When it comes to natural landscapes, Peru is a buffet of biodiversity. The sharp, snow-dusted peaks of the Andes melt into the mist-shrouded Inca sites of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley; the Amazon jungle chirrups with its chorus of wildlife; oasis-studded deserts fast become dramatically deep canyons, over which condors and eagles soar; and along the coast, the Pacific Ocean crashes and swells to create some of the world’s best surf spots. You’re never short of things to do in glorious Peru—an atmospheric wonderland of ancient history, indigenous culture, and world-class cuisine.
Peru’s May through October dry season offers the highest chance of clear, blue skies and dry days. Visit towards the start of the dry season in June to see Peru’s countryside at its most green, as it’ll be fresh from the November to April wet season. Though the Inca Trail is closed in February, Machu Picchu itself remains open—even during the torrential downpours that are typically at their worst in January and February.
Depending on your budget and time frame, choose to explore Peru by coach or plane. Buses depart from nearly all of the major towns and cities, with popular traveler choices including Peru Hop—a hop-on hop-off service—and Cruz del Sur, which offers luxury overnight options. You’ll find international airports in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and Iquitos. The train from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes is a scenic and super-fast option if you’re short on time.
Though Peru is most famous for its mountains and ancient Incan sites, the country's southwest offers something different. In the desert town of Huacachina, you’ll find an acid-green oasis surrounded by sand dunes made for sandboarding and buggy riding, while nearby in Nazca there are mysterious geoglyphs likely etched into the sand thousands of years ago. An hour from Nazca is the San Fernando National Reserve, where rock formations harbor sea lions and guanaco.
Local Currency Peruvian Sol (PEN) | Time Zone PET (UTC -5) | Country Code +51 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 149 | Tours 5,395 | Reviews 95,433 |
Peru is most famous for the 15th-century archeological site of Machu Picchu, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The country also is renowned for gastronomy, characterized by seafood ceviche and ancient grains, and biodiversity spanning the Amazon rainforest, Sacred Valley, and snow-capped mountains of Huaraz.
...MorePeru’s number one tourist attraction is Machu Picchu—an Incan archaeological site that sits 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, comprises 15th-century temples, mist-shrouded mountains, and ceremonial sites, plus plenty of free-roaming llamas.
...MorePeru’s most popular activity is hiking. The best places in Peru to explore on foot include Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, and the mountain range and jade-green lakes of Huaraz. Peru is also a great place to go surfing and wildlife-watching in the Amazon rainforest.
...MorePeru’s diverse landscapes comprise sea, jungle, and mountains, so the prettiest parts depend on where you’re most in your element. Top contenders include Machu Picchu, the green oasis of Huacachina in the Ica desert, the red rock of Colca Canyon, the high-altitude Lake Titicaca, and the rainbow-colored mountains of Vinicunca.
...MoreNo trip to Peru would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. You also shouldn’t miss the cuisine in Lima, the white-stone buildings of Arequipa, the desert oasis in Huacachina, hiking in the Huaraz mountains, the mysterious Nazca Lines, and the biodiversity of the Amazon jungle.
...MoreYes, most people in larger cities, such as Lima, Cuszo, and Arequipa, speak English; but in more rural places, local dialects such as Quechua are more prevalent. It’s easy to get by in Peru by speaking English, but locals always are appreciative when you speak in Spanish, the national language.
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