Planning a trip to Peru?
Discover the best places to visit, when to go, how to get around, altitude tips and itinerary ideas for an unforgettable Peru vacation.
Peru Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru is a country of incredible landscapes, ancient civilizations, vibrant cultures, and world-renowned cuisine.
Whether you are planning your first trip to Peru or returning to discover another side of the country, this guide will help you understand the essentials before you travel.
Why Visit Peru?
Peru offers an extraordinary variety of experiences within one country.
You can explore ancient Inca sites, walk through colonial cities, hike in the Andes, discover traditional communities, explore the Amazon rainforest, and enjoy one of the most exciting culinary scenes in South America.
And while Machu Picchu is often the main reason travelers come to Peru, it is only one part of what makes the country so special.
Best Places to Visit in Peru
Cusco
At around 3,400 meters above sea level, Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of Peru’s most fascinating cities.
Its historic streets combine Inca architecture, Spanish colonial buildings, local markets, museums, restaurants, and vibrant Andean culture.
Cusco is also the main gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu
One of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, Machu Picchu is an unforgettable part of any first trip to Peru.
You can reach it by train or as part of one of several trekking experiences, depending on your interests, fitness level, and available time.
The Sacred Valley
Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is home to spectacular landscapes, archaeological sites, traditional villages, and agricultural communities.
Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, and Moray are among the places worth discovering.
Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Known as the White City, Arequipa is famous for its beautiful volcanic-stone architecture.
Nearby, the Colca Canyon offers spectacular scenery and the opportunity to see Andean condors soaring above the valley.
Lake Titicaca
Located in southern Peru, Lake Titicaca is famous for its high-altitude landscapes and traditional communities.
A visit here offers a very different perspective on life and culture in the Peruvian Andes.
The Amazon
Peru is also home to an extraordinary part of the Amazon rainforest.
Destinations such as Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos offer opportunities to discover wildlife, rivers, jungle landscapes, and one of the most important ecosystems on Earth.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Peru?
Peru does not have one single travel season because its climate varies considerably between regions.
For the Andes, the dry season from roughly May to October is generally the most popular period for visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley.
The rainy season, roughly from November to April, can bring more frequent rainfall but also greener landscapes and, in some places, fewer visitors.
The coast and Amazon have different climate patterns.
The best time for your trip therefore depends on where you want to go and what you want to experience.
How Many Days Do You Need in Peru?
For a first visit, 10 to 14 days is a good starting point if you want to experience several highlights without rushing.
7 Days
Focus on the Cusco region:
Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu
10 Days
Add Lima or another destination while keeping a comfortable pace.
14 Days
You can combine the Cusco region with destinations such as Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.
3 Weeks or More
You have enough time to explore further, potentially adding Lake Titicaca or the Amazon.
The most important thing is not to try to see everything. Peru is best experienced at a pace that leaves room to enjoy the journey.
Altitude in Peru
Altitude is an important consideration when traveling through the Andes.
Cusco is located at approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, and some trekking routes go considerably higher.
Give yourself time to acclimatize after arriving. Avoid planning a demanding hike immediately, stay hydrated, rest, and listen to your body.
If you experience significant or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice.
Getting Around Peru
Peru is a large country, so transportation should be considered carefully when planning your itinerary.
Depending on your route, you may travel by:
- Domestic flights
- Long-distance buses
- Trains
- Private transfers
- Local transportation
For longer distances, flying can save valuable time.
Around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, private transportation can also make it easier to combine several destinations comfortably in one day.
What to Pack for Peru
Because Peru includes several different climates, packing in layers is usually the best approach.
Useful essentials include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers of clothing
- Warm clothing for high-altitude destinations
- Rain protection
- Sun protection
- Hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack
- Personal medications
If you are planning a trek, your equipment requirements will naturally be different from those of a city-based trip.
Peruvian Food & Culture
Peruvian cuisine is an essential part of the travel experience.
Depending on where you travel, you can discover dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, rocoto relleno, anticuchos, pachamanca, and causa.
But Peru’s culture goes far beyond food.
In the Andes, traditional weaving, agriculture, festivals, music, and community traditions remain an important part of everyday life.
When visiting local communities, travel respectfully: ask before taking photographs, support local businesses and artisans, and respect local customs.
Practical Travel Tips
A few simple habits can make your trip much easier:
- Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.
- Avoid trying to fit too many destinations into a short trip.
- Keep valuables secure in busy areas.
- Use reliable transportation.
- Book important train, entrance, and accommodation arrangements in advance during busy periods.
- Travel with appropriate clothing for different climates.
- Leave some flexibility in your itinerary.
And remember: some of the best experiences in Peru happen when you allow yourself time to slow down and explore.
Plan Your Peru Journey
There is no single perfect way to travel around Peru.
You may be looking for adventure, culture, hiking, nature, food, comfort, or a combination of everything.
At GreaTours Perú, we believe your journey should reflect your interests and your travel style.
Whether you prefer a carefully designed package or a completely personalized experience, our team can help you create a trip that goes beyond simply checking destinations off a list.
Ready to start planning your Peru adventure?
Explore our Packages or discover our Tailor-Made Trips and start creating your journey through Peru.
Final Thoughts
Peru is a destination that rewards curiosity.
From the ancient streets of Cusco to the mountains of the Andes and the depths of the Amazon, every region offers something different.
Take your time, explore beyond the obvious, connect with local culture, and leave room for the unexpected.
Your Peru adventure starts here.