Peru Travel Guide

PERU TRAVEL GUIDE 2023, 2024 | WITH THE BEST TIPS FOR YOUR UPCOMING TRIP, PRIVATE TOURS, TREKS

Peru in a Nutshell

Peru is a country located in South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its rich cultural history, ancient Inca ruins, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Some of its most popular destinations include Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, and the Nazca Lines. Spanish is the official language, and the currency is the Peruvian sol.

Peru is a diverse country with a mix of indigenous, European, and African cultures. It has a population of around 33 million people and is the third largest country in South America. Its landscape ranges from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest, to the Pacific Coastline, providing a wide range of experiences for travelers. Peru has a rich history and culture and was home to many pre-Columbian civilizations, including the pre-incas and Incas who built impressive citadels such as Machu Picchu. The country is also known for its vibrant festivals, festivals like Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, and the famous Carnival of Candelaria.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Peru is also a popular destination for adventure travelers. Visitors can hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, go white-water rafting, sandboarding, or trekking in the Andes Mountains. As well, Peru is known for its wildlife, with over 1,800 species of birds and numerous mammals like jaguar, puma, and spectacled bear.

Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the most diverse and flavorful in the world, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and Asian influences. It is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors. Some popular dishes include ceviche, a marinated raw fish dish, lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes, and causa, a layered potato dish typically filled with chicken or seafood. Peru is famous for its variety of potatoes, corn, and peppers, which are used in many dishes. Other popular ingredients include quinoa, guinea pig or cuy in Quechua, a type of Andean rodent that is considered a delicacy.

Peru has many traditional drinks, such as chicha, a fermented corn drink, and pisco, a grape brandy that is the national drink of Peru. Pisco is commonly used in the cocktail pisco sour, which is a popular drink in Peru and throughout South America.

Inca Trail

Aunsangate

Rainbow Mountain

Machu Picchu

Choquequirao

Sacred Valley

Cusco

Lake Titicaca

Amazon Jungle

Lima

Salkantay

Lares

Kuelap & Gocta Falls

New Treks

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Peru depends on the activities you have planned. The high tourist season is from May to August, which is the dry season in most of the country. This is a great time to visit if you’re planning to trek to Machu Picchu or other high-altitude areas. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so the Machu Picchu tickets may be sold out, the prices may be higher, and attractions may be more crowded. The shoulder seasons of April and September-November offer good weather and fewer crowds. The wet season (December to March) can be a good time to visit the Amazon rainforest, as the rivers are higher and wildlife is more active.

Must-See Destinations:

Some of the must-see destinations in Peru include:

Transportation:

Getting around Peru can be done by bus, train, or plane. The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Domestic flights are also available to major cities such as Arequipa, Trujillo, Iquitos, and Cusco. Buses are a common and affordable option for shorter distances, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Food and Drink:

Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences and is considered to be some of the best in South America. Some of the must-try dishes include ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa rellena. Peruvian pisco, a type of brandy, is also a popular drink. Peru has many delicious fruits and vegetables, such as quinoa, avocado, and passionfruit. Peru prides to have the BEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD 2023, which is CENTRAL restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Virgilio Martinez.

Safety:

Peru is generally a safe country for travelers but it’s important to take basic precautions such as avoiding unlit or isolated areas at night, keeping an eye on your belongings at crowded places, and being aware of your surroundings.

Language:

The official language of Peru is Spanish but many people also speak Quechua, so Quechua is the second official language of Peru, there are also other indigenous languages. English is not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Spanish before you go.

History and Culture:

Peru has a lot of ancient civilizations, including the Inca, Huari, and Nazca. Some of the most famous attractions in Peru are the archaeological sites of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, the Sacred Valley, and the Nazca Lines. There are also many colonial cities in Peru, such as Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima, which feature beautiful architecture and vibrant cultural scenes.

Natural Beauty:

Peru is a place for diverse range of landscapes like the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, highland plateau, and the Pacific Coast. The country has uncountable stunning natural attractions, such as Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, Rainbow Mountain, and the Huacachina Oasis. There are also many opportunities for outdoor activities in Peru, such as hiking, surfing, and river rafting.

People:

Peruvians are known for being friendly and welcoming to foreigners. They are proud of their cultural heritage and are happy to share it with others. Many Peruvians still wear traditional clothing and participate in traditional festivals and celebrations.