Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Peru. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Peruvian Sol (S/)
Best SIM Provider
Claro (best Inca Trail/Sacred Valley coverage, offers Olo eSIM for visitors)
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
Want personalized visa info?
Generate a custom guide based on your passport and travel dates.
Medication Restrictions
Controlled substances (narcotics and psychotropics)
Medications classified as narcotics or psychotropics are strictly controlled. Bring only the quantity needed for your stay in original packaging with an English-language prescription or doctor's letter signed and dated. ADHD stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) are controlled; carry documentation. Larger quantities may require advance authorization from DIGEMID (Peru's drug regulatory authority). These regulations are updated periodically, so verify with DIGEMID or the Peruvian consulate before travel.
Apply for approvalCodeine-containing medications
Codeine is a controlled substance in Peru. Over-the-counter codeine cough medicines (widely available in some countries) are not recognized without a prescription. Carry alternatives if possible, and verify the current scheduling status before travel.
General prescription medications
Carry all medications in original, unopened pharmaceutical packaging. Bring an English-language prescription or doctor's letter with physician signature and date. A 30-day supply is the standard personal-use quantity; for stays longer than 90 days, consult the Peruvian consulate in advance.
Cannabis and marijuana
Importing marijuana or any cannabis-derived product into Peru requires an official DIGEMID permit; medicinal use may be authorized with a locally obtained or locally validated prescription. Recreational cannabis is not legal.
Apply for approvalEssential Apps
UberInstall this first. Available 24/7 in Lima and multiple Peruvian cities. At the new LIM terminal (opened June 2025), follow the live app pin to the pickup zone — do not accept unsolicited ride offers. Verify pickup availability at Cusco airport (CUZ) before arriving there.
inDriveOpen this alongside Uber to compare, not instead of it — fare-negotiation model where you can counter-offer the driver's price, and one of the most-used ride apps in Peru by volume (Q2 2025). Works with a foreign phone number.
DiDiA third option for price comparison alongside Uber and inDrive, not a replacement for either — operates in Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco. Check in-app for current city coverage.
CabifyReach for this one specifically for the safety features, not price — identified and verified drivers, in-app tracking, and a safety button, with fare quoted upfront. Primarily Lima-focused. Worth it for solo travelers even if it costs a bit more.
Notes for Visitors
- Install all ride apps before leaving home and add your payment card during setup — not at the airport. Uber, inDrive, Cabify, and DiDi all allow registration outside Peru.
- At the new Lima Jorge Chávez terminal (opened June 2025), Uber operates but you must walk to the designated pickup zone. The app shows a live pin — follow it. Do not follow anyone who approaches you offering a ride.
- WhatsApp is not optional — it is infrastructure. Use it to message your hotel, confirm tour pickups, and reach iPerú tourist assistance (+51 944 492 314, 24/7). Make sure it is active on your number before you land.
- Download Google Maps offline for Peru before departure. Data connectivity in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is inconsistent; offline maps are a safety net if you lose signal.
- Yape and Plin QR codes appear at markets and small restaurants throughout the country. These are local mobile payment apps that require a Peruvian bank account to register — short-stay visitors cannot use them. Pay cash in soles.
SIM Cards & Internet
A local SIM or eSIM is strongly recommended for a 1–2 week trip — far cheaper than roaming and essential for WhatsApp, maps, and ride apps. Claro offers the 'Olo' eSIM specifically for international visitors with unlimited data packages (7, 15, or 30 days). Other international eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly) also offer Peru plans via roaming agreements.
- All physical SIMs require a passport for registration. Buy from a carrier store, not from touts, and bring your passport.
- Inca Trail connectivity: plan to be offline. Coverage near Km 82 (trail start) and Sacred Valley is intermittent. Signal disappears on high passes and around Pacaymayo and Day 3. Generally available again in Aguas Calientes and at Machu Picchu.
- Download offline Google Maps, your hotel confirmation, and your Machu Picchu entry ticket PDF before starting the trail — there is no Wi-Fi at campsites.
- Amazon areas (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado): moderate coverage, some areas quite remote.
