Need to Know

What You Really Need to Know Before Travelling to Peru, but no one tells you, but really should!

Let’s be honest—travelling to a new country can feel overwhelming when no one tells you the little things that make a big difference. That’s where we come in. This is your go-to guide for the real tips, tricks and insider insights that make exploring Peru smoother, smarter and way more fun. From navigating local customs to flushing toilets, we’ve created this handy Peru Travel Guide to take the stress out of planning—so you can focus on soaking up the colors, culture and the unforgettable beauty Peru has to offer.

Everything You Need, All in One Place

Our Peru Travel Guide Book is your one-stop source for all the essentials—no need to bounce between websites or dig through endless tabs. We've gathered the must-know info, insider tips and travel wisdom so you can plan with ease and explore with confidence.

1. VISA - Citizens of US, Canada, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland and Australia do not need a Peruvian tourist visa. However, you do need to apply for a business visa to be legally able to enter into contracts or agreements. The maximum length of stay that authorities grant is 90 days, which cannot be extended.    More VISA info

2. Passports - This rule applies to international travel. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months from time of entry, you might not be able to board your flight or enter. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Chile may enter the country with their National Identity document.

3. Languages - Spanish is the official language of Peru, however, 47 indigenous languages are also spoken in the country, including Quechua and Aymara. English is widely used in all tourist locations. Try having some fun by learning a few key words to help you along, like- Where is the bathroom? Hello, please, good-bye. 

4. History - Peru was homeland to the Inca Empire, which rose from the Peruvian highlands sometime in the early 13th century. After the conquest by the Spanish in the sixteenth century, the Spanish empire established a viceroyalty with jurisdiction over most of its South American domains. Peru declared independence from Spain in 1821, but achieved independence only after the Battle of Ayacucho three years later.  More HISTORY 

5. Currency - The SOL is the official currency in Peru. Bank notes are issued in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 soles denominations. Coins are 1, 2, 5 10,20, 50 soles. The American dollar is widely accepted. It is possible to exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange booths. ATMs can be found in almost all cities, with most of them connected to PLUS (Visa) and CIRRUS (Mastercard) networks, American Express and others. You can withdraw money from ATMs in Soles or American dollars. 

6. Cash and Credit Cards - While Travel Credit Cards are convenient and offer many cool travel perks, ensure you carry cash for rural areas and all those open markets and shops. Hot tip - even popular remote tourist attractions may only accept cash.

7. Safety - Peru can be a safe travel destination, but travelers should check travel advisories with your local government for high levels of crime and social conflicts. Always take appropriate precautions when traveling. Hot tip- Always keep your travel documents secure, keep an eye out for pickpocketing, never show large sums of money, keep valuables hidden, use taxi companies or mobile app and stay in well- lit populated areas and always be aware of your surroundings.

8. Travel Insurance      -       Be prepared, have travel insurance. Try to ensure your insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and delays. Hot Tip - Most travel credit cards carry travel insurance. Check out our selection of Travel Cards.

9. Health - Peru has areas of both clean and unclean conditions with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Major tourist cities have sanitation services and are fairly clean. 

10. Pharmacy - These are located in all major tourist cities. Although the language barrier may be an issue for some travelers, Hot tip -you may need a language translator app to get the right medication. Always keep a copy of your medications to show if requiring more. Consider packing medication for -altitude sickness, motion sickness, upset stomach, headaches, pain relief, electrolytes (for hikers), allergies.

11. Water - It is not advised to drink tap water. Use a filtering water bottle or buy bottled water to avoid travelers diarrhea. 

12. Vaccinations - There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entering Peru. It is advised to check with your local travel clinic for recommendations to the areas you will be visiting. Common travelling vaccines include Hepatitis A and B to consider.  Vaccinations

13. Climate - Spring Sept 23-Dec20, Summer Dec21-Mar19, Fall Mar20-Jun20, Winter Jun21-Sept22.  Peru has diverse climate regions of the Andes, Coastal and Amazon. The Coast - generally arid and subtropical -summer 77-95 F, Andes - wet and dry seasons   winter - 59-26 F, Amazon - high humidity and rainfall -fall 46-53 F.  Hot Tip - Best time to go May - Sept as it offers warm, sunny days.                     More Climate Info

