Peru is more than Machu Picchu. It's a country with layers.
You'll find coastal towns, dune-filled deserts and villages hidden in the mountains.
Peru is home to some of the best cuisine in the world. Fresh fish, fried street food and innovative Peruvian delights.
So while Machu Picchu may be one of the highlights, I assure you there’s so much more to see and do.
get inspired: 42 Travel Photographs
I love to get inspiration from travel photography.
Since Peru is such a diverse country, which appeals to different people for different reasons, I invite you to browse my 42 favourite photos to see which places speak to you.
get planning: My 2-week itinerary
Do you already know where you want to visit?
If so, check out my useful 2-week itinerary which breaks down how I travelled through the country.
It includes Lima, Huacachina, Cusco, The Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and of course, Machu Picchu.
Lima
Peruvian Sol
32.17 million (2017)
Don’t let the water run when it’s not being used - take short showers as water is scarce in rural areas
Unplug gadgets after charging and turn off lights when not being used
If participating in a culture exchange, consider bringing school supplies for the kids or fresh vegetables for families on the remote islands of Lake Titicaca
Research tour companies - support local guides and businesses, especially if considering the Inca Trail
Do not leave any waste behind on trails and use refillable water bottles
If you plan on visiting Machu Picchu and the Andes then you’re going to want to aim for dry season which falls between May-November. This tends to be the busiest period with higher prices and more tourists but it will offer dryer hiking conditions.
Rainy season falls between December-April. This provides challenging hiking conditions, often wet and slippery with unexpected closure of trails from landfalls. The Inca Trail is also closed during the month of February.
Temperatures vary throughout the country but can get quite cold at night in the Andes between June-September. If you’re travelling through the country, expect different weather conditions and pack accordingly.
I always try to travel during shoulder season so I visited during the last two weeks of November. I had great weather for the most part though it got a bit wet when I ascended into the Andes and I had some chilly nights on Lake Titicaca. I also encountered a snow storm on the way to Lake Titicaca which was rare by Peruvian standards - so the moral of the story is, expect the unexpected.
The links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a booking. As always, I only recommend products and services I trust.
The pachamanca at El Albergue : The Sacred Valley
The tasting menu at Maido : Lima
A ceviche lunch at La Mar : Lima
Does not take reservations
I was riddled with anxiety about altitude sickness. I really didn’t want it to damper my travels.
So I read every tip in the book and guess what, no problems!
Subscribe to my newsletters and receive a free printable handout with all the tips I followed.
I’ve collected my favourite Peruvian dishes and created a printable checklist so that you can eat your way through the country.
I’ve also included food safety tips so you can avoid a grumpy belly.
Subscribe to my newsletters and receive the free printable handout.
Not spending more time in Arequipa. It was a quiet and charming city with delicious food. Driving into the city I saw some of the most remarkable landscapes and I wish I had more time to explore places like Colca Canyon and the Misti volcano.
A knowledgeable local guide! I used one in Ica and The Sacred Valley. It’s a stress-free way to get more out of your experience.
The tasting menu at Maido - It was delicious and unique without being too foreign on my palette.
The Belmond Hotel at Machu Picchu - Even though it’s a Belmond brand, I found it overpriced. It was a bit dated and didn’t provide direct views of Machu Picchu. Considering my stay was so short, it wasn’t worth the hefty price tag.
