Peru: Travel Guide, Top Destinations & Unforgettable Adventures

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Peru: Travel Guide, Top Destinations & Unforgettable Adventures

Peru, a country that has everything for an unforgettable experience and lasting memories. Peru has been recognized by TripAdvisor, The Guardian and National Geographic as one of the best destinations to visit in 2025. Tradition, culture and history surround this country, creating a paradise for you.

Desert and jungle, coast and mountains, there are several destinations in Peru that offer endless activities, ancient and modern treasures, and the spectacular beauty of our forests, mountains and coasts.

To travel to Peru is to awaken dormant dreams, it is to connect with yourself, it is to enter 5 thousand years of living history. Get ready to master the waves on totora horses and surfboards, and enjoy sunsets in oases with protective dunes. In the mountains, with the sound of the quenas in the wind, you will breathe the pure air of the Andes and contemplate with devotion the harmony of man with nature in Machu Picchu. In the jungle, the Amazon River will welcome you with pink dolphins and invite you to dance, to be free. To cross the destinations in Peru is to enjoy a mestizo gastronomy, unique and recognized in the world. If your heart says yes, dare to visit the top tourist destinations in Peru.

Peru tips at a glance

Country of Peru

Peru is considered a special destination for travelers, offering limitless natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine.

Located on the western coast of South America, the country of Peru is bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile, with the Pacific Ocean providing breathtaking coastal landscapes. The capital of Peru, Lima, lies along the Pacific coast and serves as the starting point for many travelers.

With a population of almost 33 million people, the country of Peru recognizes Spanish as its official language due to its history as a former Spanish colony. However, Peru's indigenous heritage is vibrant, with nearly 45 indigenous languages spoken throughout the country. The most common are Quechua and Aymara, adding to the nation’s cultural diversity.

If you're planning a trip to the country of Peru, learning basic Spanish phrases can significantly enhance your experience, as English is not widely spoken in rural areas. A helpful tip is to carry a small dictionary or use language apps to ease communication.

The national currency is the Sol (PEN), one of the most stable currencies in South America. However, in popular tourist destinations like Cusco, Arequipa, and Puno, US dollars are also widely accepted.

Planning your itinerary and budget is essential when visiting the country of Peru. The country has evolved to cater to tourists, offering everything from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. The Peruvian cuisine has also gained international recognition, with signature dishes like Ceviche, Cuy al Horno (roast guinea pig), Ají de Gallina, and Lomo Saltado ready to delight your taste buds.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey, where tradition, history, and natural beauty come together to create the perfect travel experience in the country of Peru.

Natural landscapes and geography in Peru

In Peru, there are east and west differences due to the Andes. Much more people live in the west and popular excursion destinations are in this part of the country, while the east is significantly shaped by the Amazon.

As already mentioned, the country can be divided into three contrasting, natural regions. Most of the cities are on the coast ("Costa"), and the mountain ranges ("Sierra") of the Andes are considered the "roof of South America" and form the border to the rain and cloud forest ("Selva").

But you will learn more about the influence of the different regions on the weather later when it comes to the climate in the country. During your journey, you should try to examine each of the landscape zones under the magnifying glass.

Security in Peru

Now for safety in Peru. How "dangerous" is the country?

If you think to travel to Peru. we recommend you travel follow your gut, use your "common sense" and don't be naive.

Of course, there is no such thing as 100% security anywhere. But you can take some advice to heart that will mitigate the risks.

You always have to keep an eye on your valuables and, at best, buy a so-called “money belt” for credit cards, ID, etc. So you always have your documents with you.

It should also be a matter, of course, to place the cash in different places, making copies of your ID documents and having emergency numbers ready. It is important to avoid certain areas or not necessarily to walk alone through dark streets at night.

Travel planning for Peru

Before you put together a route for your individual trip through Peru, there are still a few questions that need to be answered when planning your trip to Peru. Do you need certain vaccinations for Peru?

First of all, no vaccinations are mandatory when entering Peru. Yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended if you are traveling to the Amazon region.

If you are not only traveling in Peru, you should find out whether this vaccination is mandatory for your onward journey. Hepatitis A, tetanus, rabies and diphtheria are also on the Tropical Institute's list.

The entry requirements for Peru are as follows: you need a passport with a minimum validity of six months. For a tourist stay of less than 90 days, you do not need to apply for an extra visa.

Using your smartphone is a matter of course when travelling. So that you don't have any problems communicating with your loved ones, uploading a new Instagram picture or googling things, you should first find out about possible roaming options from your cell phone provider.

It is even easier and maybe cheaper if you get a SIM card from local companies such as CLARO or Movistar after your arrival in Peru. One of the top Peru tips!

In addition, a travel adapter, weatherproof clothing or a first-aid kit should not be missing from your holiday checklist. Before continuing with the highlights of Peru, you should be aware that you will often be at altitudes of over 3,000 meters during your trip.

That's why it's important to allow time to get used to the altitude and not to start straight away. Have you ever heard of altitude sickness? You want to avoid that, don't you?

Flights to Peru

If you're planning a trip to Peru, booking a flight is the first step. Due to the size of the country, Peru has several national airports. The most popular ones are in Cusco, Arequipa and Juliaca, as these cities attract tourists from many different nationalities.

Peru has only one international airport, which is located in Lima. If you plan to visit cities within the country, we recommend taking local flights. These are usually the fastest and most convenient way to travel, allowing you more time to discover the beauty of Peru.

Peru from USA

Traveling from the U.S. to Peru is an exciting trip that offers the chance to explore South America's most fascinating destinations. Whether you're visiting Machu Picchu, Lima, or the Amazon rainforest, getting to Peru from the US is easier than you might think.

The most common way to get to Peru from the US is by air. Major U.S. cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and Atlanta offer direct flights to Lima. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, LATAM and Avianca offer regular flights. The average flight time from the U.S. to Lima is approximately 6-8 hours, depending on the city of departure.

Peru from Europe

Traveling to Peru from Europe opens the door to discovering the country's rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're visiting Lima, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, or the Amazon rainforest, getting to Peru from Europe is convenient with a variety of flight options.

Major European cities such as Madrid, London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt offer direct flights to Lima. Airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa, LATAM, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa offer regular flights. The average flight time from Europe to Lima is approximately 11-13 hours, depending on your departure city.

For budget-friendly options, consider connecting flights via North America. However, if your itinerary includes a stop in the U.S., remember that you'll need an ESTA authorization even if you don't leave the airport.

Getting around Peru

The bus is the main mode of transport for getting around in Peru. Many quickly make the mistake of underestimating the distances between the individual travel destinations.

Due to the scenic features and many switchbacks, you will need several hours for a ride. But you can look forward to a seamless bus network that will take you from A to B in a relaxed manner.

As soon as you start looking for possible bus companies, you should fall back on the more expensive coaches. Tepsa, Movil Tours, Oltursa and Cruz del Sur are among the Peru tips.

The advantages of these providers are the increased safety factors, designated places, comfortable seats and, for example, only stopping at said stops. In principle, there are more long-distance bus providers based in the tourist south of the country.

If you don't have that much time, domestic flights in Peru are also worthwhile! You should definitely compare prices and flight times.

If you want an adventure in a class of its own, you should find out about one of the world's most beautiful train routes. The train "Tren Titicaca" takes you from Puno to Cusco and promises fantastic nature.

In addition, the hour-long ride on the Inca Rail is quite popular with travelers.