Peru

The heart of the Inca empire

Peru's highlands were once the centre of the Inca empire, and its legacy is visible across the region: in Cusco's colonial streets built over Inca foundations, in the terraced fields of the Sacred Valley, and above all at Machu Picchu, the citadel set on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River.

Planning around altitude

Cusco sits at considerable altitude, and most itineraries build in a day or two to acclimatise before continuing to Machu Picchu, either by train or on foot via the Inca Trail or an alternative multi-day trekking route through the Sacred Valley's villages and mountain passes. Travellers with more time often add the Sacred Valley's markets and ruins, or continue to Lake Titicaca further south. Cusco's food scene has grown considerably in recent years, drawing on Peru's status as one of South America's culinary capitals, and is worth building time around beyond the archaeological sites.

Weather and trekking conditions

Peru's dry season, roughly May to September, brings clear skies and firm trails, making it the most popular and reliable window for both sightseeing and trekking. The wet season, from November to March, brings afternoon rain and cloud that can obscure mountain views, and the classic Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance, so alternative routes are worth considering for a February visit. Our style guide to adventure travel is a useful starting point for comparing trekking options before booking. Because train and trek permits to Machu Picchu are limited and often booked well ahead, especially for the Inca Trail, planning several months in advance is worth considering for peak season travel.