, passport and your entry ticket. If you book through a tour group they will remind you of this a million times because the entrance guards are super strict and make no exceptions.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montana de Siete Colores is one of the coolest hikes I’ve done, but also the most challenging. It sits at an elevation of 17,060 feet (5,200 meters) so the air is extremely thin and cold. Just looking at this hike makes you think it’s super easy, but the elevation makes it nearly impossible to breathe. Of course this will depend entirely on how active you are, and your own lung capacity, but in general it’s recommended to take this hike slowly. It’s not always seen on a Peru travel guide, but I really think this hike is worth the visit!
Humantay Lake
I’m adding this lake to the Peru travel guide, however I didn’t have the opportunity to go. It’s one of the most sacred and beautiful lakes in all of Peru and known for turquoise water surrounded by snow capped mountains. It’s super easy to do a day tour from Cusco, which will take you to the lake that sits at about a 4,000 ft elevation. It isn’t as high as Rainbow Mountain but definitely should still take it slow if you’re not used to the elevation.Â
Hotel Recommendation
Planning a trip to Peru can be overwhelming due to all of the great things there are to see in the country. That’s why you should consider help from a travel advisor (like me!) to book your activities and accommodations. With a travel advisor you can get exclusive perks (hotel credits, complimentary upgrades, and more) from my affiliated hotel partners.
You’ll be able to stay at hotels like this….Palacio del Inka in Cusco
To Wrap it Up
Peru is a country that offers an incredible array of experiences, from the breathtaking landscapes of the Andean highlands to the vibrant coastal cities. Whether you’re hiking ancient ruins, exploring picturesque villages, or marveling at natural wonders like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, there’s something for every traveler. I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that’s just as amazing as mine. And don’t forget to book with a travel advisor to make your experience seamless!
