Peru & Machu Picchu Guide
Ancient Inca Empire & Andean Adventures
About This Guide
Your Complete South America Travel Companion
Peru is home to one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites — Machu Picchu ('Old Peak' in Quechua). But this incredible country offers so much more: the vibrant capital Lima, colonial Cusco, mysterious Nazca Lines, floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Amazon rainforest, and world-renowned gastronomy that regularly tops the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Inside the Guide
Must-Visit Destinations
Every location is covered with practical tips, maps, and curated recommendations.
Machu Picchu & Cusco
The Inca citadel at 2,430 m, rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Cusco — the Inca capital — has extraordinary colonial architecture built on Inca foundations.
Lima
Cosmopolitan Pacific capital with world-class restaurants (Central ranked #1 in Latin America), Miraflores coastal cliffs, surfing, and Peru's culinary revolution.
Sacred Valley
The fertile valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu with Ollantaytambo, Pisac market, salt flats of Maras, and circular Moray terraces.
Lake Titicaca
World's highest navigable lake (3,812 m) with the floating Uros reed islands, Taquile Island, and traditional communities maintaining pre-Inca traditions.
What's Covered
10 Curated Experiences
Witness sunrise at Machu Picchu
Trek the legendary 4-day Inca Trail
Explore Sacred Valley ruins
Wander colonial Cusco's plazas
Sample Lima's world-class restaurants
Visit floating islands of Lake Titicaca
Fly over mysterious Nazca Lines
Hike Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Experience the Amazon at Puerto Maldonado
Try authentic Peruvian ceviche
Insider Knowledge
Pro Tips from Experts
Book Inca Trail permits 6+ months in advance — they sell out every year
Spend 2–3 days in Cusco to acclimatize before Machu Picchu
Arrive at Machu Picchu on the first bus (5:30 am) to beat crowds
Book train tickets to Aguas Calientes well in advance
Drink coca tea for altitude — locals swear by it
Lima: Stay in Miraflores or Barranco, not central Lima
Rainbow Mountain is at 5,200 m — only go if well acclimatized
Negotiate prices for souvenirs — start at 40–50% of asking
Practical Information
Everything You Need to Know
Getting to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail (4-day trek, book 6 months ahead). Train from Ollantaytambo (Peru Rail/Inca Rail). Salkantay Trek alternative. Altitude acclimatization in Cusco is crucial.
Inca Trail Permits
Limited to 500 people daily (including guides and porters). Book 6+ months ahead for May–September. Trains also sell out — book early.
Altitude Sickness
Cusco at 3,399 m. Acclimatize 2–3 days minimum. Drink coca tea (legal in Peru). Take it slow first day. Diamox medication available.
Peruvian Cuisine
Ceviche, lomo saltado, anticuchos, cuy (guinea pig), causa. Lima has some of the world's best restaurants. Pisco sour is the national cocktail.
Budget Planning
Budget-friendly country. Hostels $10–20. Nice hotels $40–80. Inca Trail $500–600 all-inclusive. Machu Picchu entry $50. Train $65–150 each way.
Essential Tips
Visa-free for most nationalities. Cash essential outside cities. Sun very strong at altitude — sunscreen essential. Learn basic Spanish phrases.
Everything You Need to
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