Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru

Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Peru

Peru, a land of ancient civilizations and breath-taking landscapes, captivates with its rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights. From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the colonial charm of Cusco, Peru offers a blend of tradition and adventure. Explore Incan temples, savour ceviche and delicious Peruvian cuisine, and experience colourful festivals. The country’s diverse geography, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest, provides unparalleled opportunities for exploration. Peru’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.

When to visit

Temp Range

Currency

Min Budget

May – Sep

10 – 25°C
50 – 59°F

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

$25-35/day

  1. Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Peru
    1. Top Attractions
    2. Map
    3. Transport
    4. Budget
    5. Seasonality and Weather
    6. Must Try Dishes
    7. Language
    8. Top Cities in Peru
    9. Nearby Destinations
    10. Useful Pages

Top Attractions

See below for a selection of the top attractions in Peru, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.

Machu Picchu

Situated high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a marvel of ancient Incan architecture and engineering. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a glimpse into Peru’s rich history with its intricate stone terraces, temples, and panoramic views of mist-covered peaks, making it an iconic destination for cultural exploration and natural beauty.

Access from – Aguas Calientes

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled along the Urubamba River near Cusco, is renowned for its archaeological sites like Ollantaytambo and Pisac. This picturesque region features terraced fields, traditional villages, and vibrant markets that showcase Andean culture and provide breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains, offering a serene escape into Peru’s cultural and natural heritage.

Access from – Cusco

Lima’s Historic Center

Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre is a blend of colonial architecture, grand plazas, and religious landmarks like the Cathedral of Lima and the Church of San Francisco with its catacombs. Art galleries, museums, and bustling markets enrich the district, providing a vibrant snapshot of Peru’s diverse heritage and modern urban life.

Access from – Lima

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon, located in southern Peru, is one of the world’s deepest canyons, boasting terraced fields and the majestic Andean condor. This natural wonder invites visitors to explore hiking trails through traditional villages where ancient Andean culture thrives, offering a unique perspective on Peru’s geological and cultural diversity.

Access from – Arequipa

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, straddling Peru and Bolivia, is famed as the world’s highest navigable lake. Its deep blue waters contrast with the snowy peaks of the Andes, dotted with floating Uros Islands made of totora reeds. Visitors explore ancient cultures, enjoy serene sunsets, and witness vibrant local traditions, offering a unique glimpse into Andean life

Access from – Puno

Nazca Lines

Etched into Peru’s Nazca Desert, the Nazca Lines are mysterious geoglyphs depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes. Best viewed from above, these ancient artworks continue to puzzle researchers with their precision and purpose, inviting visitors to ponder their significance and marvel at the ingenuity of the Nazca civilization.

Access from – Nazca

Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” boasts stunning colonial architecture built from volcanic stone. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre features the Santa Catalina Monastery and ornate churches. Visitors can explore museums, savour regional cuisine, and embark on adventures in nearby canyons, blending culture, history, and natural beauty in one of Peru’s most picturesque cities.

Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park, in the Andes’ Cordillera Blanca range, offers dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures. Peru’s highest peak, Mount Huascarán, towers over pristine lakes, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. Hiking trails lead to spectacular viewpoints, making it a haven for mountaineers, nature lovers, and those seeking to explore the richness of Peru’s alpine environment.

Access from – Huaraz

Chan Chan

Chan Chan, near Trujillo, was the capital of the ancient Chimu Kingdom. This UNESCO site spans 20 square kilometres with adobe palaces, ceremonial plazas, and intricate friezes depicting fish and mythological beings. It showcases advanced urban planning and the artistic prowess of the Chimu civilization, offering insights into pre-Columbian America’s cultural and architectural achievements.

Access from – Trujillo

Cusco

Cusco, Peru’s “Historical Capital,” blends Incan stonework with Spanish colonial architecture. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre features the Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán fortress, and vibrant markets. Visitors explore museums, churches, and traditional neighbourhoods, immersing in ancient traditions amidst modern Peruvian culture. Cusco also serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Andean adventure treks.

Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek offers a challenging route to Machu Picchu, traversing high-altitude passes and lush cloud forests. Trekkers pass through Quechua communities, encountering diverse wildlife and stunning vistas of Salkantay Mountain. This trek provides a cultural immersion and deep connection to Peru’s natural beauty, showcasing the Andean landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Access from – Cusco

Maras Salt Ponds

Maras Salt Ponds, near Maras in the Sacred Valley, have harvested salt since Incan times. These terraced pools create a striking landscape against the Andean backdrop, using ancient salt extraction techniques. Visiting allows travellers to witness traditional salt production and appreciate the scenic beauty of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Access from – Sacred Valley (Maras)

Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest spans half of Peru, rich in biodiversity and indigenous cultures. It offers eco-tourism opportunities like wildlife spotting and jungle treks. Visitors learn about medicinal plants and sustainable practices from indigenous communities. Exploring the Amazon supports conservation efforts, offering a profound connection to nature and cultural heritage in this vital ecosystem.

Access from – Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a geological marvel in the Peruvian Andes known for its vibrant mineral deposits creating striped slopes of reds, greens, yellows, and blues. This natural wonder has become a popular trekking destination, offering adventurers stunning panoramic views and a unique glimpse into the region’s geological history and stunning Andean landscapes.

Access from – Cusco

Map

See map of Peru to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport

In Peru, key transport routes include long-distance buses which connect major cities such as Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and Puno. Train services to popular destinations like Machu Picchu are also available. Domestic flights offer quick travel between distant locations like Lima and Iquitos. In cities, taxis are widely available, though it’s best to use reputable companies or pre-booked services. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify operate in major cities, offering safe and convenient transportation options.

Budget

Budget travellers may spend $25-$35 per day on hostels and local meals; mid-range travellers budget $50-$70 for hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $120+ daily on upscale accommodations, fine dining, and private tours. Costs are generally lower outside major tourist areas.

Seasonality and Weather

Peru’s weather varies greatly by region. The coastal area, including Lima, has mild, arid weather with temperatures ranging from 15–25°C (59–77°F). The highlands, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, have a more temperate climate with significant daily temperature fluctuations, ranging from 0–20°C (32–68°F). The rainy season here is from November to April. The Amazon rainforest region is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures typically between 25–30°C (77–86°F) and heavy rainfall from November to March. The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, especially for trekking in the Andes and visiting Machu Picchu.

Must Try Dishes

Ceviche
Lomo Saltado
Aji de Gallina

Language

The main language spoken is Spanish. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!

Top Cities in Peru

Nearby Destinations

Useful Pages

Image Attributions
ImageAuthorLink
Chan ChanMartin St-AmantMartin St-Amant (S23678)CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Maras Salt PondsMcKay SavageMcKay Savage from London, UKCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lomo SaltadoHugoMonHugoMonCC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Aji de Gallinata@keshi kimita@keshi kimiCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thank you to the authors for allowing their works to be used
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