Peru is a magical country full of history, culture, and magnificent scenery. Distinctive Peruvian cuisine is beyond delicious, and Peruvian people are amongst the friendliest you will ever encounter. Whether you are an adventurous traveller, looking for a pristine serenity, traveling alone or want to embark on an exciting journey with your family – Peru simply has something for everyone! From the incredible mountainous region of the Andes, captivating desert landscapes, to the beautiful coastline and fascinating Amazon rainforest – there are countless places you won’t want to miss.
At Peru Hop we have designed a guide to Peru that was built from our experiences of living in this beautiful country. We first came to Peru in 2009 as backpackers from Europe and have since fallen in love with the place and its people so much, that we decided to stay and share our love with other travelers who venture this way. Get inspired and prepare for the adventure of your lifetime!
City Guides
Activity guides
Practical Info & Tips Before You Go
Climate in Peru
Climate in Peru is as diverse as its landscape. A desert coastal area has a mild climate that is cloudy and misty in winter and warm in summer. Climate in the Andean region is varied and depends on altitude. The Amazonian jungle has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Make sure you pack accordingly to where you will be traveling, but in general, we recommend to pack wisely for all types of weather conditions. After all, one never knows where your Peruvian adventure may take you!
Currency & money
The main currency in Peru is the Peruvian sole. Depending on the current exchange, 3.80-3.25 soles equals to approximately 1 Euro – 1 Dollar. Excluding the journey from your home destination to Peru, the country offers something for all travel budgets. The biggest cost is generally dedicated to the main touristic sites (such as Machu Picchu) and getting to places by plane, unless you prefer the cheaper – although more exciting – option of travelling on the bus.
Flying to/from Peru
The international airport in Lima (Jorge Chavez International Airport) is the main international and domestic airport in Peru located in the neighbourhood of Callao, approximately 10km from Lima’s historical centre and 17km from Miraflores, Lima´s most popular neighbourhood by tourists and international travelers. There are several ATM machines and money exchange counters at the airport.
Transportation in Peru
Peru Hop is a unique, flexible Peruvian ¨hop on/hop off¨ bus tour company operating across southern Peru as well as in north-western Bolivia. The ¨hop on/hop off¨ concept allows passengers to choose from up to 52 different passes and discover Peru at their own pace, yet in a stress-free way. It is an ideal option for travellers wanting to travel from Lima to Cusco and stop on the way to discover other amazing places, such as Huacachina, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa and Puno. The service also operates from Lima and Cusco to La Paz, stopping at Puno and the Uros Islands, as well as Lake Titicaca. The passes are valid for one year ensuring the flexibility of your travel. You can stop at any given destination for as long as you wish. The Peru Hop service caters for all types of travelers: from very young to elderly, from backpackers to families, couples or solo female travelers. The bus will always take you and pick you up directly from your hotel/hostel. All buses are monitored 24/7 with GPS systems, equipped with clean toilets and TVs, and a local English/Spanish-speaking guide assisting you throughout the journey. For more information check the Peru Hop website
These are the safest and most popular bus companies operating across cities and towns in Peru:
The following airlines operate within several cities and towns in Peru. Viva Air is the only low-cost airline company operating in the country. If you book a local flight with LATAM airline company, remember that the airline charges extra fees to non-Peruvian citizens.
