This is a refreshingly rugged, culturally-rich land that offers a top-notch food scene and an endless menu of outdoor activities. The vertiginous Andes provide some of the best hiking experiences in the world (and seriously scary bus rides). You may already know that Cusco and Machu Picchu are the main draws with their cultural and historical significances. And because of this, most tourists head directly to Southern Peru.
Now, Southern Peru is objectively amazing, but below I’ll explain why you should also visit areas outside of the “gringo trail”. The diversity of cultures, wildlife, and climates in Peru create opportunities for memorable experiences all over the country and not just in one region. Because of this, your trip for Peru just may be the most memorable you’ve ever had.
But before you travel to Peru, make sure you are properly prepared. This includes picking the place or activity you simply cannot miss and having enough time (and cash) to do so. This article includes everything you need to get started.
Best Time to Travel to Peru
Generally the best time to travel to Peru is from May to September, as you’ll avoid the rainy season in the Andes and the jungle. Unfortunately these months are Lima’s cloudiest and chilliest. The Northern coast is warm and sunny year round.
If you’re looking for awesome discounts, the rainy season is ideal. But you’ll have to be flexible because roads and trails often close due to the conditions. The sweet spot for cost and convenience are the shoulder months- April and October.
How Much Money do I Need?
Unfortunately, this is a loaded question with no straight answer. The amount of money you need to visit Peru will depend on the choices you make:
- Will you stay in a hotel with a private bathroom, or a shared-bedroom hostal?
- Will you take a plane between cities, or are you OK taking it slower and going by bus?
- How many days do you plan to be in the more touristy cities compared to places that rarely have visitors?
More than anything, pick the one or two activities you MUST do when in Peru. This may be visiting Machu Picchu (including train tickets), hiking the Inca Trail, or surfing in Mancora. Budget for these must-do activities and ensure you have enough for lodging, food, souvenirs, and transportation.
As a general guide, these are the average prices for things in Peru:
- Budget hotel room (not shared): $30
- Lunch: $5-8
- Cocktail: $3-4
- Overnight bus ride (7-9 hours): $10-35
- Intercity plane ticket: $50-150
- Souvenirs: varies; a comfy hand-made alpaca wool hat can go for $5-8
Prices are almost always in Peru’s currency, the Nuevo Sol, but US dollars are accepted. One USD is worth 3-4 soles depending on the current rate.
Haggling is typical in markets, but don’t expect the price to drop by more than about 5-15%. Tipping is only expected in restaurants in big cities, and in those cases 10% is enough. In other cases, it is always appreciated but not expected.
Finally, have cash on hand, especially in small towns and rural areas.
How Much Time do I Need?
Peru is over three times larger than Italy, and its crazy geography means you won’t find any transportation remotely like the high-speed trains of Europe or Japan. Because of this, we recommend picking a region and staying there for a bit. This provides a richer, more immersive experience, and you’ll avoid feeling you’ve been in a plane/bus/car the entire trip.
Also, if you visit the Andes (and you SHOULD), anyone coming from a lower altitude must take a day or two to adjust before hiking or other activities. Add a couple of days to your time in Cusco or whichever Andean city is first on your itinerary for this.
Finally, to answer the question: We recommend 10 days as the absolute minimum for visiting Peru. That’s because the country is large, not particularly easy to get around, and offers so much to enjoy.
Travel to Peru: Requirements
Vaccines for Peru
In addition to routine vaccinations, you should be up-to-date with the following vaccines:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Measles
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (especially if traveling to the jungle)
People going to certain areas of the jungle should take anti-malarial drugs, too. Always consult a doctor before traveling.
Visa Requirements for Peru
People from the Andean Community countries, European Shengen area, USA, and Canada can visit without getting a visa ahead of time. The same goes for Ireland, the UK, most of South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
Peru’s Foreign Relations Ministry has an updated list of visa-free countries here.
Packing List
Each geography and climate is so drastically distinct in this country that your packing list will depend on the exact destination(s) you have in mind. Having said that, there are a few basics that you’ll need regardless of your destination or activity. Read our full article on what to pack for Peru for more info!
Where to Visit in Peru
The Big-Ticket Spots
Let’s start with the most-visited destinations in Peru. In general, there is more tourist infrastructure at these locations, although during the peak months of June-August the most popular spots get more crowded than a college party with free beer.
It’s not all just crowds, though; each of these is popular for good reason, and less-touristy spots are never too far away.
Arequipa
Peru’s 2nd-largest city sits at 7,661 feet above sea level in a valley surrounded by volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. Arequipa is considered to be safer and cleaner than Lima (and it may even have better food, if that’s possible!). Nearby, the planet’s two deepest canyons (Cotahuasi and Colca) provide terrific treks through traditional villages and world-famous condor viewing.
Tip: If you’re going to Southern Peru, head to Arequipa before Cusco or Puno. This way you’ll acclimatize to the altitude more gradually.
Chachapoyas
“Chacha” has gradually received more tourists in the past decade, especially since its airport opened. The cobblestoned city is a beautiful base for visiting archaeological sites such as Kuelap, which is the most impressive Chachapoyan site that we know of today. Day hikes to some of the tallest waterfalls in the world are a most awesome highlight, too.
Cusco
If you’re going to travel to Peru, then the ancient Incan capital has to be considered. The city is a time machine; its pristine historic center is nearly identical to its look 500 years ago. From Cusco you can venture into the Sacred Valley and on to Machu Picchu.
Tip: Make sure you tour the city, including making time to visit the museums, nearby archeological sites and the Qorinkancha temple before trekking to the Lost City of the Incas. And eat a sopa verde when the evening gets cold.
Huaraz
Much like Chachapoyas, Huaraz doesn’t receive the same amount of attention as Cusco and Lima. But this place is a trekker’s and climber’s dream. The standout hikes are the resplendent, 4-day Santa Cruz and the multiday Huayhuash. Day trips to glacial lakes and a visit to Alpine-like Huaraz National Park are perfect for anyone looking to sleep in a hotel bed every night.
Tip: Take a comfy, overnight buscama from Lima, and you’ll get a decent enough night’s sleep without losing a day of travel (or paying for a hotel)!
Ica, Paracas and Nazca
This area just south of Lima is packed with pisco, sandboards and a literal desert oasis. You need to take a plane to see all of the mesmerizing and enigmatic Nazca Lines, although you can spot some of them from towers in and around Nazca.
Tip: Take a bus to Ica from Lima (4-5 hours), then hit the road to Arequipa afterwards.
Iquitos
Smack-dab in the middle of Northern Peru’s Amazon, this is Earth’s largest non-road-accessible city. Most people fly here, but rugged and adventurous (or crazy) types take the boat.
Lake Titicaca
At 12,507 feet above sea level, this is the world’s highest navigable lake. The scenery is striking, the weather brisk, and the culture captivating. Most people agree that the Bolivian side is better, but don’t overlook the floating Uros islands. Even better, consider staying with a local family in Taquile or Amantini island for a cultural experience, and a night sky, that you’ll never forget.
Lima
Peru’s cluttered capital is often depressingly cloudy and just not as enticing as its Andean and Amazonian counterparts. But you’ll probably arrive here since those other cities don’t have large international airports. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised with the seaside neighborhoods of Barranco and Miraflores- oh, and the continent’s most famous food scene!
Machu Picchu
Almost every visitor makes it to Peru’s (and perhaps South America’s) most recognizable spot. And we have entire articles about not only Machu Picchu, but the treks to and within the site as well. The best recommendation anyone can give is this: make sure you have plenty of time at the actual site of Machu Picchu when booking your hotel and train tickets!
Mancora
Peru’s most popular beach hangout is a great surfing spot. It’s warm and sunny all year, and the party never stops. Towns just a few kilometers north and south of Mancora provide a more intimate experience.
Manu/Tambopata
The heart of the Peruvian Amazon is a short plane ride from Cusco and Lima. You’ll get the chance to learn how the locals survive and thrive in the world’s largest rainforest, and sports such as kayaking and hiking are popular. Definitely go with a guide and consider an all-inclusive lodge.
Sacred Valley
The area outside of Cusco is peppered with picturesque pueblos. Each has a claim to fame, from Incan sites that rival Machu Picchu to amazing, traditional textiles and colorful markets. There are some excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities, too.
