Welcome to Peru

Peru is one of the most diverse countries on Earth — and a destination that exceeds every expectation. On an area three and a half times the size of Germany, it combines:

• Machu Picchu — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the most iconic archaeological site in South America, perched high above the Urubamba Valley in the clouds
• The Andes — the longest mountain range in the world runs through Peru from north to south, with peaks over 6,000 m, snow-capped volcanoes, and the highest navigable lake in the world
• The Amazon Rainforest — 60% of the country's area is tropical jungle with unparalleled biodiversity: jaguars, macaws, pink river dolphins, thousands of plant species
• A 5,000-year-old high culture — from the oldest city in the Americas (Caral, 3000 BC) to the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the mighty Inca Empire that stretched from Colombia to Chile
• The best cuisine in South America — Lima has been voted the gastronomic capital of the world six times in a row. Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Causa, and Pisco Sour are world-famous
• Vibrant indigenous cultures — Quechua and Aymara are spoken by millions, and festivals like Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) keep ancient traditions alive
• Excellent value for money — Peru is significantly cheaper than Chile or Argentina and offers unforgettable experiences for travelers on any budget

What makes Peru so special: You can wander through the colonial old town of Cusco in the morning, marvel at Inca terraces in the Sacred Valley at noon, take a train to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, and admire the starry sky over the Andes in the evening. And the next day, fly into the rainforest and watch parrots at a clay lick. No other country in South America offers this density of experiences in such a compact space.

Peru can be divided into three major natural regions and five travel regions:

The three natural regions

• Costa (Coast): The narrow desert strip along the Pacific, home to the capital Lima and the Nazca Lines
• Sierra (Highlands): The Andean region with Cusco, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and peaks over 6,000 m
• Selva (Rainforest): The Amazon lowlands — 60% of the country's area, but only 5% of the population

Lima

For whom: Foodies, culture lovers, city explorers
The ten-million metropolis on the Pacific surprises with its UNESCO old town, the bohemian district of Barranco, and a culinary scene that makes Lima the culinary capital of the world. The Museo Larco houses spectacular pre-Inca treasures.

Cusco & Sacred Valley

For whom: History fans, trekkers, Inca enthusiasts
The former capital of the Inca Empire at 3,400 m altitude with a UNESCO old town, surrounded by the Sacred Valley with Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and the spectacular salt mines of Maras. From here, all roads lead to Machu Picchu.

Arequipa & Colca Canyon

For whom: Architecture fans, nature lovers, adventurers
The "White City" made of volcanic stone, the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, and the Colca Canyon — twice as deep as the Grand Canyon — where condors circle in the thermals.

Lake Titicaca

For whom: Cultural travelers, photographers, peace seekers
The highest navigable lake in the world (3,812 m) with the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros and the traditional communities on Taquile and Amantáni.

Amazonas

For whom: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventurers
From Iquitos by boat into the untouched jungle of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, or from Puerto Maldonado into the Tambopata region with its legendary parrot clay licks.

1. Experience Machu Picchu at sunrise — When the first rays of sun fall over the mountains and the clouds lift from the Inca city, you experience one of the most magical moments in the world. Getting up early is worth it! → Chap. Cusco
2. Wander through Cusco's old town — Inca walls as foundations for colonial churches, the Plaza de Armas in the golden evening light, Pisco Sour in a bar with a view over the red roofs. → Chap. Cusco
3. Eat Ceviche in Lima — Fresh fish, lime juice, Aji chili, red onions, and sweet potato — the Peruvian national dish in its capital is a revelation. → Chap. Lima
4. Watch condors over the Colca Canyon — At Cruz del Cóndor, the world's largest flying birds with over 3 meters wingspan circle in the morning thermals just meters above your head. → Chap. Arequipa
5. Hike the Inca Trail — Four days of trekking through cloud forests, over passes at 4,215 m, and past forgotten Inca ruins to the legendary Sun Gate with a view of Machu Picchu. → Chap. Cusco
6. Visit the floating islands of the Uros — On Lake Titicaca, the Uros have lived for centuries on self-built reed islands. A visit is like a journey to another world. → Chap. Titicaca
7. Drink Pisco Sour at sunset in Barranco — Peru's national cocktail in Lima's most colorful district, while the sun sets over the Pacific. → Chap. Lima
8. Travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas — Ollantaytambo, Pisac, the salt terraces of Maras, and the circular agricultural terraces of Moray — every corner an archaeological sensation. → Chap. Cusco
9. Discover the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa — A city within a city: The 16th-century nunnery with its brightly colored blue and red alleys is one of the most photogenic places in Peru. → Chap. Arequipa
10. Stay overnight in the Amazon Rainforest — Night sounds of the jungle, the call of howler monkeys, fireflies over the river — a night in a jungle lodge is incomparable. → Chap. Amazonas
11. Marvel at Sacsayhuamán — The megalithic fortress above Cusco with stones weighing over 100 tons that fit perfectly together without mortar. How did the Incas do it? → Chap. Cusco
12. Eat Lomo Saltado — The perfect fusion: Peruvian beef, Chinese wok, soy sauce, and fries. Peru's most popular everyday dish tells the story of Chinese immigrants. → Chap. Food & Drink
13. Bargain at the Pisac market — Every Sunday, Pisac in the Sacred Valley transforms into a huge market with handwoven textiles, ceramics, and alpaca wool. → Chap. Cusco
14. Experience the starry sky over Lake Titicaca — At 3,800 m altitude, far from any light pollution, the Milky Way shines with breathtaking clarity. → Chap. Titicaca
15. Watch parrots at the clay lick in Tambopata — Hundreds of macaws in all colors gather in the morning at the clay walls of the riverbank — a natural spectacle like from a documentary. → Chap. Amazonas

Peru has three completely different climate zones, which can have entirely different weather at the same time. The travel time therefore strongly depends on where you want to go.

Highlands (Sierra): Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa

Dry season (May–September): The best travel time! Clear skies, little rain, cold nights (in Cusco down to 0°C). High season with the most tourists, but also the best conditions.

Rainy season (October–April): Daily afternoon showers, but often sunny in the morning. Fewer tourists, cheaper prices. The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance! Machu Picchu is open year-round.

Coast (Costa): Lima

Summer (December–March): Warm and sunny (25–30°C). Beach weather!

Winter (May–November): Cool and gray ("Garúa" — fine drizzle and high fog). Lima then has 15–18°C and feels cooler than expected.

Rainforest (Selva): Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado

Dry season (May–October): Less rain, better wildlife viewing (animals gather at waterholes). Temperatures year-round 25–35°C, high humidity.

Rainy season (November–April): Heavy tropical showers, river levels rise by several meters. Still visitable, boats can go deeper into the forest.

Climate Table: Cusco (3,400 m)

Climate Table: Lima (Coast)

The altitude sickness (Spanish: Soroche) is the number one topic for travelers to Peru. Cusco is at 3,400 m, Lake Titicaca at 3,812 m, and many mountain passes exceed 4,000 m. At these altitudes, the air contains only 60–65% of the oxygen you breathe at sea level.

Symptoms

Mild symptoms (very common, occur in 30–70% of travelers):

• Headaches (the most common symptom)
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Insomnia
• Nausea, loss of appetite
• Dizziness, fatigue
• Slight swelling of face or hands

Severe symptoms (rare, but serious!):

• Severe headaches that do not respond to painkillers
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath at rest
• Confusion, coordination problems
• Blue lips

Prevention

• Ascend slowly! Do not fly directly from Lima (0 m) to Cusco (3,400 m) and start an excursion on the same day. Plan the first day as a rest day.
• Drink plenty: 3–4 liters per day, no alcohol on the first day
• Eat lightly: Prefer carbohydrates, avoid heavy meals
• Coca tea (Mate de Coca): The traditional home remedy of Peru! Offered free in every hotel in the highlands. Proven to help with mild symptoms. Coca leaves are legal in Peru and have nothing to do with cocaine.
• Acetazolamide (Diamox): Prescription medication that accelerates acclimatization. Discuss with your travel doctor! Start 1–2 days before ascent.
• Smart route planning: If possible, go to the Sacred Valley (2,800 m) first and then to Cusco (3,400 m) — this way you acclimatize gradually.

If it hits you

• Rest, drink plenty, coca tea
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches
• Hotels in Cusco and Puno often have oxygen bottles at the reception
• For severe symptoms: Descend immediately! Even 500–1,000 meters less altitude brings dramatic improvement

Peru offers an excellent value for money for South America. It is cheaper than Chile, Argentina, or Brazil, although certain tourist highlights (Machu Picchu, Inca Trail) require their own budget items.

Daily budget per person

Important individual costs (estimates 2025)