Is Peru Worth Visiting?
Yes, Peru is well worth visiting for so many reasons.
It’s cheap, easy to travel via bus, and it’s popular amongst first time travellers to South America as it has a well established travel route and several quality hostel chains in each city.
| Worth It For... | 'Worth It' Rating | |
|---|---|---|
|
Lima |
Culture and history tours, food tours |
🔥🔥 |
|
Huacachina & Paracas |
Desert adventure activities like sandboarding, ATV’s and dune buggies |
🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
|
Arequipa |
Hiking in Colca Canyon |
🔥🔥🔥 |
|
Puno |
Lake Titicaca |
🔥🔥 |
|
Cusco |
Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley and epics hikeslike the Salkantay Trek |
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
My Thoughts On Peru
Aside from all the great stops mentioned in the table above, here are some other great reasons why I think you should visit Peru:
- It’s cheap and your money goes a long way. In comparison to travelling countries like Brazil, Argentina or Chile, Peru is much cheaper.
- The hiking opportunities are endless and most treks are easily accessible to beginners.
- It’s easy to travel through as you just go in a straight line from Lima down to Arequipa, then you loop round to Cusco. Bus companies are cheap and well established but internal flights are also cheap.
14 Great Reasons TO Visit Peru
1. It's Safe And Easy To Travel Through
Peru is one of the most visited countries in South America, especially by backpackers.
And over the years, a well-established gringo trail has popped up with towns and cities becoming much more welcoming and accessible to travellers. This means it’s the perfect country to start with if its your first time in South America.
The travel route from Lima down south to Arequipa is well established and you will meet loads of other travellers along the way at towns like Paracas and Huacachina; and Cusco is one of the most traveller friendly cities in the world.
There are hostels everywhere, lots of cheap restaurants with deals for backpackers and the centre is a safe and comfortable place to stay.
Check out my expertly planned Peru itineraries to get an idea of the best routes and places to stop at:
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the hefty price tag!
Jerry & Maria – 5 Weeks In South America
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2. Peru Is A Hikers Paradise
Peru is the ultimate trekking playground. Here are some of the options to look forward to:
- In Arequipa, you can go hiking down into Colca Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world.
- Framed by a dramatic skyline of glaciers, the city of Huaraz is known as the hiking capital of Peru. The Cordillera Blanca, or “White Range,” is part of the Andes Mountain Range and is home to 722 glaciers and the tallest mountain in Peru.
- One of the best treks in the country though is the Salkantay Trek which is deserving of its own separate point on this list so keep reading!
3. Hike One Of The World's '25 Best Treks' - The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is 5-day guided hike through the Andes mountains that eventually leads you to Machu Picchu on its final day.
National Geographic lists it as one of the “25 World’s Best Treks”. With a route that takes you past glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and serene high-altitude lakes – it’s one of the most scenic ways to reach the ancient Incan city.
It also has a reputation for being one of the toughest treks in Peru covering 75km and climbing to 4,630m in altitude during the Salkantay Pass.
But the challenge made it an even more memorable experience in my opinion!
For more information on the trek including how to plan and prepare for it, check out the guide below:
4. Climb To 5000m On Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain is the second most famous and visited mountain after Machu Picchu in Peru.
The panoramic views and the unique colours of the mountain have put it on every travellers bucket list over the last few years.
The trek starts at around 5000m and is relatively flat until a short, steep climb to reach the peak. From here you will get uninterrupted views of the snow-covered valleys and the intense coloured strips running across the face of the mountain.
If you can get there on an early enough tour, you may also get to see half of it covered in snow.
Reaching 5,200m at the peak is also an impressive achievement. To put that into perspective, Everest is 8,900m!
Our guide to visiting Rainbow Mountain from Cusco has everything you need to know:
5. Stay At One Of The Wildest Party Hostels In South America
The Wild Rover hostel chain is renowned across South America. The Irish themed hostels can be found throughout the country in Lima, Arequipa and Huacachina; but the Cusco one is the best!
