Cities in Peru
Peru travel guide
By the Odysseus team · Reviewed October 2026
Peru brings together Machu Picchu, South America's most acclaimed food scene, Lake Titicaca and canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon. It is a high-altitude trip that pays to plan calmly.
When to go
The Andean dry season runs May to September: clear skies and cold nights. From December to March it rains often in the highlands, and the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance. The coast (Lima) has its summer from December to March.
How much it costs
- Backpacker: €35–50 a day.
- Mid-range: €80–130 a day.
- High-end: €250+ a day (luxury trains to Machu Picchu, boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley).
Machu Picchu adds the entry ticket, the train to Aguas Calientes and the shuttle bus: budget it as a separate block.
Suggested 14-day route
Lima (2 days) → Arequipa and Colca Canyon (3 days) → Puno and Lake Titicaca (2 days) → Cusco (3 days) → Sacred Valley (2 days) → Machu Picchu (1 day) → back to Lima (1 day). Climbing gradually (Arequipa, Puno, Cusco) helps you acclimatise.
Practical tips
- Machu Picchu tickets are sold by circuit and time slot with a daily cap: book months ahead in high season.
- Classic Inca Trail permits sell out early and are only sold through licensed agencies.
- Cusco sits at about 3,400 m: take the first two days slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Check the entry requirements for your passport.
Indicative prices per person per day, excluding flights. Always check current entry requirements before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need altitude preparation?
Yes, Cusco is at 3,400m. Acclimatize 1-2 days.
Travel guides and stories: Peru
Day-by-day itineraries with budgets and practical tips.
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