South America
South AmericaPeruTravel guide
- Lima
- Arequipa
- Ayacucho
- Cajamarca
- Chiclayo
- Cuzco
Peru has ancient cities, Amazon rainforest, coastal deserts and high Andean mountains. Its many cultures, foods and landscapes offer very different travel experiences.
Why go
Visit Machu Picchu and other Inca sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
See the huge Nazca Lines from the air.
Explore the Amazon by boat.
Discover ancient sites such as Chan Chan, Kuelap and Caral.
Try regional food shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese traditions.
Getting there
By air
- Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport has flights from many countries.
- Travellers from Asia or Oceania usually connect through Los Angeles or Santiago. A transfer through Los Angeles involves immigration checks, which can take 1–2 hours.
- For travel from Lima airport, use Airport Express Lima or book and pay at a taxi company desk inside arrivals. Avoid random taxis around the airport.
By land
- International buses connect Peru with Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Colombia.
- Longer bus routes connect Lima with Buenos Aires and São Paulo through Tacna.
- The Tacna–Arica railway connects Tacna in Peru with Arica in Chile.
By sea
- Boats connect Iquitos with Leticia in Colombia and Tabatinga in Brazil. The journey takes about 10 hours.
- Amazon cruises offer another way to travel through the Peruvian and Brazilian jungle, but can be expensive.
Customs
- Do not take coca leaves or products made from them across the border. Other countries may treat them as drugs.
Getting around
Domestic flights
Flying can save long road journeys, especially between Lima and Cusco. Many routes require a change in Lima. You may need to buy two separate tickets. Allow at least two hours between connecting flights, especially when using different airlines. Check whether a displayed fare is for residents only. Non-residents may have to pay more. Confirm your ticket 72 hours before departure; a travel agency can help.
Intercity buses
Buy your ticket a day ahead to improve your chance of getting a seat. You may need your passport to buy it. Ask your hotel, hostel or a tourist information desk about reliable companies, such as Cruz del Sur or Oltursa. Avoid companies that pick up passengers outside official stations. Unsafe driving and highway robberies are concerns. Keep your backpack under your seat with its strap around your leg. Make luggage rainproof because it may travel on the roof in the Andes. Bring earplugs, as onboard videos may be loud.
Trains
Buy tickets in advance. First class or buffet class offers more space than lower classes, where luggage can crowd the seats. Inca Rail and PeruRail serve routes to Machu Picchu. Other train routes include Lima to Huancayo and Huancayo to Huancavelica.
Driving
An international driving licence is needed. Most roads outside a few main routes are unpaved. A vehicle with four-wheel drive is needed for these roads, especially during the November–April rainy season. Study your route and carry a good road map. Landslides can block even major roads during rainy weather. Fuel stations can be hard to find in remote areas and may close early. Driving can be aggressive, and police may seek bribes at checkpoints. Travelling with a Spanish speaker can help with roads and police.
What to see and do
Machu Picchu
This famous Inca city sits in spectacular mountain scenery. Waiting for the largest crowds to leave can make the visit quieter.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Cusco was the Inca capital, and many important Inca sites lie nearby.
Nazca Lines
These huge figures are best seen from the air.
Chan Chan
This ancient city built from earth bricks was the capital of the Chimú culture.
Caral
The source describes Caral as the oldest city in the Americas.
Kuelap, Sipán and Sillustani
These sites include a ruined fortress, ancient tombs and pre-Inca burial grounds.
Food and drink
Ceviche
Raw fish marinated in lime juice, sometimes with shellfish. Choose carefully because cleanliness matters, and the dish can be spicy.
Papa a la huancaína
Sliced potatoes and boiled egg with a creamy yellow sauce, usually served with lettuce and olives.
Papa rellena
Mashed potato shaped around a filling of meat, vegetables and spices.
Ají de gallina
Shredded chicken in a thick, spicy, cheese-based sauce over sliced potatoes.
Causa
Mashed potato layered with tuna or chicken salad, mayonnaise and hot peppers.
Anticuchos and cuy
Anticuchos are skewers of heavily marinated beef heart; take care when buying them from street stalls. Cuy is guinea pig, an Andean speciality.
Money
Peruvian sol, written S/. Its currency code is PEN.
- Check banknotes carefully, even when receiving them at banks or expensive businesses.
- Check that change contains Peruvian soles rather than similar-looking Bolivian coins.
- S/200 notes are uncommon and may be refused.
- Very small coins are often not accepted outside banks and large supermarkets.
Typical costs
- A set meal at a small restaurant or Chinese eatery costs S/5–8 and includes soup, a main dish and a drink.
- One- and two-star hotels usually cost under US$30 per night; hot water and a safe neighbourhood are not assured.
- Three-star hotels usually cost US$30–50 per night. Four-star hotels usually cost more than US$80.
- More comfortable bus seats can cost about twice as much as basic seats.
