There’s so much more to this fascinating South American country than just the hiking trails.
From the mountains to the jungles and the sea, ancient Inca ruins, gastronomic delights and more, our travel specialists share the best places to visit in Peru to inspire a fascinating, life-changing trip to Peru.
Things To Visit In Peru
With abundant historical places, outdoor attractions, museums, beaches and markets, this overview of Peru’s most worthwhile stops is the starting point for unlocking the adventure. Learn which cities and towns to include in a Peru itinerary and shortlist the attractions along the way with this comprehensive guide to travelling in Peru.
Lima
Lima is the capital of Peru. Dramatic cliffs separate the colonial architecture and high-rise buildings from the ocean. It’s the country’s commercial and industrial centre and home to more than 10 million people.
Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, nowadays it’s a bustling centre with modern shopping malls, high-rise buildings, urban sprawl and historical buildings built during the 300-year Spanish rule.
Lima, Peru by David Hein
Sometimes overlooked by visitors rushing to Cusco, the Andes or the northern surf beaches, Lima is a desirable destination for gastronomes and home to three venues on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It’s well worth taking the time to explore the cathedrals, Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and the bright colonial architecture while learning about Peru’s fascinating history — the perfect way to begin a journey through Peru.
Cusco
Cusco, Peru by David Hammett
Cusco is high in the Andes Mountains and it is often a stop on the journey to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The high altitude may take some adjusting to, but there’s plenty to explore in this ancient Incan capital.
There’s a story to hear at every corner of this mountain city, which is surrounded by extensive Inca ruins including temples and buildings constructed from huge, irregular shaped stones fit together with exquisite precision so that even today, a piece of cardboard cannot be inserted into most of the seams.
Back in the city, the huge, open-air San Pedro Market provides refreshments and museums display Peruvian artefacts returned from overseas institutions. It’s easy to spend a few days in and around Cusco.
Puno
Puno, Peru by Kaya Russell
Lake Titicaca, as legend has it, is where the children of the Sun, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, emerged to civilise the people, introduce the worship of the Sun god and establish the mighty Inca empire.
The lake is fed by 25 rivers and filled with fish, including the golden trout, so freshwater fishing sustains the local economy. The water of the lake is often still and reflects the sky and surrounding scenery brightly.
Lake Titicaca is surrounded by reed beds and scattered with manmade floating islands where the Uros people still continue many ancient traditions and customs, living in harmony with nature.
Colca Valley
The Colca Canyon in south Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. This majestic valley carved out by the Cocla River is home to the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds.
Enjoying wildlife encounters and peaceful relaxation, visitors to this area will stand in awe of the breathtaking scenery of this enormous valley.
Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru by Hippo PX
Arequipa, Peru’s ‘white city’, is the second largest city in Peru. It is located approximately 160km from the Colca Valley, and sits amidst three volcanoes. The buildings get the white colour from the volcanic rock, sillar, used in construction.
There’s so much to see and do in the city of Arequipa, from the San Camilo Market with a section dedicated to authentic street food, to the Basilica Cathedral. And we can’t forget the Misti volcano, which forms a backdrop to the city, and any number of gastronomic experiences to choose from. Let the adventure begin!
How to get around Peru
Peru offers flights, trains and buses between different cities, so there are plenty of travel options for getting around. Some public bus services offer checked luggage and basic amenities, and daytime travel is an opportunity to see the stunning scenery. Buses operating within a city are called ‘colectivo’ and may be a full-size bus, or just a van. Passengers pay the fare when disembarking from the colectivo. Taxis are another cheap option for getting around cities, and there are rideshare apps operating in Lima.
There are some trains on the coast connecting cities, such as between Cusco and Puno or to the town of Aguas Calientes, directly below Machu Picchu. Trains are more of a novelty experience than a staple transport option in Peru, connecting areas away from the steep Andes or swampy Amazon jungle.
Flights are also available between cities, a time-efficient and comfortable way to travel. One of the key benefits of travelling with a small group tour is that transport is pre-arranged, with the comfort of a well-spaced and air-conditioned bus, pre-booked flights and the added convenience of a local tour director and guide who generously shares their local knowledge during the journey.
How to get to Peru
Most visitors arrive in Peru by plane from their departure country. International flights land in Lima, and buses or domestic flights connect to the rest of the country. The international airport is modern and has services like currency exchange, banks, a post office, restaurants and duty-free shops.
Anyone visiting nearby countries like Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay or Uruguay might enter Peru over land at one of the ten border crossings, via bus or car.
