Peru is generally safe for tourists in main travel areas. Lima and Cusco require standard urban awareness. Remote regions and night travel need caution. Check current government travel advisories. Hire licensed guides for treks. Tourist police operate in major cities. Avoid displaying valuables. Travel with reputable companies for jungle and mountain excursions.

Budget travelers spend $30-50 daily on hostels, local food, and transport. Mid-range travelers budget $70-150 daily for comfortable hotels and guided tours. Machu Picchu entry costs $50-80. Flights and organized treks add significantly. Lima dining costs more. Regional transport via bus is economical. Multi-day trek packages range $500-1500. Plan accordingly.

Two weeks allows moderate exploration: 3-4 days Lima, 4-5 days Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu, 3-4 days Amazon or Lake Titicaca. Ten days covers Lima and Cusco region. Three weeks enables Amazon, Nazca Lines, and Arequipa. Machu Picchu hiking requires 2-4 days. Most visitors spend 10-14 days. Domestic flights save time between regions.

May through October is dry season—ideal for trekking and outdoor activities with clear skies. June-August sees peak tourism and higher prices. November to March brings rainy season, fewer crowds, and lower costs. Machu Picchu is accessible year-round but muddy in wet months. Amazon tours operate year-round; wildlife varies seasonally. Plan around your activities.

Domestic flights connect major cities efficiently—Lima to Cusco takes 1 hour. Long-distance buses are affordable but slow. Overnight buses minimize time. Local transport includes minibuses and taxis. Trains serve Cusco-Sacred Valley and Cusco-Machu Picchu routes. Organized tours include transport. Rent cars for flexibility in specific regions. Plan routes around geography.

Cusco sits at 3,400m; altitude sickness affects many travelers. Ascend gradually when possible. Drink coca tea, rest, and avoid alcohol initially. Symptoms include headaches and nausea. Most acclimate within 2-3 days. Prescription medication (acetazolamide) helps if needed. Descending quickly relieves symptoms. Lima is at sea level—good for acclimatization before ascending to highlands.

Colca Canyon offers dramatic trekking and condor viewing. Choquequirao ruins rival Machu Picchu with fewer crowds. Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) near Cusco provides stunning high-altitude scenery. Lake Titicaca's islands preserve traditional cultures. Ballestas Islands showcase marine wildlife. Manu National Park offers pristine Amazon exploration. Arequipa combines colonial architecture with accessibility.

Peru ranks among world's top culinary destinations. Lima leads with innovative fine dining and street food fusion. Ceviche, a raw fish dish, is iconic. Regional specialties include alpaca steak and causa (potato terrine). Markets overflow with tropical fruits and local ingredients. Cooking classes are popular. Local restaurants offer excellent value. Try traditional ceviicherías and market comedors.

Respect indigenous communities—ask before photographing people. Quechua and Aymara cultures remain central to highlands. Spanish is primary, though English is limited outside tourist areas. Bargaining is acceptable in markets but not restaurants. Dress modestly in religious sites. Tipping around 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Learn basic Spanish phrases.

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