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Peru Tourism - Overview

Peru is a South American country situated in the western part of the continent. It is bordered by five neighbouring countries – namely Ecuador in the northwest, Chile in the south, Columbia in the northeast, Brazil in the east, and Bolivia in the southeast. The west side of the country faces the vast Pacific ocean.

Over the decades, Peru's tourism has marked its special place on the globe with several UNESCO world heritage sites. Machu Picchu, for instance, has been attracting tourists from all over the world for its marvellous architecture and incredible history.

Other than that, Peru also gives travellers a chance to witness the glory of the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest. In 2020, Peru tourism recorded a total of one million tourists – clear proof of the country's popularity and fame.

History of Peru

The history of Peru is vast, mysterious, and ancient. It is believed that the earliest inhabitants arrived here about 15,000 years ago, and since then, the country has emerged as one of the fascinating places where ancient civilizations thrived. We cannot include all the details but have tried to offer a brief history of Peru so that travellers can get an understanding of how important the country is. You can also buy a Peru tourism guide to get a detailed knowledge of Peru's history. It will also help you admire the stories and tales behind the famous historical landmarks in Peru.

Peru traces its history back to as early as the eighth millennium B.C. when human habitation was found. The Chavin and Sechin are the best-known of these early civilizations, as they left behind advanced stone carvings of religious iconography. After them, the second wave of civilization brought the Paracas and the Saliner. It is from the Paracas that the mysterious Nazca people emerged and created the incredible Nazca lines.

The history of Peru then saw the rise of the mighty Inca in Cusco in the mid-1400s. Their expansion was fast and magnificent. In fact, during the Inca empire, Cusco became the wealthiest city in all Americas. But it all started to change after Francisco Pizarro – a Spanish conquistador – landed on the Pacific shores of the Ecuadorian region in 1532. It coincided with the end of a destabilizing civil war between two Incan rulers. For years, there was war, at the end of which the Incas lost, and Spanish rule began.

Peru remained under Spanish rule for several centuries before becoming independent in 1821. Peru is a presidential representative democratic republic with a multi-party system. It enjoys high economic growth and is also a centre of attraction due to its incredible heritage and landscape.

How To Reach Peru?

Peru is easily accessible from different parts of the world and has excellent air, land, and water connectivity.

By Air

The major airports of Peru are Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco and RodrÍguez Ball International Airport in Arequipa. All these airports have direct and connecting flights from Europe, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, etc. The major airlines include American Airlines, Delta, Lan, Iberia, Lan Peru, JetBlue, United, Taca, Copa and more. You can also get domestic flights to fly within the country.

By Water

Several rides take you way up the Amazon from the three-way frontier between Brazil, Colombia and Peru to Iquitos. The journey can last from 12 hours to 3 days, depending on your cruise type. If you are travelling from a neighbouring country like Brazil or Columbia, you can also reach Peru via boat.

By Bus

You can also take bus routes to reach Peru. Regular buses are available from Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Chile. Brazil is just 2-3 hours away via road if you take the drive directly into Peru via Puerto Maldonado on the new Transoceanic Highway. From Ecuador, there are two routes – both of them famous for the idyllic coastal trip. Bolivia's bus route will take you to southern Peru. You can choose to stay at Lake Titicaca or Puno or go straight to Cusco. As for Chile, you can get an easy bus ride across the southern border from Arica to Tacna. Both of these cities have good connections with Lima and Arequipa.

Getting Around in Peru

Travelling in Peru is sufficiently good but not great due to the great distances between the places. Thus, most tourists prefer domestic flights to reach other Peruvian cities. The major locations are just 2-hour away from Lima. However, if you want a budget trip, the next best way to travel in Peru is by bus. The routes will take you almost anywhere if you keep the schedule and timing in mind. Peru's train journeys are also popular for their spectacular routes. But since they move slowly, expect to reach the location a little late. There are no major boat services, but you can find them in Lake Titicaca.

The traffic is tricky in the cities, but outside the city, you will find it a delight to drive in Peru. Some tourists also prefer renting a car to explore Peru at their own pace. There are several rental offices in Lima. You can also book a car online in advance. Taxis are also available if you are not a driver or don't feel confident in driving across new terrain.

