YOUR FIRST PERU ADVENTURE
Welcome to Peru
One country. Endless adventures. Discover the coast, the Andes and the Amazon—and start planning a trip that feels like you.
START WITH THE ESSENTIALS
Before you travel
A little preparation makes more room for adventure. Start with your documents, your must-see places and a realistic travel pace.
Check your entry requirements
Check the travel-document and visa requirements for your nationality with Peru’s authorities and your airline before booking. Your authorised stay is determined at entry.
Official entry informationPlan the big experiences first
Choose your priority experiences before arranging the rest of your route. Confirm dates, entrance arrangements, transport and cancellation terms directly with the provider.
Give your itinerary breathing room
Keep your first days in the Andes easy and leave room for transfers and changes in weather. For health advice tailored to your route, speak to a travel-health professional.
Official travel-health informationWhen should you visit?
Peru has several climates. Choose your season around the places you want to explore, rather than one country-wide weather forecast.
THE COAST
Summer by the Pacific
December to March brings summer to the coast. Lima can be misty in winter, while conditions vary further north and south.
THE ANDES
Drier days, colder nights
April to October is generally the drier period in the Andes. November to March brings more rain; keep outdoor plans flexible.
THE AMAZON
Warm, humid and full of life
April to October generally sees less rain. November to March is wetter. Rain and humidity are part of the experience throughout the year.
Find your kind of Peru
Start with a few places you love. Build your route around them, and leave space to discover more along the way.
Lima
Food, coastal neighbourhoods and a first taste of Peru.
Explore destination
Cusco
Inca heritage, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Explore destination
Arequipa
Volcanic landscapes and the White City.
Explore destination
Ica and Paracas
Desert dunes, the Huacachina oasis and coastal adventures.
Explore destination
Huaraz
Mountain scenery in the Cordillera Blanca.
Explore destination
The Amazon
River journeys and rainforest experiences in Loreto.
Explore destination
Our destination pages are currently in Spanish. Contact Rutify if you need help choosing your next step.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE?
A route for your travel rhythm
These are suggested itineraries to adapt—not fixed packages. Travel connections, ticket availability and your interests shape the final plan.
5 DAYS
A focused Cusco escape
Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Day 1: arrive and settle in. Day 2: explore Cusco. Day 3: Sacred Valley. Day 4: Machu Picchu, subject to reservations. Day 5: departure. Best as a short regional itinerary.
7 DAYS
Your first Peru highlights
Lima + Cusco
Allow 2 days for Lima and 5 for Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Keep your first Andes day easy and organise the Machu Picchu visit around confirmed tickets.
10 DAYS
Coast meets the Andes
Lima + Paracas and Ica + Cusco
Start with 2 days in Lima, spend 2 around Paracas and Ica, then allow 6 for Cusco, the Sacred Valley and travel connections.
15 DAYS
The southern Peru journey
Lima + Paracas and Ica + Arequipa + Puno + Cusco
A starting split: Lima 2 days, Paracas and Ica 2, Arequipa 3, Puno 2 and Cusco 6. Include transfers within these blocks and adjust the pace to your transport choices.
21 DAYS
A wider Peru adventure
Coast + southern Andes + Amazon
A starting split: Lima 3 days, Paracas and Ica 3, Arequipa 3, Puno 2, Cusco 7 and Amazon 3. Coordinate flights and lodge transfers before fixing your dates.
ONE FOR YOUR PERU WISHLIST
Make room for Rainbow Mountain
Vinicunca—the Rainbow Mountain—is one of Cusco’s most recognisable landscapes. Add it to your shortlist, then check the route, altitude, transport and tour conditions with your provider before committing.
Ask about Rainbow Mountain toursBring your trip together
Once you have a route, organise the three pieces that make it work: experiences, accommodation and transport.
Tours and experiences
Choose guided walks, cultural visits and outdoor adventures around the destinations you love. Confirm what is included, meeting points and cancellation terms.
Explore destinationsFind your place to stay
Start with your route and travel dates. Choose locations that make transfers and daily activities easier, then check availability and conditions.
Ask about accommodationPlan how you will get there
Think about your international arrival and connections between regions. Check baggage, change conditions and transfer times before booking.
Ask about flight planningAvailability, prices and reservation terms depend on each provider. Contact Rutify for planning guidance; a suggested route is not a confirmed booking.
Small details. Smoother travels.
Local currency: the sol
Peru’s currency is the sol (S/). Carry some local cash for small purchases and places that do not accept cards. Check your card and ATM fees with your bank.
Leave time between places
Build transfers into your itinerary. Confirm pickup details, luggage allowances and arrival times, especially when changing between road, rail and air transport.
Pack for more than one climate
A coastal stop, a mountain stay and a rainforest visit can call for different clothes. Check the forecast and your activity requirements before you pack.
Keep useful details offline
Save your accommodation address, transport confirmations and key contact details offline. Check roaming or local connectivity options before arrival.
Travel with your appetite
Make time for a meal as well as a landmark. Peruvian food is part of the journey, from coastal kitchens to Andean markets.
Ceviche
A fresh coastal classic with fish, citrus and bold flavours.
Lomo saltado
Stir-fried beef with onions and tomatoes, commonly served with rice and fries.
Ají de gallina
A creamy chicken dish with a flavourful sauce, usually served with rice.
Regional flavours
Look beyond the classics: markets and local kitchens introduce you to the food traditions of each region.
Tell your guide or restaurant about dietary needs and ask about ingredients before ordering.
TALUUM × RUTIFY
A little Spanish goes a long way
Start with a few useful expressions, then explore our Habla y viaja language hub for more inspiration.
Hola
Hello
Gracias
Thank you
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
La cuenta, por favor
The bill, please
Your Peru adventure starts with a conversation
Tell us when you want to travel, how many days you have and what you would love to experience. We will help you take the next step.
Talk to RutifyPlanning references: PROMPERÚ / Peru Travel (climate, currency and health) and Peru’s Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (entry information). Suggested itineraries are Rutify’s planning ideas. Check current conditions before travelling.
