Travel landscape in Peru
Peru flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Peru

Peru is a South American country known for its diverse landscapes, rich Incan history, and iconic archaeological sites like Machu Picchu. It offers incredible cultural and natural diversity.

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Time zones
UTC-5 (Peru Time)
Electrical outlets
220 V, 60 Hz, plugs types A and C
Climate
Ranges from desert coast to tropical Amazon rainforest, temperate in the Andes.

Health

Consult a doctor before travel for check-up and vaccinations. Carry a basic first-aid kit.

Travel health advice

  • Drink bottled or treated water
  • Adjust diet to avoid digestive issues
  • Protect against mosquitoes in Amazon areas

Recommended vaccines: Yellow fever (for certain regions); Hepatitis A; Typhoid; Tetanus

Required vaccines: Yellow fever (for travelers from some endemic areas)

Money

Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Change money at official bureaus or banks to avoid counterfeit bills.

Credit cards are accepted in major cities; ATMs are common in urban centers.

Safety

Peru is generally safe, but stay vigilant in tourist areas and avoid isolated neighborhoods at night.

  • Do not display valuables
  • Use official taxis
  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded places

Areas to check before travel: Certain remote areas in the Amazon; Border zones with Ecuador and Colombia

Regions

Peruvian Coast — travel guide
Region

Peruvian Coast

Desert region along the Pacific Ocean with major cities and beaches.

The Sierra (Andes) — travel guide
Region

The Sierra (Andes)

Mountain range with important historical sites and cultural activities.

Amazon Region — travel guide
Region

Amazon Region

Dense tropical rainforest with exceptional wildlife and flora.

Lake Titicaca — travel guide
Region

Lake Titicaca

Highest navigable lake in the world, border with Bolivia.

High Jungle (Selva Alta) — travel guide
Region

High Jungle (Selva Alta)

Transition zone between Andes and Amazon rainforest, rich in biodiversity.

Cities

Lima — city guide
City guide

Lima

Country capital, modern metropolis and cultural hub.

  • Colonial historic center
  • Larco Museum
  • Miraflores district
  • Kennedy Park
  • Renowned local cuisine
Cusco — city guide
City guide

Cusco

Former Incan capital, gateway to Machu Picchu.

  • Main Square (Plaza de Armas)
  • Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha)
  • Sacsayhuamán ruins
  • San Pedro Market
Arequipa — city guide
City guide

Arequipa

White city surrounded by volcanoes, colonial architectural heritage.

  • Santa Catalina Monastery
  • Main Square
  • Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
Puno — city guide
City guide

Puno

City on Lake Titicaca shores, gateway to floating islands.

  • Uros Floating Islands
  • Lake tours
  • Local markets
Iquitos — city guide
City guide

Iquitos

Amazonian city accessible only by plane or boat.

  • Amazon rainforest tours
  • Belen Market
  • Amazon River cruises
Trujillo — city guide
City guide

Trujillo

Coastal colonial city near pre-Inca archaeological sites.

  • Chan Chan archaeological site
  • Huacas of the Sun and Moon
  • Moche beaches
Huaraz — city guide
City guide

Huaraz

Mountain town, base for hiking in Cordillera Blanca.

  • Huascarán National Park
  • Llanganuco Lagoon
  • Alpine trekking

Highlights

Machu Picchu — travel guide
Must-see

Machu Picchu

Spectacular Incan citadel nestled in the Andes, UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sacred Valley of the Incas — travel guide
Must-see

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Cluster of villages, terraces and ruins between Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Colca Canyon — travel guide
Must-see

Colca Canyon

Second deepest canyon in the world, home to the Andean condor.

Nazca — travel guide
Must-see

Nazca

Site of mysterious geoglyphs visible from the air.

Nasca Lines — travel guide
Must-see

Nasca Lines

Large desert figures best viewed from airplanes.

Lake Titicaca — travel guide
Must-see

Lake Titicaca

Unique high-altitude lake with rich Andean traditions and cultures.

Ballestas Islands — travel guide
Must-see

Ballestas Islands

Archipelago with abundant marine wildlife, called the 'Galápagos of Peru'.

Nature & other places

Manu National Park — travel guide
National Park

Manu National Park

Renowned nature reserve in the Amazon with exceptional biodiversity.

Cordillera Blanca — travel guide
Mountain Range

Cordillera Blanca

Mountain range offering alpine scenery and hiking trails.

Paracas National Reserve — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Paracas National Reserve

Protected coastal area with dunes and diverse marine fauna.

Lake Titicaca — travel guide
Lake

Lake Titicaca

Large highland lake with unique flora and fauna.

Tambopata Amazon rainforest — travel guide
Tropical Forest

Tambopata Amazon rainforest

Area rich in animal and plant species in Peruvian jungle.

Vinicunca Mountain (Seven Colors Mountain) — travel guide
Mountain

Vinicunca Mountain (Seven Colors Mountain)

Mountain famous for its natural layered colors.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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