There is one more way to travel short distances in Peru. It is called a motor taxi. They are available in rural areas and charge way less for short rides. You can also get a shared taxi called Colectivos that connects all coastal towns and many of the larger mountain centres. They are faster than buses, though quite expensive.

Geography and Climate of Peru

There is no exact way to determine Peru's average temperature since the climate of Peru varies according to the different areas and altitudes. You will find varied environments and climates from the desert coast to the Amazon basin. In broader terms, there are three main climatic regions in Peru:

1. The coastal region named costa in Peru with an arid climate

2. The Andean highlands called the sierra, with a mountain climate

3. The Amazon rainforest called Selva with a tropical climate

Each of these regions witnesses changes in weather and temperature quite differently. Let's take a look at how:

• The Coastal Region

This region covers 12% of the Peruvian territory and extends along the Pacific Ocean coast. Barren and sandy deserts, stunning beaches, and fertile land at the Andean Highlands' foothills mark Peru's geography in this region. Now, coming to the climate, the arid climate makes this region quite dry and hot all year round. The temperature may reach 45 C (110 F) from December through April, which makes it a good time to visit this area. Winter months start from May till October when the temperature is mild and humid.

Geography and Climate of Peru

• The Andean Highlands

As you move further inside Peru towards the Andes, you will experience a significant change in the climate. The region is colder due to high altitudes. This region has two seasons wet and dry. The dry season starts in May and ends in October, while the wet season ends in November and April. During the dry season, Peru's temperature can reach 32°C or higher with cold nights. As for the wet season, the temperature can reach 24°C. You can also experience snow in the wet season in areas such as Rainbow Mountain, which makes the trek quite difficult and dangerous.

• The Amazon Rainforest

Finally, the eastern area of Peru is covered by la Selva or the Peruvian part of the Amazon rainforest. The climate here is quite humid and hot, and it keeps on increasing from December through March or the wet season. Peru's average temperature in this region during the day is 30-32° C (85-90° F), while nights can cool down to 20° C (68° F). But usually, this area remains hot and humid all year round.

Best Time to Visit Peru

The best time to visit Peru basically depends on the region you are travelling to. For instance, the coastal region has a warm and sunny summer from December to April, but this is certainly not a great time to o travel to the Andean highlands, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, because it is the wet/rainy season. Similarly, you can visit the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest during June and August, but this period is not ideal for visiting the coastal region as it will be foggy and damp.

After keeping everything in check, it is suggested that the dry season is the best time to visit Peru as there is no rain and the weather is also amazing. However, since it is peak time, expect higher prices and many tourists, particularly at famous tourist attractions like Machu Picchu.

The wet season is good for those who want to enjoy Peru's attractions without any crowds on a lower budget. But then, they have to face lots of rain and harsh weather.

Places To See In Peru

Peru's history and dramatic landscapes have become a popular tourist attraction worldwide. People who have visited the country admit that Peru has something for everyone. So whether a person loves beaches or the mountains, they can get the best experience of each by visiting the famous places in Peru.

Below, we have scoured some of Peru's best places to visit. Take a look!

Top Places To Visit In Peru

1. Machu Picchu

If there is one destination whose name is synonymous with Peru, it is none other than Machu Picchu. This is the place of iconic ruins of an Inca citadel. This 15th-century Inca citadel is located at the top of the Andes Mountains of Peru, just above the famous Urubamba river. It is known for its intriguing architecture that marks the sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar.

Some of the popular structures are the Temple of the Moon, Huayna Picchu, Sayacmarca, and Putucusi. Due to the ancient structures, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

2. Nazca

Nazca tops the list of Peru tourist attractions for history lovers. The place gives a mesmerizing experience that leaves you astonished and curious. It is located on the southern coast and is the largest town in Nazca Province. It is believed that the name "Nazca" comes from the culture of Nazca that flourished in the region during the span of 100 BC and 800 AD.

It is world-renowned for the Nazca Lines - ancient geoglyphs etched into the hard desert floor. There are plenty of theories behind it. Some say there were sacred roads, while some called it "the world's largest astronomical book."

