Peru Travel Guide

Peru, Chile, and Argentina together span an extraordinary range of geography and culture — from the Amazon basin and high Andean plateaus to the driest desert on Earth, glacial fjords, and the windswept tip of South America. Each country rewards extended exploration, yet all three are well set up for international visitors with established tourism infrastructure.

Peru draws travelers primarily for its pre-Columbian heritage — Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are the flagship attractions — but the country also offers one of the world's most celebrated culinary scenes, the colonial architecture of Cusco and Lima's Barranco district, and access to the Amazon rainforest from cities such as Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.

Chile is a long, narrow country of remarkable geographic extremes. The Atacama Desert in the north is one of the driest places on the planet; the Lake District and Chiloé in the south offer lush landscapes and distinctive wooden architecture; and Patagonia — shared with Argentina — contains some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere. Santiago, the capital, is a modern, walkable city with strong restaurant and wine-bar culture.

Argentina is South America's second-largest country. Buenos Aires functions as the cultural anchor: a city of wide boulevards, European-influenced architecture, tango, beef-focused gastronomy, and a thriving arts scene. Beyond the capital, travelers visit Mendoza for wine, the northwest for Andean villages and quebrada landscapes, and Patagonia for trekking around peaks such as Fitz Roy and the Perito Moreno glacier.

Visas

Entry requirements vary by nationality and change periodically. For current, authoritative information, visit the official immigration authority of each country and check TravelerPulse's Visas section before booking. Do not rely on secondhand accounts or outdated forum posts.

Health

Consult a travel-medicine clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (and may be required for entry to certain zones) if you plan to visit Amazonian Peru. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real concern in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) and the Peruvian altiplano — plan rest days on arrival and ask a physician about preventive medication if needed. Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink in Peru; in Chile and Argentina urban tap water is typically safe, but verify locally if traveling to rural areas.

Money

Argentina's currency situation has been volatile in recent years. Research the current exchange-rate environment carefully before arrival and carry some US dollars or euros as a backup. In Peru and Chile, ATMs in major cities are widely available; in remote areas, carry cash. Notify your bank before traveling.

Connectivity

Local SIM cards are available in all three countries and offer a cost-effective way to stay connected. International roaming can be expensive — verify your plan before travel.

Main International Airports

• Lima, Peru — Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the primary hub for Peru and a common South American transit point.
• Santiago, Chile — Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is the busiest airport in the region and a major connection hub.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina — Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) handles most international flights; Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) serves domestic and regional routes from the city center.

Between Countries

Flying is the most practical option for covering large distances quickly. LAN/LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and several low-cost carriers connect the major cities. Overland crossings by bus are possible and popular — particularly between Santiago and Mendoza, or across the Andes via lake-crossing routes between Chile and Argentina — but journey times are long; research current road and border conditions before travel. Ground transport from Lima to Cusco is also possible but the flight is far shorter.

Internal Flights

Peru has reliable domestic routes connecting Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, and other cities. Chile's domestic network covers Santiago to Punta Arenas and Calama (gateway to the Atacama). Argentina has extensive domestic services from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Bariloche, Ushuaia, and Calafate.

Peru

In Lima, the Metropolitano bus rapid-transit system and the Metro Line 1 cover major corridors; taxis and ride-hailing apps (verify which are operating at time of travel) are widely used. Between cities, buses range from basic to very comfortable — premium overnight coaches on routes such as Lima–Arequipa–Cusco are a popular budget option. The Andean Explorer train between Cusco and Puno is a scenic choice if time permits.

Chile

Santiago has a modern Metro system that covers most neighborhoods visitors frequent. Long-distance buses in Chile are generally reliable and comfortable. In Patagonia, distances are vast and services are less frequent; renting a vehicle gives the most flexibility, particularly for the Carretera Austral.

Argentina (Buenos Aires and beyond)

Buenos Aires has an extensive Subte (metro) network, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing options. Long-distance buses from Buenos Aires are a well-established travel mode — comfortable sleeper-class coaches serve routes to Mendoza, Bariloche, and other cities. In Patagonia, renting a car is often the most practical option outside of organized tours. Domestic flights save significant time on longer routes.

Peru

• Machu Picchu — The 15th-century Inca citadel above the Urubamba Valley. Entry requires advance booking through the official Peruvian government ticketing system; capacity is limited and slots sell out. Verify current access rules and ticket procedures on the official site before planning.
• Cusco and the Sacred Valley — The former Inca capital is richly layered with colonial Spanish architecture built over Inca foundations. Day trips reach sites including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
• Lima — The Larco Museum houses one of the world's foremost pre-Columbian collections. The Barranco and Miraflores districts offer coastal walks, galleries, and a concentrated restaurant scene.
• Amazon Basin — Lodges near Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios) provide wildlife-focused experiences in or near Manu Biosphere Reserve; Iquitos is the gateway to the northern Amazon.
• Colca Canyon — One of the world's deepest canyons, accessible from Arequipa, offering condor sightings and trekking.

Chile

• Atacama Desert — Based in San Pedro de Atacama, explore salt flats, geysers, lagoons, and some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
• Torres del Paine National Park — A flagship Patagonia destination; the W Trek and full Circuit are among South America's premier multi-day hikes. Book huts and campsites well in advance — demand far exceeds supply in peak season (November–February).
• Santiago — The Bellavista neighborhood, Cerro Santa Lucía, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and day-trip wine valleys (Maipo, Casablanca) are popular.
• Chiloé Archipelago — Known for its distinctive palafito stilt houses, wooden churches (many UNESCO-listed), and mythology.
• Valparaíso — A UNESCO-listed port city of steep hills, street art, and funicular lifts, about 1.5 hours from Santiago.

