Peru

Imagine You. Right Here.

Peru

Imagine you. Right Here.

~ Amazing Travels in Peru ~

Considering traveling to Peru on your next vacation? Well, there are countless reasons why Peru could just be the perfect place. If the stunning landscapes ranging from arid coastal deserts to the thriving rainforests of the Amazon—with the majestic Andes in between it all aren’t enough to get you packing—throw in the 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, thriving modern culture, and intriguing histories going back thousands of years.

Incredible Natural Environments In Peru

For nature lovers, Peru is one of the most biodiverse places you can possibly find anywhere on our planet. It is also regarded as one of the best places in the world for bird watching. The array of flora and throughout the country is just spectacular. For photographers, Peru is truly the gift that keeps on giving and you will find inspiration at every turn.

Intriguing Cultures

Wherever you travel within Peru, the living culture here is both enchanting and intriguing. A blend of Hispanic and native traditions, you’ll find that Peru is deeply rooted in its rich heritage. Inherited from the Incas, Spanish conquistadors and immigrant settlers, Peru’s micro-cultures intertwine with the changing landscapes, and include about 47 indigenous languages being spoken here like Quechua and Aymara.

The incredible ancient civilizations their histories, and all of the amazing art and architecture are as fascinating as they are mysterious. With so many sites to see, you’ll either need to move here or make several trips to feel you’ve even scratched the surface and we only have some of the highlights here!

Peru Is For Foodies

Peru has also come into its own as a culinary destination. There is no shortage of great food here. You’ll find wonderful food stalls, excellent restaurants and plenty of celebrity chefs so, loosen those belt buckles and eat your way through Peru if you must!

Peru Has Something For Everyone

Whatever you seek from your travels, you should be able to find it in Peru. From backpacking bliss to over the top luxury, the range of accommodations is well covered and the infrastructure for getting around is quite good. Families with young children can also consider Peru to be an excellent choice for an amazing vacation. Without doubt, we believe you’ll enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the Peruvian people and fall in love with their friendly ways.

We hope you find enough travel inspiration here to get you packing, but if you need more ideas, we’ve got them!

Country Travel Guide

Language

Spanish, Quechua, Aymara & More

Currency

Nuevo sol / Sol

Population

32,971,854 in 2020

Capital

Lima

Time Zone

UTC - 5

Peru Is Easy To Travel To

Citizens of the United States will need a passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into Peru. A tourist visa is not currently required and tourists can stay up to 183 days without additional permissions. Ensure you have a minimum of one blank page in your passport for the visa stamp. When you enter the country, you will be given a Tourist Visa as a stamp in your passport that is valid for 30, 60, 90 or 183 days. It is up to you to advise the length of time you need and there is no additional fees.

Proof of onward travel out of Peru is required and you may be asked for this, so be prepared to show a return ticket for onward travel.

Useful Links

U.S. State Department on Peru

Peru’s National Superintendency of Migration (information for all nationalities).

List of All Nationalities & Entry Requirements

Travel In The Time Of Covid-19

The United States Embassy in Lima and/or the Peru’s Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism / a.k.a. PromPeru are the best places to find the most current information for traveling to and within Peru. Also check here : CDC Covid-19

Traveling With Children

If you are planning to travel with children under the age of 18, you should always ensure that you meet the entry requirements of the country. At this time, unless the child is a citizen or has dual citizenship that includes Peru, nothing other than a passport is required. That said, if both parents are not traveling together, a notarized letter and custody documents are a good idea to bring with you anyway. Information can be found on the U.S. State Department website.

(Updated 10/08/2020)

International Airlines

Domestic Airlines

Getting Around

Peru is quite easy to get around with a number of public and private transportation options.

Car Rentals; secure parking is advised.

Light Rail – From the airport, Lima’s Metropolitano offers and efficient, fast service to downtown.

The train is expensive and is geared toward tourists, it could be an amazing experience. There are a few trains to consider depending on your destination and level of comfort requirements.

IncaRail – Machu Picchu, Cusco, Poroy and Ollantaytambo. Limited schedules.

Peru Rail – Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno-Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and Urubamba with stops in Saracocha, Abra La Raya, Cusipata

FCCA – Lima, Huancayo (as of 8/8/2021 this website provides little to no info)

The bus is a great option for getting around inexpensively and is great for seeing more of the country and interacting with the locals.

Taxis are common in larger cities and towns and Uber is beginning to become more available in Lima.

Shared taxis are common in the provinces and a great way to get around when traveling further distances.

