Peru

Cusco, the old capital of the Inca Empire, is where most trips to Peru's Andes begin. Its centre mixes perfectly fitted Inca walls with colonial churches, and the giant terraces of Sacsayhuamán sit on the hill just above the Plaza de Armas. Our guide to the best things to do in Cusco covers the city, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the big day hikes, with 2026 prices and an explanation of the Boleto Turístico.

Most international flights land in Lima, Peru's capital, and it's worth a few days of its own. Our guide to the best things to do in Lima covers the clifftop parks of Miraflores, bohemian Barranco, the colonial historic centre, the city's famous food and day trips to Pachacamac, the Palomino Islands and Paracas.

Choosing a base in Cusco matters more than in most cities, because of the hills and the altitude. Our guide to where to stay in Cusco compares the historic centre, San Blas, San Cristóbal, Avenida El Sol, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.

For trips out of the city, our guide to the best day trips from Cusco covers Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo, Humantay Lake and the Q'eswachaka rope bridge, with travel times and altitudes.

Machu Picchu is reached by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then by bus or on foot via the Inca Trail. Tickets are sold on the Ministry of Culture's official site and daily numbers are capped, so book early for the dry season, and check the latest train timetables, as services were disrupted at times in 2026.

Cusco sits at about 3,400 metres, so plan a slow first day or two before any long hike. The dry season, from around May to September, is the most popular time to visit, with clear days and cold nights, while the rainy season from December to March brings afternoon downpours.