In your wildest, most far-flung travel fantasies, you might imagine that you’re standing atop an ancient Incan fortress, watching the sunrise tinge the Andes mountains in shades of gold and crimson while llamas graze peacefully in terraced fields below. The air is crisp, your heart is racing (partly from the altitude, partly from pure wonder), and you’re thinking, “How did I get to this magical place?”

See Peru the NextTribe way: We’re taking a small group of women ages 45+ on a fun, immersive tour of this magical country in October 2025. Learn more here.

If you’re willing to hop on a plane to Peru, this dream can be real, and you can have the adventure of a lifetime; the kind of trip that transforms you—and that you can’t stop talking about. “Peru is pure magic, plain and simple,” says NextTribe founder Jeannie Ralston, who’s been there multiple times. Its pull is strong, blending breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history, incredible cuisine, and opportunity to step way out of your everyday comfort zone.

From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant streets of Lima, from the floating islands of Lake Titicaca to the otherworldly landscapes of the Amazon rainforest, Peru offers experiences that can change how you think about travel and life in general; a seismic shift in how visitors view the world. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Peru, the best way to plan your journey, the best time to visit, and more.

A Brief Journey Through Peru’s History

To truly appreciate what you’re seeing in Peru, it helps to understand the incredible layers of history beneath your feet. This land has been home to some of the world’s most sophisticated civilizations for over 3,000 years, long before Europeans ever dreamed of crossing the Atlantic.

The story begins with the Chavín culture around 900 BCE, followed by the mysterious Nazca people who created those famous lines in the desert that are still puzzling archaeologists today. But it was the Incas who truly captured the world’s imagination. Rising to power in the 13th century, they built an empire that stretched from Colombia to Chile, connected by an intricate network of roads and characterized by architectural marvels that modern engineers still can’t fully explain.

What makes Peru so fascinating is how all the layers of history remain visible and vibrant.

The Spanish conquest in 1532 brought dramatic change, blending European and indigenous cultures in ways that created the Peru we see today. Colonial churches were built on Incan foundations, Spanish was blended with Quechua and other native languages, and a delicious fusion cuisine began developing that would eventually make Peru a global culinary destination.

What makes Peru so fascinating for modern travelers is how all these layers remain visible and vibrant. You’ll see Quechua-speaking women in traditional dress selling vegetables in markets next to colonial cathedrals, all within sight of Incan stone walls that have survived earthquakes that toppled modern buildings. It’s living history in the most tangible way possible.

The country gained independence in 1821, but its modern identity has been shaped by waves of immigration from China, Japan, and other parts of the world, creating the wonderfully complex cultural tapestry you’ll experience today. Understanding this background makes every temple, every market, every conversation with locals that much more meaningful.

Weather and When to Go: Timing Your Perfect Adventure

Peru’s weather is as diverse as its landscapes, which means there’s never really a “bad” time to visit—just different experiences depending on what you want to see and do. The country essentially has three main climate zones: the coast, the mountains, and the jungle, each with its own personality.

The coastal region, including Lima, enjoys what locals call “eternal spring,” or mild temperatures year-round with very little rainfall. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s always sunny; Lima is famous for its garúa, a persistent mist that can make the city feel quite gray, especially from May to September. But this is also when the temperatures are most comfortable for walking around, hovering between 60-70°F.

The Andes mountains, where you’ll find Cusco and Machu Picchu, have distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season (May through September) offers clear skies perfect for photography, but also chilly nights that can dip below freezing. The wet season (October through April) brings afternoon showers but also warmer temperatures and fewer crowds, plus the landscapes are incredibly lush and green.

For most first-time visitors, the sweet spot is May through September, give or take. The weather is predictable, you’ll have clear views for those Instagram-worthy shots, and you won’t need to pack (much) rain gear. However, this is also peak season, meaning higher prices and more crowds, especially at Machu Picchu.

If you don’t mind occasional afternoon showers, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May or late fall). You’ll find better deals, fewer crowds, and the landscapes are often more dramatic with moody clouds swirling around mountain peaks. NextTribe takes its groups to Peru in October, and it’s fantastic!

The Amazon region is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s°F. It’s of course your call if that’s when you want to travel. The “dry season” (May-October) has less rainfall but is actually more humid, while the “wet season” (November-April) has more dramatic rain but often feels more comfortable. Wildlife viewing can be excellent during both seasons, just different.

Getting There: Your Journey to Adventure Begins

The good news for North American travelers is that getting to Peru has never been easier. Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport serves as the main gateway, and you have several direct flight options from major US cities that will have you sipping pisco sours before you know it.

