Peru Travel Guide - Best Destinations And Things To Do In Peru
PERU TRAVEL GUIDE
Our Peru travel guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip — not just because Vicky is from Lima, but also because we’ve traveled all over the country. Whether you’re wondering where to go in Peru, what to eat in Lima, or looking for real tips to travel Peru on a budget, we’ve got you covered. We share the best things to do in Peru, personal experiences, and a full map to help you plan every step.
PERU - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Most travelers can enter Peru visa-free for up to 90 days (including EU, US, Canada, and Australia). You’ll just need a valid passport with at least six months left. You can check it on the Embassies website. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you’re visiting the Amazon region (like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado). No vaccines are required for Lima, Cusco, or Machu Picchu. You’ll receive a small entry paper at the airport — keep it safe, as you may need it when leaving!
The official language in Peru is Spanish, though in tourist areas, basic English is often understood. A few words in Spanish go a long way and locals appreciate the effort! The currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). It’s best to bring some cash, especially for small shops or rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities like Lima and Cusco.
Peru has two main seasons: dry (May to October) and rainy (November to April). The best time to visit the Andes and Machu Picchu is during the dry season, especially from June to September. For the coast (Lima and beaches), December to March is warmer and sunnier. If you’re heading to the Amazon, prepare for humidity year-round.
Peru uses plug types A and C, and the voltage is 220V. If you’re coming from Europe, you will need an adapter (even for type C plugs, as the shape and voltage can differ). Always check your devices before plugging them in to avoid damage.
Don’t drink tap water — we always use bottled or filtered water, which is easy to find everywhere in Peru. Most hotels and cafés offer refills too.
Peru is generally safe to travel, especially if you follow basic travel precautions. We have traveled across the country, from busy Lima to small towns in the Andes, and felt safe the entire time. Like in many places, petty theft can happen, especially in touristy areas or on public transport, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods, and always use registered taxis or apps like Uber in cities like Lima. In rural areas, people are often incredibly friendly and helpful. Just be respectful and stay aware of your surroundings.
If you are heading to high altitudes like Cusco or the Colca Canyon, take it slow to avoid altitude sickness. Also, always check for current safety updates or political protests, especially before long bus or road trips.
PERU TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE PERU - YOU HAVE TO GO THERE
Peru is located on the western coast of South America and is one of the most diverse countries on the continent. With over 34 million people and an area of about 1.3 million square kilometers, Peru is nearly 60 times larger than Belize.
When most people think of Peru, they picture llamas, Machu Picchu, and colorful markets — and yes, that’s definitely part of the magic! But for us, Peru is also personal because Vicky is from Lima. That means we’ve had the chance to explore this incredible country both as locals and as travelers.
We’ve traveled through Peru several times together and still feel like we’ve only just begun to discover it. On our latest trip, we focused on Ica and Paracas, explored beautiful Arequipa, and completed the amazing 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu — an experience we’ll never forget.
WHERE TO GO IN PERU
Honestly, there is so much to see that sometimes less is more. Peru is a large country and getting around takes time. We use usually long distance buses which are affordable but slow, or we take domestic flights. Renting a car is not common and usually not recommended.
If you are planning to travel Peru, we suggest starting in Lima. From there, you can head to Cusco where you can easily spend five to six days. There is so much to do, from exploring the Sacred Valley and trying local food to visiting Machu Picchu or hiking the Salkantay Trek.
The north of Peru is very underrated. You will find beautiful beaches and great places for surfing. We visited and really liked the area even though Malte dislocated his shoulder while surfing there. Do not worry though, that should not stop you from visiting.
Just the fact that we have traveled together in Peru many times and still haven’t seen everything shows how important it is to set priorities. There are so many places to go in Peru, each with its own charm, food, and vibe. Don’t underestimate the travel time because you don’t want to spend your whole vacation on a bus. Based on experiences and tips from other travelers, we’re excited to share some of the best destinations in Peru that we haven’t visited yet together but are definitely on our list.
Puno is famous for its beautiful Lake Titicaca, and from there, you can cross into Bolivia to take a popular 3-day, 2-night Uyuni salt flats tour.
Huaraz is known for its stunning mountain scenery and excellent hiking trails in the Cordillera Blanca.
Puerto Maldonado offers incredible rainforest experiences and wildlife spotting in the Amazon jungle.
he Inca Trail is a famous trek that leads you through ancient ruins all the way to Machu Picchu.
WHEN TO VISIT PERU: WEATHER AND TRAVEL SEASONS
If you are planning a trip to Peru, the travel season can make a big difference, especially since summer in Peru means winter in Europe. On the one hand, the Peruvian coast, including Lima, stays dry in winter but is often grey and cloudy. In fact, Lima is famously called Lima la gris because of its overcast skies between June and September.
On the other hand, June is actually a perfect time for hiking in the Andes. We did the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in June and had beautiful clear skies almost every day, which was perfect for enjoying the mountain views. In general, the best time to visit Peru is between May and September
To help you plan your trip better, we created a simple graphic showing the best travel seasons for different regions in Peru with average temperatures and rainy days.
OUR HONEST ADVICE - IS PERU WORTH VISITING?
Peru is a destination that holds a special place in our hearts. Lima is Vicky’s hometown, and because of our long-distance relationship, we’ve traveled together to Peru many times. Curious how we met? You can read our story on the blog!
Peru is a country that’s hard to put into words because it’s so incredibly diverse. You can surf in Lima or enjoy world-class food in the best restaurant in the world, “Maido.” You can hike a volcano in Arequipa, visit Lake Titicaca, or experience the amazing wildlife of the rainforest in Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado.
Oh, and of course — there’s Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. And that’s still just the beginning. Travel to Peru once, and we’re pretty sure it won’t be your last time!
Want more South America travel tips? Follow us on Instagram or check out our guide for Bolivia. For more travel inspiration and our other top travel recommendations, check out our other blog posts!