Before You Go to Machu Picchu in Peru, Read This
Faith-Ashley Travel Blog
Machu Picchu, Peru
Insider’s Guide to Peru
Peru is not a “cute little trip.” It’s a full-on adventure — big views, big hikes, big altitude, big flavor. Lima kicks things off with coastal energy and legitimately some of the best food in the world. No exaggeration. The city is filled with top-ranked restaurants, award-winning chefs, and seafood so fresh it might change your perspective.
From there, the Sacred Valley slows everything down with terraced hills, small villages, and that deep Andean calm you can’t fake. Cusco’s unique history and culture is the best place to call home base for the grand finale: Machu Picchu.
I spent 10 days in Peru in February and almost fainted hiking Laguna Humantay. The altitude and the hikes are no joke — this trip is for people who are genuinely outdoorsy or at least willing to train and listen to their bodies. I pushed too hard and had to skip Rainbow Mountain, and I still hate that I didn’t give myself time to recover. Please learn from my mistakes: give yourself rest days and hydrate like it’s your job. The spas in Cusco even help with oxygen and pressure treatments if you need a reset.
Peru is breathtaking, humbling, and completely unforgettable. If you want a trip that mixes culture, nature, adventure and incredible food, this guide will help you plan it without burning yourself out.
And if Peru sparks something in you, I’ve also done Morocco and have a full guide coming soon.
Need to know
Locals in Peru are warm, soft-spoken and deeply proud of their culture. Modest dress is appreciated at churches and sacred sites, and always ask before taking photos of people, especially in markets or rural communities. A little Spanish and a lot of respect go a long way.
Now, altitude. Take it seriously. Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and most of the big-name hikes sit high enough that you will feel it, even if you “never get winded.” I tried to do too much back-to-back and paid for it. I was so wiped from Humantay that I had to skip Rainbow Mountain, and I still think about it.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
Fly into Cusco, then go straight to the Sacred Valley for a gentler adjustment.
Build in true rest days between major hikes. SERIOUSLY!
Hydrate constantly, drink the coca tea, and do not be shy about asking your hotel for oxygen if you feel lightheaded.
Some Cusco spas and wellness centers also offer oxygen treatments and pressure-focused services to help your body reset.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially if you are planning treks or remote stays.
Money and logistics
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for markets, tips and small towns.
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is standard.
Language: Spanish is widely spoken, along with Quechua in many Andean communities.
Key phrases:
hello / goodbye: hola / chao
good morning: buenos días
please / thank you: por favor / gracias
yes / no: sí / no
excuse me / sorry: disculpe / lo siento
how are you?: ¿cómo estás?
I don’t speak Spanish: no hablo español
Airpot Logistics:
Lima’s main airport (LIM) is the main international hub. From there, most people connect to Cusco’s airport (CUZ) to reach the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu region. Within Peru, I recommend private drivers, hotel transfers and trusted train companies over trying to “wing it” on your own with limited time. It is worth the extra structure.
Transportation:
Lima: Private transfers are best for airport pickups and traveling between neighborhoods. Many hotels also offer reliable shuttle services. Uber Black is recommended for comfort and safety as you explore the city. Stick to walkable neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco during daylight hours.
Sacred Valley: Many hotels and lodges offer shuttle or private transfer services to key sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Urubamba. Hiring a private driver is common and recommended for flexibility to explore the valley. Shared vans and colectivos do operate between towns, but can be crowded and less predictable.
Cusco: Most travelers prefer private drivers or hotel shuttle services for ease and safety, especially on winding mountain roads. Guided tours often include private transfers, especially for visits to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Walking is popular within Cusco’s historic center, but transportation is needed for excursions outside the city.
Machu Picchu: Most travelers reach Machu Picchu by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Luxury options like the Belmond Hiram Bingham or panoramic Vistadome trains offer a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the site. Hotels often arrange private transfers to the train stations. From Aguas Calientes, a short shuttle takes you up the mountain to Machu Picchu’s entrance. Guided tours are highly recommended.
When to go
Peru is technically year-round, but May to October is the sweet spot for clear skies and hiking. Just remember: peak “good weather” also means peak crowds. If you can, aim for shoulder months like May, June, September, or October.
Ideal length of stay:
7 to 10 days allows plenty of time to cover Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace. Add a few extra days for Lake Titicaca or the Amazon.
