Peru

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Why visit Peru?

Home to one of the world's great wonders, Peru layers ancient empires over jaw-dropping landscapes. Trek the Inca Trail or ride the scenic train to Machu Picchu, the mist-wreathed citadel high in the Andes, then explore the Inca capital of Cusco and the terraced Sacred Valley. Wander the colonial arcades of Arequipa beneath snowy volcanoes, soar over the mysterious Nazca Lines, and drift into the Amazon from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado for pink dolphins and macaws. Float on the reed islands of Lake Titicaca, hike the rainbow-hued Vinicunca mountain, and savour Lima's world-renowned ceviche and fusion cuisine. Peru rewards adventurous travellers with archaeology, wildlife and altitude-defying scenery. Because altitude, permits and distances require careful planning, let Tony handle it: our AI sequences your route to acclimatise safely, secure the right timing for Machu Picchu, and balance mountains, jungle and coast. Tell Tony your interests and fitness, and he builds a personalised Peruvian itinerary that flows smoothly from Lima's kitchens to Andean peaks and Amazon lodges, timing everything around trek permits and weather so your journey feels seamless and unforgettable.

Beaches & nature

Pacific surf breaks near Lima and Mancora, plus the wildlife-rich Paracas coastline.

Local cuisine

Fresh ceviche, tender lomo saltado, roast cuy, quinoa dishes and creamy causa.

Best time

May to September, the dry season, for trekking and clear mountain views.

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Everything for your Peru trip

Book flights, stays, tours and more — all in one place

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More options: Kiwi.com · Oojo · seats.aero · Arangrant · QEEQ · VIP Cars · GetTransfer · ViaToVia · Saily · Yesim · GigSky · Klook · EF Ultimate Break · EF Adventures · AirHelp Plus · CruiseDirect

Local partners in Peru: Casa Andina

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Popular experiences in Peru

The things travellers book most here. You pay the same price as booking direct.

Food & drink toursCooking classesDay trips⏭️Skip-the-line ticketsWalking toursEvening & night toursTickets & events

Top tours & activities in Peru

Find hotels in PeruMore experiences on Klook

Rent a car in Peru

Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.

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When to go to Peru

The best months for Peru are May, June, July, August and September. Highs then sit around 18°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is mid-priced.

Jan
16°
low 8°
28 wet days
Feb
16°
low 8°
25 wet days
Mar
16°
low 7°
27 wet days
Apr
17°
low 7°
17 wet days
May
17°
low 6°
10 wet days
Jun
17°
low 4°
0 wet days
Jul
18°
low 5°
2 wet days
Aug
19°
low 5°
7 wet days
Sep
19°
low 6°
13 wet days
Oct
19°
low 8°
20 wet days
Nov
18°
low 8°
24 wet days
Dec
18°
low 8°
25 wet days
Highlighted = best monthsNumber = average daytime highBar = how wet the month is

Temperatures and wet days are measured, not estimated: ERA5 reanalysis for 2021-2023, at Cusco, Cuzco Department. Source: Open-Meteo.

Planning Peru

Best time to visit PeruMonth by month, measuredWhere to stay in PeruWhich area suits youHow many days you needWhat fits in a short or long stay

Peru: practical tips

Getting in, getting around and what a day costs — checked by our editors.

Arriving by air

Most international travellers arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport LIM in Lima. It serves as the primary hub for domestic connections to regional destinations. Upon landing, passengers typically use official airport taxis, pre-booked private transfers, or ride-sharing services to reach the city centre. For onward journeys to Cusco or other tourist hubs, travellers transfer to domestic flights within the same terminal or use long-distance bus networks that operate from various terminals across Lima.

Getting around

Internal travel relies heavily on extensive long-distance bus networks, which connect most cities. Domestic flights are common for traversing large distances quickly. In mountainous regions, shared vans called combis provide local transit. Within major cities, walking is feasible in historic centres, while taxis and ride-sharing applications are common. Renting a car is generally discouraged for casual visitors due to challenging mountain driving conditions and complex traffic patterns in urban areas.