From Miami, LATAM Airlines offers direct flights to Lima in about 8 hours. From Los Angeles, you can catch direct flights with LATAM or Avianca that take about 8.5 hours, making it incredibly convenient for West Coast adventurers, too. New York also has direct service via LATAM, clocking in at about 8 hours.

If you’re not near these gateway cities, don’t worry: Connections through Panama City (Copa Airlines), Houston (United), or Miami open up options from virtually anywhere in the US. The total travel time rarely exceeds 12 hours, even with connections. Not a short hop, but for a country with magnificent scenery, Unesco world heritage sites that are truly mind-blowing, and warm hospitality, it’s well worth it.

Here’s a tip that seasoned Peru travelers swear by: try to arrive in Lima, the largest city, a day or two before heading to Cusco. This gives you time to adjust to the time zone if it’s different from yours (Peru is Eastern Standard Time year-round), recover from your flight, and ease into the altitude gradually (Lima is about 530 feet above sea level). Plus, Lima has transformed into an incredible culinary destination that deserves exploration in its own right.

Conquering the Altitude: Your Guide to Feeling Great

Let’s address the elephant in the room or should we say, the mountain in the room. Peru’s highlights sit at serious altitude: Cusco is at 11,150 feet, and Machu Picchu is at 7,970 feet. For comparison, Denver sits at 5,280 feet, so this is significantly higher than most North Americans are accustomed to.

But before you let altitude anxiety derail your Peru dreams, know that millions of travelers handle it just fine with proper preparation and smart choices. The key is understanding what’s happening to your body and giving it what it needs to adjust.

Coca tea is remarkably effective at reducing altitude symptoms.

Altitude sickness (called soroche locally) can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. Symptoms range from mild headaches and fatigue to nausea and difficulty sleeping. The good news is that most people experience only mild symptoms that resolve within 24-48 hours as your body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen more efficiently.

Your game plan should start before you even leave home. Begin drinking extra water 2-3 days before departure; dehydration makes altitude sickness worse. Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills on your flight and for the first day or two in Peru. When you arrive in Cusco, take it easy the first day. This isn’t the time for that ambitious walking tour. Instead, stroll gently around the main plaza, sip coca tea (a local remedy that actually works), and listen to your body.

Coca tea (yes, it’s made from the same plant that produces cocaine but is completely legal and safe) is available everywhere in Cusco and is remarkably effective at reducing altitude symptoms. The taste is mild and slightly bitter; think green tea with an herbal twist. Many hotels offer it complimentary in their lobbies.

If you’re particularly concerned about altitude, consider spending your first night in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Pisac) at around 9,000 feet before ascending to Cusco. This gradual acclimatization works wonders. Some travelers also consult their doctors about altitude sickness medication like Diamox, which can be helpful to have with you. Severe symptoms are rare, and most travelers adjust beautifully within a day or two.

Cusco: Where Ancient Meets Extraordinary

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco (also spelled Cuzco) isn’t just a starting point for Machu Picchu: It’s a destination that deserves several days of exploration in its own right. Walking through this city feels like traveling through time. 

Start in the Plaza de Armas, the heart of both ancient and modern Cusco. This is the historic center of the Incan empire, and you can still see original Incan stonework at the base of colonial buildings surrounding the square. The precision of these stones, cut and fitted so perfectly that you can’t slip a knife blade between them, will leave you marveling at the engineering skills of people working 500 years ago without modern tools.

The Cathedral dominates one side of the plaza (or main square) and houses an incredible collection of colonial art, including paintings of the Last Supper featuring guinea pig (a local delicacy; sorry, pet lovers) as the main course. Nearby, another of the city’s historical sites: the Church of La Compañía showcases some of the finest baroque architecture in South America, with gold leaf work that seems to glow in the candlelight.

Walking around Cusco, you’ll time-travel back to the very center of the Incan Empire, with amazing stonework at every turn.

But Cusco’s magic really reveals itself in the narrow cobblestone streets surrounding the plaza. Wander up to the San Blas neighborhood, known as the artists’ quarter, where you’ll find galleries, workshops, and some of the city’s best restaurants tucked into buildings that have been continuously inhabited for centuries. The climb is steep (remember that altitude!), but it’s worth it to get to this best place to take in views over the red-tiled roofs of the city.

Don’t miss Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun that was once the most important temple in the Incan empire. The Spanish built the Santo Domingo church on top of it, but you can still see the original curved Incan wall and imagine what this sacred space must have been like when it was covered in sheets of gold.

