Peru recently got some big awards in the 2024 World Travel Awards. This shows again that it’s a really good place to visit, especially if you like trying great food and experiencing different cultures.
People have known for a while that Peru is a complete travel spot because of its history, nature, and living traditions. This year, the awards gave a shout-out to Peru in three main areas: being the world’s best for food, the world’s best for culture, and having the world’s best tourist spot, which is Machu Picchu.
No matter how much money you plan to spend, Peru has some amazing places to eat.
Here in Cusco (around 11,152 feet or 3,399 meters above sea level), folks are super happy about these awards. Sure, it’s partly because many travelers heading to Machu Picchu come through Cusco first. But Cusco, once the main city of the Inca empire, has way more cool stuff to see and do!
Fitting with the award for top food spot, the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley (altitudes vary, but generally lower than Cusco, like around 9,000 feet or 2,800 meters in some areas), and Machu Picchu (about 7,972 feet or 2,430 meters above sea level) offer some of the best food experiences in Peru. You can find fantastic local dishes here that show off flavors from all over the country. These meals are made by good cooks using really fresh stuff grown nearby.
If you want to eat out in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, there are places for every budget. You can find cheap lunch spots perfect for backpackers who are hungry after, say, doing the Inca Trail. There are also really fancy restaurants, like La Cicciolina or Chicha by Gastón Acurio in Cusco city, and El Huacatay or Mil Centro in the Sacred Valley.
And yeah, when you visit Machu Picchu, you’ll likely pass through Lima (elevation varies, but near sea level, around 505 feet or 154 meters in the historic center) first. Peru’s capital city is home to some restaurants considered among the world’s best, like Kjolle, Maido, and Mayta.
So, whatever your travel budget looks like, ask about the best places to eat for you. Make sure to try the local food yourself – ¡Buen provecho! (That’s “enjoy your meal” in Spanish, something you’ll hear a lot).
Planning Your Trip
A common way to see Peru is to fly into Lima, maybe spend a day or two there to see the city and eat at some spots, then catch a flight to Cusco. From Cusco, you can head into the Sacred Valley or go straight towards Machu Picchu. People often spend a few days in the Cusco area to get used to the altitude, maybe explore the Sacred Valley, then take a train or hike to Machu Picchu.
Tips for Visiting Peru
What to Pack
Layering is key! Weather can change fast, especially in the mountains.
Best Time to Visit
Generally, the dry season from May to October is popular, especially for hiking the Inca Trail or just sunny days at Machu Picchu and Cusco. The wet season is roughly November to April, which means rain, b
Taking pictures is a big part of the adventure. On the panoramic train, seriously, glue yourself to the window. You’ll catch insane views of the valley and mountains. Look close for cool stuff like little waterfalls, old farm terraces, and birds hanging out by the Urubamba River. Don’t forget a microfiber cloth for your camera or phone lens. The morning mist can totally fog things up.
When you’re actually at Machu Picchu (around 2,430 meters or 7,972 feet), the best times for pics are sunrise, when the first light hits the ancient stones, and around midday. Usually, the clouds clear up then, giving you epic clear shots. Wander around and find different spots, like the lower terraces. They give you unique angles of the whole place. It’s all about finding that “wow” shot.
Even though this trip isn’t super long or technical hiking, you’ll still do some walking, especially at Machu Picchu and the Mandor waterfalls. So, be ready for that.
Aguas Calientes (which is around 2,040 meters or 6,692 feet) has all sorts of places to eat, whatever you’re craving or whatever your budget is. If you wanna have a really nice meal, some restaurants have a great vibe and serve up carefully made dishes.
If you’re into pizza, some spots have wood-fired ovens. Gives it that extra yummy flavor, you know? Other places do a mix of Peruvian and international food, using local stuff in pasta, risottos, or even ceviche. It’s a cool fusion thing they do here.
For something cheaper, hit the market in Aguas Calientes. You can get homemade food there, and you get a ton for your money. The menus usually include a starter, a main course, and a drink. You’ll see classic Peruvian dishes like ají de gallina (a creamy chicken dish), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), or gallina con estofado (chicken stew). It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic and run by local families. It’s a real taste of the local scene.
Another solid tip: try coca or muña tea when you eat. Seriously, people swear by it here for digestion and it helps with the altitude. “Mate de coca” is the local go-to if you’re feeling the altitude a bit.
Amidst all the excitement of exploring Machu Picchu, make sure you take a few moments, just a few minutes, to chill and connect with everything around you. Find a quiet spot. Maybe on one of the old farming terraces or a corner that’s not packed with people. Just stop. Look around. Listen. You can totally feel the energy of the place. Hear the birds singing, the wind. If you’re lucky, you might just hear your own thoughts echoing. It’s a good time to just think and appreciate how incredibly smart the Inca people were to build all this. It’s pretty mind-blowing, tbh.
Before you split, check out the craft market in Aguas Calientes. It’s a treasure trove of unique stuff. You’ll find handmade textiles, bracelets, necklaces made with local stones, and small replicas of Machu Picchu. They also have really good quality alpaca wool products and coffee grown right there. If you want something super personal, some artists can even put your name or a special date on their work. That’s pretty neat.
Here’s the best advice for the market: Take your time. Don’t rush it. Chat with the people selling stuff. A lot of times, they’ll tell you stories about where their products come from. It just makes what you buy feel even more special.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to keep in mind for your trip.