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Airports

LIM	Jorge Chávez International Airport	Lima
AQP	Rodríguez Ballón International Airport	Arequipa
CUZ	Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport	Cusco
JUL	Inca Manco Capac International Airport	Juliaca
IQT	Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport	Iquitos
PCL	Cap FAP David Abenzur Rengifo International Airport	Pucallpa
TPP	Cadete FAP Guillermo Del Castillo Paredes Airport	Tarapoto
AYP	Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport	Ayacucho
CJA	Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport	Cajamarca

Health Matters

There are several considerations for you when traveling in Peru. The CDC does make some recommendations for travelers and with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic you’ll want to make sure that familiarize yourself with the facts surrounding travel in Peru.

In addition to the global concerns of Covid-19, there is aslo high risk for malaria in some parts of the country. Perhaps the most common thing you will need to prepare for is altitude sickness. As to the precautions you should take concerning altitude sickness, the CDC does make some recommendations for travelers as well.

Latest Covid Update

As of November 1, 2021 the Peruvian Government has modified the requirements to enter the country. Travelers will be able to enter the country only with their complete Covid-19 vaccination certificate, applied at least 14 days before arrival.

In case of not being vaccinated, a negative PCR test is necessary (maximum 72 hours before traveling) and children under 12 years old only need to be asymptomatic to enter.

Useful Links

Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on Peru

CDC on Covid-19

CDC on Altitude Sickness

Acclimatize Safely

If you are planning on going to higher elevations in Peru, and most travelers are, one of the best things you can do is plan to spend enough time in Peru to acclimatize safely. Running through Peru like your hair is on fire is not the way to go and many travelers do the wrong thing here. The best thing to do is to not fly into a place like Cuzco right off the bat. Take the slower way in, by train or car and enjoy the gradual process of seeing more of this incredible destination or risk a couple of days where you just don’t feel so well. Cuzco is infact at a higher elevation than Machu Picchu.

Safety Matters

Travel Advisories

Like anywhere, traveling in Peru is not without risk. While the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory sounds quite alarming, the fact of the matter is Peru is high on the bucket list for many people and receives quite alot of tourism under normal travel conditions. Generally, most traveler’s stick to the beaten path and experience no issues.

Altitude Sickness Is Real

As to the precautions you should take concerning your health, the CDC does make some recommendations for travelers. There is a high risk for malaria in some parts of the country and altitude sickness is a very real concern. Depending on your tolerance levels, we do have several suggestions for how to acclimatize to the higher elevations you will likely encounter.

Trains Are An Awesome Way To Travel

One of the best things you can do is plan to spend enough time in Peru to acclimatize safely. The best thing to do is to not fly into Cuzco right off the bat and take the slow way in, by train or car. Running through Peru like your hair is on fire is not the way to go!

Health Matters

Latest Covid Update

In case of not being vaccinated, a negative PCR test is necessary (maximum 72 hours before traveling) and children under 12 years old only need to be asymptomatic to enter.

Useful Links

Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on Peru

CDC on Covid-19

CDC on Altitude Sickness

Acclimatize Safely

Safety Matters

Travel Advisories

Altitude Sickness Is Real

Trains Are An Awesome Way To Travel

A Few Tips...

10 Things To Do When Traveling In Peru

1 – Book accommodations, trains, and any Machu Picchu plans well in advance!

2 – Drink only bottled water and ensure that ice cubes are made from purified water.

3 – Go to Machu Picchu before Cusco to do your acclimatizing. Cusco is actually at a higher elevation.

4 – Plan your packing well! Peru has at least 28 different climates within its borders and you don’t want to be stuck without the proper clothing if you are planning on making your way through different parts of the country.

5 – In bigger places like Lima, take one of the free walking tours that are available.

6 – Make sure you have the proper shoes for your planned activities. Don’t be that tourist!

7 – Pack earplugs. Just do it.

8 – If you are a coffee lover, you will be thrilled to know the best coffee in the world—according to somebody, somewhere is Café de Las Nubes. It is only sold in Peru, so stock up!

9 – Reconsider having pictures taken with alpacas and llamas in the middle of cities. You will likely come across older Peruvian women in traditional costumes who are seeking tips. Quite often, these animals are mistreated and they are being exploited. There are plenty of free roaming animals that you will be able to photograph and encouraging the practice by paying is not suggested.

10 – Eat ceviche at lunchtime. The fish are caught daily and this is when the dish will be the freshest.

Places To Go & Things To Do In Peru

Lima

Your gateway into Peru is typically Lima and do your best to not cut your time too short here! You'll find amazing food, incredible architecture, museums, ruins, beaches and more! Traveler's favorites are the Plaza de Armas and the Convento de San Francisco. Another favorite thing to do to is to check out the Magic Water Circuit at the Parque de la Reserva which puts on a great light & waterfall show that is similiar to the Bellagio in Las Vegas. El Parque del Amor in Miraflores is a great place for colorful photos and scenic views.

