Peru: Where the Inca Empire Never Really Left
Machu Picchu is just the start. Here's how to see the rest.
Why Peru, Why Now
Peru does not ease you in gently. You land in Lima, eat the best ceviche of your life, and think you've got it figured out. Then you fly to Cusco, step outside the airport at 3,400 metres and immediately feel like you've been winded by a ghost. That's Peru, beautiful, unpredictable, slightly humbling. Ancient Inca stonework sits under Spanish colonial churches. The Amazon begins an hour's flight from an Andean glacier. Lima's restaurant scene would hold its own in any city on Earth.
And then there's Machu Picchu, which somehow still exceeds the hype. Most first trips work Lima, a couple of days in Cusco to acclimatise, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu itself, with Arequipa or Lake Titicaca added if time allows. This guide covers all of it, from the altitude to the Inca Trail permits to what it actually costs.
Best Time To Visit
Peru's climate varies hugely by region, from coastal desert to high Andean peaks to lush Amazon rainforest. Timing depends on where you're headed.
Apr & Nov, Shoulder
Fewer crowds, lower pricesThe genuine sweet spot. Still mostly dry, but with fewer crowds and lower prices than the June to August peak.
Jun to Aug, Peak
15-20C highlands, dryPeak season for a reason. The Andes are clear and the Inca Trail is at its best, but prices climb and permits go fast. Book months ahead.
May to Oct, Dry Season
Ideal for trekkingThe dry season overall, particularly good for trekking in the Andes and the Inca Trail. Nights get chilly at altitude, so layers are essential.
Dec to Mar, Wet Season
Muddy trails, Trail closes FebWet season in the mountains. Not impossible to visit, but the Classic Inca Trail closes entirely in February and the trails turn genuinely muddy elsewhere.
Doing the Inca Trail? Permits sell out 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season, with only 500 issued per day. If you've left it too late, the Salkantay Trek is a genuinely excellent alternative with no permit system. For a full month-by-month breakdown, see our Best Time to Visit Peru guide.
See Peru in 60 Seconds
A minute of Machu Picchu at sunrise, Lima's coastline and Andean peaks. Then read on for the full story.
Peru is a country where ancient civilisations, breathtaking mountain landscapes, vibrant culture, and incredible cuisine come together in one unforgettable destination. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, the colourful streets of Cusco, the dramatic peaks of the Andes, the mysterious Nazca Lines, and the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest. Whether you’re travelling for history, hiking, wildlife, or unforgettable scenery, Peru is a destination that rewards every kind of traveller.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
Lima anchors nearly every trip, home to some of the best restaurants on the continent and the Miraflores and Barranco districts most visitors base themselves in.
Language
Spanish is the official language. Hello is "hola" and thank you is "gracias". Quechua is also widely spoken in the highlands, a legacy of the Inca Empire that never really faded.
Currency
The Peruvian Sol (PEN). Rough guide: £1 is about 4.52 PEN, $1 is about 3.38 PEN, and €1 is about 3.91 PEN. Check XE before you go, rates move.
Cards & ATMs
Widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are readily available there too. Carry cash for smaller establishments or more remote areas where card payments might not work. Tell your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card issues while you're away.
Plugs
Types A and C, running at 220V and 60Hz. Grab a universal adapter before you go if your plugs don't match.
Safety
Generally safe for tourists, with millions visiting every year without incident. Petty theft like pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas or on public transport. Stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure, particularly in Lima's busier neighbourhoods at night.
Random Useful Tip
Bring printouts of important documents. Internet access can be limited in some areas, so physical copies of boarding passes, visas, accommodation bookings and insurance details genuinely help when you need them most.
Never Ever
Never drink the tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout the trip to avoid illness, and be extra cautious with belongings in crowded tourist areas.
Live Weather in Lima
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
21°C
- Temperature
Explore Peru
From Lima's ceviche to the Inca Trail. The essential six to start with, and everything new lands below as we publish it.
The Best Time To Visit Peru: A Seasonal Guide
Coastal desert, Andean peaks and Amazon rainforest, three climates in one country. Here's how to time it right.
Read the guidePeru Travel Tips For First-Timers
Everything we wish we'd known before our first trip. Altitude, etiquette, and the practical stuff nobody tells you.
Get the tipsSolo Travel Guides & Safety
Peru is genuinely doable solo, especially along the main tourist routes. Our solo hub covers the how and the where.
