Yes, there are free tours in Peru - mainly in the three main cities on the tourist route: Cusco, Arequipa and Lima, where local guides lead walking tours of about two and a half hours in the historic center. Admission is free in advance, and at the end everyone pays the guide a tip according to their discretion and enjoyment of the tour - there is no fixed price and no obligation.
The model is simple: you register in advance through the booking website, arrive at the meeting point at the appointed time, and go with a small group and an English-speaking (and sometimes Spanish) guide who knows the streets, squares, and the stories behind the buildings. At the end of the tour, and not before, each participant transfers a payment to the guide according to their taste - this way the guides are directly rewarded for the quality of the tour they give.
Below is a summary of the top tours currently available throughout Peru, including the cities they operate in and the theme of each tour - followed by some practical tips before you set off.
Recommended free tours in Peru
Peru has a long-standing and well-established free tour scene, especially in Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima - each city offers its own perspective on the country's Inca and colonial history.
Free Tour in Cusco with local guide
A free tour of Cusco with a local guide who leads through historic plazas and Inca stone streets, telling the story of the city before and after the Spanish conquest.
Free Walking Tour Arequipa City
A free city tour of Arequipa that reveals the historic center built of white volcanic stone, including the main square and the surrounding colonial streets.
Exploring Lima and the Catacombs of San Francisco
A tour that combines the historic center of Lima with a descent into the catacombs beneath the Church of San Francisco - a rare combination of a supercity and an underground city.
The Best Historical Free Tour in Latin America GuruWalk 2026 Winner
One of the most talked-about historical tours on the continent, recognized as GuruWalk's leading tour in Latin America, it delves deep into the story of Inca and colonial Cusco.
Tour of the Historic Center of Lima + Pisco Sour Tastings
A tour of the historic center of Lima that completes the urban story with a tasting of Pisco Sour, Peru's national drink.
Deep Lima City Tour: History & Society Tips from 60 soles pp
An in-depth tour of Lima that expands beyond the sites themselves to the city's social and cultural history, alongside insights from the local guide.
Free Tour Arequipa
Another free tour of Arequipa that focuses on the unique colonial architecture of the White City and the stories behind the main buildings.
Free Walking Tour of Cusco by Bloody Bueno Peru
A free walking tour of Cusco that combines humor and energy with solid historical content about the Inca Empire and the ancient city.
Free tours by city
Free tours in Aguas Calientes – the gateway town to Machu Picchu
Free walking tours of Arequipa – the White City of Peru
Free tours in Cusco – the historic heart of the Inca Empire on foot
Free tours in Iquitos: Belen Market, the Amazon River and the Floating City
Free Tours in Lima: From the Historic Center to Arranco
Free tours in Pucallpa – discover the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon
Why you should travel in Peru with a local guide
Peru is one of the destinations where a guided walking tour is particularly worthwhile, because the history here doesn't end with an explanatory sign - it's in the walls themselves. The main cities where free tours operate complement each other and together tell the story of Peru.
Cusco
The former capital of the Inca Empire is the heart of the scene - there are a number of different free tours operating here, some focusing on pre-Columbian history and the Inca stone remains on which the colonial city was built, and some recognized as among the top tours on the continent. Cusco is also the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, so a city tour is often the first step in a visit.
Arequipa
The "White City," built of light volcanic stone, offers free tours that focus on the colonial historic center around the main square and the unique architectural heritage that has earned it recognition as a World Heritage Site.
Lima
There are several complementary options in the capital: a tour of the historic center includes a descent into the catacombs beneath the Church of San Francisco, a tour that includes pisco sour tastings, and in-depth tours that also examine contemporary Peruvian society and not just the buildings.
Important tips before you go out
The local currency is the Peruvian Sol, and it's a good idea to have a small amount of cash, especially for a tip at the end of the tour - credit cards are not always available for such payments, and the tip itself remains a completely personal matter, with no "correct" amount. Most guides conduct their tours in English, and on some tours also in Spanish, so a basic level of English is sufficient to enjoy the content.
The distances between the main cities are significant - Cusco, Arequipa and Lima are connected mainly by domestic flights or long bus trips in the mountains, so it is worth planning the order of the cities in advance and not trying to "jump" in one day. The dry season (approximately May to September) is more comfortable for walking the historic streets, while the rainy months add humidity and sometimes close paths in the mountains. Cusco and Arequipa are at a high altitude, and it is recommended to give your body a day or two to acclimatize before a long walking effort.
In terms of safety, this is an established tourist destination with a large tourist traffic, but as with any large city, it is recommended to maintain normal vigilance with your pocket and wallet in crowded areas and on public transportation. It is recommended to check current security updates with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs before setting off, as this situation can change from time to time.
All free tours in Peru on the GuruWalk website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really no upfront payment for free tours in Peru?
That's right - registration for the tour itself is free, and only at the end do participants pay the guide a tip at their discretion. There is no fixed price and there is no obligation to pay a specific amount.
Which cities in Peru have free tours?
The largest concentration is in Cusco, and there are also tours in Arequipa and Lima. Each city usually has several different tours with different program emphases.
In what language are the tours conducted?
Most free tours in Peru are conducted in English, and some also have guides who speak Spanish. It's a good idea to check the language of the specific tour when you register.
How long does a typical free tour last?
Most city tours in Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima last around two to three hours, depending on the route and number of stops.
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to register in advance through the booking website to guarantee a place, especially during peak season, even if the registration itself does not involve a fee.
Are Cusco and Arequipa suitable for any fitness level because of the altitude?
Both cities are at a considerable altitude, so it is recommended to give your body time to acclimatize before a long walk and to drink plenty of water in the first few days.
