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 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
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
Ultimate Peru Packing List
Peru is a land of extremes. You'll need layers of clothing for a daytime hike, a swimsuit at the beach, and a thick alpaca blanket on a cold night up in the Andes. Whatever your...
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...
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...
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 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...
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
·
Upscale
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...
Lima
Pullman Lima Miraflores
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Upscale
Located in Lima's vibrant Miraflores district, Pullman Lima Miraflores offers a prime location for exploring the city's key sites. Just a short stroll from the iconic Malecón de la Costa Verde and Larcomar Shopping Mall, you'll also be within easy reach of the Barranco District, Kennedy Park,...
Best Experiences in Peru
Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
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...
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...
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...
Our Latest Peru Content
Explore Southern Peru & Conquer the Salkantay Trek - 15 Days
In just over two weeks, you'll discover the best that southern Peru has to offer. Start with a tour of the capital, Lima, before flying to Cusco to discover Inca ruins and meet alpacas. Ride a quad bike to the Salt Mines of Maras, then transfer to Challacancha to start the four-day Salkantay Trek, culminating at Machu Picchu. End the action-packed tour in Arequipa, where you can admire colonial-era churches, indulge in local food, and take a day trip to Colca Canyon to visit a paleolithic cave and see condors in flight.
Family Fun in Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu - 9 Days
Spend nine incredible days exploring Peru's culture, history, and food with fun activities for the whole family! Start in Lima with a hands-on cooking class, then paint colorful ceramic bulls in Cusco. Head to the Sacred Valley for ruins and rafting adventures along the Río Urubamba. Ride the observatory train to Machu Picchu for a guided tour and self-led hike before wrapping up in Cusco with visits to a 15th-century Inca fortress, the Temple of the Sun, and stargazing at the planetarium.
Best of Peru & Bolivia with Inca Trail Trek: From the Amazon to the Andes - 16 Days
Discover the wonders of Peru and Bolivia in 16 incredible days! Begin with free time in Lima, then head to Puerto Maldonado for Amazon jungle adventures, including hiking, canoeing, and canopy walks. Explore Inca ruins in Cusco and the lush Sacred Valley before trekking the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Savor Arequipa's culinary delights, marvel at Andean condors in Colca Canyon, and cruise Lake Titicaca's islands. Then, end your journey at the ancient site of Tiwanaku and vibrant La Paz in Bolivia.
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
View article
Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Experienced travel agents with a passion for Peru
active 9 mins 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 22 mins 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 7 mins ago
Anne Godoy
I fell in love with Peru's landscapes, culture, food, and people—not only because of what I learned in college but also because of what I had seen and lived my whole life. That passion and love...
read more...
active 1 min 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...
Trip Reviews for Peru
The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
Great Family experience in Peru
Peru
|
Mar 14 - Mar 22, 2025
S
Sapna A.
Flagami, FL
| Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025
We wrote a detailed review already but to recap: we had an excellent experience. Logistically, everything was perfect. All the guides or transportation reps always arrived early and were very accommodating. We never had to stress the whole time. Liz, our local specialist, did a great job of making adjustments when conditions weren't appropriate for rafting.
Overall we loved our accommodations. Particularly, Palacio del Inka in Cusco due to its historic nature, luxury style and on site... Read more
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Overall we loved our accommodations. Particularly, Palacio del Inka in Cusco due to its historic nature, luxury style and on site... Read more
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco
| Replied on Mar 25, 2025
Hi Sapna,
Thank you very much for your great reviews! 😊 I’m so happy to know you had a great time in Peru.
I’ll share your review with the guides and our team—they’ll love reading it. I'm also sharing the review of Casa Andina Lima with our quality team. Thank you for your input on this.
Take care!
Liz.
Incredible trip with fantastic guides
Peru
|
Feb 28 - Mar 8, 2025
Christopher B.
Manhattan, NY
| Reviewed on Mar 13, 2025
My family and I had an incredible 9-day trip introducing us to Peru -- what an amazing time. We spent several nights in Lima with a focus on food -- we did a street food tour, a cooking class and an evening dinner at the Larco museum. Then we moved onto the Sacred Valley and Cuzco, where we toured the magnificent sites [including Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Moray] and went to a small village where we were hosted by the villagers. We had several guides in Lima [David, Andy and Aura] and...
Read more
Local specialist: Anne Godoy
Anne Godoy
Local specialist in Lima
| Replied on Mar 13, 2025
Hi Christopher,
I would like to thank you for taking the time to leave your comments.
Thank you for trusting us with your family trip. We'll keep working on our side to make sure all our travelers can have the best experience while exploring our country.
I hope Peru left you with unforgettable memories and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. ✨
Best regards,
Anne
Our guide Miguel was the highlight of our tri...
Peru
|
Feb 28 - Mar 8, 2025
C
Claire B.
Nicetown-Tioga, PA
| Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025
Our guide Miguel was the highlight of our trip! He was so knowledgeable, great energy, and took such good care of our family during the trip and our adventures in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Anne Godoy
Local specialist in Lima
| Replied on Mar 13, 2025
Hello Claire,
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. We truly appreciate it!
Miguel is one of the best we work with, and I am happy to read you find your time with him to be one of the highlights of your trip.
I hope Peru left you with unforgettable memories and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. ✨
Best Regards
Anne
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