Peru Tour Packages from India: Inca Sites, Andes and Amazon

Sacred Sites, Season and Basics at a Glance

Peru sits in western South America and brings together the Pacific coast, the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest within a single country. The classic visitor circuit runs from Lima to Cusco, then through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, with Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon available as extensions.

The Andean dry season from May to September brings clearer skies and drier trails, though nights at altitude can be freezing. The coastal summer from December to March is warmer and sunnier in Lima, while the highlands see heavy rain from January through March. Most first-time visitors plan 4–6 nights for the core route. Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport is the main international gateway, and Cusco is reached by a domestic connection from Lima.

The Main Sites and Why They Matter

Machu Picchu draws most visitors to Peru, but the Cusco region holds several Inca sites that are easier to reach and help with altitude adjustment before the citadel visit. Each site carries its own significance within the Inca world.

• Machu Picchu (Cusco region): An Inca sacred city reached by train through Andean mountain scenery, then a short bus ride from Machu Picchu town to the citadel entrance. The stonework, agricultural terraces and temple alignments reflect Inca engineering and astronomical knowledge. As of 2026, daily visitor capacity on specified peak dates is set at 5,600, so entry slots fill quickly.
• The Sacred Valley (Cusco region): A cultural landscape of Inca sites, traditional markets and terraced hillsides that can be explored by van with minimal walking. It is the gentlest introduction to Inca heritage and a practical base for the Machu Picchu train.
• Cusco's Inca sites: The city and its surroundings contain major Inca remains and served as the ceremonial centre of the Inca empire. The historic centre is also the main acclimatisation base for highland travel.
• Nazca Lines (Ica region): Large desert geoglyphs on Peru's southern coast, best seen from the air or from a viewing tower. Their purpose remains debated, which is part of what draws visitors.
• Colca Canyon (Arequipa region): A deep gorge with viewpoints for watching Andean condors in flight. Visitors can observe the birds from a lookout without any trekking, making it accessible for all ages.
• Lake Titicaca (Puno region): A major Andean lake explored by cruise, with island communities and traditional reed-boat building. The altitude here is significant, so pace yourself and allow a rest day.
• Amazon rainforest (Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos): Jungle lodges, river trips and wildlife viewing, including macaws, monkeys, caimans and giant river otters. Lake Sandoval in the Tambopata area is a natural sanctuary reachable by boat from Puerto Maldonado.
• Huascarán National Park (Ancash region): A high-altitude national park with glaciers and trekking routes for those who want to go beyond the main circuit.

Darshan, Queues and Entry Practicalities

At Machu Picchu, crowds build steadily through the morning and thin after midday, so an early entry slot gives a calmer, less crowded visit. Weekdays outside Peruvian holiday periods are noticeably quieter than weekends and festival weeks.

Dress in layers at all highland sites. Mornings are cold, afternoons can warm up quickly, and a light rain shell is useful even in the dry season. Comfortable walking shoes with a firm grip are essential on uneven stone paths and terraces; sandals are not suitable. As a mark of respect at Inca sites and churches, keep shoulders and knees covered.

Photography is generally permitted at outdoor sites. Tripods and drones are restricted in many areas, so confirm the current rules at the site entrance or with your guide. Entry procedures at Machu Picchu have changed in recent years — as of September 2026, tickets became available for direct purchase through the Ministry of Culture platform — so check the official government source before you travel for the most current position.

Festivals and the Best Season to Visit Peru

May to September is the most comfortable window for highland travel, with drier trails, clearer skies and good conditions for the Inca Trail and other trekking routes. The trade-off is peak crowds and higher prices, particularly in June, July and August.

Inti Raymi, held on 24 June in Cusco, is a major Andean sun festival that draws large crowds and fills accommodation early. Fiestas Patrias around 28–29 July marks Peru's national independence and sees increased domestic travel across the country. The Christmas and New Year period is busy on the coast and in Cusco. For a quieter trip with reasonable weather, April, May, September and October offer a good balance — rain is moderate and crowds are smaller.

The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Heavy Andean rain from January through March can cause muddy trails, landslides and occasional train or tour interruptions. If you travel in the wet season, build at least one buffer day into your plan.

