Peru is a treasure waiting to be discovered, with 28 of the planet’s 32 climatic zones, making it a true paradise for all tastes. While many people seek to explore Machu Picchu, its main attraction, there’s much more to enjoy. With alternatives like the Andes, the imposing Inca culture, the coast, and the jungle, you won’t want to miss anything.
Furthermore, its vast deserts, tropical beaches, deep canyons, and enigmatic snow-capped mountains perfectly complement the panorama. Thus, planning a trip to Peru can be complicated and even confusing for both experienced and novice travelers. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team has prepared the best tips to make your preparations more efficient.
The most important aspects to know before going to Peru
- Peru overview
- Best time to travel in Peru
- Travel documents
- How to get there
- How long to stay
- Unmissable attractions
- Money
- Safety
- Hotels
- Recommendations for beginner travelers
Peru overview
Peru has a vast territory, making it the third-largest country in South America. This expanse allows for a wide range of opportunities and experiences to enjoy and delight in. With many attractions from sea level to 6,700 meters above sea level, there will always be more to discover. Besides, its three regions create the illusion of a collection of countries within a single one.
These ideal features make tourism in Peru one of the best in the world. Likewise, the high-quality tourist infrastructure in its main cities caters to the most demanding travelers. Furthermore, many recognize its hotels and restaurants internationally, which provide a guaranteed service. With both tourist and remote areas, any foreigner will find a completely memorable experience guaranteed.
Best time to travel in Peru
The best time to visit Peru will depend largely on your personal interests and what you want to enjoy. With completely different natural landscapes, you’ll experience many panoramas every month of the year. With clear skies in one part of the country, you could experience humidity and cold in another part of the territory. However, here are the main Peruvian seasons you could enjoy:
Dry Season
From May to November, you can experience Peru’s dry season. In places like Machu Picchu, the Andes, and the Peruvian jungle, the temperature ranges between 18 and 25 °C. Although these are the best months to visit it, the situation changes on the other side of the country. We’re referring to the Peruvian coast and shoreline, which experience cloudy skies, cold weather, and light rain.
Rainy Season
The rainy season runs from December to March, with a completely different panorama. With temperatures from 0 – 18 °C in the Amazonian and Andean areas, these are the least favorable months. In contrast, the Peruvian coast boasts beautiful, clear skies, cool breezes, and warm days. With temperatures around 25-35°C, these are the best months to visit the Peruvian coast.
Travel documents
One of the main considerations after choosing the season or the specific day of your trip is your preparations. Among these, you should consider the most important documentation you will need, regardless of the Peruvian attraction you choose. Although it will necessarily depend on your nationality, Peru does not require many specialized documents to visit. However, here are some of the most common:
Visa
Fortunately, Peru is a country with easy access for the vast majority of tourists. Many of its visitors do not need a tourist visa to enter, making it more accessible. However, there are exceptions to the rule, such as citizens of Cuba, El Salvador, among others. For more information, consult the Peruvian consulate website.
Valid passport
Unlike the previous case, a passport will be essential for most tourists’ vacations. Your document should be valid at least six months before arriving in Peru, so you should plan. Likewise, it will also allow you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days, according to the authorities. However, citizens of the Andean Community must enter with a valid ID.
Travel insurance
Although you do not need travel insurance to visit the country, experts highly recommend it. With coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances, you will feel safe and secure ever. Tours in Peru are not immune to natural disasters, protests, political conflicts, and other events. Therefore, one of our main recommendations is to purchase one; prevention is better than cure.
Vaccinations
Although there are no mandatory vaccinations for traveling to Peru, it is best to consult your primary care physician. While many specialists recommend a list of vaccinations, each case is unique. However, remote locations like the Amazon do require protection against certain diseases, such as hepatitis and yellow fever. Whatever the case, we recommend starting this process months in advance.
How to get there
Now that you have your personal travel documents ready, the question you’re probably asking yourself is how to get there. You can find multiple options for arriving here, but the most highly recommended option is taking a flight. Thousands of travelers support this by using Jorge Chavez International Airport every day. Besides being one of the largest in South America, it serves as the gateway to and from your adventure in Peru and its attractions.
However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous experience and a cultural connection, arriving by bus is ideal. Cities in neighboring countries have good road connections, and the advantage is that it can be much more economical. On the other hand, for those who have more time and prefer a more comprehensive experience, cruises are perfect. With a higher budget, you can enjoy the best of a completely sophisticated trip.
How long to stay
Well, now we’re entering a slightly more complex and highly personalized area for each visitor. We refer to the perfect length of stay in Peru and its attractions. Although it will mainly depend on your personal time, you’ll need a lot of time to explore all the Andean country. With so much to see and experience, you will need more than 15 days for a Peru trip.
However, many tour companies tailor their itineraries to the number of days you have available. From short 4-day visits to extended ones, there’s plenty to choose from. Your personal interests will also greatly influence this decision. Whether you’re an independent traveler or not, we recommend researching Peruvian attractions to help you determine your ideal time.
Unmissable attractions
In reference to the above, you’ll find a variety of things to do in Peru. All destinations are enjoyable and bring together the best of the country and its people. Depending on how you want to live your trip and your personal interests, you may find both popular and remote places. However, there are some classics you shouldn’t miss:
Machu Picchu
Your planning wouldn’t be complete without considering the Wonder of the Modern World located in Peru. We refer to Machu Picchu, the dream of many travelers and the top destination on the bucket list of others. For many, it is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites, and there are multiple options to experience it. From the Inca Trail to the classic route to Aguas Calientes, you will have many ways to visit Machu Picchu.
