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Browse and explore the best travel guides in Peru.
Peru spans three dramatically different landscapes - the arid Pacific coastline, the towering Andes mountain range, and the dense Amazon rainforest - all packed into a single country roughly twice the size of France. The Inca legacy dominates the southern highlands, where Cusco and Machu Picchu draw travellers from every continent, while the Nazca Lines and the colonial churches of Arequipa anchor the coastal route. Lima has emerged as South America's culinary capital, with ceviche joints and world-ranked restaurants sitting side by side in the Miraflores and Barranco districts. Adventure options range from multi-day treks along the Inca Trail to sandboarding in the Huacachina oasis and boat trips through Colca Canyon. Peru is affordable for international visitors, with comfortable travel possible on a moderate budget outside of peak-season Machu Picchu permits.
Capital
Lima
Population
~34 million
Area
1,285,216 km²
Time Zone
PET (UTC-5)
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Languages
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Main Airports
LIM (Lima Jorge Chavez), CUZ (Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete)
Visa
Visa-free for 90-183 days for most nationalities
Best For
Inca ruins, trekking, cuisine, Amazon wildlife
Typical Cost Level
Budget to Mid-range
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
Citizens of most countries in Europe, North America, and Oceania can enter Peru visa-free for 90 to 183 days depending on nationality. You receive a stamp on arrival at the airport - no prior application needed. Always carry a printed or digital copy of your return flight, as immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel.
The dry season in the Andes and Amazon runs from May to October, making it the best window for trekking and visiting Machu Picchu. Lima's coast is sunniest from December to March. June to August is peak tourist season in Cusco, so book Inca Trail permits months in advance. The shoulder months of April and November offer fewer crowds with mostly dry weather.
Peru is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu are well-patrolled tourist areas with low crime rates. In Lima, stick to Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro neighbourhoods, especially after dark. Petty theft - particularly phone snatching - is the main risk, so keep valuables out of sight and use registered taxis or apps like InDriver.
Peru uses the Peruvian Sol (PEN). US dollars are also widely accepted at hotels and tour agencies, though you will receive change in soles. ATMs are plentiful in Cusco and Lima, typically dispensing both soles and dollars. Withdrawal fees range from 12 to 22 PEN per transaction. Cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops in tourist areas, but markets and smaller towns are cash-only.
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