South America
Peru
Andean heights, Amazon depths, and a living Inca legacy
About Peru
Peru is one of the most rewarding destinations in the Americas. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the colonial heart of Cusco, the Amazon basin, and a coastline shaped by some of the most serious cuisine in the world give travelers a remarkable range to draw from. We plan Peruvian itineraries that pair the iconic sites with the quieter corners of the country and the small upscale lodges that define them.
The Sacred Valley is the right base for travelers heading to Machu Picchu. Its lower altitude eases the transition from sea level, and the surrounding villages, weaving communities, and Inca sites give travelers a far richer experience than a quick visit to Machu Picchu alone. Cusco itself, the former Inca capital, deserves a full stay at the end of the trip.
Beyond the highlands, Lima has emerged as one of the most exciting food cities in the world, the Amazon basin offers wildlife and indigenous community experiences, and the southern desert and Lake Titicaca extend the journey for travelers with more time.
Best Time to Visit
May through September is the dry season in the Andes and the best time for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. The Amazon is best from May through October when water levels are lower and wildlife viewing is easier. Lima is pleasant year-round.
Region
South America
Highlights of Peru
Machu Picchu at sunrise with a private guide
The Sacred Valley's villages and weaving communities
Cusco's colonial architecture and Inca foundations
Lima's food scene and Pacific coastline
Amazon journeys from Tambopata or the Manu region
Lake Titicaca and the floating Uros Islands
Experiences we curate
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
We recommend at least three nights in the Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu, both for acclimatization and for the experience itself. Private guides for Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the weaving cooperatives at Chinchero turn the valley into a destination in its own right. From there, the train to Aguas Calientes and a private early-morning entry to Machu Picchu makes the difference between a crowded visit and a transformative one.
Cusco
Cusco rewards travelers who give it time at the end of their highland journey, when acclimatization is complete and the city's altitude is no longer an issue. We arrange stays at restored colonial properties in the historic center, private guides for the Inca and colonial sites, and reservations at the small handful of restaurants pushing Andean cuisine forward.
Lima
Lima is the right opening or closing stop on a Peruvian itinerary. The Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods offer boutique hotels with ocean views, and a few full days are enough to appreciate the food scene, the colonial center, and the pre-Columbian collections at the Larco Museum.
Amazon Extensions
The Tambopata and Manu regions offer some of the most accessible Amazon experiences in South America, with small upscale lodges, expert naturalist guides, and excellent wildlife viewing including macaw clay licks, giant otters, and a vast range of birdlife. We typically recommend three to four nights in the rainforest as part of a longer Peruvian itinerary.
Practical notes
Lima (LIM) is the main international gateway, with internal connections to Cusco (CUZ) and the Amazon.
Altitude is a real consideration. We recommend starting in the Sacred Valley (lower than Cusco) and ascending gradually.
Peru uses the Peruvian sol. US dollars are accepted in many tourist contexts, but local currency is preferable.
We recommend a minimum of eight to ten nights, ideally combining Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco, with optional Amazon or Lake Titicaca extensions.
Plan Your Trip
Ways we plan Peru
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We would welcome the chance to learn about your vision for Peru and design an experience tailored to your interests.
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