Peru Travel Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat

This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is one of the top attractions in Peru and offers some unforgettable views. It’s situated in the Sacred Valley in the southern part of the country, about 50 miles from Cuzco, and no visit to Peru is complete without seeing the area’s famed ancient Inca ruins. “For many in my group, it was a lifelong goal to see Machu Picchu and we all just let it soak in. I could hear murmurs of ‘Oh my gosh’ and ‘I can’t believe I’m here’ and even a few quiet tears. It was the most powerful moment of our entire trip,” said staffer Brittany. Check out 28 things to know before your trip to Machu Picchu →

Natural wonders don’t get much more astounding than this tropical rainforest, which spans more than 2,200 square miles and stretches from the Atlantic to the Andes across nine countries—including Peru. Want to explore this bucket list part of the world? Set off on our Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca to walk through the lush scenery alongside a naturalist guide, seek out the elusive pink dolphin on a river cruise, fish for piranhas, and visit a Yagua Indigenous village.

Lake Titicaca sits 12,500 feet above sea level in the Altiplano of the Andes and is the highest navigable lake in the world. In short: It’s a stunning, fascinating spot to explore in Peru! Some of the most renowned parts of Lake Titicaca are the man-made, floating Uros Islands, built and inhabited by the Indigenous Uru people. You can also cruise to Taquile Island, home of the Taquileños, known for their UNESCO-recognized handwoven textiles. Check out everything you need to know before you go to Lake Titicaca →

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon—and deeper than all but a handful of canyons around the world—Colca Canyon cuts a 60-mile path from the heights of the Andes to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. When you set off on our Peru for Women: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour, you’ll travel around its edge, stopping at mountain villages, pre-Inca farming terraces, and scenic viewpoints to get the full effect. Plus, don’t forget to keep an eye on the sky: If you’re lucky, you’ll spot an Andean condor, which is the largest bird of prey on Earth.

Sitting pretty in the Andean Highlands is the Sacred Valley, which once served as the heart of the Inca Empire—and now serves as one of the most culturally rich parts of Peru. This is the place to go to discover Indigenous Quechua culture while visiting the colorful stalls of the Chinchero Market, watching female artisans demonstrate traditional weaving techniques at Balcon del Inka, and sitting down to a home-hosted lunch in the Misminay village.

This gem sits on the edge of the Miraflores district in the Peruvian capital and offers an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, getting the chance to see the ocean views (and maybe even a stunning sunset) from this beloved park is one of the top reasons Lima should be on your bucket list. Beyond this seaside spot, Lima is home to other must-sees, including the art-filled Barranco district, the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana, and Parque Kennedy, where locals and visitors gather.

Peru is known for its thousands of varieties of potatoes—there are more than 4,000 types that grow in the Andean Highlands! So, trying potato dishes is a must on tour in Peru.

One of our top tips for visiting Peru is to try ceviche when you’re in coastal Lima. It’s a traditional Peruvian dish made from super-fresh raw fish that’s marinated in lime juice and sliced onion. “If you want to order ceviche while visiting Peru’s inland cities like Cuzco, be sure it’s trout,” said staffer Jamie, who explored the country on our Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca. “Our Peruvian Tour Director Edwin explained that inland cities are a long way from the ocean, so any fish pulled from the sea won’t be fresh enough for the dish by the time it’s transported. But, fresh rainbow trout is caught in Peru’s lakes, so it’s a safe choice.”

The aji are mild, yellow peppers, which are dried, ground, and added to many regional dishes (like this traditional meal!). Aji de gallina is made with a yellow pepper cream sauce served over shredded chicken, olives, and rice—and some of the best can be found in the top-notch restaurants in Lima!

Tapestries, purses, hats, blankets, gloves—handmade items that reflect Peru’s colorful culture are easy to come by, since weaving is an important trade throughout the country. Keep an eye out as you stroll through San Pedro Market in Cuzco on our Peru for Solo Travelers: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour or pick up a colorful tapestry made by the Uros community during your visit to Lake Titicaca on our Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca. “I purchased a beautifully made wall hanging from the local women on the floating islands, which reflects a scene from daily life,” said staffer Jamie.

Alpaca wool is one of the most important exports in Peru, and picking up anything from sweaters to scarves is a must. Insider tip: Wool from baby alpacas is the softest and most high-end, which means it’s usually more expensive. You can even learn to spin and dye alpaca yarn with textile artisans on our Peru for Women: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour, which is one of the top cultural experiences to have while you travel.

Peru is one of the world’s top silver and gold producers, so a shiny piece of jewelry is an ideal souvenir to pick up on your Peru tour. Silver and gold jewelry also sings an ode to the country’s Inca history—the Inca civilization used both the metals for sacred ceremonies, religious purposes, decoration, jewelry, and more. In fact, gold was often used to represent the Inca sun god, Inti, and silver was often used to represent the moon goddess, Mama Quilla. Get closer to culture by bringing home a piece of your own.

When you’re planning your trip to Peru, don’t forget that you’ll experience a variety of climates. Whether you’re in the Andes, the Amazon, or coastal deserts, lightweight layers will help you stay prepared for all the different types of weather you may encounter throughout Peru.

Temperatures can drop down to freezing during June, July, and August in the Andes (since Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, those months mark the country’s winter!). So, bring a warm jacket that can help you stay comfortable on nights when the air gets cool.

Bring long-sleeve shirts, pants, and maybe even a hat. You won’t be able to spray sunscreen or bug spray when you visit Machu Picchu as it’s harmful to the environment and the historical site, so you’ll want to keep yourself covered. (However, that bug repellent will come in handy if you’re visiting the Amazon, where you’ll want to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.)

When you visit the Amazon, you may encounter quite a bit of rain—especially in the wet season, which generally runs from November to April.

Keep your feet happy as you wander over cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks to explore Peru’s breathtaking scenery.

Most places in Peru accept USD, and smaller bills will come in handy while shopping at outdoor markets, eating at restaurants, and more. Just make sure your bills are nice and crisp as vendors may not accept bills that are torn.