Peru, and specifically Machu Picchu, is on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. It’s no wonder. The South American country has everything, from modern cities to ancient ruins, lush rainforest to dry deserts.
This guide includes some of the most important things you need to know about visiting Peru.
Where Is Peru?
Peru is the third-largest country in South America. Much of its western border lies along the Pacific Ocean. To its north are Ecuador and Colombia, while to the east are Brazil and Bolivia. Chile lies to the south.
Getting To and Around Peru
The most common way to travel to Peru is via flight to Lima. Direct flights are available from many U.S. airports, especially hubs in the south. This includes Atlanta, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.
There is an airport in Cusco. Although its location makes it convenient for reaching Machu Picchu, it is harder to find flights, and airfares tend to be more expensive. If you have the time, it’s best to fly to Lima, then take a bus to your next destination.
Traveling around by bus is a great way to see the country and can be very economical. When I visited (admittedly several years ago now), we used public buses for overnight travel more than once. They were always clean and felt safe, although we avoided putting luggage in overhead bins. Always keep your belongings within reach while using public transit.
Road conditions and safety are poor in Peru, so it’s generally not advised to drive yourself. Enlist the help of locals or a reputable tour company to provide transportation.
Do I Need a Visa for Peru?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru. Citizens of European Union countries and most other South American countries can also visit without a visa.
You do need a passport. Make sure it has at least six months remaining before it expires.
When you leave Peru, you might need to pay airport taxes, depending on the airfare you purchased. The tax when departing Lima is around $30. This can fluctuate slightly based on the current exchange rate. You must pay this in cash at the airport.
Is Peru Safe?
Peru suffered intense civil unrest in 2023, but the political environment seems to be less volatile since then. Still, the U.S. State Department advises increased caution in Peru. This is primarily due to petty crime, continuing civil unrest, and the possibility of kidnapping in some areas.
The Colombia-Peru border have higher levels of risk due to drug trafficking and should be avoided.
Like any travel, stay aware of your surroundings and your belongings. Leave valuables at home, and keep any cash or credit cards in different pockets and bags so that if you are targeted by a thief, you won’t lose everything. Avoid traveling alone after dark.
Natural disasters
Peru is a wealth of geological activity — it's what gave us the Andes Mountains. That activity can cause natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis as well as some flooding and landslides. Volcanic activity is possible, although it’s been about 15 years since any kind of major eruption.
Peru Travel Tips
1. Find a good time to go to Peru.
The best time of year to travel to Peru depends somewhat on what you want to do. The country is divided roughly into three regions: the highlands (think the Andes, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, for example), the Amazon Jungle, and the coast.
If you’re visiting the highlands, you want to visit during the dry season, typically May through October. While that is the busiest time of year, it’s when you’ll likely have the best trail conditions. During high rains, trails might be closed due to the potential for landslides and flooding.
Temperatures can also get quite cool during the rainy season, especially at night. You might not want to be in the middle of the Inca Trail, wet from the rain in 40°F weather.
One of the best times to visit the Pacific Coast is during the rainy season, though. That means December through March. Again, temperatures are a bit lower, which might be nice after the sweltering heat of the dry season. And the beaches get relatively little precipitation, even during the wet season.
Weather in the Peruvian jungle stays relatively steady. Basically, that means hot and humid year-round. During the rainy season, river levels can rise significantly. While flooding is a risk, higher waters can sometimes lead to better boat tours with a greater chance of seeing wildlife.
2. Prepare for the altitude.
As soon as you touch down in Peru, you'll notice the change in altitude. Places like Lima and Machu Picchu are located more than 5,080 feet and 8,040 feet above sea level, respectively, which is significantly higher than what most of us are used to.
Although there's no surefire way to avoid altitude sickness, there are some easy steps to help your body adjust quickly.
- Know the symptoms of altitude sickness — headache, vomiting, insomnia, reduced coordination — and seek medical attention if they persist or get worse.
- Hydrate. Drink lots of water before and after your arrival. This can also help with jetlag.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol until you're more comfortable in the environment.
- Take it in stages. If you’re particularly susceptible to altitude sickness, spend a few days at lower elevations and slowly make your way higher as you acclimate. You’ll feel much better increasing elevation slowly than if you try to immediately go from the coast to the highest points of the Inca Trail.
- There is medication for altitude sickness. Talk to your doctor about a prescription before you leave home if you think you’ll need it.
3. Embrace the food.
One of the best ways to get to know more about a culture is by sampling the food. You’ll find a unique mix of local and international flavors served up with a Peruvian twist.
- Ceviche: Diced, raw fish mixed with citrus, peppers, and other spices. The citrus juice “cooks” the fish, delivering lots of fresh, bright flavors. While a favorite dish in Peru, if you aren’t a seafood fan to start with, this might not be your go-to meal.
- Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef or alpaca, served with rice and French fries. Thousands of Chinese people came to Peru as slaves in the late 1800s. Their influence gave us chifa cuisine, a distinct fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors. Lomo saltado features meat marinated in soy sauce, along with vegetables and spices like aji chiles, then heaped on top of the rice and fries.
- Cuy: Roasted guinea pig. Cuy is most popular in the Andes as a major source of meat. It’s stuffed with herbs, then roasted until the dark meat is tender and the outside skin is extra crispy. Every time I saw cuy served, it was placed whole on the plate. Think of it as the same style as when fish is served whole, eyes and all.
- Pisco: An alcoholic drink made from distilled green grapes. You can find it anywhere, including the city of Pisco, which was named after the beverage. Although Peruvians have been drinking pisco since pre-Inca times, a more modern twist is the pisco sour (pisco combined with lemon juice, egg whites, jelly syrup, Angostura bitters, and ice).
- Potatoes: Peru and Bolivia are home to more than 3,000 varieties of potatoes, and they know how to cook all of them. Each type of potato has its own flavor and texture as it is, but then Peruvian chefs change up how its prepared and what sauces and other foods are served along with that papa. If you think potatoes sound boring, think again.
4. Work up to the Inca Trail.
Without a doubt, the most popular spot to see in all of Peru is Machu Picchu. Surrounding this site is a route known as the Inca Trail, which features three hiking paths stretching for miles through the mountains.
Trekking through this land can reveal amazing vistas — not to mention give you the thrill of a lifetime — but you need to be confident in your ability to hike before setting out. The trail is physically demanding and should not be tackled on a whim and without proper training.
Using guides or formal tours is a solid option for travelers who want to see the Inca Trail while reducing the risk.
5. Balance cities and remote landmarks.
Machu Picchu isn't the only fantastic sight you should see in Peru. Ancient geoglyphs like the Nazca Lines, which are comprised of more than 10,000 lines forming mysterious patterns and pictures, shouldn’t be missed.
To do the Nazca Lines justice, you’ll want to book a sightseeing flight. They are so massive that you’ll never notice them from ground level.
Two tips for someone who’s been there. First, don’t waste your time taking pictures during the flight. Enjoy the view in the moment, then buy some professional postcards of your favorites later.
Second, prepare for motion sickness. Your pilot will tip the small plane from side to side so that you can see the lines well. I don’t usually get plane sick, but even my tummy was rolling after a bit.
Other areas steeped in history and traditional culture include the archeological site Batán Grande, home to more than 50 pyramids and tombs, and the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca. It’s also possible to book a homestay on some of the islands near Puno. Just don’t expect electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing.
Even the appeal of these legendary spots shouldn't stop you from spending time in major cities like Lima and Arequipa.
Lima (pronounced LEE-ma, not like the bean) is the capital of Peru and the country’s largest metropolis. Like many major cities, it’s known for unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality.
Miraflores is a tourist favorite, known for being a safe destination and having plenty to do. There are ancient ruins, museums, markets, and incredible clifftop views. It also has a reputation for great dining. If you’re looking for a more bohemian, artsy vibe, though, check out Barranco.
Downtown Lima is a prime spot for food and history. It’s located on the coast, so this might be where you decide to try ceviche and surfing.
After chowing down and catching some waves, walk through the Plaza de Armas, which among other attractions, is the site of the Lima Cathedral. Look up when you visit. The ceiling unexpectedly mimics a starry sky.
Arequipa is considered Peru’s second city. Its vibes are much more colonial, made obvious through architecture. With a few million people less than what you’ll find in Lima, it feels more relaxed, too.
It's a good city to stroll through. Stop by the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena. Known as the city within the city, it has only been open to outsiders since the 1970s and is packed with courtyards, colorful facades, and centuries of history.
Gaze just beyond the city at Misti Volcano. It’s dormant now and has been for more than 400 years, but the lava rock that came from Misti and neighboring volcanoes was used in many of Arequipa’s buildings.
6. Invest in travel medical insurance.
No matter what you decide to do when exploring Peru, you'll want to be protected as you do it. Hopefully your vacation will go off without a hitch, but you need to be prepared for the unexpected. In Peru, that could be an injury while hiking the Inca Trail, a bad reaction to the altitude, or even a bus accident.
Before hopping on a plane, find the best travel insurance for Peru. Look for medical coverage in case you get sick or hurt during your trip since your domestic health insurance likely doesn’t cover you overseas. If you plan on hiking or some other similar activity, ask about adding optional coverage for adventure activities, too.
Our quick quote tool at SevenCorners.com can help you find the right plan and the right price. But if you need a little more help, you can chat with our licensed agents, too. They’re ready to help you customize your travel insurance to fit your adventure.
