
Peru Tours — Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and Beyond
Explore Peru
Overview of Peru Tours
Peru comprises an astounding variety of geographical features, including a desert coast, Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and renowned for condor watching, the highest navigable lake in the world and a segment of the Amazon rainforest that is so rich in biodiversity that Manu has recorded approximately 10% of bird species in the world. Most people who travel to Peru for the first time center their trips around Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, which is a good choice, but spending extra time exploring the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and Colca Canyon can add great value to the trip: instead of saying, "We saw Machu Picchu," travelers will be able to say, "We saw how different Peru is from one region to another."
Peru combines naturally with neighboring countries, and many itineraries are built that way. Lake Titicaca, which borders Bolivia, is a great addition to either La Paz or the Uyuni salt flats. A trip to Peru can also open up or conclude in Ecuador for a visit to the Galapagos Islands or be continued south into Chile. A travel team based in the U.S. works closely with local experts in Cusco, Lima and the Sacred Valley to develop the itinerary to fit within the timeframe available, degree of altitude, and how much of Peru you want to visit.
9 Day – The Best of Peru
9DaysThe highlight will of course be the Seventh Wonder of the Modern World, Machu Picchu. In addition, on many of your Vacation Packages in Peru, including this 9-day Best of Peru tour, you will sample the delights of the capital, Lima.
Package type:Multi-Destinations
Physical Rating:Moderate
7 Day - Trek along the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
7DaysHike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Valencia Travel, a renowned Peruvian tour company offering off-the-beaten-path experiences. Click here to learn more.
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:High
7 Day Classic Peru Vacation
7DaysOn our Classic Peru you will journey and discover the landscapes, sounds, colors and flavors of our great Andean Culture. Explore the geography and the
Package type:Multi-Destinations
Physical Rating:Moderate
3 Day Machu Picchu Express
3DaysOn this exclusive Machu Picchu Express, you will enjoy memorable experiences as you explore the richest country in the whole world. Take our Itinerary for 3 Days.
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
12 Day – Peru Express
12DaysOn our Peru Express you will journey and discover the landscapes, sounds, colors and flavors of our great Andean Culture. Explore the geography and the
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
4 Day – Machu Picchu Special
4DaysOn this exclusive Machu Picchu Special, you will enjoy memorable experiences as you explore the richest country in the whole world. Take our 4-day Itinerary
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
8 Day Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu
8DaysOf all the various treks to Machu Picchu, none can compete with the Salkantay Trek in terms of scenery. It’s a spectacular route, passing through
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:High
2 Day - Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
2DaysTrek to Machu Picchu in just two days without missing out on any beautiful views with our short Inca trail to Machu Picchu! Learn about this 2 day tour here.
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:Moderate
14 Day - Colours of Peru
14DaysThe Colour of Peru calls to you with all the allure of the ancient and the mysterious. From the soaring peaks of the Andes to
Package type:Multi-Destinations
Physical Rating:Moderate
Where to go in Peru Tours
Discover remarkable landscapes, historic cities, and iconic landmarks across the region.
Best time to visit Peru Tours
Explore monthly average temperatures across major regions to help plan your adventure.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C |
| Urubamba | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 20°C | 21°C | 21°C | 19°C |
| Arequipa | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C |
| Puno | 10°C | 10°C | 10°C | 9°C | 8°C | 6°C | 6°C | 7°C | 8°C | 10°C | 10°C | 10°C |
| Ica | 23°C | 24°C | 23°C | 22°C | 20°C | 19°C | 18°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C |
| Chachapoyas | 16°C | 16°C | 15°C | 15°C | 15°C | 14°C | 14°C | 15°C | 16°C | 16°C | 16°C | 16°C |
| Piura | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 24°C | 23°C | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C | 22°C | 23°C | 25°C |
| Puerto Maldonado | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C |
| Iquitos | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C |
| Huaraz | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 7°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C | 7°C |
Traveler Experiences in Peru Tours
Real stories and authentic feedback from travelers who explored with VA Expeditions.
Travel Advice & Tips for Peru Tours
Everything you need to know before visiting Peru Tours: local customs, safety guidelines, currency, health advice, and practical tips.
Why Book Your Peru Tour With VA Expeditions
A generic Peru guide tells you where Machu Picchu is. What it can't tell you is which of the 27 ways to see it fits your dates, your pace and your altitude tolerance that is what a planner is for.
Tailored Just for You, With No Fixed Schedule: Every itinerary starts from your travel dates, pace and interests rather than a fixed departure calendar. Adding an extra acclimatization day, swapping the Inca Trail for the train, or extending into the Amazon are routine adjustments, not special requests.
US Support, Experienced Local Specialists: Designed by a US-based travel team with direct access to experienced local specialists and operators across South America so guidance on altitude, permits and timing comes from people who work with these routes directly.
