2025 Peru Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

A wonderful week-long trip to Peru during spring break in March. On March 9th, I flew from Hartford to Atlanta and transferred to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where I stayed overnight. On March 10th, I flew to Lima, the capital of Peru, and then to Cusco in the evening. I checked into the Wyndham Hotel and met with the owner of the travel agency. I paid $500 for two people and learned about the general itinerary. On March 11th, at around 6:40 am, a car picked us up from the hotel lobby to start the Sacred Valley day tour. We visited the Chinchero traditional textile market, Moray archaeological terraces, Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo Sanctuary. After lunch, we skipped the Pisac Sanctuary and took a train directly to the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain. In the evening, the Machu Picchu day tour group contacted us at the hotel and explained the itinerary for the next day. On March 12th, at 7:00 am, we gathered in the plaza and queued for the 8:00 am bus that took us to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. We spent about half a day exploring the entire Machu Picchu city. At noon, we took the bus back down the mountain and had lunch. After lunch, we took the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a car back to Cusco. By the time we checked into the hotel, it was already dusk. On March 13th, I visited the Twelve-Angled Stone, the Temple of the Sun, and the Plaza de Armas in the morning. All of these sites are located near the Wyndham Hotel, making them easy to visit. At noon, I took a plane to Lima. After taking the airport bus to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, I visited the Plaza del Amor, the Bridge of Sighs in Barranco, and the Graffiti Wall. On March 14th, I took a DiDi to Plaza San Martín, which is very close to the Plaza de Armas. On the way to the Plaza de Armas, there were many people in yellow vests offering currency exchange. Their exchange rates were much higher than the bank's, so I exchanged a small amount. I felt like I had lost a lot of money because I had exchanged currency at the bank beforehand. At 12:00 pm, I witnessed the changing of the guard ceremony at the Government Palace. Near the Government Palace, there were people holding signs offering sightseeing tours by bus. We each paid 20 soles to participate in this city tour. It was worth seeing and covered the main attractions in the city center. In the evening, I went to the Fountain Park to admire the fountain plaza, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. On March 15th, I took an early morning flight. After retrieving our luggage from the hotel, we took a DiDi to the airport. DiDi International is very convenient and affordable, but you need to pay in cash, so be sure to have soles on hand. The drivers were all very friendly. Some spoke English, while others only spoke Spanish. However, I was able to understand some things through body language. In conclusion, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lima in Peru are all worth visiting.

#2024wish Trekking in Peru has always been on top of my list. Being a mountain and nature lover, the Andes are a dream for all of those who love adventure and want to detach from the everyday noice and connect with the peaceful sounds of nature. My husband and I had the privilege of spending one month in Peru, hiking, climbing and sightseeing. The highlight for us was an 8 day trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash. The scenery is truly and literally breathtaking as you find yourself trekking above 3,000m above sea level most of the time, and you can reach 5,200 m on some of the days. Sleeping under a bed of stars and camping in the wild was special. It was worth not having a shower and smelling rotten for 8 days 😂, and would do it all over again! My #2024wish is to visit and hike in China. #Huayhuash #treking #travel #peru #southamerica #lima #Travelperu

#passionpassport Huacachina is a desert oasis and tiny village just west of the city of Ica in southwestern Peru. At its center are the green waters of the Huacachina Lagoon, ringed by palm trees and thought to have therapeutic properties. The lagoon's shores are dotted with bars and clubs. Dune buggies run across the high, rolling sand dunes surrounding the village. There are Hotels and hostels are available and many options for food. It’s a nice place to stay during sunset to watch it over sand dunes. A day trip also can be planned for Lima by private buses. Convenient and easy. #passionpassport #beautifuldestinations #travelinspiration

