Machu Picchu & Peru Travel

Peru is a year-round destination, but the most popular time to visit, especially for exploring the Andes and Machu Picchu, is between May and October, during the dry season.

At Kuoda, we go beyond general timing. We help you align your journey with seasonal highlights, avoid crowds when possible, and even time your visits around local festivals or rare wildlife events. Your travel window becomes part of the design, another element we tailor to your perfect journey.

For the Amazon, we recommend traveling between April and October for the most comfortable conditions. November through March marks the rainy season, which brings cooler temperatures and spectacular sightings like nesting macaws, a remarkable time for wildlife enthusiasts.

To experience Lima at its liveliest, consider visiting between October and March. These spring and summer months are ideal for exploring the coast, from the Palomino Islands to the illuminated fountains of the Water Circuit.

In the Andes, the dry season typically spans late March through October. Rainy season (November to February) brings lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists, ideal for those who don’t mind occasional showers. Shoulder months like September and October or March and April offer a perfect blend: greenery, milder rains, and fewer crowds.

For many travelers (including those from the U.S., Canada, the UK, the EU, and Australia), no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. You’ll be issued a tourist visa upon arrival during the immigration process. However, requirements can change, so we always advise confirming current entry policies before booking.

But we don’t leave anything to chance. Kuoda assists you with all entry details, from passport validity to immigration guidance, so you can arrive confident and stress-free.

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry, though depending on your itinerary, we may recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, or Yellow Fever (especially if you’re visiting the Amazon).

It’s always best to consult your physician or travel clinic in advance. Once your journey is confirmed, we’ll send you a personalized health briefing tailored to your specific route, elevation, and level of remoteness. Because we’re based here, our advice reflects real-time local information, ensuring your peace of mind from the very beginning.

Altitude can affect some travelers, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to affect your experience. Kuoda carefully designs your itinerary to start in lower elevations like the Sacred Valley before ascending to Cusco or Lake Titicaca.

We arrange restful arrival days, choose ideal accommodations, and provide access to oxygen, herbal teas, and on-call medical support. Natural remedies like muña tea, a minty Andean herb, and coca tea can also ease discomfort. Staying well-hydrated is key, as dehydration is a common contributor to symptoms.

With private guides and flexible schedules, we adjust the pace so you can acclimate comfortably and enjoy every moment.

Yes, and with Kuoda, it’s even safer. We live here and monitor local conditions in real time. Our hand-selected private guides, vetted drivers, and trusted hotel partners create a seamless circle of care around every aspect of your journey.

The safety of our clients is always our first priority. True peace of mind comes from traveling with people who call Peru home.

Yes, in most cities and luxury hotels you’ll have reliable Wi-Fi and cell coverage. Peru has strong 4G and 5G networks in urban areas, but service can be limited in remote regions like the Andes or Amazon. We prepare you in advance, outlining when to expect connection, when to unplug, and how to stay reachable if needed.

Many of our guests tell us these moments of disconnection became their favorite memories.

Peruvians are warm, welcoming, and proud of their heritage. It’s common to greet with a kiss on the cheek or a friendly embrace. If that feels too personal, a warm handshake is always appropriate.

As your host in Peru, Kuoda guides you in engaging with local communities thoughtfully, from how to greet elders in Andean villages to what to wear in sacred places.

Your private guide is more than a translator; they’re your cultural bridge, helping you connect in ways that are genuine and respectful. Travel with Kuoda means traveling consciously, engaging, not just observing.

Packing right is the first step to traveling well. Kuoda provides a customized packing list based on your destinations, season, and planned experiences.

Generally, pack layered clothing for Peru’s microclimates. Weather is famously changeable, even in a single day. For the Andes, expect warm mornings, cool afternoons, and cold nights, light layers and warm outerwear are key. Machu Picchu, being in the cloud forest, sees regular rain, so a rain jacket is essential.

For Lima’s summer months, cotton clothing and walking shoes are ideal. In the jungle, bring light long-sleeves, rain protection, and one warm item in case of a sudden cold snap. A daypack is useful for Machu Picchu overnights, and must-haves include: sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes.

Packing is more than preparation, it’s the quiet beginning of your journey.

Peru uses the Sol (PEN). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but for artisan markets or remote stops, cash is essential. You can also bring USD and exchange them locally; your Kuoda guide can help you get the best rate safely.

ATMs are available and dispense both Soles and USD. Just be sure to notify your bank in advance of international travel. Kuoda will advise you on how much to carry and where to access cash securely, so you’re never left unprepared.

Tipping is appreciated and can vary by service. As a general guideline:

• Private guides: $20 USD per day (per group)
• Drivers: $10 USD per day (per group)
• Restaurant staff: 10% (sometimes included in your bill, check first)

Before you depart, Kuoda provides a detailed tipping guide and can even handle gratuities on your behalf. Behind every exceptional experience is a fairly compensated professional.

Absolutely, and Kuoda takes sustainability to heart. Peru is increasingly investing in conservation and community-based tourism initiatives.

From supporting locally owned hotels and eco-lodges to collaborating with artisan cooperatives and reforestation projects, our journeys are designed to minimize impact and maximize benefit. With Kuoda, sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s our way of ensuring your journey leaves a positive imprint on communities, nature, and you.

We’re not a tour operator. We’re a boutique, private travel company based in Peru, crafting tailor-made journeys from the ground up.

Every itinerary begins with you, your pace, your passions, your purpose. We prioritize meaningful, sustainable travel not just for our guests, but for everyone we work with, from our guides and drivers to the communities we partner with.

Our insider access opens doors others can’t: private ruins, sacred ceremonies, artisan encounters, and moments of genuine connection. With Kuoda, you don’t just visit Peru; you experience it, personally, purposefully, and with the insight only locals can offer.

Yes, advance reservations are essential, as daily entry limits and time slots sell out months ahead, especially during peak season.

But you won’t need to worry. Kuoda manages all logistics, from ticketing and train bookings to coordinating your entry time. We also know how to time your visit for the best light and fewest crowds, creating a seamless and elevated experience.

Both are unforgettable in their own way. The Inca Trail is a bucket-list experience for active travelers, with several route options, the shortest being one full day of hiking.

The luxury train offers comfort and breathtaking scenery, and is ideal for travelers seeking ease and efficiency. Kuoda helps you choose based on your style, time, and energy, and can even combine both for the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

Mornings are popular but also the busiest. Weather here can shift in minutes, with misty peaks giving way to radiant sun. Depending on the season, we may recommend early entry for mystical sunrise views, or a late-day visit for tranquility and golden light.

We always aim to include less crowded times when possible. Your private guide and logistics team coordinate every detail to create your ideal moment at Machu Picchu.

Always. Every Kuoda guest visits Machu Picchu with a dedicated, expert guide, never as part of a group tour.

Your guide is a storyteller and cultural interpreter, trained in Inca history and archaeology, but also attuned to your rhythm and curiosity. You’ll have time for reflection, photos, and discovery, all at your own pace.

Yes. As a locally based company, we stay ahead of any disruptions, from rail strikes to weather delays. If access is impacted, we’ll adjust immediately, offering alternatives, rescheduling, or even arranging visits to lesser-known Inca sites few travelers ever see.

From your first inquiry to your return home, your experience is our priority. With Kuoda, you’re never left without a plan, or without care.