Comprehensive Guide to visiting Cusco, Peru in 3 Days - Plaza de Armas

Peru

Peru was the first stop on my backpacking trip through South America, and I arrived with modest expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the country’s rich culture and stunning natural beauty. From iconic sites like Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain to the towering peaks of the Andes, Peru offers a wide range of landscapes to explore.

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

What you need to know before traveling 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: I highly recommend having a travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents and trip cancellations. I used TrueTraveller but it’s only available to EU residents.
  • Mobile: I recommend buying 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 a large country and the quickest way to save time on your itinerary is by taking an internal flight. 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 book a tour, I highly advise you to tip your tour guides and drivers. Obviously, if you enjoyed their service.
  • 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 regions you plan to explore. In general, the ideal time to visit Peru is between May and September, which corresponds to the dry season.

If you’re heading to the Amazon, the best time to go is between April and October. This way you’ll avoid the risk that some areas are inaccessible due to flooding.

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

PERU Adventure Guide

  • Machu Picchu: is a breathtaking archeological site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Every year it draws many visitors from all over the world. 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 and among the main highlights in the valley there is Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray and Chinchero.
  • Lake Titicaca: is located on the border between Peru and Bolivia. Also, lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at over 3,800 m / 12,500 ft. Here, you can explore the floating island made of reeds and experience the life of indigenous communities. It’s a perfect opportunity to get insights of the traditional Quechua culture, while enjoying the stunning 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. If you want to embark on an overnight trip, I recommend hiking down the Colca Canyon. This is one of the deepest canyons in the world!
  • Amazon Rainforest: the main getaways to Peru’s Amazon rainforest are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, 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 and most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world. I recommend going if you love trekking, mountaineering and outdoor activities.

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.

Peru Travel Guide Blog in South America

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) and have medication like Diamox on hand in case you feel sick.

Best Places to Travel in PERU if you like:

Peru has a variety of activities to offer based on where you want to go. In this travel guide to Peru, 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. It’s an experience I recommend anyone in love with the mountains.

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. I recommend going on either a free walking tour or guided tour. This is the best way to gain local insights of the place.
  • Arequipa: has an elegant taste and is filled with historic 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 are not self-driven and only rely on public transportation, such as buses or mini buses.

  • Cusco to Puno: this route offers spectacular views of high-altitude mountains and picturesque villages to lead the whole way to lake Titicaca.
  • Lima to Paracas: get a seat on the right isle of the bus and enjoy the views of desert coastline and the ocean.
  • Arequipa to Colca Canyon: since you’re surrounded by the Andes, the landscape around you is magical. Additionally, you cross local towns and will stop at one of the best viewpoints to observe the condors.
  • 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 one 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.

Read all my posts about traveling in Peru