So you're thinking about Peru? Smart move. Having spent three months traveling from desert coastlines to cloud forests, I can tell you this country punches way above its weight. Forget those generic listicles – we're diving deep into what actually matters for your trip. Tickets, transport hassles, when to dodge crowds, even where I messed up so you won't. Let's get real about the best places to visit in Peru.
Why Peru Deserves Your Vacation Days
Peru isn't just Machu Picchu (though yeah, that's insane). It's ceviche at 7 AM in a Lima mercado. It's floating reed islands where locals still live like their ancestors. It's sandboarding down dunes taller than skyscrapers. I once got hopelessly lost near Huaraz because trail markers? Not always a thing here. That chaotic, raw energy is exactly why you'll love it.
Peru's Heavy Hitters: Must-See Places to Visit
Look, some spots are popular for good reason. Here's the lowdown with specifics so you don't show up clueless like I did at Machu Picchu without a ticket reservation.
Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley
Yeah, it's crowded. Still worth it. That first glimpse through the Sun Gate? Chills. But here's what blogs skip:
- Ticket Drama: You MUST buy Machu Picchu tickets months ahead at machupicchu.gob.pe. Circuit options matter – Circuit 4 misses classic views (ask me how I know).
- Sacred Valley Gems: Pisac Market (Tues/Thurs/Sun), Ollantaytambo fortress. Buses from Cusco cost 10-15 soles ($3-4 USD).
- Altitude Trap: Landed in Cusco (11,152 ft) feeling fine? Wait 6 hours. That headache hit me like a truck. Coca tea helps. Seriously.
| Attraction | Cost (USD) | Hours | Getting There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu (adult) | $45-65 (circuit dependent) | 6 AM - 5 PM | Train from Ollanta ($70+ one way) or 4-day Inca Trail hike ($650+) |
| Moray Ruins | $22 (Boleto Turístico) | 7 AM - 6 PM | Collectivo from Urubamba (5 soles) |
| Ollantaytambo Ruins | $22 (Boleto Turístico) | 7 AM - 6 PM | 2-hour bus from Cusco (10 soles) |
My Blunder: Bought the "partial" Boleto Turístico thinking it covered everything. Nope. Missed Pisac ruins. Get the FULL ticket ($45) if hitting multiple sites.
Lima: More Than Just a Layover
Don't sleep on Lima. Miraflores is pretty, but Barranco’s street art and cliffside bars? That’s the vibe. Food here wrecked me for other ceviche.
- Must-Eat: Ceviche at La Mar ($$$, reserve ahead!) or grab cheap, perfect tiraditos at Mercado de Surquillo.
- Free Wins: Parque del Amor sunset, Barranco's Bridge of Sighs. Uber everywhere – taxis overcharge tourists.
The Amazon – Iquitos vs. Puerto Maldonado
Jungle time. Iquitos feels wilder (no roads in/out!), but Puerto Maldonado is cheaper/easier.
| Destination | Wildlife Spotting | Budget (3-day lodge) | Getting There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iquitos | Pink dolphins, giant lily pads | $350+ | 1.5hr flight from Lima ($100-150 RT) |
| Puerto Maldonado | Macaws, caimans | $250+ | 1hr flight from Cusco ($80-120 RT) |
Bug Warning: My 100% DEET failed. Got devoured. Wear permethrin-treated clothes.
Underrated Places to Visit in Peru
Skip the 12-hour bus to Huaraz if you hate hiking. But for mountain lovers...
Huaraz & The Cordillera Blanca
Think Swiss Alps but cheaper and with more llamas. Laguna 69’s turquoise water is stupidly pretty. But:
- Altitude: Huaraz sits at 10,013 ft. Acclimate 2 days MINIMUM before hiking.
- Logistics: Day tours to Laguna 69 cost ~$15. Leaves at 5 AM – pack snacks.
The Desert Oasis: Huacachina
A tiny lake ringed by palm trees amidst giant dunes? Feels unreal. Sandboarding included with dune buggies (~$15). Fun fact: I ate so much sand.
Annoyance: Vendors are aggressive. A firm "no gracias" works.
Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Peru's prettiest colonial city, IMHO. Canyon condors? Majestic. But that 3 AM tour pickup hurts.
| Experience | Cost | Key Info |
|---|---|---|
| Colca Canyon 2D/1N Trek | $50-70 | Includes transport, guide, basic lodging |
| Santa Catalina Monastery (Arequipa) | $13 | Open 9 AM - 5 PM, allow 2+ hours |
Peru Trip Planning: Nuts & Bolts
Let's avoid rookie mistakes. These details matter way more than any Instagram filter.
When to Visit Peru
Dry season (May-Oct) = best hiking. But also peak crowds/prices. I went shoulder season (April) – fewer people, some rain.
| Region | Best Months | Worst Months |
|---|---|---|
| Andes (Cusco, Huaraz) | May - Sept | Jan - March (heavy rain) |
| Amazon | June - Oct (lower water) | Dec - May (flooding) |
| Coast (Lima, Paracas) | Dec - March (sunny) | May - Nov (grey skies) |
See that overlap? You can't please everyone. Prioritize your top places to visit in Peru.
Getting Around Peru
Flights save time (Lima to Cusco: 1.5hrs vs 24hr bus!). But buses are CHEAP for short hops.
Bus Companies Ranked:
- Cruz del Sur: Fancy seats, safe. Worth the extra $5.
- Oltursa: Almost as good.
- Skip: Cheaper companies. My "VIP" seat had chicken feathers nearby. No joke.
Money & Costs
Peru is budget-friendly...until it isn't.
- Meals: Menu del día lunch = $3-5. Restaurant dinner = $10-20.
- Hostels: Dorm bed = $8-12. Private room = $25+.
- Scam Alert: Fake bills are common. Check 50/100 soles notes – security stripe must be visible.
Carry small bills. Vendors "lack change" mysteriously.
FAQs: Your Peru Questions Answered
What are the top 5 places to visit in Peru for first-timers?
1. Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley
2. Lima (food scene!)
3. Cusco (culture base)
4. Arequipa/Colca Canyon
5. Amazon lodge (Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado). Lake Titicaca if time allows.
Is Peru safe?
Generally yes, but be smart. Petty theft happens in crowded areas (Mercado de San Pedro, buses). I carried a decoy wallet. Use ATMs inside banks.
How many days do I need?
Minimum 10 days for Lima-Cusco-Machu Picchu. 3 weeks lets you add Amazon, Arequipa, or Titicaca. Rushing ruins it.
Do I need vaccines?
Yellow Fever for Amazon regions. Typhoid/Hep A recommended. Altitude meds (Diamox) – get a prescription.
Can I do Machu Picchu without a tour?
Yes! Book tickets yourself, take train to Aguas Calientes, bus up. Saved me $150+. Requires planning though.
Final Reality Check
Peru isn't always comfortable. Altitude sucks. Buses break down. Street dogs bark all night in some towns. But standing knee-deep in rainbow-striped mountains at Vinicunca, or sharing chicha with Quechua weavers? That stuff sticks. So yeah, these places to visit in Peru are worth the hassle. Pack Patience (and Imodium). You'll need both.
Looking for specific routes? My failed attempt to hike Salkantay solo could fill another post. For now – book those Machu Picchu tickets. Seriously.
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