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Peru

Overview of Peru

A girl and her llama in Peru
Photo credit: Thomas Quine
Peru is a large country on the Pacific coast of South America, encompassing a desert coastline, tropical rainforest, and soaring mountains, each with distinct environments. These dramatic landscapes offer an exceptional opportunity for travellers to experience a variety of adventures, an abundance of wildlife, a rich history and archaeological heritage, and the vivacious character of durable native cultures, all within one nation.

Fishing villages, fine beaches, agricultural lands, and Peru's major towns and cities, including the capital of Lima, are interspersed along the narrow belt of desert coastline that stretches the length of the country. The lush Amazon Basin takes up half of Peru and is an ecologically rich area of tropical rainforest that encompasses some of the world's most remote and least explored areas, sparsely populated and for the most part, inaccessible. Separating the coastal desert from the jungle is the splendid Andes mountain range, an endless chain of soaring peaks over 22,000 feet (7,000m) high, and home to millions of indigenous highland people, speaking the ancient Inca language of Quechua, and living in traditional villages with steeply terraced agricultural fields, with their wandering herds of llamas and alpacas.

An interesting history of ancient civilisations, tales of lost cities, undiscovered treasures, and unsolved mysteries make Peru one of the most exciting countries in the world. Travellers can marvel at the sophistication of pre-Colombian cultures and explore the many legacies left by the Inca Empire, particularly the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. Hiking along the legendary royal Inca highway brings visitors to the awesome, majestic 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu. Boats transport tourists to the unique floating islands and the traditional world of the island people on Lake Titicaca. Travellers can wander around splendid colonial cities that have preserved their Spanish architecture, look into the depths of the world's deepest canyon, and contemplate the intriguing mystery of the Nazca Lines.

For the more adventurous, a number of powerful rivers race within Peru's borders such as the mighty Amazon. Experienced paddlers will find some challenging stretches of white-water, while novices can enjoy the country's gentler runs. The Urubamba Valley, the Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons, and the Rio Santa and Tambopata Rivers all have terrific options. Adventurers can also tackle many wonderful stretches near Arequipa, which makes a great base for rafting and kayaking holidays.

Peru, 'Land of the Incas', offers a stimulating and rewarding travel experience and is one of the most diverse and exhilarating of the South American destinations.

map of Peru


Key Facts

Language:
Spanish is the official language. In areas where they are predominant, Quechua, Aymara and other aboriginal languages also have official status. English is spoken only in major tourist centres and hotels.
Passport/Visa:

All travellers require passports, return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If travelling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the visitor's intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more limited. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pronged plugs with flat blades as well as plugs with two round prongs are in use.

Travel to Peru

Overview

If there's one place in South America brimming with fascinating and awe-inspiring attractions, it's Peru. With wonders such as Macchu Pichu, the Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nazca lines, the Coricancha Inca Ruins and Pisco, it's no wonder Peru is one of South America's most popular tourist destinations. The country is a favourite with backpackers and budget travellers and it is possible to travel cheaply if necessary. However, Peru's most famous tourist activity, hiking the Inca Trail, is expensive and must be organised in advance as permits are required and very limited.

Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are charming and atmospheric, if a little shabby, with lots of colour and run-down colonial buildings. Peru has an interesting and refreshingly unique cuisine and the restaurant scene in places like Lima is fun to investigate. Lima also has a vibrant nightlife and some decent museums.

A reliable swell, fairly warm water and consistent offshore winds make the country a tremendous surfing destination too, with local surfers generally heading to Lima with its great waves. The north coast in particular has long, empty waves in beautiful locations, plus one of the world's largest left-hand point breaks.

Getting around Peru is fairly cheap and easy with plenty of internal flights operating on an almost daily basis and an affordable and reasonably reliable public transport system. It's advisable to fly between cities when possible or rent a car and explore all this mystical country has to offer, although long-haul bus trips are also an option.

Climate in Peru

Peru has three climate zones, one of which governs the coastal region. Its desert landscape is caused by the cold Humboldt Current, which prevents cloud formation over the land. Lima is generally sunny and humid, with next to no rainfall, though it experiences heavy sea mists from April to November. The northern coast has hot, sunny summers, with occasional rain showers. The coast gets less arid farther north, as the effect of the Humboldt Current decreases. The Andes region is cool, and its wet season runs from October to April. The dry season lasts from May to October, and this is the most popular time to visit Peru. During the dry season, days in the highlands are clear and sunny, though nights become very cold, especially at altitude. The forested region of the Amazon Basin has an equatorial climate, where conditions involve hot weather and frequent rain throughout the year.

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to October, and July and August are the peak months. Visitors will notice more rain between November and April, particularly over January and February. Travel at this time does offer the advantage of fewer visitors, greener scenery, and lower rates for flights and hotels. The Amazon also experiences more rain between November and March, but this should not deter you from visiting - the flora and fauna will still be abundant and there are always breaks in showers.

Health Notes when travelling to Peru

Travellers heading to Peru will need a yellow fever certificate if they're entering from an infected area, and are advised to take precautions if travelling to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible, as are precautions against malaria, dengue fever and zika virus. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended, as well as a course of rabies injections if journeying into the wilderness. Diarrhoea and altitude sickness are the most common ailments, so travellers should only drink bottled water, avoid drinks with ice and be wary of street food. Healthcare is good in the major cities, particularly at private clinics rather than public hospitals, but travel insurance remains essential.

Safety Notes when travelling to Peru

Most visits to Peru are trouble-free and sensible precautions should be enough to keep travellers safe. There have been a few incidents on treks through the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and should seek safety advice before setting out. Travellers should only take official taxis as thieves can pose as drivers or tour operators.

Customs in Peru

Visitors should not take photographs of anything relating to the military. Many locals will ask for a tip in return for being the subject of a photograph. In some places, this is the primary source of income. Homosexuality, although legal, is frowned upon. Gay travellers should keep a low profile outside gay clubs. Visitors should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as this will be seen as insulting, regardless of their intentions.

Duty Free in Peru

Travellers over the age of 18 do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 3 litres of alcoholic beverages; and gifts to the value of US$500. Items such as sausages, salami, ham and cheese may only be brought in if accompanied by an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham from Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural or artistic items from the country is not permitted.

Doing Business in Peru

Business centres on the capital, Lima, and is usually conducted in a formal and somewhat conservative manner. It's worth noting that foreigners will need a business visa from a local Peruvian Consulate.

Dress should be formal, with suits and ties being the norm. Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and handshakes are standard for men and women. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is useful to have them printed in Spanish on one side, though English is fairly common. In fact, any effort to speak Spanish will be well received.

Women may encounter sexism. Punctuality is important, though meetings are not likely to begin on time. Business hours can vary but are usually from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses close for a siesta from 1pm to 3pm.

Communication in Peru

The international access code for Peru is +51. Wifi access is available in most hotels, modern restaurants and cafés.

Tipping in Peru

Most restaurants add a service charge of 10 percent, which will be indicated by the words propina or servicio near the bottom of the bill. Even if a service charge has been added, the waiter can be offered an additional 10 percent for exceptional service; this is also the going rate for tipping where a service charge has not been added. In hotels, porters expect about US$1 per bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set before departure). Tour guides are customarily tipped.

Passport/Visa Note

All travellers require passports, return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If travelling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the visitor's intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Tourist Offices

PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru), Lima: +51 1 616 7300 or https://www.peru.travel/biddingbook/home_en.html

Peru Embassies

In the United States:

Peruvian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 833 9860.

In Canada:

Peruvian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 1777.

In the United Kingdom:

Peruvian Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7235 3802.

In Australia:

Peruvian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6273 7351.

In Ireland:

Peruvian Consulate, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 567 6951.

In New Zealand:

Peruvian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 213 8943.

In South Africa:

Peruvian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 440 1030.

Foreign Embassies in Peru

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Lima: +51 1 618 2000.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Lima: +51 1 319 3200.

British Embassy

British Embassy, Lima: +51 1 617 3000.

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy, Lima: +51 1 630 0500.

