An Extensive Travel Guide to Peru

Peru will satisfy all of your senses, and if you’re after adventure, it will get your heart pumping, too. From city walks to sandboarding, you’ll find incredible things to do. Take your pick of the following activities.

Hiking and Backpacking

With mountain ranges running through most of the country, it’s no wonder that Peru is a popular hiking and backpacking destination. You can visit the well-known Machu Picchu or hike the incredible Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley while in Peru. Apart from the famous Incan archaeological site, magnificent mountain ranges like the Cordillera Blanca and the Andes comprise much of Peru’s landmass—hikers, rejoice! Northern Peru has endless trekking opportunities. You can also climb into one of the deepest canyons in the world, Colca Canyon.

Surfing

Peru sure has a ton of awesome surf spots for a country not thought of for its beaches. Beginners and experts alike can catch a suitable wave down the Pacific coastline. Check out places like Máncora, Cabo Blanco (advanced only), and Lobitos in northern Peru, where temperatures are a bit warmer. The northern swell is best from October to April. You’ll find much colder temperatures in southern Peru but decent waves from April to October in spots like Playa Waikiki in Lima and Punta Hermosa south of the capital. So when you need a break from the mountains (if that ever happens), rent a surfboard and catch a wave!

Sandboarding

With a vast desert encroaching on Peru’s southern region, it’s no surprise the adrenaline junkies found an exhilarating way to pass the time here. Enter: sandboarding. In Huacachina, you can rent a board and surf the sand either on your feet (like snowboarding) or riding down on your stomach, face first. It sounds dangerous, but this is the method recommended for beginners.

Mountain Biking and Cycling

Want to explore with a little more speed than your hiking boots will allow? You’re in luck. Mountain biking has boomed in Peru, with several tours on offer all over the country. For adrenaline-pumping rides, check out the Cordillera Blanca around Huaraz or find out about riding into the Colca Canyon. Also, some tours to Machu Picchu include a stretch of downhill biking around the Sacred Valley. If you prefer to explore leisurely on a bike, rent one in Lima and cruise around the coastal neighbourhoods, or visit Pachacamac archaeological site to pedal past mighty rivers and ruins.

As you may have gathered by now, adventure opportunities abound in Peru, but the most popular are trekking tours. It’s a dream to escape and hike into those magical mountain ranges of the Cordillera Blanca and the Andes. And, of course, the lush Amazon jungle.

Peru for Active Travelers

For total immersion into authentic Peru, this 20-day multi-sport adventure gives you what you need. Follow your expert local guide to famous sites like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca desert, and Colca Canyon. You’ll hike, mountain bike, and kayak across unbelievable landscapes, while experiencing Peruvian hospitality along the way in wonderful hotels.

Mountain Biking Adventure in the Sacred Valley

Want a little more adrenaline than a hiking tour? This 9-day mountain biking excursion through the Sacred Valley will be unforgettable. You’ll get to explore Incan ruins as you cruise down gnarly single track trails. Bike to the salt pans and the epic Mega-Avalanche course, which drops 5249ft in 12.4mi. Talk about an adventure!

Multi-Sport Family Adventure Tour

Make some sweet family memories on this Peruvian adventure tour—experience a new activity each day, including e-biking, rafting, and hiking in Machu Picchu. Your kids will be entertained and will inevitably learn a lot about Peruvian culture during this week-long tour. Give them a journey they’ll never forget.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

An incredible getaway in the majestic Andes, the Salkantay trek leads you to Machu Picchu on ancient paths. You’ll spend part of the tour trekking through the Andes, hiking through a cloud forest, and finding hidden natural hot springs to relax in. When you leave the wilderness behind, you’ll enjoy a few nights in a luxury hotel and spend your days getting a cultural fix in the famous Cusco. This 8-day tour is a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence.

Santa Cruz Trek

Here’s one for the hardy adventurers! With a difficulty rating of 5/5, this 8-day experience will test your physicality and bring a sense of pride when you’re done. Arrive in Huaraz, then head out for an unparalleled 5-day trek through the Santa Cruz Valley. The altitude will challenge you, so take your time and catch your breath while overlooking the phenomenal peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.

Complete Huayhuash Circuit

Are you an experienced trekker? What better way to prove it than spending 14 days trekking the complete Huayhuash circuit in the Cordillera Blanca. Visit epic glaciers, icy-blue lakes, camp under the stars, and indulge in camp meals cooked up by your expert local guides. Escape to the Peruvian wilderness for a truly remote trekking experience.

Peru’s Outdoors

As a super diverse nation, Peru appeals to all types of travellers, from those looking for a challenging and remote trekking experience to some who want to view the range of wildlife. Exploring Peru’s outdoors is a spectacular journey.

