Most people come to Peru to visit the legendary Inca Trail that leads to the grand Machu Picchu high up in the Andes. This makes it a very popular tourist destination around the world but there is more to Peru than Machu Picchu, Lima and Cusco (taking nothing away from wondrous sites). Peru has exciting jungles for you to explore, see the Amazon, Lake Titicaca or one of many beaches. Spend time with the locals and eat delicious local food. This Peru travel guide will help you make the most out of your visit to Peru.
Typical Costs
Remember that 1 USD equals 3.29 Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN).
Accommodation – Staying at hotels is cheap in Peru, a budget hotels cost around 90-160 PEN whereas dorm rooms can cost as low as 25 PEN.
Food – Local food at street stalls and markets is extremely cheap, at such places you can have meals for 3-6 PEN. If you go to a sit-down restaurant a meal will cost between 12-20 PEN. If you crave a western meal that is a little pricey and can cost anywhere between 35-50 PEN.
Transportation – Depending on the bus company, a 10 hour bus ride costs between 95 to 220 PEN. Taxis aren’t that pricey and taking one around Lima shouldn’t cost more than 25 PEN. Lima also has a clean (new) intra-city bus establishment, these buses are safe and cost around 1-3 PEN per trip. Microbuses (colectivos) are available as well and cost less than 2.50 PEN.
Activities – Trips to archaeological sites are the biggest expense. A day trip to Machu Picchu costs around 200 PEN. The Nasca Tours (on small planes and helicopters) can be expensive depending on the tour but can cost a minimum of 415 PEN for half an hour in the air. Multi day hikes on Inca trails can cost hundreds of dollars as well.
Things To Do
Your trip will most likely begin in Peru’s capital city, Lima. This city is a must see on any trip to Peru. A popular place to see is the Plaza Mayor. To get a good dose of Peru’s amazing nightlife, head to the Barranco district. Explore the city to find its most alluring places. It’s worth it.
And of course, if you do just one thing on your Peruvian trip it has to be a visit to the legendary ‘Lost City of the Incas’. This is one of the most visited tourist places in South America. Follow the Inca trail (preferred) to get to this mysterious and majestic place high up in the Andes Mountains. Its aura will stay with you long after you’ve returned.
Another place worth visiting are the Floating Islands of the Uros (Islas Flotantes de los Uros). They are a bunch of handmade islands in Lake Titicaca. It’s a crowded tourist site but worth the trip.
Besides these well visited places, this Peru Travel Guide recommends hiking the Colca Canyon, Surf at Mancora Beach, Flyingover the Nasca Lines, visit the archeological site of Batan Grande, visiting Cuzco, traveling to the city of Iquitos (largest Peruvian city in the rainforest)
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