Most people associate Peru mainly with Machu Picchu. And no wonder. The famous Inca city is one of the most iconic places in South America and, for many travellers, the main reason to visit Peru. But this country offers much more than one famous landmark.
During a single trip, you can experience desert landscapes, the Pacific coast, colonial cities, archaeological complexes, the Amazon rainforest and high-altitude treks in the Andes. It is precisely this diversity that makes Peru a country that quickly draws you in and stays in your mind for a long time.
During a two-month internship in Cusco, I tried to discover as many beautiful places and interesting corners of the region as possible. Before that, I had travelled through northern Peru and later along the west coast as well. Thanks to this, I was able to see the country from several different angles and discover places that often remain in the shadow of the most famous tourist attractions.
But Peru is not a country you can simply cross in a few days. The distances are huge, the weather changes quickly and the altitude can surprise even more experienced travellers. That is why it pays to think carefully not only about your route, but also about your gear.
What to pack for Peru
Peru is a country of extremes. One day you can be in the heat by the coast or in a desert landscape, and a few days later you can be standing in the mountains at more than 5,000 metres above sea level. Add wind, rain, cold mornings, strong sun and long bus transfers, and packing for such conditions is not exactly easy.
The basis of the whole set-up was a spacious backpack. For longer transfers and mountain trips, a larger model makes sense, for example BIGGY 70-U, which offers enough room for clothing, layers and basic equipment. For shorter trips, day hikes or travelling light, a smaller backpack is useful, for example ECROW 45-U.
For warmer areas, the coast and the desert, it is important to have clothing that dries quickly and breathes well. As a current option from the Kilpi range, I would choose, for example, MALI-W, a lightweight functional T-shirt suitable for active days in warm weather. Comfortable shorts also come in handy, such as MEANI-W or TIJARA-W, which you can use during transfers, city walks and easy trips.
When travelling in Peru, I would never underestimate sun protection either. Sunglasses, sunscreen and headwear are an absolute must. The sun is stronger at higher altitudes than it may seem, and you can burn very quickly even when it does not feel particularly hot.
Once you move into the mountains, layering becomes important. For colder days, hikes and longer transfers, comfortable leggings are useful, for example JAMILY-W. They are practical for travelling, easy to combine with other layers and do not take up much space in your backpack. If you are planning more demanding mountain routes, it is also worth having sturdier trousers, for example BELVELA-W, which cope better with changeable weather and rougher terrain.
At higher altitudes, the weather changes quickly. It can be cold in the morning, sunny during the day and windy or rainy in the afternoon. That is why it is useful to have a mid-layer close at hand, for example MONTALE-W, which you can use on hikes, while waiting for a bus and during cooler evenings.
I would definitely pack a waterproof jacket for wind and rain. In the Andes, the weather does not care whether you are planning to take photos, go trekking or simply move on to the next place. A good choice is, for example, HURRICANE-W, which works well as a protective layer for the mountains and for travel in changeable weather.
If you are planning a multi-day trek or trips to higher altitudes, also think about a warm layer for mornings and evenings. In the mountains, it is usually coldest when you are not moving. Well-chosen gear in Peru is not a detail; it is something that can make the whole trip significantly more comfortable.
What to see in Peru
Peru is such a vast and diverse country that you cannot get to know it all during one trip. Some places are world-famous, while others remain away from the main tourist routes. But it is precisely the combination of both that makes travelling around Peru so interesting.
If you are going to Peru for the first time, you will probably start in Lima and then move on to Cusco. That is the classic route, and it makes sense. But if you have more time, it is worth adding the north of the country, the coast or the Amazon to your itinerary. Peru is not just Machu Picchu.
Cusco and its surroundings
Cusco is one of the best places from which to start exploring the Peruvian Andes. It lies in the heart of the mountains, has a strong historical atmosphere and is also an excellent starting point for trips to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Ausangate area and traditional villages in the surrounding region.
Many travellers originally plan to spend only a few days in Cusco, but eventually stay longer. The city has a pleasant atmosphere, beautiful streets, markets, cafés and views of the surrounding hills. It is also practical as a base for acclimatisation before more demanding trips into the mountains.
