If you’ve ever wanted to hike into the clouds, eat a potato in 3,000 different ways, or hang out with an animal that looks like a cross between a sheep and a camel (hello, alpaca), then Peru should shoot straight to the top of your travel list. This South American gem is packed with history, culture, nature, and flavor — and the best part? It’s even more amazing than your Instagram feed suggests.
Unless you’re traveling by Inca Trail from 500 years ago, you’ll probably fly.
The main international gateway is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru’s capital. Most international flights land here before you connect to other destinations like Cusco, Arequipa, or the Amazon.
From North America: Direct flights from Miami, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
From Europe: Nonstop options from Madrid, Amsterdam, and Paris.
From South America: Well-connected via LATAM, Avianca, and Sky Airline.
Once you land in Lima, domestic flights are easy and affordable to most popular cities.
Pro Tip: Book early for domestic flights, especially to Cusco — Machu Picchu waits for no one.
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). As of now, $1 USD ≈ 3.7 PEN.
ATMs & Cards: ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most urban restaurants and hotels. Rural areas? Cash is king.
Tipping: 10% in restaurants is customary but not mandatory. Guides and porters on treks really appreciate tips.
Fun Fact: Peru has more than 3,000 varieties of potatoes. Your wallet might feel light after a trip, but your belly? Absolutely full.
Let’s be real, Machu Picchu is Peru’s Beyoncé. This ancient Inca citadel is perched high in the Andes and wrapped in misty mystery. You can hike the Inca Trail, hop on the train from Cusco, or take the scenic route via Ollantaytambo. No matter how you get there, you’ll gasp when you see it — partly from altitude, mostly from awe.
A few hours from Cusco, you’ll find this striped, pastel-colored peak — and a hike that’ll test your cardio and your camera battery. Altitude’s no joke here, but the views are so worth it.
Surrounded by lush green mountains and ancient ruins, this is the heartland of the Incas. Visit Pisac Market, explore Ollantaytambo Fortress, and breathe in the history (and maybe some coca tea).
Skip the idea of “just a stopover” — Lima is booming with food, nightlife, and coastal charm. Stroll around Miraflores, explore artsy Barranco, and feast like a king (seriously — Lima is home to some of the best restaurants in the world).
Yes, Peru has sand dunes big enough to surf on. Hop in a dune buggy, scream your lungs out, then chill with a Pisco Sour by the oasis.
Fly into Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos and prepare for a wildlife extravaganza. Monkeys, parrots, pink dolphins — oh my!
Dubbed the White City for its beautiful white stone buildings, Arequipa is charming and chill. Nearby is Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where you might spot a giant condor soaring overhead. Talk about drama.
Dry Season (May to September): The best time to visit the Andes and Machu Picchu. It’s winter, but it’s dry and sunny.
Wet Season (November to March): Expect rain in the highlands, especially January and February. Machu Picchu is open, but the Inca Trail closes in February.
Shoulder Months (April & October): Great balance of fewer crowds, decent weather, and lower prices.
Pro Tip: For the Amazon and coast, December to March is sunny and hot. Pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Peru isn’t just a looker — it’s a flavor fiesta. From coastal ceviche to mountain stews, the food here deserves its own fan club.
Ceviche: Raw fish cured in lime juice, chili, and onion. Fresh, fiery, and fantastic.
Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries. Yes, fries. Inside.
Aji de Gallina: Creamy shredded chicken with a spicy kick.
Rocoto Relleno: A spicy stuffed pepper from Arequipa. Warning: it’s not for the faint of tongue.
Chifa: Peruvian-Chinese fusion — it’ll confuse your taste buds in the best way.
Pisco Sour: Peru’s national cocktail. It’s a tangy, frothy, delightful danger in a glass.
Chicha Morada: A sweet purple corn drink. Healthier than it sounds.
Inca Kola: A bright yellow soda that tastes like bubblegum. You’ll either love it or never speak of it again.
Peru is a melting pot of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, and the result is vibrant, rich, and beautifully layered.
Language: Spanish is the main language, but Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken in the highlands. Learn to say “Gracias” and “Allinllachu” (hello in Quechua) — people love when you try.
Festivals: Peru knows how to party.
Inti Raymi (June): An Inca festival of the sun in Cusco.
Semana Santa (Easter): Especially dramatic and beautiful in Ayacucho.
Fiestas Patrias (July): Peru’s Independence Day — parades, music, food, and fireworks.
People: Peruvians are warm, humble, and proud of their culture. Don’t be surprised if someone offers to share a snack or a story — just listen and enjoy the hospitality.
Altitude: Cusco and the Andes are high — like 11,000 feet high. Go slow, drink coca tea, and hydrate.
Safety: Major cities are generally safe but stay alert, especially in busy markets.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most places, but rural areas may lag.
Transport: Buses are affordable and reliable for long distances. Domestic flights save time, and taxis are cheap — just negotiate the fare first.
Packing Essentials: Layers, rain jacket, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and your most elastic pants (you’ll eat well).
Peru is not just a bucket-list country. It’s the whole bucket.
From Machu Picchu’s mysterious stonework to ceviche on the coast, sandboarding in the desert to spotting toucans in the jungle, it’s the kind of place where every day feels like a new Netflix documentary. Bring your curiosity, your camera, and a loose waistband — Peru will feed your soul (and your stomach).
Wiser Trips, Better Memories
