The South American continent of Peru is a very popular travel destination, from its popular rain forests and jungles to the many different landscapes and scenery. It’s a truly breathtaking country, which attracts many first-time visitors seeking to explore everything it has to offer.
Aside from the amazing scenery and ancient architecture, many tourists are also attracted to Peru because of its affordability, being one of the most cost-friendly countries in South America to visit. When you combine affordability and must-see destinations like Machu Picchu, it’s no wonder why there is an abundance of interest in planning vacations and long-term travel expeditions.
Traveling to Peru, or any foreign country for that matter, can be overwhelming and filled with questions and concerns, even to seasoned travelers. If you are planning a trip to Peru then you are in luck, because we have created the most definitive Peru travel guide, complete with the most important details and answers to frequently asked questions, like how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu and more.
This one-stop Peruvian travel guide will help you plan a trip that will be memorable and one of the best experiences of your life.
Peru is the third largest country in South America, with three regions that make up its nearly 1,300,000 square kilometers. These include:
The central region of Peru is defined by the dramatic Sierra Andes and is home to Machu Picchu, the country’s most globally recognized landmark. Despite occasional natural events such as landslides or seasonal flooding, it remains one of the most visited and culturally rich areas in Peru.
Peru’s coastal region is characterized by cooler temperatures influenced by cold ocean currents and warm desert landscapes, often creating a light coastal fog. Lima, the capital city, is located here and serves as the country’s main cultural and culinary hub.
The Amazon region covers a vast and remote portion of Peru, much of it accessible only by boat or small aircraft. Due to its isolation and dense rainforest environment, guided exploration is strongly recommended for travelers.
Photo: martythelewisMachu Picchu is Peru’s most iconic destination, set high above the Urubamba River in the Andes. Accessible by scenic train or multi-day treks such as the Inca Trail, the ancient Inca citadel combines dramatic mountain landscapes with extraordinary archaeological significance. Its preserved stone structures and mystical atmosphere make it an essential highlight of any Peru travel itinerary.
Lima, the capital of Peru, blends colonial history with modern coastal living. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the city is known for its historic center, vibrant neighborhoods, and dynamic culinary scene. Recognized as the gastronomic capital of South America, Lima offers world-class ceviche, cultural attractions, museums, markets, and lively nightlife experiences.
Nazca is world-renowned for its mysterious desert geoglyphs, massive figures etched into the arid landscape centuries ago. Best viewed from the air, the Nazca Lines showcase astonishing precision and scale, with shapes depicting animals and geometric patterns. Their unknown origin continues to intrigue historians, making Nazca one of Peru’s most fascinating archaeological destinations.
Lake Titicaca sits high in the Andes and is often referred to as the birthplace of the sun in Inca mythology. As one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, it offers breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore traditional communities like Taquile Island and experience authentic Andean customs and lifestyles.
Colca Canyon, located near Arequipa, is one of Peru’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, it features dramatic cliffs, terraced valleys, and scenic viewpoints. The region is also famous for sightings of the majestic Andean Condor, offering travelers a striking alternative to Peru’s more crowded attractions.
Photo: Dale GuCusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is the cultural heart of Peru and the main gateway to Machu Picchu. This historic Andean city blends impressive Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique atmosphere found nowhere else in South America. Visitors can explore nearby ruins such as Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha, stroll through the lively Plaza de Armas, and wander narrow cobblestone streets filled with markets, museums, and traditional cuisine.
When most people think about taking a trip to Peru there are a couple tourism staples that come to mind — Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. These are the two most talked about destinations, and while amazing and must-see, there are so many other experiences that Peru offers.
There are many hidden gems and destinations that are not openly talked about in the mass media. The sand dunes to the rain forests — Peru features a wide range of terrain and sights.
It’s a massive country with so many options, which is why many organized trips are typically around the 10 to 14-day mark, allowing for the visitors to take in as much as possible.
Even at the two-week mark you will not be able to experience all Peru has to offer. So, in an effort to help you maximize your trip to Peru, we decided to put together a list of the top twenty must-do experiences while visiting the country.
