Peru Travel Guide - Best Destinations And 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 INSIDE the airport, and it’s recommended to use these for safety and reliability. There is no train or reliable bus service.
Yes! Peru is much more of a cash-based society than North America or Europe. Many stores only accept cash (or the local app Yape). Even places that do take cards might charge a 4%–5% fee. It’s easy to exchange USD or Euros for soles, or use ATMs if your fees are low. Just don’t rely on your credit card.
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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.
We spent a lot of time in big cities, small towns, and rural areas and never felt unsafe. Locals are warm, helpful, and welcoming. Use common sense: keep an eye on your belongings and avoid sketchy neighborhoods, just like you would anywhere else.
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No. Driving can be chaotic and unpredictable, especially in cities. It’s safer to use public transportation, UBER or taxis. As a pedestrian, always follow the locals when crossing streets. They know how to navigate the traffic.
Acclimatize slowly if you can. Drink coca tea, chew coca leaves, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, no matter your age or fitness level. Ibuprofen can help with headaches too.
No—locals don’t drink it either. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available and very affordable (around S/2 per bottle). The plastic waste isn’t ideal, but unfortunately, there’s no good alternative for tourists.
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.
Often no. Many public toilets charge a small fee (usually one sole), and not all offer toilet paper. Always carry some coins and maybe a small pack of tissues—just in case. The fee usually includes a small amount of toilet paper.
Not always. Many bathrooms don’t have dryers or paper towels. Sometimes there’s a roll of toilet paper to dry your hands. It’s a good idea to bring a small towel or tissues if that matters to you.
Not necessarily. In budget hotels or rentals, hot water might only be available in the shower. Don’t be surprised if the sink only has cold water.
Rotisserie chicken with fries is a super popular go-to for locals. It’s cheap, tasty, and usually safe—just avoid the raw salad sometimes served with it. Of course, try classics like ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa too!
For more tips check out our Lima food article!
Yes, if it’s peeled. The fruit and avocados here are unbelievably good. Be sure to try something with lucuma (like ice cream)—you might fall in love with the flavor!
