Peru travel guide
Peru combines some of the great sights of the Americas with a cuisine that has earned a global reputation. In one trip you can walk among the terraces of Machu Picchu, fly over the Nazca Lines, eat ceviche in Lima and cross high Andean passes. The Inca past is everywhere, and the country's landscapes range from desert coast to cloud forest. Lima is the gateway and the culinary capital, Cusco and Aguas Calientes lead to Machu Picchu, and the south coast brings Nazca and the desert. Beyond these, the highlands hold the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and the colonial city of Arequipa, while the Amazon basin offers rainforest and wildlife for those with more time. The dry season from May to September is the most popular for the highlands, while the coast is sunniest from December to April. Peru suits history lovers, food lovers, hikers and slow travellers, and you can plan the itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Lima.
Visa for Indian passport holders
Visa required, apply before you fly.
Before you go to Peru
- Currency
- PEN S/
- Emergency number
- 105
- Plug type
- Type A, C
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Expected
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex (limited)
- ATM fees
- S/18-36 per withdrawal at most banks; Banco de la Nacion MultiRed is commonly free but capped near S/400
Cities in Peru
- Cusco The ancient Inca capital at 3,400 m — cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial churches on Inca foundations, and the gateway to Machu Picchu…
- Lima Peru's sprawling coastal capital — colonial Centro Histórico, the cliff-top Miraflores district, bohemian Barranco, and the world-renowned…
- Aguas Calientes Also called Machu Picchu Pueblo — the small river-gorge town at the foot of Machu Picchu, reachable only by train or foot, where visitors…
- Arequipa The White City, built from sillar volcanic stone beneath three volcanoes — a UNESCO colonial centre, the Santa Catalina Monastery, and the…
- Puno The folkloric capital of Peru on the shore of Lake Titicaca at 3,800 m — launch point for the Uros floating reed islands and Taquile and…
- Ica Desert oasis region of southern Peru — the palm-ringed Huacachina lagoon with dune buggies and sandboarding, plus pisco bodegas and…
- Iquitos The largest city on earth unreachable by road — a steamy Amazon river-port and the main gateway to jungle lodges, river cruises and…
- Nazca Small desert town famous for the enigmatic Nazca Lines — vast pre-Columbian geoglyphs best seen on a light-aircraft overflight — plus the…
Frequently asked questions about Peru
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Peru?
- Visa required, apply before you fly.
- What currency is used in Peru?
- The currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol. S/1 is about ₹28.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Peru?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex (limited). Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Peru?
- Tipping in Peru: expected. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Peru?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Peru use?
- Peru uses Type A, C plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Peru?
- Emergency: 105. Police: 105. Ambulance: 116. Tourist helpline: iPerú 24h: (+51) 1 574 8000.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Peru?
- SIM and eSIM available in Peru.
- What is the capital of Peru?
- The capital of Peru is Lima. Time there: IST - 10 h 30 min.