What is the best time to go to Peru?
Winter (May to September) is the driest season in Peru, and arguably the most comfortable time for trekking the Inca trail or visiting Cusco. Summertime is beautiful, warm and wet, with frequent heavy showers, so a rain jacket is highly recommended.
What language is spoken in Peru?
The official national language of Peru is Spanish, spoken by around 84% of Peru’s population. The language was introduced by colonising Spanish explorers who settled on Inca territories in 1532.
The first languages other than Spanish spoken throughout Peru include Quechua, the ancient Inca language first spoken by around 13% of Peruvians, and Aymara, another indigenous language spoken by 2% of Peru’s people. The Constitution of Peru protects both these indigenous Inca languages.
Visitors in Peru will find Spanish is the most helpful for travel, so here are some basic phrases to learn ahead of the trip.
Spanish phrases for travel
- ¡Hola! – Hello
- ¡Buenos días! – Good morning!
- ¡Buenas tardes! – Good afternoon/good evening!
- ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (informal, to someone you know)
- Bien, gracias – I’m fine, thank you.
- ¿Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
- Me llamo… – My name is…
- Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you.
- Por favor – please
- Gracias – thank you
- Yo quiero un taxi – I want a taxi
- ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom?
- Disculpe – Excuse me
Simple Quechua phrases
A few simple Quechua phrases can help establish rapport with the locals and show respect for their indigenous language and heritage.
- Riki — Yes
- Mana — No
- Añay — Thanks.
Foods that are native to Peru
Peru is home to foods sought after by the world’s top chefs, including indigenous Andean and Amazonian ingredients and seafood. Many dishes are also influenced by the growing Venezuelan diaspora bringing traditional foods to Peru’s culture. Here are a few top dishes to seek out while in Peru:
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish from the Pacific Ocean is marinated in citrus. The acid in the fruit acts on the fish to create a delicate flavour and slightly chewy consistency, and the fish is served at lunch along with red onion, aji pepper, sweet potato or Andean corn known as ‘choclo’. The marinade is known as ‘leche de tigre’ and the adventurous diner can drink it following the meal.
Cuy (guinea pig)
A staple of the rural Peruvian diet, cuy is guinea pig meat, baked or cooked on a spit, often served whole with the head attached. The meat is bony and has a gamey taste like rabbit.
Aji de Gallina
Local aji pepper gives a rich, velvety chicken stew made with condensed milk a bright yellow hue. The stew is thickened with de-crusted white bread and can be made in a vegetarian option using boiled potato, called ‘papa a la huancaina’.
Alpaca
Alpaca meat tastes similar to buffalo and is somewhat gamier than beef, and very lean. The meat makes an excellent jerky (known in Quechua as ‘charqui’ which means ‘to burn’), an ancient Peruvian culinary innovation.
Pisco sour
Lima, Peru by Chloe Marshman
The Pisco Sour is a deliciously sweet and sour cocktail that for decades has been regarded as the signature drink of Peru. Why not learn how to make this delicious treat and replicate it at home after the journey?
Lucuma
A meal isn’t complete without dessert, so look for ice cream flavoured with the lucuma, a tree fruit that looks a bit like a mango but has a custardy taste a little like maple syrup.
Explore Peru’s magical scenery, gastronomical delights and delightful culture
Peru is a bucket-list destination with so much to offer, it’s truly a gem of South America. From the elegant white city of Arequipa to the majestic Colca Canyon, there’s so much waiting to be explored.
Travelling through Peru with a small group tour is a chance to make lifetime friendships, enjoy new experiences and experience the fullness of life.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Peru should I visit?
Cusco was once the capital of the Incas and is near popular attractions like Machu Picchu, the archaeological area of Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain in the Andes. Spend time in Cusco to acclimatise to the altitude, hike part of the Inca trail and explore the city’s historical architecture.
What is Peru best known for?
Peru is famous for iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu, the majestic Colca Canyon and the Rainbow Mountains. It’s home to the Amazon Rainforest and a colourful culinary scene, which today blends indigenous foods with Spanish dishes and Venezuelan food traditions.
What is the number one attraction in Peru?
Machu Picchu is a majestic Inca city perched high above the Urubamba River, a drawcard for international visitors. It’s the most visited attraction in Peru and the most famous ruin site in South America, recognised as the ‘best tourist attraction in the world’ four times at the annual World Travel Awards (2017-2021, it was closed in 2020).