Peru is a country of ancient history, where towering peaks of the Andes, vast stretches of Amazon rainforest and a rugged Pacific coastline combine to create one of South America’s most diverse destinations. Home to remarkable archaeological sites, vibrant cities and world-renowned cuisine, Peru offers unforgettable experiences for every catcher.
Community Tips For Peru
Peru’s geography is incredibly diverse, with climates ranging from cool mountain regions to tropical rainforest and warm coastal deserts, so pack accordingly depending on where you’re travelling.
Many of Peru’s most famous destinations, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, are at high altitude. Take time to acclimatise, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during your first day.
Long-distance journeys can take much longer than expected due to mountainous terrain. Domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel between major cities.
Peru is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, so be sure to try local specialities such as ceviche, lomo saltado and fresh tropical fruits during your visit.
Explore Peru
Lima
Lima combines a rich colonial history with one of the world’s most celebrated culinary scenes, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
The coastal districts of Miraflores and Barranco are ideal for walking, offering spectacular Pacific Ocean views, parks and vibrant cafés.
Traffic can be extremely heavy throughout the day, so allow extra time when travelling between different parts of the city.
Even during summer, mornings along the coast can be overcast due to the seasonal coastal fog known locally as garúa.
Cusco
Sitting at around 3,400 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, many visitors experience mild altitude sickness during their first day, so take things slowly.
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is filled with fascinating archaeological sites, colonial churches and lively plazas.
Most visitors use Cusco as the starting point for exploring the Sacred Valley and visiting the world-famous Machu Picchu.
The city’s historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, although many streets are steep and cobbled.
Arequipa
Known as the ‘White City’, Arequipa is famous for its beautiful colonial architecture, much of which is built from white volcanic stone.
The city enjoys sunshine for much of the year and is surrounded by spectacular volcanoes, including El Misti.
Arequipa is an excellent base for visiting Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons and a great place to spot Andean condors.
Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular destination for travellers looking to experience a slower pace of life.
Iquitos
Iquitos is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road, with access only by air or river.
It serves as one of the main gateways to the Amazon Rainforest, offering wildlife tours, river cruises and jungle lodges.
The tropical climate is hot and humid throughout the year, so lightweight clothing and insect repellent are essential.
Boat trips along the Amazon and its tributaries provide opportunities to see pink river dolphins, monkeys and an incredible variety of birdlife.