Signature dishes:
Lima and the coast: ceviche (Peru’s national dish; fresh white fish cured in lime juice with red onion, chili, and sweet potato), anticuchos (grilled skewers, often beef heart, marinated in ají panca and served with potatoes or corn), tacu tacu (a crispy rice-and-bean pancake topped with steak, seafood, or fried egg), suspiro limeño (a creamy caramel dessert topped with meringue, born in Lima’s historic taverns), and pisco (Peru’s signature spirit; try it in a classic Pisco Sour).
Cusco and the Andes: rocoto relleno (spicy Andean peppers stuffed with meat, cheese, and egg, often baked in a clay oven), quinotto (a high-altitude take on risotto, made with local quinoa and Andean herbs), alpaca steak (lean, tender, and often served grilled with native potatoes or uchucuta sauce), and choclo con queso (oversized Andean corn with slices of salty fresh cheese).
What to wear:
Layers are key. In Lima, light cottons and linens work well, with smart-casual dresses or button-downs for evenings. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, pack for cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Sweaters, jackets, and sturdy shoes are a must. If you venture to the Amazon, opt for breathable long sleeves, quick-dry fabrics, and mosquito protection.
Who this trip is really for
Active travelers who are excited about real hikes, not just “a little stroll.”
Couples and friends who want a mix of culture, food and adventure.
If you love the idea of ancient sites, dramatic landscapes and big days outdoors, but want something slightly different next time, I’ve also traveled through Morocco and can vouch that it scratches a similar itch in a completely different way. A full Morocco guide and blog are coming soon.
Lima
Lima, Peru
Peru’s coastal capital mixes edginess and elegance. Enjoy a strong coffee in artsy Barranco, followed by gallery hopping and world-class dining in Miraflores. It’s creative, complex, and quietly confident, with some of the freshest ceviche on the planet.
Where to stay
Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel: Set along the cliffs of upscale Miraflores, rooms are spacious and elegant but relaxed. Days start with a swim in the rooftop pool overlooking the ocean, followed by fresh ceviche or a walk through nearby Parque del Amor.
Fora’s Belmond Bellini Club partner perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Country Club Lima Hotel: Classic elegance and history in upscale San Isidro. It embodies a grand estate with marble floors, antique furnishings, and original Peruvian artwork throughout. The outdoor terrace and golf club next door add to the tucked-away, residential feel.
Fora Perks include a $100 food& beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel B Lima: In Barranco, Lima’s bohemian, coastal neighborhood, this boutique stay feels both historic and effortlessly cool. Housed in a beautifully restored mansion, rooms are thoughtfully styled, with high ceilings, curated artwork, and old-world charm.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Atemporal: Tucked away on a quiet street in Miraflores, this 1940s house-turned-hideaway feels like staying in a friend’s unfussy home. There’s no big lobby or restaurant, instead there’s garden breakfasts, an honesty bar, and a house car for exploring the city.
Fora Perks include a $25 hotel credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cusco
Cusco, Peru
A city where altitude meets attitude, Cusco is steeped in Incan heritage. It’s the kind of place that invites slow wandering from handwoven markets to sun-warmed plazas, coca tea in hand, and Andean culture all around you.
Where to stay
Palacio Del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel: A gem in the heart of Cusco with Incan ruins beneath your feet. The rooms are cozy yet sophisticated, and the spa treatments use local ingredients. It’s full of character, and an easy base to explore from.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco: Set in a restored monastery in the historic center, it’s perfect to soak up Cusco’s rich culture without splurging much. Cloistered courtyards and stone arches create peaceful vibes, and the rooms blend traditional décor with modern comforts.
Fora’s Belmond Bellini Club partner perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel: Once a former convent and palace, it mixes historic charm with modern touches. More boutique and intimate, rooms are still spacious, some with private terraces or plunge pools. It’s refined comfort wrapped in history.
Fora’s Belmond Bellini Club partner perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
History & Culture
Peru’s history is rich and layered, stretching back thousands of years. Anchored by the mighty Inca Empire, their engineering genius still stuns visitors at sites like Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Sacsayhuamán. Long before the Spanish arrived, the Sacred Valley served as the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Inca civilization. Cusco was its imperial capital, today still revered by locals as the “navel of the world.” In Lima, Spanish colonial influence blends with Indigenous traditions and pre-Columbian ruins like Huaca Pucllana.
Across the country, Andean rituals continue to thrive, from the annual Inti Raymi sun festival in Cusco to sacred coca leaf ceremonies and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Even today, Quechua and Aymara communities carry forward ancestral knowledge in everything from weaving techniques to agricultural cycles. Whether witnessing the colorful traditions of Puno’s Virgin of Candelaria festival or walking among the Nazca Lines, Peru offers not just a journey through space but through centuries of resilience, reverence, and cultural continuity.