Amazon River Cruise

A cruise on the Amazon and its tributaries is all about experiencing the wildlife and indigenous people who call this amazing ecosystem home. There are many cruises offered for a range of budgets. With two distinct seasons, wet and dry and both have their advantages, anytime might be the right time to go.

a jaguar relaxes on a fallen tree in the Amazon rainforest

Tambopata National Reserve

The Tambopata National Reserve is in the southeastern Madre de Dios region. The incredible biodiversity here includes 1,000 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals, around 600 species of birds, and hundreds of species of plants and trees.

girl standing before circle terraces at the Inca archaeological site of Moray in Peru

The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley a.k.a. the Urubamba Valley is a must see. With it's never ending spring like weather and a wealth of incredible places to visit like Sacsayhuaman, Moray and the famous Maras salt pools. You will no doubt wish you had more time here!

Cusco

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the historical city of Cusco is nestled high in the Andes and is the perfect place for acclimating and preparing for journeys to Machu Picchu and beyond. There is much to do here, so stay a few days!

Machu Picchu

Perched above the Sacred Valley, this 15th century citadel built by the Inca is Peru's most visited place. Getting on the 5:30 am bus is advised to avoid crowds and get your best photos—or better yet, trek there and enjoy a well deserved sunrise.

landscape with multicolored high altitude mountain range and tourists on a sunny, but cloudy day

Vinicunca - Rainbow Mountain

This incredibly beautiful mountain range in the Cusco region was covered in snow until just a few years ago. Not the easiest of excursions, preparing for a visit here is necessary. There is a long way and a short way—neither are a cake walk!

Spanish colonial architecture in bright colors of red, blue and white at Santa Catalina monastery

Arequipa

Both a region and a historic city, Arequipa is also known as The White City—with splashes of color as here at the Santa Catalina monastery. Famous for it's architecture, surrounding volcanos and mountain views, you will love this enchanting part of Peru.

Colca Canyon with terraced agriculture and mountains

Colca Valley

With it's pre-Inca roots, ancient stepped terraces, colorful towns, abundant nature, and thriving cultures, the Colca Valley a very popular destination in the Arequipa region and not to be missed. The Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest and the also the best place to spot the massive Andean Condor.

an oasis in the desert at Huacachina with colorfol paddle boats

Huacachina & Ica

The Ica desert has a lot to see and do like taking a dune buggy or going sand surfing around the Huacachina Oasis. Created by natural seepage from the underground aquifers, this small oasis has only around 100 permanent residents. Ica is also the best place to catch a plane to see the Nazca Lines which is the best way to see them and it's fairly inexpensive.

Paracas

Just an hour away from Ica, the area around Paracas makes for a great place to spend a few days to relax at the not so crowded beaches and adventuring into the desert. The Paracas National Reserve is here and it is also great for exploring the off shore islands.

hundreds of penguins on a rocky landscape against blue sky

Islas Ballestas

You don't have to go all the way to Antarctica to be one with the penguins. Take a boat from Paracas to see the amazing wildlife. There are around 160 different species of marine birds and also herds of sea lions.

a refreshing cocktail with ice, lime and grapes on a wooden table

Pisco

While you can enjoy a Pisco Sour anywhere in Peru, heading to Pisco in the Ica region is where the origins of this refreshing cocktail are. This is a great way to kick off your adventures and maybe you can help settle the disagreement with Chile over who really holds this claim to fame!

Áncash

The Cordillera Blanca mountain range is part of the Andes in the Ancash region north of Lima. Take a hike up to Laguna Churup and enjoy the incredible views.

a melting glacier in the mountains on a sunny day

Huascarán National Park

Pastoruri Glacier in the Huascarán National Park is also in the Áncash region. This is one of the last remaining glaciers in the tropical areas of South America, but it is melting, so go soon!

hillside with pre-inca tombs carved into it and surrounding valley

Cajamarca

Getting away from the well known destinations is the very best way to experience Peru. The Cajamarca region is absolutely beautiful with a wealth of places to see and things to do like visiting this necropolis known as Ventanillas de Otuzco, a pre-Inca site that dates back around 3,400 years!

ancient arch with human figures on hillside overlooking lake Titicaca

Puno & Lake Titicaca

The Puno region is where you will head to see Lake Titicaca. This is a fascinating and wonderful area of Peru to explore but, if you do not plan wisely, this could end up being an exercise in what not to do in Peru as the usual tourist traps tend to dissolve the real charm you can find here.

traditional houses on the river and canoes in Iquitos, Peru

Loreto Department

The Loreto Region is the largest department in Peru encompassing nearly one-third of its total territory. The main city here is Iquitos along the Itaya River and this is where most will come to begin their adventures into Peru's Amazon Rainforest. While the Andes gives birth to Amazon River and it is the main river associated to Loreto, the Itaya, Putumayo, Ucayali, Yavari, and Marañón Rivers are imporant tributaries.

Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve

Nor far from Iquitos, you will find such creatures as the Equatorial Saki and you'll want to learn about the all of the different Saki Monkeys here as it get's confusing. Aside from that, there are more than 500 other species of animals here and in setting a world record, these could all be found found in a three-quarter hectare area of the Reserve.

traditional home on stilts with thatched roof along the river in the Amazon rainforest

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Another one of Peru's amazing treasures in the Loreto region, the wildlife is abundant and it is considered to be one of the most bio diverse places on the planet. From spider monkeys to pink dolphins, this is an experience to not be missed.

Trujillo

Trujillo, on the coast in the north of Peru is an excellent base from which to explore. One day hit the beach and another visit some of Peru's oldest archaelogical sites—other days, explore a little further and get off the beaten paths!

Chan Chan

Around 620 years ago Chan Chan was the largest adobe city in the world. A huge complex of palaces and temples and incredible friezes adorning the structures are a sight to behold. It was built by the Chimú and was the capital of their civilization. Nearby and hundreds of years older is Huaca del Sol y de la Luna, meaning Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon.

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Places To Go & Things To Do In Peru

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Travel Motivations

Weather, what’s happening and what can you do when you get there?

Average Weather in Lima

Monthly Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

High – F°	79°	81°	80°	76°	72°	68°	67°	66°	66°	68°	71°	75°
Low – F°	67°	68°	67°	64°	62°	60°	59°	58°	58°	60°	62°	64°
Precipitation	0.7″	0″	0″	0″	0.4″	0″	0.1″	0″	0″	0″	0″	0.4″
Avg Rain/Snow Days	≤1	0	0	0	≤1	0	≤1	0	0	0	0	≤1

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Cusco

Monthly Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

High – F°	66°	67°	67°	68°	68°	67°	67°	68°	69°	70°	70°	68°
Low – F°	45°	45°	44°	42°	37°	33°	33°	35°	39°	42°	44°	44°
Precipitation	5.5″	4.1″	3.7″	1.8″	0.3″	0.5″	0.2″	0.4″	0.5″	1.8″	2.6″	4.1″
Avg Rain/Snow Days	16	13	13	7	1	1	≤1	3	8	8	9	13

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Arequipa

Monthly Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

High – F°	73°	73°	73°	75°	75°	74°	74°	75°	75°	75°	75°	75°
Low – F°	53°	53°	53°	51°	49°	48°	47°	48°	49°	50°	50°	52°
Precipitation	1.4″	1.3″	0.7″	0″	0.3″	0.4″	0″	0.3″	0″	0.1″	0.2″	0.2″
Avg Rain/Snow Days	4	5	3	0	≤1	≤1	0	≤1	0	≤1	≤1	≤1

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Iquitos

Monthly Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

High – F°	89°	90°	89°	89°	88°	88°	88°	89°	90°	90°	90°	89°
Low – F°	71°	71°	71°	71°	71°	70°	69°	69°	70°	71°	71°	71°
Precipitation	10.4″	9.3″	10.3″	12.2″	9.7″	6.9″	6.7″	7.6″	6.5″	8″	9.8″	10.1″
Avg Rain/Snow Days	14	13	15	6.9	14	12	12	12	10	11	13	13

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Pisco

Monthly Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

High – F°	82°	84°	83°	80°	75°	72°	70°	70°	71°	73°	75°	79°
Low – F°	67°	68°	67°	64°	60°	58°	57°	56°	57°	58°	60°	64°
Precipitation	0.1″	0.1″	0″	0″	0″	0.1″	0.2″	0″	0.3″	0″	0″	0″
Avg Rain/Snow Days	≤1	≤1	0	0	0	≤1	≤1	0	≤1	0	0	0

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Juliaca

Monthly Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

High – F°	63°	63°	63°	64°	64°	63°	62°	64°	65°	66°	67°	66°
Low – F°	40°	40°	39°	35°	29°	25°	24°	27°	32°	36°	38°	39°
Precipitation	4.9″	4.3″	3.1″	1.5″	0.1″	0″	0″	0.2″	1″	1.1″	2″	3″
Avg Rain/Snow Days	17	14	14	6	≤1	0	0	1	4	6	7	12

Source : NOAA

Average Weather In Chachapoyas

Monthly Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

High – F°	69°	68°	69°	69°	69°	69°	68°	69°	69°	70°	71°	70°
Low – F°	53°	53°	53°	54°	53°	51°	49°	50°	51°	53°	53°	53°
Precipitation	11.4″	12.2″	12.9″	9.2″	6.1″	3.8″	3.3″	3.3″	5.3″	10.1″	10″	10.4″
Avg Rain/Snow Days	20	19	21	20	19	16	15	16	18	20	18	19

Source : NOAA

Travel Motivations

Weather, what’s happening and what can you do when you get there?

