The Ultimate First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Peru

Traveling to Peru is one of the most exciting trips you can take, but planning it can feel intimidating at first. Between navigating a new country, adjusting to a different culture, and figuring out the logistics, it’s natural to have questions. Will people speak English? How easy is it to get around? How do I get to Machu Picchu? What should you expect once you arrive? Consider this your full disclosure guide to Peru: everything I’m glad I knew before my trip, everything I wish someone had told me, and all the little things I worried about that turned out not to matter at all. 

What parts should I plan to visit?

Peru is a country overflowing with beauty—a true microcosm of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultures. From the towering Andes Mountains and vibrant cities to the vast deserts and lush rainforests, Peru offers an incredible diversity of experiences within a single destination, which makes it feel so appealing to all different types of travelers. It’s also home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, a site that alone draws millions of travelers each year. 

With that being said, as a first time traveler, I recommend adhering to what I would classify the “basic” spots of Peru, though nothing is truly basic about this slice of the world. Lima, of course, being the capital city, is a worthwhile stop on any Peru itinerary. Its coastal views, food scene, and vibrant neighborhoods have plenty to offer. However, one thing I wish I had known before my trip is that Lima wasn’t my favorite part of Peru. If I could do it all over again, I would have spent less time in Lima and dedicated more of my itinerary to places like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Aguascalientes. Lima is certainly worth experiencing, but for me, the true magic of Peru was found elsewhere.

If you decide to follow this and add Lima to your trip, here’s what I would do…

[For all Peru food inquiries, stay tuned for a post because there is much to share!] 

Lima

Paracas National Reserve

Located about 2 hours north of Lima is the Paracas National Reserve. This beautiful sanctuary is one of the most popular day trips from Lima, and is truly worth your while. We decided to do an ATV tour through the Reserve, and if I told you it was fun, I would be understating it.

One of my favorite parts was getting to drive the ATVs ourselves, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes all around us. I also loved that the route included several stops throughout the reserve. Each viewpoint revealed a different side of the scenery, all just as breath-taking as the others.

Huacachina

Huacachina truly embodies everything that comes to my mind when I hear “oasis.” Located about four and a half hours from Lima, this small desert town feels like a hidden world of its own. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, it stands in striking contrast to Peru’s bustling cities, offering a peaceful and almost surreal escape from the fast pace of urban life. Upon arrival there, I was in immediate awe of the dunes around us. 

Here, we opted for the ATV and sandboards. The ATV rides are an essential part of the Huacachina experience, as they allow you to venture deeper into the dunes and reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to access. The farther we traveled into the dunes, the smaller I began to feel. There was something humbling about being surrounded by such an immense and untouched landscape. It was one of those rare experiences that makes you pause, gain perspective, and feel connected to something much larger than yourself.

Hacienda La Caravedo

One of the most iconic parts of Peruvian culture is its pisco. The craftsmanship behind this beloved spirit is truly an art form, and I was fortunate enough to experience it firsthand at La Caravedo, one of the oldest operating distilleries in the Americas. 

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff with such a strong energy that was contagious. We enjoyed a delicious meal with a side of a horse show. As we walked through the distillery, we learned about the intricate process of producing pisco and the generations of history that have shaped its legacy. Hearing the stories behind the spirit while seeing each step of its production firsthand made the experience both educational and memorable. 

We then got to try three different types of pisco. Let’s just say I was not prepared for the taste. Looking at it, you’d expect something smooth and subtle—it was as clear as glass, after all. Instead, it packed quite the punch. However, that’s precisely what makes pisco such an art form. Our guide said, “it was clear as diamonds”, highlighting its elegance and prized status. There are no added flavors, artificial ingredients, or shortcuts involved—just a pure expression of the grapes and the craftsmanship behind the distillation process.

Plaza Mayor

No trip to Lima is complete without a visit to Plaza Mayor, the historic heart of the city. Surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, government buildings, and centuries of history, the square offers a glimpse into Peru’s past while remaining a vibrant gathering place today. Whether you’re admiring the intricate facades, watching the changing of the guard, or simply taking in the atmosphere, Plaza Mayor is one of the best places to experience the cultural and historical significance of Lima.

Hotels

We stayed in Miraflores, and if there’s one recommendation I would make to anyone visiting Lima, it’s to stay there. While we spent plenty of time exploring areas like Plaza Mayor and Barranco, Miraflores consistently felt like the perfect home base. The neighborhood is safe, walkable, and full of great restaurants, shops, and ocean views.

