Intriguing history, incredible landscapes & impeccable cuisine – Peru will leave you completely captivated with the Pisco Sour life. The glorious volcanoes in Arequipa, the bustling streets of Lima, the sandstone cliffs of the Colca Canyon, the Indigenous communities of Lake Titicaca, and of course, Machu Picchu – there’s something for everyone here. So, if this breathtaking destination has caught your attention and you’re planning a Peru trip, we’ve put together a Peru travel guide with all the info you’ll need to know before you head out for the adventure of your life!

The basics

Visas: Generally, citizens of the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand don’t need a visa to enter Peru. But it’s a good idea to check if you need a visa well in advance. Check out our visa guide for some handy info.

Currency: Peru’s currency is the Nuevo Sol (or just Sol, as the locals call it). US dollars are also accepted in many places in Peru. ATMs are generally readily available in the cities. But you won’t find one parked up next to Machu Picchu… So don’t forget to take cash with you on your trip. (Like Peru Panorama!)

Altitude: If you’re planning on visiting Cusco, Lake Titicaca or Machu Picchu – you might experience altitude sickness. So please bring relevant medication & give yourself time to get acclimated to the mountains!

Tipping: Tipping in Peru is appreciated but not expected. Generally, 10-15% of your bill is customary.

Tap water: It’s probably best to avoid tap water in Peru. We recommend that you stick to drinking bottled water. Or even better, carry a reusable water bottle with you!

Best time to visit Peru

Let’s get one thing straight: no matter what time of the year you’re planning to visit Peru, you’re gonna have a good time. But vague info is not what a Peru travel guide is for, so here are some details you should know about the best time to visit Peru:

• Between May & September is the dry season which is the best time to visit Peru because you’ll get clear skies and wonderful weather for hiking.
• The wet season is usually mid-December to March. Heads up! The Inca trail usually closes in February due to heavy rains – so if that’s on your bucket list, please plan your trip accordingly. 
• Summer in coastal Peru – and more specifically Lima – lasts from November to March, giving you warm temps that are great for swimming.

Best things to do in Peru

These are some of the must-do things, and must-see places in Peru:

See Machu Picchu

If you visit Peru, and do just ONE thing – it has to be visiting the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu. That’s just how iconic it is. You can choose to hike up to the entry point (with local guides, ofc), or opt for a relaxing train ride with lush scenery.

Sail over Lake Titicaca

Riding a boat over the world’s highest navigable lake (3657 metres up in the mountains!) is nothing short of extraordinary. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent golden landscapes, while floating over a vast blue lake. To top it all off – the boats here are pretty iconic too.

Discover the Sacred Valley

Exploring the heartland of the Incan empire is a magical experience in itself. But there’s more – you get to try local Chicha de Jora AKA ‘corn beer’, check out Andean weaving traditions, and visit the vibrant markets (and get some Peruvian souvenirs too!)

Take a Peruvian cooking class

Want a taste of what Peruvian cuisine is like? Well, there’s no better way than taking a cooking class where you’ll learn to make classic dishes from the locals in Cusco – and then of course, eat it all too!

Hike the Rainbow Mountain

There’s a literal mountain that looks like a rainbow on our planet. Why would anyone wanna miss out on seeing such a natural wonder? The best way to experience this mountain is to hike up the colourful contours of Rainbow Mountain from Cusco. 

Top festivals in Peru

Fiesta Into Raymi

This festival is held every June in Sacsayhuaman to celebrate the winter solstice with Incan traditions. ‘Inti’ – the Sun God is worshipped and feasting, music, and dancing are all part of the celebrations. It’s a must-see festival for sure.

Puno Week

Peru’s version of Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) begins at the start of November. It’s a week-long festival with varied celebrations to honour the legendary birth of one Manco Cápac –  said to be the first Inca. Wear your most vibrant outfit, because the locals certainly will.