For a perspective on modern Cusco life, visit the San Pedro Market, where vendors sell everything from exotic fruits you’ve never seen before to textiles woven using techniques passed down through generations. This is where residents shop so you’ll get a great peek into local culture, and the energy is incredible – just watch your belongings and don’t be afraid to practice your Spanish.

The neighborhoods above the city center offer some of Peru’s most photogenic views. Take a taxi or brave the steep walk up to Sacsayhuamán, a massive Incan fortress with stones so large that Spanish chroniclers thought they must have been placed by giants. The views over Cusco from here are spectacular, especially at sunset when the city’s lights begin to twinkle.

Visit Machu Picchu: The Experience of a Lifetime

No words, no photos, no travel documentaries can quite prepare you for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. It’s one of the unique things on the planet that doesn’t disappoint when you are actually standing there. Whether you arrive by train through the Sacred Valley or complete the challenging multi-day Inca Trail trek, that moment when the ancient citadel comes into view is genuinely life-changing.

Perched on a mountain ridge 7,970 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu was built around 1450 CE and mysteriously abandoned about 100 years later when the Spanish conquered the Incan empire. The Spanish never found it, leaving this “Lost City of the Incas” hidden in the cloud forest until American explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.

The statistics are impressive (200 structures spread across 80,000 acres), but what makes Machu Picchu truly magical is how perfectly it harmonizes with its natural setting. The Incas were master architects who designed buildings to complement the landscape rather than dominate it. Windows frame mountain peaks, water features follow natural contours, and the famous Huayna Picchu mountain seems to rise directly from the citadel itself.

No words, photos, or travel documentaries can quite prepare you for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

Plan to spend at least half a day here, though a full day allows you to really absorb the experience without feeling rushed. The classic postcard view comes from the Guardian’s Hut, a small stone structure that provides the elevated perspective you’ve seen in countless photos. Arrive early (the first buses from Aguas Calientes leave at 5:30 AM) to have this spot relatively to yourself and watch the sunrise illuminate the ancient stones.

The main areas to explore include the agricultural terraces that demonstrate Incan farming ingenuity, the urban sector with its precisely constructed temples and residential areas, and the Intihuatana stone, a carved rock that served as an astronomical clock. Each area tells part of the story of how this mountain-top community functioned.

On NextTribe trips, we get to Machu Picchu by taking part of the Inca Trail, a 6.8 mile hike takes us by the fabulous Winay Wayna, then on to the Sun Gate, where we’ll see Machu PIcchu from above, the way Incan travelers used to arrive at this sacred site. (On two different trips we took the classic Inca Trail–4 days, 3 nights camping–but have opted for the more relaxed route starting this fall.)

Climbing Huayna Picchu (the tall mountain peak in the background of classic Machu Picchu photos) offers incredible views back down on the ruins. The hike takes about 90 minutes each way and requires advance reservations, but the perspective from the top transforms your understanding of the site’s scale and setting.

Remember that Machu Picchu requires advance reservations, especially during peak season. Book your entry tickets and train reservations at least 2-3 months ahead to avoid disappointment.

Peru’s Natural Wonders: Beyond the Famous Ruins

While Machu Picchu might be Peru’s most famous natural wonder, the country is absolutely packed with landscapes that will leave nature lovers speechless. Each region offers something completely different, making Peru feel like several countries rolled into one incredible package, with a great time to be had at every stop.

Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia at 12,507 feet above sea level, is the world’s highest navigable lake and a place where ancient traditions remain vibrantly alive. The floating islands of the Uros people are perhaps the most famous attraction – entire communities living on islands made from totora reeds that grow in the lake. But don’t miss Taquile Island, where the men do the knitting (yes, really!) and traditional life continues much as it has for centuries.

The Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Peru along with the chance to see Andean condors soaring on morning thermals. The town of Chivay makes a perfect base for exploring the canyon, with natural hot springs providing the perfect way to relax after a day of hiking and sightseeing.

For something completely different, head to the Huacachina Oasis near Ica, where palm trees and a green lagoon sit impossibly in the middle of towering sand dunes. This isn’t just a pretty picture, however. You can sandboard down the dunes or take heart-pounding dune buggy rides that will have you screaming with laughter.

Machu PIcchu isn’t the only wonder that awaits you in Peru: Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca are also breath-taking.

The Amazon rainforest covers 60 percent of Peru, offering world-class wildlife viewing and the chance to disconnect completely from the modern world. Iquitos serves as the gateway to the northern Amazon, while Puerto Maldonado provides access to Tambopata National Reserve in the south. Both offer lodge experiences where you can spot pink dolphins, colorful macaws, and maybe even jaguars while learning about indigenous cultures that still call the rainforest home.