During our stay, we checked into the IHG Vignette Collection SOUMA Hotel, and the experience exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived after a long ten-hour travel day, the staff made us feelcompletely taken care of. Their hospitality was exceptional, offering us free drinks and cool washcloths while we checked in. They even helped communicate with our airline after our luggage was lost. When we returned from lunch the following day, the staff had already delivered them to our room. 

A final note I will say is that the hotel had a rooftop pool and bar area with food that was delicious, and a vibrancy that was exactly what we were looking for in the city of Lima.

Cusco

Cusco, oh Cusco, you captured my heart the moment I arrived. Located in the higher Andes mountains, and having an elevation of 12,000 feet, the city of Cusco is more than alive. From the long cobblestone streets to the city-light views in the square, everything here was magical. I truly wish I could have spent more days here. 

Cusco is situated just two hours from Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, while also serving as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. I highly suggest spending at least 24 hours in Cusco before tackling any of these adventures. 

One thing I strongly recommend prior to your trip if you’re planning to come to Cusco is getting a prescription of Diamox. We got enough to last us four days. I recommend starting it 24-48 hours before you reach elevation. If I’m being honest, as an inexperienced hiker, I don’t think I could’ve tackled the Rainbow mountains without it.

Rainbow Mountains

That leads me to the Rainbow Mountains. A historic, and defining part of the beauty in Peru. Painted with vibrant bands of red, gold, turquoise, and green, the mountain feels almost too extraordinary to be real. While the hike is certainly challenging due to the altitude, the breathtaking views waiting at the summit make every step worth it. We used Alpaca Tours and Expeditions, and I can NOT highlight them enough. Our guides made us feel so seen throughout our entire hike, and were so personable to all of us. We even got to share a meal from locals in the mountains, and it was an experience I will cherish forever. Check them out HERE.

The hike is definitely not easy. To say it was challenging would also be an understatement. But then again, I had no experience with any hikes and was not used to elevation. The rainbow mountain is situated 16,500 feet up, so as you incline, the difficulty increases. But also as you increase, the views seem to get better and better.
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The Red Valley

For those already hiking the Rainbow Mountains, seeing the Red Valley is a must do. After all, they’re neighbors!While most travelers come for the famous rainbow-colored peaks, the Red Valley quietly steals your attention with its rich red landscape and endless mountain views. Standing alongside the Red valley makes you feel like you’re inside a painting. It was aweing. Oftentimes, visitors say it is more beautiful than the rainbow mountains, and I subtly agree. 

The list of things to do in Cusco go on. From the shopping to the vibrant markets, historic architecture, and incredible local cuisine, the city offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and charm. One thing I especially enjoyed was being in the square at night (Plaza de Armas)  and absorbing the culture of myself. Every night we watched people gather to perform traditional Andean dances, many of which have been passed down through generations. These dances celebrate harvests, honor patron saints, or tell stories of the region’s past, while certain ceremonies pay tribute to Pachamama, or Mother Earth, a central figure in Andean culture. Sitting in the square and watching these traditions unfold felt like witnessing a living piece of Cusco’s history.

Stay tuned for a full guide to Machu Picchu and how to plan your trip around it.

Other Tips:

• I recommend Uber vs Taxi. A lot of people told us the taxi scene can be sketchy at times, and I would agree. 
• Early mornings for all big tourist attractions. We left at 4am for Rainbow Mountain and had a mediocre/light crowd. However on our way down, we passed SO many people.
• Keep cash handy at all times. We always needed soles, but felt like we were always running out. Whether it was to tip someone, or buy something at a street vendor, we were always scrambling.
• One thing I wish I knew was that the primary currency is Soles, not pesos. Many things I read/watched to prepare referenced pesos, but we never used or saw them.
• Know some Spanish before you go. Truthfully, I was expecting more people to speak English than there really were. Luckily, my Spanish skills led me to converse freely with others, but I still found myself struggling with certain topics.

The list of things to do across Cusco, and even more so Peru go on. I have written a full and complete guide to Machu Picchu you can check out here. But if there is one thing I learned from this trip, it’s that Peru has something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re looking for adventure in the Andes, world-famous landmarks like Machu Picchu, incredible food, rich history, or vibrant cities full of culture, Peru truly has it all. From exploring the streets of Cusco to hiking through the mountains and discovering hidden gems like the Red Valley, every day brought a completely new experience.

If Peru has been sitting on your travel bucket list, consider this your sign to book the trip. It is one of the most diverse, beautiful, and memorable destinations I have ever visited, and I already find myself wanting to go back.