Tip: Avoid the Sacred Valley day trips from Cusco, unless you’re really into getting to know the insides of a Peruvian bus. Instead, spend a few nights in one of the towns such as Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Pisac or Urubamba.
Off the Gringo Trail
When you travel to Peru, the most memorable moments could be far off the well-trodden routes referred to as “The Gringo Trail”. I’ll never forget chewing bitter coca leaves with ladies in bowler hats and ponchos, waiting for the pounding rain to let up as we crouched into a nook on the side of the mountain and they described their day-to-day life with me. Or sipping a delightfully dark artisanal coffee, sourced mere meters from my table, while the sun rose over the cloud forest and warmed my face.
Definitely go to the big-ticket spots that catch your fancy; you won’t regret it. But make sure to take a side trip to a place where tourism isn’t the main form of income for the locals. It’s a different, slower vibe, and you’ll feel the “real Peru” that the custom tour crowd misses.
Chiclayo
Go to Chiclayo for the nearby archaeological sites and museums, especially the Lord of Sipan museum. Local beach towns are popular among Peruvians, even though they don’t get international attention.
Tip: Take some time here on the way north if you’re going to Chachapoyas.
Huancayo
Huancayo is a sprawling city with a strong Andean identity. It’s surrounded by artesian villages, each of which has its own specialty, from silver jewelry to gourd carvings. A day hike to snowcapped Huaytapallana and mountain bike rides to the central jungle (Oxapampa) are excellent outdoor choices.
Tip: Huancayo is in the center of Peru, so take a bus from Lima, Oxapampa or Yauyos to easily add it to your trip!
Matucana
As you head eastward from Lima, Matucana marks the end of the dry desert foothills and the beginning of the Andean Sierra. It’s a charming town with a few solid hikes that always lead you to lakes or a waterfall. Your visit can be a long day trip or a nice 2-3 day break from Lima or even Huancayo.
Tip: It’s easy to find a bus, colectivo (shared taxi) or private taxi from Lima to Chosica. From there buses and colectivos leave for Matucana on a regular basis.
Oxapampa
“Oxa” is a popular vacation spot among Peruvians, but it’s still a secret to foreigners. The town is cradled in a verdant valley of the High Jungle, making the weather warm but not sweltering. Bavarian architecture and German breweries will make you second-guess what country you’re in!
Tip: Stay at an all-inclusive lodge just outside of town. Ulcumano has stunning scenery, great food and a menu of outdoor activities.
Yauyos
We saved the last one for those who REALLY want to rough it- in exchange for truly fantastic views and experiences! The Reserva Paisajistica Nor-Yauyos Cochas is both a mouthful and a literal Landscape Reserve. In other words, it’s being preserved because the land is considered to be so majestic (which says a lot in a country full of natural beauty). The story Ashincuy is from here, too.
Tip: You can visit from Lima, but it’s much safer to go via Huancayo. You’ll take a colectivo for the 3-4 hour trip.
The 5 Most Bomb-Ass Hikes in Peru
No doubt, Peru is a trekker’s dream come true. Every Andean town seems to have its own secret, ancient site with beautiful trails to explore. The vastness and beauty of the Andes mountains, the diverse ancient cultures being preserved in the towns along the trails, and world-class archaeological sites are enough to mesmerize and fascinate the most well-travelled hiker.
So no matter where you go, chances are you’re close to an amazing hike. This plethora of options is exciting, but if you need help narrowing down your choices, here are my top 5 hikes for Peru:
- El Misti: This one is here because it’s a relatively easy one-nighter (and barely that). Summit a 19,101-foot tall volcano (don’t worry, it’s dormant) for vistas of the Arequipa landscape. Then skip or slide your way down the ash on the other side of the mountain, taking mere hours to undo the day-and-a-half climb you took. Trust me, it’s a hoot.
- Huayhuash: Depending on the year and who’s doing the ranking, this hike on the “other side” of Huaraz is often ranked the world’s best.
- Inca Trail: It’s the most popular hike in Peru for a reason! Summit mind-bogglingly tall peaks, explore Incan sites that escaped the destructive Spanish, and sleep under a sky with no light pollution on your way to Machu Picchu. We have all the info you need here.
