Essential Peru: Cuzco and Machu Picchu
Duration : 10 days
Route : Lima (1 night) → flight to Cuzco → Sacred Valley Pisac and Ollantaytambo (3 nights, acclimatization) → Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu (1 night) → Cuzco (3 nights) → Lima (1 night)
Custom travel to Peru
Peru is one of South America's most enchanting destinations, where Inca ruins meet coastal desert and Amazonian jungle, where colorful Andean markets dialogue with Lima's haute cuisine, and where every region reveals its own character. From the lost city of Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, from Lake Titicaca to the floating Uros islands, through the mysterious Nazca Lines and the Tambopata Amazon jungle, the country offers a diversity of landscapes, cultures, and flavors that makes it one of the world's most fascinating destinations.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu: the lost city of the Incas
- Cuzco and the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras
- Lake Titicaca: Uros, Taquile, Amantani islands
- Lima: South America's culinary capital
- Peruvian Amazon: Tambopata, Manú, Iquitos
- Nazca desert and lines, Huacachina oasis, Paracas
Sample itineraries
Grand Peru tour
Duration : 16 days
Route : Lima (2 nights) → Paracas and Huacachina (1 night) → Nazca (1 night, overflight) → Arequipa (2 nights) → Colca Canyon (1 night) → Puno and Lake Titicaca (2 nights) → Cuzco (3 nights) → Sacred Valley (2 nights) → Machu Picchu (1 night) → Lima (1 night)
Peru and Amazon
Duration : 14 days
Route : Lima (1 night) → flight to Cuzco → Sacred Valley (3 nights) → Machu Picchu (1 night) → Cuzco (2 nights) → flight to Puerto Maldonado → Tambopata Amazon lodge (3 nights) → flight to Lima (2 nights)
When to go
Peru is ideally visited May to October: dry season in the Andes (Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Titicaca), with blue skies, cool morning temperatures (5-10 °C) and warm daytime (18-22 °C). June-August is high season, Machu Picchu books 3-4 months in advance. Rainy season (November-March) makes trails muddy and the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance — but Andean landscapes are then green. The coast (Lima, Paracas) is paradoxically humid and gray (garúa) in June-October, sunny December-March. Amazon: dry season May-October (better for walking), wet season November-April (higher rivers, easier canoe access).
- Dry season (Andes) (May – September) — Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Amazon
- Dry shoulder season (October – November) — Andes, Lima, All Saints festivities
- Rainy season (Andes) (December – March) — Sunny Lima, beaches, lush Amazon, end-of-year festivities
- Humid shoulder season (April) — Green Cuzco and Sacred Valley, Holy Week festival
Practical information
Peru is generally safe in tourist zones — main risks are Lima pickpockets (Miraflores less, historic center more), taxi scams (prefer Uber or Cabify), and acute mountain sickness (AMS) above 3,000 m. For altitude: arrive progressively (Sacred Valley at 2,800 m before Cuzco at 3,400 m), drink plenty, avoid alcohol and exertion the first days, chew coca leaves (legal and beneficial). Tap water not recommended — prefer bottled water. Tipping (10% in restaurants, a few soles for guides and porters) is appreciated. A few Spanish and Quechua words (allillanchu = hello, urpillay = thank you) always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Peru trip?
May to October offers the best conditions in the Andes (Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Titicaca): dry season, blue sky. June-August is high season. The Inca Trail is closed in February. The coast (Lima) is sunny in December-March.
How long for a Peru trip?
Minimum 10 days for Cuzco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu + Lima. 14-16 days to add Arequipa, Colca, Titicaca. 21 days to combine Andes + Amazon + North (Chachapoyas, Kuelap).
What budget for a custom Peru trip?
As a guideline, €2,400-€3,200 per person for 10-12 days in comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with Belmond or Inkaterra hotels: €5,500-€11,000. Paris-Lima flights: €700-€1,400.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
No visa for French citizens for stays under 90 days. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond return date. Boarding pass (TAM) to keep carefully, to present on exit.
How to handle altitude sickness in Peru?
Cuzco (3,400 m) and Puno (3,800 m) often cause acute mountain sickness (AMS). Precautions: start with the Sacred Valley (2,800 m) before Cuzco, drink plenty, avoid alcohol and exertion the first days, chew coca leaves (legal). Diamox (prescription) prevents AMS.
How do I get around in Peru?
Domestic flights (LATAM, Sky, JetSmart) essential for long distances. Vistadome or Hiram Bingham train for Machu Picchu. Luxury Cruz del Sur bus for Lima-Paracas-Nazca or Cuzco-Puno. Private car with driver recommended for the Sacred Valley and Colca. No reliable public transport outside cities.
Should I do the Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu?
No, the Inca Trail is an experience for trek enthusiasts (4 days, 45 km, significant elevation, altitude max 4,200 m). For classic travelers, the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo (1 h 30) is comfortable and panoramic. For a luxury experience: Hiram Bingham train (Belmond, 3 h with gastronomic lunch).
When to book Machu Picchu?
At least 3-4 months in advance in high season (June-August). Entry slots are limited (5,500 visitors/day) and Huayna Picchu (annex climb) even more restricted (200 spots/day, 2 slots). The Inca Trail books 6 months in advance (500 spots/day, including 200 for hikers and 300 for porters).
Is Peru safe for a trip?
Generally safe in tourist zones — main risks are Lima pickpockets (especially historic center), taxi scams (prefer Uber or Cabify), and acute mountain sickness at altitude. Avoid remote areas of the north and non-tourist jungle. Solo female travelers are safe with usual precautions.
Is Peru suitable for a family trip?
Yes, from age 8 (due to altitude). Safety, warm welcome for children, kid-friendly experiences (llamas in the Sacred Valley, panoramic train, Titicaca navigation, Amazon wildlife). Favor Sacred Valley (acclimatization) + Machu Picchu + Lima for a first family trip.