Cultural celebrations & events
Carnaval (February): Dance and music break out across Peru, especially in Cajamarca and Puno. Be prepared for lively water fights—great fun, but messy.
Fiesta de la Candelaria (Puno, early February): One of the largest folk festivals in South America with dance competitions, Andean-Catholic rituals, and non-stop music.
Semana Santa / Holy Week (March/April): Deeply spiritual with striking processions, especially in Ayacucho. A reflective and photogenic time to visit, but cities can get full.
Inti Raymi / Incan Festival of the Sun (Cusco, June 24): This grand festival is a full-day reenactment with colorful parades, ancestral ceremonies, and packed plazas.
Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo, July 15–18): A masked, multi-day Andean festival just outside Cusco that’s a wild and reverent mix of Catholicism and Indigeneity.
Fiestas Patrias / Peruvian Independence Day (July 28–29): Patriotic energy takes over Peru with parades, concerts, fireworks, and packed public spaces.
What to do in Peru
From high-altitude hikes to coastal food, Peru delivers a mix of standout experiences that capture the country’s culture, landscapes, and personality.
Lima
Miraflores and Barranco: Land in Lima and ease in with two nights in Miraflores or Barranco, the perfect neighborhoods for coastal air, sea-level comfort, and time to adjust before the Andes.
Art: Stroll the Malecón at golden hour for ocean views, then head into Barranco or Miraflores to explore street art, local galleries, or contemporary works at MAC Lima.
Museo Oro del Perú (Gold Museum): Visit this museum for over 20,000 artifacts of gold, textiles, and weapons; a lot date back to Pre-Columbian cultures.
Historic center: In the historic center, visit the grand Plaza de Armas, Lima Cathedral, and the hauntingly beautiful San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs of Lima.
Huaca Pucllana: For a pre-Inca contrast, take a guided walk through the ancient adobe pyramid of Huaca Pucllana in the middle of Miraflores.
Food markets: Wander Mercado de Surquillo or the Saturday bioferia in Miraflores, both bursting with local produce, native potatoes, and colorful spices.
Cooking class: A cooking class is a flavorful deep dive into Peruvian staples like ají amarillo and choclo, usually capped with a pisco sour.
Shopping: Save time for Barranco’s shopping boutiques, where handwoven alpaca pieces and up-and-coming Peruvian designers keep things stylish and soulful.
Sacred Valley
Historical sites: Explore the Sacred Valley’s ancient past at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where terraced hills and stone fortresses tell stories of Incan ingenuity.
Villages: Visit nearby villages to see traditional weaving in action, with brightly dyed wool spun on handmade looms, often passed down through generations.
Farms: Stop for a hearty Andean lunch or visit a community farm, where alpaca herders share stories, smiles, and beautifully woven goods.
Hiking: Walk quiet trails along the Urubamba River or head deeper into the hills to find waterfalls and picnic-perfect lookouts.
Landscapes: Don’t skip Moray’s circular terraces and the salt pans of Maras, two of the valley’s most striking and storied scenery.
Recharging: Slow down with an herbal massage, mountaintop yoga, or a soak in the valley’s stillness.
Cusco
Cusco walking tour
City center: Wander Cusco’s cobblestone streets where colonial façades meet colorful markets, textile shops, and handmade treasures.
Culture: Explore ancient sites like Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha, or dive into the buzz of San Pedro Market for street snacks and local flavors.
Active excursions: Short hikes around Cusco offer sweeping views, or hop on a bike through the Sacred Valley and stop wherever the mood (or the scenery) strikes.
Relaxation: When it’s time to recharge, try a local spa that uses native herbs and traditions. Sip coca tea in a sun-drenched plaza and soak up the Andean rhythm.
Hiking around Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu Summit
Classic Inca Trail: The most iconic route to Machu Picchu, this four-day trek weaves past hidden ruins and misty mountain passes. It’s popular, so expect company and be sure to book permits months ahead. For many, however, it’s a bucket-list experience.
Train and one-day hike: Ride the train to Aguas Calientes, then opt for a shorter hike to the site. It’s a flexible way to get a taste of the trail without the full commitment.
Drive + Train + Bus (What I Did): If you want the Machu Picchu experience without days of hiking, this is the move. You’ll drive to Ollantaytambo, take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), and then hop on the shuttle bus straight up to the entrance of the archaeological site. It’s the least-impactful route and perfect for anyone who wants to see Machu Picchu, but not climb an entire mountain to get there.
