Peru

Peru's dry season runs from May to October, offering brilliant sunshine and clear skies—ideal for hiking and exploring archaeological sites. If you're planning a trek to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, these months are your sweet spot, though book well in advance as permits fill quickly.

The country rewards both short visits and extended stays. While you could see highlights in two weeks, four weeks is the golden standard—enough time to hike the Andes, explore Inca ruins, visit the Amazon, and experience authentic local culture without feeling rushed. The key is resisting the urge to do everything. Peru has an overwhelming amount to see, and some activities like the Inca Trail or high-altitude hikes will leave you genuinely exhausted.

Start in Cusco (at 3,200 meters/10,500 feet) to acclimatize before tackling mountain activities. Spend 3–5 days here wandering the Sacred Valley's pre-Hispanic ruins, browsing San Blas's art galleries and restaurants, and soaking in the colonial charm. Then branch out to Machu Picchu, the Amazon, or Lake Titicaca based on your interests and energy levels.

Lima, Peru's vibrant capital, is where most international travelers arrive. Don't rush through it—explore the upscale Miraflores neighborhood overlooking the Pacific, visit the Larco Museum for pre-Columbian artifacts, and eat your way through the city's world-class restaurants. The gastronomic scene alone justifies several days here.

For regional travel, buses and collectivos (shared minivans) connect major towns affordably. Iquitos, the Amazon's gateway, is only accessible by boat or plane—it's remote but worth the effort for eco-tourism in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Arequipa, the "White City," sits in the south and serves as a base for Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon). Trujillo, on the northern coast, is Peru's cultural capital and home to Chan Chan, the world's largest adobe city.

Stay connected throughout your journey with an eSIM—no roaming charges means you can navigate, book tours, and share photos without worrying about data costs. Use the Hello app to track your spending across regions and split costs with travel companions as you move between destinations.

Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned for good reason. In Lima, ceviche (raw fish cured in citrus) is essential eating. In the highlands, try pachamanca (slow-cooked meat and vegetables) or fresh trout. Street markets like Mercado San Camilo in Arequipa burst with colorful potatoes and tropical fruits you've never seen before.

Budget-wise, Peru is accessible. A 3-day, 2-night Amazon tour runs around 1,400–1,500 PEN (roughly $400–430 USD) per person including meals. Machu Picchu entry and guided tours vary, but planning ahead keeps costs reasonable. Use Hello's budget tracking to monitor spending in local currency as you move between cities—it's easy to lose track when converting constantly.

Negotiate prices at markets and for tours, especially outside peak season. Eat where locals eat—small restaurants near markets offer authentic meals for a fraction of tourist-area prices. Consider staying in smaller towns like those in the Sacred Valley rather than always choosing major cities; you'll find better value and more genuine interactions.

Tip culture exists but isn't mandatory like in some countries. 10% for good service is appreciated but not expected.

Yes, Machu Picchu is extraordinary—the legendary "lost city of the Incas" deserves its fame. But go beyond the main circuit. The Inca Trail itself is the real magic: a multi-day hike following ancient stone paths through mountains and cloud forests, the route the Incas themselves traveled. It's challenging and altitude can hit hard, but it's transformative.

Skip the crowded plaza in Cusco and head to the Sacred Valley instead, where you can buy a boleto turístico (tourist ticket) granting entry to multiple archaeological ruins. Stay in valley villages, take local buses, and experience how Andean communities actually live—farmers in traditional dress working terraced fields, markets selling produce you won't recognize.

For something completely different, fly over the Nazca Lines (massive geoglyphs etched into the desert) or visit Lake Titicaca to meet families living on floating islands. Arequipa's Santa Catalina Monastery offers a glimpse into centuries-old monastic life, while the Museum Santuarios Andinos houses Juanita, a preserved Inca mummy.

Use Hello's trip planning feature to organize these experiences chronologically, accounting for travel time between regions and rest days for acclimatization. Peru rewards those who slow down and linger.