Best Peru Travel Guides of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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Peru travel guides are an essential tool for anyone planning a trip to this fascinating South American country. These guides provide valuable information on the best places to visit, the top attractions to see, and the most delicious foods to try. They also offer practical tips on transportation, accommodations, and safety. Peru travel guides come in a variety of formats, including books, e-books, and online resources. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a good Peru travel guide can help you make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fodor's Essential Italy (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 1
Fodor's Essential Italy (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon Cover #TOP 2
Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Peru: The Cookbook Cover #TOP 3
Peru: The Cookbook
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Peru Travel Guides

Fodor's Essential Italy (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor’s Travel Guides
Dec 20, 2022
Fodor's Essential Italy (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor's Essential Italy (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Essential Italy 2023 is a comprehensive guidebook that simplifies the trip-planning process for travelers. The book includes multiple itineraries, detailed maps, and beautiful photos to help readers make the most of their time in Italy. The guidebook offers honest recommendations from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, and more. It also provides historical and cultural insights to give readers rich context on the local people, art, architecture, cuisine, wine, music, geography, and more. The book is a must-have for anyone planning on visiting Italy and nearby European countries.

Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon

Rosolie, Paul
Harper Paperbacks
Mar 17, 2015
Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon Cover
Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon

Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon is a captivating read that takes readers on an adventure through the Madre de Dios region of Peru. Author Paul Rosolie, an explorer and conservationist, vividly captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the Amazon and the urgent need to protect it from the dangers of development, oil drilling, and mining. Rosolie's poetic storytelling ability and enthusiasm for the wilderness make him a compelling voice for conservation. The book also features 16 pages of stunning color photos that further bring the Amazon to life. Overall, Mother of God is a unique and important read for anyone interested in exploring the uncharted territories of the Western Amazon and preserving its natural wonders.

#TOP 3

Peru: The Cookbook

Acurio, Gastón
Sewell, Andy
Phaidon Press
May 18, 2015

Peru: The Cookbook is the ultimate guide to traditional Peruvian home cooking, featuring 500 mouth-watering recipes from Gastón Acurio, Peru's most celebrated chef. Acurio takes readers on a culinary journey through Peru's vibrant cuisine, from classic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado to lesser-known delicacies like amaranth and aji amarillo. With Peruvian cuisine gaining popularity worldwide, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to bring the flavors of Peru into their own kitchen. Overall, this cookbook is a treasure trove of delicious recipes that showcase the diversity and sophistication of Peruvian cuisine.

#TOP 4

Fodor's Essential Peru: with Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor’s Travel Guides
Fodor's Travel
May 4, 2021
Fodor's Essential Peru: with Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor's Essential Peru: with Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Essential Peru: with Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail (Full-color Travel Guide) is the ultimate guidebook for anyone planning a trip to Peru. Packed with detailed maps, itineraries, and recommendations from locals, this guidebook simplifies the trip-planning process and helps travelers make the most of their time. The book features beautiful color photos, historical and cultural insights, and special features on the Peruvian Amazon, the Cordillera Blanca, the Nazca Lines, and more. Overall, Fodor's Essential Peru is a must-have for anyone looking to explore this fascinating country.

Lonely Planet Peru 11 (Travel Guide)

Sainsbury, Brendan
Egerton, Alex
Johanson, Mark
McCarthy, Carolyn
Tang, Phillip
Waterson, Luke
Dec 21, 2021
Lonely Planet Peru 11 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Peru 11 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Peru 11 (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive travel guide that provides up-to-date information on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you in Peru. It covers everything from exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to traversing three climatic zones in the Amazonian Parque Nacional Manu. The guide is filled with insider tips to save time and money, essential information at your fingertips, and honest reviews for all budgets. With improved planning tools for family travelers and over 50 maps, this guide is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Adams, Mark
Dutton
Apr 24, 2012
Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time Cover
Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Turn Right at Machu Picchu is a captivating travel memoir by Mark Adams, where he sets out to retrace the steps of Hiram Bingham III, who in 1911 discovered Machu Picchu. Adams, an unadventurous adventure writer, hires an Australian survivalist to guide him through the Andes Mountains of Peru to uncover the truth about the lost city. This book is a fascinating blend of history, adventure, and humor, providing an informative guide to the Inca civilization while narrating Adams' own journey. Overall, Turn Right at Machu Picchu is a delightful read that offers a fresh perspective on one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the last century.

Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1

Lonely Planet
Jun 7, 2022
Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1 Cover
Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1

The Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1 is an excellent addition to the series of hiking books. With stunning photography, detailed maps, and practical information, this book explores 50 of the most rewarding treks and trails across the Americas. From one-day walks to multi-day treks, this book covers a wide range of themes and experiences. Each hike is accompanied by a first-person account, challenge level grading, and expert travel advice. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a novice, this book will inspire you to embark on an epic journey on foot. Overall, this book is a great guide for adventure seekers and hiking enthusiasts.

DK Eyewitness Road Trips Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness
DK Eyewitness Travel
Aug 16, 2022
DK Eyewitness Road Trips Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide) Cover
DK Eyewitness Road Trips Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Road Trips Northern and Central Italy is a newly updated and redesigned guide that offers 25 scenic driving tours across the region. From the beautiful hill towns to the dramatic coastline of Cinque Terre, this guidebook is packed with insider tips and information to help you explore Northern and Central Italy at its best. It includes themed lists, detailed maps, delightful detours, and practical information like rules of the road and driving tips. The book also covers the Alps, Lombardy, the Veneto Plain, the Ligurian Coast, Umbria, and more. Overall, it's a comprehensive guide that's perfect for those looking for an authentic Italian road trip experience.

#TOP 9

Peru Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3404)

National Geographic Maps - Adventure
Natl Geographic Society Maps
Jan 1, 2022
Peru Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3404) Cover
Peru Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3404)

The National Geographic Adventure Map of Peru is a must-have for any traveler seeking to explore the country's diverse and unique destinations. The map is waterproof and tear-resistant, making it perfect for adventurers seeking to explore remote regions. It includes hundreds of points of interest, such as World Heritage sites, archeological sites, churches, museums, and more. The map also provides travelers with information on natural attractions and activities, including national parks and reserves, wildlife centers, beaches, caves, waterfalls, and spas. Overall, this map is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Peru.

Lonely Planet Latin American Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 9

Esposto, Roberto
Lonely Planet
Sep 18, 2018
Lonely Planet Latin American Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 9 Cover
Lonely Planet Latin American Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 9

Lonely Planet Latin American Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 9 is an essential travel companion for those planning a trip to Latin America. With over 3,500 words and phrases, this phrasebook offers a quick-reference dictionary, pronunciation guides, and practical phrases for common and emergency travel situations. The book also includes tips on culture, manners, and idioms to help travelers feel at ease. The user-friendly layout is organized by travel scenario categories, making it easy to find the right phrases for every situation. Overall, this phrasebook is a must-have for any traveler looking to fully immerse themselves in Latin American culture.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much money do you need per day in Peru?

Average Peru Travel Budget

Generally speaking, a daily budget of $30-40 dollars would be a justifiable amount. Make sure to check out the general prices of transport, accommodation and activities while planning your budget to ensure you have enough throughout your trip.

2. Is Peru safe for Travellers?

The threat of violent crime in most of Peru is no greater than many of the world's major cities. Traveling around Peru is relatively safe, and the rebel element has been largely disbanded.

3. Are guides required at Machu Picchu?

From 2019, it is compulsory to have a guide to enter Machu Picchu*. Unless you are visiting the site as part of an organised tour from, for example, Cusco or Ollantaytambo, then you will need to hire your guide upon arrival at the site.

Editor's Notes

During our peru travel guide research, we found 1,000+ peru travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,261 customer reviews through our big data system to write the peru travel guides list. We found that most customers choose peru travel guides with an average price of $17.07.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.