WiFi Reliability
Good at most hotels and hostels in Lima, Cusco, and tourist areas. Quality varies widely. Avoid online banking over hotel WiFi without a VPN.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Peru is a predominantly cash economy outside major hotels, upscale restaurants, and chain stores. Cash is essential for markets, taxis, tipping, street food, small guesthouses, Cusco shops, and anywhere outside Miraflores and San Isidro in Lima. Visa and Mastercard work at established businesses; American Express has limited acceptance. Always carry soles.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs inside bank branches, shopping malls, or supermarkets — never isolated street machines. The most reliable networks for foreign cards are BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú), Interbank, BBVA, and Scotiabank. Globalnet is Interbank's standalone multi-bank network found in hotels and airports — convenient but typically charges higher surcharges (reported S/19–36 per withdrawal as of 2025) compared to going directly to a bank ATM. Indicative withdrawal limits: Interbank/Globalnet ~S/400 per transaction, BCP ~S/700. Always choose to be charged in soles (PEN) and decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — the ATM operator's exchange rate is almost always worse than your card network's. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Withdraw during daylight hours at a bank branch ATM.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is discretionary, not obligatory. Check restaurant bills first for a 'servicio incluido' line before adding extra. Casual restaurants: round up or a few soles, not mandatory at local eateries. Tourist and mid-high restaurants: 5–10%. Hotel porters: S/2–5 per bag. Housekeeping: S/5–10 per day (tip daily, staff may rotate). Day tour guides: ~S/25–35 per person. Multi-day specialist guides: S/40+. Inca Trail porters: pooled group tip at end of trek — ask your operator. Taxis: rounding up is fine, not expected. Tip in cash, in soles.
- Counterfeit soles are a documented, well-reported problem. Check larger notes (S/50, S/100, S/200) using the BCRP's 'touch, look, tilt' method: feel the raised intaglio printing; hold to light to see the watermark and embedded security thread; tilt to verify colour-shifting ink. Notes from a bank ATM are almost certainly genuine. If you suspect a counterfeit, do not pass it on — ask the business to replace it immediately. (Source: BCRP banknotes page; La República, 2025.)
- Small bills are essential. S/10 and S/20 notes are significantly more useful than S/50 or S/100 — taxi drivers, market vendors, and small restaurants often cannot make change for large notes. When withdrawing from a bank counter (not just the ATM), ask for smaller denominations.
- US dollar bills must be in perfect condition. Peruvian businesses routinely refuse USD notes with tears, pen marks, heavy folds, or writing. Larger denominations (US$50, US$100) may also be refused or exchanged at a worse rate. Exchange at a reputable casa de cambio inside a commercial building — never with street moneychangers.
- Travel with at least two payment cards from different networks (Visa plus Mastercard) and notify your bank before departure. ATM card skimming is a known risk — inspect the card slot and keypad for anything loose before inserting your card.
- Yape (BCP) and Plin (BBVA/Interbank/Scotiabank) are the dominant QR-code payment apps among Peruvians and you will see their codes at markets and small restaurants. Both require a Peruvian bank account and typically a national ID (DNI) to register — short-stay foreign visitors cannot reliably set them up. Pay cash in soles when you see the QR code.
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Uber operates at the new Lima Jorge Chávez terminal (opened June 2025, address: Avenida Morales Duárez s/n, Callao). After collecting luggage, request your Uber and follow the live pickup pin to the rideshare zone — reported as Door 3, then cross to the Parking E1/E2 area, though sources disagree on the exact bay letter. Follow the app pin and airport signage, not a memorised letter. Match the driver plate, name, and vehicle colour before entering.
Authorized taxi counters are inside the arrivals hall — reported operators include Taxi Green, Taxi 365, and Taxi Directo. You receive a QR code/receipt and are assigned a vehicle. Recommended for late-night arrivals, high-luggage situations, or first-time visitors who want certainty. Do not accept offers from people approaching you in the arrivals hall.
Dedicated express bus between LIM and Miraflores (stops include Kennedy Park). Significantly cheaper than a taxi. Best for budget-conscious or solo travelers during daylight.
Arranged with your hotel in advance — a known vehicle and driver meets you at arrivals. More expensive but eliminates any uncertainty at the airport.
Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport is approximately 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas. Authorized taxis from CUZ to the city centre cost approximately S/15–25 — agree the fare before getting in if not using an app. Uber operates in Cusco city, but rideshare pickup at the CUZ terminal was not confirmed as of August 2026; verify before arrival.
Local Transport
The safest and most reliable way to get around Lima. Price fixed before booking. Never flag a taxi from the street — Lima's taxi crime is well-documented across multiple government advisories.
Rapid bus system running north–south through Lima. Requires a reloadable fare card (available at stations). Useful, cheap, and safe on the main corridor. Use Moovit for routes.
