How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
Ready to plan a trip to Peru? Well, this is your ultimate guide to having the most epic and stress-free adventure.
We've visited Peru a couple of times - they were several years apart, and done in two very different ways. From cities in the north to mountains in the south, driving vs public transportation, safety, and everything in between, we've got all the information you need for a safe, affordable, and fun trip.
By the end of this Peru travel guide you'll have all of the most up-to-date information for prices and ticketing, tips for adjusting to the culture, and the best places to visit - let's dive right in!
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How to Plan a Trip to Peru: a Brief Intro
Are you ready to learn how to plan a trip to Peru? Before diving into all of the details, let's look at what makes Peru special, and some other basic facts you should know before visiting.
What is Peru Famous For?
Peru is most famous for being home to one of the seven wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. It's also known for having spectacular landscapes, rich history, and one of the best cuisines in the world.
What is Unique in Peru?
Some of the things that make Peru so unique are its gorgeous alpine lakes, its rainbow mountains, the floating islands of Uros, and Lake Titicaca, which is the highest lake in the world.
Whether you're eating the best ceviche in the world, sandboarding down dunes in an oasis, or sleeping in a capsule hanging from a mountain, there are so many unique ways to enjoy Peru, and things that make this country stand out from other places around the globe.
Peru is such a unique country to experience.
Where is Peru Located?
Peru is located in central South America along the west coast of the continent. It's situated just below the equator hugging the Pacific ocean, and shares borders with Ecuador to its north, Colombia to its north east, Brazil to its east, Bolivia to its south east, and Chile to its south.
How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Getting There
Now that you know some of the basics, it's time to actually learn how to plan a trip to Peru! Step #1 - getting you there in an affordable and convenient way.
What is the Best Way to Get to Peru?
There are quite a few ways to visit to Peru! Lima is one of the most well-connected city in the Americas, meaning the best way is usually to fly. However, you can also visit Peru by taking a cruise, or via the land borders - we'd recommend doing an overnight bus if you can.
Want to compare the different options and have tips for getting to Peru? We have an entire guide dedicated to how to get there.
How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Entry Requirements
Now that know the different ways to get to Peru, let's move onto the next step of how to plan a trip to Peru, which is making sure you have your documents in order.
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Peru?
Most people from countries in the Americas and Western Europe can visit Peru visa-free for up to 183 days. The only thing you'll need for entry is your passport, which needs to valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
People from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay can visit Peru with just their national identity document. If you'd like to know if your country needs a visa to visit, make sure to check with the local embassy.
Do I Need Any Vaccines to Go to Peru?
If you plan on visiting the Peruvian Amazon, or on visiting other nearby countries that require the yellow fever vaccine, then you definitely won't be able to go on your trip without one.
Getting the vaccine can be a bit costly, and hard to find depending on where you come from, so remember to plan this one well in advance!
PS: Many countries will require you to have the physical copy of the vaccine with you. Don't forget to bring it with you and keep it safe!
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How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Local Adjustments
Now that you know how to plan a trip to Peru in regards to getting there, let's go over some of the "know before you go" details.
What Languages Do They Speak in Peru?
The official language in Peru is Spanish. Luckily Peruvians speak pretty clearly, so they are actually much easier to understand than many of the people from surrounding countries (such as Chile for example).
In small villages there are people that speak local languages such as Quechua and Aymara. While you may hear these at times, it's rare you'll find someone who doesn't speak Spanish.
In bigger cities it's easier to find people that speak English as well, but it's wise to learn a bit of Spanish. Not only will it make your travels easier, but it will also make it easier to avoid common tourist scams.
What is the Main Currency in Peru?
The currency used in Peru is the Peruvian Sol. Each 1 USD is equal to about 3.54 Sol right now (July 2025).
In bigger cities you'll find plenty of restaurants and hotels that accept credit card, but cash is still very much preferred throughout Peru, and it's especially common in smaller towns to only accept cash.
We recommend taking out cash straight from the ATM, and always having soles on you for small shops, street food, and souvenirs.
What is the Plug in Peru?
The outlets in Peru is super ideal because they support both plug types A & C. Type A is the one with two flat pins (used in the US), and type C is the one with two round pins which are used in Europe. The standard voltage in Peru is 220V, with a frequency of 60 Hz.
It may be a smart idea to bring an electrical adapter, as the outlets can vary depending on where you go.
Is Water Safe to Drink in Peru?
The water in Peru is generally not safe to drink, even in the capital city. We suggest sticking to bottled water, and bringing a refillable water bottle to continually fill up with a larger jug.
How Much Do You Tip in Peru?
The tipping culture in Peru is a standard 10% in restaurants, and it's also appreciated to tip guides if you go on any tours.
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How to Plan a Trip to Peru: The Best Places to Visit
If you're looking for how to plan a trip to Peru, then one of the biggest steps in choosing where you're going to visit. There are so many incredible places to visit in this country, and here are the top ones you shouldn't miss out on:
- Machu Picchu: a world wonder that is a sacred ancient Incan city in the mountains.
- Lima: the capital of Peru which is known for its history, nightlife, and foodie scene.
- Cusco: our favorite area of Peru and one of the most popular tourist destinations, which is the gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Huacachina: a unique town tucked into a desert oasis.
