Travel Tips
Peru
Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon and one of the finest food scenes on earth make Peru a must-see.
What I love about Peru
People often ask me what I love most about a country. Every country has its good and bad sides, but here I share the positives I found on my travels.
The center of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Peru is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, and from Cusco you can visit Machu Picchu.
- Capital
- Lima
- Currency
- Peruvian sol (PEN)
- Language
- Spanish, Quechua
- Best overall
- May to September
- Emergency
- Police 105, fire 116, ambulance 106
- Electricity
- 220V, plug types A and C
Top Destinations
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a limited stay. Check the rule for your passport. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
May to September is the dry season in the Andes, and the best time for trekking. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Machu Picchu
The legendary Inca citadel in the clouds. Book tickets early.
Cusco
The historic Inca capital.
Sacred Valley
Andean villages, Inca terraces and markets.
Lima
A coastal capital famous for its food.
Lake Titicaca
Floating islands and high-altitude views near Puno.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 2 Lima
- Days 3 to 5 Cusco, by air
- Days 6 to 7 Sacred Valley
- Days 8 to 9 Machu Picchu
- Days 10 to 11 Lake Titicaca
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Fly Lima to Cusco. Take comfortable tourist buses or trains in the Andes.
- Book Machu Picchu entry and the train in advance, as numbers are limited.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Carry soles for markets and small towns. Check ATM fees.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Ceviche: citrus-cured raw fish.
- Lomo saltado: stir-fried beef.
- Pisco sour.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Allow time to acclimatize in Cusco, and go easy for the first day or two.
- Protests can disrupt transport, so check recent news before you go.
Planning a trip to Peru?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.