Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

The Sacred Valley of Peru is a feast for the senses—colorful woven fabrics, mountains that soar skyward, ancient culture full of innovation, and contemporary cuisine emerged from the creative playfulness among the country’s best chefs.

Reserve early

If you are into hiking, history and have dreamed about traveling along the ancient Inca Trail, reserve early! A few years ago, Peru implemented a permit system, limiting the number of entries per day. The permits sell out quickly, so to ensure you get the date that you want, plan ahead of time. The same can be said for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain—two hiking options from Machu Picchu that offer a bird’s eye view of the ruins.

Prepare for a range of micro-climates

Packing light is recommended (the less you have, the less you have to worry about!), but Peru’s Sacred Valley has a little bit of everything, and the weather in the mountains can change in an instant. You will need everything from warm lightweight jackets to quick-dry clothing for Machu Picchu and the valleys, which are much warmer and more humid. Thin layers are better than one or two dense layers. It will be easier to adjust your clothing to suit your activity and temperature.

Acclimatize before imbibing

Wait a day before trying a pisco sour. It’s easy to get dehydrated just from flying. But you are also landing in Cusco, which is situated about 11,000 feet above sea level. Your body will thank you for not consuming any alcohol that first day while it works to acclimatize. Drink coca tea instead, but don’t try to bring it home. Coca tea is medicinal and has been consumed by Andean people for hundreds of years to boost energy. It is a remedy for altitude sickness and does not cause any adverse effects (though drinking too much can leave you feeling jittery, akin to having too much coffee). Since cocaine (banned in Peru) is produced from the same plant, it is illegal to bring coca tea into the United States.

Ask to take photos of local people, and be prepared to tip

Asking to take photos of anyone is just plain common courtesy, particularly indigenous people and children. Not all of your muses will expect a tip, most will. Some situations are obvious; you will see Quechua women in traditional dress, more than willing to pose with their llamas for a small propina. If you’re traveling with a local guide, he or she can offer further guidance but have some Peruvian soles easily accessible just in case.

Arrive a day or two early

Travelers often feel a bit of whiplash when going a great distance, and many prefer to arrive early whenever possible. An old tale captures this notion by suggesting that while traveling, it’s important to pause to ‘let your soul catch up.’ Those with less romantic world views may simply call this jet lag. Regardless, the extra time allows you to rest, explore Cusco freely without a plan, and get used to the higher elevation before the “real” adventure begins.

Foodie? Extend your trip to Lima

The culinary scene in Peru is hotter than ever, and while Cusco has some incredible food, Lima, being a larger city, has many more options and with a bit more international fusion. From street food to contemporary twists on indigenous dishes to Michelin-starred restaurants, Lima is the hub. Guinea pig, or cuy, is a delicacy (and you should try at least one bite!). You may also now indulge in another pisco sour.

By Matt Holmes