Where to base yourself

  • Cusco — History enthusiasts interested in Incan architecture and access to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
  • Lima — Culinary travellers and those seeking a mix of coastal scenery and historic colonial urban architecture.
  • Arequipa — Travellers attracted to volcanic landscapes, white-stone colonial buildings, and deep canyons nearby.
  • Iquitos — Adventurers looking to explore the Amazon rainforest through boat excursions and unique jungle wildlife experiences.

Full guide to where to stay in Peru →

What a day costs

Budget€40–60
Mid-range€70–120
Comfort€150+

Per person per day, excluding flights. A rough guide, not a quote.

Money and tipping

The official currency is the Peruvian Sol PEN. Credit cards are widely accepted in urban establishments and hotels, though small shops and rural areas remain cash-dependent. Carrying small denominations of local currency is essential for daily purchases. Tipping is not strictly mandatory but appreciated in restaurants, where rounding up or leaving five to ten percent is standard for good service.

More questions about Peru

How many days do you need in Peru?

A minimum of ten days is recommended to cover the highlights, including Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. However, fifteen to twenty days is ideal to experience the country at a comfortable pace without rushing. This timeframe allows for proper altitude acclimatisation in the Andes and provides enough flexibility to include additional destinations like Lake Titicaca or the northern coast.

Is Peru safe for tourists?

Peru is generally safe for tourists who remain vigilant in crowded areas and tourist hubs. Petty theft and pickpocketing are the primary concerns in major cities and transport terminals. It is advisable to use official transport options, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Following local advice and monitoring government travel guidance helps ensure a secure trip.

Is English widely spoken in Peru?

Spanish is the primary language and is spoken throughout the country. English is understood in major hotels, high-end restaurants, and by tour operators catering to international visitors in popular areas like Cusco. However, in rural communities, smaller towns, and local markets, English proficiency is rare. Learning basic Spanish phrases is highly recommended to facilitate smoother communication and enhance your travel experience.

Can you drink the tap water in Peru?

Tap water in Peru is not considered safe for human consumption due to the risk of bacterial contamination. Visitors should drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water at all times. It is also wise to avoid ice cubes in drinks at casual establishments and to use bottled water for brushing teeth to prevent stomach illnesses that can disrupt travel plans.

Which places should first-time visitors see in Peru?

First-time visitors should prioritise the historic city of Cusco and the ruins of Machu Picchu. Lima is essential for its diverse culinary scene and coastal districts. Arequipa offers stunning colonial architecture and access to Colca Canyon. Including Lake Titicaca provides a unique cultural experience on high-altitude islands, while the mysterious Nazca Lines offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient coastal civilisations.

Peru — common questions

When is the best time to visit Peru?

The best months for Peru are May, June, July, August and September. Highs then sit around 18°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is mid-priced.

What is the weather like in Peru?

August is the warmest month, with daytime highs around 19°C. January is the coolest, around 16°C by day and 8°C at night. January is the wettest, with about 28 wet days. Figures are measured averages, not estimates.

What is Peru known for?

Peru is best known for history, mountains, adventure, wildlife and hiking. The things people come for: Machu Picchu citadel, Inca Trail, Nazca Lines, Lima ceviche, Vinicunca rainbow mountain.

Who is Peru best suited to?

Peru works particularly well for couples, solo travellers, backpackers and photographers. That is based on what there is to do there, not on who books it most.

What can you book in advance in Peru?

The experiences that sell out first are food tours, cooking classes, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, walking tours and night tours. You can check availability and prices on our booking partners below — you pay the same as booking direct.

Food toursCooking classesDay tripsSkip-the-line ticketsWalking toursNight tours

Do I need a visa for Peru?

That depends on your passport and how long you are staying, so there is no single answer. TonyPlan has a visa and entry checker — put in your nationality and it tells you what applies to you.

Check visa requirements

Get the Peru guide as a PDF

Why to go, the best months with real measured temperatures, which area to stay in, and what flights cost right now — in one file you can read on the plane. Free.

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