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.
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.
An Introduction to Peru
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 made up of extraordinary mountain ranges, from the high sierra Andes, which includes Machu Picchu, which is the most globally recognizable attraction in Peru.
What many aren’t aware of though, is that this area is very unstable, with landslides, flash floods and even earthquakes occurring on a fairly frequent basis. Even so, it’s a highly visited area by incoming tourists looking to experience the sights of central Peru.
With so many options available, how does one know what destinations are worth looking into, and what ones might be a tourist trap worth avoiding in favor of a more enjoyable experience?
Well, with something for everyone, from ancient ruins to modern masterpieces, Peru will provide you with an endless supply of cultural experiences. From history buffs to foodies and adrenaline junkies, there is a destination to satisfy all travelers.
As one of the top international travel destinations, we wanted to break down the top five travel destinations in Peru, highlighting their appeal and explaining why these are the most popular places to visit while in Peru.
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.
It’s amazing how some of the most amazing structures, like the Egyptian pyramids, were created back in the day before modern technology and even tools for that matter. Well, the Uros Floating Islands are another great example of an amazing structure created ages ago that to this day remain eye-opening.
Located in Lake Titicaca, these floating islands were made by hand, constructed of woven reeds. These floating islands were built as a means to protect themselves. Not only did they offer protection, but they were easily moved in the event of danger. They were truly ahead of their time.
While we always encourage visitors to take lots of pictures to document their experience, it’s important to note that many of the natives do not like to have their photos taken, so please be mindful of that wiash. If you are participating in a guided tour you will be reminded of this by your tour guide.
Since this is such a popular destination, there are multiple ferry and boat tours scheduled daily that can bring you to the Uros Floating Islands.
Mancora is a little fishing village that has become very popular with surfers, and for years it was a hidden treasure that not many people knew about. Many surfers from Lima and the surrounding area would make the trip to experience the surf because it was unlike any other found along the coast of Peru. Now, it’s a popular tourist destination, but for reasons beyond just the epic waves that surfers rave about, for the warm water and waves that break perfectly, for both novice and expert level surfers. Aside from surfing, Mancora’s consistently pleasant temperature and climate is one reason tourists make this a routine stop. Shorts and t-shirts can be worn year-round, and a jacket or sweatshirt is only required in the evening hours of the coldest “winter” months. Peru’s sky overall is usually gray, but Mancora features bright blue skies and beaming sunshine, which is why so many locals from Lima will make the voyage down, just to experience the weather — it’s such a drastic change.
Whether you call it Cuzco or Cusco (both are acceptable), one thing is certain — you will be visiting one of the most popular travel destinations in all of Peru. From its 1.5 million visits each calendar year, a large percentage of that occurs in June for the Inti Raymi celebration. Cuzco is right up there with the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, coming in at the number three tourist destination in Peru. Some of the old ruins still remain, and if you look at some of the newer buildings and structures in the area you will see that they were built on top of the old Cuzco ruins, which now act as a foundation for these new structures. While some of the attractions and locations we suggest are not the typical tourist trap, this isn’t one of those. Cuzco is highly recognized as a very popular tourist destination, so we suggest you look into a tourism card, which will provide you with multiple days of access, giving you the option to explore multiple sites and attractions.
One of the reasons traveling to Peru is popular is the cost — when it comes to cost-per-day, Peru is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations when you consider the experiences available.
For the absolute bare minimum (hotel, food and transportation), in USD, the following daily costs should be budgeted for:
Low budget: $35 per day/traveler
High budget: $55 per day/traveler
Again, this is per person on average and this is for the bare necessities. The higher the budget, the more you can do and see. But, as you can see from the range, it’s very affordable, which is why so many people book long-term treks through Peru — you can do and see a lot for a very reasonable amount of money.
Now, for those with higher budgets, you can experience the finest hotels and restaurants in Peru, for an incredible experience. If you are willing to spend more, you can have the very best at your disposal. If you are on a tight budget, you can still have an amazing experience, but you will get what you pay for, when it comes to accommodations.
To some this isn’t an issue, because to them it’s just a place to rest. They would rather experience more sights and adventures, rather than have a more luxurious hotel stay.
So, now that we have very basic daily budget information laid out, now you need to know about the other costs associated with booking a trip to Peru. Even on the high side at $55 per day, it seems very affordable, but you have to be fully aware of the other additional expenses that will come up.
While you can technically travel to Peru and get by on that amount, you aren’t going to be able to do much exploring, and that is what we are going to cover here. There are four things you need to take into consideration:
Negotiate fares prior to leaving: You never want to depart prior to agreeing on a price, because if not, the taxi driver may try to charge you a higher rate knowing you have no other option than paying what they say. Agree to a price before the journey begins.