🌤️Machu Picchu | The Lost City of the Sky! A Must-See Destination in Your Lifetime Finally checked in at the long-awaited Machu Picchu. This lost Inca city is truly breathtakingly beautiful.🥹 Travel guide recommendations, save this post! Absolutely no regrets! 📍Location: About 75 km northwest of Cusco, Peru Altitude 2,430 meters, surrounded by clouds and mist, like a fairyland 🌟Historical Background: Built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century Abandoned after the Spanish invasion in the 16th century Rediscovered by American explorers in 1911 Listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1983 🚗Transportation: 1⃣️Cusco - Aguas Calientes: 4-hour train ride Recommend Perurail's Vistadome carriage Stunning scenery along the way, ticket price around $100 2⃣️Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu: 30-minute bus ride Ticket price $24 round trip 🎫Tickets: Machu Picchu: 152 soles Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: 200 soles Recommend booking in advance on the official website 💡Must-See Highlights: 1⃣️Exquisite stonework No adhesive used, stones fit perfectly 2⃣️Mysterious sun worship Buildings such as the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and the Temple of the Sun Showcasing the Incas' reverence for the sun 3⃣️Amazing water system Terraced irrigation system still in operation today Demonstrates the Incas' ingenuity 🍜Food Recommendations: 1⃣️Indio Feliz The most popular restaurant in Aguas Calientes Average price $30, authentic Peruvian cuisine 2⃣️Tree House A popular restaurant with a fantastic ambiance Average price $25, alpaca meat recommended 3⃣️Mapacho Craft Beer Craft beer bar, perfect for a drink Average price $15, great atmosphere 📸Photography Tips: 1⃣️Recommended to enter the park at 6am for fewer crowds and better lighting 2⃣️Wear bright clothes for better photos 3⃣️Inti Punku is the best photo spot ⚠️Important Notes: 1⃣️If you experience severe altitude sickness, remember to bring medication 2⃣️Remember to bring sunscreen and rain gear

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 Because Cusco is at a high altitude, I chose to go counterclockwise to slowly adapt to the altitude. I saw many birds from Bird Island, played in the sand in Huacachina, saw the amazing Nazca Lines in Nazca, and then went to Arequipa, the white mountain city, to join a two-day trip to Coca Canyon to see the second deepest canyon in the world and numerous condors. Then go to Machu Picchu which is at a higher altitude. Figure 1: Nazca Lines: In 1939, American archaeologist Paul Corso was flying over the Selous Prairie when he suddenly discovered many huge patterns, which were called the Nazca Lines. Lines inlaid on the earth, stretching for kilometers, forming various vivid patterns. Figure 2: Sandboarding in Wakachina: The most famous desert activities in Huacachina are sand boarding and sand racing. We rode in a sand off-road vehicle, speeding up from the bottom of the sand dunes and rushing around the ridges. Warm reminder: It's very dizzy to take a small plane, so don't eat anything before boarding. Figure 3-5: Bird Island: Ballestas is a small island outside the town of Paracas. It is actually an archipelago consisting of three main islands and surrounding reefs. The island has a large amount of guano, which is a high-quality fertilizer and was the main natural resource developed by Peru in the 19th century. We even saw penguins on Bird Island (Figure 4). Eagle Watching in Coca Canyon Figure 6-9 Coca Canyon: Located about 160 kilometers northwest of the southern Peruvian city of Arequipa, the Coca Canyon, at 4,160 meters deep, is the second deepest in the world. This place is known as the hometown of the condor, and you can watch the Andean condor up close.

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 Laguna 69 is located in the Huascaran National Park (Parque Nacional Huascaran) in northern Peru, leaning against the Andes Mountains. The altitude ranges from 2000 to 6000 meters, and the highest peak is 6768 meters. The park covers an area of ​​3,000 square kilometers and contains 663 glaciers, 296 lakes and 41 rivers. Distance: 12 km round trip. Altitude: 3900m ~ 4600m We set out at 5:30 in the morning and returned to the trailhead at 5:00 in the afternoon. It was really tiring, some people gave up halfway and returned. But I persisted to the end. The scenery along the way was really beautiful, especially the lake at the end, which was simply a paradise on earth. I felt that all the hard work was worth it. How to get there: Take a day trip from Huaraz.

