Why Visit Peru?
Peru is an unforgettable destination in Latin America with rich history and diverse landscapes—stunning lagoons, endless dunes, and vibrant jungles.
While you could travel around Peru in a week, many travelers fall in love with this place and end up staying for months. The city that tends to “trap” visitors the most is Cusco.
How much time do you need for a trip to Peru? What’s the cost? Where are the best hostels and hotels? You’ll find answers to these questions and more in this guide!
Peru’s Rich History: From the Inca Empire to Modern Peru
Peru’s unique identity was shaped by the Inca Empire, which was later conquered by the Spaniards. However, Inca culture wasn’t entirely erased.
You’ll notice elements of Inca traditions, Quechua language, and syncretism (the blend of Catholicism and indigenous beliefs) throughout your trip. From street art to local festivals, these influences run deep in Peru’s identity.
I recommend talking to local guides to better understand the rich history of the Incan worldview. The Incas had unique beliefs about the natural world, symbolized by the snake, puma, and condor. Their reverence for nature and ritual warfare shaped their empire, even contributing to its downfall when the Spanish arrived.
While the Inca Empire may have fallen, the culture survived and continues to thrive in Peru today. By learning more about this culture, you’ll appreciate the country in a whole new light.
Best Itineraries for Exploring Peru: 1 Week to 3 Months
Peru offers a wide range of destinations, from the iconic Machu Picchu to lesser-known hidden gems. Here’s how to plan your trip, whether you’re staying for one week or several months.
One-Week Peru Itinerary
For a week-long visit, Cusco is the best starting point. Spend time exploring the city and its surroundings, including day trips to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain.
Add a stop at Huacachina or Paracas if time allows, and finish your trip in Lima (where you can take you flight home).
Long-Term Itineraries (Up to 3 Months)
Bolivia to Peru Route: Start your journey in Puno, then travel to Cusco with possible detours to Arequipa or Mancora on the coast.
Ecuador to Peru Route: Start at Mancora and travel south through Trujillo, Huaraz, and Cusco before ending in Lima.
3-Week Route: My personal itinerary included 8 days in Cusco, 4 days in Arequipa, 3 days in Huacachina, 2 days in Ayacucho, and 2 days in Lima.
Top Places to Visit in Peru:
Cusco
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is packed with history and adventure. You can embark on long treks like Salkantay or the Inca Trail, visit Machu Picchu, and take day trips to the Rainbow Mountain or Sacred Valley. In between, you’ll have time to explore the markets and food scene.
I recommend spending at least a week in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude and fully enjoy the city and its surroundings.
Huacachina
This man-made oasis surrounded by dunes is a must-see, but most travelers only stay a night or two.
Be sure to bring cash, as credit cards aren’t accepted and there are no ATMs.
Ayacucho
This town is mostly popular among local tourists and is known for the stunning turquoise pools of Millpu.
International travelers are rare here, so it’s a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Arequipa
Known as the “White City” (not because of its buildings), Arequipa is a relaxing destination with warm weather.
It’s the departure point for trekking in the Colca Valley and for watching condors soar through the skies.
Lima
Lima is a modern city that can be seen in a day, but it’s worth a stop for its great restaurants and street art in the Barranco neighborhood. It’s also perfect for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Huaraz
Huaraz is Peru’s trekking capital, offering day hikes like Laguna 69 or longer treks that span up to eight days. Arrive early to acclimate to the high altitude before starting any serious hiking.
Mancora
A beach town in northern Peru, Mancora is ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun, with plenty of beach parties to keep things lively.
Best Time to Visit Peru: Weather, Seasons, and What to Expect
When to Travel to Peru
Dry Season (April-November): Ideal for trekking, especially in cities like Cusco and Huaraz.
Wet Season (December-March): Many treks are closed, but you can still visit the southern areas like Huacachina.
Costs and Money in Peru
The cost of a trip to Peru can vary greatly, depending on how you travel. If you’re backpacking, you can stay in hostels for just 30 soles per night and eat at local markets for 5-10 soles per meal (expect rice, beans, and a protein).
But Peru is more than just a backpacker’s dream—it’s also a great destination for honeymoons or older travelers. The prices of upscale hotels and fine dining are just as appealing.
