Peru has everything you could ever dream of: mountains, deserts, beaches and some of the best food in the world. After two months, here are my musts, so you can skip the guesswork and go straight to the good stuff.
(Honest disclaimer: this guide does not include the Amazon— as I have not made it there yet!.
Some links here are affiliate links. I only share what I use and would send my own family to. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
MY PERU MUSTS AT A GLANCE:
MUST TRY RESTAURANT Punto Azul in Lima
FAVORITE HOSTEL Viajero Barranco in Lima → [Book Viajero]
MOST EPIC THING I DID The 7 day Huayhuash circuit from Huaraz
BEST SURPRISE Máncora, a sweet little beach town in northern Peru
1. Eat your way through Lima
Lima is Peru’s food capital, and it has a lot to offer. It isn’t the full picture of Peru, but give it a few days and come hungry.
WHERE TO EAT IN LIMA, PERU
Punto Azul Miraflores
The smoked octopus ceviche, plus pisco sours. I came back days later just for it.
Siete Sopas Miraflores + Historic Center
Order the Tacu Tacu de Lomo Saltado. I waited in line for 45 minutes and still went back THREE times. It’s popular and worth it!
Mercado Central + Barrio Chino Downtown
A huge market next to Chinatown, home of chifa. Keep an eye on your belongings.
Arepa Cafe Barranco
Venezuelan arepas and the move when you’re hungover. Trust me on this one.
Stay in Barranco, 100%. The historic center is great by day but not the safest at night, and Miraflores is safe but very commercialized.
WHERE I STAYED
Viajero Hostel Barranco
What I loved: social, not a party hostel, with a big bar and a cocktail street nearby
What to know: keep your bracelet for a discount at any Viajero
Who it’s for: solo travelers who want to make friends
2. Hike your way through the Cusco region
Cusco sits at 3,399 m (11,152 ft), so give yourself a day or two to adjust before any big hike. I was there in June for the winter solstice celebrations: cool air, strong sun and parades everywhere.
Palcoyo Mountain: a rainbow mountain that’s less crowded and lower than Vinicunca. The views were ABSOLUTELY breathtaking, and the trek was nothing terrible.
The Salkantay Trek + Sacred Valley: my first multi-day hike, about 72–76 km, with Alpaca Expeditions. The team was extremely professional, the camp was always ready before we arrived to each site for the night so we could just eat and rest. The whole experience was challenging, but so amazing and our guides were stellar!
It’s a big price tag, and reliable companies book out FAST. We barely got spots two months ahead, so book early. See Alpaca Expeditions
WHERE TO EAT IN CUSCO, PERU
Coca Kintu’s ~14 soles (under $4)
The menú del día: soup, drink and an entrée. I ate here almost every day while in Cusco!
Mare Nice restaraurant and about $10 a plate!
Lamb shank and alpaca steak is what I tried— and it was delicious.
San Pedro Market Cheap
Local stalls for when you want to eat like a local.
3. Hiking lovers— do not skip Huaraz
I planned 3–4 days in Huaraz and ended up staying two weeks! There were just too many incredible hikes. Huaraz is lovely, safe and affordable, and the treks here will humble you while making you fall deeply in love with this beautiful earth. Through all the challenges of hiking the Andes, I really believe this is the spot that made me fall the most in love with Peru.
HIKES FROM HUARAZ
Day hikes
Laguna Parón · Day trip · I did this
A stunning, easy hike: about an hour round trip after a long but comfortable drive. The perfect first day.
Laguna Churup · Day hike · ~4 hrs · On my list
A shorter hike (about 8 km round trip) with a rope section near the top, so expect a little scrambling. A great warm-up before the bigger hikes.
Laguna 69 · Day hike · 5–6 hrs · On my list
The most popular hike in the Cordillera Blanca, and that turquoise water is why. About 14 km round trip up to roughly 4,600 m (15,100 ft). The trail itself isn’t hard… the altitude is.
Pastoruri Glacier · Day trip · On my list
A short but breathless walk (about 40 minutes) to a glacier at around 5,000 m. It’s shrinking fast and you can’t walk on the ice anymore, so see it while you can.
Multi-day treks
Santa Cruz Trek · 3–4 days · On my list
A classic: about 50 km through valleys and turquoise lakes, over the Punta Unión pass at around 4,750 m (15,600 ft). A good first multi-day trek if Huayhuash feels like too much.
Huayhuash Circuit · 7–12 days · I did this
One of the top hiking circuits in the world, topping out at 5,465 m. I did seven days of 8–12 hour walks, and I’m “not a hiker”… or at least, I wasn’t. It was indescribably beautiful and challenging in the most empowering way, and it’s still the most epic thing I’ve done on my travels. If I can do this, you can!
For you: Give yourself at least a day in Huaraz to adjust to the altitude before any big hike. Start with Parón or Churup, then work your way up.
WHERE I STAYED
Alpes Huaraz
What I loved: They have so many kitties!
What to know: They have a free storage space for you to keep your things if you do the multi-day treks. They also have some hiking poles they’ll let you use for free!
Who it’s for: It’s definitely a hikers hub. Met lots of cool people!
4. If you want the beach— head to Máncora
If you’re looking for sunshine and surfing in Peru between mid-May and late July Máncora is the spot. It’s small, but charming with lots of coffee shops, affordable surf schools and hidden restaurants!
WHERE TO EAT IN MANCORA, PERU
Tokuyo
Sushi and baos, tucked away but INCREDIBLE.
Palmeras Eco Tienda y Café
The best smoothie bowls.
La Biodega
Pricier, but cute and high quality.
Blacksheep Cafe
Great vegetarian and vegan options. I went here when I was craving veggies, which are hard to find when you’re a backpacker.
WHERE I STAYED
Casa Naranja
What I loved: Single rooms for ~ $10 USD/Night (as of 2024)
What to know: Even though they don’t have social activities they have a shared kitchen and people do chat to one another. It’s quiet here, but nice if you’re trying to relax and just prioritize surf and beach.
Who it’s for: People who want their own private room for cheap
Worth a detour
Huacachina: an oasis in the Ica desert, perfect for sandboarding. Two days is plenty.
Huanchaco: a northern surf town. ATMA hostel is awesome, they offer yoga classes on-site, and it’s a great place to make friends!
Arequipa: honestly, I wasn’t super impressed, but many people love it. If you go explore Colca Canyon.
The stuff nobody tells you
Peru is COLD at elevation. Pack layers, but not too many. You can buy some awesome things for very cheap when you land!
If you’re hiking to Machu Picchu book your hike early. Two months ahead was barely enough for me. The best companies book up early!
Keep an eye out for menús del día. These usually include a soup, entree and drink for one price! Super tasty and affordable.
Keep your Viajero bracelets if you stay there. If you present it at another Viajero— you get a little discount!
Lima’s historic center can be a little sketchy at night. Enjoy it during the day, but sleep in Barranco.
Don’t be afraid to use the bus systems!
WATCH IT
More Peru tips on TikTok
Peru will push you, feed you and surprise you. Go with an open mind and an empty stomach… and come tell me which must was your favorite.
Happy travels,
Londy B
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