Peru Travel Guide

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Machu Picchu, Peru with light fog flowing through the ruins

Peru is one of the most popular countries in South America, thanks to its iconic Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, world-class food scene (the #1 restaurant in the world is there), and incredible hiking.

And while the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu attract the majority of the attention (2,500 people visit Machu Picchu every day), there is much more to see and do in Peru if you’re willing to get out there and explore. I absolutely loved my time there. The country lives up to all the hype. From the famous Lake Titicaca to the beaches in the north to the vibrant indigenous culture, Peru is bursting with things to see and do, friendly people, and, yes, incredible food.

I can’t rave enough about how great Peru is! And traveling around Peru is very affordable. You don’t need a lot of money to visit here (even if you hike the Inca trail).

This guide to Peru can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this beautiful destination!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Peru

The historic square of Cusco, Pero
1. Explore Machu Picchu

This legendary “lost city of the Incas” is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in South America. Here you can wander around the old Inca city observing ancient aqueducts, granite and limestone temples, and other beautifully preserved Inca architecture. There are three circuits you can take to see the site and you’ll have to get a guide to visit (though enforcement of that rule is spotty). I would definitely plan a whole day to visit the site. See below for more information on the Inca Trail if you are ppanning to do that!

2. Check out Lima

Lima is a chaotic and beautiful introduction to the country. Check out the vibrant Miraflores neighborhood that overlooks the Pacific and has plenty of restaurants and bars, visit the Larco Museum to see its pre-Columbian artifacts, the Aliaga House for Peruvian art and artifacts, and Plaza Mayor for colonial beauty. Tour the city’s colorful markets for both food and shopping, wander around the world’s only Cat Park, or check out the Park of Love for good luck in love. At night, head to the artsy Barranco district for the nightlife and try a local drink with pisco, a local brandy. The city is also considered one of the gastronomic centers of the world so save some money for fine dining. Here’s a list of some places I love.

3. Fly over the Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs that dominate the San José desert and Nazca Valley. Over 10,000 lines and 300 different plant and animal figures make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. No one really knows how they were created (maybe aliens? lol). The best way to see them is to take a scenic helicopter or plane tour (flights cost around 400 PEN) and last about thirty minutes.

4. Relax at Lake Titicaca

This stunning lake covers over 7,790 square kilometers (3,000 square miles) and sits at 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level, making it the world’s largest high-altitude lake. With deep blue water and spectacular sunsets across the lake, this place attracts people from all over the world. The nearby towns offer a mix of colonial architecture and bustling markets and there are three islands on the lake that are home to pre-Inca ruins: Isla del Sol, Taquile, and Amantani. Every year, the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca at Puno celebrates the Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria in February. However, the best and driest time to visit is June–August.

5. Hike the Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world, located about four hours outside the town of Arequipa. At 3,270 meters deep (10,728 feet), it’s said to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon at certain parts. This is a great place to spot Andean condors in the early mornings, and unlike the Grand Canyon, Colca is habitable. This place is definitely worth at least a day trip and easily reached with a tour, but you can also take the bus yourself to Cabanaconde and explore on your own. For a 2–3 day hiking tour where you can also see the local villages, hot springs, national reserve, and llamas and condors, expect to pay around 150–200 PEN. The entrance fee to the canyon is another 70 PEN.

 

Other Things to See and Do in Peru

1. Hike the Inca Trail

Getting to Machu Picchu is best via the famed Inca Trail. This multi-day hike allows you to see the mountains, jungles, and follow the route the Incas used to take. It is a truly spectacular hike, but it is challenging and you may experience altitude sickness. There are two ways to do this hike: you can sign up to be part of an organized tour, or you can hire your own private guide. You cannot hike the trail independently. Tours start around 2,600 PEN for a 4-day, 3-night tour with a reliable, reputable company. The final leg of the hike can get a bit crowded, so if you can do a longer 7-day hike you’ll be able to beat the crowds and enjoy the incredible landscape before you arrive. The driest time is May to October but also unfortunately the most crowded. If you go from November to April, prepare for mud and perhaps rain but fewer crowds. You can find out more in this post here.

2. Visit the Islas Flotantes de los Uros

The Floating Islands of the Uros may sound like an Indiana Jones title, but it is actually the name of the group of man-made islands in Lake Titicaca. The islands are home to the indigenous Uros people who have built their own houses, islands, and boats from the tortora reeds which grow along the banks of the lake. This is an extremely touristy site and is a bit exploited as such, so it’s not for everyone. The boat tours start at 165 PEN.