Multi-Country Routing Done Right: Because Lake Titicaca sits on the Peru Bolivia border, itineraries can combine Peru with Bolivia, Ecuador & Galápagos or Chile arranged through a single point of contact rather than separate bookings.
Built Around Your Group: Itineraries are shaped around who's actually traveling, not a shared group calendar. Whether it's an Inca Trail trek or a slower-paced itinerary for older travelers, the pace, guiding style and hotel choices adjust to fit.
Combine Your Peru Tour With…
Peru connects naturally to several neighboring countries — a one-way route often works better than flying in and out of Lima alone.
- Bolivia Tours - Lake Titicaca connects easily onward to La Paz or the Uyuni salt flats.
- Ecuador & Galapagos Tours - Bookend your Peru trip with the Galápagos for a wildlife-focused finish.
- Chile Tours - From Peru, routes continue naturally into the Atacama Desert or south to Patagonia.
- Multiple Destinations Tours - This itinerary includes several Latin American countries in one trip.
Where to Go in Peru
- Cusco & the Sacred Valley – The capital of the Incas and its valley of ruins, markets and villages — all Peru trips include at least two or three days here before the trip to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu – The Inca ruins and the most popular site in Peru by far, meaning that getting a ticket to Machu Picchu is in the form of a timed entry.
- Lima – The capital of Peru and the epicenter of gastronomy, including such places as Maido, the World's Best Restaurant of 2025.
- The Peruvian Amazon– The rainforest lodges accessible by boat in either Manu or Tambopata, the most biodiverse areas of rainforest in the world.
- Lake Titicaca – The highest navigable lake in the world and one of the most tranquil places in Peru, with floating islands of the Uros people.
- Arequipa & Colca Canyon – Peru's White City and the Colca Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and renowned for condor watching.
Top Things to Do in Peru
- See Machu Picchu: There is a limit to the number of people visiting Machu Picchu and this limit is spread across ten scheduled visits through the day. Book tickets as far ahead as you can, particularly for June through August, if you plan to arrive between June and August.
- Explore Cusco's historic center. Colonial architecture built on original Inca foundations is visible throughout the city. Most travelers find it worth pacing the first day around altitude adjustment — save the walking tours for day two, once you are feeling settled.
- Hike the Inca Trail. Daily access is capped at 500 people total, which includes trekkers, guides, cooks and porters not 500 trekkers alone. Permits for peak months often sell out months in advance. The Salkantay trek is a strong alternative — similar scenery, with far more availability.
- Visit the Sacred Valley. The two major highlights of the valley are the market of Pisac and the ruins of Ollantaytambo, both of which are situated at a lower altitude than Cusco.
- Observe the condors in Colca Canyon. The canyon runs roughly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and condors ride the morning thermals along its rim. Arrive at dawn sightings drop off sharply after late morning.
- Explore the Uros floating islands on your trip to Lake Titicaca. These artificial islands are located at a high altitude of more than 12,500 feet. The combination of visiting these islands and staying in Puno is more beneficial than a short trip from Cusco.
- Eat widely while you're in Lima. Maido was named The World's Best Restaurant in 2025, and Lima hosts the World's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony on November 4, 2026 — the first time the event has been held in South America. Nikkei, Peru's Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, is worth seeking out; the top spots for it need booking ahead.
- Spend a few nights in the Amazon. Manu National Park alone is home to roughly 1,000 bird species — close to 10% of the world's total. The extension fits most naturally into trips of 10 days or longer.
Best Time to Visit Peru
There is no "best time to visit Peru", as each region of the country has a different type of climate, which ultimately depends on the areas that are on your wish list.
- Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu: The dry season lasts approximately from May to September with the busiest months being June through August. April and October are good times to visit as well because they do not fall into the rainy season, which occurs between November and April with January and February being the wettest months.
- Lima: Typically, Lima experiences a mild dry climate throughout the year. However, the months between May and November are considered foggy, not rainy.
- Peruvian Amazon: November and March are the rainiest months and between June and September the weather becomes much dryer.
- Arequipa and Colca Canyon: This region follows the dry-season calendar of Cusco, with May and September being the most favorable for hiking and condor viewing.
- Lake Titicaca: May through October brings the clearest skies on Lake Titicaca the best window for photos and island boat trips.
Planning a multi region trip? Late April into May and September into early October tend to balance clear Andean weather against smaller crowds better than the June August peak.
How Tailor-Made Peru Travel Works
- Give us your trip information and interests. Adventure trip, family trip, travels related to gastronomy, etc.
- We make the itinerary for you. This is done according to your flight time, season of the year and time for adaptation.
- We refine it. Timing, pace, accommodation level or the countries included can all be adjusted based on your feedback.
- You travel, and we stay available. You have a direct line to your planner and to local guides throughout the trip.
What are the Key Locations to Visit In Peru?
