I say this with love — and experience: I’ve traveled through Peru more times than I can count. And each time, I learn something new (yes, sometimes the hard way — so you don’t have to).
Underestimating Distance and Logistics
Did you know Peru is nearly the size of California and Texas combined? It’s big. And no, you can’t just “pop over” from Lima to Cusco in an afternoon. Many travelers don’t realize how much planning it takes to get around Peru — think internal flights, long winding roads, altitude changes, and unexpected delays.
Pro tip: Instead of trying to cram Lima → Cusco → Arequipa → Puno into one week (😅), focus on just two regions. For example, you could pair Lima with the Sacred Valley for a richer and more relaxed experience.
Trying to Do Too Much in Too Little Time
I get it — you want to see Machu Picchu, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and eat at Central… all in 10 days. But believe me: Peru is not just about checking boxes off a list. It’s a country to feel, taste, and explore at your own rhythm.
My suggestion: Slow down. Spend time in the Sacred Valley. Go on a gentle hike from Maras to Moray. Meet local artisans. Sit down for a coca leaf ceremony. Let Peru speak to you — not your itinerary.
Following Trends Without Thinking About Your Style
Are you going to Huacachina just because you saw it on Instagram? Planning a trek to Rainbow Mountain without knowing it sits over 5,000 meters high?
Peru has so much more than the popular spots. What lights you up — history? Food? Nature? Spirituality? Not every destination will match your vibe, and that’s okay.
Better idea: Let’s design a trip that reflects your passions and energy — not just what’s trending online.
Ignoring the Seasons
Peru has three major regions (coast, highlands, jungle), and each has very different climates.
- Visiting Cusco in January? Expect rain.
- Heading to Iquitos in July? Great — it’s dry season.
- Planning a beach trip to the north coast in August? Cloudy and chilly.
Travel tip: The best time for the Andean region (Cusco, Arequipa, Puno) is between May and October. For the Amazon, avoid the wettest months. And for the coast, summer (December to March) is your best bet for sunshine.
Skipping Local Experiences
Yes, Machu Picchu is mind-blowing. But the moments that stay with you forever often happen far from the major landmarks. Think: a cooking class in Arequipa, a night with a local family on Lake Titicaca, or an Andean ceremony in the Sacred Valley.
Real talk: Seeing Peru is one thing. Feeling it is another. Let the flavors, faces, colors, and landscapes take you somewhere deeper.
Thinking DIY Travel is Always Better
Sure, booking everything yourself might seem faster and cheaper. But you often end up with clunky itineraries, long transfers, and overly touristy experiences that lack heart.
Here’s the thing: Planning your trip with care — and local insight — is like cooking a meal with love instead of microwaving leftovers. Both feed you. But only one is memorable.
So, What Do We Suggest?
Traveling through Peru isn’t just a trip — it’s a transformative experience. It’s the Andes, the jungle, the ocean, the flavors, the music, the people. It’s a place that will surprise you, teach you, and leave a mark on your soul.
Let’s create a journey that feels uniquely yours — one that lives far beyond the photos.
Did you enjoy this guide?
Send it to that friend who thinks they can do Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and Lake Titicaca in five days.
(You know the one — the spreadsheet-loving over-planner with 17 tabs open.)
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Because the best trips aren’t rushed. They’re lived.
