At a glance
| Recommended days | 10 - 14 days |
|---|---|
| Daily cost | €25-45 / €80-140 |
| Best season | May-Sep |
| Region | South America |
The highlights
These picks come out of our full Peru Andes & Amazon guide - each one earns its place on a first visit.
1. Machu Picchu
The lost citadel on its cloud-ridge. Book entry slots months ahead; Huayna Picchu and the Sun Gate are separate tickets.
2. Cusco historic centre
Inca foundations under colonial arcades around the Plaza de Armas - acclimatise here for two days before any trek.
3. Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo's terraces, Pisac market and salt pans at Maras, strung along the Urubamba on the way to Machu Picchu.
4. Rainbow Mountain
The striped Vinicunca ridge at 5,036 m - a cold early start from Cusco; altitude sickness is the real risk, not the walk.
5. Tambopata rainforest
Amazon lodges near Puerto Maldonado with macaw clay licks, giant otters and night canoe trips.
Practical tips
Start sightseeing early - the first hours at any famous site are quieter, cooler and better lit. Keep water and a offline map handy, and check opening days: opening days and access rules vary by site. For timing the whole trip around weather and crowds, see when to visit Peru Andes & Amazon.
- Machu Picchu entry is timed, circuit-based and capped; book the circuit and any Huayna Picchu add-on 2-3 months out.
- The Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes train sells out in high season before the site tickets do — sequence the bookings accordingly.
- Cusco's altitude (3,400 m) is the first day's real activity: go slow, drink water, allow time for gradual acclimatisation; tea does not prevent altitude illness.
- Rainbow Mountain's 5,000 m trailhead makes it a harder day than its photos suggest — save it for after acclimatization.
Related guides
Where to stay in Peru Andes & Amazon · Peru Andes & Amazon: 10-14 day itinerary · Peru Andes & Amazon travel budget · Full Peru Andes & Amazon guide
FAQ
What are the must-see sights in Peru Andes & Amazon?
The highlights above cover it: machu picchu, cusco historic centre and sacred valley are the three we would not skip.
How many days do I need for Peru Andes & Amazon?
Our recommended pace is 10-14 days - enough for the 5 highlights listed here without rushing. See the itinerary page for a day-by-day plan.
Do I need to book Peru Andes & Amazon attractions in advance?
Peak-season timed entries and popular tours sell out first; everything else can be arranged on the ground. When in doubt, book the first hours of the day.
Sacred Valley before or after Machu Picchu?
Before: Ollantaytambo is the train's departure point, and sleeping lower (2,800 m) after Cusco helps the acclimatization order.
Altitude planning
Plan gradual ascent and do not continue upwards with symptoms. For prevention and treatment decisions, use CDC altitude guidance with advice specific to your route and health.