Peru is home to a whole world of wonders beyond its literal Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. If you’re ticking off the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu from your bucket list, some of the best places to visit on your Peru vacation are Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Lima will likely be your first introduction to the country, and one of the most delicious – the food scene is well-known and well-loved. A day or two in Cusco - to get acclimated to the altitude - is one of the Peru travel tips we always recommend. Modern life in Cusco takes place against the backdrop of Spanish colonial architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets, shop for an alpaca wool souvenir, and drink lots of cups of coca leaf tea. Visit (or better yet, stay in) Sacred Valley, the Andean countryside known for its sweeping panoramic views and gateway to Machu Picchu. If you can extend your Peru trip beyond Machu Picchu, Mancora is one of the best spots on the coast. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, seafood and surfing.

So glad you asked! A food tour through Lima is a must – from local market tours to Michelin star restaurants, your belly will be full and happy. For adventurous travelers who aren’t afraid of a grueling challenge, hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On the other end of the spectrum, one of the most luxurious Peru tours is traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu on Belmond’s Hiram Bingham train. Spending a few days in Peru’s spectacular Sacred Valley is well worth it – some of the best luxury Peru resorts are there. Although Peru travel can be very active, there’s also room for rest and relaxation on the coast. Mancora has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and seaside resorts.

Peru travel is often reserved for bucket list vacations because it’s, quite literally, a trek to get to! The first step to planning a trip to Peru is deciding how many days you can allocate to your Peru vacation. It’s also important to identify what kind of experiences you want to have and what interests you want to cater to. For example, are you a big foodie? Do you like a lot of physical activity, like hiking? Do you want an uber-luxurious high-touch experience? From there, your Fora advisor can recommend the best day-by-day itinerary for you to get the most out of your time in the country based on your personal preferences.

The best months to visit Peru are during the mild winter months: June, July, August, and September. Peru travel during these months is dry and the weather is pleasantly warm.

Your Fora advisor can alert you to specific entry and exit requirements for Peru travel, and you can check out official government websites for more information. Currently, there are COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Peruvians, resident foreigners and non-resident foreigners 12 years of age or older who are seeking entry to Peru.