Geography

A trip to Peru could include visiting the beach, trekking in the mountains, bushwhacking through the jungle, or getting lost in a desert. In short, its diverse geography makes it an ideal destination for adventure travel.

Wildlife

For travellers intrigued by diverse wildlife, Peru will not disappoint. The country is listed as a megadiverse country thanks to the numerous species living in the Andes, the Amazon, and the Pacific Ocean along Peru’s coastline. It’s home to around 5,000 species of fish and animals! While hiking in the Colca Canyon or the Sacred Valley, you may spot the native condors flying above with their enormous wingspan. In the rainforest, keep your eyes out for the anaconda, the largest snake in the world. And, of course, llamas and alpacas roam widely across agricultural lands—you’ll even meet some on Machu Picchu! If you’re leaving pets at home, you’ll have plenty of options for temporary replacements during your vacation.

Whether you want to travel on a shoestring or live frivolously while in Peru, you’ll be able to explore this country on a relatively modest budget. Depending on your travel style, you should aim for a daily budget between $20 and $175 per person. Check out the following break-down of where you’ll be spending money and figure out where you fit in the range. Keep in mind that the water is not safe to drink in Peru, so you will have to factor in bottled water costs. (Prices will vary throughout Peru, so we’ve listed the average costs. All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars.)

There’s a stigma attached to South America that needs busting: this continent is not riddled with drug gangs and murder. In fact, most of the people are welcoming, friendly, and want you to explore their countries safely. They’re curious about travellers and shouldn’t be viewed as unsafe. If you use common sense and follow some basic guidelines, you’ll have a perfectly safe trip to Peru.

Compared to some more developed nations, it’s true that petty crime in Peru is common, especially in popular tourist areas. However, if you stay aware and remain vigilant with your belongings (read: don’t flaunt your fancy jewellery or lose sight of your purse), you’ll avoid a costly pickpocket. To minimize worries on the road, look into an anti-theft pack like Metrosafe’s hip pack for added security.

No matter where you go, we recommend using the buddy system, especially in Peru. Being targeted or mugged is more likely to happen if you’re wandering alone. Stick with a buddy and avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas. Be aware that credit card and ATM scams can occur, so be protective of your withdrawals and who has your credit card information.

Speak to your local hosts in hotels and hostels and get the low-down on the safety in that area. They can inform you about the places to avoid and how to stay safe. In case something unfortunate happens, it’s best to have quality insurance coverage. We use World Nomads since they offer excellent coverage geared towards nomadic folks and travellers.

The best time to visit Peru depends greatly on the weather. Being so close to the equator, Peru has two seasons rather than four: wet and dry. Unsurprisingly, peak tourist season occurs during the driest months between May and October. That said, some areas draw tourists in December and January, and the advantages of travelling off-season are fewer crowds and lower prices—just don’t forget to pack your rain gear!

Dry Season – May to October

For trekking and other outdoor adventures, and if you’re opposed to torrential downpours (even though sometimes they only last a few hours), this is the season for you. On the coast, you’ll enjoy warm to hot temperatures and dry days. Whereas in the highlands, the temperature will drop significantly overnight—this is winter in the southern hemisphere, after all. If your trip includes a visit to the Amazon, be prepared for some sticky and steamy weather.

Wet Season – November to April

The rainy season draws fewer tourists and leaves some roads and treks impassable in the highlands. If you’re heading to Peru to hike, it’s best to go during the dry season. However, the Amazon and the coastal regions welcome travellers year-round. In the jungle, you’ll hit inevitable humidity and see a surge in river levels, and the coastal summer weather from December to April makes for a pretty pleasant experience.

You can travel domestically throughout Peru by a few different means of transportation, some more favorable than others, and here’s why.

The most popular method of getting around Peru is by bus. It’s preferable thanks to its comprehensive network, low fares, and relatively reliable service. Bus terminals act as a central hub in cities, and you’ll be able to choose your destination from a variety of vendors. Some routes offer seat choices, so if you feel like treating yourself, grab a luxury seat, receive snacks or a meal, and enjoy some questionably-dubbed action film for entertainment. In a regular seat, just download a bunch of your favourite podcasts and stare out the window as you ride across the country.

A transportation method that has been gaining popularity in the adventure tourism industry is bikepacking, where you pack all your belongings in panniers on two wheels and pedal yourself to each destination on your path. Parts of Peru have the infrastructure for this, and it’s an incredible way to experience a country. Due to the altitude in Peru, bikepacking is extremely challenging—but if you’re up for the challenge, check out some of these bikepacking routes in Peru.

