ℹ️ Quick info
📅 When to go
Best period based on climate data · Open-Meteo
The dry season (May–September) is perfect for Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca. February–March: wet season with heavy rain and landslide risk on the Inca Trail (which closes in February).
💶 Costs
🛡️ Safety
Cusco sits at 3,400m, Machu Picchu at 2,400m. Altitude sickness hits many travellers.
How to avoid it: Arrive in Cusco 1–2 days before any hiking. Drink plenty of water. Coca tea helps. Talk to a doctor first if you have heart problems.
Lima's historic centre and Miraflores are risky areas, especially at night.
How to avoid it: Use Uber. Don't walk with your phone in hand. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco (safer).
Cases of ATM skimming in tourist areas.
How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets. Check the card reader before inserting. Use Revolut.
- PERU': accesso monte Huascarán.
- PERU': stato di emergenza in cinque Distretti di Junín.
- PERU': stato di emergenza nella provincia di Lima Metropolitana e nella Provincia Costituzionale del Callao.
🚌 Transport
Essential for Lima-Cusco. LATAM and Avianca are reliable. Book in advance.
The only way to reach Aguas Calientes (the base for Machu Picchu). Book months ahead.
Great in Lima. In Cusco use InDriver or a fixed taxi through your hotel (safer).
Reliable luxury buses for shorter routes around the country. Best to avoid uncertified local buses.
🧳 What to pack
- A waterproof jacket (sudden rain)
- Thermal layers (cold nights in Cusco: 2–5°C)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Trekking poles (for the Inca Trail)
- High-SPF sunscreen (high-altitude sun)
- Altitude-sickness medication (consult a doctor)
- A filter water bottle
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Valid passport (min. 6 months)
- Book Peru Rail / Inca Rail in advance
- Book Machu Picchu entry online (limited slots!)
- See a doctor about altitude-sickness meds (acetazolamide)
- Vaccines: hepatitis A, yellow fever (for the Amazon)
- Withdraw soles at a bank — avoid street ATMs
🎉 Seasonal highlights
The 4-day trek is one of the most iconic in the world: 42km through cloud forests, Inca sites and the Sun Gate at dawn. Slots are capped at 500 a day — book 6 months ahead!
The ancient Inca winter-solstice festival is still celebrated in Cusco today with traditional costumes, dances and ceremonies. It takes place at the Sacsayhuamán fortress before thousands of people.
The Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca are a world apart. Spend a night in a homestay on Amantaní Island for an authentic experience, away from mass tourism.
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