The hostel chain has a reputation for throwing the best backpacker parties.
Most of their hostels come with a huge bar attached and they often have DJs, games and party events going on most nights of the week – this is one of the best places to party in Cusco so make sure you stay here if that’s what you’re looking for!
Everything you need to know about booking and staying at Wild Rover in Cusco can be found here:
6. Go Exploring In The Unique Desert Landscape Of Paracas
The striking coastal desert of Peru should be on every adventure seekers bucket list. The protected area, spanning over 3,350 km², consists of rolling desert, jagged ocean cliffs and rocky islands populated with a diversity of wildlife.
You can navigate the park by bicycle or ATV and visit places like the impressive Playa Roja (Red Sand Beach) and the natural cliff monuments at La Cathedral.
One of the best activities is a sunset trek across the coastal cliffs and watching the sunset over the ocean – it’s one of my favourite memories from my time in Peru.
Check out Paracas guide here for everything else you need to know about the town, including the best places to eat and some other great tours you can book:
“Joe saved us so many hours of research and planning. His expertise turned our stress into a clear, custom itinerary we could actually enjoy.”
Maeve & Martin – 6 Weeks In South America
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Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
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You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
7. Climb The Massive Sand Dunes At Huacachina Oasis
In Huacachina, mountainous sand dunes surround a tiny town, all built around a calm desert oasis.
Nothing about Huacachina is calm though. It’s a place where you’ll find incredible sunsets, ride dune buggies across the desert, and hear the screams of travellers sandboarding down the tallest dunes.
One of the best activities in Huacachina is the dune buggy desert tour.
You’ll catch some serious air flying over the dunes. Then you’ll stop at the top of the tallest dune and sandboard back down.
For more information on the incredible desert oasis of Huacachina, check out the post below:
8. Try A Pisco Sour and Eat Ceviche In Lima
Trying a pisco sour in Peru is a must. Peru’s national cocktail uses Peruvian pisco as the base liquor and adds freshly squeezed lime juice, syrup, ice, egg white, and bitters for a sweet and fresh taste.
You will be able to order one from any bar in Peru but if you are in Lima, why not head to the hip neighbourhood of Barranco.
The bars in Barranco are all set within the old colonial-era mansions found in the district and they are some of the best bars in the country. Here you can find expert mixologist to make a pisco sour for you.
Another thing to try is ceviche.
It’s Peru’s national dish, and you can find the best versions of this marinated fish dish in Lima. Being right next to the ocean, any ceviche you have in Lima will be fresh out of the ocean.
Our full Lima backpacker guide has everything you need to know:
9. Trek Into The Second Deepest Canyon In The World - Colca Canyon
Trekking down into the second deepest canyon in the world is an experience like no other.
You can spend anywhere from 2 to 3 days hiking in Colca Canyon, exploring the its beautiful green slopes dotted with remote traditional villages and terraced farms, and meeting the locals who have made them their home.
When you reach the bottom of the canyon, you will find a different oasis to the one at Huacachina, but beautiful, nonetheless. The oasis is covered in lush greenery and there are a handful of hostels where you stay the night.
Then in the evening, you can lay down on the canyon floor and enjoy the best view of the night sky you’ll likely ever get.
The depth of the canyon and lack of light pollution out in the countryside gives you a perfectly clear view of the stars and the Milky Way in all its glory.
10. The Ancient Inca Capital - Cusco
Cusco was once the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
It is now known for a wealth of archaeological remains, beautiful Spanish colonial-era architecture and as basecamp before starting journeys to Machu Picchu.
The town centre is a peaceful place surrounded with artisan shops, cafes and diners all catering towards backpackers.
Cusco is also the perfect base for travellers looking to explore and prepare for adventures in the Andes a few hours away.
From here, you can plan trips to Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass and Machu Picchu.
11. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the ultimate highlight of many people’s trips to South America.