Irish Embassy

Irish Honorary Consulate, Lima, Peru: +51 1 222 5252.

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand Embassy in Chile (also responsible for Peru): +56 2 2616 3000.

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, Lima: +51 1 612 4848.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Peru

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Peru, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Peru. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated eat_drink

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Malaria

When traveling in Peru, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Peru, see malaria in Peru.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Peru, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Peru
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated animals
Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. For more information on this recommendation, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Peru.Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Peru, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Peru. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

When traveling in Peru, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Peru, see malaria in Peru.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Peru, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Peru
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated avoid_insects
Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. For more information on this recommendation, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Peru.Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Note: Zika is a risk in Peru. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Peru. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).

 

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Peru, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

Ceviche is a popular Peruvian dish of raw fish or seafood that is “cooked” in an acidic marinade. CDC recommends that travelers avoid raw seafood, but if you must try the ceviche in Peru, stick to clean, established restaurants.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Peru. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Some diseases in Peru—such as dengue, louse-borne typhus, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Note: Zika is a risk in Peru. For more information, see Zika Virus in Peru.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Peru include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Many popular destinations in Peru, such as Machu Picchu, are at high altitudes. You may experience altitude sickness as a result. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent and treat altitude sickness.

See Travel to High Altitudes.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Peru. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Peru’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Peru. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Peru may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Peru, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Peru, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Peru.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Peru, dial 116 for the fire department and 105 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Peru before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Peru from the US Department of State.

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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Peru for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in Peru. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

  • Zika Virus in Peru August 29, 2017 Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more limited. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.

Exchange rate for 1 PEN - Peruvian Nuevo Sol
0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
0.26 EUR
Euro
0.26 USD
U.S. Dollar
0.22 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
37.04 JPY
Japanese Yen
0.34 CAD
Canadian Dollar
0.25 CHF
Swiss Franc
0.38 AUD
Australian Dollar
9.47 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
122.78 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
389.27 LBP
Lebanese Pound
1.27 LYD
Libyan Dinar
1.78 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
32.80 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
0.10 OMR
Omani Rial
0.95 QAR
Qatari Rial
0.36 SGD
Singapore Dollar
2.76 SEK
Swedish Krona
1.75 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
13.66 DOP
Dominican Peso
1.94 HRK
Croatian Kuna
5.17 MXN
Mexican Peso
169.36 XOF
West African CFA Franc
0.91 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
0.26 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
0.58 FJD
Fiji Dollar
6.36 HNL
Honduran Lempira
36.27 DZD
Algerian Dinar
541.49 MMK
Myanma Kyat
3.36 BWP
Botswana Pula
237.95 CLP
Chilean Peso
104.47 AMD
Armenia Dram
6.34 CZK
Czech Koruna
4.99 MDL
Moldova Lei
35.84 ISK
Icelandic Krona
2,821.13 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
0.89 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
0.18 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
0.08 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
10.51 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
11.65 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
9.27 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
2.62 NOK
Norwegian Krone
1.22 PLN
Polish Zloty
0.97 SAR
Saudi Riyal
94.00 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
9.48 THB
Thai Baht
0.95 AED
U.A.E Dirham
1.34 BRL
Brazilian Real
1.27 RON
Romanian New Leu
2.03 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
169.66 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
6,075.07 VND
Vietnamese Dong
36.88 ARS
Argentine Peso
0.70 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
2.01 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
2.74 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
0.10 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
0.26 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
0.44 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
1,139.98 COP
Colombian Peso
20.86 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
105.17 HUF
Hungarian Forint
2.64 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
3,835.29 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
5.01 EGP
Egyptian Pound
360.76 KRW
South Korean Won
1,799.26 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
1.17 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
163.27 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
0.43 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
57.69 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
15.54 RUB
Russian Rouble
4.53 ZAR
South African Rand
0.83 TND
Tunisian Dinar
0.52 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
0.51 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
4.71 TRY
Turkish Lira
14.79 PHP
Philippine Peso
8.04 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
110.53 NGN
Nigerian Naira
30.81 XPF
CFP Franc
2.59 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
39.30 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
0.46 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.36 BND
Brunei Dollar
30.29 RSD
Serbian Dinar
1.80 CNY
Chinese Yuan
1.92 DKK
Danish Krone
0.90 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
20.59 INR
Indian Rupee
       
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol

1 USD = 3.87 PEN

Exchange Rate for
Euro to Peruvian Nuevo Sol

1 EUR = 3.87 PEN

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol

1 CAD = 2.94 PEN

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Peruvian Nuevo Sol

1 GBP = 4.45 PEN

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol

1 AUD = 2.60 PEN

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol

1 NZD = 2.32 PEN

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Peruvian Nuevo Sol

1 ZAR = 0.22 PEN

Lima International (LIM)
Jorge Chávez International Airport
http://www.lima-airport.com

Location: The airport is situated seven miles (12km) from Lima.

map of Lima International

Time: Local time is GMT -5.

Contacts: Switchboard: +51 1 517 3100. Flight Information: +51 1 511 6055.

Getting to the city: Buses and minibuses service the city centre. Travellers will find their stops outside the airport gates. They travel to the city, stopping along the main avenues.

Car rental: Avis, Budget and Hertz offer services at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis can be pre-booked or found outside the airport terminals.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, a couple of restaurants, shops, left luggage and a tourist information desk. There are disabled facilities; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking: Parking is charged at PEN 7 per hour and PEN 49 per day, and is located across from the main terminal building.

Cuzco Airport (CUZ)
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

Location: Cuzco The airport is located two miles (3km) from downtown Cuzco.

map of Cuzco Airport

Time: Local time is GMT -5

Getting to the city: There are no trains or buses from the airport, so taxis or a rented car are the only options to reach destinations in the city. Some hotels offer a pick-up service from the airport that should be arranged prior to arrival.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Hertz, Avis, and Europcar.

Airport Taxis: Taxis from the airport can be arranged from booths within the terminal. Visitors should not use unmarked taxis and should negotiate a price before setting off to their destination.

Facilities: Airport facilities include restaurants, a club lounge, shops, ATMs, and massage facilities.

Parking: Parking is available at the airport.

Overview of the Attractions in Peru

If there's one place in South America brimming with fascinating and awe-inspiring attractions, it's Peru. With wonders such as Macchu Pichu, the Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nazca lines, the Coricancha Inca Ruins and Pisco, it's no wonder Peru is one of South America's most popular tourist destinations. The country is a favourite with backpackers and budget travellers and it is possible to travel cheaply if necessary. However, Peru's most famous tourist activity, hiking the Inca Trail, is expensive and must be organised in advance as permits are required and very limited.

Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are charming and atmospheric, if a little shabby, with lots of colour and run-down colonial buildings. Peru has an interesting and refreshingly unique cuisine and the restaurant scene in places like Lima is fun to investigate. Lima also has a vibrant nightlife and some decent museums.

A reliable swell, fairly warm water and consistent offshore winds make the country a tremendous surfing destination too, with local surfers generally heading to Lima with its great waves. The north coast in particular has long, empty waves in beautiful locations, plus one of the world's largest left-hand point breaks.

Getting around Peru is fairly cheap and easy with plenty of internal flights operating on an almost daily basis and an affordable and reasonably reliable public transport system. It's advisable to fly between cities when possible or rent a car and explore all this mystical country has to offer, although long-haul bus trips are also an option.

Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin
Lima

Shoppers, vendors and sightseers crowd the long pedestrian street connecting Plaza Mayor to Plaza de Armas. The heart of the old town is found in these locations, with the latter's bronze fountain and old street lamps providing an old-fashioned feel. Several notable buildings surround the square, such as the Spanish Baroque Cathedral occupying the site of an ancient Inca temple and housing the Museum of Religious Art and Treasures; the Government Palace; the Archbishop's Palace; and the Plaza San Martin, buzzing with street artists and soapbox speakers surrounding its central fountain.

map of Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin

Cajamarca

Cajamarca is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Peru's northern highlands, with the Andean traditions very much alive and well. It's also where the Inca Empire fell during a bloody battle with the Spanish in 1532. The steps on Santa Apolonia Hill lead up to the famous Inca Seat, from which leaders would address their subjects. Other archaeological sites include the monoliths of Kuntur Wasi, the pre-Colombian Cumbe Mayo aqueduct and the pre-Incan necropolis of Ventanillas de Otuzco. Foodies will enjoy the town's cheese, ice-cream and chocolate, while its attractive centre is filled with colonial buildings, beautiful churches and stately period mansions. Travellers may also want to see the Incan Baths in Banos del Inca, often used as homeopathic treatment for bone disease.

