Planning your next vacations may turn somewhat tedious with so many countries, places, and attractions worth visiting. However, we are proud of our country because of its cultural expression, natural wonders, and historical value. Peru has developed and improved tourism in South America on a bigger level.
This Andean gem is recognized for being home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. But, our country has a lot more to offer and here we tell you why:
- Peru is the 3rd largest country of South America and was home to many ancient civilizations that marked this beautiful continent.
- The country comprehends 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including prehispanic settlements and natural wonders.
- Our gastronomy is recognized as Latin America’s Best Cuisine.
- Peru is divided into three regions: Coast, Mountain, and Jungle, making it the most diverse travel destination in the continent.
There’s so much more to add to this question that we’ve had to come up with a whole section for it. If you’d like to know more about Peru, check this informative guide.
Peru is bordered by Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. Therefore, if you’re traveling through South America, our country is easily accessible from any of these countries. However, Peru also has international flight connections from almost all around the world. For more information, please contact our team →
Depending on your nationality, you would either need a tourist visa, valid passport or your national I.D. card to enter Peru, for example:
- Passport: Concerns to every country that isn’t in the Andean Community. It must have a validity of at least 6 months.
- Tourist Visa: Applies for visitors from Venezuela, Haití, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
- National I.D. Card: Valid for all the members within the Andean Community as, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
If you wish to learn further details about the entry process to our country, please read this blog.
Yes! We are happy to say that Peru is a family-oriented country. It’s extensive diversity makes it really easy to enjoy as a family, especially with kids. From natural wonders to extraordinary archeological sites, there’s a place for everyone. If traveling with kids to Peru make sure to know everything about it while you’re here.
For those who didn’t know, Peru is a bilingual country where Spanish is the official language but Quechua is spoken by over 13% of the population. However, there are also other ancient dialects that have remained in the Peruvian culture, such as Aymara and some other Amazonian languages.
Not necessarily, Peru is used to English speakers. Therefore, you will find people who can speak English fluidly or even understand you. However, in the most remote towns it is very difficult to find English speaking peers, which is why we recommend learning a few words in Spanish and even Quechua to help you get around without trouble.
In Peru, the voltage is 220 volts at 60 hz. Therefore, if you’re bringing electronics that only handle 110 volts, make sure to take a power adapter with you. We have gathered some tips and useful information about the voltage and plugs in Peru, we invite you to check it out while you’re here.
Staying connected in Peru isn’t that difficult, but it is worth mentioning that internet connections in larger cities like Lima or Arequipa are significantly more stable than in other remote locations within the country. However, if you depend on internet connection during your trip through Peru, most restaurants, hotels, and tourism agencies offer free wi-fi.
Travelers have also opted to purchase a local sim card, which makes it easier to be connected along the way, though reception may get lost in the most mountainous destinations and parts of the roads along the country.
If food is your biggest concern while traveling through Peru, then you shouldn’t worry! Our country’s gastronomy is so diverse and tasty it has been recognized as one of the world’s bests. Likewise, there are international food franchises in Peru’s main cities.
Talking about the climate condition in Peru is complicated, the country is divided into three regions, and each one has a distinctive weather.
For example, the coastal side of the country is mainly arid with lower chances of rain throughout the year; on the other hand, the jungle has a predominant tropical rainy weather; but the mountain side is heavily marked by a dry winter and a rainy summer season. For more information, please check our blog about when is the best time to visit Peru.
Nuevo Soles is the local currency in Peru, banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Whilst coins come in 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, and 0,10 units. For more information about Peru’s local currency, please check this informative guide.
You can use ATMs all across Peru, most of them accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, being Visa the most used card in the country. Withdrawing money in Peru is very easy since most ATMs machines have an English-language option. Also, you can withdraw US Dollars and Soles from several ATMs in Peru.
Likewise, exchange rates may vary according to the banks in Peru and the one from your home country. However, it is worth mentioning that transaction fees may apply.
You can exchange money almost everywhere in Peru, but we recommend you do so in a trustworthy exchange house (Ask your travel agent) and to avoid street money exchangers since it is not advisable to handle money on the streets.
US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted in all money exchange offices and banks across the country. However, other currencies may not be accepted, though it is not impossible. If you wish to exchange a different currency, make sure to do it in Lima or Cusco which have more affluence of foreign travelers, nonetheless, we recommend you to bring US dollars or Euros since they are easier to handle.
Yes, it is possible to pay with US Dollars in almost every establishment in Peru. However, if purchasing items in small shops, it is better to pay with Soles. We recommend you have both currencies with you, leaving US Dollars as your backup money.
Yes, you can pay with credit or debit cards in Peru. Before traveling abroad, ask your bank to clear your cards for international establishments purchases. Otherwise, your cards might get blocked and this may be a hassle to solve while being abroad.
