Custom travel planning to Peru

History seekers, adventure travelers, foodies, and families who want a trip that delivers on every level. Peru has Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Lima's extraordinary food scene, the Amazon, and a depth of living culture that makes every day feel like a discovery. It is also one of the most rewarding destinations we offer for families: ancient ruins, llamas, local markets, and a country that exposes kids to history and ways of life they will not find anywhere else.

For most travelers, the best time to visit Peru is between April and October, when the Andes are generally dry and conditions are ideal for exploring Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. We especially love April, May, and October, when you'll find green landscapes, good weather, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. November through March brings more rain to the highlands, and the Inca Trail closes every February for annual maintenance.

Earlier than most people expect. Machu Picchu operates with daily visitor limits, and the most popular circuits, train schedules, and nearby hotels can sell out months in advance, especially during the peak season from May through September. We generally recommend planning at least 6 months ahead, and even earlier for holiday travel or bucket-list trips.

What many travelers don't realize is that not all Machu Picchu tickets provide the same experience. Some circuits focus on the classic postcard views, others spend more time exploring the ruins themselves, and some include additional hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Understanding those differences, and choosing the right circuit for your interests, is where we help. The sooner you lock in your dates, the more options you'll have.

We also recommend staying hydrated, taking it easy on your first day (or two!), and avoiding too much alcohol. Most travelers adjust within a day or two and have no issues enjoying the rest of their trip.

Yes, the Peruvian Amazon is a great addition. After Cusco and Machu Picchu, you fly to Puerto Maldonado for a Tambopata jungle lodge or to Iquitos for an Amazon River riverboat. Days mean skiff rides through flooded forest, dawn birding among macaws, and spotting monkeys and caimans with a resident naturalist. The river runs lowest and most navigable May through October, the same dry window as the highlands.

Lima is home to several of the world's most celebrated restaurants, but what makes Peru special is much more than the fancy restaurants (which we love!). The country's cuisine is shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and African influences, creating flavors and techniques you won't find anywhere else. You'll find world-class ceviche on the coast, traditional Andean dishes in the Sacred Valley, and ingredients from the Amazon that exist nowhere else on Earth. Even travelers who don't consider themselves "foodies" often leave Peru talking about the meals as much as Machu Picchu.

Waiting too long to lock in Machu Picchu. Many travelers assume they can book trains, entry tickets, and hotels a few weeks before departure, only to discover that the most desirable circuits, train times, and accommodations are already sold out. Because access to Machu Picchu is carefully managed, availability can become surprisingly limited, especially during the May–September peak season. We recommend planning early so you have the best selection of circuits, hotels, and train schedules rather than building your trip around what's left.

A lot! While Machu Picchu is Peru's most famous attraction, it's often not travelers' favorite part of the trip. The Sacred Valley is filled with traditional villages, colorful markets, ancient Inca sites, and beautiful mountain scenery. Lima has become one of the top food destinations in the world, while the Amazon offers incredible wildlife and rainforest experiences. You can also explore colonial cities like Arequipa, spot condors in Colca Canyon, or visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Most travelers come to Peru for Machu Picchu and leave talking about everything else they discovered along the way.