Peru

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Peru

Desert and of jungle, coast and mountains, there are several destinations in Peru that offer endless activities, ancient and modern treasures, and the spectacular beauty of our forests, mountains and coasts.

Traveling to Peru is to wake up pending dreams, is to connect with oneself, is to enter 5 thousand years of living history. Get ready to master waves on totora horses, and surfboards and enjoy sunsets in oases with protective dunes. In the mountains, with the sound of quenas in the wind, you will breathe the pure air of the Andes and contemplate with devotion the harmony of man with nature in Machu Picchu. In the jungle, the Amazon River will welcome you with pink dolphins and invite you to dance, to be free. To cross the destinations in Peru is to enjoy a mestizo gastronomy, unique and recognized in the world. If your heart says yes, dare to visit the Top Peru Tourist Destinations.

Peru tips at a glance

General information about Peru

Peru is considered a special travel destination for individual travelers. On site you will be greeted with limitless natural beauty, an incredible range of culture and delicious cuisine.

The South American country is located in the west of the continent and is surrounded by the countries of Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. To the west, the Pacific provides breathtaking coastal landscapes.

The capital Lima is located on the Pacific coast and is the starting point of a trip for many holidaymakers.

Peru has a population of almost 33 million people. As a former Spanish colony, Spanish is the official language.

The indigenous peoples of Peru contribute to the fact that there are almost 45 indigenous languages in the country. Aymara and Quechua are among the most spoken languages.

Now you are probably wondering which languages you should know when traveling to Peru, right? Knowing the most important Spanish words and preparing for possible phrases is definitely worth knowing

Because without a little vocabulary you can quickly get lost, as not many of the locals speak English. One of the top Peru tips is definitely buying a small dictionary or learning with common language apps.

In addition, the aspects of payment and currency are an important point in your travel planning. The national currency of Peru is called the Peruvian Sol.

During your trip you will mostly pay in cash and you can also use US dollars in some cases. But now an important question: how expensive is a holiday in Peru?

First and foremost, of course, it depends on your type of travel. Do you prefer to sleep in hostels or hotels? In principle, Peru and South America are cheaper to travel than, for example, Europe.

But there are also local differences to the tourist areas in the south, around Cusco and Machu Picchu, and the lesser-known regions.

Natural landscapes and geography in Peru

In Peru, there are east and west differences due to the Andes. Much more people live in the west and popular excursion destinations are in this part of the country, while the east is significantly shaped by the Amazon.

As already mentioned, the country can be divided into three contrasting, natural regions. Most of the cities are on the coast ("Costa"), and the mountain ranges ("Sierra") of the Andes are considered the "roof of South America" and form the border to the rain and cloud forest ("Selva").

But you will learn more about the influence of the different regions on the weather later when it comes to the climate in the country. During your journey, you should try to examine each of the landscape zones under the magnifying glass.

Security in Peru

Now for safety in Peru. How "dangerous" is the country?

If you think to travel to Peru. we recommend you travel follow your gut, use your "common sense" and don't be naive.

Of course, there is no such thing as 100% security anywhere. But you can take some advice to heart that will mitigate the risks.

You always have to keep an eye on your valuables and, at best, buy a so-called “money belt” for credit cards, ID, etc. So you always have your documents with you.

It should also be a matter, of course, to place the cash in different places, making copies of your ID documents and having emergency numbers ready. It is important to avoid certain areas or not necessarily to walk alone through dark streets at night.

Travel planning for Peru

Before you put together a route for your individual trip through Peru, there are still a few questions that need to be answered when planning your trip to Peru. Do you need certain vaccinations for Peru?

First of all, no vaccinations are mandatory when entering Peru. Yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended if you are traveling to the Amazon region.

If you are not only traveling in Peru, you should find out whether this vaccination is mandatory for your onward journey. Hepatitis A, tetanus, rabies and diphtheria are also on the Tropical Institute's list.

