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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

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 peak as seen during the Salkantay trek
Map of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
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
Map of Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
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.

Machu Picchu
Map of Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure - 6 Days
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.

Caravan in Cordiliera Huayhuash
Map of Cordillera Huayhuash - 9 Days
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.

Looking down on the city of Cusco
Map of Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour - 7 Days
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. 

Ausangate Trek
Map of Ausangate Camping Trek
Ausangate Camping Trek

If you’re looking for a beautiful and more remote trek in Peru, the Ausangate trek may be perfect for you. On this 8-day itinerary, you’ll discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amidst herds of alpacas.

Make the Most of Your Time in Peru

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Colorful Carnival in Puno, Peru
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...

See how many parrots you can count at Parrot Clay Lick
Map of 1 Week in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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...

Stone mask on the ancient temple at Chavin de Huantar
Map of 10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Peru, you can explore up to three regions by taking internal flights or focus on one off-the-beaten-path area like Northern Peru. The highlights of the Cusco...

The vast expanse of the Sacred Valley
Map of 2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries

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
Ruins at Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley
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...

Agricultural terraces surrounding the ruins
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...

View of Machu Picchu
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...

Spectacular mountain scenery in the Sacred Valley © Kiki Deere
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
Machu Picchu - the perfect set
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...

Cusco, historic capital of the Inca Empire, by night
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...

Train at Abra la Raya on the Cusco to Puno Line
Peru's Best Train Rides

All aboard! Trains are a practical solution for traveling in Peru: they transport travelers between key destinations around the country, and they're also a wonderful way to take...

Peru Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Estancia El Chillo, Amazonas Region
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...

Peru Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
8 Great Family-Friendly Hotels in Lima
Map of 8 Great Family-Friendly Hotels in Lima
8 Great Family-Friendly Hotels in Lima

Each year more and more travelers to Peru are discovering the pleasures of its capital city—and bringing their kids along for the ride. It's easy to see why: from world-class...

Green Parrot posing at a lodge in Peru.
Map of Best Wildlife Lodges in Peru
Best Wildlife Lodges in Peru

While Peru is well-known for its archaeological wonders, the country is also an up-and-coming destination for spotting birds and wildlife in pristine eco-systems. At luxury...

Best Things to do in Peru

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
View from the Santa Cruz trek in Peru
Map of Best 10 Treks in Peru
Best 10 Treks in Peru

Peru — a nation with abundant natural diversity, from coast, to mountains, to jungle — has long attracted lovers of the Great Outdoors. The Peruvian Andes, running like a...

Machu Picchu
Map of Best Treks to Machu Picchu
Best Treks to Machu Picchu

A visit to Machu Picchu is the highlight of most people’s trip to Peru. In fact, this ancient Inca Citadel attracts over a million visitors each year. Many visitors get there by...

Traditionally dressed Peruvian women in a local marketplace
5 Best Cultural Experiences in Peru

Of course you'll go to Machu Picchu. But what about sipping coffee on the same farm where the beans are grown, or riding the slow train through a gorgeous landscape? Read on for...

Our Latest Peru Content

Experience sunrise over Machu Picchu
Map of Deluxe Peru Adventure - 7 Days
Deluxe Peru Adventure - 7 Days

If you wish to experience the Peruvian Andes with a private guide—and a touch of luxury—then this weeklong itinerary is for you. Starting and ending in Cusco, you'll tour the area's best villages and archaeological sites, take an epic hike to Machu Picchu, and visit a lesser-known Rainbow Mountain at 15,500 feet (4,724 m) above sea level. Of course, each day includes memorable meals on family farms, top-notch restaurants, and even a special train ride to round out this quietly sophisticated adventure.

En route to Machu Picchu, you'll hike to Humantay Lake
15 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 15 days in Peru, you can tick off the country's bucket-list destinations on a classic tour, exploring Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Adventure seekers can opt for a trekking trip through the Sacred Valley with stays in Lima, Cusco, and the Amazon, while history lovers search for Inca Empire marvels near Trujillo, Chiclayo, Chachapoyas, and Cusco. For those looking to spend most of their time on the trail, a hiking trip to Choquequirao and along the Apu Ausangate trail will do just the trick.

Cruise amid the Amazon jungle post your Salkantay Trail hike
Map of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Amazon River Cruise  - 15 Days
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Amazon River Cruise - 15 Days

While Machu Picchu is a must-see in Peru, there's more than one way to reach the iconic Inca site. During this 15-day itinerary, take on the lesser-known, more challenging Salkantay Trail on your way to the 15th-century citadel, catching stunning mountain views and visiting villages, coffee farms, and archaeological sites along the way. Once you've completed the trek, kick up your feet for a four-day cruise within the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.