- Colca Canyon: the Grand Canyon of Peru.
- Arequipa: known as "The White City" and is the third largest city in the country.
- The Andes Mountains: Peru has some stunning mountains and alpine lakes - you can reach this area most easily from Huaraz.
- The Amazon: Peru's corner of the Amazon Rainforest in the north east of the country.
- Lake Titicaca: the highest lake in the world, featuring the amazing floating islands of Uros.
- Trujillo: a city in the north of Peru known for its ruins and traditional dance.
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How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Getting Around
If you're planning a trip to Peru then one of the main decisions you'll need to make before designing your itinerary is deciding how you'll get around. We've explored the country by public transportation and by car, with totally different kinds of experiences.
What is the Best Way to Get Around in Peru?
The best option for getting around definitely depends on what type of traveler you are, the amount of time you have, and your budget. We personally loved getting around Peru by car, but you can also get around the country by bus, flights, and in some areas like Machu Picchu by train.
Check out our full guide that outlines every options for getting around from one city to the next, as well as moving around within each destination.
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How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Local Food & Drink
One of the best parts of visiting Peru is diving into the food and drink scene. It's one of the most recognized cuisines in the world, and you can find extremely tasty dishes for really affordable prices.
What Food is Peru Known For?
Peru is known primarily for its ceviche, a cured fish dish that is honestly one of my favorite foods in the world. Peruvian cuisine is heavy on seafood along the coast, and you'll find iconic meat dishes like lomo saltado, or uniquely local dishes like alpaca.
Peru is also known for its Pisco Sour, which is the national drink. Additionally, the country is home to over 4,000 potato varieties, and also has incredible fusions for dishes from Asian countries.
We've written a whole food guide for Peru, so make sure to check it out so you can get excited about all of the different foods and drinks you're going to have to try!
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How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Health & Safety
When planning any trip, it's really important that you take care of your health and safety. If you're looking to plan a trip to Peru in a responsible and safe way, then here are some things to keep in mind.
Is Peru Safe for Tourists Right Now?
While South America gets a pretty bad rep for safety, Peru is definitely one of the safer countries on the continent. It certainly does have its issues at times, so make sure to be mindful of petty theft and make wise decisions as a traveler.
Staying Healthy in Peru
One of the main concerns to deal with while planning a trip to Peru is to take care of your health. Altitude sickness in Peru can certainly ruin your trip, so it's crucial to take precautions.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Amazon can be dangerous, so make sure to get your Yellow Fever vaccine if you plan on visiting there.
Is Peru safe to travel? It’s a common concern for those planning a trip to this diverse and adventurous country. With its mix of big cities, remote trekking routes, and cultural hotspots, safety is something every traveler should consider.The truth is, Peru can be both safe and challenging depending on
How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Other Things to Know About Visiting
You are almost ready to plan an amazing trip to Peru! But before you go, here are a few other ways to set yourself up for a successful adventure.
Weather in Peru
Peru has a variety of landscapes, and the climate changes depending on where you visit. Generally speaking, it has two main seasons, which are the dry and wet seasons. The wet season is from November to April and is hotter, while the dry season is from May to October and is a bit cooler.
Certain areas have more desert-like climate, while the mountains are much colder and receive a lot of snow.
Even in the warmest months you can experience snow in Peru!
What is the Best Month to Visit Peru?
The best time to visit Peru is generally during the dry season, which is from April to October. We'd recommend April because it's the end of the wet season and you may still get to see the Red River with its vibrant hue, and you'll have pretty warm but drier weather.
We also recommend October because the weather is warming back up but isn't necessarily super rainy yet.
New Years Eve in Cusco is also a lot of fun, and while the weather can be hit or miss, it's definitely a bucket list experience! We visited in April and had ideal weather, and when we visited in January we had some amazing days, and others that were really rainy.
January at the Red River in Cusco
Packing For a Trip to Peru
Packing for a trip to Peru certainly depends on your itinerary, but here are some of our go-to things we pack when visiting:
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent (especially for the wet season)
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Sneakers (for all of the hikes)
- Layers (for the mountains)
- Bathing Suits (for the beaches along the coast and the hot springs in the mountains)
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Flip Flops for the beach (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 4 because it's super light and has great quality)
- Tripod to get pictures with no one around
- Action Camera for all of the adventurous activities (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
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Is Peru Worth Visiting?
If you're looking up how to plan a trip to Peru, then you probably already know just how worth it it is!
The country is full of stunning landscapes, incredible adventures, delicious food, and friendly people. It truly is one of the most diverse and unique countries in the world, so take the leap and book that trip if you haven't already!
How Many Days are Needed for a Peru Trip?
Peru is a massive country, and you can easily spend several weeks there. Our first trip we spent 3 1/2 weeks, and it was a great amount of time to see the best places the country has to offer.
Cusco itself deserves at least one week, and we'd recommend spending at least a couple of days in every other destination you choose.
If you can, we'd recommend a minimum of 10 days, but 2-3 weeks if you really want to experience all of the unique places Peru has to offer.
You could easily spend weeks exploring all of the unique landscapes Peru has to offer!
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
So are you ready to explore this incredible country? We hope our article has helped you learn how to plan a trip to Peru in the best way possible. Have other questions? Feel free to drop them below!
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