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Andes, Amazon and Patagonia: our first South American guide takes you to Peru, with more on the way.
Our first tailor-made travel guide for South America is dedicated to Peru: a 14-day Peru Machu Picchu itinerary through the Sacred Valley, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, with a detailed budget and the best time to visit the Andes (May to September, in the dry season).
Altitude, long-distance transport, booking Machu Picchu: the guide explains how to organise this tailor-made trip to South America step by step. More guides may join this page. Planning a trip elsewhere on the continent? Our team of Travel Planners can already design your custom itinerary.
Every guide is written and kept up to date by the TripCompanion team. They are starting points: your trip is then built tailor-made with you. Learn more about TripCompanion.
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.
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.
Our guide covers 14 days, with an indicative budget of €1,200 to €1,800 per person for a mid-range comfort trip (excluding international flights). We recommend 14 to 21 days.
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.
No, it's strongly discouraged: high-altitude driving is demanding and Andean roads are winding. Combine comfortable buses (Cruz del Sur, Civa) with LATAM domestic flights.
Not yet: Peru is our first guide for the continent. For Colombia, Patagonia, Chile, Argentina or Brazil, you can request a tailor-made itinerary.
It takes serious preparation: entry requirements (identification, vaccinations, certificates) vary by country, the journey is long and some sites don't accept animals. We assess the dog-friendly option case by case, but check the rules with the official authorities before booking.
TripCompanion looks at your criteria (budget, pace, season, whether you travel with a dog) to build the itinerary, choose the stops and find the right addresses.
These guides are starting points. Every trip is then built tailor-made, around your wishes, your pace and your budget.
Create my tailor-made South America itinerary