Lima has no regulated taxi meters as of August 2026. If you must take a street taxi, always agree the fare before entering the vehicle and get out if the driver refuses. Using an app is strongly preferable — express kidnapping via unlicensed taxis is a documented risk on tourist routes including the airport corridor.
Very cheap, routes called out by conductors. Not recommended for first-time visitors — confusing routes, crowded, and higher pickpocket risk.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Peru requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
60 city / 100 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in Peru
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Peru across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Use app-based transport exclusively, especially at night. Share your Uber trip status with a contact. Verbal harassment from street taxis toward women travelers is reported; express kidnapping risk in unvetted taxis is higher after dark.
- Watch your drinks. The UK FCDO specifically warns that sexual assaults have occurred in Cusco tourist bars following drink spiking. Do not leave drinks unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers.
- In Cusco, be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited tours or company. UK FCDO reports personal attacks involving tour operators targeting women traveling alone. Verify any guide through your hotel or a registered agency before going anywhere with them.
- Share your itinerary and check in regularly. Use WhatsApp live location or Google location sharing with a trusted contact at home. Agree on daily check-in times before you lose connectivity on a trek.
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Peru. Same-sex marriage is not legally recognised as of August 2026. Social attitudes are generally conservative, particularly outside Lima's Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro areas and in rural and highland communities. Lima has a visible LGBTQ+ scene. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention in conservative areas, particularly in Cusco and smaller towns. Multiple government advisories (Canada, UK, US) note that LGBTQ+ travelers may face discrimination or unwanted attention. The US State Department also warns that travelers can be targeted or extorted based on perceived sexual orientation — exercise ordinary situational awareness with new acquaintances and in unfamiliar locations.
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Machu Picchu and Cusco are genuinely difficult for mobility-impaired travelers. The Inca citadel has uneven stone paths, steep stairways, and no elevator access. An accessible circuit (Circuit 4) exists at Machu Picchu but is limited in scope. Cusco's cobblestone streets, high altitude, and hilly terrain present real challenges for wheelchairs, walkers, and those with low stamina. Lima (Miraflores) is significantly more accessible than Cusco. Verify accessible options directly with tour operators well in advance.
- Lima (Miraflores) is the most accessible area in Peru for visitors
- Machu Picchu Circuit 4 is the designated accessible route — limited scope
- Cusco cobblestone streets are challenging for wheelchairs and walkers
- High altitude (Cusco 3,400m, Puno 3,812m) affects stamina for all visitors
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Lima historic centre (Plaza Mayor)
- Miraflores boardwalk (Larcomar area)
- Public buses and combis
- Lima bus terminals
- Cusco Plaza de Armas and main tourist streets
- Cusco San Pedro Market
- Pisac market
- Aguas Calientes market
- Anywhere immediately after an ATM withdrawal
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Scams to Watch Out For
Counterfeit currency in change
A street moneychanger, taxi driver, or market vendor gives you change containing fake S/50, S/100, or S/200 notes. The notes may look convincing to an untrained eye.
Prevention: Inspect all large-denomination notes received as change immediately, using the BCRP touch/look/tilt method (see money section). Never exchange money with street moneychangers. Use bank ATMs or reputable exchange bureaus inside commercial buildings.
Unofficial taxi / express kidnapping
Someone offers you a taxi outside the airport, your hotel, or a bar — they may appear professional and approach you confidently. Once inside, they may drive to a remote location, force additional ATM withdrawals, or rob you. Victims on the Lima airport–Miraflores route have been targeted by this method.
Prevention: Use only app-based rideshare (Uber, Cabify, inDrive) or official hotel-dispatched taxis. Never get into an unlicensed vehicle regardless of how professional the driver appears. Verify the plate in the app before entering. Do not share a taxi with strangers you meet at the airport.
ATM card skimming
A device placed on the card reader and/or a pinhole camera records your PIN. Your card data is used to clone the card or make fraudulent online purchases.
Prevention: Use ATMs inside bank branches only. Inspect the card slot and keypad before inserting your card — look for anything loose or unusual. Shield the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. Enable real-time transaction alerts in your bank's app.
Fake tour agencies in Cusco
Street-front 'travel agencies' near Cusco's Plaza de Armas sell tours that are non-existent, dramatically different from what was promised, or re-sold to cheaper, low-quality operators. Some target women traveling alone with offers of company or discounted prices.
Prevention: Book tours through your hotel, a well-reviewed MINCETUR-registered agency, or directly with the operator (PeruRail for trains, etc.). Be especially cautious of anyone who approaches you unsolicited. Verify any guide through your hotel before agreeing to accompany them.
