South America · Destination Guide
Peru
High Alpine Lakes, Inca Ruins & the Amazon
The Best Hikes in Peru
Researched on foot. Every distance, cost, and transport tip comes from first-hand experience.
Cusco · Inca Heartland
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
From alpine lakes to glacial passes and cloud forest, this self-guided five-day trail finishes at the most famous ruin on earth.
Arequipa · Colca
Self-guided Colca Canyon Trek
Cusco · Vinicunca
Rainbow Mountain Day Hike
Huaraz · Cordillera Blanca
Laguna 69 Day Hike
Huaraz · Cordillera Blanca
Laguna Churup Day Hike
Huaraz · Cordillera Blanca
Laguna Wilcacocha Day Hike
Where to Go in Peru
Mountains, deserts, jungle and coast. Choosing where to go and what to cut out is the hard part.
ICA
Huacachina
ANCASH · CORDILLERA BLANCA
Huaraz
ICA
Paracas
When to Visit Peru (and When Not To)
Peru's climate changes dramatically by region. Use the tabs below to compare the best and worst months for each area.
Apr – May & Sep – Oct
Shoulder Seasons
- Best balance of clear weather, manageable crowds and lower prices
- Great for Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and multi-day treks
- Trails are usually in better condition than the wet season
- Good time for the Amazon, with fewer heavy downpours and river access still reliable
- You still need warm layers, especially for early starts and high-altitude nights
The sweet spot: good conditions everywhere, without the crowds or the prices.
June – August
Peak Dry & High Season
- Best chance of clear skies in the Andes, especially for hiking and viewpoints
- Ideal for the Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail, Ausangate and other high-altitude routes
- Nights can be very cold, even when the days are sunny
- Lower Amazon water levels can make wildlife easier to spot, but some smaller river routes may be harder to access
- Cusco, Machu Picchu and popular treks book out quickly, so plan early
Great conditions, but you'll need to book ahead and pay peak-season prices.
November – March
Rainy Season
- Expect regular rain in the highlands, especially from January to March
- Trails can be muddy, slippery and more likely to be affected by closures or delays
- This can still be a good time for lower prices, fewer crowds and greener landscapes
- Higher Amazon water levels open up more river routes, but expect heavier rain and more mosquitoes
- Leave extra flexibility in your itinerary if you're planning hikes or long bus journeys
Still worth visiting, but you'll need flexibility and a few backup plans for rainy days.
Do You Need a Visa for Peru?
Rules differ by nationality and some countries have specific conditions that catch travellers off guard.
Select your nationality to see what you'll need before travelling to Peru.
- Some nationalities can enter visa-free, but extension rules may vary
- If you need a visa, you'll usually need to apply before you travel
Visa requirements can change. Always confirm with the Peruvian immigration authority or your nearest Peruvian consulate before booking or travelling.
Getting Around Peru
Transport in Peru is better than you might expect. Choose two places and I'll point you in the right direction.
Select two cities above to see transport options.
Getting Around Towns and Cities in Peru
Most local trips come down to two options: cheap shared colectivos, or app taxis when you want less guesswork.
Colectivo
Shared minivan · fixed route
Colectivos are shared minivans that run fixed local routes between towns, trailheads and nearby villages. They are cheap, cash-only and usually leave once full rather than following a strict timetable. You'll usually need to wait at the departure point, check the destination with the driver, and pay in small notes once you're on your way.
Uber & InDriver
App taxi
Uber and InDriver are the easiest options for short city trips, airport runs and late arrivals in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Uber gives you a fixed app price, while InDriver often lets you offer a fare and wait for a driver to accept. In smaller towns, mototaxis are more common, but always agree on the price before getting in.
