South America · 26 Places · Best June to August (dry season, best for Machu Picchu and hiking)
Peru captivates travelers with its ancient Incan heritage, including the iconic Machu Picchu, diverse landscapes from Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks, and vibrant culinary scene. This South American gem offers world-class hiking, rich indigenous cultures, and colonial architecture in cities like Cusco and Lima.
Peru captivates travelers with its ancient Incan heritage, including the iconic Machu Picchu, diverse landscapes from Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks, and vibrant culinary scene. This South American gem offers world-class hiking, rich indigenous cultures, and colonial architecture in cities like Cusco and Lima.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The iconic 15th-century Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains is Peru's most famous attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient 'Lost City of the Incas' features remarkable stone architecture, agricultural terraces, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Advanced booking is essential as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited.
This stunning valley along the Urubamba River served as the heartland of the Incan Empire and features impressive archaeological sites including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray. The valley offers traditional markets, Andean villages, and agricultural terraces still in use today. It's an essential stop for acclimatizing before visiting Machu Picchu.
This stunning natural geological formation features vibrant stripes of red, yellow, turquoise, and lavender created by mineral deposits over millions of years. Located at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) altitude, the challenging hike rewards visitors with otherworldly landscapes and panoramic Andean views. The site has become one of Peru's most photographed destinations.
The world's highest navigable lake at 3,812 meters straddling the Peru-Bolivia border is home to indigenous communities including the famous floating Uros islands made entirely of reeds. Visitors can experience homestays on Taquile and Amantani islands, learning traditional textile weaving and local customs. The deep blue waters and mountain backdrop create unforgettable scenery.
One of the world's deepest canyons at twice the depth of the Grand Canyon offers spectacular trekking, traditional Andean villages, and prime condor viewing at Cruz del Condor viewpoint. The canyon features agricultural terraces dating back 2,000 years and natural hot springs. Morning visits provide the best chances to see Andean condors soaring on thermal currents.
These ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor between 500 BCE and 500 CE depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes visible only from the air. The mysterious lines cover nearly 450 square kilometers and their purpose remains debated by archaeologists. Scenic flights offer the best viewing experience of these UNESCO World Heritage wonders.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
This exquisite 16th-century monastery in Cusco's historic center has been transformed into a luxury hotel featuring oxygen-enriched rooms, colonial art collection, and a baroque chapel. The property combines authentic Spanish colonial architecture with modern amenities and impeccable service. Its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring Cusco.
Check rates on Booking.comWell-located mid-range hotel near Cusco's Plaza de Armas offers comfortable rooms with heating, oxygen enrichment system, and colonial-meets-contemporary design. The property features an excellent breakfast buffet, helpful staff, and good value for money. On-site planetarium offers evening astronomy presentations.
Check rates on Booking.comPopular backpacker hostel near Plaza de Armas offers dorms and private rooms, excellent social atmosphere, and helpful staff. The property features bar, communal kitchen, daily activities, and good breakfast included. Great for meeting fellow travelers and arranging tours at budget prices.
Check rates on Booking.comThe only hotel located at the entrance to Machu Picchu offers unparalleled access to the citadel for sunrise and sunset visits. This intimate luxury lodge features just 31 rooms with mountain views, gourmet dining, and exclusive access to ruins before and after public hours. The location eliminates the need for early morning trains from Aguas Calientes.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Ranked among the world's best restaurants, Central showcases Peruvian biodiversity through innovative tasting menus organized by altitude zones. Chef Virgilio Martínez sources ingredients from coast, mountains, and jungle to create state-of-the-art culinary experiences. Reservations required months in advance.
Gastón Acurio's casual cevichería serves Lima's best ceviche in lively atmosphere. Fresh seafood prepared daily with creative variations on classic dishes. The restaurant fills quickly for lunch with locals and tourists. Excellent cocktails and casual but quality service.
Local favorite chifa serves generous portions of Chinese-Peruvian fusion at low prices. The menu includes fried rice, noodles, and sweet and sour dishes with Peruvian twist. Busy, no-frills atmosphere. Great value for quick satisfying meal.
Famous street cart serves Lima's best anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) marinated in spicy sauce. Operating for decades, Doña Pochita attracts long lines of locals and tourists. Arrive early as they sell out. Cash only, outdoor eating.
Beautiful cafe in courtyard of Museo Larco in Lima serves excellent coffee, teas, and light meals. Surrounded by gardens and museum collections. Perfect for afternoon break. Quality pastries and sandwiches.
Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura's flagship restaurant consistently ranks among Latin America's best, blending Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients. The Nikkei experience tasting menu showcases this unique fusion through creative dishes like sea urchin causas and tiraditos. Reserve well in advance.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8-15 (hostel dorm) | $30-50 (private room in mid-range hotel or hostel) | $120-300+ (4-5 star hotels, luxury lodges) |
| Food (per day) | $10-15 (markets, menu del día, street food) | $25-40 (casual restaurants, some mid-range dining) | $80-150 (fine dining, wine) |
| Transportation | $3-8 (local buses, collectivos) | $10-20 (taxis, some intercity buses) | $30-50 (private transfers, taxis) |
| Activities | $5-10 (free attractions, occasional paid entry) | $15-30 (entrance fees, occasional tours) | $50-100+ (private tours, premium experiences) |
| Daily total | $30-45 | $80-130 | $250-500+ |
Register with your embassy on arrival — the US STEP program and UK FCDO offer alerts for Peru
Use only registered taxis (apps like Uber, Cabify, or InDriver) — never hail street taxis in Lima
Keep valuables hidden and use anti-theft bags or money belts in crowded markets and buses
Altitude sickness (soroche) is real — acclimatize for 1-2 days in Cusco (3,400m) before hiking
Drink bottled or filtered water only; avoid ice in local restaurants unless confirmed purified
Beware fake police officers — real police never ask for your passport or money on the street
Watch out for distraction scams (spilled sauce, bird droppings) in tourist areas; keep walking
Book Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits far in advance — quotas fill months ahead
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers; scopolamine (burundanga) drugging does occur
Photograph protests, roadblocks, or military personnel cautiously — avoid confrontations
Use ATMs inside banks or malls during daylight; cover keypad and check for skimming devices
Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is essential, especially for remote trekking areas
Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times; leave the original in your hotel safe
Dress conservatively when entering churches and indigenous community sites as a sign of respect
Peru is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. Lima's tourist districts of Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are relatively safe, while Cusco's historic center is secure with good tourist police presence. The main risks are petty theft, taxi scams, and rare but serious drink spiking in nightlife areas. Emergency services: police at 105, medical at 106.
The best time to visit Peru is June to August (dry season, best for Machu Picchu and hiking). Peru has three distinct climate zones creating radically different weather experiences in the same country. The Pacific coast including Lima is desert with mild temperatures (15-22°C) year-round and g
No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Passport must have 6 months validity and proof of onward travel required. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN) (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Peru: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Peru include Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Each region has its own character — coastal, alpine, vineyard, capital. Pick a starting point.
Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Lima is Peru's vibrant capital and largest city, stretching along the Pacific coast where ancient civilizations once flourished.