Explore the hubTravel Insurance for Peru
Essential for altitude, trekking and remote regions. We compare policies and explain what you actually need.
Compare policiesThe Great Outdoors Hub
The Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, the Amazon. Peru is basically the poster child for this hub.
Explore the hubTheft & Scams: What to Watch For
Petty theft and overpriced tour scams are the real risk here, not violent crime. Here's how to stay a step ahead.
Protect yourselfLatest Peru Articles
Every Peru guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Peru Cost?
One of South America's best-value destinations, but costs vary wildly depending on where you go. Prices in pounds with dollars, euros and soles alongside.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from £8 a night
- Street food and markets
- Colectivos and public buses
- Free ruins, plazas, and viewpoints
Mid-Range
- Private rooms and guesthouses
- Restaurants and local cafes
- Guided tours and day trips
- Inca Trail, Sacred Valley experiences
Upscale
- Boutique hotels and Sacred Valley retreats
- Fine dining in Lima's Miraflores
- Private tours and helicopter flights
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in pounds, with dollars, euros and soles alongside. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
8 Ways to Save Money in Peru
Peru is already one of South America's best-value destinations. These tips squeeze out even more.
A 3-course lunch for around £3, every single day. The best value meal in the country by a mile.
They sell out, and late booking means paying a serious premium if anything is even left.
Saves a night's accommodation on the longer routes, and the coaches are genuinely comfortable.
Rural ATMs are rare and charge more. Withdraw what you need before heading to the Sacred Valley or the Amazon.
April or November brings fewer crowds and lower prices without sacrificing much on the weather.
Half the price of central Cusco and genuinely twice the character. Ten minutes' walk from everything.
Roaming in the Sacred Valley is patchy at best. Sort your maps while you've still got a signal.
One sick day from altitude costs you more, in money and misery, than a pack of altitude pills ever will.
Getting Around Peru
Peru is bigger and more varied than most people expect. Here's how to get between the mountains, jungle, coast and ruins without losing your mind or your budget.
Domestic Flights
Best for saving time on long routes. Lima to Cusco is 1 hour by air versus 20 plus hours on a bus.
- Fast, Lima to Cusco in about an hour
- Budget airlines from about £45 / $61 / €52
- Book early, prices jump fast closer to travel
Colectivos
Best for short hops between towns in the Sacred Valley and rural areas. Cheap as chips, and how locals actually get around.
- Often under £1 / $1.36 / €1.15
- How locals actually travel between nearby towns
- Leave when full, not on schedule, budget extra time
Taxis & Uber
Best for city travel in Lima and Cusco. Uber works in both, use it over street taxis every single time.
- Safer, cheaper, and no haggling over the fare
- Available in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa
- Unlicensed taxis are common, worth avoiding entirely
Scenic Train
Best for the Cusco to Aguas Calientes route. The jungle closing in around the tracks is genuinely one of the great train journeys.
- Spectacular scenery the whole way
- The only route into Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu
- Expensive for what it is, budget £45-90 each way
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travel. Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are genuinely comfortable, reclining seats, meals, the works.
- Cheapest between cities from about £18
- Overnight buses save on a night's hotel cost
- Lima to Cusco is 20 plus hours, bring snacks and patience
Tours & Transfers
Best for bucket-list experiences. Nazca Lines flights, Amazon lodge transfers, helicopter rides over Machu Picchu.
- Access to places you genuinely can't reach independently
- Worth it for the Nazca Lines especially
- Premium cost, but some things you just do once
Which Is Right For You?
Uber or city bus, fast and cheap.
Fly. 20 hours on a bus isn't a vibe.
Colectivo or rental car.
Overnight bus, saves a night's hotel.
Quick Tips
Spend 2 days in Cusco before trekking. Non-negotiable, whatever your fitness level.
Permits sell out months in advance. Don't leave this until the last minute.
The Lima to Cusco overnight bus means you save a hotel night in the process.
Set it up in Lima before you arrive. You'll end up using it constantly.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially with altitude and trekking involved. We compare policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyPeru Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
Is Peru safe for tourists?
How bad is altitude sickness in Peru?
When is the best time to visit Peru?
Do I need to book Inca Trail permits in advance?
How many days do I need in Peru?
What currency does Peru use and can I use cards?
Travel Hubs Worth A Look
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