- Salkantay: Somehow Salkantay figures out how to be the Inca Trail’s even wilder brother. Check this one out for a more nature-based hike, which also ends at Machu Picchu.
- Santa Cruz: This 4-day hike outside Huaraz has been known by the trekking community but not the “regular” tourist crowd for some time now. It’s a 3-4 day hike through the Cordillera Blanca, a mountain range for which superlatives wouldn’t do justice– you just have to experience it! Clever Hiker has a good guide, although it’s a bit dated.
The Best (Non-Hiking) Outdoor Activities
Of course, hiking isn’t all there is to do for outdoor activities in Peru. Here’s a few examples of what else you’ll find in the country:
- Canopy Walks: In the jungle, many lodges have hanging bridges that bring you right to the forest canopy. Totally worth a try, especially at night when the animals come out.
- Paraglide: Especially in Miraflores in Lima. You go accompanied by a pilot, and you can often sign up the day of. Just walk up to the paragliders on the malecon; you can’t miss them.
- Surfing: With some of the longest breaks in the world, Peru has excellent surfing spots. Lima and Mancora are the most popular for rentals and lessons, but there are dozens of chill surf towns along the coast.
- Wildlife Viewing: Especially in the Amazon. Tours to the Macaw clay licks or Sandoval Lake in the Manu/Tambopata region are a good bet. So is the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve near Iquitos– they have PINK dolphins!
- Zipline: The Cusco region and parts of the jungle have some exceptional ziplines over stunning scenery. The “Inca Jungle” hike to Machu Picchu and Ulcumano Ecolodge are good options to check out.
Is it Safe to Travel to Peru?
First and foremost, it’s always best to check with your country’s embassy in Lima for updated safety information.
The political tension and violence that resulted from protests have dropped considerably since early 2023. That means for travelers, Peru is pretty much as safe as it’s ever been (especially in areas that now depend on influxes of visitors such as Cusco and Lima).
You still want to be smart when you travel to Peru. Pickpocketing is the most common problem, and be especially careful with your passport. Keep valuables in a safe in hotel rooms when possible. Use your common sense, too; going down a dark street late at night isn’t a good idea anywhere.
Transportation
With the dangers of nighttime highway driving, narrow cliffside passes, and panic-inducing taxis, this deserves an article on its own. Which is why we wrote one.
Books to Read Before You Travel to Peru
Before you go, read up on Peru’s history and culture in order to have a fuller experience. My top recommendations are Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie and Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams.
We have a full list of recommended books for Peru here.
Travel to Peru: Conclusion
Peru is a top destination in multiple travel categories. It’s chock-full of culture and provides a range of outdoor activities, from the adrenaline to the awe-inducing. And much like other South American countries, it’s not terribly expensive to have a trip of a lifetime here.
The most difficult part of creating your itinerary to travel to Peru is picking where to go once in country. Long bus rides and expensive flights can make it unfeasible to visit each major region in one trip.
At the very least, it’s best to decide which part of Peru you’d like to prioritize. Which is why we’ve created sample itineraries focusing on three regions of the country:
- Southern Peru offers the big-name options: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and the Amazon jungle, for example. Check out our Peru Bucket List itinerary to decide how you’d like to visit this part of the country.
- Northern Peru is growing in popularity, especially for backpackers and surfers. This includes the jungle metropolis of Iquitos, beautiful Pacific beaches, and the Chachapoyas region. Our Northern Peru Sample Itinerary has all you need to get started.
- Central Peru, unfairly overlooked in my opinion, is ideal for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. The Bavarian jungle town of Oxapampa is here, as are the hiker’s dream (Huaraz) and the inscrutable Huancayo. You’ll wonder how this region receives so few visitors, and won’t be surprised if it doesn’t stay that way.
Now here’s one final tip: Peru is a truly fascinating place, and the more I visit, the longer my list of things to do there grows. Try not to be overwhelmed by the many choices of places to go, things to do, and foods to eat. Just enjoy the moment.
Let us know in the comments or by emailing GringoInca@gmail.com for any tips or specific questions on Peru. Thanks for reading!
-Brad