The dry season, which occurs from May through October, is known as the best time to visit Peru. These months typically have the brightest blue skies and sunny days. Because of this, these months book full quickly, so if you want to book a trip to Peru at the best time of the year you will need to plan in advance.
January and February are the wettest months, making them the cheapest in terms of hotel rates, with dates between November through April also having a high likelihood of rain. While the rates are lower, you also have to understand that you might not be able to partake in all of the outdoor activities and adventures due to them being rained out.
In terms of temperatures, coastal towns will always be a bit cooler, while some areas, like Machu Picchu, will remain a consistent temperature throughout the year.
Traveling to Peru can fit a wide range of budgets, from backpacker-style trips to fully customized luxury experiences. For travelers covering basic expenses such as accommodation, meals, and local transportation, daily costs can start at approximately $35–$55 USD per person. These estimates reflect essential travel only and do not include premium lodging, guided excursions, or private services.
For those seeking a more refined experience — including boutique or luxury hotels, private transfers, curated excursions, and fine dining — costs increase accordingly, but so does comfort and convenience. Peru offers exceptional value at every level, allowing travelers to tailor their experience based on priorities, whether that means adventure-focused exploration or high-end personalized travel.
When booking your stay in Peru you will be presented with several options when it comes to hotels. While it’s always best to read recent reviews and price-shop, we felt it would be beneficial to highlight three hotels, ranging from luxury and boutique to budget-friendly, in six of the most commonly traveled to cities throughout the country.
In our opinion, these are the best hotels in Peru, and most definitely worth looking into for your lodging needs.
18 hotels
Peru is an amazingly beautiful country to visit, and with a few common-sense precautions you can travel confidently and comfortably. As with any international destination, staying aware of your surroundings and planning ahead will help you avoid most issues and enjoy your trip.
If you are planning a long trip to Peru, make sure you pack enough clothing for the duration of your stay. Comfort should be your priority, as many activities involve walking, sightseeing, and hiking throughout the day.
Because you may be active and change outfits more than once daily, plan accordingly. Evenings can be breezy, especially in coastal areas, so packing layers is recommended. Most hotels offer laundry services, which can help you avoid overpacking.
This combination will keep you prepared for hiking, city exploration, and Peru’s varying climates.
Want to do a little reading prior to your vacation to Peru? There are several great books available, with these three being our top recommendation.
This book by Mark Adams dates back nearly ten years, but it’s still a great read for those interested in Machu Picchu and plan on visiting the lost Incan city. Machu Picchu’s rich history is explained very well and it’s a great book to read before, which will perfectly prepare you for the experience.
This book written by Pablo Neruda is another great read for those planning on visiting Machu Picchu, which is a destination the majority of travelers to Peru take in. A poet, Neruda’s book is a 12-part story of his journey to the Inca city. It’s a classic piece of literature that comes highly recommended.
John Hemming wrote this book back in 1970, and it’s one that will take you through the journey of the Incas — a nine day trip along the famous Inca trail. Since it’s a place you are more than likely to visit on your trip to Peru, it’s a great cultural tuneup that will give you insight on that journey prior to seeing it first-hand.
John Hemming wrote this book back in 1970, and it’s one that will take you through the journey of the Incas — a nine day trip along the famous Inca trail. Since it’s a place you are more than likely to visit on your trip to Peru, it’s a great cultural tuneup that will give you insight on that journey prior to seeing it first-hand.
Peru is an amazing country with so much to see and experience. We suggest that you prepare for your trip by reading a travel guide — but also bring it with you as a resource. With so many on the market we felt it would be beneficial to highlight the most comprehensive one, in our opinion, available:
Lonely Planet’s Peru Travel Guide (ISBN: 9781786573827)
It’s nearly 600 pages and highlights everything from Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, to Lake Titicaca and the famous nightlife found in Cuzco. It can be found at all major bookstores as well as online in both physical print and digital download.
Aside from its information, it also has plenty of images and maps — all in full color. There are unbiased tips, insight and reviews as well. It’s a great tool that can help make your trip to Peru even more satisfying.
