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Vacation in Peru: In the Footsteps of the Incas
Have you been dreaming of visiting the wonder of the world Machu Picchu for a long time? Would you like to see pink dolphins and swim in the Amazon? Fishing for piranhas or sleeping in the rainforest and trying exotic specialties there? Then off to Peru! Click through the current deals for your vacation in Peru.
It is not for nothing that Peru has made it onto National Geographic's Best Destinations for 2023. Peru is a country full of contrasts: turbulent city life in Lima, historical sites such as the unique ruined city of Machu Picchu with its mysterious past, the endless rainforest landscapes that invite you to an active vacation - all this and much more awaits you on a vacation in Peru. The country is still an insider tip for tourists, especially away from the highlights such as the ruined cities of the Incas. Reason enough to go on vacation to South America and discover fascinating Peru.
General Information About Peru
Peru is the third largest country in South America, bordering Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, and Bolivia and Chile to the south. The west coast of Peru forms the Pacific coast. Around 32 million inhabitants share a land area of 1.2 million square meters - of which around 60 percent belongs to the tropical rainforest, and the mountain landscapes of the Andes make up almost 30 percent.
Arrival to Peru
From the US, it is possible to travel by plane from all major airports. There are nonstop connections to Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima. Here is a list of the main international airports in Peru that you can reach with one or less stops - or that you can fly to from Lima with a domestic flight:
Lima (LIM)
Arequipa (AQP)
Cusco (CUZ)
Juliaca (JUL)
You can reach Peru overland via Ecuador or Chile on the Panamericana expressway, entry via Bolivia is also possible. From Colombia and Brazil, there are also connections by boat across the Amazon to Iquitos.
Peru: Entry Requirements and Visa Requirements
If you don't stay in the country longer than 90 days, you don't need a visa for your vacation in Peru. All you need to enter the country is a passport – even a temporary one – that is still valid for at least six months. If you come to Peru overland, for example via Ecuador or Chile, you fill out an entry card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) at the border, on which the length of your stay is noted. The card must be presented again upon departure. Experience has shown that it is not required if you leave the country by plane, as the data is recorded electronically.
Our pirate tip: Make sure that the border official not only writes down your entry data but also notes it in the IT system! Otherwise, there may be problems when leaving the country.
Popular Vacation Destinations in Peru
The Panamericana road takes you to the most beautiful places in the country, you will find fascinating landscapes around Lake Titicaca, and the Inca Trail takes you high up to the peaks of the Andes: Here we present the most popular vacation destinations in Peru.
The Capital Lima
Your first destination in Peru should be the capital Lima. And it's worth planning a few days for the vibrant capital. Stroll through the colonial old town and discover the many restaurants with regional dishes. If you are looking for a place to take a break from the hustle and bustle, the Franciscan monastery is an absolute insider tip: Outside, its spectacular facade and the imposing double tower are impressive, inside you can admire the historical library and, above all, the catacombs. The city's dead were buried in the vaulted cellars of the monastery - it is estimated that the bones of more than 70,000 people lie here.
Our pirate tip: In the sacristy of the monastery you should take a closer look at the painting "The Last Supper": On the table, the Peruvian artist Diego de la Puente has immortalized traditional Peruvian delicacies, including guinea pigs, chili and potatoes, instead of the usual dishes.
Around Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is a must-see on your Peru vacation. It lies at an altitude of 12,432 feet and with a diameter of 118 miles looks more like an ocean than an inland lake. The foothills of the Andes extend around Lake Titicaca and numerous large and small islands are enthroned on the deep blue lake. From the city of Puno, you can book trips to the lake. The town is also known for its folkloric culture and huge herds of alpaca and is well worth a visit for that alone.
Traveling in the Grand Canyon of Peru
Over the plateaus of the Andes, we pass rugged rocky landscapes and barren plains. A serpentine road finally takes you into the Colca Canyon, which is more than 13,000 feet deep and is said to be the deepest gorge in the world. Tours through the unique natural area lead you through a world of contrasts: along colorful flower meadows, past desert landscapes, fields, and rock faces.
Cuzco: Discover the Ancient Inca Empire
One of the oldest cities in the Americas, Cuzco was once the heart of the Inca Empire. The mighty walls that line the streets of the city still bear witness to this today. In the old town, you will find the legacies of the colonial era with magnificent palaces and impressive sacred buildings such as the Iglesia La Merced. Cuzco is also the starting point for tours to Machu Picchu.
The quickest and easiest way to get to Cuzco is by plane (flight time around 1 hour and 10 minutes). With the airlines Star Peru and Avianca, you can fly from Lima to Cuzco and back for $100 - $250 (depending on the day and month). You can also use Kayak to search here!
The Best Travel Time for Your Vacation in Peru
Peru is worth a trip all year round - this also applies to the climate and the weather. It just depends on when you are where. The country is divided into three climate zones:
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Coastal Region
Climate: Dry Climate
Best Travel Time: December to April
Andean Region
Rainy Season: November to March
Best Travel Time: April and September
Rainforest
Climate: Tropical Climate
Best Travel Time: October and March
Machu Picchu: The Lost and Mysterious City of the Incas
Have you ever seen one of the new 7 wonders of the world? These include the Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the Colosseum in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India, the Mayan ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula, the rock city of Petra in Jordan, and the Inca ruined city of "Machu Picchu" in the Andes.
