Peru hits differently than other South American destinations. Maybe it's the combination of ancient history and dramatic landscapes, or the way indigenous culture blends with Spanish colonial influences.
Doesn’t matter the reason, most people leave Peru feeling like they've experienced something genuinely transformative.
The challenge is figuring out how to see the country's highlights without falling into tourist traps or missing authentic experiences.
Peru offers incredible diversity - from coastal deserts to Amazon rainforest to towering Andean peaks - but most visitors only scratch the surface.
Everyone goes to Machu Picchu, and for good reason. The ancient citadel perched on a mountain ridge delivers on its reputation as one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites.
But timing your visit makes the difference between a magical experience and a crowded disappointment.
First train up from Aguas Calientes gets you to the ruins around 6:30 AM, when morning mist often clings to the mountains and you'll have the site mostly to yourself. By 10 AM, tour groups arrive and the peaceful atmosphere disappears.
Alternative approaches like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek reward you with different perspectives and fewer crowds, but require advance booking and good physical fitness.
Many experienced Machu Picchu tours include these trekking options alongside traditional train access for travelers who want both adventure and convenience.
Essential Machu Picchu tips:
The Sacred Valley gets overlooked by travelers rushing to Machu Picchu, but it contains some of Peru's most authentic experiences. Small villages like Ollantaytambo and Pisac maintain traditional ways of life while offering impressive archaeological sites.
Markets in these towns sell textiles made using techniques passed down through generations. Unlike tourist markets in Cusco, these vendors often weave the items themselves using natural dyes and traditional patterns.
Staying overnight in Sacred Valley towns helps with altitude adjustment before visiting Machu Picchu. The elevation here is lower than Cusco, making it easier for visitors coming from sea level.
Lima's restaurant scene has exploded internationally, but the city's best food experiences happen in neighborhood markets and family-run establishments that locals frequent.
Central Market offers incredible variety at prices that would shock visitors from tourist restaurants. Fresh ceviche costs $3-4, while elaborate preparations at upscale restaurants run $25-30 for similar quality.
Street food provides adventure for brave eaters. Anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) taste better than they sound, and fresh fruit juices from market vendors beat anything from bottles.
Cusco's main plaza and surrounding streets cater almost entirely to tourists, but walking a few blocks in any direction reveals the working city where most residents actually live.
San Pedro Market functions as Cusco's commercial heart. Local families shop for produce, meat, and household goods while vendors serve authentic meals to workers on lunch breaks.
Neighborhoods like San Blas offer colonial architecture without the constant sales pitches. Streets here wind uphill past small galleries, quiet cafes, and viewpoints overlooking the city.
Lake Titicaca tours often feel artificial, but spending time with indigenous families on floating islands provides genuine cultural exchange. The Uros people have lived on these reed islands for centuries, maintaining traditions that predate Inca civilization.
Overnight stays with families on Amantani or Taquile islands offer deeper experiences than day trips. You'll participate in daily activities, share meals, and learn about traditional handicrafts.
The lake's elevation (12,500 feet) affects most visitors. Take altitude sickness seriously and allow time for adjustment before engaging in strenuous activities.
The Peruvian Amazon offers different experiences depending on your entry point. Iquitos provides access to pristine rainforest accessible only by boat or plane. Puerto Maldonado connects to reserves with excellent wildlife viewing, but easier access from Cusco.
Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, but patient visitors often see monkeys, colorful birds, caimans, and occasionally jaguars or giant otters. Night excursions reveal completely different animals and sounds.
Indigenous guides share traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, hunting techniques, and rainforest ecology that you won't find in guidebooks.
This small oasis near Ica feels almost too perfect to be real - palm trees surrounding a lagoon in the middle of massive sand dunes. Sandboarding and dune buggy rides provide adrenaline, while sunset views offer perfect photo opportunities.
The town essentially exists for tourism, but it's small enough to maintain charm without feeling completely artificial. Evening brings live music and surprisingly good restaurants, considering the remote location.
Vinicunca, known as Rainbow Mountain, has become Instagram famous for its colorful mineral deposits. The hike is challenging - high altitude combined with steep terrain tests most visitors' endurance.
Weather affects visibility dramatically. Clear days reveal stunning rainbow-colored ridges, while clouds obscure the views that motivated the difficult trek. Morning departures from Cusco typically offer better weather conditions.
Alternative routes like Palccoyo provide similar colorful mountain views with easier hiking, though they lack Rainbow Mountain's dramatic setting and social media fame.
