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Home » South America » Peru

Peru Travel Guide

This Peru travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Land of the Incas and Epic Adventures

Peru is a spellbinding mix of ancient civilizations and dramatic landscapes. From the soaring Andes to the lush Amazon, this is a country where Incan ruins, vibrant culture, and unforgettable food collide.

Thinking of trekking the Inca Trail? Book with Alpaca Expeditions and mention “Going Awesome Places” for a free hiking stick and sleeping mat.

Notable Places

Discover Peru

Use the map to explore Peru and discover iconic destinations. Start with our 2-week itinerary to plan your trip.

Read the itinerary

Our Ultimate Peru Itineraries

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Peru Quick Guide

  • Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
  • Language: Spanish (Quechua and Aymara also spoken)
  • Emergency Number: 105 (police), 106 (ambulance)
  • Tipping: 10% in restaurants is customary if service isn’t included
  • Fun Fact #1: Peru is home to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Fun Fact #2: Over 3,000 types of potatoes are grown in Peru
  • Fun Fact #3: The Amazon River begins in the Peruvian Andes

Plan Your Trip

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Where to Stay in Peru

Peru offers a mix of charming colonial guesthouses, high-end hotels, and eco-lodges. Cusco and the Sacred Valley have boutique stays in restored heritage buildings. Lima has stylish hotels and oceanfront rentals, while Arequipa and Puno offer budget-friendly hostels and historic accommodations. For the adventurous, remote lodges await in the Amazon and Andes.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays. 

CHECK BOOKING.COM

Plan Where to Stay

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How to Get Around Peru

Peru’s varied geography makes travel diverse. Domestic flights are the fastest way to connect Lima with Cusco, Arequipa, or the Amazon. Long-distance buses are comfortable and budget-friendly, with top-tier companies offering reclining seats and onboard meals. In cities, taxis are widely used, negotiate the fare in advance or use rideshare apps like Uber in Lima and Cusco. Trains run from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo, offering scenic views through the Sacred Valley.

For local transport, mototaxis (three-wheeled rickshaws) are common in small towns. If you’re headed to remote areas like Lake Titicaca or the Amazon, organized tours with transport included are often the easiest option. Roads in the Andes can be rough and winding, so independent driving is only recommended for experienced travelers.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Explore the Amazon

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Must-Visit Places in Peru

  • Machu Picchu – Iconic Incan citadel nestled in cloud forest mountains
  • Cusco – Historic capital of the Inca Empire with colonial charm and nearby ruins
  • Sacred Valley – Picturesque villages, Incan sites, and mountain vistas
  • Lima – Culinary capital with vibrant neighborhoods and Pacific coast views
  • Arequipa – “White City” with stunning architecture and access to Colca Canyon
  • Lake Titicaca – High-altitude lake with floating reed islands and local culture
  • Nazca – Mysterious desert geoglyphs best viewed from the air
  • Huaraz – Andean adventure hub with world-class trekking in the Cordillera Blanca
  • Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado – Gateways to the Peruvian Amazon
  • Paracas & Huacachina – Coastal wildlife and desert oasis thrills
Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Explore the Inca Trail

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Peruvian Food to Try

Peru is a world-class culinary destination, blending indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences:

  • Ceviche – Raw fish marinated in lime juice with onions, chili, and cilantro
  • Lomo Saltado – Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries, served with rice
  • Aji de Gallina – Creamy shredded chicken in a spicy yellow pepper sauce
  • Cuy – Roasted guinea pig, a traditional delicacy in the Andes
  • Papa a la Huancaína – Sliced potatoes in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce
  • Anticuchos – Marinated and grilled skewers, traditionally made with beef heart
  • Pollo a la Brasa – Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken with crispy skin and bold spices
  • Picarones – Fried sweet potato and squash doughnuts drizzled with syrup

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

  1. Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  2. Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
  3. Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
  5. Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Peru

  • Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley: Set off from Cusco on a full‑day trek to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Red Valley. Hike approximately 8 km at up to 5,100 m altitude through colorful mineral slopes and red-hued cliffs.
  • Paracas and Huacachina Oasis: Escape Lima for a coastal and desert adventure. Cruise to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, spotting penguins, sea lions, and seabirds in Paracas National Reserve. Then traverse Ica’s desert to Huacachina Oasis for adrenaline-fueled dune buggy rides and sandboarding atop golden dunes.
  • Sacred Valley & Maras Salt Mines: Venture from Cusco into the heart of the Sacred Valley for a day tour. Wander the terraced salt pans of Maras, explore the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, browse traditional markets in Ollantaytambo, and learn about Andean culture with expert commentary. 
  • Machu Picchu – without the hike: For those with less hiking abilities, you can take a day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then take a scenic bus to the citadel. Enjoy a 2–3‑hour guided exploration of Circuit 2, followed by free time before returning to Cusco.
  • Colca Canyon: If you are staying in Arequipa take an unforgettable day trip into Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Spot majestic Andean condors at the Condor’s Cross, explore pre-Inca terraces, and relax in Chacapi hot springs.

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Going Awesome Places

Detailed Itineraries & Travel Guides

Going Awesome Places is an award-winning travel brand that features detailed itineraries, travel guides, packing lists, and videos to help plan your next trip.
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