Peru Travel Guide

Peru straddles three worlds: the spine of the Andes, the sprawl of the Amazon, and the Pacific coast. Most travellers come for Machu Picchu, but that's one photo in a much larger album. You'll find yourself hiking above cloud forests, negotiating river transport through jungle, and eating your way through Lima's restaurant scene.

The country moves at its own pace. Infrastructure varies wildly—some roads are excellent, others are adventure in themselves. Altitude hits hard in the highlands; coastal cities are easier on the lungs. Budget travellers thrive here; a plate of ceviche and a bed in a decent hostel won't empty your wallet.

Timing matters. Dry season (May–September) is best for trekking and Amazon visibility. Wet season brings muddy trails and swollen rivers, but fewer crowds and lower prices. Plan for at least three weeks to do Peru properly—rushing defeats the point.

Highlights

1. Cusco region highlands — Inca stonework, high-altitude trekking, and the Sacred Valley's terraced agriculture and market towns.
2. Machu Picchu and approaches — The famous ruin itself plus surrounding cloud forests, alternative treks, and the train route from the valley.
3. Madre de Dios Amazon — Rainforest lodges, river guides, wildlife spotting, and access to protected national parks and clay licks.
4. Cordillera Blanca — Alpine peaks, glacial lakes, and serious trekking routes for mountaineers and experienced hikers in Ancash.
5. Lima and Pacific coast — World-class restaurants, museums, pre-Columbian sites, and fishing villages along the arid coastal strip.
6. Puno and Lake Titicaca — High-altitude lake shared with Bolivia, island communities, Aymara culture, and gateway to the southern highlands.