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Peru
South America
Visit Peru
Peru, a country steeped in ancient history and bursting with cultural richness, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both adventure and a deep dive into a past that stretches back thousands of years. From the arid Pacific coast, across the towering Andes, to the lush Amazon rainforest, Peru's diverse landscapes serve as a backdrop to incredible ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.
One of the highlights of any trip to Peru is undoubtedly a visit to Machu Picchu, the mysterious Inca city that remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Perched high in the Andes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is often reached via the Inca Trail, a breathtaking four-day trek that takes you through stunning mountain scenery, past other lesser-known Inca ruins, and through cloud forests teeming with unique flora and fauna. For those looking for a less strenuous route, trains from Cusco to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes offer a comfortable journey through equally picturesque landscapes.
Beyond Machu Picchu, Peru's rich tapestry of history can be explored in cities like Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, where Spanish colonial architecture sits atop Inca foundations, and Arequipa, known for its white volcanic stone buildings and a vibrant culinary scene. Meanwhile, the capital city of Lima provides a contrast between the old and new, with its pre-Columbian archaeological sites and its bustling, modern neighborhoods known for world-class restaurants and nightlife. For nature lovers, the Amazon basin offers an entirely different experience, with opportunities for jungle treks and river cruises, bringing you up close to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
Whether it's exploring ancient ruins, experiencing vibrant local cultures, or enjoying some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, Peru offers a rich and varied palette for all types of travelers. Each visit promises not only a journey through beautiful settings but also a deeper understanding of the traditions and histories that shape this fascinating country.
Peru Monthly Weather Conditions
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HIGH
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
32°F
64°F
10
February
64°F
64°F
10
March
50°F
64°F
11
April
50°F
64°F
12
May
57°F
68°F
10
June
57°F
68°F
11
July
57°F
68°F
10
August
57°F
68°F
5
September
50°F
68°F
12
October
50°F
68°F
10
November
50°F
64°F
11
December
43°F
64°F
10
Need to Know Before You Go To Peru
Nickname:
Land of the Incas
Primary Language:
Spanish
Time Zone:
America/Lima
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A, Type B, Type C
Annual Visitors:
4.4 million
Primary Export:
Copper
Busiest Travel Months:
July, August, June
Quietest Travel Months:
January, February, March
Find your Next Adventure in Peru
Explore Peru
Iconic Landmarks
Machu Picchu
Undoubtedly the most iconic landmark of Peru, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains. It's renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments, and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery, though it's believed to have been a royal estate or a religious site.
Cusco's Historic Center
Often considered the gateway to Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Its well-preserved city center is known for its colonial architecture built over the ruins of Incan palaces and temples. The Plaza de Armas and the Cusco Cathedral are highlights.
The Sacred Valley
This valley was the heart of the Inca Empire and contains many famous ruins, traditional villages, and markets. It stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, encompassing key sites like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, both known for their impressive Incan fortresses and terraces.
Nazca Lines
Located in the arid Peruvian coastal plain, the geoglyphs of Nazca are among the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries.
Lake Titicaca
Situated on the border of Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world. The lake is famous for its floating reed islands and the traditional cultures of the Uros people.
Colca Canyon
Known as one of the world's deepest canyons, Colca Canyon offers stunning vistas, hiking opportunities, and the chance to see Andean condors in flight. The region is also noted for its terraced agriculture, which dates back thousands of years.
Cultural Experiences
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Visiting Machu Picchu, the iconic 15th-century Inca citadel, is a must-do for any traveler to Peru. For a truly immersive experience, trek the Inca Trail, which offers stunning landscapes and passes through other lesser-known Inca ruins before reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Cusco’s Historical Center
Explore the city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture. Key sites include the Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán, and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).
Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands of Uros
Visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, shared by Peru and Bolivia. Experience the unique culture of the Uros people, who live on floating islands made of reeds. Participate in traditional activities and learn about their way of life.
Nazca Lines
Take a flight over the Nazca Lines, a series of large ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert, in southern Peru. The origins and meanings of these lines, some of which depict animals and plants, remain a mystery and are a fascinating insight into Peru’s ancient cultures.
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
Discover Arequipa, known as the 'White City' for its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone. Visit its beautiful colonial architecture and the Santa Catalina Monastery. Additionally, a trip to the nearby Colca Canyon offers opportunities to see the majestic Andean condors and experience the local culture of the Colca Valley.
Amazon Rainforest
Experience the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. Start from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado to explore the lush jungle, rich wildlife, and meet local tribes. Engage in activities like river cruises, jungle hikes, and wildlife spotting, while learning about the indigenous communities' traditions and relationship with nature.