3. Surf at Máncora Beach

Great fresh seafood, watersports, horseback riding, whale watching, fishing with locals, visiting the mangroves, and plenty of relaxation are the order of the day at this popular beach resort. Máncora is one of the finest beaches in South America and its year-round sunshine, two ocean currents, and beginner-friendly waves also make it Peru’s surfing Mecca. Accommodation prices can be expensive from December to March, so it’s best to book in advance. Whale watching costs 135 PEN, surfing classes start at 95 PEN, and SUP tours with sea turtles cost 175 PEN.

4. Step back through time at Batán Grande

Batán Grande, also known as the Sicán Archaeological Complex, is an archaeological site comprising 50 pyramids and tombs, which are thought to date to 750–1300 CE. Located near Chiclayo, this site was once the ancient Sicán capital and has yielded many impressive pre-Columbian artifacts. For example, a gold Tumi ceremonial knife weighing almost seven pounds was recovered from one of the royal tombs! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks for the day.

5. Discover Cusco

This colonial city is a major tourist destination and sits on Inca-built stone foundations not far from Machu Picchu. The area is popular with trail walkers, history lovers, and partygoers who come to enjoy the city’s nightlife and festivals. Visit Saqsaywaman, the citadel complex on the northern outskirts of the city was built in the 15th century. See Qorikancha , the most important Incan temple in Cusco is located in the heart of the city. There’s also the Coca Museum, Pre-Colombian Art Museum, and the Machu Picchu Museum (which is a must!). Be sure to visit the San Pedro market, the largest and most vibrant market in town. If you want to do any shopping, get some local produce, or just wander around and snack, this is the place to do it! And explore San Blas , an area famous for its art and restaurants (fun fact: the Incas originally settled artists from around the empire here, and it’s been an artsy district ever since). Plan to spend around 3–5 days in Cusco as there is plenty to see and it’s a good place to acclimate before doing any hiking as the city sits at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level.

6. Get your Amazon fix in Iquitos

Accessible only by boat or plane, jungle-locked Iquitos is the largest city within the Peruvian rainforest. The city sits at the mouth of the Amazon and is the perfect destination for eco-tourism. The nearby Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is Peru’s largest reserve at two million hectares. It’s home to a huge range of nearly 1,000 birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and more. A 3-day, 2-night tour through the reserve starts from around 1,400–1,500 PEN per person including food.

7. Sandboard in Huacachina

This little town is a desert oasis famous for its sandboarding and buggy tours around the nearby dunes. Two-hour tours cost about 100–125 PEN, which includes a sand buggy driver and sandboard rental. Most tours leave around 4pm so you can catch the sunset on the dunes. There is also a lagoon surrounded by palm trees in Huacachina, and you can rent a rowboat to paddle around it (but honestly it’s super small so it’s not that special). Beyond the dunes, most travelers come here to take advantage of the big party/hostel scene and spend a few days relaxing among the dunes.

8. See penguins in Paracas

Paracas is known for its impressive wildlife, consisting of over 400 different species. Thousands of birds, as well as large sea lion and penguin populations, call the area home. You can visit the Paracas National Reserve via an organized boat tour. Be sure to go early. A full-day tour of Paracas includes a boat trip to the Islas Ballestas and a bus trip around the national reserve in the afternoon. It costs about 150 PEN.

9. Walk through the White City

Arequipa is a beautiful city with a historical center that was constructed primarily from volcanic rock. Start getting to know the city by wandering around the Plaza de Armas and taking in the city’s architecture over a glass of wine overlooking the main square with views of the stunning Basilica Catedral de Arequipa. Then, visit the vibrant Santa Catalina Monastery, see a frozen Inca mummy, and enjoy the local cuisine with favorites like shrimp soup or spicy stuffed peppers. For fine dining, my two favorite spots were China and Indigo, which both feature innovative Andean food. For a delicious Peruvian hole-in-the-wall, check out Picanteria La Mundial. I also recommend Isidro, a breakfast spot run by two Peruvians who spent time training in NYC. 

10. Go to El Parque de la Reserva

This park in downtown Lima is home to the largest water fountain complex in the world, called El Circuito Mágico del Agua. There are 13 distinct fountains in total, including the Tunnel Fountain of Surprises, the Children’s Fountain, and the Fantasia Fountain, whose water jets are synchronized to music during the evening laser light shows. The park is open daily from 3pm–10pm, with beautiful, colorful light shows taking place at 6:50pm, 7:50pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. The entrance fee is 4 PEN. The park also hosts a lot of events and is a popular place with dog owners too.

11. Visit Chachapoyas

This region in the Andean mountains was home to the Chachapoya civilization that lived there between 500–1432 (they were eventually conquered by the Aztecs). Today, you can visit Kuelap, the fortified city at known as “The Machu Picchu of the North.” The ruins are accessible via a guided tour, 4-hour hike, or cable car from the nearby town of Nuevo Tingo for 21 PEN roundtrip. Be sure to also visit Gocta, a beautiful waterfall that, at 770 meters (2,526 feet), is one of the tallest in the world. You can get there by taking a tour from Chachapoyas.