#mountainhike Hiking the ancient Inca Trail in Peru, leading to the iconic Machu Picchu, is a popular and rewarding adventure. Here's a two days travel guide. Day 1: - Hike to Llactapata, an archaeological site with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. - Continue to Wayllabamba, a small village where you can rest and enjoy the local scenery. Day 2: - Trek to Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate, for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. - Explore Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city with its impressive ruins and panoramic views. Here are some travel tips: - Currency: Peru and Machu Picchu use the Peruvian Sol (PEN). -Weather: Peru, Machu Picchu: The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is sunny and pleasant. The rainy season from November to March can make travel more challenging, especially in mountainous areas. Always carry layers as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. Have a nice hiking adventure! #Peru #myhiddengems #mountainhiking

#mountainhike The Inca Trail is a popular hiking route that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru. It is a challenging and rewarding trek that offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the opportunity to explore Inca ruins along the way. The trail typically takes about 4 days to complete and requires a permit, which should be obtained in advance due to limited availability. It is recommended to book a tour with a reputable operator who will provide guides, porters, and camping equipment. Remember to pack appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and plenty of water. Enjoy your adventure on the Inca Trail!s #peru #mountainhiking #myhiddengems

Stopped for a break while a butterfly had a drink in the Andes mountain range in Peru. It looked nice so I took a photo and here it is here online. I hope this is interesting to someone and if not that’s fine. I would love to go back to the Andes in Peru but unfortunately I will probably never see this butterfly again so we will not be able to get back in touch. #andes #missu

🎈Huayhuash is located in Peru and is home to breathtaking scenery. It is a paradise for hikers, with snow-capped mountains🏔️, sapphire lakes, vast grasslands, and colorful wildflowers. 🚗[Travel Guide] - 📍Transportation: Fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, and then transfer to a flight or long-distance bus to a small town near Huayhuash. - 🎒Equipment: Prepare professional hiking equipment, including waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing, tents, etc. The temperature difference between day and night is large. - 🗺️Route: You can choose the classic hiking loop, with different campsites along the way. - 📅Time: The best time to visit is during the local dry season, when the road conditions are better and you can enjoy the scenery. - 🍜Food: Bring high-energy dry food. There are also some local specialties in the town.

#100waysoftravel #peru #argentina #latinamerica Peru is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World Arguably the most famous landmark in Peru, Machu Picchu was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the world in 2007. At an elevation of 2,450 metres it has the most spectacular setting of any ruin in the world – even those who aren’t normally excited by archaeology will be impressed. This Lost City of the Incas is a place everyone must see at least once. There are 43 native languages spoken in Peru While Spanish is the official language of Peru, there are actually as many as 43 native languages spoken in Peru, including Quechua, Aymara, Shipibo, Ashaninka and Agurauna. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world At an elevation of 3,812 metres Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. Around the shoreline and islands on the lake, primitive indigenous villages and small towns can be seen. The reed boats made by the indigenous people and many of their ceremonies are popular sights for tourists. The Andean people refer to the lake as “The Sacred Lake”, thanks to the legend that states it is the place where the great god Viracocha appeared, walking across the waters. The Amazon River begins in Peru! Arguably the world’s longest river, the Amazon river begins its journey high up in the Peruvian Andes near Machu Picchu. From here, it snakes it’s way across the continent for more than 6,000km before coming to an end in the Atlantic ocean.