The Inca city is located in the Andes of Peru and was built around 1440 by the Inca ruler Pachacútec Yupanqui at an altitude of 7,700 feet. From here the Incas set out on their journey to Peru, Chile, and Bolivia to conquer these countries. 100 years later the city was abandoned as the Spanish conquistadores approached. The Spanish conquerors used all violence against the Inca people and so more than 50% of the population died. Unfortunately, little is known about the whole story and so "Machu Picchu" remains a mystery to this day, which is waiting for a solution.
It was not until 1911 that the American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu, which meanwhile resembled a jungle. If you look at this region today, more than 2000 visitors are on the road every day to discover the capital of the Inca Empire in the Andes. It is not for nothing that Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
The exceptional location makes this place a unique experience: high, between the peaks of the Andes. That's why Machu Picchu is also called the "city in the clouds". About 70 miles northwest of Cusco are the ruins at an altitude of about 7,700 feet between Huayna Picchu ("Young Peak") and Machu Picchu ("Old Peak").
How Do I Get to Machu Picchu?
Finally, we go to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. There are several ways to reach the area.
Drive to Machu Picchu - Perurail
From Cuzco, you can take the Perurail train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Three different classes of tourist trains with different levels of comfort operate on the route: Vistadome, Inca, and Backpacker. The return trip from Cusco costs around $70 with a Vistadome or Inca, and around half that with a backpacker. Actually, the tickets are very cheap, but only for locals - tourists have to pay many times more.
From Aguas Calientes, you can then continue with small buses (to the ruined city 1,300 feet higher) or you can take the footpath and discover the unique scenery (about 2.5 hours). No matter how you do it, it's going to be a looooong day - that much can be said!
Hike to Machu Picchu - Inca Trail
If you are looking for the right adventure, you can also do the approximately three-day Inca Trail (directly from Cuzco to Machu Picchu). Tropical canyons, steep passes, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and remote Inca ruins mean there is never a dull moment. Either you do an organized tour with porters or you do the tour on your own. Detailed trekking maps can be bought in Cuzco. But please remember: Physical fitness and energy are basic requirements for this trip!
How Much Does the Inca Trail Cost?
Inca Trail Costs
Inca Trail Admission (4 Day Hike)
Entrance to Machu Picchu
English Speaking Guide
Meals for 4 Days
Camping Equipment (Tent etc.)
Train Ride from Aguas Calientes Back to Cusco
Price: $500 - $1000 Depending on Travel Agency
How Much is the Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu?
Finally arrived! Of course, you have to pay an entrance fee here too. There are different Machu Picchu tickets that include different activities/attractions within the sanctuary. These tickets cannot be bought at the entrance, you have to buy them in advance - there are only 2,500 tickets per day - at stalls of the Ministry of Culture in Cuzco or on the Internet. If you book the "normal package", it includes admission and the complete tour of Machu Picchu between 06:00 and 17:00. Foreigners pay about 45 USD. children and students 23 USD. Other options also include other attractions (mountains, museums, etc.). Prices then range between 50 and 53 USD. The tickets will also note when you have to go back. This prevents too many visitors from being in the area and around the ruins at the same time.
The Culture of Peru
Peru looks back on more than 10,000 years of history, which still shapes people today. In the capital Lima, you will find an exciting combination of ancient Inca culture and folkloric groups as well as modern architecture and western standards. The indigenous music with the typical panpipes, pututos, a traditional wind instrument, and trumpets is an important part of the country's culture - and with a bit of luck, you will experience a performance of the music live.
Accommodation in Peru
In Lima you can choose from hotels in a wide variety of classes: there are luxury temples as well as touristic middle-class hotels and simple guesthouses - in the latter, however, you cannot expect great comfort. Cities like Cuzco and Arequipa also offer a range of good hotels. In the Andes, you will stay in tents or in a guesthouse in the villages. In the rural regions you will generally find rather simple guesthouses and backpacker accommodations, which are equipped to a fairly high standard - often including WiFi, kitchen, and barbecue areas. You can find cheap hotels and accommodations in Peru in our hotel search.
Peru fascinates with unique landscapes in the rain forests and in the high altitudes of the Andes, with the pulsating capital Lima and Machu Picchu, the mysterious city of the Incas.
Typical Peruvian Food
Peruvian cuisine is a delicious mix of numerous influences: the traditional cuisine of the Incas has left its mark, as have Spanish, African and English cuisines. The varied climate also influences the cuisine, which has a very different character in the different parts of the country. The cuisine of Peru is dominated by potatoes, beans, and chilies, but also by peanuts, pumpkins, cocoa, and avocados. This is how dishes are created that may seem strange to you at first - but which you should definitely try.
Our pirate tip: The Peruvian national dish is ceviche, a raw, marinated fish that not only tastes delicious on hot days but is also pleasantly refreshing. Traditionally, a light-colored, firm fish such as sole or perch is used for ceviche. Did you also know that Peru is THE trending destination for gourmet travel?