Peru Travel Guide

Machu Picchu.  Seeing Machu Picchu is a no-brainer on a visit to Peru. Most people do it as a day trip from Cusco but we recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes. This gives you a full day to explore this magical, mystical place. Since tickets limit your visit to a half day, if you want to spend a full day at Machu Picchu you will have to purchase two separate tickets.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Cusco is the access point for Machu Picchu. Most likely you will fly into this city on your journey to Machu Picchu. Cusco is worth at least a day even on the quickest of itineraries, and with more time it is worth exploring the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Incan civilization.

Lima. Lima is the capital of Peru and one of South America's largest cities. Come here to explore the preserved colonial center and feast on ceviche.

Lake Titicaca. This lake, located in the Andes Mountains on the border between Peru and Bolivia, is the world's highest navigable body of water. Visitors travel here to tour the floating islands and stay overnight with the indigenous people.

Inca Trail.  This four day trek is one of the world's most popular multi-day hikes. It's a great bucket list travel activity and those who make the journey rave about the experience. If you are short on time, the one day trek is still worth it!

Colca Canyon. This is one of the world's deepest canyons and is home to the Andean Condor.

Nazca Lines.  These are ancient drawings on the ground, so large that they are only viewable from the sky. Why they exist is a mystery. Take a helicopter flight over these mysterious lines and see orcas, hummingbirds, monkeys, and more.

Amazon Rainforest. Peru contains the second largest portion of the Amazon rainforest after Brazil. Popular destinations are Iquitos, located in northern Peru, and Puerto Maldonado, located in Southeastern Peru. Journey into the jungle for an experience you won't soon forget!

Go Sandboarding at Huacachina. Located on the coast between Lima and the Nazca lines, ride in a dune buggy and sand board down the dunes for a unique and very fun experience.

Ballestas Islands. Sometimes called the "poor man's Galapagos," travel here to see the blue footed booby, seals, and penguins.

Cordillera Blanca. Cordillera Blanca means "white mountain range," a name given to the mountains in this area for their snow-capped peaks. For a true, off-the-beaten-path adventure, go trekking here, with 3 day to 13 day tours available.

• Best Time To Go

  We vote for the shoulder season months of April and May and September and October. Costs will be lower, there will be less tourists, and the weather can be great. We were in Peru at the end of April and it was perfect.

• Hiking the Inca Trail

  If you plan on trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, book your tickets months in advance. Only a limited number of people are allowed on the trail per day and spots sell out fast.

• Soroche

  Altitude sickness is known as soroche in Peru. Many popular destinations are at an altitude high enough to potentially cause altitude sickness in some visitors. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can occur over 8,000 ft (2430 m). Puno and Lake Titicaca, at an elevation of 12,500 ft (3800 m) are the destinations most likely to cause altitude sickness. Cusco sits at 11,000 ft (3400 m) and Machu Picchu sits at 8,000 ft (2430 m). As your body adjusts to the higher altitude, take it easy, drink lots of water, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and drink coca leaf tea. Seek medical help or descend to a lower altitude if your symptoms worsen or persist.

• Bring Sunscreen

  Most destinations in Peru are at a high altitude and the sun can be intense, even on a cloudy day. Wear sunscreen or risk getting a bad sunburn.