The entry requirements for Peru are as follows: you need a passport with a minimum validity of six months. For a tourist stay of less than 90 days, you do not need to apply for an extra visa.

Using your smartphone is a matter of course when travelling. So that you don't have any problems communicating with your loved ones, uploading a new Instagram picture or googling things, you should first find out about possible roaming options from your cell phone provider.

It is even easier and maybe cheaper if you get a SIM card from local companies such as CLARO or Movistar after your arrival in Peru. One of the top Peru tips!

In addition, a travel adapter, weatherproof clothing or a first-aid kit should not be missing from your holiday checklist. Before continuing with the highlights of Peru, you should be aware that you will often be at altitudes of over 3,000 meters during your trip.

That's why it's important to allow time to get used to the altitude and not to start straight away. Have you ever heard of altitude sickness? You want to avoid that, don't you?

Arrival to Peru

Flights to Peru

For the journey to Peru, it is clear that you have to book a flight. Due to the size of the country, there are of course several airports in Peru.

The airports in Lima and Cusco are particularly interesting for your trip. The routes to Lima are usually cheaper. For flights to Peru, a minimum travel time of just under 15 hours can be expected.

From Europe, your connections usually take you to Lima with a change. If you are looking for the cheapest flights, you should check connections with connections in North America.

However, you must note that you need ESTA approval for the USA, for example, even if you do not leave the airport.

Getting around Peru

The bus is the main mode of transport for getting around in Peru. Many quickly make the mistake of underestimating the distances between the individual travel destinations.

Due to the scenic features and many switchbacks, you will need several hours for a ride. But you can look forward to a seamless bus network that will take you from A to B in a relaxed manner.

As soon as you start looking for possible bus companies, you should fall back on the more expensive coaches. Tepsa, Movil Tours, Oltursa and Cruz del Sur are among the Peru tips.

The advantages of these providers are the increased safety factors, designated places, comfortable seats and, for example, only stopping at said stops. In principle, there are more long-distance bus providers based in the tourist south of the country.

If you don't have that much time, domestic flights in Peru are also worthwhile! You should definitely compare prices and flight times.

If you want an adventure in a class of its own, you should find out about one of the world's most beautiful train routes. The train "Tren Titicaca" takes you from Puno to Cusco and promises fantastic nature.

In addition, the hour-long ride on the Inca Rail is quite popular with travelers.

Top 10 Peru Tourist Destinations

Visit the impressive ruins of the Incas, citadels, emblematic rivers, beaches, historical valleys and natural places of Peru. Do not miss the Top 10 Peru Tourist Destinations that we mention below.

1.- Sacred Valley of the Incas

Magical area of gorges, archaeological sites and picturesque colonial towns, which follow one after another, inhabited by indigenous communities, who have kept their folklore and traditions alive.

Its main enclaves correspond to the archaeological complex and town of Pisac, the town of Chinchero with its famous weavers and the archaeological zone of Ollantaytambo, the only Inca city that remains practically intact, and whose buildings are now inhabited by their descendants. The place was one of the main places of corn grain production for the Incas, due to its geographical location and climatic condition. To explore this magnificent city we recommend you the Sacred Valley Tour with Ollantaytambo & the Pisac Market or Moray and Salt Mines Tour.

2.- Machu Picchu

Impressive Inca city raised above 2,360 meters above sea level, breathtaking landscape of walls, terraces and ramps that seemed sculpted in the rock itself, immersed between majestic mountain peaks, cliffs and the greenery of the Amazonian forest.

Located in the province of Urubamba, Machupicchu district, 80 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. The site is designed in two sectors: urban and agricultural, about 200 buildings are erected.

Declared World Heritage by UNESCO today and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, it allows you to recreate through its temples, palaces and stairways, what was once the most splendid construction built by the Inca Empire, comprising an extensive area of 530 meters long by 200 wide, which includes at least 172 enclosures.