Average Weather in Lima

AVG	H	L		Days
Jan	79°	67°	0.7″	≤1
Feb	81°	68°	0″	0
Mar	80°	67°	0″	0
Apr	76°	64°	0″	0
May	72°	62°	0.4″	≤1
Jun	68°	60°	0″	0
Jul	67°	59°	0.1″	≤1
Aug	66°	58°	0″	0
Sep	66°	58°	0″	0
Oct	68°	60°	0″	0
Nov	71°	62°	0″	0
Dec	75°	64°	0.4″	≤1

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Cusco

AVG	H	L		Days
Jan	66°	45°	5.5″	16
Feb	67°	45°	4.1″	13
Mar	67°	44°	3.7″	13
Apr	68°	42°	1.8″	7
May	68°	37°	0.3″	1
Jun	67°	33°	0″	1
Jul	67°	33°	0.2″	≤1
Aug	68°	35°	0.4″	3
Sep	69°	39°	0.5″	8
Oct	70°	42°	1.8″	8
Nov	70°	44°	2.6″	9
Dec	68°	44°	4.1″	13

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Arequipa

AVG	H	L		Days
Jan	73°	73°	1.4″	4
Feb	73°	53°	1.3″	5
Mar	73°	53°	0.7″	3
Apr	75°	51°	0″	0
May	75°	49°	0.3″	≤1
Jun	74°	48°	0.4″	≤1
Jul	74°	47°	0″	0
Aug	75°	48°	0.3″	≤1
Sep	75°	49°	0″	0
Oct	75°	50°	0.1″	≤1
Nov	75°	50°	0.2″	≤1
Dec	75°	52°	0.2″	≤1

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Iquitos

AVG	H	L		Days
Jan	89°	71°	10.4″	14
Feb	90°	71°	9.3″	13
Mar	89°	71°	10.3″	15
Apr	89°	71°	12.2″	6.9
May	88°	71°	9.7″	14
Jun	88°	70°	6.9″	12
Jul	88°	69°	6.7″	≤1
Aug	89°	69°	7.6″	12
Sep	90°	70°	6.5″	10
Oct	90°	71°	8″	11
Nov	90°	71°	9.8″	13
Dec	89°	71°	10.1″	13

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Pisco

AVG	H	L		Days
Jan	82°	67°	0.1″	≤1
Feb	84°	68°	0.1″	13
Mar	83°	67°	0″	0
Apr	80°	64°	0″	0
May	75°	60°	0″	0
Jun	72°	58°	0.1″	≤1
Jul	70°	57°	0.2″	≤1
Aug	70°	56°	0″	0
Sep	71°	57°	0.3″	≤1
Oct	73°	58°	0″	0
Nov	75°	60°	0″	0
Dec	79°	64°	0″	0

Source : NOAA

Average Weather in Juliaca

AVG	H	L		Days
Jan	63°	40°	4.9″	17
Feb	63°	40°	4.3″	≤1
Mar	63°	39°	3.1″	14
Apr	64°	35°	1.5″	6
May	64°	29°	0.1″	≤1
Jun	63°	25°	0″	0
Jul	62°	24°	0″	0
Aug	64°	27°	0.2″	1
Sep	65°	32°	1″	4
Oct	66°	36°	1.1″	0
Nov	67°	38°	7	0
Dec	66°	39°	3″	12

Source : NOAA

Average Weather In Chachapoyas

AVG	H	L		Days
Jan	69°	53°	11.4″	20
Feb	68°	53°	12.2″	19
Mar	69°	53°	12.9″	21
Apr	69°	54°	9.2″	20
May	69°	53°	6.1″	19
Jun	69°	51°	3.8″	16
Jul	68°	49°	3.3″	15
Aug	69°	50°	3.3″	16
Sep	69°	51°	5.3″	18
Oct	70°	53°	10.1″	20
Nov	71°	53°	10″	7
Dec	70°	53°	10.4″	19

Source : NOAA

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