3. Lima

Lima is a must-visit place in Peru since it is the capital. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín Rivers, around the arid Pacific coast of Peru. The city has stunning architecture and infrastructure. Those who visit Peru often land at Peru as the beginning point. One of the largest cities in South America, Lima is bustling with colonial buildings, museums, bars, and restaurants. The city boasts of world-renowned chefs such as Gastón Acurio and Virgilio Martínez and is home to the Central and Maido, which rank in the top 10 of the World's 50 Best Restaurants. If you are a food lover, Lima is no less than a paradise for you.

The nightlife of Lima is also famous among youngsters. A few of the places one should definitely explore in Lima are Lima Main Square, Museo Larco, Circuito Magico Del Agua, and Huaca Pucllana.

Places To See In Peru

4. Cusco

Cusco was once considered to be Inca Empire's capital. That is why it is home to several archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Cusco lies amidst the mountains of the Andes and serves as a base o explore the nearby Inca destinations, like the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

The megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman is also situated near Cusco, from where you can gaze down on the Cusco's red-tiled roofs. Some of the popular spots are the Inca complex, Coricancha, 17th-century Cusco Cathedral, and the vibrant Plaza de Armas. Not many people know, but Cusco is also famous for its exotic and abundant vegetation. No doubt, the Incas chose this region to build Machu Picchu here.

5. Maras

Situated just 40 kilometres away from Cusco, Maras is known for the Maras Salt Mines. Thousands of individual salt pools on a hillside date back to Incan times. It is believed that over 5,000 salt ponds are created by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream. The ponds were strategically dug into the mountainside and are still being mined by the local families for their special, beloved Peruvian pink salt.

Most people visit these ponds as a part of their road trip, as the trails to the Maras are picturesque with the snow-capped Urubamba mountain range. Maras are also home to the Moray Archaeological Complex, which consists of several terraced circular depressions. It is believed that these might be agricultural terraces constructed during the Inca rule.

6. Mancora

Peru is not just about the ancient ruins and architecture, tourists also visit it to enjoy some of the best beaches in South America. Mancora beach is one such place that surfers love.

It is located in a town of the same name in the region of Piura. It is lined with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants. You can spend quality time with your family or partner while enjoying the turquoise waves at the beach. People also visit Mancora for water activities such as surfing and swimming.

Places To See In Peru

7. Paracas National Reserve

Another Peru tourist spot that is popular is the Paracas National Reserve. It is located in the Ica region of Peru and is home to many migratory birds and wild animals.

It was established in 1975 and consists of 827,800 acres (335,000 hectares) of coastal desert, a few islands, and surrounding marine habitats. You can find 65 archaeological sites in this reserve. It also sustains an impressive number and variety of animals, including whales, dolphins, Humboldt penguins, orcas, and leatherback and hawksbill turtles. In addition, the reserve also has stunning beaches with redding shores.

8. Colca Canyon

An undoubtedly mesmerizing and wonderful tourist spot, Colca Canyon should be on your Peru itinerary. It is the world's second-most canyon, with a depth of about 1000 - 2000 m (3300 - 6600 ft). This is the reason, it comes third in Peru vacation spots.

The canyon also has some intriguing remnants of the Incan empire. Besides, the nearby Colca valley is inhabited by people of the Collagua and the Cabana cultures. You can visit their villages to experience their unique culture and traditions. You can also shop craft material as Colca is known for goods knitted from baby alpaca fibre and a unique form of embroidery that adorns skirts (polleras), vests, hats, etc.,

9. Manu Rainforest

Manu Rainforest is your ticket to witness the grandeur of the Amazon Rainforest. One of the largest p/rotected areas in the world, it was established on 19 May 1973 during the dictatorship of General Juan Velasco. It consists of much of the Peruvian Amazon's greatest flora and fauna. You can watch colourful macaws, Tyra, tapir, and river otters easily. If you are lucky, you can even see jaguars and white-tailed deer.

As for the plants, there are more than 4385 identified species of plant and 250 tree species in one hectare. There is also a "Manu Mystery Plant,". It is a small tree with tiny white flowers and bright orange fruit.

Due to the diverse and rich flora and fauna, it was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977. Later, in 1987, it was also recognized as a World Heritage Site. In simple words, this forest is nothing less than a paradise on earth for nature admirers.

