The Ultimate Peru Travel Guide: Machu Picchu, Cusco, & Lima

Peru was never high on my list of travel destinations due to my assumption that the country would be swarming with tourists with selfie sticks. While Machu Picchu indeed attracts over half a million visitors annually, we planned the perfect itinerary that allowed us to experience Peru to the fullest without the overwhelming crowds. This made Peru one of my favorite countries, and Cusco one of my favorite cities. Peru is full of thrilling adventures, delicious food, and breathtaking vistas that make it a dream destination. This Peru Travel Guide will equip you with the information to plan your own luxury travel experience in this highly sought-after destination.

Tiny Tips Before You Go

1. What to Book Before You Arrive

When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, it’s essential to buy park entry and train tickets in advance because specific time slots tend to sell out. If there’s a particular destination or activity high on your list, consider building your trip around it. For instance, the Skylodge Adventure Suites has gained immense popularity and often is fully booked months ahead. We met fellow travelers who organized their entire trips around staying there, but our last-minute planning made it impossible for us to experience it.

2. Planning Your Travels

When booking with miles or points, consider exploring various route options. In our case, we discovered that the same number of points could be used to book direct flights from Denver to Lima as to fly from Denver to Cusco. However, the latter option included a short layover in Lima, which wasn’t ideal, given the limited dining options in the small domestic terminal. We chose to fly directly to Cusco and explore Lima at the end of our trip.

3. Jorge Chavez International Airport 

The Domestic terminal of the Lima airport has few dining options and limited seating for relaxation. In October 2018, there was only a Starbucks and a grab-and-go sandwich shop. Fortunately, a Priority Pass Lounge has since opened, improving the terminal’s comfort for members. It’s essential to grab a snack before going through security because you can’t exit and re-enter once you’ve left. In contrast, the International terminal is more accommodating, with multiple Priority Pass Lounges, as well as other restaurants and bars.

4. Adventuring Around

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles… literally. The easiest way to get from Lima to Cusco is by plane; the easiest way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco is by train; and the easiest way to get around Lima & Cusco is by automobile. Uber is readily available in Lima, but very limited in Cusco; therefore, we opted for taxis in Cusco. If you take taxis, be sure you negotiate a price prior to departing for your destination. Day Trips from Cusco (to Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu) and Lima (to the sand dunes and Ballestas Islands) are very popular and easy to do through a guided tour. 

5. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season from May to September, but keep in mind that it may be crowded from June to August as this is peak season. To avoid crowds, visit right after rainy season from late March to May and right before rainy season in September through mid-December. 

6. Altitude Sickness

Traveling from Colorado, the high altitude of Machu Picchu and Cusco didn’t affect me much, but it does affect many. It is suggested that you travel to the Sacred Valley after landing in Cusco to acclimate to the high elevation as the Sacred Valley is located 9,000 ft above sea level in the Andes Mountains vs. 11,000 ft. in Cusco. Luckily, Machu Picchu is at a lower elevation than both cities, so you should be fine once you acclimate to Cusco.

Tiny Tips to Beat Altitude Sickness: Drink lots of water, say no to alcohol/caffeine, bring ibuprofen to tackle headaches (most common symptom), get a good night’s sleep, and eat a lot of carbs (they help your body use oxygen more efficiently and help maintain energy levels)