Peru at a Glance: Regions, Places and Culture
Peru connects the Pacific coast, the Andes, and the Amazon basin. This overview introduces landscapes, famous places, cultural backgrounds, and the world of the Incas.
Plan your trip directly
Current Safety Information for Peru: Status according to the Federal Foreign Office: 2026-06-28.
- Protests and demonstrations are still possible; avoid large crowds.
- In Lima/Callao, Trujillo, VirĆŗ, Tumbes, Zarumilla and other regions, special security situations or states of emergency apply.
- Increased vigilance is recommended at the borders with Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil.
- In large cities, markets, bus terminals, public transport, and taxis, there is an increased risk of theft and robbery.
- Do not bypass roadblocks; follow instructions from local authorities.
Summary based on: Federal Foreign Office, Peru: Travel and Security Advice, Status 2026-06-28.
Getting Started in Peru
Peru is located in western South America on the Pacific. The country stretches from arid coastal landscapes over high mountains to the Amazon basin. This diversity shapes climate, cuisine, transportation, daily life, and travel planning.
If you want to get to know Peru, you don't have to list every place immediately. A clear start is more useful: first understand the geographical regions, then plan the route, travel time, and transport, and finally select suitable destinations.
Costa, Sierra and Selva
Peru is traditionally divided into three large geographical regions: the coast in the west, the Andes in the center, and the Amazon basin in the east. This division helps with initial orientation.
Geography of Peru
Learn more about the coast, Andes, Amazon region, rivers, and landscapes.
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 starts with realistic decisions. Altitude, travel time, safety, transportation, costs, accommodation, and payment methods should all align.
Security situations can change at short notice. Therefore, current advisories and local information are part of the 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 transport.
Check SafetyPacking List for Peru
Clothing and equipment for the coast, Andes, Amazon region, and round trips.
Open Packing ListTransport in Peru
Sensibly combine flights, long-distance buses, trains, taxis, and boats.
Plan TransportAccommodation in Peru
Hotels, hostels, lodges, and suitable selections depending on the region.
Compare AccommodationTravel Costs for Peru
Better estimate budgets, cost factors, and price differences.
Understand CostsMoney and Payment
Cash, cards, ATMs, Yape, and Plin in Peruvian daily life.
Check Payment MethodsBasics of Peru
Peru is better understood when geography, history, culture, and administration are considered together. Coastal cities function differently from Andean regions or places in the Amazon basin.
Peru: Culture and Landscapes
The general introduction to the country, regions, and diversity.
Get to know PeruHistory of Peru
From early cultures through the Inca period to 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 Division
Regions, provinces, districts, and the special cases of Lima and Callao.
Understand AdministrationLima
Capital, coastal metropolis, and frequent starting point for a trip to Peru.
Discover LimaImportant Places and Sights
Many journeys begin with well-known names. Machu Picchu, Cusco, and SacsayhuamƔn are strong introductions to 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 PicchuSacsayhuamƔn
The monumental complex above Cusco showcases impressive Inca stone architecture.
Discover SacsayhuamƔnInca Trail
Hiking route, permits, altitude, and preparation for the path to Machu Picchu.
Plan the Inca TrailLake Titicaca
The high-altitude lake combines 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 themes lead to the world of the Incas. Cusco, Machu Picchu, and SacsayhuamƔn can be better understood if religion, rule, and myths are also considered.
The Incas adopted older traditions and regional cults. Their religious world connected the sun, earth, water, weather, sacred sites, and ancestor worship.
Inca Gods
Get to know Inti, Viracocha, Pachamama, Illapa, and other deities.
Open the world of godsInca Mythology
Creation, worldview, and great tales of the Andes clearly explained.
Discover mythologyInti
The sun god stood for light, warmth, agriculture, and dominion.
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 to children and families. The 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 relevant topics.
Get to know the charactersGods with Superpowers
This children's book brings together Inca knowledge, humor, and divine chaos.
To the book pageThe Secret of Cusco
A story with golden traces, ancient traditions, and curious questions.
Read the storyInti, the Sun God
Perusina and Perusino encounter one of the most important Inca deities.
Read the storyPeruMagazin on WhatsApp
Receive new Peru topics, stories, and travel tips directly in the WhatsApp channel.
To the WhatsApp channelForeverFig
Discover special figures, collectibles, and creative ideas all about PeruMagazin.
Open ForeverFigFrequently 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 one plan first before a trip to Peru?
Route, altitude, travel time, safety, and transport 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 bundles 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 available, further 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 ā Travel and Safety Information
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Peru
Government of Peru: Regions of Peru
Ministry of Environment of Peru: Information on Costa, Sierra, and Selva
National Institute of Statistics and Informatics: Geographical foundations of Peru
UNESCO World Heritage Centre: City of Cuzco
UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu