Peru Destination Guide
Welcome to your adventure! This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Peru.
Important Passport Notice
IMPORTANT: Providing your passport information on time is imperative to ensure you receive your permit to trek to Machu Picchu. Permits are limited and linked to your passport number. Failure to provide accurate passport details by the required deadline may result in the inability to secure your permit and access to Machu Picchu.
Essential Travel Information for Peru
Everything you need to know before your Peru adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa-Free Travel: Most travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU can enter visa-free for up to 90 or 183 days.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
- Tourist Card: You'll receive a white Andean Immigration Card upon entry - keep this with your passport.
- Proof of Onward Travel: May be required at check-in or immigration.
Currency & Payments
- Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the official currency. 1 PEN ≈ 0.27 USD.
- ATMs: Available in cities and towns. Inform your bank of travel plans.
- Credit Cards: Accepted in major establishments but bring cash for small vendors and rural areas.
- Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants if service isn't included.
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Cards: Claro, Movistar, and Entel offer affordable data packages. Purchase with your passport.
- WiFi: Available in accommodations and cafés, but speeds vary greatly.
- Power Adapters: Peru uses Type A/B/C plugs and 220V electricity.
Time Zone
- Peru follows Peru Time (PET) – UTC -5.
- Peru is on the same time as Eastern Standard Time (EST) when the US is not on daylight saving time.
- Peru does not observe daylight saving time.
Climate & Weather
- Diverse Climate: Peru has 28 of the world's 32 climate zones. Pack for multiple conditions.
- Andes (Cusco/Machu Picchu): Dry season (May-October) with warm days (20°C/68°F) and cold nights (near freezing). Rainy season (November-April).
- Coast (Lima): Mild year-round with summer (December-April) reaching 29°C/84°F and winter (May-November) averaging 19°C/66°F.
- Amazon: Hot and humid year-round (32°C/90°F) with slightly less rain June-August.
Emergency Contacts
- General Emergency: 📞 105
- Tourist Police: 📞 (01) 460-1060
- U.S. Embassy: 📞 (01) 618-2000
- UK Embassy: 📞 (01) 617-3000
- IPeru Tourist Information: 📞 (01) 574-8000
Packing Checklist for Peru
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Peru adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Flight itinerary & proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance details
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash (Peruvian Sol and some USD)
- Copy of important documents (separate from originals)
- Emergency contact information
- Hotel/accommodation confirmations
- Vaccination records (yellow fever if visiting Amazon)
Clothing & Accessories
- Layerable clothing (for varying temperatures)
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Lightweight pants/shorts
- Warm fleece/jacket (for high altitudes)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable hiking shoes/boots (broken in)
- Casual shoes for city exploring
- Warm hat and gloves (for high altitudes)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear (for hot springs or Amazon)
- Extra underwear (limited laundry opportunities)
- Packing cubes for organization
Health & Safety
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ for high altitudes)
- Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
- Travel toilet paper (for remote areas)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Motion sickness tablets (for winding roads)
- Reusable water bottle
- Stomach remedies (Pepto Bismol, Imodium)
- Laundry soap packets for sink washing
Electronics & Gadgets
- Power adapter (Type A/B/C)
- Smartphone & charger
- Camera & charger
- Portable charger/power bank
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Extra camera batteries & memory cards
- Portable travel lock
- Travel apps (download offline maps)
- Spanish translation app or phrasebook
Packing Tips
- Layer Up: Pack clothing that can be layered for varying temperatures, especially if visiting multiple regions.
- Altitude Awareness: For Cusco and the Andes, prepare for intense sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night.
- Laundry Services: Available in most tourist areas, or bring soap for sink washing.
- Valuables: Keep important documents and items in your carry-on luggage, not in checked bags.
- Trek Preparation: For treks, a 6kg (13lbs) weight limit applies for duffel bags. Sleeping bags, pads and tents are typically provided.
- Overnight Bag: Pack a separate small bag for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) as full luggage can't be brought via train.
Top Destinations & Experiences for Peru
Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your Peru adventure
Machu Picchu
This 15th-century Inca citadel sits high in the Andes Mountains, offering breathtaking views and archaeological wonders.
Must-Know Information:
- Entrance Tickets: Must be purchased in advance with a specific time slot.
- Transportation Options: Train to Aguas Calientes followed by bus or hiking.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer crowds and beautiful light.
- Hiking Add-ons: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (require separate tickets).
Cusco & Sacred Valley
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco offers beautiful colonial architecture built on Inca foundations, while the Sacred Valley features stunning landscapes and archaeological sites.
Top Experiences:
- Plaza de Armas: Cusco's historic central square with beautiful cathedrals.
- San Pedro Market: Vibrant local market with food, crafts, and culture.