Machu Picchu is the first tourist destination in South America and Perú. It presents a mystical and romantic atmosphere for a honeymoon trip to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu- Best destinations in Perú

3.- Lake Titicaca

Located at the northern end of the endorrine basin of the Altiplano, on the border of Peru and Bolivia, in the department of Puno. Located at 3,812 meters above sea level, it corresponds to the highest navigable lake in the world, an immense body of water hidden between the mountainous landscapes of the Andes Mountains, on the border of Peru and Bolivia, near the city of Puno.

The lake is composed of 2 sub-basins, fed by 5 river systems: Ramis, Coata, Llave, Huancané and Suchez.

Its main attraction is its islands, home to various indigenous communities that keep their ancestral traditions alive. The most famous among them, correspond to Taquile, home of the Quechuas, famous for their clothing and textile art, Amantaní with archaeological remains left by the Tiahuanaco culture and the floating islands of the Uros, corresponding to a group of artificial islands made in totora by the Uru ethnic group, who live there surviving fishing, hunting and weaving.

Lake Titicaca-Best destinations in Perú

4.- Mancora

Undoubtedly one of the best tourist places in Peru to enjoy the rest, between kilometers of white sand beaches and warm waters surrounded by lush vegetation, exceptional waves for surfing and a privileged climate, with summer temperatures practically all year round.

The beach is located 3 kilometers from Máncora (Piura), the geographical name is "Máncora Chico". It is one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches in Peru.

The rather small town also has its interest, an extensive main avenue, crammed with craft shops and stores where to rent surfboards; and at least a dozen bars that light the nights with reggae rhythms.

Máncora-Best destinations in Perú

5.- Nazca Lines

Located 80 kilometers from the cities of Nazca and Palpa, 400 kilometers from the South of Lima. The lines are a series of geoglyphs in the desert. The largest figures measure 370 meters.

Enigmatic archaeological site located in the Pampas de Jumana, where huge geoglyphs that occupy kilometer surfaces, extend between the hills and the surface of the desert, adopting animal, plant and geometric shapes.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, they probably correspond to one of the tourist places in Peru and possibly in America, which have generated more curiosity and mysticism regarding their authorship and purpose. Although it is known today that they were traced by the Nazca culture 200 years BC, their raison d'être is still under study, theories that they would have been carried out as a giant astronomical calendar, which would indicate the various movements of the sun, the moon and the constellations.

Nazca Lines-Best destinations in Perú

6.- Amazon River and Iquitos

Gateway to the extraordinary beauty of the Amazon rainforest, the most extensive tropical forest on the planet, declared 2011 as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. From the city, most of the exploration routes that allow you to enter its virgin forests begin, either by navigating the mighty Amazon River or through walks through its impressive reserves.

One of the largest rivers in the world has a width of 4 kilometers between its banks. There they flow more than 1100 rivers. It is one of the most beautiful tourist places in the Peruvian jungle.

Among these, the huge Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, known as the “Forest of Mirrors”, stands out, with a size that could be compared to 50% of the area occupied by Switzerland or Denmark, housing huge swamps and lagoons, where it is possible to observe alligators, pink dolphins and anacondas boas, among other 1,025 animal species.

Iquitos-Best destinations in Perú

7.- Tambopata National Reserve

It is a natural reserve of the Peruvian Amazon that stands out with its ecosystem represented in the native flora and fauna with more than 1700 species of plants, 103 species of mammals, 1300 species of butterflies and 90 species of amphibians.

The Tambopata National Reserve is located between the Tambopata and Madre de Dios river basins, has an area of 274,690 hectares. The richness of its biodiversity is incalculable, scientists have already recorded 632 species of birds, 1,200 species of butterflies, 169 species of mammals, 205 species of fish, 103 species of amphibians and 67 species of reptiles. The vegetation is typical of the tropical regions, the best macaw layers in the world, wonderful jungle landscapes.

