Peru: Complete Travel Guide for 2025
Everything about Peru: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Peruvian cuisine, budget and tips for an unforgettable Andean adventure.
Why Peru Is a Must
Peru has one of the New 7 Wonders of the World (Machu Picchu), Latin America's best cuisine (Lima is the continent's culinary capital), spectacular colonial cities and a living Inca culture.
Top Destinations
Cusco
The ancient Inca Empire capital at 3,400m altitude. Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuaman, San Blas and the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Daily budget: 20-50€
Machu Picchu
The lost Inca citadel among clouds and mountains. Reach it by train (from 50€ one-way) or hike the Inca Trail (4 days, from 500€). Book months in advance.
Daily budget: 50-100€ (including entry and transport)
Lima
South America's gastronomic capital. Miraflores, Barranco, the historic center, cevicherias and world-class restaurants (Central, Maido, Astrid y Gaston).
Daily budget: 25-60€
Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray (circular terraces) and the Maras Salt Mines. At least one full day between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Daily budget: 20-45€
Lake Titicaca (Puno)
The world's highest navigable lake (3,812m). The Uros floating islands and Taquile Island. A unique experience.
Daily budget: 15-40€
Peruvian Cuisine
Peru has Latin America's best food. Lima has been named World Gastronomic Capital multiple times.
- Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime with onion, aji pepper and sweet potato. The flagship dish
- Lomo Saltado — Stir-fried beef with tomato, onion and fries. Chinese-Peruvian fusion
- Aji de Gallina — Shredded chicken in creamy yellow pepper sauce
- Causa Rellena — Layers of yellow potato with tuna or chicken filling
- Anticuchos — Beef heart skewers, Lima's street food
- Pollo a la Brasa — Roast chicken with fries and salad. Peru's fast food
- Pisco Sour — The national cocktail with pisco, lime, egg white and Angostura bitters
- Chicha Morada — Purple corn drink, sweet and refreshing
Budget
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 5-15€ | 20-50€ | 55-180€ | | Food | 3-8€ | 10-25€ | 25-60€ | | Transport | 2-6€ | 8-20€ | 20-50€ | | Total/day | 10-29€ | 38-95€ | 100-290€ |
Warning
Cusco's altitude (3,400m) causes altitude sickness. Take at least 1 day to acclimatize, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol for the first few hours.
Getting Around
- Domestic flights: LATAM and Sky Peru. Lima-Cusco 1h20 from 40€
- Buses: Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are most reliable. Lima-Cusco 22h for ~25€
- Train to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. From 50€ one-way (Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes)
- Colectivos — Shared minivans for short distances, very cheap
Practical Tips
Tip
Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (~40€) which includes entry to 16 archaeological sites and museums. Valid for 10 days and pays for itself quickly.
- Altitude sickness — Coca tea helps. Diamox (acetazolamide) by prescription for serious cases
- Peruvian sol — 1€ ≈ 4 PEN. ATMs give good rates. Carry cash for markets
- Book Machu Picchu — Tickets sell out. Book 2-3 months ahead on the official website
- Tipping — 10% at restaurants. Guides: 20-30 soles/day
- Travel insurance — Essential. Include altitude coverage if going to Cusco