Travel guide
From legendary Machu Picchu to the depths of Colca Canyon, via the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca and Lima's great restaurants, Peru offers one of South America's most complete and fascinating trips.
This practical guide, written by the TripCompanion experts, brings together everything you need to plan your Peru itinerary in 2027: a day-by-day route, budget, altitude and logistics.
Machu Picchu and the Sacred ValleyThe Inca citadel, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the Maras salt pans: the historic heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Colca CanyonOne of the deepest canyons in the world, known for condor watching and hiking.
Lake TiticacaThe Uros islands and a homestay night on Taquile island, at nearly 3,800 m.
Lima's food sceneThe gastronomic capital of the Americas: cevicherias, Miraflores and Barranco.
Add 3 to 4 days in the Puerto Maldonado national reserve (southern Amazon) to see equatorial wildlife, and 3 days in Huaraz, in the Cordillera Blanca, for high-altitude hiking fans.
| Expense | Budget / Backpacker | Comfort / Mid-range | Premium / Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €20 - €35 (hostel / posada) | €50 - €90 (3-4* hotel) | €180+ (boutique hotels / Belmond) |
| Meals (per day) | €10 - €18 (menú del día) | €25 - €45 (bistros & cevicherias) | €90+ (starred restaurants in Lima) |
| Local transport | €12 - €25 (Cruz del Sur bus) | €35 - €70 (LATAM domestic flights) | Private driver / luxury train |
| Estimated total (14 days) | €700 - €900 / person | €1,300 - €1,800 / person | €3,200+ / person |
Excluding international return flights.
1. Managing altitude (soroche): Don't start your trip directly in Cusco (3,400 m). Land in Cusco and go straight down to sleep in the Sacred Valley (2,800 m) to acclimatise gently before heading back up to Cusco.
2. Booking Machu Picchu: Access rules have changed, with a strict circuit system. Book your entry ticket and the train at least 4 to 6 months ahead to secure Circuit 2 (the most complete one, with the classic panoramic view).
3. An alternative to Vinicunca: Choose Palccoyo mountain over Vinicunca: the altitude is similar, but the walk is shorter, less steep and far less crowded with tourist buses.
The best time to visit Peru and the Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu) is from May to September, during the dry season, with clear skies ideal for hiking.
The average budget for a 2-week trip to Peru is between €1,200 and €1,800 per person (excluding international flights), or roughly €50 to €80 per day.
To prevent soroche, climb gradually by spending an acclimatisation stop in Arequipa or the Sacred Valley before staying in Cusco, drink coca leaf tea (mate de coca) and avoid alcohol for the first few days.
No, it's strongly discouraged. Combine comfortable buses (Cruz del Sur, Civa) and LATAM domestic flights to link Lima, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco.
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Planning your trip
This page provides a starting point for planning. Prices, availability, opening hours, access conditions and local rules can change; confirm these details with providers before booking. Your personalised travel journal is tailored to your dates, budget and priorities.
If you travel with a dog, check pet policies and restrictions for each stop directly. Have a question about the service or spotted something to correct? Contact Amélie.
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