Peru

Altitude is the most important practical consideration for a first trip to Peru, and taking it seriously makes the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. Cusco sits at around 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) above sea level, and Machu Picchu — despite being lower at 2,430 meters — is still high enough to affect some travelers. The standard advice is to arrive in Cusco a day or two before any strenuous activity, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first day or two, and take it easy. Coca tea, widely available throughout the region, is a traditional remedy that many travelers find helpful. Altitude sickness (soroche) symptoms — headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness — typically ease after 24–48 hours of acclimatization. If symptoms are severe or don't improve, descending to a lower altitude is the most effective treatment. Some travelers take acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive measure — consult a doctor before your trip.

The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic trekking experiences in the world, and for many travelers it's the highlight of a Peru trip — but whether it's worth it depends on what you're looking for. The four-day classic route combines extraordinary Andean scenery, well-preserved Inca ruins along the way, and the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at dawn. The downsides are real: permits are limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters) and sell out months in advance, the trail is physically demanding with significant elevation gain, and the cost is higher than alternative routes. If the classic trail is sold out or out of budget, the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek are excellent alternatives that reach Machu Picchu via different routes with fewer crowds and lower costs. Whichever route you choose, booking well in advance is essential.

Peru is a rewarding destination that gets easier with a little preparation. Book Machu Picchu tickets well in advance — entry is timed and limited, and tickets sell out, particularly during peak season from June to August. The same applies to Inca Trail permits if that's your plan. Lima is worth more time than most itineraries give it: the Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods are beautiful, the food scene is extraordinary, and the Larco Museum is one of the best pre-Columbian collections in the world. Carry cash in Peruvian soles for markets, smaller restaurants, and rural areas, as card acceptance is inconsistent outside of cities and tourist facilities. Drink only bottled or filtered water throughout the country. Finally, be aware that Peru's geography means significant temperature variation — Cusco can be cold at night even in summer, while the Amazon basin is hot and humid year-round.

Peru is a popular and well-visited destination, and the vast majority of travelers — including solo visitors — have safe and positive experiences. The main risks are petty theft and opportunistic crime in busy areas, particularly in Lima's historic center, Cusco's main square, and on public transport. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewelry, and use reputable taxi services or apps rather than unmarked cabs. The tourist areas around Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are heavily visited and generally safe. Check your government's current travel advisory before you go, as conditions can vary by region. Traveling with a reputable group tour operator significantly reduces logistical friction and gives you access to local guides who know how to navigate the country safely.

Peru's geography is so varied that the best time to visit depends on which part of the country you're focusing on. For the Andes — Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail — the dry season from May to October is the most popular and generally the best window: clear skies, lower rainfall, and good visibility for mountain views. June, July, and August are peak months and the most crowded. The shoulder months of May and September offer good conditions with slightly fewer visitors. The wet season from November to April brings daily afternoon rain to the highlands, which makes the Inca Trail muddy and occasionally closes it entirely in February for maintenance. The Amazon basin is best visited during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources. Lima's coast has its own microclimate — grey and overcast from June to November, sunny and warm from December to May.