Overview
Peru sits on the western edge of South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. Its geography is extraordinarily varied: a narrow Pacific coastal desert, the Andean mountain range running through the center, and the vast Amazon rainforest to the east. This variety shapes everything from climate and cuisine to the cultures visitors encounter.
The country was the heart of the Inca Empire before Spanish colonization in the 16th century, and that layered history is visible in cities like Cusco, where Inca stone foundations support colonial churches. Lima, the capital, is a sprawling coastal metropolis that has become one of South America's most recognized culinary destinations.
Beyond Machu Picchu—perhaps the most famous archaeological site in the Western Hemisphere—Peru offers Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, the Nazca Lines, and large tracts of protected Amazon rainforest. Travelers range from adventure trekkers and birdwatchers to food enthusiasts and history scholars, and most find the country rewards careful, unhurried exploration.
Before You Go
Visas
Visa requirements for Peru vary significantly by nationality. For general guidance, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Peru's official immigration authority, Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (migraciones.gob.pe), well before travel.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended—and in some cases required—for travelers entering Amazon regions, and proof may be requested at certain border crossings. Consult a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real concern in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) and other highland areas; allow 1–2 days to acclimatize before strenuous activity, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol initially. Tap water is not considered safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water throughout the country.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended, particularly for the Inca Trail and other remote treks.
Currency & Payments
ATMs are widely available in Lima and Cusco. Smaller towns and rural markets operate primarily on cash. Carry smaller denomination soles for markets, transport, and tips. Confirm your bank's international withdrawal fees before departure.
Getting There
By Air
Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the primary international gateway, with connections from North America, Europe, and other South American cities. A secondary international airport in Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, CUZ) receives some regional flights. Most long-haul travelers fly into Lima and connect onward domestically.
Domestic Flights
Domestic routes connect Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos (accessible only by air or river), Puerto Maldonado, and other cities. Flights between Lima and Cusco take roughly one hour and are heavily used; book in advance during peak season (June–August).
Overland & Rail
Bus travel is extensive and ranges from basic to comfortable semi-cama (reclining) and cama (fully flat) services on major routes. Train services operate in the Cusco region, including the iconic rail journeys to Aguas Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu) via PeruRail and Inca Rail—verify current schedules and book ahead on their respective official sites.
Getting Around
Within Cities
Lima has a growing Metro system (Línea 1) and an extensive network of Metropolitano bus rapid transit. Taxis are widely available; using app-based services (such as InDriver or Beat, which are popular locally) is generally recommended over hailing from the street for fare transparency and safety. In Cusco, the historic center is compact and walkable, though the altitude makes even short walks feel more strenuous.
Between Destinations
Intercity buses are the backbone of Peruvian travel. Reputable operators generally offer more reliable service and safer vehicles on long routes; verify locally or through travel forums for current recommendations. For Machu Picchu, travelers take the train to Aguas Calientes then a shuttle bus up to the citadel, or hike one of several trails (the Inca Trail requires a permit booked months in advance).
In the Amazon
River travel by boat is the primary mode of transport in many Amazonian communities. Organized lodge transfers and guided river tours are the most practical option for most visitors; independent navigation is not advisable without local knowledge.
Things to See & Do
Machu Picchu
The 15th-century Inca citadel set among cloud forest peaks is Peru's most visited site. Entry requires an advance timed ticket—slots fill weeks to months ahead depending on season. Verify current ticketing procedures and entry limits on the official Ministerio de Cultura platform (cultura.gob.pe) before planning your visit. The site is generally less crowded in early morning.
Cusco & the Sacred Valley
Cusco itself merits at least two full days: the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (the Inca Temple of the Sun), the fortress of Sacsayhuamán above the city, and San Blas neighborhood with its craft workshops. The Sacred Valley—stretching roughly from Pisac to Ollantaytambo—contains terraced Inca ruins, traditional markets (Pisac market is among the most well-known), and salt pans at Maras.
Lake Titicaca
At roughly 3,800 m (12,500 ft), Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, shared between Peru and Bolivia. Puno is the Peruvian gateway city. Boat trips visit the floating reed islands of the Uros people and the island of Taquile, where traditional textile weaving is a UNESCO-recognized practice.
Colca Canyon & Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru's second-largest city, is built largely from white volcanic sillar stone and features the well-preserved Santa Catalina Monastery. From Arequipa, the Colca Canyon—one of the world's deepest canyons—is a popular excursion, particularly for spotting Andean condors near the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.
The Amazon
Iquitos in the north and Puerto Maldonado in the south are the two main gateways to Peru's Amazon. Both support lodge-based wildlife tourism. Expect guided excursions for canopy walks, night wildlife spotting, and river journeys rather than independent exploration.