Distraction / spill scam
An apparent stranger accidentally spills something (condiment, bird dropping) on you, then helpfully steps in to assist you clean up — while an accomplice picks your bag or pockets.
Prevention: If someone unexpectedly helps you clean up a stain, hold your bag firmly and move away. Treat any unexpected physical approach with caution in crowded tourist areas, bus terminals, and markets. Use an anti-theft bag worn in front.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Peru's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
21-27°C (70-81°F)
Low (Lima) / Very High (highlands) rainfall
Lima's warmest month — high humidity on the coast. Cusco and highlands at peak wet season; heaviest rainfall of the year. The Classic Inca Trail is CLOSED every February for maintenance — alternative routes (Salkantay, Lares) may remain open, verify with your operator.
Mar – May
18-24°C (64-75°F)
Low rainfall
Lima beginning to cool; the garúa (coastal fog) season is starting — overcast skies and grey mornings, but not cold. Cusco transitional month — rains tapering, good shoulder season for trekking with fewer crowds than June–August.
Jun – Aug
16-19°C (61-66°F)
Very Low rainfall
Coolest month in Lima — grey, damp, rarely cold but persistently overcast under garúa fog. Cusco: near-freezing nights (0°C/32°F lows possible) and sunny warm days in the sun. Peak season with highest tourist volumes. Inca Trail at its driest and most popular.
Sep – Nov
16-21°C (61-70°F)
Medium rainfall
Lima warming and brightening — garúa season ending. Cusco: rains beginning to return with medium-level precipitation; landscapes starting to green. Pack for both rain and sun in the highlands.
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Shop on AmazonSome links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Tap Water
Don't drink the tap water.
Use sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated, for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water. Check that the bottle seal is unbroken, because refilled bottles are sometimes sold.
In Peru
Do not drink tap water anywhere in Peru including Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC Yellow Book, Peru; CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
220V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
A, C
Peru uses Type A (two flat parallel blades) and Type C (two round pins) plugs. Many Peruvian outlets are hybrid sockets that accept both. Here is the trap that damages equipment: US-shaped Type A plugs physically fit into many Peruvian sockets, so US travelers often need NO adapter — but the voltage is 220V, not the US standard of 120V. Plugging in a 120V-only device without a step-down converter will destroy it and may cause a fire or electrical shock. ALWAYS check your device's power label before plugging in. If the label says 'INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60Hz' — it is dual-voltage and safe to use anywhere, just plug it in (or use a cheap Type C adapter if needed). If the label says 'INPUT: 120V only' — you need a step-down voltage converter regardless of plug shape. Most modern phone chargers, laptop power bricks, and camera chargers are dual-voltage. Many US hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons are 120V-only — either buy dual-voltage versions before travel or purchase a heavy-duty converter. Some upscale hotel bathrooms provide a 110V shaver outlet — check the label on the outlet before using it.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
Shop on AmazonSome links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English is widely spoken among staff in Miraflores and Barranco (Lima), Cusco's tourist centre, Machu Picchu-adjacent businesses, and mid-to-high-end hotels. Outside tourist zones — street markets, local restaurants, taxis, smaller towns — English fluency drops sharply. Learn basic Spanish phrases before travel; they make a real difference. Assume Spanish only outside upscale tourist contexts.
Essential Phrases
Hola, buenos días
Hello, good morning
OH-lah, BWAY-nos DEE-as
Por favor
Please
por fah-VOR
Gracias
Thank you
GRAH-see-as
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
KWAN-toh KWAY-stah?
¿Dónde está...?
Where is...?
DOHN-day es-TAH?
La cuenta, por favor
The bill, please
lah KWEN-tah, por fah-VOR
Rimaykullayki
Hello (Quechua) — saying this in Cusco or the Sacred Valley is genuinely appreciated
ri-MY-koo-YAY-ki
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Lima has a thriving vegan scene concentrated in Miraflores and San Isidro, including fully vegan restaurants; Cusco has all-vegan options in the historic centre. HappyCow is the most reliable way to find what is currently open. Many traditional Peruvian dishes use chicken stock, seafood, or animal fats invisibly — always ask.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Peru's produce is exceptional (quinoa, potatoes, corn, Andean grains, avocado, beans) and vegetarian options are widely available throughout the country. Ask '¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas?' Most tourist-area restaurants in Lima and Cusco have clear vegetarian options, and both cities have dedicated vegetarian restaurants in the main visitor districts.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Peru's staple cuisine is naturally gluten-friendly (potato, rice, quinoa, corn, plantain are base starches), but cross-contamination in restaurant kitchens is a real risk and most restaurants are not dedicated GF facilities. For strict avoidance, Miraflores has dedicated gluten-free cafes and some Cusco restaurants mark gluten-free menu items — verify current options on arrival. Key risks: soy sauce in lomo saltado, hidden wheat-based sauces, shared fryers. Useful phrase: 'Tengo celiaquía/alergia al gluten. Necesito comida sin gluten y sin contaminación cruzada. ¿Usan utensilios y aceite separados?'