Cusco
Cusco is a city that combines rich history, living culture and the unique atmosphere of the former centre of the Inca Empire. The historic centre is known for its blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture and is one of the most interesting places in Peru.
The city lies at an altitude of approximately 3,400 metres, so it is good to allow time for acclimatisation. On the first day, it is worth slowing down, drinking plenty of water, eating lighter food and not planning a demanding trip straight away. You can feel the altitude here more than you might expect.
For me, Cusco was the place from which I gradually set out to explore the surrounding mountains, archaeological sites and everyday life in the Andes. It is a city that is not just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu, but a destination worth spending time in.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and is rightly considered a symbol of Peru. The lost Inca city, hidden high in the Andes, captivates visitors not only with its history, but also with its dramatic setting among green mountain ridges.
The easiest route leads from Cusco through the town of Aguas Calientes, which can be reached by train. From there, visitors continue by bus or on foot to the site itself. If you want the more comfortable option, the train is the most practical solution. But if you want a stronger experience, a trek is worth considering.
The most famous route is the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek along original Inca paths that ends at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu. A popular alternative is the Salkantay Trek, which is more demanding but offers glaciers, high-mountain landscapes and more tropical sections. Both options show Peru in a completely different way than a quick visit by train.
Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of the most photographed places around Cusco. Its colourful slopes look almost unreal and resemble another planet rather than an ordinary mountain landscape.
But a trip here is not just about taking a photo. Rainbow Mountain is located at an altitude of around 5,000 metres above sea level, so even a shorter ascent can be demanding because of the thin air. If you are heading there, do not underestimate acclimatisation, warm layers, wind protection and enough water.
The weather in this area can change very quickly. Mornings are often cold, the sun is strong during the day and the open ridges are often windy. This is exactly where you really appreciate having your clothing organised in layers so you do not have to keep dealing with being either too hot or too cold.
The Seven Lagoons area
The Siete Lagunas area lies below the snow-capped peaks of the Ausangate mountain range and offers a trek around seven turquoise mountain lakes. The route leads through beautiful Andean landscapes where you can meet llamas and alpacas, and after the hike you can relax in natural hot springs with views of the surrounding mountains.
It is precisely the combination of mountain lakes, snow-capped peaks and hot springs that makes this area one of the places I would recommend to anyone who loves nature and does not want to stick only to the best-known trips from Cusco.
The Ausangate mountain range
The Ausangate mountain range is one of the most beautiful mountain areas around Cusco. It hides not only Rainbow Mountain and the Siete Lagunas area, but also long trekking routes, mountain passes, glaciers and landscapes that feel both harsh and beautiful at the same time.
For lovers of multi-day treks, it is ideal to combine several places into one expedition and cross several mountain passes at altitudes of more than 5,000 metres above sea level along the way. The most common option is a multi-day trek with a local mountain guide. Horses or local muleteers often transport the equipment, and basic facilities, including food, are usually provided at the campsites.
Even when the trek is organised, it is not an easy walk. The high altitude, changeable weather and long days in the terrain will test both your fitness and your gear. But if you are looking for a powerful mountain experience, Ausangate is among the best that Peru has to offer.
Northern Peru without crowds of tourists
Northern Peru is one of the less visited parts of the country. This is not because there is nothing to see there. It is more because Peru is huge and the individual destinations in the north are very far apart.
I often travelled between places by night bus, and some transfers took around ten hours. The logistics are therefore more demanding than around Cusco, but the reward is beautiful places, powerful history and far fewer tourists.
Northern Peru has a completely different atmosphere. Instead of crowds at the most famous sights, you often come across places where you are almost alone. That is its greatest charm.
Chiclayo
The city of Chiclayo and its surroundings are full of pre-Inca history. There are many archaeological sites and museums here, reminding visitors that Peruvian history does not begin and end with the Incas.
I visited the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and the nearby pyramid and temple complex of Túcume. Túcume was one of the surprises of the north for me. The extensive site felt authentic, calm and free of tourist crowds, which is not always the case at better-known places in Peru.
