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Peru travel guide

Find out what to see and do when travelling or backpacking around Peru in South America.

Peru

Peru highlights

  Destination Make a reservation
Lima, Peru
Lima
Lima is a busy polluted city but offers a vibrant experience with plenty of history and amazing architecture.		 Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
Cuzco, Peru
Cuzco
Cuzco is the travellers centre and once the home to the Inca empire. A beautiful town with plenty of things to fascinate a traveller. It is also the access point for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.		 Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is a must for any traveller or backpacker wanting to learn more about the Inca past. A 4 day trek through the Andes culminates with an awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu's ruins at sunrise from the Sun Gate. (A quicker 1 day trip can also be arranged without the Inca Trail by travelling by train).		 Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is a beautiful lake high on the Altiplano. Puno, on the Peruvian side, is home to the floating islands.		 Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
Condor at Colca Canyon, Peru
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is an enornmous canyon in southern Peru which is a great place for spotting Condors. Visit Colca after a stay in Arequipa.		 Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
Nazca Lines, Peru
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are spectacular enigma, best seen from the air.		 Flights Hotels Hostels Tours

Machu Pichu, Peru

Main travellers routes

  • Lima is the largest airport but can be tricky to include on a round the world ticket.
  • Most travellers arrive in Peru overland from the neighbouring countries of Bolivia, Chile, Columbia or Equator.
  • Buses are cheap but long, uncomfortable trips are the norm.
  • Rail travel is also cheap and can be a lively fun experience.
  • Internal flights can be extremely expensive.

Capital and main cities

  • Lima

Languages

  • Spanish
  • Little English is spoken in Peru but probably more than neighbouring countries like Bolivia.

Currency

Visas (always check with your embassy)

  • No visa requirements for UK tourists for a stay of up to 90 days

Foreign Office Advice and safety

Flights and accommodation

Tours and day trips in Peru

Next: Planning a trip to Peru