Peru Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Traveling to Peru? Our detailed Peru insights, blogs and travel tips will help you plan the best trip.

Home to the world-famous Inca Trail and citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru has a rich culture and history that is evident in every corner of the country. For travelers, this South American country has it all, from breathtaking landscapes and ancient sites reflecting lost civilizations to vibrant festivals marking old-world rites and out-of-this-world Latin American cuisine. A Peru tour will encompass all that this wonderful South American country has to offer and more.

With a history dating back over 5,000 years, Peru is so much more than the glorious Inca citadel of Machu Picchu that draws thousands of tourists every year. Amazing places to visit in Peru include the puzzling geoglyphs at Nazca, the massive pre-Columbian ruins of Chan Chan, and the magnificent fortress of Kuélap.

Peru's rich cultural heritage is steeped in mythical beliefs and nowhere is this more prominent than in the colorful chaos of the many street festivals held throughout the year. The awe-inspiring Peruvian landscapes, meanwhile, offer an array of things to do in Peru, from white-water rafting on glacier-fed rivers and rock climbing chiseled snow-capped peaks to paragliding over the dense jungles of the Amazon and trekking along the world-renowned Inca Trail.

With all its amazing attractions, it is tough to decide where to go in Peru. So when it comes to planning how many days to spend in Peru, choose one region and explore the most popular spots on day trips. Alternatively, use our comprehensive guide below to find out how to plan a trip to Peru.

Top Destinations in Peru

Discover the highlights of Peru.

Discover Inca Relics in Machu Picchu

Follow in the footsteps of an ancient civilization and hike along the Inca Trail to the magnificent 15th-century citadel of Machu Picchu. Hailed as one of the greatest multi-day treks in the world, discovering the Inca Relics in this archeological site an experience of a lifetime that should not be missed. View Tours

Hike the Strenuous Cusco Routes

Hiking in and around Cusco is a must for the region is home to incredible landscapes and breathtaking scenery. From the pristine glacial-fed Humantay Lake and the slopes of Rainbow Mountain to the three lakes of Kinsa Cocha, there are some fantastic hiking routes in and around Cusco. View Tours

Immerse in the Colonial Architecture of Lima

Spain’s long colonial rule has left an indelible mark on Peru. The capital, Lima, has its fair share of noteworthy architectural sights. Stroll around the checkerboard streets of Lima and take in the grand patios, ornate arches, elegant courtyards, and beautifully sculptured façades of age-old buildings. View Tours

What to do in Peru

Read all about the top things to do in Peru.

Top 12 Things To Do in Cusco

Cusco is Peru’s most compelling city, combining layers of history from the days of the Incan empire, through the Spanish colonial period and right up to modern times. It is a place of grand monuments from the Spanish period juxtaposed with atmospher ...Read more

10 Things to Do in Lima

Lima is one of the largest cities on the South American continent, a vast agglomeration and home to an estimated 10 million people. Founded in 1535, it is a city that is rich with history, cultural heritage and culinary traditions and it is also one of th ...Read more

Things To Do in Peru

Aaah. Peru. Where do we even begin? The heart of the Great Inca Empire. The Land of the Incas. Home to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Not interested? How about sheer natural beauty in the form of the Great Amazon, exotic jungles, or breathtaking peaks. St ...Read more

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When to visit Peru

Read the below travel guides to find the best time to visit Peru.

°C °F

Jan Avg Daily: 26 ° C Avg Nightly: 20 ° C
Feb Avg Daily: 27 ° C Avg Nightly: 20 ° C
Mar Avg Daily: 26 ° C Avg Nightly: 20 ° C
Apr Avg Daily: 25 ° C Avg Nightly: 18 ° C
May Avg Daily: 22 ° C Avg Nightly: 17 ° C
Jun Avg Daily: 21 ° C Avg Nightly: 16 ° C
Jul Avg Daily: 19 ° C Avg Nightly: 16 ° C
Aug Avg Daily: 19 ° C Avg Nightly: 15 ° C
Sep Avg Daily: 20 ° C Avg Nightly: 15 ° C
Oct Avg Daily: 21 ° C Avg Nightly: 16 ° C
Nov Avg Daily: 23 ° C Avg Nightly: 17 ° C
Dec Avg Daily: 25 ° C Avg Nightly: 19 ° C

Best Time to Visit:

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Best Time To Visit Peru

Peru, the veritable heartland of the ancient Inca civilization is a bucket list destination for many. Still littered with remnants of a once-powerful empire, Peru is entrenched in history and culture. For example, Machu Picchu, the citadel that showc ...Read more

Peru in April: Beginning of Sunny Days

April marks the end of the wet season and the beginning of sunny days in Peru. This is one of the best months to visit the country as the weather is perfect for hiking. However, despite this being an ideal time to explore highlights like the Sacred Valley ...Read more

Peru in March: Exploring Amid the Monsoon

Rain can be a hassle if you are heading for Peru in March as this is the last month of the wet season. However, if you can stand a bit of rain, the month still offers abundant travel opportunities to some of the best Peruvian destinations. ...Read more

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Peru at a Glance

Quick facts about Peru.