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
Peru map: 7 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Peru map: 10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Peru map: 2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Peru
Travel specialist Anne Godoy
active 2 days ago

Anne Godoy

I fell in love with Peru with its landscapes, culture, food, and people! Not only for what I learned in college but because of what I had seen. So that passion and love drive me every day to...

read more...
Travel specialist Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 1 day 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...
Travel specialist Johanna Fabian
active 15 hours ago

Johanna Fabian

When you become an expat in your birth country, you learn different tricks - you are not just a traveler but a local as well. This has given me a great appreciation for different cultures and has...

read more...
Travel specialist Kristy Tizon
active 2 days ago

Kristy Tizon

Kristy is a Peruvian-American who is originally from Los Angeles but now calls Lima, Peru her home. Growing up as a Peruvian-American, she was able to experience the best of both worlds. Her...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Trip Reviews for Peru

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

A trip to Peru turned to an incredible trip to Ecuador!
Peru | Dec 19 - Dec 28, 2022

J
Jacob S.
Shaw, DC | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2023

We had planned a trip to Peru but with just a few days until arrival, a state of emergency was declared in the country. At a moment's notice, Jesus and the KimKim team were able to get refunds and organize a whole new trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in just 3 days.

Despite the short notice, the trip they put together was incredible. Our guides, Kathy in particular, were knowledgeable, friendly, and punctual, and did an incredible job showing us the whole country. In Galapagos,... read more

We had planned a trip to Peru but with just a few days until arrival, a state of emergency was declared in the country. At a moment's notice, Jesus and the KimKim team were able to get refunds and organize a whole new trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in just 3 days.

Despite the short notice, the trip they put together was incredible. Our guides, Kathy in particular, were knowledgeable, friendly, and punctual, and did an incredible job showing us the whole country. In Galapagos, every step was well organized and handled for us. The trip couldn't have been easier and less stressful for us - even though behind the scenes we had no time to plan.

I couldn't imagine trying to book this on my own and then needing to undo it and plan a new trip - it would've been impossible. Having Jesus and KimKim gave us the safety blanket we needed in planning and their plan made the trip so amazingly smooth - we couldn't be more grateful and hope to do it again!

Activity Review
Join a day hike to the The Rainbow Mountain
Cusco
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jesus Martel

Francesca and Kimkim - highly recommend!
Peru | Dec 18 - Dec 25, 2022

N
Noam A.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2023

Francesca was fantastic!

She was exceptionally quick, responsive and accommodative during the planning stages of our trip to Peru. We've worked with various travel planners at other companies and working with Francesca was definitely the smoothest experience we've had.

Francesca and her team really shined when our Peru trip had to abruptly be changed. Due to a presidential coup and a state of emergency, we had to cancel our Machu Picchu plans and quickly figure out a new itinerary. ... read more

Francesca was fantastic!

She was exceptionally quick, responsive and accommodative during the planning stages of our trip to Peru. We've worked with various travel planners at other companies and working with Francesca was definitely the smoothest experience we've had.

Francesca and her team really shined when our Peru trip had to abruptly be changed. Due to a presidential coup and a state of emergency, we had to cancel our Machu Picchu plans and quickly figure out a new itinerary. Francesca jumped in and did her best to secure refunds for the Peru services that were cancelled and then was very helpful in securing new logistics and plans for a trip to Mexico instead...all on very short notice and during peak Xmas season.

Many thanks to Francesca, her local agency team and Kimkim!

Local specialist: Francesca Garofolin
Francesca
Francesca Garofolin
Local specialist in Lima | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2023

Hi Noam and Rachael,

Thank you so much for choosing to travel with us, it was my pleasure to help you navigate the situation in Peru. I hope to be able to help you in the future and see you back in Peru to finish your Machu Picchu trip!

Solo Peruvian Adventure
Peru | Dec 2 - Dec 12, 2022

P
Paul S.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 20, 2022

Anne, and the Peruvian Soul team organised my first solo South American trip at very short notice, with impressive attention to detail, coordination and planning. I was equipped with the right information prior to the trip, communication with the team was excellent throughout and the trip was speculator. The guides were welcoming and knowledgeable, especially Julito. I will cherish the memories for a long time to come. read more

Anne, and the Peruvian Soul team organised my first solo South American trip at very short notice, with impressive attention to detail, coordination and planning. I was equipped with the right information prior to the trip, communication with the team was excellent throughout and the trip was speculator. The guides were welcoming and knowledgeable, especially Julito. I will cherish the memories for a long time to come.

Hotel Review
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Miraflores, Lima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Anne Godoy
Anne
Anne Godoy
Local specialist in Lima | Reviewed on Dec 21, 2022

Thanks Paul for taking the time to leave the review, despite the short time, I am glad you had a great experience here with us! We may never know but if you come back let us know!