Museo de la Nacion (National Museum)
Lima

Located in Lima, the anthropological and archaeological museum's exhibits trace the history of Peru's ancient civilisations. All in all, they provide an outstanding overview of the country's archaeological richness. The museum's chronological layout guides visitors through complicated ancient history, highlighting the many conquering cultures and their achievements. Visitors can view the history of the original inhabitants and the Inca Empire, as well as an exhibition on Peru's internal conflict which began in 1980. Visitors can enjoy guided tours for a small fee and will marvel at the size of the collection, which spans a few floors.

map of Museo de la Nacion (National Museum)

The Inca Trail
Cuzco

The world-famous Inca Trail is the toast of South America's hikes. Constructed as a royal road to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the stone-paved walk ventures deep into cloud forests and provides dramatic climbs up the mountains. The beautiful but arduous four-day trail is part of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Hikers cross over three high-altitude mountain passes and come across scattered Inca ruins, with exotic vegetation and awe-inspiring views being constant companions. The ancient royal route reaches the stone Sun Gate, from where Machu Picchu becomes visible and Huayna Picchu's looming peak dominates the background. Visitors must arrange hikes through an official Inca Trail agency as independent trekking is prohibited, with permits ideally booked long in advance.

Museo Rafael Larco Herrera
Lima

Housed in an 18th-century mansion and surrounded by an award-winning garden, the Larco Museum houses a world-class collection of ancient ceramics. Most of the pieces come from the Moche Dynasty, who lived along Peru's northern coast between 100 and 700 AD. They're said to have accomplished the region's most imaginative languages through creative pottery, through which visitors can learn about their dance, music and religion, as well as transport and agriculture. The collection also includes crowns, masks and erotica, as well as statues and jewellery from around 4,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history.

map of Museo Rafael Larco Herrera

Website: http://www.museolarco.org

Amazon Basin

Nearly half of Peru lies within the sweltering Amazon Basin, where an untouched rainforest conceals every foot and fang. Believed to be the most biologically diverse region in the world, it's sparsely populated and largely inaccessible. Many of the country's indigenous tribes also call the jungle home, adding another layer to the destination's allure. Nature lovers find the basin irresistible, yielding to the pull of jaguars, pink dolphins and giant anacondas. The city of Iquitos is the best place from which to access the northern basin. Situated on the mighty Amazon River and humid all year round, Iquitos was originally founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1754, and has grown into a bustling city.

Church of San Francisco

A block away from the Plaza Mayor, San Francisco is the most spectacular of Lima's colonial churches. Thankfully, locals and visitors can still enjoy its striking white and yellow towers and stone facade, as it's one of the few buildings to survive the earthquake of 1746. Its famous underground catacombs contain the bones and skulls of around 70 000 people, while columns, mosaic tiles and a Moorish-style ceiling decorate its exquisite interior. The Baroque church also has a superb 17th-century library full of antique texts and a room of painted masterpieces by Flemish greats Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck. Visitors must take a guided tour if they want to explore the church and catacombs.

map of Church of San Francisco

Pisco

Pisco is a small port and fishing village, best known for its fiery white-grape brandy. One of Peru's major ancient civilisations, the Paracas established their culture in the area and left an astounding collection of antiquities now housed in Lima's museums. The nearby Paracas National Reserve contains an incredible variety of wildlife, with boat tours of the Ballestas Islands affording spectacular close up views of the animals.There are thousands of resident and migratory birds, such as penguins, flamingos and pelicans, and the waters are home to sea lions, dolphins, turtles and whales. Boats pass the famous Candelabra on their way to the islands, the prehistoric drawing etched into the sandstone cliffs overlooking the bay.

map of Pisco

The Nazca Lines

Nazca is a small desert town in southern Peru, famous for the mysterious lines and diagrams etched into the surrounding desert floor thousands of years ago. Visitors will also find interesting museums and archaeological sites, including the Chauchilla Cemetery where 12 exposed underground tombs contain skeletons and preserved mummies. The town's main attraction is an aerial flight over the Nazca Lines, which are spread over miles of the region's vast desert terrain. The dimensions of these enormous figures, spirals and geometric designs are so large that the only way to view them is from the air. Pilots will point out animal representations such as the Condor, Spider and Hummingbird and the unusual character known as the Astronaut.

map of The Nazca Lines

Plaza de Armas
Cuzco

The Plaza de Armas is Cuzco's graceful main square, lined with colonial-style covered walkways and houses containing souvenir shops. Visitors will also find bars, restaurants and travel agencies, while a large cathedral overlooks the square. Its elaborately carved wooden altar is covered in gold and silver plate, and its carved wooden choir stalls are regarded as Peru's finest. Cathedral visitors usually linger over The Last Supper painting, where the table has a platter of the local Inca delicacy of roasted guinea pig. One of Cuzco's most ornately decorated churches, La Compania is also on the plaza. History lovers should make a point of walking the alleyway of Loreta, as it's lined with Incan stone walls.

map of Plaza de Armas

Coricancha Inca Ruins
Cuzco

The sacred complex of Coricancha was considered the centre of the Inca world, with the walls and floors of the Temple of the Sun once covered in sheets of solid gold and accompanied by golden statues. But Spanish colonists constructed the Church of Santo Domingo on the site, destroying the temple and using its foundations for the cathedral. Major earthquakes have severely damaged the church, though the stone walls still stand and bear testament to their sophisticated masonry. Visitors will find an underground archaeological site museum nearby, containing a number of interesting pieces such as mummies, textiles and sacred idols.

map of Coricancha Inca Ruins

Sacsayhuaman
Cuzco

Of the four ruins near Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman is the closest and most remarkable. Spanish conquistadors used it as a quarry during their day, providing many of the materials for the city's colonial buildings. It's often referred to as a fortress because of its high, impenetrable walls but some believe it to be a religious or ceremonial centre. According to estimates, the complex took about 100 years to build, requiring thousands of labourers. The massive blocks of stone fit together perfectly, each weighing between 90 and 125 tonnes, and standing around 16ft (5m) tall. History buffs will note that the Inca and Spanish fought at the centre during the infamously bloody battle of 1536. Today, the site holds the annual celebrations of Cuzco's most important festival, the colourful Inti Raymi.

map of Sacsayhuaman

Getting there: A steep 40 minute (2km) walk up from the Plaza de Armas.

Huarez

Nestled in the Andean Highlands, the Huaraz region is one of the most rugged and beautiful parts of Peru. Found in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, the wide valley wedged between dramatic snow-capped mountains is the country's climbing and hiking centre. The spectacular Callejón de Huaylas Valley boasts glacial lakes like Lago Parón, beautiful mountain scenery and superb hiking opportunities. Visitors will find a group of picturesque villages on its fringes serving as starting points for Andes hiking expeditions, with Peru's highest peak, Huascaran, towering above. Travellers can visit the spectacular ruins of the Chavin de Huantar temple or the remains of ancient Chan Chan, or relax in the hot springs at Monterrey.