Things To Do In Peru

When it comes to the things to do in Peru, you will find your list filled with some of the best adventurous and thrilling activities. From hiking to river rafting, tourists can indulge in a range of activities.

Some of the top things to do in Peru are as follows:

• Hiking

Hiking in Peru brings you a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you get the chance to trace gorgeous routes that pass through local villages built from stone. The hikes are also quite diverse. While you get the chance to see the rainbow-coloured mountain, you can also plan to watch the world's second-deepest canyon. In short, hiking in Peru is a must if you are an adventure lover.

Here are some of the iconic hikes in Peru where you can enjoy scenic mountains and valleys:

Cordillera Blanca
Rainbow Mountain
Machu Picchu
Inca Trail
The Choquequirao Trek
Salkantay Trek
Colca Canyon
Laguna 69

Things To Do In Peru

• Sandboarding

Huacachina is the place you should head to for sandboarding in Peru. It is a natural oasis and the only desert oasis in South America. This is the reason why people head to Huacachina for sandboarding.

Plenty of tour operators organize sandboarding activities in Peru with the required safety gear and training. As for tips, it is recommended to wear sunscreen and comfortable clothes since the weather is too hot and humid.

• Dune Buggy Tour

Dune Buggy Tour is one of the most fun things to do in Peru. The ride takes you through the gigantic dunes of the Peruvian desert, where you wander up and down, feeling the thrill of the speed. It is often clubbed with a sandboard at Huacachina.

It is suggested that sunset is the best time to go for a dune buggy tour since you get the thrill and beautiful views of the desert. As difficult as it may sound, the dune buggy tour is highly safe and can be enjoyed by people of all ages – including kids, teenagers, and adults.

• Paragliding

Over the past few years, paragliding has become quite popular in Peru, which has led to plenty of new sites for activities. Miraflores, for instance, has turned out to be the hot spot for paragliding. You can take off from the magnificent cliffs and enjoy a breathtaking view of Lima and the coastal landscapes.

Other than Miraflores, Pachacamac is also a top place for paragliding due to its extreme height. The entire flight lasts for 20-25 minutes, giving you an ultimate adrenaline rush. Sacred Valley is another place tourists can try to experience amazing views of the valley landscape, gorgeous mountain ranges and the famous Huaypo Lagoon.

Things To Do In Peru

• White Water Rafting

White water rafting in Peru is both exhilarating and spectacular. The rivers take you through high streams with powerful gush making their way through forests and beautiful valleys. It is touted as one of the best adventurous activities to do in Peru. And since the country is blessed with numerous rivers, tourists can go for white river rafting in different parts of the country.

Below are some of the best places for river rafting places Peru:

Chili River in Arequipa	Urubamba River in Cusco	Mayo River in Tarapoto	Tambopata River in Puno
Cañete River in Lunahuaná	Apurímac River in Cusco	Cotahuasi River in Arequipa

• Amazon River Cruise

What could possibly be better than the Amazon river cruise when it comes to the most unique things to do in Peru? This extraordinary trip will give you a deeper glance into the world's largest rainforest while enjoying luxurious and comfortable transportation.

The cruise begins from Rio Amazonas – the great waterways that originates from the foothills of the Andes mountains in Peru and flows east on a 4,000-mile course towards the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists can witness playful pink river dolphins and even a rare glimpse of the Amazonian manatee during this adventurous navigation through the beautiful Amazonian wilderness.

• Wine Tour

Not many people know, but wine tours of Peru are absolutely charming. Viticulture in the country started way back in the 16th century due to the Spanish. Since then, the culture has been growing, and now the locals have developed their winemaking techniques and expanded their vineyard lands. You can taste the best wines at the authentic vineyards. Some of the Peruvian wineries will also amaze you with their charming facilities and beautiful cellars. A few of them still use the ancient Inca barrels to age the wines. To make the most of a wine tour, we suggest you pair it with local cuisine.

Places To Stay In Peru

Before planning the itinerary, it is good to research about the accommodation in Peru. Since it is a popular tourist country, Peru is known to have diverse stay options. So be it an expensive suit in a 5-star hotel or a budget hostel dorm, you can find it all. Make sure you find out the best area to stay in Peru so that travelling is easier and you can also stay safe.