Traveling with a Pet
Pet-friendliness information coming soon for Peru.
Cultural Tips
Greet before asking for anything. In Peru, launching straight into a request without 'Hola, buenos días' is considered rude. Always greet the person serving you — in a shop, taxi, market, or restaurant — before making any request.
Ask before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities. Photographing women in traditional dress in Cusco and the Sacred Valley without asking is disrespectful. '¿Puedo tomar una foto?' (May I take a photo?) is all it takes. Some individuals near major tourist sites may ask for a tip after posing — agree on this beforehand.
Toilet paper goes in the bin, not the toilet. This applies throughout most of Peru, including tourist-grade accommodation. Bins are provided for this purpose. Ignoring it clogs the plumbing.
Dress modestly when entering churches — shoulders and knees covered. A light scarf or shawl in your daypack solves this for impromptu church visits.
Coca tea (mate de coca) is legal and culturally normal in Peru. It is served at many Cusco hotels as a welcome drink and is widely suggested for altitude adjustment. It contains trace cocaine alkaloids — enough to trigger a positive drug test if you are subject to workplace testing. Do not carry coca leaves or products across international borders; they are illegal to import into the US.
Bargaining is acceptable in markets (Pisac, San Pedro in Cusco, artisan markets) — haggling in restaurants or fixed-price shops is not. Always bargain with a smile and accept the first firm 'no' as a genuine no.
Time is flexible socially, but not at airports or trains. 'Ahora' (now) can mean 20 minutes for casual arrangements. Airline check-ins, PeruRail departures, and Machu Picchu entry time slots are strictly enforced.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Peruvians are very proud of their food — and they have reason to be. Lima has been named one of the world's best food cities repeatedly. Ask a taxi driver or local guide where they eat (not where they take tourists) and you will likely get a genuinely good recommendation.
Pisco sour is the national drink and a ritual. Two schools of thought exist on whether the correct recipe is Peruvian or Chilean, and Peruvians feel strongly about this. Ordering one is always a welcome gesture.
'Gringo' is not an insult in Peru — it is a commonly used, generally neutral descriptor for foreigners. Do not be startled or offended if you hear it used to describe you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Flying directly to Cusco and immediately hiking or sightseeing. Cusco is at 3,400m (11,155 ft). Arriving from Lima (sea level) and starting a tour or the Inca Trail the same day is the single most common cause of a ruined Peru trip. Build in at least 1–2 rest days at altitude first, avoid alcohol and heavy meals on arrival day, and ascend gradually where possible.
Booking Machu Picchu tickets too late. Entry is strictly capacity-controlled at roughly 4,500–5,600 visitors per day. Tickets sell out weeks or months in advance during peak season (June–August, December–January, Semana Santa). Book at tuboleto.cultura.pe as soon as your travel dates are fixed — and book train tickets at the same time, because they also sell out.
Not carrying small-denomination soles. A S/100 note for a S/12 taxi ride will be refused or the driver will claim no change. Withdraw S/20 notes when possible; exchange larger notes at a supermarket or gas station. This is an everyday problem that most visitors hit within hours of arrival.
Taking an unlicensed street taxi in Lima. Express kidnappings, robberies, and serious overcharging are documented risks, particularly on the airport-to-Miraflores corridor. Always use Uber, Cabify, or an official airport taxi counter.
Assuming altitude sickness will not affect them. Soroche does not discriminate by age, fitness level, or prior experience at altitude. Many fit, experienced travelers are badly affected. Failing to plan for acclimatisation is the most common cause of hospitalisation among tourists in Cusco.
Not verifying the LIM terminal when hotel transfers or GPS are pre-set. The new Lima Jorge Chávez terminal opened in June 2025 — if your hotel transfer was booked earlier, or your map app points to the old Faucett terminal, verify the correct address (Avenida Morales Duárez s/n, Callao) before travel.
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Peru
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Ready to plan your Peru trip?
Get a personalized checklist and timeline based on your travel dates and passport.