12. Tour Trujillo

Trujillo is the second-oldest Spanish city in Peru, located on the coast with eternal spring-like weather. It’s widely considered the capital culture of Peru. While here, visit the archaeological site of Chan Chan, the world’s largest adobe city ever built and the largest pre-Columbian city. It was built by the Chimu, a civilization that inhabited the area until 1470 when they were defeated by the Incas. Admission is 11 PEN. Be sure to also visit Huanchaco, a small fishing town directly on the beach.

13. See Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain

Chances are you’ve seen these colorful mountains on social media. Over the past few years, Rainbow Mountain has become a huge tourist attraction. Just keep in mind that the colors are not as vivid in real life and the place is super crowded (it’s a very popular site). Day trips and multi-day hikes are available from Cusco, usually starting around 110–135 PEN per person. There is also an “Alternative” Rainbow Mountain called Palcccoyo where you can enjoy an incredibly colorful scenic panoramic at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) if you want to escape the hordes of people (though it’s also pretty busy these days).

14. Hike the Salkantay

If you want an alternative to the busy Inca Trail, try hiking the Salkantay. It sees a fraction of the tourists and is half the price of the Inca Trail — but just as stunning! There aren’t as many ruins, but there are epic mountain views and summits of up to 5,200 meters (17.060 feet)! Hikes can vary in length, but the 7-day hike offers the best views. You’ll need to be in decent shape though. 5-day hikes start around 1,700 PEN.

 

How to Stay Safe in Peru

Peru is a pretty safe place to backpack and travel around. Your biggest worry is petty theft, which is rampant in the bigger cities and on overnight buses. Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or belongings. Avoid taking your phone out in public if you can. Lock your bags on overnight buses and keep your valuables secure and out of sight. It’s easy to get robbed if you aren’t careful here (especially at night).

If you’re in Lima, don’t walk around alone at night, unless you’re in the safer neighborhoods (Miraflores and Barranco). Smaller cities and towns are perfectly safe to walk around alone day and night.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe, though the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on Peru so you can get specific advice I just can’t give.

Scams aren’t super common but here’s a list of common travel scams to avoid.

If you’re doing any hiking, check the weather in advance and bring plenty of water. If you’re hiking to Machu Picchu, arrive three to five days early to adjust to the altitude.

If you experience an emergency, dial 011 for assistance. If you’re in one of the bigger cities, you can also seek out the tourism police.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Peru, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Peru

Peru has a ton of hostels and budget accommodation. It’s super affordable! Here are some of my favorite places to stay throughout the country:

Peru Travel Costs

Street scape in Lima, Peru, with people walking around in front of an old church

Accommodation

  • Hostel dorms – 40–100 PEN per night
  • Hostel private room – 100–250 PEN per night
  • Budget hotel – 110–300 PEN per night
  • Global chain hotel – +375 PEN per night
  • Airbnb private rooms – 100 PEN per night
  • Airbnb apartments – 300 PEN per night
  • Campsite – Wild camping is permitted as long as you’re not on somebody’s land.

Food

  • Appetizers – 20–30 PEN
  • Ceviche – 40–60 PEN
  • Main course dishes: 40–60 PEN
  • Burgers – 20–28 PEN
  • Sandwiches: 12–15 PEN
  • Fast food (think McDonalds) – 15–20 PEN
  • Soda – 4–7 PEN
  • Coffee – 5–10 PEN
  • Beer – 15 PEN
  • Wine – 29–45 PEN
  • Cocktails – 25 PEN
  • Groceries for a week – 60–80 PEN

Peru Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 185 PEN Per Day

On this budget, you’d be staying in hostel dorms, eating at typical hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cafés, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation and overnight buses, and doing a few paid activities and tours.

Midrange – 550 PEN Per Day

This would get you private rooms in hostels or two- or three-star hotels, a few high-end meals the country is famous for, all the drinks you want, intra-country flights, and any tours and activities your heart desires.

Upscale – 800+ PEN Per Day

On this budget, the sky is the limit! You can stay in upscale hotels, take scenic flights, hire private guides, eat at high-end restaurants, and do whatever you want! You won’t want for anything!

Peru Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Peru is generally pretty cheap, but it is easy to splash out here on food and tours and that will greatly increase your costs. Here are a few hacks to cut down your costs in Peru:

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Eat the meal of the day – These are set meals, often including multiple plates, that restaurants offer. Look around for set menu meals to eat out on the cheap.

Travel off-season  – The cheapest times to visit Peru are the shoulder months of January through April or November and December, as prices are usually lower during these months.

Take the  colectivos – These are inexpensive shared minivans that cost around 10 PEN for a ride. They leave when they are full and are a low-cost way to get from city to nearby city (think within a two-hour range).