Where to Stay and How to Get There

Indian travellers reach Peru via Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, connecting from major Indian cities through Europe, the Middle East or North America. Cusco is then reached by a domestic flight from Lima, and the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are linked by road and train. Chinchero International Airport near Cusco remains under construction, so the Lima domestic connection is the standard route for now.

Stay options vary by area and budget:

• Lima – Miraflores and Barranco: Upscale hotels and guesthouses close to the coast, suited to couples and families on a first visit.
• Cusco – Centro Histórico and San Blas: Mid-range hotels and budget guesthouses near the Plaza de Armas, well placed for acclimatisation and local exploration.
• Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo: Mid-range guesthouses with direct train access to Machu Picchu, a practical base for budget and mid-range travellers.
• Sacred Valley – Urubamba: Upscale resort accommodation in a quieter valley setting, suited to couples and families.
• Aguas Calientes: Mid-range hotels at the base of Machu Picchu, best for an overnight stay before an early morning citadel visit.

Check current entry rules on the official government source before booking, as requirements for Indian passport holders can change.

A Sensible Circuit Through Peru's Heritage Sites

The most practical order starts in Lima, moves to Cusco for acclimatisation, then works through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu before any southern or Amazon extension. This avoids backtracking and gives the body time to adjust to altitude gradually.

A suggested outline by cluster:

• Lima (1–2 nights): Arrive, rest and adjust to the time difference. Explore the coastal districts and try local food.
• Cusco (2 nights): Fly from Lima and spend two nights acclimatising. Visit the city's Inca sites and the historic centre at a gentle pace.
• Sacred Valley (1–2 nights): Base yourself in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and visit the valley's Inca sites by van. This is the easiest section for elders and those with limited mobility.
• Machu Picchu (1 night in Aguas Calientes): Take the train from Ollantaytambo, stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and visit the citadel early the following morning before returning to Cusco.
• Extensions: Add two nights for Lake Titicaca by train or bus from Cusco, or two to three nights for an Amazon lodge via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. A 4–6 night trip covers the core circuit; 8–10 nights allows the southern loop or the rainforest.

For elders or anyone with limited mobility, this order keeps walking distances manageable and allows rest days where needed. Discuss the pace with your guide before departure.

Food for Vegetarian and Jain Travellers

Peruvian cuisine is not traditionally vegetarian, but Lima and Cusco have a good range of options for Indian travellers who eat vegetarian or follow Jain dietary rules. Tourist-facing restaurants in both cities regularly offer vegetarian set menus and buffets with clearly labelled dishes.

Andean staples are naturally plant-based and widely available: quinoa, corn, potatoes in many varieties and avocado appear on most menus. Vegetable soups and simple rice dishes can usually be prepared on request. Ceviche, the coastal dish of fresh fish cured in lime juice, is not vegetarian, and lomo saltado is a beef stir-fry — both are worth knowing about so you can ask for alternatives. Street food in Lima is part of the local experience, but choose busy stalls with freshly cooked items. If you avoid onion, garlic or root vegetables, confirm ingredients directly with the kitchen, as these are common in Peruvian cooking.

Etiquette and Practical Tips for Elders

Peru is manageable for older travellers and those with limited mobility when the route is planned around altitude, walking distances and rest days. Five specific points to keep in mind:

• Dress modestly at Inca sites and churches: Covered shoulders and knees are respectful. Layers are practical because highland temperatures shift sharply between morning and afternoon.
• Photography rules vary by site: Outdoor photography is generally fine, but always ask before photographing local people, and check for signs prohibiting drones or tripods before setting up equipment.
• Footwear matters: Wear sturdy, closed shoes with a firm grip. Stone paths and terraces at Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are uneven; sandals or smooth-soled shoes are unsuitable and can be unsafe.
• Walking distances can be shortened: Buses run from Machu Picchu town to the citadel entrance, the Sacred Valley can be toured by van, and Colca Canyon condor viewpoints require no trekking. Discuss your pace and any mobility needs with your guide before the day begins.
• Carry medicines and plan for altitude: Bring prescribed medicines, a copy of your prescription and any altitude medication your doctor recommends. Drink water regularly, avoid heavy meals on arrival in Cusco and rest when needed. Altitude effects are common above 3,000 metres.

Check current entry rules from the official government source before departure, as requirements can change without notice.

The Peru package page lists the trips available now, if you would like to see them side by side.