According to tourists who have visited Peru, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel built in the 15th century, accessible by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then by bus. 2. Explore Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, located at 3,400 meters above sea level and accessible by domestic flight from Lima. 3. Discover Lima, the capital of Peru, with its historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible by international flight. 4. Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which includes sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, accessible through organized tours from Cusco or independently. 5. Gradually acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness, book train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu well in advance, and try the local cuisine, especially in Lima.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Peru are: 1. Explore Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel at 2,430 meters above sea level, a half-day visit. 2. Taste Peruvian cuisine, including dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, in Lima, considered a global gastronomic capital. 3. Visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,810 meters above sea level, a 1-2 day experience. 4. Tour the Historic Center of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 3-4 hour visit. 5. Adventure in the Peruvian Amazon, exploring the jungle from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, a 3-5 day experience.
The following day trips can be taken from Peru: 1. Machu Picchu: Approx. 3.5 hours (train + bus from Cusco), with a visit to the Inca citadel. Accessible by train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a bus. Best for all travelers. 2. Sacred Valley of the Incas: Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours from Cusco, with visits to archaeological sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Accessible through organized tours or private transport/taxi. Best for those interested in history and culture. 3. Floating Islands of the Uros: Approx. 30 minutes by boat from Puno, with visits to communities living on artificial reed islands. Accessible via boat tours from Puno. Best for those interested in ancestral cultures. 4. Caral: 200 km, Approx. 3.5 - 4 hours by car from Lima, with a visit to the oldest city in America. Accessible through organized tours or private transport. Best for archaeology and ancient history enthusiasts.
To visit the main attractions of Peru, it is recommended to spend between 10 and 15 days. A minimum of 10-12 days allows you to cover key points like Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu without rushing. To include Lake Titicaca and the Amazon, at least three weeks (21 days) are needed. A suggested distribution is: 2-3 days in Lima, 4-5 days in Cusco and surroundings (including Machu Picchu), 2-3 days at Lake Titicaca, and 3-4 days in the Amazon. Factors to consider include the country's vast geographical extent, the dispersion of major attractions, the time needed for altitude acclimatization, and the desired travel pace.
The high season is from May to September, with dry weather in the highlands and clear skies, but with high prices and more tourists. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C. The low season, from December to March, coincides with the rainy season in the highlands (December-March) and mild, sunny weather on the coast (December-April), offering moderate prices and fewer tourists. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. The ideal season is from April to May and from October to November, providing a good balance between pleasant weather (less rain in the highlands, sun on the coast) and moderate prices, with possible discounts. Temperatures during this time range from 8°C to 22°C.
Peru has a moderate cost level. The estimated daily budget is: backpacker between $30 and $40 USD (includes hostel accommodation, meals at local restaurants, and bus transport); mid-range between $60 and $80 USD (includes mid-range hotels and some organized excursions); and comfort between $100 and $150 USD (includes high-end hotels, private tours, and dining experiences). Reference costs are: average meal at a restaurant between $13 and $21 USD; budget meal between $5 and $8 USD; public transport between $0 and $1 USD per trip; average attraction entry between $10 and $20 USD (excluding Machu Picchu); budget accommodation per night between $13 and $26 USD; and mid-range accommodation per night between $54 and $108 USD. An example budget for 5 days is $300 to $500 USD. Peru is generally more affordable than other popular South American destinations. To save money, it is recommended to use overnight buses, eat at local markets, and buy handicrafts directly from producers.
Free attractions include the Plaza Mayor in Lima, the San Cristóbal viewpoint in Cusco, and the San Blas Market in Cusco. Free tours, based on voluntary tips, are the Free Walking Tour Lima (approx. 3 hours) and the Free Walking Tour Cusco (approx. 2.5 hours). For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Colonial and Modern Lima Tour from $35 USD; Full-Day Sacred Valley Tour from $50 USD; 1-Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco from $150 USD; and Gastronomic Tour of Lima from $65 USD.
