Ultimate Peru Travel Guide: What to See, Do and Know

Peru was the first stop on my backpacking trip through South America, and I arrived with modest expectations. But the country quickly won me over with its rich culture, warm people, and breathtaking scenery. From iconic sites like Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain to the towering peaks of the Andes, this Peru travel guide highlights some of the most beautiful places to explore in South America.

Peru travel guide: Exploring the coastal town of Lima, Peru during my backpacking trip through South America

Things to know before You travel to Peru

Language: Spanish and Quechua are the two official languages.
Currency: The Peruvian Pesos (PEN) is the official currency in Peru. Major cities have ATMs available, but I recommend carrying some cash when visiting rural areas.
Visas: If you hold a passport from the U.S., Canada or EU, you don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. But, check the official government website for the latest entry requirements.
Time Zones: Peru operates on Peru Time and there is no daylight saving time.
Travel Insurance: make sure you have a travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents and trip cancellations. I used TrueTraveller but it’s only available to EU residents.
Mobile: you can buy a local SIM card for data and calls, as soon as you arrive in Peru.
Plugs: Peru uses type A and C standard plug types. I recommend buying a universal adapter if visiting from abroad.
Transportation: Peru is large, and taking an internal flight is the quickest way to save time on your South America itinerary. Alternatively, the cheaper option is to use local (overnight) buses.
Accommodation: If you’re on a backpacking trip through South America, the most popular option is to stay at hostels and guesthouses. But, if you prefer more comfort, you can look into hotels and boutique stays.
Tipping: Not mandatory but if you enjoyed the tour, I recommend tipping your guides and drivers.
Must-try food: Peru’s most iconic dish is the ceviche, followed by lomo saltado. If you are adventurous and have a strong stomach, you can also try the Peruvian street food.

The Best Time to Visit PERU

Since Peru is a vast and diverse country, the best time to visit depends on the areas you plan to explore. In general, the best time to visit Peru is between May and September, which corresponds to the dry season.

The best time to visit the Amazon is between April and October. This is to avoid flooding, which can make some areas inaccessible.

For those visiting the coastal areas, such as Lima, Paracas and Nazca, the months from December to April are the most favorable. In fact, during the rest of the year, the weather tends be cooler and foggy.

PERU Travel Guide: Best places to visit

Machu Picchu: is a breathtaking archeological site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu should definitely be on your Peru travel guide, as it draws many visitors from all over the world every year. To reach Machu Picchu you can either take a train from Cusco or embark on a multi-day trek, such as the Inca or Salkantay Trail.
Cusco: used to be the capital of the Inca Empire and is the getaway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley: was a key area in the Incan Empire due to its fertile soil and agriculture. It is nested between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Also, some of the main highlights in the valley are Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray and Chinchero.
Lake Titicaca: on the border between Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world, at over 3,800 m / 12,500 ft. Explore its islands to learn about Quechua culture while enjoying breathtaking lake views.
Arequipa: is Peru’s second largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arequipa is known as the “White City” due to its use of white volcanic stone in its colonial buildings. For an adventure, hike down Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Amazon Rainforest: the main getaways to Peru’s Amazon rainforest are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. These are located in the eastern part of the country. You can experience anything from jungle lodges to wildlife and river exploration.
Huaraz: located north of Lima, Huaraz is nicknamed the hiking capital of Peru, due to its mountain scenery. It is the getaway to the Cordillera Huayhuash, one of the highest mountain ranges in the world.

Why you should travel to PERU

Peru is one of my favorite countries in the world. Beyond the world-famous Machu Picchu, Peru has some of the most stunning landscapes and wildlife. Also, compared to other South American destinations, such as Chile, Peru is more affordable in terms of food, accommodation and activities.

TRAVEL TIP: If you’re traveling to the Amazon, consult your doctor to receive information on which vaccinations you should receive. Also, note that many places in Peru are at high altitudes (over 3,000m / 10,000 ft). So, give yourself enough time to acclimatize (usually at least two days). Also have medication, like Diamox, on hand in case you feel sick.

Peru Travel Guide: Top Destinations Based on Your Interests

Peru has a variety of activities to offer based on where you want to go. In this Peru travel guide, I’ve listed the best places to visit based on your interests.

Outdoors

Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: are the best multi-day treks to reach one of the most famous attractions in Peru. You cross snow-peaked mountains, reach new heights and trek through tropical forests to finally ascent to the archeological site of Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): can be done as a day trip from Cusco to experience the natural beauty of this colorful mountain. If you want to see it as part of a multi-day trek, you can also opt for the Ausangate trek.
Colca Canyon: leaving from Arequipa, you can embark on this trek to one of the deepest canyons in the world, where you can hike, spot condors and sleep overnight at an oasis.
Cordillera Huayhuash: this was my favorite trek in Peru and South America so far. It’s a multi-day high-altitude trek around some of the tallest peaks in Peru. I highly recommend it as part of your Peru travel guide if you love mountains and the outdoors.

Wineries

Arequipa: due to its vicinity to the volcanoes, the soil around the valley of Arequipa is particularly fertile and excellent for wine production.
Ica: if you want to try the traditional drink of Peru, the Pisco, you can head to either Bodega Tacama or Bodega El Catador. Although Pisco is not exactly wine, going on a tasting tour is definitely worth it.

Historic Towns

Cusco: is a beautiful blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. As the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is rich in history and culture. In this Peru travel guide, I recommend going on either a free walking tour or guided tour. This is the best way to gain local insights of the city.
Arequipa: has an elegant taste and is filled with colonial buildings. If you’re comparing it to Cusco, you’ll notice an immediate difference in the color of the buildings. In fact, Arequipa is also known as the “White City” due to the white volcanic rocks that make up the buildings.

City Life

Lima: is the capital of Peru and has some of the best restaurant in the country, if not even in the world. Some of the more trendy districts are Barranco and Miraflores.
Cusco: has a more laid-back atmosphere to Lima but it still has some excellent nightlife, local markets, a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Arequipa: here I had one of the best meals of my entire trip to South America at Zig Zag. If you’re in Arequipa also make sure to try the Chicha de guiñapo, absolutely delicious!

Scenic Drives

Note: These scenic drives rely only on public transportation, such as buses or mini buses.

Cusco to Puno: this route offers spectacular views of high-altitude mountains and picturesque villages, leading all the way to lake Titicaca.
Lima to Paracas: get a seat on the right isle of the bus and enjoy the views of the desert coastline and ocean.
Arequipa to Colca Canyon: since you’re surrounded by the Andes, the landscape around you is magical. Additionally, you cross local towns and stop at one of the best viewpoints to observe the condors in Colca Canyon.
Cusco to Sacred Valley: the valley is rich with unique vistas, mountains and architectural buildings, such as in Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

Wildlife Viewing

Tambopata and Puerto Maldonado: are some of the best places for wildlife lovers, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. If you’re lucky, you can spot jaguars, monkeys and many other animals. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this adventure is by staying at one of the eco-lodges and taking a riverboat tour in the jungle.
Paracas and Ballestas Islands: take a boat tour to spot sea lions, penguins and a large variety of bird species. This area is so rich on marine life that you’ll struggle to keep your eyes glued to just one place.