TravPa

Peru

Walk Lima's colonial center and clifftop Miraflores, explore Cusco's Inca walls and markets, cross the Sacred Valley's terraces, then ride the train to Machu Picchu.

Best timeMay to SepMoneyPeruvian sol (PEN)Plugs[plug types and voltage]Main airportLima (LIM)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips spend two days in Lima, then fly about 1 hour 15 min to Cusco. From Cusco, Pisac is about 45 min away by road and Ollantaytambo about 1 hour 45 min to 2 hours; trains from Ollantaytambo reach Machu Picchu Pueblo in about 1 hour 45 min, and buses climb to the citadel in about 25 min.

In the Andes, April to October is the dry season, with sunny days around 20 C and nights near 10 C. November to March brings sudden rain, greener valleys and fewer visitors. Cusco lies above 2,500 m, where altitude sickness is a risk, so plan easy first days there.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janRainyfebRainymarRainyaprMildmayBestjunBusyjulBusyaugBusysepBusyoctMildnovRainydecRainy

Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is staged at Sacsayhuamán above Cusco every 24 June. Machu Picchu runs its high-demand season from 1 June to 15 October.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Lima]
Lima in 2 daysPlaza Mayor, San Francisco Monastery, Larco Museum, Magic Water Circuit, Huaca Pucllana, Larcomar, Pedro de Osma Museum, Bridge of SighsPacked pace
[Photo: Cusco]
Cusco in 4 daysCusco Cathedral, San Blas, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu PicchuBalanced pace
[Photo: Peru]
Peru in 7 daysPlaza Mayor, Larco Museum, Huaca Pucllana, Barranco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Qorikancha, SacsayhuamánBalanced pace

Where to stay

CuscoAround the Plaza de Armas for first-timers; San Blas for artisans and views; Ollantaytambo for the Sacred Valley trains; Machu Picchu Pueblo before an early entry.Best areas to stay in CuscoHotels in Cusco
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LimaMiraflores for first-timers, by the clifftop parks and Huaca Pucllana; Barranco for bars, museums and the Bridge of Sighs; the historic center for colonial sights by day.Best areas to stay in LimaHotels in Lima
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Getting around

  • Flights: Flights from Lima reach Cusco in about 1 hour 15 min, and most flights to Cusco connect through Lima.
  • Sacred Valley by road: From Cusco, Pisac is about 45 min by road and Ollantaytambo about 1 hour 45 min to 2 hours.
  • Trains to Machu Picchu: PeruRail trains run from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo in about 1 hour 45 min, and bus-and-train services link it with Cusco.
  • Up to Machu Picchu: Consettur buses, the only authorized service, climb from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the entrance in about 25 min.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates. Make sure it covers emergency evacuation from altitude.
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Phone dataMobile data keeps your timed Machu Picchu entry, train tickets and taxi plans at hand between Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley.How a travel eSIM works
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