Bottom line: Machu Picchu permits for the Classic Inca Trail (4-day trek) sell out 3-6 months in advance. In 2026, the government has introduced a timed-entry system for all visitors. Budget $2000-3500 per person for a well-organized 10-day Peru trip. Altitude sickness is real—spend 2 nights in Cusco (3400m) before any serious hiking. Book Lima restaurant Elitcha (or any Central sister restaurant) 3 months ahead.
Peru is a country of extremes: the jungle, the desert coast, and the high Andes. The food scene is world-class, the ruins are staggering, and the people are endlessly warm. Here’s how to do it right.
Practical Info
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Sol (PEN), 1 USD ≈ 3.7 PEN |
| Best months | May-October (dry season) |
| Altitude | Cusco at 3400m — acclimatize 2-3 days |
| Language | Spanish, Quechua in highlands |
Lima: Start Here
Lima’s food scene is South America’s best. Ditch the idea of “quick Lima stop”—give it 2 full days.
- El Marchéño: Ceviche, the national dish. Order the ceviche mixto, eat at the bar.
- Central (World’s 50 Best #6): Chef Virgilio Martínez’s tasting menu showcasing Peru’s microclimates. Book 3 months ahead.
- Barranco neighborhood: Art galleries, street art, hipster coffee scene. Walk the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs).
Get an eSIM for Peru through Airalo—local SIM cards require a Peruvian ID which tourists don’t have. 10GB/30days under $25.
Sacred Valley (Urubamba Valley)
The Sacred Valley runs from Cusco to Machu Picchu, stopping at:
- Pisac: Sunday market (crafts and produce) + Inca citadel ruins
- Moray: Terraced agricultural laboratories used to experiment with crops at different altitudes
- Maras: Salt evaporation ponds (salt harvested for thousands of years)
- Ollantaytambo: Best-preserved Inca town in Peru. Sleep here before Machu Picchu.
Book Sacred Valley day trips through Klook—their Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu packages include permits and are significantly cheaper than booking through travel agents in Cusco.
Machu Picchu
This is why you came to Peru.
Permit Situation (2026 Update)
The Classic Inca Trail (4 days, 43km) requires permits—daily limit of 500 people (including porters). Book 4-6 months ahead through the official website (mcd.gob.pe). The Salkantay Trek (5 days) requires no permit and is equally spectacular.
Alternative Routes (No Permit Required)
- Huchuy Picchu (the small peak next to MP): Steep 45-min climb, insane views. Limited daily permits.
- Salkantay Trek: Epic 5-day route through high mountain passes, ending at MP
- Train to Aguas Calientes: 3.5 hours from Ollantaytambo, then bus up to MP
Book Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu permits and train tickets through Tiqets—they handle the complex timed-entry booking system and guarantee your preferred time slot.
Altitude Sickness Guide
Cusco is at 3400m. Symptoms hit 30-50% of visitors:
- Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath
- Remedies: Coca leaf tea (everywhere, socially acceptable), acetazolamide (Diamox, prescription), stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for 48 hours
Spend 2-3 days in Cusco before any serious hiking. The city is beautiful enough to justify the acclimatization time.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Budget | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Machu Picchu permit | $44 | $44 | $44 |
| Sacred Valley tour | $60 | $120 | $200 |
| Accommodation Cusco | $30 | $80 | $200 |
| Lima fine dining | $30 | $80 | $200 |
Summary
Peru is a trip of a lifetime for most people—and it delivers on every promise. The altitude is the only real obstacle; everything else is logistics. Book everything in advance (permits, trains, restaurant reservations), spend three days in Cusco before hiking, and accept that some days you’ll be too breathless to walk fast. That’s part of the experience.
‘Want to turn travel into a career? Join Travel Arbitrage Partners’