If the Amazon is on your Peru bucket list, you’ll have to get acquainted with the local boat transportation. Some cities, like Iquitos, are only accessible by boat or small plane. Make sure you have your sea legs before heading into the jungle!

Other less popular transportation options include train and air travel or driving yourself around the country. Train travel in Peru is a novel idea, but perhaps not the best use of your time or money. Unless you’re splurging for a first-class ticket (offering sweeping vistas of Peruvian peaks), you will likely be uncomfortable and worried about your belongings for the entire ride. Similarly, domestic flights will save time, but they’ll also break the bank. Finally, you could rent a car, but this is only recommended if you speak Spanish fluently. If you are stopped anywhere, you may have to present papers and negotiate with officials, which will prove difficult if you don’t have a working knowledge of the local language.

Best Places to Stay in Peru

You won’t have a hard time choosing accommodation in Peru. If you’re coming from an expensive country, you’ll get great deals for luxury hotels. You’ll also find a wide variety of mid-range options and much cheaper hostels. Adventurers will also be happy to know that camping is widely accepted in many rural areas, and this option can be very cheap or free.

Useful Travel Tools

To help you navigate your way around Peru, we’ve listed some of our favourite travel tools. These useful sites bring you one step closer to your Peruvian adventure.

To Book Accommodation

Finding hotels and long-term accommodation doesn’t have to be a pain. We use these tools to find the best deals: booking.com, hotels.com, expedia.com, and agoda.com. For long-term rentals or more unique listings, check with vrbo.com for some cool accommodation finds. Budget-savvy travellers can search for hostels in their desired locations on Hostelling International.

To Book Flights

Peru has a few domestic airlines for easy transport through the country. You can also find great international flights to reach this awesome destination using sites like Skyscanner or CheapOair.

To Rent a Car

If you don’t speak the local language, renting a car may be more hassle than it’s worth in Peru. That said, if you’re travelling with total confidence in your Spanish-speaking skills, by all means, check rentalcars.com to compare providers and find the best deal on your rental in Peru.

To Get Gear

Undoubtedly, you’ll be doing some outdoor adventures in Peru, and you’ll want top-quality gear. You can buy items locally, but the quality cannot rival the classics like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Helly Hansen. If you plan on sticking to day hikes and maybe some trail running, check Salomon and the Running Room. Plan on camping or need some backpacking accessories? Browse the gear at MEC, REI or Backcountry.com.

Other Useful Travel Services

Do you need airport parking? Find the best options on Airport Parking Reservations by entering your home airport and departure dates.

Visa Requirements When Travelling to Peru

Tourists must have a valid passport with at least six months until its expiry and two empty passport pages to visit Peru. Visitors from certain countries will receive a stamp on arrival called a Tourist Visa (though, really, it’s a stamp), but visitors from some countries may need to apply for a visa before travelling to Peru. The tourist visa in Peru is valid for 183 days per year and cannot be extended. You may be granted a 90-day stamp, but you can extend this online if needed. It’s a single entry, which means you will not be able to exit and return on the same visa. Some airlines will require proof of onward travel; however, this is not required by the immigration authorities to enter Peru.

Travellers from Canada

With a valid passport with at least six months until expiry and two empty passport pages, travellers from Canada are eligible for a Tourist Visa on arrival, valid for 183 days. This stamp is single entry and cannot be extended unless you request an extension through a Peru embassy before your trip. For more information, check the Government of Canada’s travel page on Peru.

Travellers from the EU

With a valid passport with at least six months until expiry and two empty passport pages, travellers from Canada are eligible for a Tourist Visa on arrival, valid for 183 days. This stamp is single entry and cannot be extended unless you request an extension through a Peru embassy before your trip.

Travellers from the UK

With a valid passport with at least six months until expiry and two empty passport pages, travellers from Canada are eligible for a Tourist Visa on arrival, valid for 183 days. This stamp is single entry and cannot be extended unless you request an extension through a Peru embassy before your trip. Stay up-to-date with entry requirements on the UK’s travel page on Peru.

Travellers from the US

With a valid passport with at least six months until expiry and two empty passport pages, travellers from the US are eligible for a Tourist Visa on arrival, valid for 183 days. This stamp is single entry and cannot be extended unless you request an extension through a Peru embassy before your trip. For further information, visit the US travel page on Peru.

Interesting Facts About Peru

Make no mistake: even though Peru is not an enormous country, it boasts several claims to fame and fun facts! Here are some interesting things about Peru that perhaps you didn’t know.