My recent expedition to Peru was a captivating exploration of history, nature, and culture. From the majestic heights of the Andes to the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu, this South American gem exceeded all expectations. Peruvian cuisine was a revelation. The flavors of ceviche, lomo saltado, and quinoa dishes were a delightful surprise. Sampling local delicacies in Lima's bustling markets was a culinary adventure in itself. Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes, was the crown jewel of my trip. Exploring the ancient Inca city was like stepping back in time. The breathtaking views and the enigmatic ruins left me in awe of the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Cusco, the former Inca capital, was a charming city that perfectly blended Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. The vibrant markets, like San Pedro Market, offered a glimpse into daily life and local traditions. The Amazon rainforest provided a completely different experience. Venturing into the jungle, I encountered unique wildlife and learned about the delicate balance of this incredible ecosystem. Peruvian hospitality was heartwarming. Locals shared their stories, traditions, and the Quechua language, adding depth to my journey. Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, I always felt welcomed. In summary, Peru is a country of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Its ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and natural wonders make it a destination that leaves an indelible mark on any traveler's soul. 🏔️🌿🌞 #falltrip#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip

Wow! What an experience! Peru had been on my bucket list a while and the itinerary for this trip ticked every box… Other Way Round lived up to every expectation and more! The tour was so well designed, the activities and locations flowed brilliantly and we really did pack everything in. We had so much fun! I want to go back and do it all again. From exploring Lima, spotting wildlife in the Amazon, feeling in awe and fascination in the sacred valley, hiking the inca trail, taking in Machu Picchu, and winding down in Cusco, every day was different. And the food was incredible! The hosts were equally fantastic, very much part of the group rather than just the organisers, yet handled issues with professionalism, going above and beyond to ensure we all had a great experience. JC, our Peruvian host, was very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and culture and really brought the spirit of Peru alive during the trip. I’d never been on a group tour before and was a little apprehensive about what to expect and being with strangers, but I needn’t have worried. Everything was organised so well, it made a nice change to not have to think about planning everything, and it certainly didn’t feel restrictive or touristy. The group gelled so well and within a couple days it felt like we’d known each other for years. Peru is an amazing country to visit, I wish I’d stayed longer! I would absolutely recommend travelling with Other Way Round, and can’t wait to travel with them again. I may just end up working my way through all their trips!

The Seven Lagoons trek in Peru is a challenging yet extremely REWARDING experience. It is located a few hours away from the city of Cusco. The hike takes you through beautiful landscapes including snow-capped mountains, turquoise lagoons, and lush valleys. The views… just jaw dropping. It is also much less crowded than other mountain attractions such as Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu. Not only is that the breathtaking views of the seven lagoons from the top of the mountain is out of this world, but you also get the chance to see the local wildlife such as vicunas, llamas, and eagles. I spotted a few llamas in the Andes and they are amazing. Definitely cannot wait to go back to this amazing place ❤️ #lagoon #hike #peru

I have two days for going anywhere and I have decided to went to Jogja. I planned to go alone and have a quiet time for myself. I have been to Jogja before so I know what I wanted to do and where to go. I booked a nice hotel that has many attractions in the Hotel or the surrounding area. I don’t plan to spend hours on the road going places, so I just choose a place and going everywhere on foot or becak. I enjoy the Hotel’s swimming pool, spend the day at the gym and spa, the Hotel’s food is also amazing. My hotel has an art performance that I can enjoy without having to go anywhere far. I think staying at a great hotel can also become a great choice to spend the holiday. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

The salt flats of Salinas de Maras in Peru, the vastness of the valley, can only be seen by the people who see it with their own eyes. This place needs to be chartered or arrived by car. It is a large layer of salt fields that existed before the Inca Empire was established. The brine is extremely concentrated and comes from underground springs. The drainage design is very clever, and slowly flows into hundreds of terraced salt pools through a number of slender channels. Each salt pond has an area of less than 4 meters and a depth of less than 30 centimeters. Tickets for Yantian are only 10 sols. You can book a tour or direct car rental in Cusco. You will also pass through various attractions along the way. Public transportation is not convenient and is not recommended. The chartered price is not expensive, about 200 rmb a day, and the driver is familiar with the road conditions, it is safer! If you have a trip to Cusco, it is recommended to report a day trip to see this article Gu Yantian and some of its attractions along the road (looking like the ancient terraced Moray and Yantian are together) spectacular, let People feel close to the mysterious Inca culture