Tambopata-Best destinations in Perú

8.- Colca Valley

Located 160 kilometers northwest of the city of Arequipa. A colorful valley with pre-Inca roots, currently inhabited by inhabitants of the Collagua and Cabana cultures. The tradition of pre-Inca crops is still maintained.

The main activity in this area is to see the flight of the condors, the largest non-marine bird in the world and the one that reaches the highest height. In the Andean worldview, this species is of great importance and stars hundreds of legends, myths and superstitions, so seeing your flight is a wonderful mystical experience.

During the walk you can also visit indigenous communities, hot springs and practice extreme sports such as canoeing and paragliding.

Colca Valley-Best destinations in Perú

9.- Kuelap Fortress

On top of the northeastern Amazonian Andes of Peru, the imposing Kuelap Archaeological Complex, belonging to the pre-Inca Chachapoyas culture, is built. From the top, the green landscape shows that nature privileged this place, dressed in impressive flora and fauna, offering an adventure trip very close to heaven.

This mountainous jungle located in the Amazon, served as a defense against some ethnic rebels due to its location and structure. Its mountains, surrounded by dense vegetation, show from afar a great stone wall 20 meters high that protects the city. This fortress has only three entrances, all in the form of narrow and walled alleys.

It is believed that the word Kuélap comes from the deformation of the word "Cónlap", name of a village that lived in the region. The fortress houses 505 homes, many of them circular, while on the outside you will see 420 circular stone houses with friezes in the shape of rhombuses and zigzag.

Kuelap-Best destinations in Perú

10.- Huascaran National Park in Ancash

The park was created in 1975, so that the State takes charge of conserving its flora and fauna, geological formations, archeological sites and landscape beauties. It was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Within its 340,000 hectares, which comprise almost the entire Cordillera Blanca, you can see a wide variety of high Andean plant species and 300 lagoons. Among the animals of the place include the spectacled bear, the Taruca and the Andean condor (the three endangered species), the puma, the deer, the Andean cat and a diversity of birds.

The Huascaran National Park also offers rock walls, to practice climbing: Wall the Sphinx and Llaca. Countless mountain bike routes. The most important peaks for ascents are: Vallunaraju, Pisco, Ishinca, Huascarán, Chopicalqui and Alpamayo. Keep in mind that to perform adventure tourism it is necessary to hire an authorized agency or an accredited guide.

Huascarán-Best destinations in Perú

Lima Peru Attractions

Capital of Peru, recognized in 2013 with the Travelers' Choice award as the best emerging destination, a city that captivates with its mixture of modernity and history, where Lima Peru Attractions intersect with the old colonial architectures of the Historic Center declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Near this city there are many incredible Lima Peru Attractions that you can visit.

This is the perfect destination to make that full day that you want so much. The ticket costs approximately 42 soles and it will only take you 4 and a half hours to arrive.

In Ica you can take the time to tour the city, the square or take a tour to learn about the best wines and pisco (and taste them). In addition, you will have time to enjoy a ride in the tubular vehicles through the desert, which ends in the renowned Huacachina lagoon.

Ica-Lima Peru Attractions

Village of Obrajillo

An economical and very close option. It is located northeast of Canta, just 2 hours from Lima. This town is characterized by offering, in the surroundings, trekking routes for walking surrounded by nature.

There is a river where you can fish to get fresh trouts; This fish is the emblem of local cuisine. On the other hand, during the walks you will witness impressive waterfalls, some natural and some artificial.

Obrajillo-Lima Peru Attractions

Churín and the thermal baths

If you want a relaxing day, this is the perfect place. It is known for thermal baths such as La Juventud, Fierro, Pozo de la Amistad, Baños de la Meseta, among others. The smell of minerals and hot waters will give you healthy benefits, such as improving your blood circulation or relaxing your muscles. The town of Churín is located less than 5 hours from Lima.

Churín-Lima Peru Attractions

Peru Tips

Unrivaled travel guide with sights, activities and much more.