Visiting the marvellous citadel of the Incas, hidden amongst misty valleys, and set high above the clouds, feels like you have stepped back in time.
Getting there is just as memorable as visiting the ruins.
The train will take you through the beautiful Sacred Valley and treks like Salkantay or the Inca Trail take you across mountain trails.
The treks are often the best way to reach Machu Picchu as they often get you there for the early morning where you get to see the sunrise and miss all the crowds!
If you want to add this once in a lifetime visit to your Peru trip, then our guides have everything you need:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our 3-month trip feel easy.”
Sam & Amy – 3 Months In South America
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Struggling with any of this?
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✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
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You don’t have to figure it out solo.
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12. The Surfer And Party Paradise - Mancora
This beach town is filled with locals, backpackers and other tourists wanting to do two simple things: surf and party.
The best places to let loose are the Loki and Wild Rover hostels, but every backpacker hostel in town doubles up as a bar and club so you are spoilt for choice.
And once a wild night of partying on the beach is over, it’s time to jump in the ocean and get rid of that hangover. Mancora is a great place for beginner surfers who have never been on a board before. The continual waves, calm water and warm weather crate the perfect conditions for surfing.
For more reasons on why Mancora is such a great place to visit, head to the post below:
13. Explore The Amazon From Two Different Towns
The Amazon in Peru is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, offering incredible wildlife, lush rainforest, and immersive jungle experiences.
- Iquitos – The largest city in the world inaccessible by road, Iquitos is the gateway to the northern Amazon. Trips here often explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, known for pink river dolphins, giant otters, and flooded forests. Accommodations range from luxury lodges to remote expeditions.
- Puerto Maldonado – A more accessible entry point in the southern Amazon, reached by road or a short flight from Cusco. It offers easier jungle access with shorter boat rides and is best for visiting the Tambopata National Reserve, home to macaw clay licks, giant river otters, and diverse wildlife lodges.
14. The Highest Navigable Lake In The World - Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,810 metres above sea level.
Half of it sits in Peru, the other half in Bolivia. But if you aren’t planning to visit Bolivia this time around, make sure you stop off in Peru to check it out.
The floating reed islands of the indigenous Uros people are an impressive sight and climbing up to heights of 4200m on Taquile Island for panoramic views of the lake is an unforgettable experience.
You can tick off both of these incredible sights in one day with the 5-star tour below!
When Is The best Time To visit Peru?
The best time to visit Peru falls within the dry season spanning from May through September, particularly if your itinerary includes trekking adventures.
This timeframe boasts delightful weather characterized by sunny days and clear blue skies; however, securing early reservations is essential due to the high demand. This is peak season as well so prices for flights, accommodation and food will be higher.
Between December and March is the wet season, rainfall becomes more prominent, with January and February standing out as the wettest months. Traveling during this period has its perks, including fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, and potentially lower airfare and accommodation costs.
However, if you have big multi-day treks planned in the Andes, the rain may affect these. I completed the Salkantay Trek in December and had a couple of days of rain. This wasn’t the end of the world but I didn’t get the best pictures in the world.
The shoulder seasons of April and October/November will get the best mix of good weather and lower prices.
How Many Days Do You Need In Peru?
I recommend at least three weeks in Peru if you wish to see the highlights that include Lima, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
However, here’s a summary of what you can do with less time:
| Peru Itinerary | Stops | Perfect For... |
|---|---|---|
|
7 Days |
Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu |
If you are short on time who want to see Machu Picchu |
|
10 Days |
Same as above |
If you are short on time and just want to see Cusco / Machu Picchu |
|
2 Weeks |
Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Machu Picchu |
If you want to see the highlights of Peru |
|
3 Weeks |
Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, Cusco, Machu Picchu |
If you want to see the highlights at a slower pace |
|
4 Weeks |
Same as below and the Amazon |
If you want to do a deep dive of the highlights and spend time in the Amazon |
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our 3-month trip feel easy.”
Sam & Amy – 3 Months In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
