Things to do in Peru

3 destinations in Peru, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Peru

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Arequipa: The cheapest months to fly to Arequipa are May through early June and September through October (shoulder seasons), when round-trip fares from North American hubs can run 20-35% less than the July-August or December-January peaks. Flying midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) and booking domestic Lima-AQP legs at least three weeks out yields the best savings.
Cusco: The cheapest flights and accommodation fall in Cusco's shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October, where you can save 20-35% versus the June-August dry-season peak; flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) shaves another 10-15% off domestic and international legs.
Lima: The cheapest months to fly to Lima are May through early July and September through October, when fares can run 25-35% below peak December-January holiday pricing. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) saves an additional 10-15% compared to Friday or Sunday travel.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Arequipa: Yanahuara Mirador Iconic sillar-stone archway viewpoint with a jaw-dropping panorama of El Misti and the city skyline, best at sunset.
Arequipa: Barrio San Lázaro walk Arequipa's oldest neighborhood is a labyrinth of narrow volcanic-stone lanes, flowering courtyards, and artisan workshops to wander freely.
Cusco: Wander San Blas neighborhood Cobblestone lanes, whitewashed walls, artisan workshops, and hilltop views over the city, all completely free to explore.
Cusco: Hike to the White Christ (Cristo Blanco) A short uphill walk from San Blas rewards you with a panoramic 360-degree view of Cusco spread across the Andean valley.
Lima: Walk the Miraflores Malecón Miles of clifftop parkland with ocean views, street performers, and free outdoor gyms.
Lima: Barranco neighborhood stroll Lima's bohemian district full of street art, the iconic Bridge of Sighs, and colorful colonial houses.

Mercado San Camilo (food stalls) in Arequipa, Rocoto relleno (spicy stuffed pepper) with white rice and papas Plates $2-4
La Nueva Palomino in Arequipa, Chupe de camarones (creamy Arequipeño shrimp chowder) or adobo de chancho Plates $4-8
Mercado de San Pedro in Cusco, Menú del día (soup + main + juice) Plates $2-4
Cicciolina (lunch only) in Cusco, Tapas and fresh Andean grain salads at the downstairs lunch bar Plates $5-9
El Chinito in Lima, Butifarra sandwich (Peruvian ham on house bread) Plates $2-4
Mercado Surquillo No. 1 in Lima, Ceviche at the market stalls inside Plates $3-6