Peru Travel Guides

Practical guides written from Cusco: Machu Picchu tickets, Inca Trail permits, altitude, trains, best time to go and how much a trip really costs.

All guides

• Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu: Month by Month
  May and September are the sweet spot: dry weather without the July crowds. What each month is actually like, when the Inca Trail closes and when to avoid.
• How Much a Trip to Machu Picchu Costs in 2026, Line by Line
  Between US$250 and US$580 per person from Cusco, and more than half of it is the train. Ticket, train, bus, guide and hotel, with 2026 figures.
• Is Peru Safe for Tourists? An Honest Answer from Cusco
  Yes, for the routes most visitors take. The real risks are altitude, road travel and opportunistic theft, not what the headlines suggest. What to actually watch for.
• Huacachina: What to Do at the Oasis, What It Costs, and How to Get There
  An oasis among the dunes five hours from Lima. Dune buggies, sandboarding, the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines, with prices and what to pack.
• Peru Packing List 2026: What to Bring, and the Luggage Limits Nobody Mentions
  Three published rules decide the size of your bag before you pick a single garment: the train, the Machu Picchu gate and the porters. The full list by region, the layer system, and
• First Time in Cusco? Essential Tips for Altitude Acclimatization and High-Altitude Treks
  Worried about altitude sickness in Cusco? Discover essential local tips to acclimate properly, stay safe, and enjoy your high-altitude Peruvian trek.
• A Peru Honeymoon: How Many Days, When to Go, and What It Costs
  Eight days for Cusco and Machu Picchu, fifteen if you add Titicaca or Uyuni. Where to sleep so altitude does not cost you day two, and the Andean ceremony almost nobody knows about
• Vinicunca, Palcoyo, or Pallay Punchu: Which Cusco Rainbow Mountain is Best for You?
  Planning to see Cusco's Rainbow Mountain? Compare the classic Vinicunca, the easy Palcoyo, and the dramatic Pallay Punchu to find your perfect trek.
• Choosing the Best Machu Picchu Circuit: A Complete Guide to the New Entry Routes
  Confused about the new Machu Picchu entry rules? Discover the best Machu Picchu circuit for your travel style, views, and photo spots in this local guide.
• The Perfect Cusco, Sacred Valley & Lake Titicaca Itinerary (7 to 10 Days)
  Planning a trip to Peru? Discover the perfect 7 to 10-day itinerary combining Cusco, the premium Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the stunning Lake Titicaca.
• Things to Do in Cusco: 10 That Are Worth It, and How Many Days You Need
  Three days is the minimum. What to see in the city, what to leave until you have acclimatised, and how many days you need depending on what you want to include.
• Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail: Which One to Choose, and Why
  One needs a permit months ahead, the other needs none. One arrives through the Sun Gate, the other by train. Distance, altitude, difficulty and price, compared.
• Machu Picchu Train Guide: Comparing Vistadome, Expedition, and 360° Services
  Planning your trip to Machu Picchu? Compare Expedition, Vistadome, and 360° train services. Discover the best views, comfort, and prices for your journey.
• Inca Trail Permits 2027: Availability Month by Month
  How the 500 daily permits work, when 2027 goes on sale, which months sell out first, February closure and what to do if there is nothing left.