Peru Travel Guide - Best Destinations & Things To Do In Peru
PERU TRAVEL GUIDE
Our Peru travel guide is the perfect tool for planning your trip—not just because Vicky is from Lima, but also because we’ve already traveled extensively throughout Peru. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, we’d love to be your Peru guide. We’ve got everything covered, from where to go in Peru (check out our map!) to detailed and comprehensive articles about the must-see destinations.
OUR PERU HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT TO FIND HERE
TRAVEL REPORTS PERU
OUR PERU EXPERIENCE
When we first explored South America together in 2021, we had two wonderful countries in mind – Colombia and Peru. It was Malte’s first time in South America, and our plan included a visit to Lima, Peru, which happens to be Vickys hometown. Our journey to Peru has taken us there twice, with the most recent visit being in 2024. Peru is not without any reason a popular destination among travelers.
Home to over 33 million people, Peru is the third-largest country in South America, with a significant portion of its population, nearly 10 million, living in the capital city of Lima. You’re probably asking yourself where to go and what to expect from Peru. To solve these uncertainties we involved here in our Peru travel guide a Peru travel map for showing you in an appealing way where you can travel to. Use our inspiration to make your trip unforgettable and profit from being informed by a local and by someone who was the first time in South America. We can tell you this much in advance, Peru is an incredibly diverse travel destination.
WHERE TO GO IN PERU
Peru impressed Malte right from the first day with its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and for us, one of the best cuisines in the whole world! so It’s okay to gain some weight while traveling especially in Peru where is nearly impossible to resist all the amazing flavors. The main tourist hotspots are mainly found in the southern region, home of the most famous attractions such as Titicaca Lake (Puno), Huacachina Dessert (Ica), Colca Canyon (Arequipa), and, many other places. Of course, no visit to Peru is complete without visiting the iconic Machu Picchu (Cusco), one of the new wonders of the world. However, Peru has more to offer; for a unique experience, head north to the heart of the Amazon rainforest (Iquitos),home to one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. The northwest is less touristic although there are stunning beaches with nice seafood restaurants and famous surfing spots.Â
Check out our travel reports for information on the destinations in Peru, accommodation, must-see attractions, and delicious local cuisine.
BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD?
Once Vicky and I got to know each other, she praised Peruvian cuisine, a fusion of culinary influences. Recently, Peruvian cuisine gained international hype, because Lima had in 2023 four restaurants in the “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list. During our Lima visit, we dined at the Nikkei restaurant “Maido,” ranking sixth. Nikkei Cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, impressed us, with “Ceviche” as its star. Chinese immigrants contributed rice, soy sauce, and the wok, shaping dishes like “Lomo Saltado.” This fusion is called “Chifa”. Criolla food, termed by Peruvians, reflects pre-Columbian cultural fusion.
Discover more about Peruvian cuisine and our Maido experience in our Lima food guide. The diversity will impress you too!
GOOD TO KNOW
For entry into Peru, many travelers require a tourist visa, which is issued upon arrival for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport that is at least six months from its expiration date must be presented upon arrival. It is important to provide a return ticket or a ticket for onward travel.Â
To get from the airport to the city center, you can take a taxi or UBER, which is the most convenient option. There are official taxi services available at the airport, and it’s recommended to use these for safety and reliability. There is no train or reliable bus service.
In Peru, the official language is Spanish, and it is widely spoken throughout the country. English is not commonly spoken, so it’s helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases.
The currency used in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). It’s advisable to exchange some money into Soles or USD before you arrive or at the airport upon arrival. ATMs are widely available in major cities, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it’s always good to have some cash on hand, especially when traveling to more non touristic areas.
The best time to travel to Peru depends on the regions you plan to visit, as the country has diverse climates. Generally, the peak travel season is from May to September, which is the dry season in the Andean highlands and ideal for visiting places like Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. During this period, you’ll experience clear skies and good weather, making it perfect for trekking and outdoor activities.
If you’re visiting the coastal areas, such as Lima or Paracas, the summer months from December to March offer warm and sunny weather, although it can be quite humid. The Amazon rainforest is best visited during the dry season from June to October, when there are fewer mosquitoes and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
In Peru, the standard voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 60Hz. The country uses Type A and Type C plug types. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, and Type C plugs have two round pins. It’s a good idea to bring a universal travel adapter to accommodate your electronic devices. If your devices are not compatible with 220V, you may also need a voltage converter.
In Peru, it is not safe to drink tap water directly. It’s recommended to drink bottled water, which is widely available and affordable. Make sure the seal is intact when purchasing bottled water to ensure its safety. Alternatively, you can boil the water for at least one minute, using water purification tablets, or using a portable water filter. Be cautious with ice in drinks and consider brushing your teeth with bottled or purified water to avoid any health issues.