The Sacred Valley (Urubamba River Valley)
Cuzco

Known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this breathtakingly beautiful and fertile valley stretches between the villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Travellers will navigate it on the winding Urubamba River, with ancient Inca ruins watching from the hilltops above. Agricultural terraces flank the steep sides of a mountain crowned by alarmingly narrow trails, all leading to the cliff-hugging citadel above Pisac with massive stone doorways and stairways cut into rock. The temple-fortress of ancient Ollantaytambo also sits on the cliff edge. Originally developed as an Inca administrative centre, its layout is one of the few remaining models of an Inca grid plan. The ruins include the Royal Chamber, the Princess Baths and the Temple of the Sun.

map of The Sacred Valley (Urubamba River Valley)

Chan Chan

Once the Chimu Kingdom's capital, Chan Chan was home to around 60 000 inhabitants and was wealthy in gold, silver and ceramics. Most of its treasures disappeared with Spanish looters generations ago, though it remains the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and the largest adobe city in the world. Only one of the UNESCO site's nine palaces has been properly excavated and opened to the public, but visitors will still see more than enough to paint a picture of what the city must have looked like. Highlights include the intricate murals of birds, fish and otters, which add mesmerizing details to the massive site.

map of Chan Chan

Website: http://www.chanchan.gob.pe

Machu Picchu
Cuzco

The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is regarded as the most significant archaeological site in South America, perched high in the Andes. Fortunately, Spanish colonists didn't discover and destroy the structure, as it's completely concealed from below. The site is surrounded by grazing llamas and steep agricultural terraces, and consists of a central plaza, towers, palaces and water canals, as well as ornate fountains and a sacred ceremonial area of royal tombs and intricately carved temples. The sacred Temple of the Sun is one of the site's highlights, with the mountain of Huayna Picchu forming a dramatic backdrop to the city.

map of Machu Picchu

Website: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe

Santa Catalina Monastery
Arequipa

The Santa Catalina Monastery is an enormous complex of rooms, chapels and plazas, coupled with ornate fountains, cobbled streets and beautifully archways. The high and brightly painted walls contain a number of cells, which over time housed over 200 members of the female nobility. Visitors can admire its valuable collection of Spanish American religious art, the huge 17th-century kitchen, or the murals on the vaulted arches of the sky-blue Orange Tree Cloister. A beautiful church compound, Santa Catalina is a masterpiece of colonial architecture and the most fascinating religious complex in Peru.

map of Santa Catalina Monastery

Website: http://www.santacatalina.org.pe

Museo Santuarios Andinos (Museum of Andean Sanctuaries)
Arequipa

This small museum's most famous attraction is the 600-year-old frozen body of a young Inca girl named Juanita, discovered in near-perfect condition on the top of the Ampato Volcano in 1995. She was sacrificed to the mountain gods and buried in a tomb with funeral offerings, her body encased in ice and preserved by the freezing temperatures for centuries. It was found along with other ice mummies after a volcanic eruption melted the ice and exposed the tomb. The Ice Maiden is exhibited in a refrigerated glass case and analysis of her DNA has afforded great insights into the Inca culture, while other artefacts from surrounding sites are also on display.

map of Museo Santuarios Andinos (Museum of Andean
Sanctuaries)

Lake Titicaca

Many Peruvians revere Lake Titicaca as legend says the founders of the Inca rose from its waters. Today, the Uros people live on man-made floating islands, fishing in beautiful carved canoes atop the highest navigable lake on the planet. Tourists will find a splendid mix of indigenous and colonial structures in nearby Puno, as well as mestizo art and crafts. Puno is also reputedly the centre of Peruvian folklore, with its inhabitants descending from the Aymara and Quechua Andean tribes. Visitors can experience some of the country's most vibrant traditional festivals, such as February's feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria and its main event: the Dance of The Devils.

The Colca Canyon
Arequipa

The Colca Canyon is the most popular excursion from Arequipa and the world's second deepest canyon. The picturesque valley is home to huge mountains, grand churches and lively market places, as well as herds of wandering llamas. The Crux del Condor is the region's most popular viewing point, and the best place to see giant condors soaring over the dramatic depths. Many people stay in the quaint market town of Chivay, offering a good range of hiking trails, bus services and accommodation. Travellers can choose from a number of tour operators or set off for a solo adventure.

map of The Colca Canyon

Ayacucho
Cuzco

Located in Peru's central highlands and crossed by two mountain ranges, Ayacucho is home to some of the country's most significant archaeological attractions, as well as gorgeous, pastel-coloured colonial buildings. An ancient capital city, some of the oldest prehistoric remains found in America and richly decorated churches are all part of the destination's inheritance. Ayacucho is a relatively unknown tourism gem due largely to previous political unrest. Fortunately, travellers are rediscovering it, with the best time to visit around Easter when the city's carnival celebrations are in full swing.

map of Ayacucho

Marcahuasi

Marcahuasi is a plateau in the Andes, where travellers interested in the mythical side of Peruvian culture will find a wonderful excursion from nearby Lima. The mountains are home to some massive rock formations of mysterious origin, depicting various animals, human faces and other symbols. Visitors will also see ruins on the north side of the plateau, where more than 50 structures stand in varying states of dilapidation. Some locals view the plateau with superstitious awe and consider it a spiritual site of great power. Marcahuasi has campsites and the views from the plateau are breathtakingly beautiful. Nights can be freezing cold, though. Visitors can rent tents, mattresses and other equipment in the village of San Pedro de Casta, which is the gateway to Marcahuasi.

map of Marcahuasi

Public Holidays in Peru

  2023 2024
New Year's Day Mon. January 1 Mon. January 1
Good Friday Sun. April 7 Fri. March 29
Maundy Thursday Sat. April 6 Thu. March 28
Labour Day Wed. May 1 Wed. May 1
St Peter & St Paul's Day Sat. June 29 Sat. June 29
Independence Day Sun. July 28 to Mon. July 29 Sun. July 28 to Mon. July 29
Santa Rosa Day Fri. August 30 Fri. August 30
Battle of Angamos Day Tue. October 8 Tue. October 8
All Saints' Day Fri. November 1 Fri. November 1
Immaculate Conception Sun. December 8 Sun. December 8
Christmas Day Wed. December 25 Wed. December 25