Food & Drink
Peruvian cuisine draws on Indigenous Andean ingredients, Japanese immigration influences (Nikkei cuisine), Chinese culinary traditions (Chifa), African heritage, and Spanish colonial cooking. The results are genuinely distinctive and have earned Lima international recognition in global culinary rankings.
Dishes to Try
- Ceviche: Raw fish cured in citrus (typically lime) with onion and ají amarillo chili. Considered Peru's national dish and eaten as a midday meal rather than dinner in traditional settings.
- Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, onions, soy sauce, and french fries served over rice—a clear Chifa influence.
- Ají de Gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy yellow chili and walnut sauce.
- Causa: A layered cold dish made with yellow potato, often filled with avocado and chicken or seafood.
- Anticuchos: Grilled beef heart skewers, popular as street food, particularly in Lima.
- Papa a la Huancaína: Boiled potatoes in a spiced fresh cheese sauce.
Drinks
- Pisco Sour: A cocktail made with pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, egg white, and bitters—Peru's emblematic drink.
- Chicha Morada: A non-alcoholic purple corn drink, slightly sweet and spiced.
- Mate de Coca: Coca-leaf tea, widely consumed in highland areas and commonly offered to help with altitude acclimatization.
In Lima, neighborhoods such as Miraflores and Barranco concentrate higher-end restaurants alongside casual cevicherías. In Cusco and smaller towns, markets offer some of the most affordable and authentic local meals.
Shopping
Peru is well regarded for textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry, much of it produced using techniques with Andean pre-Columbian roots. Alpaca and baby alpaca wool items—sweaters, scarves, blankets—are widely available; quality varies considerably, so inspect weave tightness and ask about fiber content.
Cusco's San Blas neighborhood and its surrounding streets are known for independent artisan workshops. Pisac market in the Sacred Valley draws both locals and tourists and offers a broad range of crafts. Lima's Miraflores district has more curated artisan shops.
Be cautious of vendors claiming items are antiques; export of pre-Columbian artifacts is illegal under Peruvian law. When purchasing coca products to take home, research import restrictions in your destination country carefully, as regulations vary widely.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Verify current emergency contact numbers locally upon arrival. As a general reference, Peru's national emergency line has historically been 105 (police) and 116 (medical), but confirm these are current before relying on them.
Electricity
Peru uses 220V / 60Hz power. Socket types are typically Type A and Type C; verify your device requirements and bring appropriate adapters.
Connectivity
SIM cards from major Peruvian carriers are available at Lima's airport and in city centers. Coverage is generally good in urban areas and along major tourist routes, but patchy in remote Amazon and high-altitude areas.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, a service charge (servicio) is sometimes included on bills—check before adding more. It is customary to tip guides, porters on trekking routes, and drivers.
Responsible Tourism
Machu Picchu and other high-footfall sites have introduced visitor management systems to reduce impact. Follow site rules, stay on marked paths, and do not remove stones, plants, or other materials. On Amazon tours, choose operators with clear conservation commitments.
Safety
Peru is visited by millions of travelers each year, and most trips pass without serious incident. That said, awareness of common risks is worthwhile. Petty theft—pickpocketing, bag snatching—is most prevalent in busy areas of Lima (particularly in and around the historic center and on public transport) and in tourist-heavy parts of Cusco. Keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes for passports and excess cash, and be cautious at ATMs.
Express kidnappings (a brief forced robbery) have been reported in some urban areas. Using app-based ride services rather than unmarked taxis, particularly at night, reduces this risk. Avoid displaying expensive cameras, phones, or jewelry unnecessarily.
In highland areas, altitude-related illness can affect travelers regardless of fitness level. Ascend gradually where possible, recognize symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness), and descend if symptoms worsen. Diamox (acetazolamide) is sometimes prescribed as a preventative—consult a doctor before travel.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Peru before and during your trip, as security situations in specific regions can change. Some rural and border areas carry higher advisory levels than the main tourist circuit.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Peru's cultural identity is deeply pluralistic. Roughly half the population identifies as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European heritage), with significant Quechua, Aymara, Amazonian Indigenous, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian-Peruvian communities. This diversity is most visible in language, food, music, and festivals.
Religion plays a central role: Peru is predominantly Roman Catholic, and the liturgical calendar shapes public life, with major festivals blending Catholic and pre-Columbian traditions. Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), celebrated in Cusco each June, draws large crowds and re-enacts Inca ceremonies.
Dress modestly when entering churches or attending religious ceremonies. In highland and rural communities, ask before photographing people—some communities prefer visitors do not photograph without permission, and a small payment is sometimes expected if you do. Learning a few words of Spanish (and even a greeting in Quechua: allianchu for hello) is received warmly.
Bargaining is common in markets but should be done respectfully; artisans often rely on fair prices for their livelihoods. Tipping and courteous interaction go a long way in small towns where the tourist economy is important but visitors are expected to behave considerately.