Cajamarca
Cajamarca is a city worth stopping in mainly because of its combination of history, surrounding countryside and a more relaxed pace. Nearby, you can visit Ventanillas de Otuzco, a burial complex with tombs carved into the rock. At first glance, they look like small windows, which is how the place got its name.
To make the journey not only about archaeology, it is also worth heading to the nearby town of Baños del Inca. There are hot springs and baths where you can enjoy some rest after long transfers. After several night buses, it is exactly the kind of stop you appreciate.
Cumbemayo
Cumbemayo lies near the city of Cajamarca and is known for its rocky landscape, ancient petroglyphs and remains of water channels. In addition to history, it also offers beautiful nature and a pleasant two- to three-hour trek.
It is one of the places that shows well how diverse northern Peru is. One day you can explore archaeological sites, the next day walk through a rocky area and then continue on into a completely different type of landscape.
Trujillo
Near the seaside city of Trujillo lies Chan Chan, an extensive pre-Columbian city built from adobe architecture. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru and shows a completely different face of Peruvian history than the Cusco region.
Because Trujillo lies by the sea, a visit to the sights can also be combined with time on the beach. The coast has a different atmosphere from the mountains, and after days spent on buses or in cities, a slower pace comes in handy.
If you have the chance, try the traditional drink chicha morada, made from purple corn. It is one of those small travel details that you may associate with a particular country just as strongly as its famous landmarks.
Chachapoyas
The city of Chachapoyas lies closer to the Amazon, so the climate and landscape change significantly here. In addition to archaeological and historical sites, the surrounding area offers lakes, lagoons, waterfalls and caves.
If you want to visit northern Peru, I would recommend staying in Chachapoyas for at least two or three days. One of the most famous places nearby is Kuélap, a massive archaeological complex sometimes nicknamed the Machu Picchu of the north.
Chachapoyas is exactly the kind of place that is a shame to just pass through quickly. The surrounding area offers so many trips that you soon realise how little is said about northern Peru compared with the Cusco region.
The Peruvian Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon covers approximately 60% of Peru's territory and is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. If you want to discover a completely different side of the country, the Amazon is the ideal place.
For travellers, the two best-known main areas are in the north, Iquitos, from where you can head to the Amazon River, and in the south, Puerto Maldonado, which is the starting point for visiting the Tambopata National Reserve.
The Amazon is a completely different world from the Andes or the coast. The climate changes, the rhythm of travel changes and so does the way you move through the landscape. Instead of mountain trails and buses, there are rivers, boats, jungle and sounds you will not hear in the mountains.
If you have more time in Peru, I would not leave the Amazon out of your itinerary. The contrast between mountains, desert, cities and rainforest shows just how incredibly varied this country is.
Lima: the capital city on the Pacific coast
Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru. It lies on the Pacific coast, and many travellers see it only as a place where they transfer to a flight to Cusco. But that is a shame, because Lima also has a lot to offer.
The best-known sights are concentrated around the historic centre and the main square, Plaza de Armas. Plaza San Martín and the Miraflores district are also worth visiting. Miraflores is popular thanks to its coastal cliffs, parks, restaurants and views of the ocean.
Lima is a good place to start or end a trip. After mountain treks and long transfers, you can enjoy a slower day here, walk along the coast, taste Peruvian cuisine and take in everything you have experienced during your journey.
Why visit Peru
Peru is not a destination you can get to know in just a few days. It is huge, diverse and each region feels completely different. Cusco and Machu Picchu are famous for good reason, but if you have more time, it is worth heading north, into the mountains, to the ocean or into the Amazon.
Whether you are drawn to history, trekking, high-mountain nature, desert landscapes or adventurous travel, Peru has something to offer. At the same time, it is good to remember that the weather, altitude and long transfers can seriously test your trip.
Well-chosen gear is therefore not just a detail. In Peru, it can decide whether you truly enjoy the journey or spend your time dealing with being cold, hot, wet or unable to fit your things into your backpack. If you pack smartly and take the changeable conditions into account, this country will reward you with experiences you will not forget.