News about Peru

Machu Picchu train line reopens after protests leave tourists stranded
Access to Incan site in Peru was blocked due to dispute over new electronic rail ticketing system
The National News
Thursday February 01, 2024
Is tourism in Machu Picchu at risk amid protests?
Unrest in Peru disrupts access to Machu Picchu, stranding tourists and sparking concerns over tourism's future due to a controversial ticketing system
Travel And Tour World
Tuesday January 30, 2024
This Indigenous-owned Tour Company in Peru Has Women-only Hiking Trips That Include Camping in Glass Domes, Cooking Classes, and a Visit to an Alpaca Farm
Alpaca Expeditions is offering something special to travelers with its first-ever women-only Sacred Valley and Salkantay Tour to Machu Picchu
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday January 30, 2024
Viking cruise will take you from the Arctic to Antarctica in 87 days
The epic journey will allow passengers to explore the natural beauty of the Canadian High Arctic, call on ports in the Caribbean and Peru and explore the Chilean glaciers
Long Island Newsday
Friday January 26, 2024
Machu Picchu open to additional 700 a day after year of protests
Machu Picchu is preparing to open its mountain trails to another 700 visitors a day from January, as Cusco and the Peruvian Tourism industry climb back from
New Zealand Herald
Friday December 22, 2023
State of Emergency Declared in Parts of Peru. Is It Safe to Travel There Right Now?
The districts of San Juan de Lurigancho and San Martin de Porras, both in Lima, and the northern district of Talara near the country’s border with Ecuador have been included in the state of emergency. Two other regions are already in place in La Libertad and
Fodor's Travel
Wednesday September 27, 2023
South American Bucket List: 10 Things to Do Once in Your Lifetime
Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru for an unforgettable bucket list experience. Choose the Inca Trail for a popular route or the less crowded Salkantay Trek. Experience the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest in Iquitos, Peru. Stay at an eco-lodge and go fishing for
The Travel
Friday August 11, 2023
How to Experience Machu Picchu
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu is practically synonymous with Peru. Built during the 15th century, this Inca citadel was abandoned sometime after the Spanish invasion and remained unexplored until 1911 when
AFAR
Friday August 04, 2023
This Restaurant Was Just Named Best in the World
A South American restaurant has won the top prize in the annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time. The accolade was announced in Valencia, Spain, on June 20. The winning restaurant is Central in Lima, Peru. It’s helmed by married chefs
AFAR
Thursday June 22, 2023
The Art of Being a Flâneur
Your “first care must be to ignore the very dream of haste, walking everywhere very slowly and very much at random,” Henry James advised visitors to Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region in Italy. A self-described flâneur, or idle stroller, James applied
New York Times
Monday June 19, 2023
This Is What It's Like To Visit Machu Picchu Right Now
Visiting Machu Picchu is a bucket list experience for many travelers. This ancient Incan citadel built in the 15th century is the most-visited destination in Peru, and for good reasons. It’s incredibly well-preserved, and its dramatic location surrounded by mist-shrouded mountains
Travel Off Path
Wednesday March 22, 2023
G Adventures' Peru trips to restart from March 1
G Adventures is relaunching its operations in Peru from March 1, 2023. The adventure operator has been poised to relaunch trips, following the reopening of Machu Picchu, as quickly as possible to help support local communities and businesses in Peru that depend on tourism
PAX News
Monday February 27, 2023
Machu Picchu Temporarily Closes to Tourists Due to Ongoing Protests in Peru
Entry to the famed archeological site Machu Picchu has been temporarily closed due to ongoing protests in Peru. Both the Machu Picchu Citadel and the Inca Trail Network have been closed to tourists amid political unrest in the country, CNN reported. Tourists who had a ticket for Jan. 21 or
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday January 24, 2023
Uniworld Announces 2nd Annual 'Rivers of the World' Cruise
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced its second annual Rivers of the World cruise for 2024. The 55-day cruise will depart from Lima, Peru, on October 3, 2024, and take 68 guests on a voyage across three continents and 10 different countries aboard four opulent Super Ships. This
Porthole Cruise & Travel
Friday January 06, 2023
Peru evacuating tourists stranded at Machu Picchu
Hundreds of tourists stranded in the ancient city of Machu Picchu are being evacuated after Peru was plunged into a state of emergency following the ousting of the country's president. Following interruptions and closures last week, train services and airports are now reopening
CNN
Tuesday December 20, 2022
Tourists stranded in Machu Picchu amid Peru protests
Tourists from around the world have been left stranded in the ancient city of Machu Picchu after Peru was plunged into a state of emergency following the arrest of the country's president. The main means of accessing the UNESCO World Heritage Site -- the rail line -- was suspended as
CNN
Friday December 16, 2022
The 13 most incredible places to visit in Peru
Touted for its gastronomy, revered for its cultural legacies and marveled for its biodiversity, Peru is a land worthy of multiple visits – how else would you be able to see, taste and do it all? With landscapes ranging from mountains and jungle to sea, Peru has activities and
Lonely Planet
Friday November 18, 2022
Peru Removes All Entry Rules And Finally Reopens Fully For Tourism
After two and a half years with some of the strictest rules in the world, Peru has finally dropped all COVID-related restrictions, returning to normal tourism. Visitors will be able to travel freely to this South American nation once again. The state of emergency decree in effect
Travel Off Path
Tuesday November 01, 2022
Top things to do in Perugia
Perugia's location along the slope of the prominent and iconic hills that define the Umbrian region has made it strategically important since the Etruscan era and its sizable student population counts an impressive number of foreign students. Almost exactly halfway between Rome and Florence, Perugia
Lonely Planet
Wednesday October 05, 2022
The 15 best places to visit in Canada right now
Canada is a country chock-full of natural sites and urban delights, where visitors are equally as wowed by the wildlife and wilderness, as they are by the cultural and culinary offerings found in the cities that speckle the sprawling nation. Peruse for polar bears on the open arctic tundra of Churchill
Lonely Planet
Thursday August 25, 2022
Peru's Hidden Gem: 10 Things To Do In Arequipa
Arequipa is known as Peru’s White City, recognizable for the baroque white stone architecture set against a stunning landscape with volcano views. While many travelers spend their entire trip to Peru exploring Lima, Cusco, and the Amazon, they’re missing out by skipping over Arequipa. This
The Travel
Tuesday August 23, 2022
We Just Hiked The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu: So Was It Worth It?
There was no way we were heading to Machu Picchu and not doing the Inca Trail. The pretentious traveler in me wouldn’t allow it. The four-day trek is the stuff of bucket list dreams, and only seeing the old Incan Citadel wasn’t going to be enough. As soon as we’d decided Peru was on the cards
Travel Off Path
Tuesday August 16, 2022
Tickets Continue To Sell Out To World Famous Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the fascinating structure created by the Inca Empire in Peru, South America, attracts travelers from all over the world. This Inca citadel was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in South America. Still, travelers
Travel Off Path
Tuesday August 02, 2022
This Hotel's New, Open-air Dome in the Middle of Peru's Sacred Valley Has Stunning 360-degree Views
Las Qolqas Eco-Resort & Spa is one of the newest hotels in Peru's iconic Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu.
Travel+Leisure
Friday May 06, 2022
Peru, Chile, Ecuador & Others Win at 2021 World Travel Awards
Central and South American countries were well-represented when the 2021 annual World Travel Awards (WTA) were announced recently
Remezcla
Thursday December 23, 2021
Is Rainbow Mountain Worth Hiking? What To Know Before You Go
Hiking Peru's Rainbow Mountain is a pilgrimage that's humbling for many trekkers, and it's worth the trip
The Travel
Monday June 28, 2021
The Destination You Should Visit Next, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
From a ruin-filled trip through Peru to a relaxing visit to the Amalfi Coast, Astrocartographer Maya White on where all of the zodiac signs should travel next
Conde Nast Traveler
Tuesday February 23, 2021
Travelers Are Flocking Outdoors, but Trekking Guides Are Still Struggling
Juan Barrios, a trekking guide for Mountain Lodges of Peru, was leading a group of seven hikers through the Peruvian Andes when news of COVID-19's rapid spread reached them. The headlines, Barrios told me, were alarming to some of his clients—or, as he insists on calling them, his “friends.” The night before their visit to Machu Picchu, two of those friends decided to go home early. A few days later
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday January 06, 2021
How Peru plans to make Machu Picchu completely carbon neutral