The Nazca Lines remain one of Peru’s greatest mysteries – enormous drawings etched into the desert floor that are only visible from the air. These geoglyphs, created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, include images of animals, plants, and geometric shapes that stretch for miles. Taking a small plane flight over the lines is an unforgettable experience, though not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) has become Instagram famous in recent years, and for good reason. This naturally striped mountain, colored by mineral deposits, creates a landscape so surreal it barely looks real. The hike to reach it is challenging due to the 16,400-foot altitude, but the photos you’ll take will make your friends question whether you’ve discovered a new planet.

Culinary Adventures: A Feast for All Your Senses

Peruvian cuisine has exploded onto the global culinary scene in recent years, with Lima now considered one of the world’s great food cities. But the real joy comes from discovering how diverse and delicious Peruvian food is throughout the country, from street vendors to world-renowned restaurants.

When NextTribe goes to Peru, we always take a cooking class in Cusco, that introduces us not just to recipes, but also to the diverse food types that grow particularly well here. For instance, did you know that potatoes originated in Peru?

Start with the basics that appear on nearly every menu.

• Ceviche, Peru’s national dish, features fresh fish “cooked” in citrus juice and mixed with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. In Lima, you’ll find sophisticated versions with exotic fish and creative presentations, while coastal towns serve it simply and perfectly with sweet potatoes and corn.
• Lomo saltado represents Peru’s Chinese influence (brought by 19th-century immigrants), stir-frying beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. It’s comfort food at its finest and available everywhere from high-end restaurants to neighborhood joints.
• Ají de gallina, a creamy chicken dish with a spicy yellow pepper sauce, showcases Peru’s love affair with potatoes (the country is said to have over 4,000 varieties) and demonstrates how indigenous ingredients blend with Spanish cooking techniques. The result is rich, complex, and utterly satisfying.
• Speaking of potatoes, definitely try papas rellenas, mashed potatoes stuffed with seasoned meat, then breaded and fried until golden. They’re the perfect street food for exploring cities, warm and filling with incredible flavor.

Peru’s beverage scene is equally exciting. Pisco, a grape brandy, forms the base for the famous pisco sour: tangy, frothy, and dangerously drinkable. Each region claims to make the best version, so you’ll have plenty of research to do. Chicha morada, made from purple corn, offers a non-alcoholic option that’s refreshing and packed with antioxidants.

Lima’s restaurants deserve special mention. Central, run by Virgilio Martínez, takes you on a journey through Peru’s ecosystems with ingredients sourced from different altitudes and regions (and lands on the list of world’s best restaurants). Maido showcases Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion), while Astrid y Gastón offers refined takes on traditional Peruvian dishes in an elegant setting.

But don’t overlook street food and local markets. Some of the best meals come from vendors who’ve been perfecting their recipes for decades. Anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) might sound intimidating but taste incredible, prepared just as they have been for generations.

Best Things to Do in Peru: Essential Experiences and Hidden Gems

Beyond the must-see attractions, Peru offers countless experiences that will enrich your journey and create memories that last long after you return home.

• The Sacred Valley, where Machu Picchu is located, actually stretches for 60 miles and deserves at least two full days of exploration. Pisac’s Sunday market combines a traditional indigenous market with tourist-oriented stalls, creating a fascinating cultural blend. The ruins above the town offer spectacular views and are much less crowded than Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo, still a living Incan town, lets you walk streets that have been continuously inhabited for over 600 years.
• Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” built from volcanic sillar stone, offers colonial architecture rivaling any European city plus views of three massive volcanoes. The Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city, provides a glimpse into colonial religious life with its colorful courtyards and peaceful atmosphere.
• For textile enthusiasts, the village of Chinchero offers weaving demonstrations using techniques unchanged for centuries. Watching local women create intricate patterns using natural dyes made from plants and insects is mesmerizing, and you can purchase textiles directly from the artisans who made them.
• Paracas National Reserve protects a stretch of Pacific coastline where desert meets ocean in spectacular fashion. Boat trips from Paracas town visit the Ballestas Islands, often called Peru’s Galápagos, where sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds create a wildlife spectacle just hours from Lima.
• For a completely different perspective on Peru, consider a multi-day river cruise on the Amazon. These floating lodges take you deep into the rainforest while providing comfortable accommodations and expert guides who help you spot wildlife and learn about indigenous cultures.

But the fact is, wherever you go in Peru, whether you’re on a boat, in a car, or on foot, you’ll find incredible, dream-like adventures that will stoke your passion for stretching your travel boundaries and the way you see the world.