The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your First Trip to Peru

Are you planning your first trip to Peru? Discover the best time to visit, the must-see destinations, and how to design a tailor-made Peru itinerary that takes you through Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley, all while traveling in comfort and style.

Why Peru Captivates First-Time Travelers

Few destinations in the world offer the diversity that Peru provides. In a single journey, you can:

Taste world-class cuisine in Lima, one of the world’s top food capitals.
Wander the cobblestone streets of Cusco, the former Inca capital.
Uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Relax in boutique lodges surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

For discerning travelers, a trip to Peru is more than just a vacation, it’s an opportunity to experience history, culture, and nature in an authentic yet luxurious way.

Ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu perched on a lush green mountaintop, with terraced fields cascading down the slopes, surrounded by jagged Andean peaks shrouded in clouds and a winding river below under a dramatic sky

Machu Picchu | Belcheri Travel

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Peru

The best months for a Peru vacation are from April through September, when the Andean skies are clear and sunny, ideal for exploring Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. April and October are great shoulder-season months if you prefer fewer crowds and more privacy at iconic sites.
If you wish to add the coast to your journey, starting in March is perfect. While Cusco emerges from the rainy season, Lima and the Pacific Coast enjoy their sunniest days, ideal for beach strolls, oceanfront dining, and exploring the capital at its most vibrant time.

Highlights of a First Trip to Peru

For first-time travelers, we recommend focusing on three essential regions that combine culture, history, and natural beauty:

Lima: Peru’s coastal capital and a global gastronomy destination, home to award-winning restaurants.
Cusco & the Sacred Valley: The cultural heart of the Andes, with vibrant markets, ancient Inca sites, and boutique hotels that blend authenticity with luxury.
Machu Picchu: The crown jewel of Peru. Arriving by train or hiking part of the Inca Trail transforms this wonder into an unforgettable experience.

Many travelers also extend their trip to Lake Titicaca or the Amazon Rainforest for deeper exploration. Even with 7–10 days, you can enjoy a well-balanced and elegant itinerary through Peru’s most remarkable landscapes.

Traveling Peru in Comfort and Style

Altitude can be a concern, but with smart planning it becomes an easy transition. Many travelers begin in the Sacred Valley (2,800 m / 9,150 ft), where serene landscapes and boutique hotels provide the perfect introduction before moving up to Cusco’s altitude.
Accommodations range from restored colonial mansions in Cusco to eco-luxury lodges in the Amazon. Private transfers, panoramic trains to Machu Picchu, and curated dining experiences ensure you explore Peru at your own pace without sacrificing comfort.

A person dressed in traditional Andean attire—multicolored woven poncho, yellow fringed hat, and white sweater—kneels on lush green grass in a field, arms outstretched in a joyful gesture. A spinning top rests nearby, with golden crops and majestic mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

tradition lives in every thread and turn | Belcheri Travel

Culture & Cuisine in Peru

Traveling to Peru is also a feast for the senses:

Savor a chef’s tasting menu in Lima.
Sip a pisco sour at sunset in Cusco.
Share a private farm-to-table lunch with Andean families in the Sacred Valley.

For cultural immersion, travelers can enjoy a weaving demonstration in a mountain village, a guided walk through traditional markets, or a private twilight tour of Cusco’s hidden corners. These experiences turn a simple visit into a truly meaningful journey.

Your First Trip to Peru, Designed for You

Your first trip to Peru shouldn’t be about rushing from one site to another. It’s about creating a journey that allows you to experience the country’s treasures with ease, exclusivity, and depth.
At Belcheri Travel, we specialize in tailor-made Peru itineraries for travelers who value comfort, authenticity and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re planning a luxury family vacation to Peru, a romantic getaway to Machu Picchu, or a cultural trip with friends, we make every detail seamless and extraordinary.
Thinking about your first trip to Peru? Our travel designers can create a tailor-made itinerary that fits your style and pace ¡Contact us to learn more!

Elegant train carriage interior with plush gray sofas adorned with yellow-fringed and navy pillows, ornate wall lamps with navy shades, intricate gold-trimmed arches, and large arched windows revealing passing scenery. A grand piano sits at the far end under warm lighting.

Journey in timeless luxury | Belcheri Travel