Countless people around the world are taking special efforts as of late to make travel more sustainable. Peru is the latest example of this, with the country not only launching a brand new sustainable travel brochure that celebrates local wildlife and nature
Lonely Planet
Friday December 11, 2020
Machu Picchu re-opened with this show
Authorities in Peru have put on a show to mark the re-opening of the major archaeological site that was closed to the public for almost eight months.
CNN
Tuesday November 03, 2020
Peru, Bahamas, Puerto Rico And More Get World’s First Global Safety And Hygiene Stamp
Peru, Bahamas and Puerto Rico are the latest destinations to use the world's first ever global safety and hygiene stamp, launched earlier this year by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
HospitalityNet
Wednesday October 14, 2020
Machu Picchu reopens for a single tourist who's been stranded in Peru for seven months
Like many travelers around the world, Jesse Katayama found his dream trip thwarted by the spread of Covid-19. But after an unexpected seven month stay in Peru, Katayama is finally crossing "visit Machu Picchu" off of his bucket list -- and he got to enjoy being the only tourist there.
CNN
Tuesday October 13, 2020
After coronavirus closure, Machu Picchu to limit number of tourists upon July reopening
Peru’s top tourist destination will be capping daily visitor capacity at just 25 percent of its former occupancy upon reopening in July. The ancient Incan site has been closed to the public since March following the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Fox Travel News
Tuesday June 16, 2020
After Years in a Long-Distance Relationship, These Couples Are Quarantined Together
When I moved to Rio de Janeiro at age 22, other American expats warned me there was a pattern most foreigners fell into—nearly everyone fell in love. Many, I was told, returned home with someone on their arm, and some even stayed in the city for good. Four months later, over caipirinhas on a sticky April evening, I spotted Henry, a Peruvian who was also temporarily living in the city. We
Conde Nast Traveler
Monday May 18, 2020
12 Tiny Countries For a Big Trip Someday
The finest, tiniest nations in the world, ripe for a visit. We’re spoiled for space here in the United States. Our metroplexes sprawl out like a Floridian on a beach towel. We’ve got airports the size of San Francisco and enough protected lands to fill Peru. Texas could swallow France in one gulp, presumably with a thick coating of barbecue sauce, before begrudgingly being gobbled up by Alaska twice over. For spacious
Thrillist
Friday May 01, 2020
The One Extremely Surprising Place Millions of Americans Visited in 2019
Although your Instagram feed may make it seem like everyone is visiting places like Greece, Portugal, and Peru, there is one location that is apparently more popular than ever: the local library. According to a recent Gallup survey, “Visiting the library remains the most common cultural activity Americans engage in, by far.” In fact, the average American adult took a trip to the library 10.5 times in 2019. That number
Travel+Leisure
Thursday January 30, 2020
Chocolate-themed cruise to set sail in 2020
Straight out of every chocoholic’s dreams comes a new eight-day Mediterranean cruise dedicated entirely to chocolate. The Eurochocolate Cruise, the product of a collaboration between Italian line Costa Cruises and the Eurochocolate Festival, the world’s largest international event dedicated to all things chocolate, which takes place annually in Perugia, Italy—Umbria’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. The Eurochocolate
Fox Travel News
Thursday October 24, 2019
‘My experience solo travelling Peru’
Gazing up at the peaks surrounding Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel that is forever frozen in time, I couldn’t have felt further away from home. There was nothing but blue sky and forested mountains all around me, and the mysteries and unanswered questions surrounding this lost civilisation seemed to seep from every stone. I was alone and I had
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday September 24, 2019
The world's most exquisite chocolate?
Travelling to the Marañón Canyon in northern Peru is like stepping back in time. Mud-brick houses dot the hilly landscape. Electricity, which arrived in this area just three years ago, is only available in a few homes, and supply can be inconsistent. It only works about five days a week and you never know which five days these will be. And with few
BBC
Tuesday September 17, 2019
Travel influencer couple defends death-defying photo
It's known for its startling turquoise waters, dramatic mountain backdrop and stone mounds left as offerings to the Inca mother earth goddess, Pachamama. And now Laguna Humantay, a lake in the Peruvian Andes, is getting known for something even more dramatic -- an Instagram post which shows two travel influencers on a cliff hundreds of feet
CNN
Thursday September 12, 2019
Remains of 250 sacrificed children found in Peru
Archeologists in Peru have uncovered the remains of around 250 children sacrificed by the pre-Columbian Chimú civilization. The remains are of children aged 4-12 years old, as well as 40 warriors, sacrificed between the 13th and 15th centuries, according to a video from Peruvian state media agency Andina. The Chimú civilization inhabited northern Peru before they were conquered by the
CNN
Wednesday August 28, 2019
You Can Feed Adorable Baby Alpacas at This Hotel In Peru
With approximately 3.5 to 4 million alpacas in South America (95% of them living in the south of Peru), you can be sure to see an abundance of the furry creatures on your next trip to Machu Picchu. And Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado wants to make sure you get to interact with the country's unofficial national animal in the safest way possible. Located in the Sacred Valley, the luxury hotel is
Travel+Leisure
Monday August 19, 2019
The State Department Issued a New Travel Advisory for Peru — Here's What You Need to Know
The U.S. State Department is once again warning Americans about traveling to certain parts of Peru. According to TravelPulse, the department re-issued its warning ahead of two major sporting events involving American athletes — the Pan American Games taking place fom July 26 to Aug. 11, as well as the Parapan American Games from Aug. 23 to Sept. 1. In the level two
Travel+Leisure
Wednesday July 24, 2019
Five Reasons To Love Peru's Tambo Del Inka Resort
There’s no doubt that Machu Picchu rightly earns first place as the must-see site in Peru’s Sacred Valley. When exploring the country’s legendary spiritual center, however, another stop that should top any discerning traveler’s list is Tambo Del Inka. Offering luxurious accommodation, a sumptuous spa and authentic Peruvian fine-dining fare
Forbes
Monday July 22, 2019
The US government is cautioning Americans that if they visit Peru they could be at risk of violent crime and 'organized criminal groups'
The US Department of State reissued a travel advisory cautioning against travel to Peru on July 18. The reissue comes ahead of the Pan American Games and Para pan American Games, which will be hosted in Peru. Certain areas are wholesale banned for US government personnel to travel to, including the Colombian-Peruvian border region. The Machu Picchu area, the Sacred Valley
Business Insider
Friday July 19, 2019
1,000-year-old mystery surrounds ancient city
Shrouded in thick rainforest and centuries of mystery, the ancient Mayan city of Tikal is one of the greatest overlooked sites of antiquity in the West. We've all heard of Machu Picchu, but the scale and preservation of Tikal, located in the lowland tropical forest of eastern Guatemala, dwarfs the famed Incan ruins in Peru. Some of Tikal's skyscraping temples, which rise
CNN
Friday June 07, 2019
New Machu Picchu airport raises damage fears
The Inca designed Machu Picchu to be hard to reach and, for hundreds of years, the mountaintop citadel has been protected by the spectacular peaks and gorges which encircle its ancient fortifications. Now, however, work has begun on a new international airport, according to a Peruvian government statement, which will make the ruins more accessible than
CNN
Thursday May 30, 2019
COLLETTE SALE CONTINUES IN THE MONTH OF MAY WITH DEALS ON EXOTICS TOURS
Pawtucket, RI (May 20, 2019) – Collette, global tour operator, is pleased to announce that through 5/31/19, guests will save 15% on select exotics tours including Wonders of China, Mysteries of India, Kingdoms of Southeast Asia, Experience Colombia, Peru: Ancient Land of
Travel Research Online
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Archaeologists Sign Petition Protesting the Construction of a Machu Picchu Airport
Peruvian archaeologists, historians and conservationists are banding together to petition against a new airport at Machu Picchu. The famous Incan ruin is Peru’s most famous tourist attraction, bringing in almost 1.5 million people in 2017 alone, according to The Guardian. In order to bring more people to the landmark, the Peruvian government has begun construction on an airport
Travel+Leisure
Thursday May 16, 2019
The Travel Company Making Machu Picchu Wheelchair Accessible
Machu Picchu, the dazzling Inca city built nearly 8,000 feet above sea-level atop Peru’s Andes mountains, is comprised of sprawling terraces, narrow lanes and more than 100 flights of stairs. More than 1 million tourists make the challenging trek through Machu Picchu each year; now, people in wheelchairs will also get a chance to experience this world wonder
Smithsonian
Tuesday February 05, 2019
Machu Picchu now wheelchair accessible
