Peru Travel Guide
From the stone terraces of Machu Picchu to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru layers three thousand years of civilization onto some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
- Machu Picchu
- Amazon rainforest
- Andean peaks
Peru, frame by frame
A glimpse of the landscapes and details that define a journey through Peru.
Three countries in one
Peru resists easy categorization. Its coastline holds colonial cities and desert oases; its highlands cradle Inca fortresses and llama-dotted plateaus above 4,000 meters; its eastern half dissolves into unbroken Amazon canopy. Traveling here means moving between these worlds within days, often within hours, each with its own food, dialect, and rhythm.
- → Cusco's cobbled streets built directly atop Inca stonework
- → Terraced valleys where farming methods predate the Spanish conquest
- → Amazon lodges reachable only by riverboat
- → Markets stacked with dozens of native potato and corn varieties
“A country where the past is not behind you, it is underfoot.”
Teekonda small-group feelWhen to go, season by season
Peru's climate splits by region rather than by a single national pattern. The Andes run on a dry-wet cycle tied to altitude, the coast stays arid and mild year-round, and the Amazon basin is consistently hot and humid with its own distinct wet season.
Spring · September to November Recommended
Shoulder season in the highlands brings fewer crowds, wildflowers along the Inca Trail, and reliably clear trekking weather before the rains return.
Summer · December to February
The Andean wet season; trails can turn muddy and some routes to Machu Picchu close for maintenance, though the coast enjoys its warmest, sunniest stretch.
Autumn · March to May
Rains taper off in the highlands and the countryside is lush and green, making this a quieter alternative to the peak dry-season crowds.
Winter · June to August
Peak dry season in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, with cold nights but consistently blue skies, making it the busiest and most reliable time for the Inca Trail.
Choosing your base
Where to base yourself depends on whether the trip centers on ruins, altitude acclimatization, or jungle access, and most itineraries combine at least two of these bases in sequence.
Cusco
The former Inca capital sits at over 3,400 meters and serves as the launch point for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with colonial plazas built directly over Inca foundations.
Sacred Valley
Lower in altitude and gentler on new arrivals, towns like Pisac and Ollantaytambo offer easier acclimatization alongside their own significant ruins and weekend markets.
Puerto Maldonado
The gateway to the southern Amazon, where riverboat transfers lead to jungle lodges built for wildlife watching along the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers.
What to eat
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice with chili and onion, considered Peru's signature dish and best eaten at midday when the fish is freshest.
Lomo Saltado
A stir-fry of marinated beef, tomatoes, and onions served over fries and rice, reflecting the country's Chinese-Peruvian culinary fusion.
Aji de Gallina
Shredded chicken in a creamy yellow chili sauce made with bread, walnuts, and cheese, typically served over rice with olives and boiled egg.
Causa Rellena
Layered mashed potato seasoned with yellow chili and lime, filled with chicken, tuna, or avocado, served cold as an appetizer.
Anticuchos
Skewers of marinated beef heart grilled over open coals, a popular street food often sold from carts in the evening.
Rocoto Relleno
A spicy stuffed pepper from Arequipa filled with seasoned beef, egg, and cheese, then baked until golden.
Papa a la Huancaina
Sliced boiled potatoes covered in a mild cheese and chili sauce, served cold over lettuce as a classic starter.
Cuy
Roasted or fried guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish served whole and typically reserved for celebrations in highland communities.
Pachamanca
Meat, potatoes, and corn slow-cooked underground on heated stones, an ancient Andean cooking method still used for special occasions.
Chupe de Camarones
A hearty shrimp chowder from the southern coast, thickened with milk, potatoes, and a touch of chili.
Tacacho con Cecina
Mashed fried plantain formed into balls and served with smoked, salted pork, a staple dish from the Amazon region.
Suspiro a la Limena
A layered dessert of caramelized condensed milk topped with meringue flavored with port wine.
Pisco Sour
Peru's national cocktail, made from grape brandy shaken with lime, egg white, and bitters until frothy.
Chicha Morada
A non-alcoholic drink brewed from purple corn, pineapple, and spices, served chilled as a everyday refreshment.
Did you know?
A handful of facts and stories that add context to Peru's landscapes and long history.
Home to more than 3,000 potato varieties
The Nazca Lines are only fully visible from above
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world
Cusco was built in the shape of a puma
Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until 1911
Peru has over 90 microclimates
Quechua remains a living language
The Amazon rainforest covers nearly 60 percent of the country
Alpaca and vicuna fiber is prized worldwide
Ceviche has its own national holiday
Caral predates the pyramids of Egypt
The Inca Empire rose quickly and fell just as fast
Francisco Pizarro captured Atahualpa in 1532
Lima became the seat of Spanish power in South America
Tupac Amaru II led a major indigenous uprising
Independence came in 1821, but full sovereignty took longer
The War of the Pacific reshaped Peru's borders
Hiram Bingham's 1911 expedition brought global attention
Peru endured a period of internal conflict in the 1980s and 1990s
A culinary boom redefined national identity in the 2000s
Before you go
Most visitors from the US, Canada, EU, and UK can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days with a passport valid for at least six months.
Domestic flights connect Lima to Cusco and jungle gateways quickly, while trains and organized transfers cover the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu corridor.
Coverage is reliable in cities and Cusco but drops off significantly in the Amazon and at high-altitude trekking sites, so plan for offline stretches.
Cash is preferred outside major hotels and restaurants; a 10 percent tip is customary for guides, drivers, and restaurant service where a charge is not already included.
Entry requirements can change, so always confirm current visa and passport rules with official government sources before you travel.
Build in at least two nights in the Sacred Valley before heading up to Cusco itself. Arriving at lower altitude first gives your body a gentler introduction to the thin air, and it means you will reach the Inca capital already acclimatized rather than losing your first day there to headaches.
Common questions
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
How do I deal with altitude sickness in Cusco?
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Interested in Peru with Teekonda?
Let us help you build an itinerary that balances Inca history, Andean altitude, and Amazon adventure at the right pace.
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