Traveling to Peru
Birthplace of the Inca Empire, Peru combines a coastal desert, the Andean cordillera and the Amazon rainforest within a single territory. Machu Picchu remains its top attraction, but Lima — Latin America's culinary capital — and Lake Titicaca are just as worth the detour. Here's what to know before you go.
Peru in numbers
Capital
Lima
Population
34.9-35.9 M
Currency
Peruvian sol (PEN)
Language
Spanish
International tourists
~4 M/year
Continent
South America
Time zone
UTC-5
Airports covered
2
Why visit Peru
From coastal desert to the Amazon, via the Andes
Machu Picchu and Cusco
The world's most famous Inca citadel (about 800,000 visitors a year) and the empire's former capital, blending Inca and colonial architecture.
Lima, a culinary capital
Ceviche, causa and pisco: Lima is considered Latin America's culinary capital.
Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake, over 3,800 m above sea level, with its floating Uros islands.
Contrasting landscapes
Colca Canyon, the Huacachina desert and the Amazon rainforest: three radically different landscapes in one country.
Getting to Peru
Two airports covered by SniperAir
Lima Jorge Chávez
The country's main international gateway.
Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete
The gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
SniperAir already tracks prices to Lima and Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
SniperAir destinations in Peru
Explore our destination pages
Other Peruvian cities will progressively join this list.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Peru
Do I need to book Machu Picchu in advance?
Yes — access is limited by a ticketing system, and high season (June to August) fills up fast. Book several weeks ahead if you can.
What's the best airport to arrive in Peru?
Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM) is the country's main international gateway. SniperAir also covers Cusco (CUZ), the direct gateway to Machu Picchu.
What's the best time to visit Peru?
The dry season (May to September) is best for the Andean highlands and Machu Picchu. The Amazon rainforest stays warm and humid year-round.
Is Peru more than just Machu Picchu?
Yes — Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, the Huacachina desert and the Peruvian Amazon offer radically different landscapes within the same country.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Peru drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert profile with your departure airport and your Peruvian destination: we track prices for you and notify you the moment a deal matching your criteria appears.
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