- Most bus terminals charge a separate departure fee of S/1–1.5.
- Internet cafés cost about S/1.50–3 per hour.
- Call centres typically charge S/0.2 per minute for domestic calls and S/0.5 for most international calls.
- The source lists a Lima airport exit fee of US$30.86 for 2025, payable in dollars or soles before security.
Language
- Spanish is the official language and is useful outside the main tourist centres.
- English is spoken to a limited extent in popular tourist areas and by some young people in Lima.
- Quechua is a first language for many Indigenous people in the Andean countryside.
- Aymara is widely spoken on the Altiplano. Quechua and Aymara speakers generally also speak Spanish.
- Bacán
- Cool.
- Chela
- Beer.
- Bamba / pirata
- Fake or counterfeit.
- Sillao
- Soy sauce.
- Kion
- Ginger.
- Tengo una yaya
- I'm injured.
Staying safe
- Avoid dark or deserted areas, especially at night. Stay aware of people around you.
- Do not display wealth or valuables. Armed robberies of tourists occur.
- Be very careful about intervening in a robbery, as robbers may be armed.
- Leave bank cards somewhere safe when you do not need them. Tourists have been kidnapped and forced to withdraw money.
Local customs
Do
- Respect religious customs at temples, ruins and ritual places. Behave as you would in a church.
- Respect coca-leaf chewing as a cultural and ritual practice.
- Learn some Spanish; efforts to speak Quechua or Aymara may also be appreciated.
- Allow for delays and changes of plan, as punctuality is not always reliable.
Don't
- Do not use “indio” for Indigenous people; it is offensive. Use “el indígena” or “la indígena” instead.
- Avoid calling people “cholo”, “chola” or “cholita”, as these can offend when used by outsiders.
- Avoid charged conversations about tensions between Indigenous communities and the economic or political elite.
- Do not assume “gringo” is an insult. It is often used as a friendly greeting.
Staying healthy
- Choose thoroughly cooked food and avoid food left out or covered in flies. Take particular care with seafood and raw fish.
- Peel fruit safely or wash it in safe water. Bananas and papayas are among the safest choices described in the source.
- Do not drink unboiled tap water or use it to brush your teeth. Check bottled-water seals and avoid ice if you doubt the water used.
- Wear long sleeves and prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can spread yellow fever, dengue, malaria and other infections.
Phone and internet
- Internet cafés are called cabinas públicas and can be found in cities and many smaller towns.
- Computer use usually costs S/1.50–3 per hour. These places may offer printing rather than food or coffee.
- Many internet cafés provide internet-based calls, with headphones and microphones available free or for an extra charge.
- Airport Express Lima offers free wireless internet and onboard device charging.
Where to stay
- Basic hotels and guesthouses, called hospedajes, are widely available.
- Three-star hotels offer a compromise between price and quality, usually at US$30–50 per night.
- One- and two-star hotels are cheaper, but may lack hot water or be in less safe areas.
- Four- and five-star hotels are available in major cities and popular tourist areas.
Outdoor adventures in Peru
Peru offers mountain treks, Pacific beaches and boat trips through the Amazon jungle. You can also surf and paraglide in Lima, or try volcano climbing, rafting and horse riding around Arequipa.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
TrekInca Highlandsnear Cuzco
4 daysBook the trek at least six months ahead. The classic route commonly starts at Ollantaytambo and ends at Machu Picchu.
- Carry a first aid kit for countryside hiking.
Salkantay Trail
Trek
Follow the Salkantay Trail on foot.
- Carry a first aid kit for countryside hiking.
Colca Canyon Trekking
TrekColca Canyonnear Arequipa
Arrange a trek through an Arequipa operator. Ventura Travel offers tours and treks in the Colca Canyon area.
- Carry a first aid kit for countryside hiking.
Cordillera Blanca Trekking
TrekCordillera Blanca
Explore the Cordillera Blanca on foot.
- Carry a first aid kit for countryside hiking.
Ausangate Circuit
Trek
Walk the Ausangate circuit.
- Carry a first aid kit for countryside hiking.
Amazon Jungle Boat Trip
More to doPeruvian Amazon
Several daysTake a multi-day boat trip through the Amazon jungle.
- Drink plenty of safe water in the jungle heat.
- Wear long sleeves to help prevent mosquito bites.
Miraflores Beach Surfing
SurfingMiraflores, Limanear Lima
Head to Miraflores Beach to surf the Pacific waves.
- Pacific coastal water is very cold except far to the north.
Miraflores Beach Paragliding
ParaglidingMiraflores, Limanear Lima
Go to the Miraflores Beach area for paragliding over the coast.
Misti Volcano
ClimbingArequipa areanear Arequipa
Easy 2 daysBook a two-day volcano excursion with a professional operator in Arequipa.
- Cost: Around US$90 per person
- Altitude can be the main challenge, even on this lower-difficulty excursion.
- Use a professional operator.
