South America Travel Advice

Nicks Travel Notes: “Machu Picchu can get congested with day tourists but is still the archaeological highlight of South America! I also highly recommend the nearby town of Puno for a boat trip / island stay on the famous Lake Titicaca.”

Highlights

Machu Picchu (Inca Trail / train ride return)
Cusco (Inca ruins tour)
Lake Titicaca (boat trip / Island stay with local family)
Colca Canyon (see Andean Condors / Inca ruins)

When to go

June to August is the dry season and the best time to go to the highlands for Machu Picchu.
December to March are the warmer months and the best time to explore Peru’s coast.

Popular tours in Peru

Click here to search for the popular Machu Picchu Inca Trail tours. Please make sure you confirm tour dates availability on the booking link forms.

Some may not wish to trek the Inca Trail. For those travellers I'd recommend the day-trip return train journey to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Bookings are essential due to popular demand and limited passengers. You can find information and bookings for this and other South American train journeys here.

. The famous "Hiram Bingham" Train : Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Accommodation Options

Search and compare extensive Peru accommodation options here. Select 'Peru' from the country list. Then select the location city or town. Through this search link you should be able to find Hostels and Hotels starting as cheap as US $7 per night.
Cusco is a mini-city full of backpackers. Your cheapest option is the LOKI Backpacker Hostel which has a claim to fame of being a former home of a Peruvian president!

2007 South America Travel Advice