South America / Destination guide

Peru

My favourite hikes and destinations from the Andes to the coast.

Laguna Churup glacial lake in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. Turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Laguna Churup, Huaraz

Start exploring

A first look at Peru

EcuadorColombiaBoliviaBrazilPacific Ocean

Quick Peru Facts

Capital
Lima
Languages
Spanish, Quechua
Currency
Peruvian sol (S/)
Time zone
UTC−5
Plugs
Type AType C

Explore Peru with these guides

Accommodation worth booking

Vaca House B&B, Huaraz Budget · B&B Vaca House B&B Huaraz Tucan Hostel, Cusco Hostel Tucan Hostel Cusco Friendly AQP, Arequipa Budget · Guesthouse Friendly AQP Arequipa Nativus Hostel Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Hostel Nativus Hostel Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes San Sebastián Hotel Boutique, Huaraz Mid-range · Boutique hotel San Sebastián Hotel Boutique Huaraz Tierra Viva Cusco Centro, Cusco Mid-range Tierra Viva Cusco Centro Cusco Hotel Casona Solar, Arequipa Mid-range · Colonial house Hotel Casona Solar Arequipa Casa de Luz Hotel, Aguas Calientes Mid-range Casa de Luz Hotel Aguas Calientes Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel, Huaraz Luxury · Boutique hotel Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel Huaraz Novotel Cusco, Cusco Luxury Novotel Cusco Cusco Ariquepay Hotel, Arequipa Luxury Ariquepay Hotel Arequipa Casa del Sol Machupicchu, Aguas Calientes Luxury · Boutique hotel Casa del Sol Machupicchu Aguas Calientes

Book before you go

Plan your entire Peru trip here

When to visit

Best overall time to visit Peru

May to October

Highlands seasons

  • Shoulder SeasonsApr – May, Sep – Oct
  • Peak Dry & High SeasonJun – Aug
  • Rainy SeasonNov – Mar
  1. January: rainy, 19°C, poor for visitingJanuary: rainy, 66°F, poor for visiting
  2. February: rainy, 19°C, poor for visitingFebruary: rainy, 66°F, poor for visiting
  3. March: rainy, 19°C, poor for visitingMarch: rainy, 66°F, poor for visiting
  4. April: sunny, 19°C, mixed for visitingApril: sunny, 66°F, mixed for visiting
  5. May: sunny, 18°C, best for visitingMay: sunny, 64°F, best for visiting
  6. June: sunny, 17°C, good for visitingJune: sunny, 63°F, good for visiting
  7. July: sunny, 17°C, good for visitingJuly: sunny, 63°F, good for visiting
  8. August: sunny, 18°C, good for visitingAugust: sunny, 64°F, good for visiting
  9. September: partly sunny, 19°C, best for visitingSeptember: partly sunny, 66°F, best for visiting
  10. October: partly sunny, 20°C, best for visitingOctober: partly sunny, 68°F, best for visiting
  11. November: sun and showers, 20°C, mixed for visitingNovember: sun and showers, 68°F, mixed for visiting
  12. December: rainy, 19°C, poor for visitingDecember: rainy, 66°F, poor for visiting
BestGoodMixedPoor

Travelling between cities

Select two cities above to see transport options.

Do you need a visa?

Last verified: June 2026

Visa requirements can change. Always confirm with the Peruvian immigration authority or your nearest Peruvian consulate before booking or travelling.

Come along for the next stop

Every guide on this site comes from a trip I actually made. Leave your email and I'll send you each new one the day it goes live.

One email per new guide, nothing else. Unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy

4 countries covered Up next
  1. Ecuador
  2. Iceland
  3. Georgia
  4. Albania

Questions you might have

  1. Which SIM card should I get in Peru?

    Movistar and Claro have the best coverage in Peru. If you’re planning on buying a physical SIM, don’t forget your passport.

  2. Is tap water safe to drink in Peru?

    I wouldn’t risk drinking the tap water in Peru, so stick to bottled or filtered water. It was fine for brushing my teeth, but that’s about it.

  3. How should I prepare for the altitude in Peru?

    The best way to prepare for the altitude is to give yourself time before attempting anything strenuous. Spend a few nights acclimatising first, and try to start with day hikes before taking on any overnight treks.

  4. Is Peru mostly cash or card?

    It’s a mix, but you’ll still need cash. Cards work well in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, while markets, taxis and smaller businesses often prefer cash.

  5. Which ATMs have the lowest fees in Peru?

    I had no fees when using Banco de la Nación ATMs, although I could only withdraw S/400 per day.

  6. Is Peru safe to travel?

    Peru is generally safe, but you should still be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables on you when taking overnight buses, and always use a reputable app when getting a taxi.

  7. Do I need to tip in Peru?

    I definitely recommend tipping in Peru, especially when eating at local restaurants, staying in guesthouses or catching a taxi.

Peru on 35mm film

Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu rising into the cloud behind
See the film archive