Chachani Volcano
ClimbingArequipa areanear Arequipa
Moderate 2 daysBook a two-day climb with a professional operator in Arequipa.
- Cost: Around US$90 per person
- Chachani is over 6,000 metres high.
- Altitude is a major challenge for visitors.
Arequipa Whitewater Rafting
RaftingArequipa areanear Arequipa
Half-day tour, including about 90 minutes of raftingJoin a half-day rafting tour from Arequipa.
- Cost: About S/70
Arequipa Downhill Volcano Biking
CyclingArequipa areanear Arequipa
Half a dayJoin a professionally guided downhill biking trip. All required equipment is provided.
- Cost: S/70–80
- Trips have several difficulty levels; choose one that suits your riding ability.
- Cycling in Peru calls for advanced riding skills.
Colca Horse Riding
More to doColcanear Arequipa
EasyArrange a ride with Ride in Peru in Arequipa. Departures run daily.
Chili River Horse Riding
More to doArequipa areanear Arequipa
EasyBook with Horse Pa Enrique Tours. Start at its stable just outside Arequipa, then ride 7 km along the Chili River and 7 km back.
- Cost: S/90 per person
- A helmet and basic instructions are provided before riding.
Pimentel Beach
BeacheNorthern Coastnear Chiclayo
Visit Pimentel, a short distance southwest of Chiclayo, for time on the beach.
- Usually strong Pacific waves make swimming difficult.
Catarata de Plan Manzanas Waterfall Walk
HikeCajamarca areanear Cajamarca
3–4 hours overall; about 30 minutes walking each wayTake microbus 19 or 59A towards Huambocancha Alta. Get off at Plan Manzanas on the Bambamarca road. Ask locals for the waterfall path; someone may guide you for a small fee.
- Cost: Microbus S/1 each way; local guiding help may cost S/5–10
- The trail passes over the top of the falls.
Watatas River Walk
HikeAyacucho areanear Ayacucho
About 2 hours along the riverTake bus 13 from the big red arch on Jr 28 de Julio to Santa Helena or a little farther. Walk down to the Watatas River and follow the water back towards Ayacucho. At the concrete bridge, take a shared local vehicle or continue walking to the centre.
- Cost: Bus 13: S/0.70
Muyurina River Walk
HikeAyacucho areanear Ayacucho
Take a shared local vehicle to Muyurina from Paradero de Quinoa-Huanta. Walk back towards Ayacucho along the right side of the water. After the bridge, ask whether you can follow the left side. Later, join the road to catch a shared vehicle back.
- Cost: Shared vehicle to Muyurina: S/2.50
- Stay on the right side initially because of dogs across the river.
- Avoid the houses.
Airports, metros and trains in Peru
Airports with scheduled flights
- CUZAlejandro Velasco Astete International AirportCuscoMain international airport
- PCLCap FAP David Abenzur Rengifo International AirportPucallpaMain international airport
- TRUCapitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International AirportTrujilloMain international airport
- CIXCapitán FAP José A. Quiñones González International AirportChiclayoMain international airport
- IQTCoronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International AirportIquitosMain international airport
- JULInca Manco Capac International AirportJuliacaMain international airport
Metro and subway
- LimaLima and Callao Metro31 stations39.4 kmsince 2011
Trains
- Rail network
- 2,020 km
People and safety in Peru
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian94%
- No religion7%
- Folk religions1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #80 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
38% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 104 of 198 countries can visit Peru easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required100
- Freedom of movement4
- Visa required94
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Oceania14 of 14 countries
- Europe43 of 46 countries
- Americas30 of 34 countries
- Asia16 of 50 countries
- Africa1 of 54 countries
Questions
Can I get by with English?
English is limited outside popular tourist areas. Learn some basic Spanish before travelling.
How should I leave Lima airport?
Use Airport Express Lima or book and pay for a taxi at a company desk inside arrivals.
Can I buy transport tickets in person?
Bus companies have terminals, and train companies have ticket offices. Travel agencies can also help with flights.
How early should I book the Inca Trail?
Book at least six months ahead for the classic four-day walk to Machu Picchu.
Is tap water safe?
Only use tap water for drinking or brushing your teeth after boiling it. Check that bottled water has an intact seal.
What money does Peru use?
Peru uses the sol, written S/. Check notes for counterfeits and check coins when receiving change.
Are vegetarian meals easy to find?
Vegetarian restaurants exist in all cities but are relatively rare. Meat is common in meals, and vegetables are often treated as a side dish.
What should I expect from the weather?
The coast is generally mild and humid with little rain, while mountain summers are rainy and higher places are colder. The Amazon is generally hot and wet, with colder winters in its far south.
What does “Hostel” mean on a hotel sign?
In residential areas, it may mean rooms for couples rather than backpacker accommodation.
What time zone is Peru in?
Peru is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time. It does not change its clocks for daylight saving.
Reviewed by @snuck