Use Uber  – Uber is in all the major cities in the country and is really cheap. You never pay more than a few dollars per journey and they are often cheaper than taxis.

Book tours at the last minute – If you are looking to do the  Inca Trail and have a bit of extra time to wait for a deal, showing up in Cusco and booking a last-minute tour can save you lots of money. (But I wouldn’t recommend this if you don’t have time as you may have to wait days for a spot to open up.)

Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Walking Tour Peru has tours that can guide you around both Lima and Cusco. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

Get student discounts  – If you’re a student, be sure to carry your student card with you for major discounts (up to 50% off) at archaeological sites and museums in Cusco and the surrounding area.

Limit your fine dining  – Peru is one of the gastronomic centers of the world, with some of the best restaurants in the world here (in fact, the number one restaurant in the world, Central, is here). Dining at one is usually on people’s must-do list. But meals usually cost $100 USD or more (375 PEN), so avoid this if you’re looking to save money.

Book LATAM flights using the New Zealand website  – LATAM has cheaper prices if you use the NZ version of its website (instead of the US site). It’s a fluke of the system. Even if you aren’t a NZ resident, you can book through the site with no problems.

Take Peru Hop  –  Peru Hop is a backpacker hop-on/hop-off bus that travels set routes around the country. They also include a lot of activities and the guides are great. Plus, unlike most regular buses, they run on time and have free Wi-Fi. A lot of locals take them too since they are a really good value.

Hit the happy hours  – In all major destinations, you can find two-for-one happy hours as well as food specials and other discounts. Check with your hostel or hotel or Google for the latest information on what places are currently offering specials.

How to Get Around in Peru

A long distance coach bus in Peru

Public transportation – City buses cost around 1.50–3 PEN per trip. Microbuses (colectivos) are available and prices vary depending on the distance. Trips generally cost 2–10 PEN, though they are a bit hectic and take some getting used to.

Bus – Buses can take you all over Peru and are the most common way to get around for budget travelers. The usual price for a 10-hour bus journey is around 40 PEN depending on how nice the bus company is. You can use Cruz del Sur to look up bus schedules and prices. Keep in mind that any journey through the mountains will be a slow ride! Lima to Cusco takes over 21 hours and costs 185 PEN, though you can get a ticket for as low as 39 PEN if you book in advance.

Peru Hop is another reliable and comfortable bus company designed for backpackers. This bus is a hop-on/hop-off service you can take around the country. Three-day journeys from Lima to Cusco start from 683 PEN, while 7 days in Southern Peru costs 836 PEN.

Flying – Peru has five international airports (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Iquitos, and Piura), as well as over a dozen airports with domestic service. LATAM, Avianca, and Star Peru are the main domestic airlines.

Flying between destinations isn’t always the cheapest option, but it’s a whole lot quicker. A flight from Lima to Cusco takes just over an hour (as opposed to 21 hours by bus) and prices start around 250 PEN. Lima to Arequipa starts around 200 PEN.

Train – Like the rest of South America, the rail system in Peru is non-existent. There are nice tourist options though, like PeruRail and IncaRail, which both run trains between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. On PeruRail, tickets start from 179 PEN. Inca Rail also runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu with tickets starting around 220 PEN.

From Lima, there’s just one train: the Ferrocarril Central Andino, the world’s highest passenger train, which travels across the Andes to Cerro de Pasco and Huancayo. One-way fare starts from 230 PEN. However, service is limited — sometimes the train only runs once a month so be sure to check their website for updates.

Car rental – I don’t suggest renting a car here as the drivers are aggressive, the roads are poorly maintained, and accidents are common. If you do decide to rent a car, use Discover Cars to find the best prices.

Hitchhike – Hitchhiking here isn’t common or recommended as I don’t think it is that safe.

When to Go to Peru

Peru has just two seasons: wet and dry. May through October is the dry season, while November through April is the rainy season. The wettest months are from January to the end of April. This isn’t a great time to visit Peru — at least not in the mountain areas, where roads and hiking trails may become blocked or closed.

Most people come to Peru from the beginning of May to the end of November, with July and August being the busiest months. May and September are great months to visit, as tourism slows down slightly but temperatures are still pleasant.

If you want to spend more time in the mountains, June to September has clear, sunny days (but chilly nights). This is a good time to trek the Inca Trail. It’s also the best time to visit the Amazon when mosquitos are fewer.

Temperatures on the desert coast can get as high as 25–35°C (77–95°F) from December to April, while temperatures cool off from May to October. In the highlands from May to October, you can expect temperatures to reach 20–25°C (68–77°F).

Peru Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Peru Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Peru travel and continue planning your trip:

Budget backpack Tomislav posing near a tree