Ready for your dream Peru vacation? From the desert dunes of Huacachina to the Incan trails of Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, this guide outlines the ultimate Peru itinerary.
These easy-to-use and curated itineraries help you find the best things to do in Peru—featuring ancient ruins, mountain treks, world-class food, sacred valleys, and jungle wildlife.
Want to make your Peru trip even more special? Learn basic Spanish or Quechua before you go
- Machu Picchu: Peru’s crown jewel—a misty, mountaintop Inca citadel that stuns with ancient mystery and dramatic views.
- Cusco: A vibrant blend of Inca and colonial history with cobbled streets, colorful markets, and gateway status to the Sacred Valley.
- Lima: The coastal capital is a foodie paradise—cliffside views, buzzing nightlife, and some of South America’s best restaurants.
- Sacred Valley: Fertile and sacred, this Andean valley is packed with ancient ruins, artisan towns, and breathtaking scenery.
- Arequipa: The “White City” is framed by volcanoes and known for its elegant architecture, spicy cuisine, and rich colonial vibe.
- Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world, home to floating Uros Islands and deep indigenous traditions.
- Nazca: Fly above the mysterious geoglyphs carved into the desert sands—aliens or ancient genius? You decide.
- Paracas: A coastal escape with golden beaches, the Ballestas Islands (Peru’s mini-Galápagos), and adventure on land and sea.
- Huacachina: A surreal desert oasis with dune buggies, sandboarding, and palm-lined lagoon vibes.
- Huaraz: Peru’s trekking capital—ice-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and a gateway to the epic Cordillera Blanca.
- Puno: The folkloric capital of Peru with colorful festivals and easy access to Lake Titicaca and its island cultures.
- Iquitos: Deep in the Amazon jungle, this river city offers wild biodiversity, pink dolphins, and unique eco-lodges.
- Trujillo: A northern coastal city with colonial flair and ancient Moche and Chimu ruins like Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna.
- Chiclayo: Known for the Lord of Sipán discovery, this city offers archaeology, vibrant markets, and coastal energy.
💡 Peru Tips
- Carry cash in soles: Peru’s official currency is the Peruvian sol. Cards are accepted in cities, but cash is necessary for markets, small towns, and taxis.
- Tipping is customary: Leave 10% at restaurants if service isn’t included. Tip porters, guides, and drivers for good service.
- Book popular treks early: Treks like the Inca Trail require permits that sell out months in advance — plan well ahead.
- Beware of altitude sickness: In Cusco, Puno, and the Andes, take it easy the first day, stay hydrated, and try coca tea for relief.
- Use official taxis or apps: Avoid hailing taxis on the street — use apps like Beat or Uber in cities, and agree on a fare in advance when needed.
- Tap water isn’t safe to drink: Use bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s purified.
- Public transport is cheap but crowded: Buses are the main form of travel. For long distances, choose reputable companies like Cruz del Sur or Oltursa.
- Peru has multiple climates: Pack for coastal warmth, high-altitude cold, and jungle humidity if you’re visiting diverse regions.
- Sundays are slower-paced: Markets and restaurants may close early, especially in small towns.
- Spanish is the main language: English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Spanish phrases goes a long way.
- Haggle in markets: Bargaining is normal in local markets — start lower and negotiate with a smile.
- Eat like a local: Street food and market stalls offer authentic, delicious meals — just choose busy vendors with high turnover.
🇵🇪 Peru Menu
- Ceviche (Lima & Coast): Raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili, and onions — fresh, tangy, and Peru’s most iconic dish.
- Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, onions, and soy sauce served with fries and rice — a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors.
- Aji de Gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy yellow chili sauce served with rice and potatoes — rich, comforting, and mildly spicy.
- Anticuchos: Grilled skewers of marinated beef heart (or other meats) — smoky, spicy, and sold by street vendors across the country.
- Pollo a la Brasa: Rotisserie chicken seasoned with herbs and spices, served with fries and salad — Peru’s favorite fast food.
- Causa Limeña (Lima): Layers of mashed yellow potatoes mixed with lime and chili, filled with tuna, chicken, or avocado — cold, colorful, and refreshing.
- Papa a la Huancaína: Boiled potatoes topped with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce made from aji amarillo and queso fresco — often served as an appetizer.
- Rocoto Relleno (Arequipa): Spicy red peppers stuffed with beef, vegetables, and cheese, then baked — bold and flavorful.
- Tacu Tacu: A crispy rice-and-bean pancake often topped with steak, seafood, or fried egg — born from leftovers, now a culinary star.
- Chifa: Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine — dishes like arroz chaufa (fried rice) and tallarín saltado (stir-fried noodles) are staples in every city.
- Cuy Chactado (Andes): Guinea pig seasoned and deep-fried until crispy — a traditional highland delicacy.
- Juane (Amazon Region): Rice, chicken, olives, and spices wrapped in bijao leaves and steamed — eaten during festivals and common in jungle areas.
- Leche de Tigre: The citrusy marinade left over from ceviche, often served in a shot glass — spicy, sour, and believed to be a hangover cure.
- Picarones: Ring-shaped fritters made with squash and sweet potato, served with spiced syrup — a sweet street food treat.
- Mazmorra Morada: A purple corn pudding with fruit and spices — often eaten alongside arroz con leche (rice pudding).
- Chicha Morada: A non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, pineapple, and spices — sweet, refreshing, and widely enjoyed.
- Pisco Sour: Peru’s national cocktail — pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, egg white, and bitters shaken into a frothy, citrusy drink.
📅 Peru Calendar
- Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria (February, Puno): Ten days of colorful dance, music, and religious devotion
- Carnaval (February/March, Nationwide): Water fights, parades, and traditional costumes
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) (March/April, Ayacucho & Cusco): Processions and street carpets of flowers and sawdust
- Corpus Christi (June, Cusco): Colonial and Indigenous blend of faith, saints, and street festivals
- Inti Raymi (June 24, Cusco): Incan Festival of the Sun with full-costume reenactments and music
- Pisco Day (Fourth Sunday of July, Ica & Lima): Celebrate Peru’s national spirit with tastings and music
- National Day of Peru (July 28–29, Nationwide): Parades, concerts, fireworks, and patriotic celebrations
- Señor de los Milagros Processions (October, Lima): One of Latin America’s largest religious events
- Puno Week (November, Lake Titicaca): Uros boat parades and traditional Andean celebrations
- Christmas & New Year’s (December, Nationwide): Fireworks, feasts, and Andean folk traditions