Peru

1. How do I visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is accessible via Cusco. Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco from Lima (1 hour, $50–$150). From Cusco, take a train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes with PeruRail or Inca Rail (3–4 hours, $70–$150 round trip). Then, a 20-minute bus ride ($12 round trip) or a 1.5-hour hike takes you to the entrance. Entry tickets cost $45–$75, and a guided tour is $30–$50. Book tickets months in advance, especially for the Inca Trail (4-day trek, $600–$900, permits required). Visit early (6 AM) to avoid crowds. Altitude sickness is common in Cusco (3,400m/11,150ft)—acclimate for 1–2 days and drink coca tea.

2. Is Peru safe for tourists?
As of March 2025, Peru is generally safe for tourists, but caution is needed. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, is common in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa—keep valuables secure in markets or on buses. Violent crime is rare but increasing in some areas; avoid isolated spots at night, especially in Lima’s outskirts. Protests, often over political issues, can disrupt travel in Lima and Cusco—monitor local news. Altitude sickness is a risk in the Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu)—acclimate and stay hydrated. Tap water isn’t safe; use bottled water. Dengue and malaria are risks in the Amazon—use repellent and consider prophylaxis. Medical facilities are good in Lima but limited elsewhere; travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.

3. What are the top attractions in Peru besides Machu Picchu?
Explore Cusco’s historic center, a UNESCO site, with the Qorikancha Temple and Sacsayhuamán ruins ($10 entry). The Sacred Valley offers Pisac’s market and Ollantaytambo’s fortress ($20 pass). Lake Titicaca, near Puno, has floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island tours ($30–$50). Arequipa’s Santa Catalina Monastery and Colca Canyon, home to Andean condors, are must-sees ($40 tours). The Nazca Lines, best seen via a 30-minute flight ($80–$120), reveal ancient geoglyphs. In the Amazon, Iquitos is a gateway to jungle lodges like Tambopata or Manu ($200–$500 for 3-day tours). Huacachina, a desert oasis near Ica, offers sandboarding and dune buggy rides ($20–$40). Lima’s historic center has the Plaza de Armas and Larco Museum ($10 entry).

4. What is the best time to visit Peru?
Peru’s diverse climate makes timing key. The dry season (May–October) is best for the Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu), with clear skies and temperatures of 15°C–22°C (59°F–72°F). The rainy season (November–April) brings heavy showers to the highlands, making trails like the Inca Trail muddy, but it’s ideal for the Amazon (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado) with lush scenery and fewer mosquitoes. Coastal areas like Lima are warm year-round (18°C–28°C/64°F–82°F), but foggy in winter (June–August). Festivals like Inti Raymi (June 24) in Cusco or the Mistura Food Festival (September) in Lima are cultural highlights. Avoid peak crowds at Machu Picchu in July–August by visiting in May or September.

5. Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
U.S., EU, Canadian, Australian, and most Latin American citizens can enter visa-free for up to 183 days with a passport valid for 6 months. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if visiting the Amazon (Iquitos, Manu). Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested at entry. Extensions can be applied for at the Dirección General de Migraciones in Lima ($20–$40). Some nationalities, like India or China, need a visa—apply through a Peruvian consulate ($30–$100). Border crossings with Bolivia (via Lake Titicaca) or Chile (Tacna to Arica) are straightforward—use official checkpoints and expect small fees ($1–$5). Entry rules can change, so confirm before travel.

6. How do I get to Peru and get around?
Fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. Direct flights from the U.S. (Miami, Los Angeles) take 5–8 hours ($400–$900 round trip) with LATAM or American Airlines. From Europe, connect via Madrid or Amsterdam (12–16 hours, $800–$1,500). Domestic flights with LATAM or Star Perú connect Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, or Iquitos ($50–$150, 1–2 hours). Long-distance buses like Cruz del Sur are reliable—Lima to Cusco takes 21 hours ($30–$60). Trains to Machu Picchu (PeruRail, Inca Rail) cost $70–$150 round trip. Taxis in Lima cost $3–$10; use apps like Uber for safety. For the Amazon, boats from Iquitos to jungle lodges cost $10–$50. Rural roads can be rough—plan extra time.

7. What are traditional Peruvian foods to try?
Ceviche, raw fish marinated in lime juice, is a coastal staple—best in Lima at places like La Mar ($10–$20). Lomo saltado, a beef stir-fry with fries, reflects Peru’s Chinese influence ($8–$15). Try anticuchos, grilled beef heart skewers, at street stalls ($2–$5). In the Andes, taste cuy (guinea pig), often roasted, in Cusco ($10–$20). Aji de gallina, a creamy chicken stew with yellow chili, is a comfort dish ($6–$12). For snacks, grab papa a la huancaína, potatoes in spicy cheese sauce ($4–$8). Sip pisco sour, a cocktail of pisco, lime, and egg white ($5–$10). In the Amazon, try juanes, rice tamales with chicken ($3–$6). Finish with picarones, pumpkin doughnuts drizzled with molasses ($2–$4).

8. What cultural experiences should I explore in Peru?
Celebrate Inti Raymi (June 24) in Cusco, a vibrant Inca sun festival with reenactments at Sacsayhuamán ($100–$150 tickets). Visit a Quechua community in the Sacred Valley to learn weaving and farming ($30–$50 tours). In Lima, attend a peña, a traditional music and dance show, at places like La Candelaria ($20 entry). Join the Qoyllur Rit’i pilgrimage (May/June) near Cusco, blending Inca and Catholic traditions. In Arequipa, explore the Santa Catalina Monastery’s colorful history ($12 entry). Experience the Amazon’s Shipibo-Conibo culture through shamanic ceremonies ($50–$100). In Puno, attend the Virgen de la Candelaria festival (February) with dances and parades ($10–$20). Shop for alpaca textiles and silver jewelry in Cusco’s San Blas market.

9. What outdoor activities can I do in Peru?
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days, $600–$900) or the shorter Salkantay Trek (5 days, $400–$700). Sandboard in Huacachina’s desert dunes ($20–$40). White-water raft on the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley ($50–$80). Trek Colca Canyon near Arequipa to spot Andean condors (2 days, $60–$100). Birdwatch in the Amazon’s Tambopata Reserve—home to macaws and toucans ($200–$500 for 3 days). Mountain bike in the Sacred Valley from Maras to Moray ($40–$70). Surf in Máncora, a northern beach town with consistent waves ($20 board rental). Climb Huayna Picchu at Machu Picchu for panoramic views (additional $20 permit, book early). Paraglide over Lima’s Miraflores cliffs ($60–$90).

10. What are the best accommodation options in Peru?
In Lima, the JW Marriott Hotel Miraflores offers luxury ($150–$300/night), while Hostal San Francisco in the historic center is budget-friendly ($20–$40/night). In Cusco, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio is a high-end option ($300–$500/night), or try El Mercado ($80–$150/night). Near Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes provides eco-luxury ($250–$450/night); budget travelers can stay at Hostal Varayoc ($30–$60/night). In Arequipa, Casa Andina Premium is comfortable ($100–$200/night). For the Amazon, Tambopata Research Center offers jungle immersion ($300–$600 for 3 days). In Puno, Titilaka Lodge on Lake Titicaca is upscale ($400–$700/night). In Huacachina, Desert Nights Hostel has dune views ($15–$40/night). Book early for Machu Picchu and peak season (June–August).