Which countries are at the top of your bucket list? Finally vacation - does the thought of it make your heart beat faster? But where and when should your next trip start? For many, South America is an exciting dream destination and the Andean country of Peru is one of the most popular travel destinations. The land of contrasts welcomes you with incredible diversity between desert-like coastal regions, deep rainforests, imposing high mountains and the culture of the Incas. There is so much more to Peru than the world-famous Inca site of Machu Picchu. But what exactly characterizes the phenomenon of South America? You will find out now. With Peru tips, travel planning is made easy for you, true to the motto "always higher up". As soon as you are on the road on site, you will immediately notice that the statement was meant literally.

Peru Vacations Packages

If you like to visit this magnificent country, our Peru Vacations Packages will show you the best of the country. Peru has different activities and experiences: Tierras Vivas is a vacation specialist in Peru.

From the capital of Lima, you can go to the nearby Ballestas Islands or the Nazca Lines overflight! Afterwards, you can continue to the city of Arequipa, where you can observe condors flying during a Tour to the Peruvian Highlands. Then, I will go to Puno, to visit the picturesque floating Islands of the Uros. After that, you can continue to the ancient capital of the Inca Empire - Cusco to visit the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu!

During our Peru Vacations Packages, we include amazing tours to the Amazon rainforest, where you can see wild animals, 500-year-old trees and other amazing plants. You can choose between an Amazon Trek to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail and Amazon Tour.

Hiking is a great way to see the country. The best known route is the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Also, there are different adventure tours to get to Machu Picchu, such as the Inca Trail 2 Day, the 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping, and the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike, all with the same destination, reach Machu Picchu through the ancient paths of the Incas.

The spots for the Inca Trail sold out faster. We recommend you book the Inca Trail Tours in advance.

Other popular routes include Cordillera Blanca - Huaraz, Colca Canyon - Arequipa, Ausangate Peru Trek, Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Vilcabamba Trek and Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu - an adrenaline trip to Machu Picchu.

Peru also offers a wide variety of adrenaline sports such as rafting, kayaking, cycling, zip line, horse riding, surfing, ATV, motocross, paragliding, canopy, canoing, sandboarding, etc.

If you want to explore more than the southern part of Peru, you can fly to the city of Chiclayo, where you can learn about the Moche civilization. The next day, you will visit Chachapoyas to visit the overwhelming fortress of Kuelap and learn about this ancient culture, developed in the cloud forest of the high Andes. In this case, you can see the most impressive monuments in the country in just one tour!

Peru Luxury Vacations

Peru has become a country that offers a wide variety of natural, archaeological, cultural and gastronomic attractions, which has contributed to position it as a luxury destination. The are different typr of Peru Luxury Vacations:

Experiential lodging: One of the most outstanding trends is that this type of tourist seeks to participate and interact with nature and the local community to achieve an immersive experience, so there will be some who choose to stay in native communities and live day to day with the residents. Other Peru Luxury Vacations include to stay in a hotel in the middle of Lake Titicaca or a hanging lodge in the Sacred Valley to enjoy the nature of the place.
Flight over natural attractions: These types of tourists are also looking for experiences that are associated with their lifestyle, that are unique and, there is nothing better than, for example, enjoying the snow, lagoons or archeological sites found in our country from a last generation helicopter, because they will have an incredible panoramic vision of the place, while they receive information from the culture and will be able to capture landscape photographs that portray their trip.
Private visits: These types of Peru Luxury Vacations on demand have always been part of the luxury, since tourists like to feel privileged, but at the same time linked to the destination, therefore, visiting site museums, communities, producing centers, events of cultural agenda and Exclusive local artists will be highly valued by these travelers.
Products that combine luxury and responsible footprint: These visitors are increasingly aware of the impact of their actions and the negative consequences of their consumption, so they will seek to buy souvenirs, edible products and clothing that offer added value, whether from buying from companies that support native communities. , to consume products that contribute to the environment and health.