Now, there are hundreds of coolest places to stay in Peru, but we have jotted below some of the essential ones. We have also shared the list of the best cities to stay in Peru. Take a look and choose according to your needs:

Best Cities To Stay In Peru

Cuzco
Lima
Huanchaco
Arequipa
Trujillo
Ica

Best Places To Stay In Peru For Families

Carolina Egg Gasthaus
Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa
Radisson Resort, Paracas
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Caliente
Hotel Paracas, Paracas

Places To Stay In Peru

Best Places To Stay In Peru For Couples

Palacio del Inka, Cusco
Arennas Máncora, Máncora
Titilaka, Lake Titicaca
Explora Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley
Huacahuasi Lodge, Lares
JW Marriott El Convento, Cusco

Best Budget Stays in Peru

Tucan Hostel, Cusco
Selina Miraflores Lima & Cowork, Lima
Le Foyer, Arequipa
Tupac Hostel, Lima
Chachapoyas Backpackers Hotel, Chachapoyas

In case you are someone who wants something beyond a hotel, you can book some interesting hotels. Here are some unique places to stay in Peru you should definitely check out:

Glass pod stays over the Sacred Valley cliff
Homestay with a local family near Cusco
Luxury camping domes near Machu Picchu
Tree house near Iquitos
Rainforest bungalow on Yanayacu river

Places to Eat in Peru

When in Peru, it is imperative to go on a culinary ride as the country's local cuisine is famous worldwide. In fact, Peru is home to South America's finest dishes, some of which have a distinctive fusion of Asian food – thanks to centuries of migration. You can find the best dishes at several restaurants and cafes. Seafood is quite famous in Lima, but as the country is open to tourism, you can also find vegetarian and even vegan restaurants.

Best Restaurants In Peru

The list of places to eat in Peru is long and exciting. It includes restaurants from different cities having different budgets and cuisine. We have sorted them below for easy understanding:

• For Sea Food:

Amaz (Lima)
Matsuei (Lima)
La Mar Cevichería Peruana (Miraflores)
Al Toke Pez (Surquillo)
Maido (Lima)

• For Local Cuisine:

Huaca Pullana (Lima)
Pachapapa restaurant (Cusco)
Salamanto Restaurante (Arequipa)
Jardin Secreto (Cusco)

Best Restaurants In Peru

• For Fine Dining:

Astrid y Gaston (Lima)
Chica (Cusco)
Central (Lima)
Zig Zag (Arequipa)
Al Frio y al Fuego (Iquitos)

• For Vegetarian Meals:

El AlmaZen (Lima)
Las Vecinas Eco Bar (Barraco)
Veda Restaurant (Miraflores)
El Jardín De Jazmín (Lima)

Best Cafés In Peru

The coffee beans of Peru are quite a craze among coffee lovers. Peruvians know how to brew the best coffee, and that's why the cities are filled with coffee shops and cafes. So if you feel that a restaurant is not what you want, grab a ride to the following cafes in Peru:

La Bodega Verde - Lima
Kul Café - Lima
Jack's Café – Cusco
Lautrec Café - Arequipa
Puku Puku Café – Lima
Jack's Café - Cusco

Best Cocktail Bars in Peru

It won't be wrong to say that South America's best bars are in Lima and Cusco. You can enjoy the national spirit of Peru – Pisco, which is like champagne. Pisco Sours, the national drink, is also highly popular among tourists. It is a cocktail made from the distillation of young wine grapes into an intense spirit.

You can find them easily at the cocktail bars, where you can also groove to the beats. Some of the best bars are:

Carnaval – San Isidro
El Bar Ingles – Lima
Bar Ole – Lima
Ayahuasca – Barranco
Barra 55 – Lima
Limbus Restrobar – Cusco

Take a Quiz

Peru Tourism - Overview

History of Peru

How To Reach Peru?

Getting Around in Peru

Geography and Climate of Peru

Geography and Climate of Peru

Best Time to Visit Peru

Places To See In Peru

Places To See In Peru

Places To See In Peru

Things To Do In Peru

Things To Do In Peru

Things To Do In Peru

Places To Stay In Peru

Places To Stay In Peru

Places to Eat in Peru

Best Restaurants In Peru

Best Restaurants In Peru

Best Cafés In Peru

Best Cocktail Bars in Peru

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