Ultimate Travel Guide to Peru: Tips, Itinerary & Things to Do
Planning a trip to Peru? Explore Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima and Arequipa with my ultimate travel guides, tips, and things to do, and eat!
Peru is one of my favorite countries that I have traveled to! I first traveled to Peru in 2014, and it was my first time visiting South America, which made the trip both nerve-wracking and incredibly exciting. I joined a Contiki group tour in Peru, and it quickly became one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. Traveling with a group made navigating a new continent feel much less intimidating, and it allowed me to fully enjoy the experience from day one. During the trip, we explored Lima, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, experiencing everything! Hiking part of the Inca trail and finally standing at Machu Picchu for the first time was unforgettable, and Peru’s food was a constant highlight. Peru one hundred percent should be on your bucket list and I hope some of my travel guides below can help you with planning your trip to Peru.
Quick Travel Guide to Peru - Travel Tips and Essentials
Hello in Spanish: “Hola”
Power and Plugs: 220 V; Plug types A & C
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
ATMs: Available in cities. While credit cards are accepted in major cities, many smaller towns, markets, and taxis operate on cash only. Carry small bills in Peruvian soles, as breaking large notes can be difficult.
Tipping: Appreciated but not mandatory
Visa: Visa-free for many nationalities
Safety Ranking (Global Peace Index): 96 out of 163 countries
Women Peace and Security Index: 80 out of 181 (0.701 out of 1)
Climate: Coast, Andes, and jungle regions. The coast is mild and often overcast, the Andes can be cold at night with intense sun during the day, and the Amazon is hot, humid, and rainy. Packing layers is essential, even if you’re visiting during the dry season.
Best Time of Year for Travel: May through September for hiking and visiting Machu Picchu.
Dress Code & Cultural Notes: Layered clothing is essential for different climates and changes in the weather. Keep in mind cover ups for traditional or sacred sites.
Solo Travel Tips: Peru is great for solo travelers and there are many opportunities to join group travel or guided treks.
Getting Around India: Peru is a large country with many of the sights spread out. Domestic flights save the most time, but buses are widely used and considerably cheaper. The roads in Peru however are a bit dangerous and very windy and up hillsides.
Things That Surprise Travelers: The Andes altitude and landscapes are impressive and leave a lasting impression, but so does the food! Peru is a culinary destination of the world!
Peru Travel Tips
Prepare for Altitude (Seriously). Many of Peru’s most popular destinations, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca, sit at very high elevations. I got a little sick while I was there. First and foremost, plan to take it slow during your first 24–48 hours, stay well hydrated, and avoid alcohol initially. Check out the rest of my guide to help you fend off altitude sickness.
Book Machu Picchu in Advance. Machu Picchu has strict daily visitor limits, and tickets often sell out months ahead of time. Train tickets to Aguas Calientes also fill up quickly, especially during peak season. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, reservations must be made months in advance through a licensed operator.
Avoid drinking tap water. Consider using bottled water for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Learn a Little Spanish. English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas, so knowing a few basic Spanish phrases is extremely helpful. In rural regions, you may also hear Quechua.
Respect Local Customs & Photography Etiquette. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly in rural or Indigenous communities. Some locals may request a small tip in exchange for photos.
Travel Insurance Is Worth It. Between altitude-related issues, hiking activities, and potential travel disruptions, having travel insurance is highly recommended.
Top things to do and see in Peru
Visit Machu Picchu, Peru’s Most Iconic Attraction
Machu Picchu is the most famous place to visit in Peru and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient Inca citadel sits high in the Andes near Cusco and can be reached by train or multi-day hikes such as the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. On my tour, I enjoyed two days at Machu Picchu, hiking the 10km Inca Trail portion and then touring the citadel the next day.
Explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the top destinations in Peru. Nearby, the Sacred Valley is filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and local markets in Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This region is also ideal for altitude acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu.
Experience Lima’s World-Class Food Scene
Lima is widely regarded as the culinary capital of South America. Travelers can sample traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos, as well as dine at internationally recognized restaurants. Lomo saltado is by far my favorite Peruvian dish! The food in Peru very much surprised me and is definitely worth visiting for any world traveling foodie!
Visit Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands
Lake Titicaca, located near the city of Puno, is the highest navigable lake in the world. Visitors can explore the Uros floating reed islands and stay with local families on Taquile or Amantaní Islands, gaining insight into traditional Andean culture. Take the altitude differences seriously - I got sick from that plus motion sickness and ended up missing out on visiting Lake Titicaca.
Discover Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Arequipa, known as the “White City,” is famous for its colonial architecture built from volcanic stone. Nearby Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and a prime location for seeing Andean condors in flight. This is a city full of surprises and was one of my favorite stops on my tour around Peru.
Plan your Trip to Peru with these Peru Travel Guides:
