Travel advice for Peru
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Peru
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Ros Walford
updated 7.11.2020
The South American nation of Peru is a glittering land of colour and light, riotous fiestas and monumental landscapes. From the awe-inspiring Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to the enigmatic geoglyphs at Nazca, the lush Amazon rainforest and excellent surfing beaches in the northwest, it offers a wealth of treasures for travellers at any season. To help you plan your own journey around the country, here is Ros Walford's guide to Peru.
Machu Picchu at dawn © Ros Walford
8 days / from2429 USD
Peru: into the Incan Empire
Who were the Incas? What did they do? What happened to them? Discover the answers, and much more, with this unique trip into the heart of the former Inca Empire.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2822 USD
Female Empowerment Tour
From meditations in Miraflores over visits to craftswomen in Chincheros to gratitude rituals in the Sacred Valley. This itinerary will allow you to reconnect with your feminine energy and learn more about women's lives in Peru.
view tour ⤍19 days / from3510 USD
Culture, Nature and Adventure in Peru
Get to know Peru through its locals and breathtaking trails- full of history. Hop aboard a motorboat to get to know the local way of life of the Uros people, before you start the great Inca trail, where beautiful landscapes, archaeological sites and fresh air are waiting for you.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1885 USD
The Inca Empire and the Nazca Culture
Peru has a rich history and culture, this itinerary will give you a taste of just how special it is. Take a flight over the mysterious Nasca lines, head to Cusco for some brilliant archaeological sites and discover the Inca cities. This trip will leave you wanting more!
view tour ⤍12 days / from6970 USD
Peru - the modern, the iconic, the wild
Spend 12 days in magnificent Peru - famous Machu Picchu, legendary Titicaca Lake and the wild Amazon await. This tour is great for foodies with amazing Peruvian delights, for history and culture lovers in the Sacred Valleys as well as wildlife enthusiasts in the Amazon. Something for everyone!
view tour ⤍14 days / from6565 USD
Best of Peru & Galapagos Islands
Split your South America trip into two fascinating countries: Peru with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as ocean-facing capital Lima. Afterwards, proceed to the Galapagos Islands. You will stay on 3 different islands and explore many more.
view tour ⤍11 days / from9192 USD
Best Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands Tour Package
Explore a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour package! Your journey begins in Quito, home to the Middle of the World. Afterward, fly on over to the Galapagos Islands the best biodiversity hotspot and following with the sublime Machu Picchu in Peru.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1640 USD
Peru Express
Soak up some Peruvian culture on a whirlwind tour of Peru. See the capital Lima, pretty Cusco and the Sacred Valley before you acclimatise to the high altitude of Machu Picchu, the greatest mountain city on earth and the gateway to the Incan Empire.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2445 USD
Culinary Peru
Discover the taste of Peru on this unique culinary trip. Starting in Lima, and then travelling on to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu and later Cusco, this trip includes all the essential destinations, and adds a unique culinary dimension to each, giving a real flavour of the country.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2419 USD
Peruvian Inca Domains
Ideal for everyone wanting to explore the Inca history and combine it with today's culture and traditions. Fly over the mysterious Nasca lines, visit the penguins on Ballestas islands, sail the Titicaca Lake and discover the stunning Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3050 USD
Peru for Nature Lovers
Peru is considered one of the most ecologically diverse countries on earth: 84 of the 103 ecosystems and almost 90% of the world’s recognised climates can be found within the country’s borders. Needless to say, Peru has a lot to offer nature lovers.
view tour ⤍10 days / from7018 USD
Galapagos Cruise and Scuba Diving Adventure
The Galapagos Islands rank as one of the world’s top dive sites, famous for its incredible underwater wonders, and huge quantities of marine life. This package offers a full-day SCUBA diving tour for guests that wish to experience the impressive diving in Galapagos, all in a safe and fun environment
view tour ⤍14 days / from4697 USD
Essential Peru
Get to know the best of Peru with this 14-day trip. Explore the cultural and culinary parts of Lima, get to know more about the Andean textile industry, discover Machu Picchu and if that's not enough you will also travel along the most beautiful routes in the world aboard the Titicaca train.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1750 USD
Witness the Sun Ceremony Inti Raymi in 2024
Celebrate the spectacular Sun Ceremony in Peru in 2024. This trip starts on the 24th of June 2024 to be able to witness the ceremony. Extensions and pre-programs are readily available.
view tour ⤍14 days / from4396 USD
The Andes to the Amazon: Peru Explored
Peru has much to offer and excites the most intrepid of travellers, from vibrant cities brimming with history, art and culture to the lofty mountainous heights of Machu Picchu and the Andes. A foray into the steamy Amazonian jungle completes your Peruvian adventure.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2250 USD
The Enigmatic Sites of Peru
Explore the stunning sights of Peru. From the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the historical monuments of Cusco, this trip has it all. Visit the impressive Machu Picchu, a world heritage site, and hike up the magnificent Rainbow Mountain for breathtaking views.
view tour ⤍10 days / from7795 USD
The Best of the Mashpi Rainforest and Galapagos
Begin this journey in one of the first cities to be given the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site – Quito, Ecuador! Afterward, just a few hours away, you’ll head down into the lush cloud forests that surround Quito to experience Mashpi Lodge. You’ll finish this journey with the the Galapagos Islands
view tour ⤍11 days / from2980 USD
Machu Picchu, Titicaca & Uyuni
The highlights of every Peru and Bolivia trip: the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, followed by a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Afterwards, continue via La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni, the incredible salt flats.
view tour ⤍15 days / from6380 USD
Exploring Southern Peru
Inca ruins and fascinating tribal customs make Peru a unique destination. Visit Machu Picchu, stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca and take in the beautiful scenery of the Peruvian Andes before you finish your journey on a cultural high note taking in Lima’s museums and colonial gems.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2437 USD
A hidden gem in Peru
Discover the wonders of Peru, with this less crowded route to the North of the country where you will enjoy rarely visited destinations. Archaeological remains will tell you more about its amazing history, and you will remain impressed with its vast nature and beautiful landscapes.
view tour ⤍9 days / from1995 USD
Coast, Mountain Ranges and the Amazon Rainforest
Discover Peru, it's history, nature and culture. You will start in the captivating city of Lima, from where you will make your way to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu only to end in the Peruvian jungle....where you can find lakes, nature trails and stunning views.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2287 USD
Wonders of Peru and Bolivia
Start your trip by exploring Lima before heading out to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Spend a few days exploring these wonders before heading off to Lake Titicaca. Just a short hop across the border lies Bolivia with the de facto capital La Paz, ready to be explored.
view tour ⤍16 days / from4665 USD
Hiking Adventures in the Sacred Valley
A unique adventure including a challenging hike to the legendary Machu Picchu. Witness the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain on a private tour, soar above the enigmatic Nazca Lines, and embrace the thrill of sandboarding amidst the dunes of Huacachina. Breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures await
view tour ⤍4 days / from950 USD
Active Machu Picchu
An unforgettable adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Sleep in community houses and local accommodations to immerse yourself in the rich culture. Feel the thrill as you mountain bike through rugged terrains, soar through the air on exhilarating ziplines, and hike amidst breathtaking landscapes.
view tour ⤍5 days / from995 USD
The "new" Machu Picchu - Chachapoyas
An incredible journey to Chachapoyas, Peru's hidden gem. Explore the ruins of Kuelap, an ancient fortress shrouded in mystery. Discover the breathtaking Gocta Waterfalls, one of the tallest in the world. Immerse yourself in Chachapoyas' rich culture, scenic landscapes, and archaeological wonders.
view tour ⤍Top of the list is without a doubt Machu Picchu. This remote Inca temple, perched on a mountaintop in the remote southern Andes, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This designation is in recognition of the astonishing achievements of its pre-Columbian architects. Enter the site before dawn, then sit and wait for the sunrise. The first rays of the sun spill over the surrounding peaks to illuminate the well-preserved stone buildings, paths and terraces.
The mysteries of the London Underground are nothing compared with the Nasca Lines, another UNESCO World Heritage site. These drawings of animals, etched in the sand for eternity by an ancient civilisation, are only visible from the air. Hop in a light aeroplane at Nasca airstrip to take in perfect – if at times stomach-churning – views.
The engineering prowess of the ancient Peruvians remains evident at the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, where entire villages float on rafts made of reeds. See them on an island-hopping trip and admire the elaborately crafted reed boats on which locals travel between the islands.
Parasailers glide above the Malecón in Lima © Ros Walford
Lima, Peru’s vast capital, spreads out from its colonial heart into a dynamic metropolis that is one of the largest in South America. Get your bearings in the central district of Miraflores; walk along (or parasail from) the elegant Malecón cliff-top promenade, before making the most of the city’s best shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Peru’s second city, Arequipa, is a calmer affair – a grid of streets lined with low-rise colonial townhouses and peppered with leafy plazas.
Cusco is the charming departure point for trips to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Visit Cusco Cathedral, explore the megalithic ruins at Sacsayhuamán and experience a night out at high altitude.
Cusco Cathedral © Ros Walford
The most popular trek in Peru is, of course, the Inca Trail, a 4-day jungle and mountain hike that passes through a series of important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley before culminating at the dramatic hilltop site at Machu Picchu. If you prefer to hike away from the crowds, the region is rich with alternative treks, including the high-mountain Salkantay Trail and the easier Lares Trek.
The beautiful Colca Canyon is Peru’s equivalent of the USA’s Grand Canyon, but at 3,270 metres (10,725 feet) it’s twice as deep. After a hike down arid slopes to the green valley below, enjoy a dip in hot springs underneath the stars. Bear in mind that the next day you’ll need to climb up the near-vertical gorge before breakfast... not for the faint-hearted.
The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world. Its 35 peaks above 6,000 metres include Mount Huascarán (6,768 metres), the highest mountain in Peru. Mountaineers and hikers alike are drawn to this pristine region of glaciers, waterfalls and emerald lakes set amid diamond-sharp peaks.
Inspired by our guide to Peru? Try our new tailor-made travel service and enjoy a fully personalised trip planned by a local expert.
The Cordillera Blanca mountain range © Ros Walford
Máncora in the far north is Peru’s surfing mecca. This extensive strip of white sands beside a laid-back former fishing village offers endless sun, warm water and fantastic waves.
You can try a different kind of surfing on the giant dunes at Huacachina. Take a board and skim down the golden mountains that tower as high as 200 metres above the lagoon. Or avoid potentially tasting a few mouthfuls of sand and take a ride on a dune buggy instead.
The dunes at Huacachina © Ros Walford
The world’s favourite intrepid bear, Paddington, hailed from “darkest Peru”. If you would like to encounter ursine relatives of the much-loved fictional character in his homeland, the most likely place to see brown spectacled bears is in mountainous northern Peru. However, you’ll have better chances of spotting wildlife – such as jaguars, pink river dolphins, caiman and a cacophony of birds – in the Amazon. Top spots include the jungle city of Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado and Manu Biosphere Reserve and National Park.
The Ballestas Islands, within the coastal moonscape of the Paracas National Reserve, are Peru’s Galapagos Islands. Sail out to the guano-covered rock stacks to see seals, sea lions, pelicans and the Humboldt penguins, which are kept cool by the Humboldt Current flowing up from Antarctica.
Colca Canyon is the place to get up close to condors, the world’s largest birds, and see them use their impressive 3-metre wingspan to float on thermals above the arid ravine.
The gastronomic highlight of the varied cuisine of Peru is ceviche – raw fish marinated in lime juice until beautifully tender. Check out Lima’s world-class restaurants for more tips on where to eat in the city.
In rural areas, you’re likely to be served hearty dishes, such as lomo saltado (beef stir fry) or aji de gallina (chicken stew), served with potatoes or rice. You may even come across alpaca or cuy (oven-roasted guinea pig). Lunchtime snacks include empanadas, tasty meat- or cheese-filled pastry parcels.
To drink, try chicha morada (an infusion of corn, cinnamon and cloves). The alcoholic highlight is the cocktail pisco sour, consisting of the spirit pisco, lemon juice, sugar and raw egg foam.
Now, that’s got to be worth coming back for…
Thinking of planning a trip to Peru? We can help! Our new tailor-made travel service pairs travellers with local experts who can plan and book a customised trip, just for you.
Top image: Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru © Rafal Cichawa/Shutterstock
written by Ros Walford
updated 7.11.2020
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Peru
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
Book securely with money-back guarantee
Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support