Peru Travel Guide: Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest, and Lima's Incredible Food Scene

# Peru Travel Guide: Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest, and Lima's Incredible Food Scene

Peru is a country of extraordinary contrasts — soaring Andean peaks, dense Amazon rainforest, sun-baked coastal deserts, and vibrant colonial cities. Whether you're trekking to one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites or sampling ceviche in a Lima restaurant, Peru delivers experiences that stay with you long after you return home. This guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable Peruvian adventure.

Machu Picchu: The Crown Jewel of the Andes

No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel perched dramatically above the Sacred Valley. The site is divided into two main zones — the agricultural terraces and the urban sector — and exploring both takes a full day.

Getting There

Most visitors travel by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the gateway town), then take a bus up the winding mountain road to the entrance. Alternatively, the famous Inca Trail is a four-day trek through cloud forest and Inca ruins, arriving at the Sun Gate for a sunrise view over the citadel. Permits sell out months in advance, so book early.

Tips for Visiting

Check live weather on our [city dashboard](/) before your visit to plan the best day for clear skies over the ruins.

Cusco: The Ancient Inca Capital

Cusco serves as the base for most Machu Picchu visits, but it deserves several days of exploration in its own right. The city blends Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture in a way found nowhere else on earth.

Must-See Highlights

Cusco sits at 3,400 metres above sea level. Altitude sickness is common — spend at least two days acclimatising before attempting strenuous hikes. Coca tea, available everywhere, is a traditional remedy.

The Amazon Rainforest: Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos

Peru contains a significant portion of the Amazon basin, and two cities serve as gateways to jungle adventures.

Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios region is the most accessible entry point, with direct flights from Cusco. From here, lodges along the Tambopata River offer guided wildlife walks, canoe trips, and night safaris. Expect to spot macaws, giant river otters, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.

Iquitos in the northern Amazon is only reachable by boat or plane — there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Peru. This isolation makes it feel genuinely remote. Multi-day river cruises from Iquitos explore deep jungle tributaries where wildlife encounters are exceptional.

Amazon Essentials

Lima: South America's Culinary Capital

Lima has earned its reputation as one of the world's great food cities. The coastal capital is home to restaurants that consistently rank among the best globally, and the street food scene is equally impressive.

Where to Eat

Beyond Food

Lima's Larco Museum houses an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian gold, ceramics, and textiles. The Miraflores clifftop offers dramatic Pacific Ocean views, and the bohemian Barranco neighbourhood is perfect for an afternoon of gallery-hopping and café culture.

Use our [currency converter](/currency) to plan your budget — the Peruvian sol offers excellent value for most international travellers.

Practical Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

Getting Around

Money and Budget

Health and Safety

Browse more articles on our [blog](/blog) for destination-specific packing lists, budget breakdowns, and insider tips to make the most of your South American adventure.