Outdoor Adventures
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This is perhaps the most famous trek in Peru, leading adventurers through the beautiful Andean mountains to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. The classic route typically takes four days, passing through stunning landscapes and archaeological sites.
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest
The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Visitors can embark on jungle treks, river cruises, and wildlife viewing expeditions. Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are popular gateways for deep jungle experiences, where you can see a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Sandboarding and Dune Buggy Riding in Huacachina
The small oasis village of Huacachina, located in the Ica Region, is surrounded by massive sand dunes. Here, you can go sandboarding down the dunes or take an exhilarating dune buggy ride, making for a thrilling desert adventure.
Hiking the Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon offers spectacular trekking opportunities. It's also a great place to spot the majestic Andean condors. Treks can vary in length, but they typically offer a mix of cultural and natural attractions, including traditional villages and thermal baths.
Mountain Biking in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, with its scenic landscapes and Inca ruins, is an excellent place for mountain biking. There are numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering both adrenaline-pumping rides and more relaxed cultural tours through rural Andean communities.
Kayaking on Lake Titicaca
Situated at a high altitude, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world. Kayaking on the lake gives you a unique perspective of its vastness and the floating islands of Uros, as well as the opportunity to visit traditional communities on the islands of Taquile and Amantaní.
Off the Beaten Path
Kuélap Fortress
Located in the northern highlands of Peru, Kuélap is a stunning pre-Incan fortress built by the Chachapoyas, also known as the "Cloud Warriors." This ancient site predates Machu Picchu but receives far fewer visitors. The fortress sits atop a high mountain and is surrounded by cloud forest, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into a lesser-known ancient civilization.
Choquequirao Trek
Often referred to as the 'sister' of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is another impressive Incan city that is much less accessible and, consequently, less crowded. The trek to Choquequirao is challenging but rewarding, with spectacular views of the Apurimac River and the surrounding mountain ranges. This site is perfect for those who want a more solitary trekking experience.
Colca Canyon
While still somewhat popular, Colca Canyon offers a more tranquil alternative to the often-crowded Inca Trail. It's one of the deepest canyons in the world and a great place to spot Andean condors. The area is also rich in indigenous culture, with traditional villages and terraced agriculture that has been maintained for centuries.
Northern Beaches and Mancora
For a different kind of experience, head to the northern coast of Peru. The beaches around Mancora offer beautiful sandy stretches, excellent surfing, and a relaxed atmosphere. This area is less frequented by international tourists and provides a great opportunity to unwind and enjoy coastal Peru.
Lomas de Lachay
A unique ecological system located north of Lima, Lomas de Lachay is a hillside that becomes a lush green oasis during the foggy winter months. It's a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching, including various bird species that are unique to this microclimate.
The Moche Route
Explore the ancient Moche civilization along the northern coast of Peru. This route includes visits to the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon) and the royal tombs of Sipán, where some of the most impressive pre-Columbian artifacts have been discovered. This area offers a deep dive into the rich history and archaeology of Peru beyond the Incan sites.
Peru Fun Facts
Peru is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are ten fun facts about this fascinating South American nation:
- Cradle of Ancient Civilizations
Peru was home to the Inca Empire, one of the most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. Before the Incas, cultures such as the Moche, Nazca, and Chavín also thrived in the region.
- Machu Picchu
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains. It's renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar.
- Amazon Rainforest
About 60% of Peru is covered by the Amazon rainforest, making it one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. This vast jungle is home to thousands of species of plants and wildlife, many of which are still undiscovered.
- Potato Origin
Peru is the original home of the potato, with over 3,000 different varieties. Potatoes have been cultivated in the Andean region for 7,000-10,000 years.
- Lake Titicaca
Situated on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level. It is also the largest lake in South America by volume of water.
- Nazca Lines
The mysterious Nazca Lines are a series of large ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert, in southern Peru. They were created by the Nazca culture around 500 BCE to 500 CE and are best viewed from the air due to their massive size.
- Cuy Delicacy
In Peru, guinea pig (known as "cuy") is considered a traditional delicacy. It has been a staple in the Andean diet for thousands of years.
- Pisco
Peru is the birthplace of pisco, a grape brandy. The national cocktail, the Pisco Sour, made from pisco, lime juice, syrup, ice, egg white, and Angostura bitters, is celebrated with a national holiday.
- Festivals
Peru hosts numerous festivals with the most famous being Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, which is held in Cusco every year on June 24th. This festival celebrates the Inca sun god and marks the winter solstice.
- Rich Biodiversity
Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to over 1,800 species of birds, more than 500 species of mammals, and over 300 species of reptiles.
Featured Picture Gallery
This Historic Landmark was Once Home to the Inca Tribe
Machu Picchu is Renowned for its Sophisticated Dry-Stone Walls
Machu Picchu is famed the Temple of the Sun
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