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Peru Travel Guide

A treasure trove of both well-known and hidden gems to discover, Peru is one of our favorite stops in South America.

The first thing that comes to mind for most with Peru is Machu Picchu, and while the incredible ancient nature site lives up to the hype around it, many other worthy areas are a must-see.

Plane travel is the most efficient way of getting between cities in Peru, as there is a well-established network of domestic flights in the country. Lima serves as the hub in which most international flights land, so it is fairly easy to fly in and out of the capital.

If you want a more budget-friendly, scenic way to travel through Peru then buses and trains are your two main options. The journey might be longer, but if you have the time to spare, we recommend this as a good way to see the ‘in between’ of Peru between your origin and destination.

Within cities, you can explore the area on foot to take in the sights and atmosphere. If you need to travel a longer distance, buses, and taxis are readily available in busy cities.

Important Things To Know

Currency

The currency of Peru is the Sol.

National Languages

The national language of Peru is Spanish.

Peru Family Journey: Machu Picchu to the Amazon

Climate And Weather

In Peru, various regions have differing climates.

The north section of Peru has hot, dry summers and mild winters with very light and occasional rainfall.

Lima, the capital city, has mild winters and hot summers. This area experiences little to no rainfall in the year.

The eastern region, where the Amazon is predominantly situated, has hot and summery weather throughout the year. Because it is a tropical area, it is also constantly rainy.

The highlands experience hot, dry summers and very wet winters.

When To Visit Peru

The route of Seven Colors Mountain, in Peru, includes slightly steep climbs and plains that ascend progressively. (Provided by GAdventures).

The climate is vastly different from region to region in Peru, so the best time of year to visit will depend on the area you plan to visit.

If you are visiting the north coast or Lima, you can visit at any time of the year. The summers are hot and the winters are comfortable, plus there is no season with excessive rainfall.

If you are planning to explore Machu Picchu and the highlands, you are better off visiting in the summer to avoid the rain during the winter months.

The Amazonian region in the east has consistently hot and wet weather, so it does not matter what time of year you visit.

Best Places To Stay In Peru

Arequipa, Peru, offers its visitors a rich colonial history in ancient churches and monasteries. (Photo via Vadim_Nefedov / iStock / Getty Images Plus).

Aguas Calientes: You cannot visit Peru without seeing its most famous site: the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. To stay a stone’s throw away from the landmark, you can spend a night or two in the small town of Aguas Calientes. Nestled by a valley, the scenic stop also has a variety of restaurants and interesting shops to enjoy, as well as thermal springs.
Nazca: Another historical wonder worth visiting is the Nazca province of Peru. Explore the mysterious geoglyphs that are indented in the desert landscape. There are many theories and beliefs about what these large-scale shapes, dating back to the first century CE, mean. See them for yourself, and experience the culture of the Nazca people.
Lima: If you are going to Peru, you have to experience the bustling capital city of Lima. The central area of the city still retains much of its Spanish colonial influence in the buildings and layout. The major South American city is a hub of culture, food, art, and history that has enough to entertain you for days.