Once inside, you still have options. I did Huayna Picchu, and let me tell you that trail is no joke. It’s a steep, straight-up climb that rewards you with the iconic bird’s-eye view overlooking the full site. Just book your permit early, as spots are limited.
Sample itinerary
Days 1–2 (Sacred Valley): Fly into Cusco and head straight to the Sacred Valley to ease into the altitude. Stay at a boutique lodge surrounded by terraced hillsides and take your time visiting local villages, markets, and Incan sites like Ollantaytambo or Pisac.
Days 3–4 (Machu Picchu): Catch the train to Aguas Calientes and spend two nights here to make the most of your time at Machu Picchu. Hike up for sunrise, visit with a guide, and tackle Huayna Picchu for panoramic views.
Days 5–6 (Cusco): Take the train back to Cusco and soak up the high-altitude charm. Wander cobblestone streets, visit Sacsayhuamán, sip coca tea in quiet courtyards, and browse artisan shops for handwoven alpaca pieces.
Day 7 (Lima): Fly to Lima for one last night. Stay in Barranco or Miraflores, stroll along the Malecón, and toast your trip with a final pisco sour and seafood dinner by the ocean.
Where to eat in Peru
Peru’s food scene is as layered as its landscapes, blending Indigenous roots with global flavors. These spots are worth planning your day around.
Lima
Central: Ranked among the world’s top restaurants, the tasting menu journeys through Peru’s ecosystems; each course tells a regional story.
Kjolle: Bright, elegant, and ingredient-first, Kjolle offers a softer, more intuitive version of fine dining with lesser-known native ingredients, served in an airy space.
Mérito: A narrow, warmly lit spot with exposed brick, just a handful of tables, and an open kitchen that plays with Venezuelan and Peruvian flavors.
Siete: A Miraflores hidden gem with clean, contemporary interiors and a focus on seasonality and a menu that reads global-Peruvian.
La Mar: A Miraflores lunch institution where locals and insiders flock for ceviche, the catch-of-the-day, and everything else seafood.
Cosme: Fresh and laid-back with a bold, graphic interior, Cosme serves up modern comfort food with a Peruvian soul.
Panchita: A celebration of hearty Criollo flavors, centered on wood-fired meats, smoky anticuchos, and comforting classics.
Astrid y Gastón: An icon of modern Peruvian cuisine, this San Isidro institution delivers inventive dishes in a restored hacienda.
Sacred Valley
El Huerto: This riverside indoor/outdoor gem is a must-visit for farm-to-table fare.
El Albergue Restaurant: Located at the historic train station in Ollantaytambo, it offers a cozy setting with traditional Andean dishes made from local ingredients.
Wayra Restaurant: Set in a garden in Urubamba, it focuses on organic, sustainable cuisine with inventive twists on Peruvian classics.
Chaqchao Organic Chocolate: More than just a chocolate shop, Chaqchao serves artisanal organic chocolate paired with gourmet coffee and small plates.
Cusco
MAP Café: Inside the Museum of pre-Columbian Art, this chic spot serves a refined tasting menu that celebrates indigenous ingredients with modern flair.
Cicciolina: This lively bistro in the historic center is a local favorite for its unfussy menu and cozy, bohemian atmosphere.
Chicha: Elevated Peruvian classics with a focus on regional, seasonal produce.
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse: For meat lovers, premium cuts are grilled to perfection alongside Andean-inspired sauces in a sleek, contemporary setting.
Pachapapa: A rustic gem tucked in the San Blas neighborhood, Pachapapa specializes in hearty Andean fare like roasted guinea pig and alpaca steak cooked over an open flame, served in a charming courtyard with warm candlelight.
Peru is one of those places that stays with you. The culture is rich and proud, the food is unreal, and every city feels like its own little universe — from Lima’s coastal calm to the Sacred Valley’s quiet spirituality to the awe of standing in front of Machu Picchu. I loved this trip because it pushed me, humbled me, and reminded me how powerful it is to step into a place with deep history and let it change you.
And if you’re reading all this thinking, “This sounds amazing but… I cannot be the person coordinating train tickets, altitude prep, and Machu Picchu logistics,” that’s where I come in. Let me handle the messy planning so you can actually enjoy it — slow mornings, breathtaking sites, incredible food, all the culture, none of the chaos. I’ll build a trip that fits your pace, your energy, and your travel style so you can just show up and absorb the beauty of Peru without the stress.