Cusco
Those interested in the rich history of the Inca Empire will enjoy Cusco, the capital of the Incas. With numerous natural and cultural attractions, delighting in the impressive tourist experience of this city will be incomparable. Likewise, this is a favorite destination for visitors because it’s the gateway to Machu Picchu. With colonial architecture, welcoming people, and a surrounding culture, this is one of Peru’s highlights.
Sacred Valley Of The Incas
Not far from Machu Picchu and Cusco, you can find the enigmatic Sacred Valley of the Incas. A place characterized by beautiful natural landscapes and unparalleled weather conditions year-round. Its privileged location between the Andes mountain range and various rivers provides a unique and incomparable panorama. Furthermore, its impressive Inca ruins perfectly complement your adventure.
Lima
Lima is the capital of Peru, and if you travel to this country, you will most likely make at least one stop here. However, our personal recommendation is to spend at least one day in this city to enjoy its gastronomy. As you probably already know, people recognize the Andean country for its delicious dishes full of colors and flavors. So, in addition to enjoying the best of a metropolis, you will delight in an unparalleled culinary experience.
Nazca Lines
South of Lima, you can visit the Nazca Lines, one of Peru’s greatest mysteries. With a mix of adrenaline and history, you can delight in the great geoglyphs of the immense coastal desert. To do so, you must take a small plane tour; only then will you be able to appreciate the extensive figures. Among the most notable are the condor, monkey, spider, and many others.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is close to Puno and is also one of Peru’s best attractions. Its breathtaking panoramic views and surrounding culture make this an excellent option. At a high altitude, the Uros Islands stand out as one of the most authentic communities because of their customs. Furthermore, during the summer in Peru, this lake offers exceptional scenic opportunities.
Peruvian Amazon
Nature and wildlife lovers cannot miss the exciting Amazon in Peru. This region boasts the finest diversity in its magnificent reserves and national parks. During your visit, you’ll find many eco-lodges and attractions that showcase the best of the Peruvian jungle. The many outdoor activities also directly complement the experience.
Money
In addition to the above considerations, you should also consider Peruvian money and currency. Although it’s best to pay by credit or debit card, you may need to use local currencies in some situations. While the exchange rate, values, and types of banknotes can be confusing, knowing the basics will suffice. Therefore, you should factor in some soles (local currency) for incidental expenses in your Peru travel costs.
Safety
Another important consideration is security, especially in Peru, a vast country. Authorities are constantly working to improve security, and the tourism sector is no exception. Tourist areas in major cities often have dedicated tourist departments that provide constant assistance. However, we recommend considering some basic security measures, such as taking precautions with your personal belongings.
Hotels
Like the many ways to visit Peru, you’ll find plenty of places to spend the night and relax. Although every adventure usually begins in Lima, every other city offers a wide range of sophisticated and authentic options. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, you’ll be able to find the perfect alternative to what you’re looking for. Although the search can be exhaustive, we recommend taking the time.
For example, those who visit Machu Picchu may consider staying in the Sacred Valley. This destination is home to numerous luxury accommodations that offer high-quality services amid beautiful natural landscapes. On the other hand, if you visit the Amazon, consider eco-lodges that will immerse you in the rainforest. We could continue, but the truth is that a honeymoon in Peru awaits your arrival.
Recommendations for beginner travelers
Those who are novice travelers or simply having their first adventure will likely focus on a few destinations. However, the experience will be unique and unparalleled for each person. From basic to specialized services, there is much to choose from and consider. However, we present some recommendations that will make your trip more enjoyable:
- Most novice travelers prefer to explore Peru’s iconic landmarks on their first visit. Among them, we can mention Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. In addition to providing an encounter with the Inca wonders, it will be one of the best ways to get to know Peru. However, other tourists opt for destinations such as Lake Titicaca or Arequipa to complement their itinerary.
- Some destinations in Peru have an added complication: high altitude. Although it’s not a standard issue for all travelers, you’ll likely need a few days. Staying hydrated, resting, eating well, and, above all, having a peaceful trip will be your best ally. Opting for additional seaside locations won’t pose any issues whatsoever.
- With a wide variety of climates, it’s best to pack layered clothing. The weather can change rapidly from one destination to another, so packing carefully will be perfect. From thermal clothing to sun protection, everything will help you create unique moments. Therefore, we recommend thoroughly researching the weather based on the places you’ll be visiting.
- In an era where the internet and the digital world play an important role, staying connected is essential. Many travelers consider this crucial, and Peru has all the conditions to meet their expectations. With 4G/5G networks available in most cities and tourist spots, you can remain worry-free. However, we recommend purchasing a local SIM and eSIM to enjoy greater benefits.
- In relation to the above, bringing the necessary electronic devices will be adequate. Universal adapters, portable chargers, and cameras are some of the things we can mention. Of course, you should be especially careful with them and always keep them in sight. Although tourist safety in Peru is optimal, it’s always good to be alert for any unfortunate victims.
- Regarding food, if you have any problems with a sudden change of food, it’s best to take it easy. Eating light during the first few days will help you gradually adjust to the impressive Peruvian cuisine. As the days go by, you’ll be able to eat any colorful and flavorful dish without any problem. We also recommend being careful with the tap water, as it is not safe for direct consumption.
“STOP DREAMING ABOUT YOUR BUCKET LIST AND START LIVING IT”
As you can see, it’s completely safe for Americans and any tourist to travel to Peru right now. Planning a trip to this country can be time-consuming, but with a little help, the task will be easier. The Machu Travel Peru team is happy to help you design your dream trip. To learn more about our beautiful tours, consult our qualified advisors.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
