Peru Travel Guide 2026: Machu Picchu, the Andes & Amazon

Peru is the jewel of South America. No other country on the continent packs such a staggering range of experiences into a single trip — from the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, from the colonial grandeur of Lima to the otherworldly landscapes of the Andes.

This guide covers everything UK travellers need to know about visiting Peru in 2026 — the unmissable highlights, practical tips, and how to plan the perfect itinerary.

Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail

Machu Picchu is the reason most people visit Peru, and it does not disappoint. The 15th-century Inca citadel, perched at 2,430 metres on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on Earth.

Getting There

There are several ways to reach Machu Picchu:

• The Classic Inca Trail — A 4-day, 3-night trek through cloud forest and mountain passes, arriving through the Sun Gate at dawn. Our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu holiday includes this iconic experience. Permits are limited to 500 per day (including guides and porters), so book at least 6 months ahead.

• The Lares Trek — A less crowded alternative through traditional Andean communities (4 days)

• The Salkantay Trek — A more challenging route via the 4,630-metre Salkantay Pass (5 days)

• Train from Cusco/Ollantaytambo — The comfortable option. PeruRail and Inca Rail run scenic services through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early: The first bus up from Aguas Calientes departs at 5:30am. The site is magical before the crowds build.

• Book ahead: Entry is now timed and limited. Book your specific circuit and time slot in advance.

• Altitude: Machu Picchu itself is lower than Cusco (2,430m vs 3,400m), but you will need to acclimatise before trekking. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first.

• Huayna Picchu: The steep peak behind the citadel offers jaw-dropping views. Limited to 400 climbers per day — book early.

Cusco & the Sacred Valley

Cusco — the former capital of the Inca Empire — is one of the most fascinating cities in the Americas. Its narrow cobblestone streets are built on Inca foundations, with colonial churches and baroque mansions rising above ancient stone walls.

Cusco Highlights

• Plaza de Armas — The grand central square surrounded by arcaded colonial buildings and the Cusco Cathedral

• Sacsayhuaman — A massive Inca fortress above the city with stones weighing up to 200 tonnes, fitted together without mortar

• San Pedro Market — The vibrant central market selling everything from fresh juice to alpaca textiles

• San Blas — The artisan quarter with steep streets, galleries and excellent restaurants

The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, following the Urubamba River through a fertile valley flanked by towering Andean peaks.

• Ollantaytambo — A living Inca town with impressive terraced ruins and the departure point for trains to Machu Picchu

• Pisac — Famous for its Sunday market and hilltop Inca ruins with spectacular valley views

• Moray — Concentric circular terraces that the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory

• Maras Salt Mines — Thousands of salt ponds cascading down a hillside, harvested since Inca times

We recommend 2-3 days in the Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu — it helps with altitude acclimatisation and is genuinely worth the time.

Lima: South America's Culinary Capital

Most travellers pass through Lima quickly, but the capital deserves at least two days. It is now recognised as one of the world's great food cities, with three restaurants in the World's 50 Best list.

• Miraflores — The modern, seaside district with clifftop parks, excellent restaurants and the Huaca Pucllana pre-Inca temple

• Barranco — Lima's bohemian quarter with street art, galleries, bars and the iconic Bridge of Sighs

• Central Lima — The colonial heart with the Plaza Mayor, San Francisco Catacombs and Government Palace

• Peruvian cuisine — Ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, anticuchos. Lima's food scene ranges from world-class fine dining (Central, Maido) to outstanding street food in Surquillo market

The Amazon Rainforest

Peru contains a vast swathe of the Amazon Basin, and a jungle stay makes a perfect contrast to the Andes and coast.

Where to Go

• Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado) — Easier to reach from Cusco (30-minute flight). Excellent for wildlife: macaw clay licks, giant river otters, caiman, howler monkeys. Lodge stays range from 2 to 5 nights.

• Manu National Park — More remote and pristine, but harder to access. One of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

• Iquitos — The largest city in the world unreachable by road. Gateway to the northern Amazon with floating markets and ayahuasca retreats.

A 3-night Amazon lodge stay from Puerto Maldonado combines perfectly with a Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary — fly in from Cusco and back.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca — the world's highest navigable lake at 3,812 metres — straddles the Peru-Bolivia border and is a place of extraordinary cultural significance.

• Uros Floating Islands — Man-made islands constructed entirely from totora reeds, inhabited by the Uros people

• Taquile Island — Known for its textile tradition (UNESCO Intangible Heritage) and spectacular lake views

• Puno — The lakeside gateway city, with a vibrant festival calendar and colourful markets

Lake Titicaca adds 2-3 days to a Peru itinerary and works well between Cusco and an extension into Bolivia.

Best Time to Visit Peru

Peru has two main seasons:

• Dry season (May to October): The best time for trekking, Machu Picchu and the Andes. Clear skies, cold nights, warm days. June to August is peak season.

• Wet season (November to April): Greener landscapes and fewer tourists. Rain falls mostly in the afternoon. The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance.

• Lima and the coast: Dry year-round but overcast from May to November (the garua season). Sunny and warm December to April.

• Amazon: Hot and humid year-round. The dry season (May to October) has lower water levels and more accessible trails. The wet season brings higher water levels and canoe exploration.

Best overall months: May and September/October — dry weather, smaller crowds than June-August, and better prices.

Practical Information for UK Travellers

Visa & Entry

UK passport holders do not need a visa for Peru. You can stay for up to 183 days within a 365-day period (typically 90 days granted on arrival, extendable). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

Flights

There are no direct flights from the UK to Lima. Best connections include via Madrid (Iberia, 16-17 hours total), Amsterdam (KLM), or Bogota (Avianca). Flight time is approximately 12-13 hours with one stop.

Altitude

Altitude sickness is the main health concern in Peru. Cusco sits at 3,400 metres and Lake Titicaca at 3,812 metres.

• Spend at least 2 days acclimatising before strenuous activity

• Drink coca tea (mate de coca) — a traditional remedy

• Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol on arrival, and move slowly

• Consider medication (acetazolamide) — consult your GP

Safety

Peru is safe for tourists in the main travel areas — Lima (Miraflores, Barranco), Cusco, Sacred Valley, Arequipa, and the Amazon lodges. Standard precautions: watch for pickpockets in busy markets, use registered taxis, and keep valuables secure.

Currency

Peru uses the sol (PEN). Cards are accepted in cities and tourist areas. ATMs are widely available. Carry cash for markets, small towns and tips.

How Travelfab Plans Your Peru Holiday

Our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is our most popular Peru itinerary, but we tailor every trip to your interests. Popular combinations include:

• Classic Peru (10-12 days): Lima + Sacred Valley + Inca Trail + Machu Picchu

• Peru & Amazon (14 days): Add a 3-night Amazon lodge stay from Cusco

• Grand Peru (18-21 days): The full circuit including Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and Colca Canyon

• Peru & Ecuador (16-18 days): Combine with the Galapagos Islands

Every holiday includes ATOL financial protection, expert local guides, and 24/7 support. Contact us to start planning your Peru adventure.