Fiesta de la Cruz

At the start of May each year, locals parade around Peru carrying hundreds of crosses from village to village – hence the name ‘The Festival of the Cross’. The celebration is grand, with fireworks, vibrant colours and traditional wear being a part of the show.  

Qoyllur Rit’i

The Andean people really know their stars. This traditional four-day pilgrimage started as a celebration of the mid-winter disappearance of the Pleiades constellation. Today, it’s done in Sinkara Valley to honour their ancestors.

La Fiesta Candelaria

There’s a reason why it is the biggest festival in Peru. Over two weeks starting in February, you’ll see 30,000 dancers and 8,000 musicians (all dressed in traditional clothing) celebrating “Mamacha Candelaria”, the image of the patron saint of Puno. The energy is simply contagious.

Top museums in Peru

Larco Museum

Wanna know more about Peru’s history? From the pre-Columbian era? This museum housed in an 18-century viceroy building is the place to go. If you’ve got some free time in Lima, you know what to do!

The Museum of Italian Art Lima

As the name suggests, this museum is home to over 125 works of art by famous and not-so-famous Italian artists. The museum is a tribute to the country’s generous Italian community. 

Andean Sanctuaries

Back in 1995, a couple of archaeologists discovered a fully preserved mummy in ice. They named her Ice Maiden of Ampato – or Mummy Jaunita. This museum is now a research centre dedicated to her. Don’t miss it out when you’re around Arequipa.

Conjunto Monumental de Belen

The Belén Monumental Complex is located in the historic centre of Cajamarca – a remote town in northern Peru. All the buildings here are made with volcanic stones & are some of the finest examples of colonial architecture. 

Brüning Museum

This stark modernist building is dedicated to the German researcher Hans Heinrich Brüning, who amassed hundreds of Peruvian artefacts on a trip to Peru in the late 19th century.  

What to eat in Peru

Anticuchos

In simple words: they’re Ox heart skewers, not very different from your regular kebabs. Beef heart fillets are marinated in spices and red wine vinegar, cooked on charcoal and then served hot with roast potatoes and spicy sauce or peanut llajua. Smokey, and simply delicious. 

Lomo Soltado

This smoky, salty dish is made by stir-frying beef in a soy sauce mix and served with fresh fries and steamed white rice. It’s a local favourite that was inspired by the food made by Chinese immigrants in Peru. Here’s an authentic Lomo Saltado recipe if you wanna give it a shot! 

Causa rellena

Love potatoes? How about a layered potato cake? (Kinda). You’ll love Cause rellena. Layers of mash, chicken, tuna, avocado and hard-boiled egg make this one of the most comforting and indulgent dishes in Peruvian cuisine. 

Ceviche

Any Peru travel guide would be incomplete without the mention of this dish. Essentially just raw fish, ‘cooked’ in citrus juice, Ceviche is Peru’s national dish. It’s usually served with creamy sweet potatoes, freshly sliced onions, and corn. Refreshing and tangy, it’s a must-try Peruvian classic. 

Picarones

These rings of goodness are sweet treats similar to churros. They’re served with a syrup dip and made from pumpkin, chia or quinoa instead of flour. Best part? They’re vegan! 

What to pack

Lightweight clothes: A couple of loose t-shirts and trousers should do. And layers are key – the weather changes according to the altitude and temperatures tend to drop in the Inca trail.

Camera: Believe us. You’ll be taking some seriously breath-taking photos. 

Torch: There may be some instances when there’s no electricity (especially in the rural areas). Plus, it’s always good to have a torch when you’re hiking. 

Hiking boots: An obvious one, really. You wanna be at optimal comfort when you check out the incredible mountainous wonders in Peru.

Kindle: If you’re travelling in Peru by bus, you’re gonna have a few quiet hours to yourself. So why not keep a Kindle with you and dive into a world of books? 

Bug spray: Peru’s home to some of the deadliest insects and arachnids in the world. So listen to your travel guide! But don’t skimp on your sense of adventure…