• Inca Cola is a national icon of Peru. Rather than Coca Cola, you’ll find bottles of a neon-yellow soda that is very sweet (too sweet for some). It tastes like a blend of bubble gum and cream soda. If you need an extra burst of energy, grab a bottle of Inca Cola!
• Peru has the highest sand dune in the world, Cerro Blanco, which towers over the desert oasis of Huacachina at 3858ft from base to summit.
• There are over 3,000 varieties of potato and 55 types of corn grown in Peru.
• Surfers, get stoked! Peru has the longest left-handed wave in the world, 2.5mi long.
• Peru’s diverse climate comprises 90 different microclimates.
• Three-quarters of the world’s alpaca population lives in Peru.
• Guinea pig, or cuy as it’s locally known, is a traditional delicacy in Peru. They are fried whole, so don’t be alarmed to see the head, legs, and eyes!
• You can see penguins in Peru! Take a boat ride to the marine reserve in Paracas and observe these adorable animals on the rocky shores.
• Beautiful and elusive pink dolphins swim in the Amazon River.
• Cusco was the most important city during the peak of the Incan empire, ruling from present-day Quito, Ecuador, to Santiago, Chile.
• Quinoa, that popular superfood that replaces white rice on your dinner plate, originated in the region around Lake Titicaca. It has been a staple in Peru for centuries—long before it hit North American grocery store shelves.
• Peru does not observe Daylight Savings Time. The clocks never move forward or backward here.
• Peru boasts 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Cusco, Machu Picchu, and several national parks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peru

You’ve reached the end of the travel guide, but you may have some remaining questions. We’ll do our best to help you out. Here are some frequently asked questions about travelling to Peru.

What is the cheapest way to travel across Peru?

Travelling by bus is the cheapest way to get across Peru. The comprehensive network and bus terminals around the country make it not only cheap but easy, too. The more popular routes will have many options for companies and seat fares. Splurge on a first-class seat for a comfy ride with snacks included.

Where should I go in Peru for the first time?

If you are travelling with limited time, a loop between Cusco and Lima will be your best bet. You can hit the Sacred Valley highlights, including Machu Picchu, then head to the coast and visit the capital city. If you’re unsure where to go first, browse some adventure tours in Peru for inspiration.

What is Peru famous for?

Peru is famously known for the Incan empire and its cultural history. Machu Picchu and Cusco are both hot spots for observing Incan history. This country also calls to mind the Andes and the Amazon—both natural wonders and fantastic adventure regions.

What’s the food and drink like in Peru?

Depending on the region, the cuisine may include rice, fresh ceviche, root vegetables, chicken, and “salad,” which in Latin America means a few slices of tomato typically. If you drink alcohol and enjoy cocktails, don’t miss out on Peru’s signature Pisco Sour. Pisco, similar to brandy, is a high-proof spirit distilled from wine with grapes that grows natively in northern Chile and parts of Peru. Traditionally made with pisco, angostura bitters, egg white, lime juice, and simple syrup, this tasty drink will pair well with your local meals.

Is Peru expensive?

Compared to other South American destinations, Peru ranks as one of the cheaper ones. On a mid-range budget, you can expect to spend between $20–$70 per day. However, you will notice expense spikes in places like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, renowned tourist destinations. Remember to include these kinds of attractions in your budget.

Can you drink the water in Peru?

The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. If you need to use tap water as your water source, make sure to boil it for 1–3 minutes (longer time at higher altitudes)—pack purification tablets, Steripen, or a travel water filtration system to avoid buying bottled water daily. Using the tap water to brush your teeth depends on your level of caution: some travellers will use it freely, and others will boil water first or use bottled water.

Is Machu Picchu difficult to climb?

There are several ways to reach Machu Picchu, many of which are rewarding hiking routes, like the well-known Inca Trail. To reach Machu Picchu (if not arriving by tour bus), you will have to endure 1,600 steps, gaining altitude quickly. The climb is moderate to difficult, depending on your cardiovascular stamina and fitness. You’ll reach Machu Picchu in 1–2 hours. Keep in mind, it’s common to rise very early to climb and catch the sunrise, so take your time since you might be a little groggy. The altitude causes issues for some people, so make sure you acclimatize properly.

Why is Machu Picchu in danger?

Machu Picchu is at risk for a few different reasons. First, there are the obvious natural threats like heavy rains and landslides that could destroy this ancient archaeological site. The more significant threats, though, are human-imposed. Tourism alone causes damage to the site with an enormous amount of foot traffic—about half a million visitors per year. Unfortunately, Machu Picchu risks suffering from a new international airport soon to be built in Chinchero, a nearby village. Plans have been in the works for a while, with a scheduled opening in 2024.

Is Peru a developed country?

Peru is an emerging nation, although it still suffers from widespread poverty and lack of education. The economy has improved in recent years and continues to develop with certain projects, international loans, and infrastructure initiatives.