For ATM withdrawals, BCP is the most recommended bank, allowing withdrawals of up to 700 soles at a time. Some places in Cusco accept or prefer U.S. dollars.
Getting Around Peru: Flights, Buses, and Taxis
Getting from city to city in Peru is mostly done via night buses, though flights are also a budget-friendly option. Just be aware that not every city has an airport (like Huaraz).
Buses
There are tons of bus companies to choose from, but Cruz del Sur is a backpacker favorite. I also used Palomino (not as fancy, but it was my only option to get from Ica to Ayacucho) and Exclusiva, which is considered a more upscale choice.
For my trip, I opted for first-class seats on every bus ride, and the best value came from Cruz del Sur and Exclusiva, with their comfy 180-degree recliner seats. But don’t get too excited about a perfect night’s sleep—those Peruvian roads are seriously curvy! I was sliding around in my seat a lot, even in first class.
To see what each bus company offers in terms of seating and meals, check out websites like RedBus or Busbud for details, pictures, and ratings.
Buying a bus ticket: The best way to buy a ticket is either at the bus terminal (especially if you know your travel schedule) or through an agency in town. Some official bus company websites don’t always allow online purchases, so it’s good to have a backup plan.
When to book: For lower-class tickets, there’s usually space the day before the ride. But if you’re after first-class comfort, you should try to book a couple of days ahead, just to be safe.
Changing bus tickets: If you need to switch the date or make changes, it’s usually possible. I went to the terminal a day before and asked to change my ticket, and the staff was super helpful!
Flights
Flights in Peru can be as cheap as a bus ticket, so always check flight prices before booking a bus! But remember to factor in extra costs for luggage and taxis to the airport, which can be pricier than in-town rides.
Popular flight routes include Lima to Cusco (since it’s a 20-hour bus ride), as well as flights to Arequipa and Trujillo (especially if you’re heading to Huaraz or northern Peru).
Getting Around in Cities
In cities like Cusco, you can either walk or take a taxi—both are cheap. Just be ready to negotiate a little, but don’t haggle too hard. It’s their livelihood, after all. I mostly used taxis when I had to get to higher areas to avoid dealing with the altitude.
In Cusco, taxi rides across the city are about 5 soles, and Uber costs roughly the same. Long taxi or Uber rides are very affordable too, so if you want to visit a tourist spot on your own schedule, it’s a good option. For example, a nearly hour-long taxi ride to Salinas de Maras will set you back about 25 soles ($7).
In Ica and Huacachina, you’ll also find tuk-tuks, which are cheaper than taxis. Need to grab some cash? A tuk-tuk can take you to an ATM in Ica for around 5 soles each way.
In Lima and other big cities, Uber and InDriver work great. I often took UberPool to save a bit of money.
Best Accommodation in Peru: From Hostels to Upscale Stays
Whether you’re a budget backpacker or looking for something a bit more upscale, Peru has a range of accommodation options to suit your style. From cozy dorms to boutique hostels, you’ll find plenty of choices.
The country is home to several hostel chains that cater to different types of travelers. From budget dorms to boutique hostels and private suites, here’s what you need to know:
Selina Chain
If you’re looking for a mix of comfort and style, Selina hostels are the perfect choice. I was fortunate enough to collaborate with the Selina chain, staying in several of their boutique hostels across Peru.
What does this mean? Well, Selina is designed with backpackers in mind, offering upscale dorms but also private rooms and even suites for those willing to spend a bit more. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or even as a family, Selina’s got you covered.
All Selina locations are designed with digital nomads in mind, offering excellent Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and common areas to meet like-minded travelers. If you’re planning to work while traveling or just want a more comfortable stay, Selina is highly recommended.
Wild Rover Hostels
For solo travelers or those looking to experience Peru’s party scene, Wild Rover hostels are the go-to option. This chain of party hostels offers a lively atmosphere, making it a great choice if you’re looking to meet new people and have a good time. The rooms are simple dorms, perfect for budget travelers, but keep in mind that Wild Rover is all about the social vibe.
If you’re in Cusco, another party hostel worth checking out is Loki Hostel, located right next to Wild Rover. Similar in atmosphere, Loki is known for its events and social atmosphere, making it another solid option for fun-loving travelers.
For more recommendations on where to stay, check out our full guide to hostels and hotels in Peru.
