Peru Useful Travel Information

Practical details that will help you prepare for your Peru trip, from visa requirements and currency to safety tips and cultural etiquette. Our tour packages handle most logistics, but knowing these basics will help you arrive knowing what to expect.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most South American countries do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 183 days. You need:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your entry date
• Proof of onward travel (return flight ticket)
• Immigration officers may ask about your accommodation and travel plans

For the Inca Trail, your passport details must exactly match your permit registration. If you renew your passport after booking, notify us immediately. See our terms page for passport requirements.

Currency and Money

• Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). As of 2026, approximately 3.7 soles = 1 USD.
• US dollars: Widely accepted at hotels, tour agencies, and some restaurants in tourist areas. Carry small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) because large bills may be refused.
• ATMs: Available in Cusco, Lima, Arequipa, and Puno. BCP, Interbank, and Scotiabank ATMs are most reliable. Withdraw soles for the best exchange rate.
• Credit cards: Accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted. Carry cash for markets, small shops, and rural areas.
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants (not always included). Tip guides, porters, and drivers separately. See our porters page for trekking tip guidelines.

Language

Spanish is the official language. Quechua is widely spoken in the Cusco region and highlands. English is spoken at hotels, tour agencies, and restaurants in tourist areas, but not widely understood outside these settings.

Useful Spanish phrases: "Gracias" (thank you), "Por favor" (please), "Cuanto cuesta?" (how much?), "Donde esta...?" (where is...?), "La cuenta, por favor" (the bill, please).

Safety

Tourist areas in Peru are safe, especially in the main travel destinations of Lima (Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro), Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Standard precautions apply:

• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, InDriver, DiDi) in cities
• Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
• Be alert in crowded areas (markets, bus stations, festivals)
• Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
• Our packages include private transfers and vetted accommodations

Emergency Contacts

• Police: 105
• Ambulance / Fire: 116
• Tourist Police (Cusco): +51 84 235123
• Tourist Police (Lima): +51 1 4601060
• US Embassy (Lima): +51 1 618-2000
• UK Embassy (Lima): +51 1 617-3000
• Our emergency line: Contact us for 24/7 support during your trip

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for entry to Peru. However, the CDC recommends:

• Routine vaccines: Make sure you are up to date on MMR, tetanus, and flu
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers (food/water transmission)
• Typhoid: Recommended if eating outside major restaurants
• Yellow Fever: Required only if visiting the Amazon/jungle region. Not needed for Cusco, Lima, or the Inca Trail.

Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. For altitude medication, see our altitude sickness guide.

Electricity

220V, 60Hz. Peru uses both Type A (US-style, 2 flat prongs) and Type C (European-style, 2 round prongs) outlets. Most modern hotels have both types. Bring a universal adapter to be safe. Voltage-sensitive devices (hair dryers, curling irons) from 110V countries need a converter.

Time Zone

Peru Standard Time (PET): UTC-5. Same as US Eastern Standard Time. Peru does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset changes during summer months in North America and Europe.

Cultural Etiquette

• Greetings: A single kiss on the cheek is standard between women and between men and women. Handshakes for formal settings.
• Photography: Always ask before photographing local people, especially in traditional dress. A small tip (1-2 soles) is customary if they agree.
• Coca leaves: Coca tea and coca leaves are legal and culturally significant in Peru. They are widely consumed for altitude relief and are not the same as cocaine.
• Time: "Peruvian time" is flexible. Social events start late. Tour departures, however, leave on schedule.
• Markets: Bargaining is expected at outdoor markets and with taxi drivers. It is not appropriate in shops with fixed prices or restaurants.

Budget Guide

Approximate daily costs beyond your pre-paid tour package:

• Budget meals: $3-8 USD (menu del dia set lunch, street food, markets)
• Mid-range restaurant: $10-25 USD per meal
• Bottled water: $0.50-1 USD
• Local beer: $2-4 USD
• Taxi within Cusco: $1-3 USD
• Souvenirs: Alpaca scarves $5-15, handmade textiles $10-50, silver jewelry $5-30
• SIM card (data): $3-5 USD for a prepaid SIM with data

SIM Cards and Internet

Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to get at the Lima airport or any phone shop in Cusco. Claro, Movistar, and Bitel are the main carriers. A prepaid SIM with 5-10GB of data costs $3-5 USD. Coverage is good in cities but limited or absent on the Inca Trail and in remote areas.

Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many restaurants in tourist areas. Speed varies. Do not expect fast connections outside Lima.

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