Peru Travel Guide

What is Peru known for?

Peru is known as the Land of the Incas and offers travelers ancient archaeological sites, indigenous cultures, exceptional cuisine, colorful markets and spectacular natural landscapes.

From Machu Picchu in the Andes and the mysterious Nazca Lines to the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca and the cultural attractions of Lima, Peru reflects thousands of years of history through architecture, traditions, food and festivals.

What are the best places to visit in Peru?

Peru offers a remarkable variety of destinations ranging from famous archaeological sites and historic cities to mountain valleys, rainforest, deserts and high-altitude lakes.

• Machu Picchu for iconic Inca ruins and mountain scenery
• Cusco for Inca heritage, colonial architecture and markets
• Lima for museums, historic districts and celebrated cuisine
• Sacred Valley for villages, archaeological sites and Andean landscapes
• Lake Titicaca for high-altitude scenery and traditional communities
• Peruvian Amazon for wildlife, rainforest and river experiences

How many days should I spend in Peru?

We recommend approximately 7-10 days depending on what you want to see and do. Peru covers a large area and includes mountainous terrain, so itineraries combining several regions require enough time for transportation and acclimatization.

Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, hotels, transportation and activities included in each destination.

What is the best way to get around Peru?

Transportation options vary according to the region. Peru’s mountain terrain and long distances make air travel, buses, private transfers and selected train routes useful for different parts of the country.

What currency is used in Peru?

Peru uses the Peruvian sol. Travelers can exchange U.S. dollars and withdraw local currency from ATMs in many cities and towns. It is advisable to notify banks and credit card providers before international travel.

What language is spoken in Peru?

Spanish is the predominant language throughout Peru. English may be spoken at hotels and in major tourist areas, but travelers should not expect it everywhere. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can make traveling easier.

When is the best time to visit Peru?

Peru can be visited throughout the year. The country generally experiences a dry season from May through October and a wetter period from November through March, although conditions vary considerably between the Andes, Amazon and coastal regions.

The dry season brings sunny days and clear skies throughout much of the Andes and is one of the most popular periods for Machu Picchu, hiking and Lake Titicaca. High-season trips should be booked well in advance.

Is tipping customary in Peru?

Peru is not considered a heavy tipping culture, but gratuities are appreciated in selected restaurants, hotels, guided tours and situations where travelers receive particularly good service.

Should I use U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles?

Peru uses the Peruvian sol. Travelers should keep local currency available, especially in rural areas, and exchange U.S. dollars when necessary after arrival.

Cash can be useful for gratuities and smaller services. Travelers should keep receipts when paying for services and should not feel obligated to tip when service is poor.