Machu Picchu is estimated to be about 600 years old. But it has only been fully wheelchair accessible for a few months. Travel company Wheel the World has developed the first-ever wheelchair-accessible tour of the iconic site in Peru, which is considered one of the wonders of the world. The company was the brainchild of two longtime best friends from Chile
CNN
Wednesday January 30, 2019
A Guide to Antigua, Guatemala: A Candy-Colored City Framed by Volcanoes
With its Baroque architecture and thriving textile scene, this former colonial capital is among Central America’s most beguiling destinations. Nestled in the forested hills of southern Guatemala, the small city of Antigua was once the most prominent seat of Spanish colonial government between Mexico City and Lima, Peru. Founded in the early 16th century, it served as
New York Times
Monday January 21, 2019
Central Holidays Unveils Last Minute Peru Travel Deals Featuring Savings of Up to $580 per person
Moonachie, NJ – (January 14, 2019) – Central Holidays’ specialized Latin America team has negotiated incomparable preferred pricing and is pleased to introduce amazing savings on two last minute Peru travel deals. These enticing offers are fully commissionable to travel agents. Here is a
Travel Research Online
Tuesday January 15, 2019
Peru wins three travel prizes at World Travel Awards 2018
Peru’s gastronomy, overall culture, and Machu Picchu were recognized as some of the world’s best at an international travel awards show this week. For the seventh year in a row, Peru won the ‘Best Culture’ award at the World Travel Awards show. A second
Peru Reports
Wednesday December 05, 2018
Tourists Flock to Swim With Sea Lions Near Peru's Capital
Foreign tourists are flocking to a group of rocky islands a few miles off the coast of Peru’s capital for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a chance to swim with sea lions. The 39 rocky islands near Lima are home to an untold number of sea lions who bathe gracefully and feast on abundant fish that thrive in the cold-water Humboldt current.
Vancouver Sun
Friday October 05, 2018
The 19 Newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Every year, UNESCO meets to determine the next round of places that will be added to the organization's coveted list of World Heritage Sites. In order to qualify, a place or structure must have great cultural, historical, and/or natural significance—examples include Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Machu Picchu in Peru. This year's
Conde Nast Traveler
Friday August 10, 2018
How to See the Endangered Heart of Bangkok
If you’re traveling to Thailand’s City of Angels, you’re likely already planning to snack on street food, peruse the souvenir stalls and bars of infamous Khao San Road, and admire the ornate architecture at the Grand Palace. But if you want to experience the beating heart of this spirited city, you’ll need to dig a little deeper and wander a little further from the
National Geographic
Monday June 25, 2018
The Rainbow Mountain in Peru Looks Unreal; But You Can Actually Go Here
Vinicunca, also called Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), is located in the Andes in the Cusco region of Peru. In order to get to the trailhead, it’s a three-hour drive from Cusco. To get to the lookout, you’ll need to hike about six miles. The trip is fairly challenging, so it’s not recommended for beginner hikers.
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday May 29, 2018
The Next Machu Picchu? Kuelap Set to Be Peru’s Next Big Thing
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous ancient ruins. An Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains firmly visited by over one million tourists each year. But overcrowding is taking its toll with an average of 5000 people a day visiting during the summer months, double the 2500 visitors recommended by UNESCO.
Escape
Friday May 25, 2018
Tourists Flocking to Peru’s Newfound ‘Rainbow Mountain’
Stripes of turquoise, lavender and gold blanket what has become known as “Rainbow Mountain,” a ridge of multicolored sediments laid down millions of years ago and pushed up as tectonic plates clashed. It’s only within the last five years that the natural wonder has been discovered by the outside world, earning it must-see status on Peru’s burgeoning backpacker tourist circuit.
The Washington Post
Wednesday May 02, 2018
In Peru, a Still-Hidden Alternative to Machu Picchu
The pre-Incan ruins of Kuélap share similarities with their more famous cousin. But getting there can be a herculean effort.
New York Times
Tuesday April 03, 2018
Sleep in a Glass Pod Hanging Off a Peruvian Cliff
Imagine staying off the side of a cliff in Peru's Sacred Valley. Now you can know what that's like at Skylodge Adventure Suites
CNN
Thursday March 01, 2018
Would you Sleep in a Glass Pod Hanging Off a Peruvian Cliff?
Imagine staying off the side of a cliff in Peru's Sacred Valley. Now you can know what that's like at Skylodge Adventure Suites
CNN
Tuesday February 20, 2018
Peru Devises New Rules to Tackle the Mounting Crowds on Machu Picchu
In an effort to protect Peru’s most popular attraction from overcrowding and degradation, the Ministry of Culture issued a raft of rules last year that aims to protect the Inca site by modifying visitation practices
Vancouver Sun
Monday February 12, 2018
Truck Driver Plows into Peru's 2,000-year-old Archeological Enigma
Peru's world renowned Nazca Lines were damaged when a rig plowed into the ancient site on Saturday, the country's ministry of culture said
CNN
Monday February 05, 2018
A Weekend in Copenhagen Is Full of Possibility
With Scandinavian Airlines now flying direct from six major airports in the US, it’s easier than ever to spend a weekend in Copenhagen. When you wake up refreshed on Friday morning after the overnight flight, use our guide as you peruse the city
Vogue
Monday December 18, 2017
A Guide to Barranco, the Lima Neighborhood Where the Spirit of Ancient Peru Meets Bohemian Cool
From the emerald cliffs tumbling toward the ocean to the historic city center’s sherbet-colored facades, Lima, Peru, brims with reminders of the city’s seaport past
Vogue
Tuesday December 05, 2017
Peru is Opening Up a Little-Known Alternative to Machu Picchu with a New Road and Cable Car
The new infrastructure would allow tourists to explore the stairways, terraces, plazas and temples that form the hilltop complex, spanning 1,800 hectares, as part of a trip to its more famous neighbour
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday November 21, 2017
Loving Lima One Dish at a Time
Move over, Texas. In Peru, everything is bigger and better. That’s because the under-the-radar country is nourished and inspired by the aortas of the Amazon Basin Rainforest, which covers some 60% of its land mass
Vancouver Sun
Monday November 06, 2017
Backpacker Panic as Machu Picchu Permits Go on Sale Three Months Early
The number of visitors allowed to tackle the route to the ancient citadel in Peru is limited to 500 a day, with permits bookable only through authorised tour operators and often sold out months in advance
Telegraph (London)
Friday September 29, 2017
36 Hours in Perugia, Italy
One of Italy’s most underrated destinations is filled with remnants of an ancient past, complemented by a host of new bars, cafes and boutiques
New York Times
Thursday September 14, 2017
New Seabourn Itinerary Explores West Coast of South America
Upscale cruise operator Seabourn is out with a new, 24-night itinerary that takes a deep dive into the region with more than a dozen stops in Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Seabourn only is offering a single sailing of the itinerary for now that kicks off on Nov. 4, 2018. It'll take place on the 450-passenger Seabourn Quest
USA Today
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Peru's New Rainforest Lodge is the Closest You'll Get to Becoming David Attenborough
Set up as a training facility for the “Explorer Guides” employed by Inkaterra – a Peruvian ecotourism company with a portfolio of luxury lodges – Inkaterra Guides Field Station has until now hosted research scientists and volunteers, but not paying guests
Telegraph (London)
Monday June 26, 2017
A Luxury Train Trip on the Roof of the World
Crossing the spine of the Peruvian Andes, more than 12,000 feet above sea level, between the cities of Cusco, Puno and Arequipa, three days and 456 miles one way, this is the first ever luxury sleeper train in South America. It's a New World version of Europe's Orient Express, adventure and Champagne on the roof of the world
CNN
Friday June 02, 2017
'Lost City' no More, Machu Picchu feels the Strain of Booming Tourism
Peru's Machu Picchu — heralded as the "Lost City of the Incas" by American explorer Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered the largely forgotten site more than 100 years ago — has evolved into a tourist magnet. Buses full of visitors regularly zigzag up and down the road that leads to this bucket-list destination built centuries ago, high in the Andes
Chicago Tribune
Wednesday May 31, 2017
On this Luxury Sleeper Train, You’ll Get a Unique Ride and Amazing Views
I was just excited to be going on a unique travel experience: the maiden voyage of The Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, by Peru Rail. Peru Rail also operates the Hiram Bingham, a luxury train that makes day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Miami Herald
Thursday May 18, 2017
Conquering Machu Picchu, the Cheap and Quick Way
