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Machu Picchu, the Andes and world-famous cuisine. Inca history, Amazon jungle and high-altitude landscapes.
If you like this destination, also see Mexico.
History and customs of Peru
The Inca Empire had its capital in Cusco until Pizarro arrived in 1532. Machu Picchu was built around the 15th century and revealed to the world in 1911.
Long before the Incas there were cultures like Caral, one of the oldest cities in the Americas, or Nazca. Peru became independent from Spain in 1821 and now blends Andean, Spanish, African and Asian heritage.
In the 1980s and 90s the country endured the conflict with the Shining Path. Since 2000 it has grown strongly thanks to mining and tourism, though political instability is frequent.
At altitude it is wise to acclimatise and drink coca tea. Festivals like Cusco’s Inti Raymi, on 24 June, blend Inca and Catholic heritage.
Typical food in Peru
Ceviche, raw fish cured in lime, is the national dish with its own holiday. Nikkei cuisine mixes Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients, a result of Japanese immigration.
- Ceviche
- Lomo saltado
- Anticuchos – street food
What to eat in each city of Peru
- Lima – ceviche at cevicherías
- Cusco – cuy and chicha morada
- Arequipa – rocoto relleno
Regional dishes in Peru
- Coast – ceviche and tiradito
- Andes – pachamanca and cuy
- Amazon – juane and fish in leaf
- Arequipa – rocoto relleno and adobo
Iconic places in Peru
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are the best known. Near Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Moray’s circular terraces; further south, the Nazca Lines.
Lima has a colonial historic centre listed by UNESCO and seaside districts like Miraflores and Barranco. Arequipa stands out for the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest.
1. Machu Picchu and Cusco –
2. Sacred Valley – Inca ruins
3. Lake Titicaca – floating islands
4. Cusco – Plaza de Armas and Qorikancha, an old Inca temple
5. Rainbow Mountain – a high-altitude hike above 5,000 m
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Peru
✅ Best time. May–Sep: dry season in the Andes, clear skies and the best time for Machu Picchu.
⚠️ Worst time. Dec–Mar: heavy rain in the Andes and jungle; the Inca Trail closes in February.
How much does it cost to travel to Peru
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $28 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $77 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $220 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $7–$20 |
| Street food (per person) | $1–$4 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: own estimate, to be verified. Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.
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