CAPITAL CITY

The capital city of Peru is Lima. It is the fifth-largest city in South America and the second-largest desert city in the world. It is nicknamed ‘The City of Kings’ in honor of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and his mother, Joanna of Castile.

SIZE

Peru is 1,285,216 square kilometers in size (496,225 square miles) and has a population of 32 million people. It is the third largest country in South America and the 19th largest country in the world.

COUNTRY CODE

The country code of Peru is +51. To call Peru simply dial your exit code, the Peru country code, and the area phone code shown below, all before your local number.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo sol (S). ATMs can be found in Peru’s main cities and they widely accept Visa cards. Mastercard and Cirrus are not as widely accepted. Visa credit cards can be used in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

MAIN AIRPORT

The main airport in Peru is Jorge Chávez International Airport. It is in Callao, 11 kilometers (7 miles) northwest of Lima. CODE: LIM CLOSEST CITY: Callao

VISAS

No visa is required for entering Peru for a stay of up to 183 days. But do keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must hold a passport valid for at least six months on entry with one blank visa page. We, however, strongly advise you to check travel advisories and/or visit the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country to inquire about visa requirements.

LANGUAGE

Peru has three official languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

The number to contact Civil Defense – INDECI Emergencies is 110.

WHAT'S UNIQUE

Peru is home to one of the richest cultures in the world with many ancient archaeological structures. Peru’s wide range of diverse ecosystems boasts a greater diversity of flora and fauna than most other countries on the planet.

How long to stay in Peru

Read about the ideal duration to stay in Peru.

Great Peru Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

Peru is home to several wondrous sights that are the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. This complex and stunning country is home to colonial-heritage cities, dense Amazon rainforest, and a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cultural attrac ...Read more

10 Days in Peru: Top 4 Recommendations

With 10 days in Peru, it is possible to experience everything this South American sleeping giant offers. Blend historic, cultural and natural highlights of the country to create the perfect 10-day Peru itinerary. Discover the colonial relics of Lima and t ...Read more

2 Weeks in Peru: Our Recommendations

With 2 weeks in Peru, it is possible to enjoy some of the finest destinations in all of South America at a leisurely pace. What could be better than wandering the lively streets of Cusco, sailing across Lake Titicaca and exploring Machu Picchu? Add a bit ...Read more

See all how long to stay in Peru guides

Peru Tour and Holiday Packages

Select the tour type that you are looking for.

FAQs for Peru

Read the most frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Peru below.

How much does food cost in Peru?

Sustainable Travel — How to Travel Through Peru Responsibly

In line with Bookmundi’s vision, we wish to provide our travelers with a sustainable travel experience through Peru. As part of this effort, we carbon offset any Peru tour that you purchase through us. Read more details about Bookmundi's carbon offsetting efforts.

Here’s what you can do to travel to Peru more responsibly:

Carbon offset your travel to Peru via Qantas. The moment your tour starts in Peru, and if you have purchased your tour through Bookmundi, we will carbon offset your tour from its starting point to its ending point.
The Wiracocha Foundation (WIRA) preserves indigenous agricultural knowledge, folklore, traditions, and the ancient wisdom of various cultures in Peru. The organization also supports food security for the vulnerable populations of Peru and protects and promotes the use of the maca plant through sustainable initiatives. You can help support this cause by donating here.
The Asociación Civil Pucacuro is dedicated to environmental research, education, conservation, and awareness. Based on Iquitos, the organization promotes the economic and socio-cultural development of the Amazonian people. To help this organization, please click here.
CONAPAC partners with rural Amazonian communities in Peru to conserve the rainforests. The organization supplies to aid in the form of school supplies, education improvements, access to clean water, use of a lending library, leadership workshops, and more.

Peru Travel Tips and Insight

Go green and choose buses over planes. The best way to enjoy Peru is to take the bus. Jump on one of the hop-on, hop-off services where you can hop off to any destination of your liking and stay for as long as you want.
Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture by ordering the traditional lunch ‘menu’ when you are at small family-run restaurants. Lunch is the main meal for Peruvians and these menus are a vital part of Peruvian culture. It is also a wonderful way to sample home-cooked authentic food at a great price.
Visit local markets in every town you visit. This is a great way to experience Peru’s diverse culture and get a feeling for the city or town you are in. It is also a lovely way of supporting local artisans and small businesses and finding some unique, one-of-a-kind items.

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