There are different transport options to get around Peru, being flights and bus travel the most sought after alternatives. Train travel is also possible in this South American gem, though Peru’s railway only connects a few tourist destinations within the Andean region.
For more information about how to pick the best way to travel through Peru, make sure to read our guide.
Only verified and identified taxis are safe to take in the country. Therefore, we highly recommend you asking your hotel to organize transport services for getting around the city. If returning, make sure to take taxis cars that are identified with an operator company and always check the pricing before getting in.
There are 5 international airports in Peru but only Lima International Airport has daily departures and arrival from different countries. Whilst the rest only count with limited departures per week to certain countries.
- Lima: Jorge Chávez International Airport
- Cusco: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
- Chiclayo: Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport
- Arequipa: Alférez Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport
- Trujillo: FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport
In addition to the aforementioned international airports, other 22 cities in Peru own airports with national services only:
- Andahuaylas
- Ayacucho
- Huaraz
- Chachapoyas
- Cajamarca
- Jaén
- Huánuco
- Tingo María
- Pisco
- Jauja
- Iquitos
- Yurimaguas
- Puerto Maldonado
- Ilo
- Piura
- Talara
- Juliaca
- Tarapoto
- Tacna
- Tumbes
- Atalaya
- Pucallpa
Most travelers planning a trip to Peru stand upon the same question: Are there any vaccination requirements to enter Peru? The answer is no, there is no official vaccination requirement in Peru but there are some recommendations for those who are planning to stay in the country for a long time.
- For those visiting the Peruvian jungle, we recommend you take the Yellow Fever vaccine.
- If your trip itinerary is mostly outdoor and you’re in constant contact with animals then you should consider taking the Rabies vaccine.
- Some other vaccines recommended for travelers are : Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Diphtheria.
We invite you to seek professional medical advice. All vaccines must be applied at least 10-15 days prior to your trip to be effective.
Is best to have it and not needing it than needing it and not having it. Although most travelers choose not to get travel insurance, we consider that this should be listed in everyone’s trip planning checklist.
Travel insurance does not only cover medical issues, depending on your plan, it can also include baggage loss, trip cancellations, stolen credit cards and passports, and even repatriation. For more information about travel insurance benefits, we’ve come up with a blog that may be useful for you. Make sure to read it while you’re here.
Most travelers are affected by this condition over the 2,500 meters above sea level, especially those visiting cities like Cusco or Huaraz. Whether you’ve lived on the top of Mount Everest or at sea level throughout your whole life, you may experience dizziness, tiredness, headaches, and shortness of breath, these are the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Most travelers start feeling sick upon arrival, particularly if flying from low-altitude destinations. However, we’re not here to scare you off but to make things clear and easy for you. Make sure to follow these recommendations that will surely help you avoid and deal with altitude sickness:
- Keep yourself hydrated: Water is the best ally to fight and prevent this condition.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking at all costs: Alcohol is dehydrating, and smoking can worsen or cause shortness of breath.
- Eat a light but high-calorie diet: High altitude increases the need for fuel since you get dehydrated and burn carbs faster.
- Drink Coca tea or chew Coca leaves: This is a medicinal plant of the Andes, known for helping to ease any altitude sickness symptoms and improving acclimatization.
- Take it easy: Don’t commit to a physically demanding activity on the first 2-3 days upon arrival.
There are some medicines that can help with any altitude sickness symptoms. You can find Diamox or Soroche Pills in almost any drugstore in Peru, nonetheless, we highly recommend you consult with a doctor before taking any of these.
In case of any emergency or eventuality, remember that you’ll be assigned a travel assistant that can help you 24/7. However, it is worth knowing the national emergency phone numbers in Peru:
- Emergency and security line: 911
- Police station: 105
- Highway Police: 110
- Civil Defense: 115
- Firefighters: 116
- Red Cross: 01 266 0481
Yes, Peru is safe for solo travelers. You just have to be cautious and be aware of your surroundings as you would be in any other part of the world. The South American country receives millions of foreign visitors, which makes it a very tourist-friendly environment.
However, it is advisable to stay in well lit areas and avoid night walking. As well as remaining in the most touristic areas since here’s where you’ll find more Peruvian English speakers and most of the things you’d want to see.
Most luxury hotels include a safe in every bedroom, this could be the most recommendable way to keep your valuables safe while going on an excursion.
However, this doesn’t mean that you’ll leave everything locked inside your bedroom, sometimes you may need one of these things, which is why we recommend you hiring a travel insurance plan that covers baggage loss or robberies.
The wise thing to do would be to fill a report on the nearest police station, or police officers. In large cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco, you’ll find a wing of national security called Tourist Police, they help tourists with robberies, nonconformities with services from tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and more.
