Peru at a Glance: Regions, Places and Culture
Peru combines the Pacific coast, the Andes, and the Amazon region. This overview introduces landscapes, famous places, cultural backgrounds, and the world of the Incas.
Current Safety Advice for Peru: As of: 20.08.2026, German Federal Foreign Office.
- Protests and demonstrations remain possible at any time; avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
- States of emergency remain in effect in Lima/Callao, Trujillo, Virú, Tumbes and Zarumilla, as well as in other regions.
- A state of emergency is in effect in Tumbes, Piura, Cajamarca, Amazonas and Loreto due to the situation at the border with Ecuador; the land border remains open.
- Do not bypass road blockades, follow authorities' instructions, and allow sufficient time and alternatives for journeys and transfers.
- Increased risk of theft and robbery exists particularly on public transport, at bus stations, in markets, and in unofficial taxi rides.
- Transport strikes can lead to short-term restrictions in passenger transport nationwide.
Summary based on: German Federal Foreign Office, Peru: Travel and Safety Advisories, as of 20.08.2026.
Getting Started in Peru
Peru is located in western South America on the Pacific Ocean. The country stretches from dry coastal landscapes over high mountains to the Amazon basin. This diversity shapes the climate, cuisine, transport, daily life and travel planning.
If you want to get to know Peru, you don't have to put every place on a list right away. A clear introduction is more sensible: first understand the landscapes, then plan your route, travel time and transport, and then select suitable destinations.
Costa, Sierra and Selva
Peru is traditionally divided into three large geographical areas: the coast in the west, the Andes in the center, and the Amazon region in the east. This division helps with initial orientation.
Geography of Peru
Get to know the coast, Andes, Amazon region, rivers, and landscapes in detail.
Open GeographyClimate in Peru
Understand rainy seasons, dry seasons, and regional differences throughout the year.
Check ClimateTravel Planning for Peru
A good trip to Peru begins with realistic decisions. Altitude, travel time, safety, transport, costs, accommodation and payment methods should all fit together.
Safety situations can change at short notice. Therefore, current information and local advice are part of planning before and during a trip.
Planning tip: First check the route and altitude. Then coordinate travel time, transport, accommodation and budget.
Safety in Peru
Information on crime, protests, natural hazards, health, and traffic.
Check SafetyPacking List Peru
Clothing and equipment for the coast, Andes, Amazon region, and round trips.
Open Packing ListTransport in Peru
Intelligently combine flights, long-distance buses, trains, taxis, and boats.
Plan TransportAccommodation in Peru
Hotels, hostels, lodges, and suitable selections by region.
Compare AccommodationTravel Costs Peru
Better estimate budgets, cost factors, and price differences.
Estimate CostsMoney and Payments
Cash, cards, ATMs, Yape and Plin in Peruvian daily life.
Check Payment MethodsPeru Basics
Peru can be better understood by looking at its geography, history, culture, and administration together. Coastal cities function differently from Andean regions or Amazonian areas.
Peru: Culture and Landscapes
The general introduction to the country, regions, and diversity.
Get to know PeruHistory of Peru
From early cultures to the Inca era and the modern republic.
Discover HistoryPeruvian Culture
Languages, cuisine, festivals, and regional traditions at a glance.
Discover CultureCurrency in Peru
The Sol, coins, banknotes, and practical tips for daily payments.
Learn about the CurrencyAdministrative Divisions
Regions, provinces, districts, and the special cases of Lima and Callao.
Understand AdministrationLima
Capital city, coastal metropolis, and frequent starting point for a trip to Peru.
Discover LimaImportant Places and Attractions
Many journeys begin with famous names. Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Sacsayhuamán are strong entry points into the world of the Incas. Beyond that, it's worth looking at landscapes, cities, and festivals.
Cusco
The former capital of the Inca Empire combines history, culture, and the present.
Discover CuscoMachu Picchu
The famous Inca site is one of South America's most important travel destinations.
Discover Machu PicchuSacsayhuamán
The monumental complex above Cusco showcases impressive Inca stone architecture.
Discover SacsayhuamánInca Trail
Hiking route, permits, altitude, and preparation for the journey to Machu Picchu.
Plan Inca TrailLake Titicaca
The high-altitude lake connects landscape, history, and regional cultures.
Discover Lake TiticacaInti Raymi
The Festival of the Sun is one of the most famous cultural events in Cusco.
Discover Inti RaymiInca World and Mythology
Many Peruvian topics lead to the world of the Incas. Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Sacsayhuamán can be better understood by examining their religion, rule, and myths.
The Incas adopted older traditions and regional cults. Their religious world combined the sun, earth, water, weather, sacred places, and ancestor worship.
Inca Gods
Get to know Inti, Viracocha, Pachamama, Illapa, and other deities.
Explore the World of GodsInca Mythology
Creation, worldview, and great narratives of the Andes clearly explained.
Discover MythologyInti
The sun god symbolized light, warmth, agriculture, and rule.
More about IntiViracocha
The creator god was associated with origin and cosmic order.
More about ViracochaPerusina and Perusino
Perusina and Perusino make Peruvian knowledge accessible for children and families. These characters introduce the world of the Incas and their gods with stories, questions, and humor.
Perusina and Perusino
An introduction to the characters, stories, book, and related topics.
Get to know the charactersGods with Superpowers
This children's book combines Inca knowledge, humor, and divine chaos.
Go to the book pageThe Secret of Cusco
A story with golden clues, ancient traditions, and curious questions.
Read the storyThe Sun God Inti
Perusina and Perusino encounter one of the most important Inca deities.
Read the storyPeruMagazin on WhatsApp
Receive new Peruvian topics, stories, and travel tips directly in the WhatsApp channel.
To the WhatsApp channelFrequently Asked Questions about Peru
What types of landscapes are there in Peru?
Peru is traditionally divided into Costa, Sierra, and Selva: the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon region.
What should you plan first before a trip to Peru?
Route, altitude, travel time, safety, and transportation should be checked first. Afterwards, accommodation, budget, and packing list can be sensibly added.
Where can I find current safety information?
Current information is available from the Federal Foreign Office. The PeruMagazin safety page also compiles practical tips for travel planning.
Which places are suitable for a first visit?
Many trips combine Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. Depending on the time, other destinations such as Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or the Amazon region can be added.
What currency does Peru use?
The national currency is called Sol. The international abbreviation is PEN, the common symbol is S/.
Is Peru only interesting because of the Incas?
No. Peru has a long history with many cultures. Cuisine, landscapes, cities, languages, and regional traditions are also important parts of the country.
Sources
German Federal Foreign Office: Peru – Travel and Safety Information
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Peru
Gobierno del Perú: Regiones del Perú
Ministerio del Ambiente del Perú: Information on Costa, Sierra, and Selva
Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática: Geographical foundations of Peru
UNESCO World Heritage Centre: City of Cuzco
UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu