Peru Travel Guide: Tips, Ideas & Itineraries

Organize your trip to Peru

Planning a trip to Peru and looking for itinerary ideas? Whether you have 10 days, 2 weeks, or a month, discover our suggestions to explore the country's treasures.

📅 Trip duration

  • 10 days : Express classic tour
  • 2 weeks : Complete discovery
  • 1 month : In-depth adventure

✨ Coming soon

Detailed itineraries designed by our local experts, with optimized tours based on your preferences and budget.

🚀 Coming soon

I. Travel Ideas and Itineraries for Peru

Are you planning a trip to Peru and wondering where to start? Depending on the length of your stay and your interests, several options are available to you. Here are some suggestions to help you build your itinerary.

II. A First Trip to Peru: The Classic Itinerary

If this is your first visit, know that the classic route generally includes Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.

  • Lima, the country's entry point, where you can discover Peruvian cuisine and colonial history.
  • Arequipa, the "White City," with its volcanic stone buildings and pleasant atmosphere.
  • The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where you can observe the majestic Andean condor.
  • Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, with its floating islands and local communities.
  • Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the cradle of the Inca civilization, before reaching the legendary Machu Picchu.

To enrich your trip, you can also consider an extension into the Amazon, particularly to Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, for an immersion in the Peruvian jungle.

III. Returning to Peru? Explore Other Regions!

If you have already visited the must-see destinations, why not explore less touristy but equally fascinating regions?

Northern Peru, often overlooked, is full of treasures:

  • Chachapoyas, an alternative to Cusco, with its fortified city of Kuélap, the mysterious sarcophagi of Karajía, and the spectacular Gocta Waterfall.
  • Trujillo and Chiclayo, to delve into pre-Inca civilizations with the sites of Chan Chan and Sipán.
  • Mancora, if you're looking for a relaxing break on the coast, with its beaches and year-round sunny climate.

The Amazon

The Amazon is an option to consider to complete your trip, whether at the end of your itinerary or as an extension from the north or south of the country. Between Iquitos, accessible only by plane or boat, and Tarapoto, the gateway to lush jungle, you will discover another side of Peru, with exceptional biodiversity and local communities living to the rhythm of the river.

IV. Adjust Your Itinerary According to Your Interests

Peru offers such a diversity of landscapes and experiences that it is possible to adapt your itinerary based on your interests:

  • Do you enjoy hiking? In addition to the Inca Trail, explore the Huayhuash Trek or the Cordillera Blanca in Huaraz.
  • Passionate about history? Beyond the Incas, dive into the Moche and Chachapoya cultures.
  • Looking for adventure? Try sandboarding in the dunes of Huacachina or embark on an Amazon expedition.

Whatever your choice, keep in mind that Peru can also be discovered off the beaten path. And don’t forget: soon, this page will feature detailed itineraries offered by local agencies we recommend.

I. General Tips for Planning an Itinerary

Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to Peru based on the best time to visit, your budget, must-see attractions, and transportation options.

II. Best Time to Travel to Peru

Peru can be visited year-round, but depending on the regions and planned activities, some periods are more favorable:

  • Dry season (May to October): Ideal for visiting the Andes and the Amazon, with sunny days and little rain. It is also the high tourist season, so book in advance, especially for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail trek.
  • Rainy season (November to April): Best time for the coast and desert (Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Mancora), but less favorable for high-altitude hikes. However, some sites are less crowded, and the landscapes are lush and green.
  • Shoulder season (April-May & September-October): A good compromise, with fewer tourists and relatively stable weather conditions.

Tip: If you plan to travel during the high season (June-August), book your flights, accommodations, and Machu Picchu tickets several months in advance to avoid price increases and limited availability.

III. How to Organize Your Budget

Peru is a destination that suits all budgets, but it is important to plan your expenses carefully:

  • Accommodation: Various options, from budget hostels (~€10-20 per night) to luxury hotels (~€100 and above).
  • Transportation: Buses are the most economical way to travel between cities, while domestic flights save time on long distances.
  • Food: You can eat locally at low prices (~€5 in a market or for a daily menu) or opt for more touristy restaurants (~€15-30).
  • Activities: Entrance fees to tourist sites vary (Machu Picchu ~€45, Amazon excursions ~€100-300 depending on duration, Inca Trail trek ~€500).

Tip: The more you plan in advance, the more you can optimize your budget by comparing prices and booking your excursions and accommodations at the best rates.

IV. Must-See Attractions Based on Trip Duration

  • 1 week: Lima – Cusco & Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu (express option with a Lima-Cusco flight).
  • 10-15 days: Lima – Arequipa & Colca Canyon – Lake Titicaca – Cusco & Machu Picchu.
  • 3 weeks or more: Add northern Peru (Chachapoyas, Trujillo, Chiclayo) and/or the Amazon (Iquitos, Tarapoto).

Tip: If you have limited time, prioritize domestic flights to avoid long bus journeys (e.g., Lima-Cusco flight instead of a 20-hour bus ride).

V. Tips for Optimizing Transportation

  • Long-distance buses: Ideal for saving on accommodation by traveling overnight (e.g., Cusco – Arequipa). Choose reputable companies for more comfort and safety.
  • Flights: Domestic flights are convenient for saving time, especially on long routes like Lima-Iquitos or Cusco-Puerto Maldonado. Compare prices and book early to avoid price increases.
  • Train: Essential for reaching Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) from Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Tickets can be expensive during the high season, so it’s best to book in advance.
  • Car rental: Not recommended due to chaotic driving, except for certain regions like Arequipa to Cotahuasi or the Chachapoyas Valley.
  • City transportation: In Lima, use taxis via apps like Uber or InDriver for safety. In smaller towns, tuk-tuks are an economical and quick way to get around.

Tip: Always plan your trips in advance and check travel times, as distances can be long and roads sometimes difficult to access.

VI. Plan on Your Own or Use a Travel Agency?

Two options are available to you:

  • Organize everything yourself: Ideal for independent travelers, this allows you to manage your budget and itinerary with flexibility. However, it requires time and preparation, especially for excursions and high-season bookings.
  • Use a local agency: Convenient for avoiding logistical hassles and benefiting from the expertise of guides who know the terrain well. Some agencies offer customized tours tailored to your pace and interests.

Tip: You can combine both: organize transportation and accommodations yourself while using a local agency for certain excursions (Amazon, treks, remote sites).

By following these tips, you can organize a tailor-made trip according to your style and budget. Whether you choose solo adventure or the support of an agency, Peru promises an unforgettable experience! 🌎✨

Article written by Pérou Découverte
Gift Ideas to Bring Back from Peru

Looking for the perfect souvenirs to bring back from your trip to Peru? Our comprehensive guide offers a selection of the best typical gifts, from local crafts to culinary specialties.

We’ve also thought of travelers who want to thank their host families or bring joy to children they met during their stay, with ideas suited to every situation.

Discover our suggestions for authentic and responsible gifts

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Peru Travel Guide 2025 - Tips by Peru Discovery