“Was it worth it?” That’s the most common question I’ve fielded since I visited Machu Picchu, the ruins of a 15th-century Incan estate that sit almost 8,000 feet above sea level. Thrust back into prominence when the American explorer Hiram Bingham “discovered” it in 1911, it was used, by some accounts, as a palace, a retreat for the wealthy, a religious sanctuary or all three. Today, the photo-friendly ruins (popular with tourists and Obamas alike) receive thousands of visitors daily and are the engine that drives Peru’s tourism industry
New York Times
Tuesday May 09, 2017
Cuzco, Peru, Can Be Breathtaking (in More Ways Than One)
In some ways Cuzco, often spelled Cusco, seems like a city frozen in time: cobblestone streets and clay-tile roofs, men and women in indigenous garb selling fruits and vegetables, and meticulously preserved traditions and relics dating back centuries. I was able to get a taste of it all — on a reasonable budget, of course
New York Times
Tuesday May 02, 2017
In Lima, Peru, History and Culture Run Deep
History and culture run deep in Lima — about as deep as you’re willing to venture. At Huaca Pucllana (admission, 12 soles), an archaeological site right in the heart of the city, I learned about Lima’s pre-Hispanic culture and saw an adobe pyramid roughly 1,500 years old
New York Times
Thursday April 27, 2017
Report on couple's death in cruise ship fire finds fault with ship's safety features, crew's training
The investigation by the Peruvian Nanvy concluded that the tragedy might have been averted had the 31-passenger luxury cruise ship been equipped with its advertised safety features, had its crew
Omaha World Herald
Thursday April 06, 2017
The Best New Luxury Train Trips
2017 is shaping up as the year of luxury train travel. From Peru to Japan, new and newly refit locomotives are chugging along the rails, treating passengers to gourmet local cuisine in white-tableclothed dining cars, five-star service in sleeping suites, and old-fashioned globe-trotting camaraderie with other guests
The Huffington Post
Monday March 27, 2017
This Travel Photography Workshop In Peru Is Study Abroad For Adults
In a remote corner of Peru, photographer team Gentl and Hyers lead a group to live with and document the country's last-remaining Incas.
Conde Nast Traveler
Monday March 13, 2017
The 21 Newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Every year, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meets to discuss sites that have been proposed as new members of their list. In order to be a UNESCO World Heritage site, a place or structure must have great cultural, historical, and/or natural significance—examples include Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Machu Picchu in Peru. This year's committee named 21 new spots to the list—so get your passports ready
Condé Nast Traveler
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Surf's up: Peru's shrine to big-wave boarding
Thirty miles south of Lima and well off the tourist trail, Punta Hermosa is the go-to summer getaway for Limeños. For decades it has attracted surf fanatics in search of the perfect wave. I love visiting, as surfing is so much more than just a pastime here – it’s an inherent part of the community, and surfers young and old come together to bond over the best breaks in the country. They join Peru’s surfing star, Sofía Mulánovich, winner of the World Surfing Championships in Hawaii in 2004, who calls Punta Hermosa home
The Guardian
Thursday June 09, 2016
Forgotten through time, ancient Kuelap in Peru an ethereal escape
The taxi climbs endless switchbacks until we’re level with the clouds. Then, after a two-kilometre walk to a breathless elevation of 3,000 metres, I’m a speck against the ancient and dramatic 20-metre-high stone walls of Kuelap, dubbed the Machu Picchu of the North
Globe and Mail
Monday June 06, 2016
The unexpected Amazon
"The Amazon is both less and more than people imagine," expedition leader Carlos Romero says over breakfast on the first morning of our 10-day Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic cruise into Peru's Upper Amazon. "It is 'less' in the sense that people come expecting to see big animals like in a diorama and 'more' because of the biodiversity and the interconnectedness of rainforest creatures great and small, including an estimated 2.5 million insect species. There could be 10 million, we don't know."
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday June 02, 2016
A rebirth of ancient skills revitalises a village in Peru's Sacred Valley
A tourist boom and natural disaster almost led to the extinction of an ancient way of life but, thanks to a women-led initiative, old weaving techniques and economic viability have returned
The Guardian
Monday May 09, 2016
48 Hours in Lima
The Peruvian capital just got a lot easier to reach thanks to direct British Airways flights from Gatwick, which launched today - the first since 1982. It will surely be an enticing prospect for the legions of travellers that dream of visiting this mystical land, home to ancient civilisations, crumbling citadels and the world's most famous trek
The Independent
Wednesday May 04, 2016
10 of the best BampBs in Lima, Peru
Once just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu, Peru's capital is now a hot destination in its own right - and the first direct flights from the UK, with BA from 4 May, will make it even easier to reach
The Guardian
Monday May 02, 2016
Top 10 jazz festivals in Europe
Blue notes and more can be found at these celebrations of all that jazz. Pay respect to artists old and new at venues from lakeside Montreux to piazzas in Perugia
The Guardian
Wednesday April 20, 2016
Two Tourists Die in Fire Onboard Amazon Cruise
Two tourists, aged 74 and 72, have died following a fire in their cabin onboard a Peruvian Amazon cruise in the country's Tahuayo region
CruiseCritic.com
Wednesday April 13, 2016
At These New Retreats, You Can Get Away From it All (While Having it All)
There's something to be said for roughing it and embracing nature wholeheartedly, but a few remote resorts are bringing a new level of luxury to the middle of nowhere. From Peru to Japan, guests at these stunning retreats can find rejuvenation in the outdoors, while taking advantage of the spas, gyms, full service restaurants and opulent amenities available. Because if you're going to stay in a tent, you might as well make it a fully furnished, geodesic dome with views of the African Savannah
Condé Nast Traveler
Tuesday March 29, 2016
The lesser-known Incan trail
With Peru's more famous Inca Trail becoming increasingly overrun, the lesser-known Salkantay Trek is quickly gaining a reputation as both a less-crowded and more strenuous alternative
BBC Travel
Monday March 28, 2016
A luxury Amazon cruise through the Peruvian wilderness
Piranha fishing isn't like regular fishing. There's no sophisticated equipment (just a short rod made from bamboo) or any wriggly maggots to contend with (a chunk of filet mignon will do just fine). Then there's the technique to master. Pretty simple, really
The Independent
Monday March 21, 2016
Four Things You Should Know Before Using a Travel Agent (From a Former Agent)
Since I was a little girl, planning travel was something I delighted in. I would peruse travel guides and tour books while Mom and Dad mapped out of summer vacation route. As an exchange student in high school, I could hop on public transportation and cure my wanderlust with a friend
Suitcases and Sippy Cups
Tuesday January 12, 2016
Five myths about adventure travel
What is adventure travel? Depending upon whom you ask, the answer might be surfing off the coast of Peru, biking in the South of France or taking a hike with the kids in Acadia National Park
USA Today
Monday August 24, 2015
In Machu Picchu’s Shadow, Peru’s Lake Titicaca Offers Natural Beauty
Peru is perhaps best known for Machu Picchu, but the lake draws a considerable number of tourists who flock to its man-made islands
New York Times
Friday July 03, 2015
36 Hours in Lima, Peru
Lima’s attractions include a rich pre-Columbian heritage, ethnic diversity, and emerging art and fashion scenes, along with remarkably great food
New York Times
Thursday June 18, 2015
An opulent, cozy base to explore Peru's highlands
This secluded hotel offers spectacular views and complimentary excursions along with its warm and inviting lodgings
Globe and Mail
Friday June 12, 2015
Peru: the world's most exciting culinary destination
A new lodge set in the Peruvian Andes celebrates local produce and culinary inventiveness
Telegraph (London)
Friday May 01, 2015
Peru's other lost city
Ruins that few know about, and even fewer see
BBC
Wednesday March 11, 2015
Casa Nuestra, Peru: B&B and beyond
This colourful bolthole is in the capital’s seaside suburbs, where past glories are being restored
The Independent
Thursday November 13, 2014
London Develops a Peruvian Palate
A dozen or so high-profile Peruvian restaurants have emerged on the city’s dining scene, with more on the way
New York Times
Tuesday November 04, 2014
Lost in space in the Peruvian Andes
While some hotels greet guests with a cocktail or a cold towel, Titilaka in the Peruvian Andes gives new arrivals an oxygen mask
The Australian
Wednesday October 22, 2014
Will Oculus Rift Technology Help You Travel? (Someday?)
Do you ever wish you could preview your hotel room before you arrive? Maybe you’d take note of the room layout, the distance to the elevator, or the amenities offered on your floor. Or, do you wish you could peruse a neighborhood in a foreign city before you jump on a flight — maybe get a sense of its walkability or its proximity to the major sites?
Misc
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Manu, Peru: is tourism harming remote tribes?
A pressure group is urging tourists to refrain from unsolicited contact with uncontacted tribes around the world, following reports of increased encounters with tribes in Peru