Peru Travel Guide — Visas, Climate & Attractions

Peru Travel GuideA land of staggering contrasts — where the lost citadel of Machu Picchu floats above cloud-draped Andean peaks, the Amazon basin teems with uncharted biodiversity, ancient Nazca Lines stretch across desert plains, Lima's world-class ceviche rivals any kitchen on Earth, and the living traditions of Quechua communities echo through sacred valleys.Key Facts

Capital: Lima

Currency: PEN (Sol)

Language: Spanish, Quechua

Time Zone: UTC−5

Top Places to Visit

Machu Picchu — The iconic 15th-century Inca citadel perched at 2,430m on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley.

Cusco — The former capital of the Inca Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage city where Inca stone walls support Spanish colonial churches.

Sacred Valley — The fertile Urubamba Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu, dotted with Inca ruins and traditional markets.

Lake Titicaca — The highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812m, with the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island.

Nazca Lines — Massive ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert plain, visible only from the air.

Local Food

Ceviche — Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, mixed with red onion, chilli, and cilantro, served with sweet potato.

Lomo Saltado — Beef stir-fried with tomatoes, red onion, soy sauce, and aji amarillo, served over fries and rice.

Anticuchos — Skewered and grilled beef heart marinated in aji panca chilli, a beloved street food.

Pisco Sour — Peru's national cocktail made from pisco, lime juice, egg white, and Angostura bitters.

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