Machu Picchu Journeys
Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti and brought to worldwide fame by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Sitting at roughly 7,970 feet — lower than Cusco — it makes a comfortable final stop after acclimatizing. Entry operates on a timed-ticket system, with visitors assigned an entry window and a specific walking circuit within the site; this is separate from how you arrive, whether by train and bus from Aguas Calientes or on foot via the Inca Trail or an alternative route like Salkantay or Lares. Circuit and ticket rules change periodically, so current options should be confirmed before booking.
Inca Trail & Alternative Treks
The classic Inca Trail covers roughly 26 miles over four days, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise. Daily access is capped at 500 people total — trekkers, guides, cooks and porters combined — and permits for peak season often sell out months in advance. The Salkantay, Lares and Ausangate treks offer similarly dramatic scenery with more flexibility on dates.
Lima & Peruvian Cuisine
The Peruvian capital has been named one of the top cities for gastronomy worldwide. It hosts Maido, which has won the title of the World’s Best Restaurant and will be the venue for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards in November 2026 — the first time it will happen in South America. Different from the tasting menus, one can roam around the historic downtown and coastal areas of Miraflores and Barranco and spend 1 or 2 days there before going further into the country.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is situated lower than Cusco and can be, thus, the first destination which will help tourists acclimatize before the trip to Machu Picchu. The most important local towns are Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The latter is the place where some of the best-preserved Inca sites can be found such as the ruins of the fortress of Ollantaytambo and its gigantic terraces. Most itineraries provide for a stay of 2 or 3 days here to cover the ruins and the weaving settlements and markets.
The Peruvian Amazon
The impressive variety of wildlife in the Amazon is exemplified in the lodges of Manu National Park and Tambopata region, which can be accessed on foot or by boat rather than through the park entrance. Manu alone, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has recorded about 1,000 bird species, which represents almost 10% of the world total. Most visitations to the park are done on a reasonably long cruise of three days or more.
Lake Titicaca & Arequipa
The highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca lies at 12,507 feet and is home to the floating reed islands created by the Uros people. Only a few hours away, the center of Arequipa city is built of sillar, a special white volcanic rock making it the White City. In the vicinity, Colca Canyon is twice as deep as Grand Canyon and is the best place in South America to see Andean condors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peru Tours
Everything you need to know before and during your travel experience in Peru Tours.
Based on the area, the best time to go varies. For instance, the Andes (Cusco and Machu Picchu) are dry between May and September, the Amazon stays dry during the period between June and September and the weather in Lima is mild regardless of the season.
Yes. Machu Picchu operates on timed entry with a daily visitor cap, and tickets should be booked as far ahead as possible, especially for June–August travel. The classic Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day total, including guides, cooks and porters. If your dates are flexible, the Salkantay trek is a good alternative with more availability.
US citizens do not require a visa for tourism and are typically granted stays of up to 90 days on entry, with a maximum combined stay of 183 days per 365-day period.
Yes. Itineraries are built around who's actually traveling — families can swap the Inca Trail trek for the train to the same destination, while 50+ or slower-paced travelers can add rest days between Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Yes. Lake Titicaca connects easily to Bolivia, and Peru also works well as a start or end point for a trip that includes Ecuador and the Galápagos.
We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.
We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.
VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.
Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.
Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.
We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.
The official currency in Peru is the peruvian sol (PEN). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.
As a sustainable travel company, we are in constant search of how we can improve the sustainability of our operations, that is why we carry out the following activities to generate a fair and sustainable development in our areas of operation: https://valenciatravelcusco.com/pages/sustainability
Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS / VALENCIA TRAVEL, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.
For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: +51 979 706 464
All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: +51 979 706 464. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com
This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.
In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.
We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. Depending on your destination, at various points on your trip there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.
Peru is generally safe for travelers who take the same precautions they'd use in any major city particular awareness around belongings in crowded tourist areas like central Lima and Cusco.
Most travelers notice it. Cusco sits at 11,152 feet. Symptoms are usually mild — shortness of breath, tiredness, an occasional headache. A rest day on arrival before anything strenuous, plenty of water, and going easy on alcohol for the first day or two all help. Travelers with heart or lung conditions should speak to a doctor before the trip.
If your trip centers on Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, seven days is comfortable. Adding the Amazon, Lake Titicaca or Arequipa takes most itineraries to ten days or more, largely because of internal flight times and the acclimatization days worth building in around Cusco.
Yes. Itineraries can be built at a private, premium level from boutique lodges in the Sacred Valley to private guiding throughout and paced for families or travelers 50 and older.
You can check our safety protocols in the following link: https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/notification/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-alert
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.
As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.
Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.
We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.
We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.
Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.
Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.
This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.
At VA Expeditions we believe that every action we take should generate a positive impact on the communities and the environment of our entire production chain, which is why we carry out various activities focused on this objective. Please ask your travel specialist for more information on our sustainable programs.
This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.
The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.
Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your hotel.
In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.
It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your program.
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