Argentina (Buenos Aires focus)

• Buenos Aires neighborhoods — San Telmo (antiques market, colonial streets), Palermo (parks, restaurants, nightlife), La Boca (Caminito street, Boca Juniors stadium tours), Recoleta (cemetery, fine-arts museum).
• Tango — Milongas (social tango events) range from tourist-oriented to serious dancer gatherings; research the type of experience you want before attending.
• Teatro Colón — One of the world's most respected opera houses; guided tours are available on days without performances.
• MALBA — Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires; a strong permanent collection of 20th-century Latin American art.
• Day trips from Buenos Aires — Tigre and the Paraná Delta, the Uruguayan city of Colonia del Sacramento (ferry crossing), and Luján.

Peru

Lima is widely regarded as one of the world's leading culinary cities. Ceviche — raw fish cured in citrus with ají chili and onion — is the national dish and varies by region. Lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with tomatoes and fries), causa (layered potato dish), and anticuchos (grilled beef-heart skewers) are other staples. Peruvian Japanese fusion cuisine (Nikkei) is a distinct and celebrated local genre. Pisco sour is the signature cocktail. Markets such as Lima's Mercado de Surquillo offer an accessible way to try local ingredients and prepared foods.

Chile

Chilean food is hearty and ingredient-driven rather than elaborately spiced. Empanadas de pino (meat-filled pastries), cazuela (broth with meat and vegetables), and pastel de choclo (corn-topped meat casserole) are traditional staples. The central valley produces internationally recognized wines — Carménère is a variety closely associated with Chile. Craft beer has grown significantly, particularly in southern Chile.

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Argentina's food culture revolves substantially around beef. Asado (wood or charcoal grill) is both a cooking method and a social ritual. Parrillas (steakhouse-style restaurants) are ubiquitous and range from neighborhood to high-end. Empanadas vary by province — Buenos Aires versions differ from those in the northwest. Medialunas (croissant-style pastries) are a breakfast staple. Malbec from Mendoza is the country's best-known wine export. Fernet con Coca (bitter liqueur with cola) is a popular local mixed drink.

Electricity

All three countries use 220V power. Peru uses Type A and C plugs; Chile uses Type C and L; Argentina uses Type C and I (a unique three-flat-pin configuration). Carry a universal adapter.

Time Zones

Note that Chile observes daylight saving time (clocks change in spring and fall), while Argentina does not. Peru is fixed at UTC−5. This can affect scheduling if you are moving quickly between countries.

Altitude in Peru

Cusco sits at approximately 3,400 m (11,150 ft) and the altiplano around Lake Titicaca at roughly 3,800 m (12,500 ft). Allow 1–2 days of acclimatization before strenuous activity. Coca tea is a local remedy widely available in the highlands; consult your doctor about medical options before travel.

Booking in Advance

For Machu Picchu, Torres del Paine campsites and huts, and the Inca Trail, advance booking is not optional in practice during high season — it is essential. Many popular lodges in remote Patagonia also sell out months ahead. Do not assume walk-up access will be available.

Photography

Some indigenous communities and religious sites restrict photography; always ask permission before photographing people. Some museums prohibit flash photography or photography entirely — follow posted rules.

All three countries have areas that require extra vigilance; conditions change and travelers should consult their government's official travel advisory before and during their trip.

Peru: Petty theft and bag-snatching occur in tourist areas of Lima (particularly Miraflores and the historic center) and in Cusco. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than flagging cabs from the street. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid displaying expensive equipment.

Chile: Santiago is generally considered safer than many Latin American capitals but standard urban precautions apply — be alert in crowded areas and on public transit. Some neighborhoods, particularly near bus terminals, warrant extra care after dark.

Argentina (Buenos Aires): Express kidnappings (brief robberies involving ATM withdrawals) have been reported; avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated locations. Scams targeting tourists occur around the city center. The city has significant wealth inequality and some neighborhoods are not suitable for casual exploration after dark — ask your accommodation for current local guidance.

In all three countries: keep copies of your passport separately from the original, use hotel safes for documents and excess cash, and be discreet with valuables. Emergency numbers vary by country — look these up and save them before arrival, and verify them locally.

Peru

Peru has one of South America's most complex cultural layers — a living indigenous culture alongside colonial Spanish history and significant Asian immigrant influence (particularly Japanese and Chinese communities). Indigenous festivals, many tied to the agricultural and religious calendar, are a genuine and important part of life in the highlands. Visitors should approach indigenous communities, sacred sites, and ceremonies with respect; some sites request that visitors dress modestly.

Chile

Chilean culture tends toward formality in professional and social settings, with a reserved interpersonal style relative to some neighboring countries. Regional identity is strong — attitudes and customs in the north differ noticeably from those in the Lake District or Patagonia. Wine and outdoor culture (cycling, hiking, skiing) are significant parts of daily life.

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Porteños (Buenos Aires residents) are known for directness and a strong civic pride in their city. Dinner is typically eaten late — 9 or 10 pm is normal, and restaurants may not fill until after that. Tipping is customary in restaurants (verify current local norms on amounts). The siesta culture is less pronounced in Buenos Aires than in smaller Argentine cities. Psychoanalysis has an unusually strong cultural presence in Buenos Aires — the city is said to have one of the highest ratios of therapists to residents anywhere in the world, a fact that reflects the city's introspective intellectual character.