Why visit
Peru is Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco's Inca + colonial layers, Amazon jungle at Puerto Maldonado, Lima's Michelin-listed food, and the Nazca Lines.
Country - South America
Peru
historycultureadventurefoodnature
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Peru works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Lima as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Peru.
At a glance
Location
-10.0°, -76.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,285,216 km²
496,224 mi²
Country population
34.4 million
27/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Peruvian sol (S/.)
PEN
Dial
+51
Languages
Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
Demonym
Peruvian
Internet
.pe
UN
Member state
ISO code
PE / PER
Where in the world
-10.0° - -76.0°
Peru
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Peru has 3,800 varieties of native potato: more than any country on earth.
- Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham "re-discovered" it in 1911: locals knew it all along.
- Lima is one of the driest capitals on earth: it almost never rains.
- The Incas built 40,000+ km of roads without the wheel.
Bordering Peru
Traveler notes
- Machu Picchu tickets + train must be booked in advance
- Visa-free for most Western passports for 90 days
- Lima is a destination for food alone
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Lima, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Signature travel cities in Peru
Cusco
Cusco is the former Inca capital at 3,400 m. San Blas artisan district, Sacsayhuamán ruins above the city, Sacred Valley below, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Arequipa
Arequipa is the White City carved from volcanic stone, Santa Catalina Monastery (a city within a city), and the Colca Canyon condor viewpoints two hours out.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Peru
What is the capital of Peru?
Lima is the capital of Peru.
What currency does Peru use?
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (S/.), ISO code PEN.
What languages are spoken in Peru?
The primary languages are Aymara, Quechua and Spanish.
Is Peru landlocked?
No, Peru has a coastline.
What countries border Peru?
Peru borders Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador.
What is the international calling code for Peru?
The calling code is +51.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other South America destinations
Suriname
Suriname combines Paramaribo's wooden architecture, rainforest rivers, former plantation routes, and Maroon, Javanese, Hindustani, Indigenous, Dutch, and Creole cultures. It is one of South America's most culturally distinctive small countries.
Uruguay
Uruguay is calm, coastal, and easy to travel: Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento, Atlantic beaches, wine country, and gaucho estancia stays. It works especially well as a slower counterpoint to Argentina or southern Brazil.
Venezuela
Venezuela has some of South America's greatest landscapes: Angel Falls, Canaima, Los Roques, the Andes, Llanos wetlands, and Caribbean coast. Current access and services vary widely, so planning needs up-to-date local guidance.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a UNESCO Spanish colonial walled city on the Caribbean. Ciudad Amurallada's plazas, Getsemaní's street art, Rosario Islands day-trips, and Colombian-Caribbean food.
Cusco
Cusco is the former Inca capital at 3,400 m. San Blas artisan district, Sacsayhuamán ruins above the city, Sacred Valley below, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Arequipa
Arequipa is the White City carved from volcanic stone, Santa Catalina Monastery (a city within a city), and the Colca Canyon condor viewpoints two hours out.