Take public buses over taxis: The public transportation in Peru is much more affordable than taxis. Get schedules and plan travel in advance to save money.
Eat at local establishments rather than touristy restaurants: The touristy hot-spots will be priced higher and be more crowded. Look for establishments where the locals eat — the food will be better as well.
Look for non-touristy activities: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are must-see, but don’t be afraid to also look for some fun activities that aren’t so touristy. There is a lot of affordable adventure, like hiking and rafting that can be done through smaller, less touristy companies.Buy tour packages direct: Buy tour packages directly from the source. Not only is it cheaper, but you will ensure you are buying a valid Peru tour package and not a scam. If you are scammed you will be out of the money — always buy direct from the source even if a third party claims to have lower prices.
In our opinion, these are the best hotels in Peru, and most definitely worth looking into for your lodging needs.
Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, has an endless number of choices when it comes to booking a hotel. Here are a few to consider, each of which boast amazing reviews online across the many different platforms.
This hotel is visually stunning — with its glass structure and unique design. Its proximity to some of the best luxury shopping Miraflores has to offer as well as top restaurants also make this a highly popular hotel in Lima.
The amenities are nice as well, with a full fitness center and spa on-site, along with an outdoor pool to relax at and enjoy the summer weather. The hotel also has on-site restaurants that both feature ocean views.
Cusco
Lima, the capital of Peru, has an endless number of choices when it comes to booking a hotel. Here are a few to consider, each of which boast amazing reviews online across the many different platforms.
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Need a hotel for your Machu Picchu adventure? Here are three of our favorite choices to consider — they are great lodging options for those planning a hike up one of the most famous mountains in the world.
Sacred Valley Nazca
The Sacred Valley area of Peru is desirable because of its location, along with there being so much to do and see, literally just steps outside of most hotels in Sacred Valley Nazca. Here are some that are definitely worth looking into.
A great central hotel, located between Machu Picchu and Cuzco, it’s set in a countryside with endless views of the valley and mountains. The property is more than 100 acres large, making you feel like you are secluded and away from the touristy madness. If this interests you, make sure to book in advance as there is a very limited number of rooms.
Colca Canyon
There are many affordable luxury hotels in Colca Canyon, offering outstanding service at a reasonable price. These are great options to inquire about availability.
Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Puno, south or Peru, is home to Lake Titicaca, a very popular tourist destination. If you plan to spend time at the lake, then consider one of these highly recommended hotels in Puno.
Buses and trains are a great option, and can take you virtually anywhere you want to visit throughout the country. Buses are going to be your most affordable option, and just to give you an example, you can travel from one side of Peru to the other end for about $30.
Now, there are low end buses and more luxurious options, but for short trips of a couple hours or less, you can ride economy buses for less than $2 per hour.
Trains are also another option, but they require booking far in advance; typically two week prior is a good rule of thumb to adhere to. Some prefer the comfort of a train for long distance travel, so plan accordingly.
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.
While Peru is an amazingly beautiful country to visit, you need to take precautions to remain safe, the same way you should for all international travel.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while traveling throughout Peru.
Pack Immune Boosters: Being in a new country and climate can be brutal on your immune system. Taking a booster daily can help you battle off colds that would otherwise make your days miserable.
Know Your Routes: Always know where you are going and the best way to get there. If not, cab drivers will take you on longer routes to rack up a higher fare.
Watch Your Valuables: Some areas of Peru that are tourist hot-spots will be frequented by pickpockets and petty criminals. If you aren’t careful you could be a victim. Losing a wallet and passport overseas can really complicate your travel and ruin your trip.
Consider Travelers Insurance: While you might not need it — what if something does happen? There are many affordable options available worth considering.
If you are planning a long trip to Peru you will want to make sure you have clothes to last the entire journey.
When it comes to clothes, you will want to focus on comfort, as a lot of the activities and sightseeing involves a lot of walking and hiking. Pack plenty of cotton t-shirts and shorts, along with comfortable long pants and jeans, as well as plenty of socks and underwear.
If you plan on being active you will need to allocate a few outfits a day, as you can get rather sweaty hiking and will want to change into clean clothes. Most hotels will have on-site washers and dryers, so be mindful of that when packing.
You will also want to pack some warm clothes as the evenings can get breezy, especially in the coastal areas. A dressy outfit or two doesn’t hurt either if you plan on hitting up some of the world famous Peruvian restaurants.
As far as footwear is concerned, pack athletic sneakers for hiking and comfortable shoes for walking around town — remember, a lot of the streets are cobblestone, which isn’t the most comfortable on your feet.
Lightweight jackets are also a good idea. Also, don’t forget bathing suits and sandals for the beaches and hotel pools.
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.
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.