14. Elevation - Peru has a wide range of elevation. Know your destination and be careful of altitude sickness. Consider taking altitude medication for your trip. Hot tip- you can always drink Coca tea traditionally used by locals. Most restaurants carry Coca tea even if it's not on the menu. Lima is 161m (528feet), Nazca 520m (1,706 feet), Arequipa 2,335m (7,660feet), Cusco 3,400m (11,155feet), Machu Picchu 2,430m (7,972feet) and Rainbow Mountain 5,036m (16,522feet) Allow a few days to climatize when travelling. Hot tip people don't tell you - they just show you the picture. Many people struggle when hiking the higher elevation of Rainbow Mountain. Horses are available so cash only. When travelling to Machu Picchu, consider travelling by bus from Lima to Cusco, instead of a big elevation jump of flying. This will give your body time to adjust to the higher altitudes, plus you'll have a great chance to see the country side and activities along the way, like the mysterious Nazca Lines!

15. Clothing - Peru weather is very diverse due to it's varied geography. Know your destination and time of year that you'll be travelling. Hot tip -Best to dress in layers for rain or even cooler temperatures for those higher elevations.

16. Backpack - If you find that you are always on the move, Hot tip -consider taking a travel backpack for greater maneuverability instead of luggage. Some taxis cannot go down the narrow streets of Peru, so you might need to walk a block or two and backpacks are much easier boarding planes as carry-on. No more lost luggage. It would really ruin your Inca trail hike if your hiking gear was lost!

17. Phone charging     -     Not too many sites talk about this, but it's an essential travel requirement. The standard voltage in Peru is 220V.  You may need an adapter and/or a converter depending what type of device you use. Hot tip -Check your charging cable converter, as most are already 120V-240V.  Two prong sockets are common in hotels, but may only have 1 or 2 wall sockets.

18. Phone APPS - WhatsApp is the most popular app in Peru for communication. This will help you connect with hotels and tour companies for important information and updates. Hot tip - download Google Off-line maps of Peru so you always know where you are and how to navigate somewhere you need to be, especially if you don't have cell service in remote areas. A Language App can come in handy too, for some of those open markets. Uber App for getting around and hassle free for price bargaining.

19. Restaurants - Peruvian cuisine is renowned for it's vibrant flavors and diverse dishes. There are many restaurants to be found, so go explore! Try the Ceviche or for the more adventurous - Guinea Pig. A McCombo is 30 sol, Waffles 15 sol, Pizza/ Lasagna 50 sol. Hot tip -See below for real 2025 photos of actual menus right out of Peruvian restaurants!

20. Toilets   -   The " Bano". Every hotel will have toilet seats and fully plumbed facilities. Public bathrooms usually cost 2-5 sol to use and don't have toilet seats due to the constant cost and upkeep. Hiking toilets would be a well used pit toilet, so strengthen those quads!       Hot tip - Bring your own toilet paper!! Many public bathrooms are either out or have 1 roll for everyone before you enter the stall with no toilet seat, so you need to plan ahead on how much you take!!  Hiking toilets have no toilet paper.

21. Tips and Bargaining - If you feel you had great service, tips are welcomed. Vendors often have inflated pricing, expecting polite negotiation. Hot tip - Carry small bills. For street vendors, negotiate at one, then move to the next shop as they all have the same merchandise to resume. This way you know how low they are willing to go. Don't be surprised if get up to 30-50% off on some products!

22. Roads - For main tourist cities, streets may be cobbled, steep and even too narrow for your taxi to drop you off at the front door of your hotel.  So, watch your step! All major roadways in Peru are paved, so you'll have a smoother bus ride -Rural roads not so much.

Hot Tip - If you are driving, stick to the Right!

23. Airports - There are international and domestic airports. Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) located in Lima, is Peru's largest airport serving as the primary gateway for international travelers. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) located in Cusco, is the major hub for accessing Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

24. Transportation - The main transportation around Peru is by bus. Within major cities, UBER and taxis are available. Hot tip - taking UBER will ease your mind on cost without  fare  bartering, but if UBER is not your thing, then ask at your hotel how much a fair would be by taking a taxi to your destination. 

Remember, streets can be very congested with traffic or festivals at times, so leave early. The main train lines in Peru are Peru Rail and Inca Rail. There is train service to Machu Picchu, but you need to get to Ollantaytambo first.

 Hot tip -Check out package deals to Machu Picchu, as most include the train ride and usually depart from Cusco by bus or van.