Peru Travel Guide
Peru is a country with extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity, but it’s best experienced by focusing on individual cities rather than treating it as a single destination. While shared history and traditions connect the country, Peru is best experienced city by city, where food culture, daily life, and regional identity vary significantly.
Travelers get the most value by choosing specific cities and understanding how each one works on its own terms — particularly when it comes to dining traditions, neighborhood layout, and where to stay.
Food & Travel Across Peru
Peruvian food culture is one of the most regionally diverse in the world, shaped by geography, indigenous traditions, and global influences. What you eat in Lima is not exactly the same as what you’ll find in Cusco or Arequipa. Ingredients, preparation methods, and dining customs differ by region.
In general:
Coastal cities emphasize seafood and fresh, citrus-driven dishes
Andean regions focus on hearty ingredients and traditional preparations
Indigenous ingredients like corn, potatoes, and peppers are foundational
Dining ranges from casual street food to internationally recognized cuisine
This variation is why city-specific food guides provide far more value than broad national summaries.
Travel logistics in Peru vary by region. Coastal cities are relatively easy to navigate, while high-altitude destinations require thoughtful planning around location and acclimation. Choosing the right base can significantly affect comfort, dining access, and daily movement.
Cities in Peru
Below you’ll find our city-level guides for Peru. Each city includes:
A City Guide (what to know and how the city works)
A What to Eat guide (local food, dishes, and markets)
A Where to Stay guide (best areas and accommodation types)
Lima
Lima is Peru’s capital and culinary center, known for its seafood-driven cuisine and diverse dining scene. Neighborhood choice plays a major role in dining access, walkability, and coastal views.
Cusco
Cusco sits high in the Andes and serves as a gateway to southern Peru. Food culture reflects Andean traditions, and where you stay affects acclimation, walkability, and access to dining areas.
Arequipa
Arequipa has a strong regional food identity rooted in traditional cooking and local ingredients. Staying near the historic center makes it easier to explore local dining and daily life.
Planning Your Trip to Peru
Peru rewards travelers who focus on a small number of cities and allow time to experience each destination fully. By planning at the city level, you’ll eat better, stay in more suitable neighborhoods, and navigate regional differences more effectively.
Use the city guides above to plan your trip based on how you want to travel, eat, and stay, rather than relying on broad, country-level overviews.