Where to Go and What to do in Peru?

Peru offers everything from ancient history and Amazonian jungles to world-class gastronomy. Because the country is large and the terrain (Andes mountains) makes travel slow, it's best to prioritize based on your time.

Here is a comprehensive guide on where to go, what to eat, and how to plan your trip.

1. Top Destinations (The "Gringo Trail" & Beyond)

Most first-time visitors follow the "Gringo Trail" south from Lima. If you have more time or want fewer crowds, head North.

The Classics (Southern Peru)

  • Lima: The gastronomic capital. Don't just treat it as a layover; spend 2-3 days eating your way through Miraflores, Barranco, and the Historic Center.
  • Paracas & Huacachina: A 4-hour bus ride from Lima.
    • Paracas: Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands ("Poor Man's Galapagos") to see penguins and sea lions.
    • Huacachina: A desert oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes. Great for dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
  • Arequipa: Known as the "White City" for its volcanic stone architecture. It’s stunning, has incredible food (picanterías), and is the gateway to Colca Canyon (one of the world's deepest canyons, famous for Andean Condors).
  • Cusco & The Sacred Valley: The heart of the Inca Empire.
    • Cusco: Acclimatize here.Visit the San Pedro Market, Sacsayhuaman, and the Qorikancha.
    • Sacred Valley:Towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac offer massive ruins and traditional markets with fewer crowds than Machu Picchu.
  • Machu Picchu: The crown jewel. Tip: Book your entrance tickets 2-3 months in advance. The train from Ollantaytambo is the most common way to get there.
  • Lake Titicaca (Puno): The highest navigable lake in the world. Visit the Uros Floating Islands (made of reeds) and Taquile Island for a glimpse into indigenous cultures.

The Amazon Rainforest

  • Puerto Maldonado: The most accessible Amazon entry point. A short flight from Cusco gets you to lodges along the Madre de Dios River (Tambopata Reserve).
  • Iquitos: Accessible only by flight/boat. Deeper jungle experience and the gateway to Amazon river cruises.

Nature & Trekking (The Andes)

  • Huaraz: The hiking capital of Peru. Home to the Cordillera Blanca and bright blue lakes like Laguna 69 and Laguna Paron.
  • Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): A popular day trip from Cusco. Warning: It is at very high altitude (5,200m), so go only after you are fully acclimatized.

2. What to Eat: A Culinary Bucket List

Peru is arguably the best food destination in South America.

  • Ceviche: Raw fish cured in lime juice and chili (leche de tigre). Try it at: Al Toke Pez (Surquillo, Lima) for a budget-friendly local spot.
  • Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce, served with fries and rice. Try it at: Isolina (Barranco, Lima) for a massive portion to share.
  • Ají de Gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy, yellow chili sauce. Comfort food at its finest.
  • Anticuchos: Grilled beef heart skewers. Don't be afraid; they taste like high-quality steak. Try it at: Grimanesa Vargas (Miraflores, Lima).
  • Cuy (Guinea Pig): Traditional in the Andes. It’s usually roasted or fried. Try it at: A local Picantería in Arequipa or specialized restaurants in Cusco/Sacred Valley.
  • Picarones: Sweet potato and pumpkin doughnuts drizzled in syrup. A common street food dessert.

3. Suggested Itineraries

  • 1 Week (The Highlights): Lima (1 day) -> Fly to Cusco (3 days, include Sacred Valley) -> Machu Picchu (1 day) -> Fly back to Lima.
  • 2 Weeks (The Classic Loop): Lima -> Paracas/Huacachina -> Nazca (optional) -> Arequipa & Colca Canyon -> Cusco & Sacred Valley -> Machu Picchu -> Lima.
  • 3+ Weeks (Deep Dive): Add Huaraz for hiking, or head to the Amazon (Puerto Maldonado) for 3 days.

4. Logistics & Travel Tips

  • Transport:
    • Bus: Very comfortable and affordable. Cruz del Sur is the most reliable traditional company. Peru Hop is a popular "hop-on, hop-off" service designed for tourists that includes stops at hidden gems and hotel pickups.
    • Flights: Save massive amounts of time. LATAM is the most reliable carrier. Budget carriers like Sky Airline and JetSmart are cheaper but often have strict luggage fees and delays.
  • Budget:
    • Backpacker:40 USD/day (Hostels, street food, local buses).
    • Mid-Range: 120 USD/day (Private rooms, domestic flights, nice dinners). 
  • Safety:
    • Use Uber or Cabify in Lima; street taxis can be risky.
    • Be careful with your phone in public areas in Lima and Cusco (petty theft is common).
    • Avoid political protests; if strikes occur, highways can be blocked.
  • Best Time to Visit:
    • Dry Season (May–Oct): Best for trekking and Machu Picchu (sunny days, cold nights).
    • Wet Season (Nov–Apr): Greener landscapes, fewer crowds, but rain can disrupt travel (especially in Feb when the Inca Trail closes for maintenance).