Peru is best known for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but also draws visitors to Cusco, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, and coastal Lima. The local currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN), and while cards are accepted in cities, cash is often needed in rural areas. Prices are moderate—cheaper than many Western countries but higher in tourist zones. Weather varies: the coast is dry and mild, the Andes have cool temperatures and a distinct rainy season (Nov–Mar), and the Amazon is hot, humid, and rainy most of the year.
Peru’s transport infrastructure is basic but workable. In cities like Lima, public buses and informal minibuses are common but can be chaotic and confusing for visitors. Taxis and rideshare apps are widely used, though traffic congestion is a regular issue. Between cities, long-distance buses are the main option—generally affordable and comfortable, but travel times can be long due to mountainous roads. Domestic flights are often the fastest way to reach places like Cusco or the Amazon, as train routes are limited and mostly serve tourist areas.
