Quick answer: plan 14 to 21 days in Peru between May and October (dry season in the Andes), with a budget of roughly $60 to $105 per person per day. No visa needed for 90 days for most Western travelers. Book Machu Picchu months ahead on the official site and allow 1 to 2 days to acclimatize in Cusco.
Peru at a glance
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | May to October (dry season in the Andes) |
| Times to avoid | November to March in the Andes (rain); the Inca Trail closes in February |
| Ideal duration | 14 to 21 days |
| Average budget | $60-$105 / day / person (mid-range, excluding flights and Machu Picchu) |
| Entry | Visa-free for US, UK, EU and many other citizens; tourist stays usually 90 days, up to 183 at immigration’s discretion |
| Currency | Peruvian sol (PEN) |
| Altitude | Lima: sea level; Arequipa: 2,335 m; Cusco: 3,400 m; Puno: 3,800 m |
When is the best time to visit Peru?
- May to October: dry season in the Andes, clear skies but cold nights. It is peak season for Machu Picchu: book early.
- November to April: rainy season in the Andes. Landscapes are green and crowds thinner, but landslides can disrupt trains and roads. The Inca Trail closes every February.
- Coast and Lima: foggy and cool from May to November, warmer from December to April.
- Amazon: hot and humid all year; drier from May to October.
Entry requirements
Citizens of the US, UK, EU and most Western countries do not need a visa for tourist stays in Peru. The permitted stay is usually 90 days, sometimes up to 183 days at the immigration officer’s discretion. You may be asked for a valid passport and an onward ticket. Check your government’s travel advice.
Machu Picchu: tickets, circuits and logistics
- Official tickets: only through the Ministry of Culture platform (tuboleto.cultura.pe). Beware of resellers.
- Circuits: since June 2024, visits follow three circuits (Panoramic, Classic, Royalty) grouping 10 routes, with hourly entry slots and a one-way flow. The mountains (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain) are add-ons with limited, pricier tickets.
- Quotas: daily numbers are capped, higher in peak season (June 19 to November 2, 2026). Tickets sell fast: aim for 2 to 4 months ahead, longer for the mountains.
- Price: around 150 soles for a standard circuit and 200 soles for a mountain route, roughly $40 to $55 (check current rates).
- Guide: a licensed guide is recommended and sometimes required depending on the route; check before buying.
- Getting there: PeruRail or Inca Rail train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco to Aguas Calientes (about 1.5 to 3 hours), then a shuttle bus to the site (about 25 minutes). Budget about $160 to $215 for the full day (ticket, train, bus).
- Inca Trail: permits are limited and in high demand; book 4 to 6 months ahead through a licensed operator.
14-day itinerary: Lima, Arequipa, Titicaca, Cusco
Days 1-2: Lima
- Miraflores, historic center, food (ceviche, Nikkei cuisine). The city is at sea level: a good starting point.
Days 3-5: Arequipa and Colca Canyon
- Fly Lima-Arequipa, Santa Catalina Monastery. Colca Canyon (Cruz del Condor) takes 1 to 2 days; altitude exceeds 3,600 m.
Days 6-7: Lake Titicaca (Puno)
- Uros and Taquile islands. Arequipa-Puno: about 6 hours by bus.
Days 8-12: Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- Cusco and its ruins (Sacsayhuamán), Pisac, Ollantaytambo, night in Aguas Calientes, early-morning Machu Picchu visit.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): over 5,000 m, for acclimatized travelers only.
Days 13-14: return to Lima, or fly Cusco-Puerto Maldonado for the Amazon.
Altitude: preventing altitude sickness
- Spend 1 to 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (lower, about 2,800 m) before any strenuous activity.
- Hydrate, eat light, avoid alcohol for the first days. Coca tea is traditional.
- Talk to a doctor before departure about medication options if you have a history of altitude problems. If you develop severe headaches, breathlessness at rest or confusion, descend.
Peru travel budget 2026
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night, for 2) | $30-$45 | $55-$110 | $160+ |
| Food | $9-$17 / day | $22-$38 / day | $55+ |
| Transport (buses, domestic flights) | $9-$17 / day | $17-$33 / day | $45+ |
| Activities | $6-$17 / day | $17-$33 / day | $45+ |
Add Machu Picchu (about $160 to $215 for the day) and domestic flights. Amounts are indicative.
Safety and practical tips
- Watch for pickpockets in Lima and Cusco; use taxi apps or licensed taxis.
- Do not drink tap water.
- Keep cash (soles) for markets and small restaurants; ATMs are common in towns.
- For domestic flights, carry essentials in your cabin bag: delays are frequent.
Peru Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa for Peru?
Most Western travelers do not. A tourist stay of 90 days is usually granted visa-free, sometimes up to 183 days.
How far ahead should I book Machu Picchu?
Aim for 2 to 4 months ahead in peak season (May to October), more for the mountains. Official tickets are only sold at tuboleto.cultura.pe.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
By train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then a bus to the entrance, or on foot via the Inca Trail with a permit.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Ascend gradually: 1 to 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before exertion, stay hydrated, eat light, skip alcohol. See a doctor before you go.
What is the best time to go to Peru?
May to October for the Andes and Machu Picchu. The rainy season (November to March) is less suitable.
Is Peru expensive?
Not for lodging, food and local transport; Machu Picchu and domestic flights weigh on the budget.
Official sources
- Machu Picchu tickets: tuboleto.cultura.pe
- Peru tourism board (peru.travel)
- Your government’s travel advice (travel.state.gov, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)