Plan Your First Trip to Peru

To see Peru's highlights, plan for at least 10 days to account for altitude adjustment and transit times. Focus your itinerary on the 'Gringo Trail'—Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu—to manage the country's vast geography efficiently.

1. Book your domestic flights early. Don't rely on buses for long distances; the terrain is rugged and slow. Use LATAM or SKY for flights from Lima to Cusco. Book these at least 3 months in advance to keep costs under $150 round trip.
2. Acclimatize to the altitude. Fly directly from Lima (sea level) to Cusco (11,152 ft) but stay in the Sacred Valley (around 9,000 ft) for the first two nights. This significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
3. Secure your Machu Picchu entry. Tickets are strictly limited and sell out months ahead. Buy your official entry through the Ministry of Culture website, not a third-party reseller, and choose a circuit—Circuit 2 is the most iconic.
4. Choose your trekking level. If you want to hike to Machu Picchu, book the Inca Trail 6-8 months in advance as permits are capped at 500 per day. For a non-trekking experience, use the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always drink bottled or filtered water. Even for brushing your teeth, it is safer to use bottled water.

Do I need to tip in restaurants?

A 10% tip is standard in restaurants. It is not mandatory, but highly appreciated for good service.