- Pisac: Famous ruins and colorful handicraft market.
- Ollantaytambo: Impressive fortress and one of the best-preserved Inca towns.
Rainbow Mountain & Humantay Lake
These natural wonders showcase Peru's breathtaking and unique landscapes with multi-colored mountain peaks and turquoise glacier lakes.
What to Expect:
- Challenging Hikes: Both destinations require moderate fitness and altitude acclimatization.
- Early Departures: Day trips typically start around 3-4 AM from Cusco.
- High Altitude: Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,200m (17,060ft).
- Weather Dependent: Conditions can change rapidly at high elevations.
Lima
Peru's capital combines modern metropolitan life with colonial architecture, archaeological sites, and world-renowned cuisine.
Districts to Visit:
- Miraflores: Modern neighborhood with parks, shopping, and ocean views.
- Barranco: Bohemian district known for art, nightlife, and colonial buildings.
- Historic Center: UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture and Plaza Mayor.
- Larco Museum: Impressive pre-Columbian art collection housed in an 18th-century mansion.
Lima is known as the "Gastronomic Capital of South America" - don't miss trying the local cuisine!
Must-Try Peruvian Foods
Peru's cuisine is considered one of the world's best, with unique flavors and diverse influences. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
Ceviche
Raw fish marinated in lime juice with onions, chili, and sweet potato.
Lomo Saltado
Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and french fries.
Pollo a la Brasa
Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken with special spices.
Anticuchos
Grilled beef heart skewers with potatoes and corn.
Pisco Sour
National cocktail made with Pisco, lime juice, egg white, and bitters.
Choclo con Queso
Large-kernel corn served with local cheese.
Local Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your adventure
Cultural Etiquette
- Greetings: A handshake is standard. Among friends, a cheek kiss is common (left cheek only).
- Local Languages: Spanish is the main language, but Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken in the Andes.
- Photography: Always ask permission before photographing local people, especially in rural areas.
- Bargaining: Acceptable at markets but do so respectfully and with a smile.
- Sacred Sites: Treat archaeological sites and religious places with respect. Follow guidelines at all times.
Responsible Tourism
- Support Local Communities: Buy souvenirs directly from artisans and eat at locally-owned restaurants.
- Environmental Impact: Carry reusable water bottles, stay on marked trails, and pack out all trash.
- Cultural Heritage: Never remove artifacts or damage archaeological sites.
- Altitude Respect: Don't push yourself too hard at high altitudes; take time to acclimatize.
- Wildlife Interactions: Maintain distance from wild animals and never feed them.
Useful Spanish Phrases
- Hello: ¡Hola!
- Goodbye: ¡Adios!
- Thank you: Gracias
- Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés?
- I don't understand: No entiendo
- Where is…?: ¿Dónde está…?
- Bathroom: El baño
- ATM: Un cajero
- Tip: Download the Google Translate app with Spanish offline.
Money & Logistics
- Currency Exchange: Avoid airport rates (~15% loss). Exchange in towns like Pisac for better rates.
- Tipping Guidelines: Guides: $2-4 USD/day, Drivers: $1-2 USD/day, Restaurants: 10-15%, Hotel staff: $1-2 USD per bag/day.
- Spending Cash: Consider bringing $350-$400 for a typical trip.
- Call Your Bank: Notify them of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.
- ATMs: Available in cities but may have withdrawal limits.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
While Peru is generally safe for tourists, take standard precautions: avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis, keep copies of important documents, and be alert in crowded areas. Altitude sickness is a real concern - drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol initially, and consider medication if recommended by your doctor. Never drink tap water or use it to brush teeth - use treated water provided at accommodations.
Trek & Machu Picchu Information
- Sleeping Equipment: Sleeping bags (rated to -1°C comfort) and pads are typically provided on treks.
- Portable Toilets: Available on most organized treks.
- Guides & Porters: Typically 2 guides and 2 porters per traveler on organized treks.
- Water Refills: Available at breakfast, lunch and campsites. Carry 1-1.5 liters per day.
- Walking Poles: Not allowed in Machu Picchu unless medically necessary.
- Drones: Not permitted in Machu Picchu.
- Trek Emergencies: Emergency horses are available on many treks.
- Extra Items: Consider earplugs and a travel pillow as these aren't provided on treks.
Final Travel Tips
- Altitude Adjustment: Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours in high-altitude areas.
- Water Safety: Drink only bottled or purified water, even when brushing teeth.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants, 3-5 soles for hotel porters, and 20-50 soles per day for guides.
- Public Bathrooms: Carry small change as most charge a small fee.
- Transportation: Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps, especially at night.
- Coca Leaves: Legal in Peru and helpful for altitude but illegal to take home.
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