Peru Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip

Is a Trip to Peru Worth It?

Absolutely! Peru is an incredibly diverse country packed with jaw-dropping sights. It’s also a fantastic entry point for a South America trip.

You can get around easily by long-distance bus or domestic flight, and there are plenty of tours to all the major highlights. The selection of hotels and hostels is enormous — and prices are very reasonable.

Peru is a genuinely affordable destination, which makes it a favorite with backpackers. The food scene is another huge bonus — Peruvian cuisine is seriously world-class.

For more inspiration on why Peru is absolutely worth your time, check out this article:

Entry Requirements for Peru

To enter Peru, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six more months. For stays of up to 90 days, you don’t need a visa.

When we entered the country, we were also asked to show proof of onward travel — though according to the relevant foreign affairs authorities, this isn’t officially required.

Getting to Peru

There are no direct transatlantic flights to Lima from most departure cities. The most common routing goes via Madrid, but you can also connect through Amsterdam or Paris — both cities offer direct flights to Lima.

A flight from Madrid to Lima takes just under 12 hours. With a European connection, total travel time is typically around 15 hours.

Lima’s airport is the main international gateway. If you want to fly directly to another destination in Peru — like Cusco — you’ll still need to connect through Lima.

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Payment and Currency in Peru

The official currency in Peru is the Sol. 1 euro is roughly equal to 4 Soles.

You’ll definitely need cash here. Small restaurants and local buses often accept cash only. Hotels and travel agencies frequently take cards, but watch out — there’s usually an extra 5% fee.

At Banco de la Nación ATMs, you can withdraw cash without fees, which can save you a decent chunk over a longer trip.

We also recommend getting a travel-friendly debit or credit card before you go — one that lets you withdraw abroad without fees. You can find all our recommendations in our dedicated article on the best travel credit cards.

The best tips for a travel credit card

Tipping in Peru

At small, local Peruvian restaurants, tipping isn’t really expected — but it’s always appreciated if you leave a little extra.

At more touristy restaurants, tipping is more the norm. Around 10 percent is a solid rule of thumb.

Travel Costs in Peru

Overall, Peru is a very affordable destination. Budget accommodations and local eateries are particularly easy on the wallet.

That said, some tourist attractions can get pricey. The visit to Machu Picchu in particular adds up fast — getting there is complicated, and the combination of transport and entrance fees really puts a dent in your budget.

Here’s an overview of approximate prices in Peru:

• Simple lunch menu: $5
• Double room in a budget hotel: $65 for 2 people
• Dinner at a touristy restaurant: $14 per person
• Machu Picchu ticket: $43
• Overnight bus (12 hours): $27

Accommodations in Peru

Peru has several different types of places to stay:

• Hostels: mostly dorm rooms aimed at backpackers, with a social atmosphere and plenty of fellow travelers to meet.
• Hostals: simple, usually family-run guesthouses with mostly double rooms — a step up from a hostel dorm.
• Hotels: higher-quality lodging at higher prices, with more amenities and comfort.

In tourist areas, the selection is simply overwhelming. Cusco and Lima especially have a huge range of options at every price point. We’ve put together dedicated hotel recommendation articles for both cities:

Where to stay in Lima? Our hotel recommendations!
Our hotel recommendations for Cusco

Safety in Peru

Peru is generally safe to travel in. The overall crime rate is fairly high, but as a tourist you don’t need to be overly worried — as long as you follow some basic safety guidelines.

For starters, avoid walking around after dark. Keep your valuables close to your body at all times, and never leave your bag unattended.

In general, stay alert as you move through the streets and don’t let your guard down.

One more thing to keep in mind: roads in Peru are often in poor condition. The country is very mountainous, which means lots of narrow, winding stretches that can be genuinely dangerous.

If you’re taking a long-distance or overnight bus, always book with a reputable operator (Cruz del Sur is our go-to). Their drivers work under better conditions, which translates to a safer ride.

Getting Around Peru

Peru by Long-Distance Bus

Long-distance buses are completely standard in Peru, and there are seemingly endless operators to choose from. They’re a great way to travel affordably and see the country at ground level.

That said, always go with a reputable operator — even if it costs a little more. Their drivers work under better conditions, and the buses don’t stop at every corner to pick up extra passengers.

The risk of accidents, theft, and robbery is also meaningfully lower with the better companies.

Our top pick is Cruz del Sur. You can book their routes online in advance through Bookaway — comfortable seats, reliable service, and well-organized.

Domestic Flights in Peru

We’re generally not big fans of domestic flights. But Peru is a large country, and some bus rides are seriously long — so flying does make sense on certain routes.

If you struggle with long bus journeys or feel nervous about winding mountain roads, a domestic flight is the best alternative. Rail connections in Peru are very limited, so it’s really bus or plane for most routes.

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Road-Tripping Peru by Car

Renting a car for a road trip through Peru is possible, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. Distances are huge, which means a lot of driving — and you need to genuinely enjoy being behind the wheel on rough roads and winding mountain passes. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly advisable.

If you love driving and have plenty of time, a rental car can absolutely work. Just make sure to avoid driving at night — robberies do happen, especially on remote stretches.

Getting Around Within Cities

In most cities, getting around on foot is easy. The main sights are often right in the center — this is especially true in Arequipa and Cusco.

For highlights a bit further out, Uber is your best bet. It’s affordable and takes you door to door without any hassle.

In many places, including Cusco, you can reach nearby towns using shared minivans called colectivos. These cost just a few dollars and leave when the van fills up. There’s no central terminal — each colectivo departs from a different corner of the city.

Honestly, we never quite cracked the local city bus networks and ended up skipping them everywhere except Lima.

Lima’s bus network is more navigable. You’ll find the most useful info about getting around the city in our article with the best tips and highlights in Lima.

Language and Communication in Peru

The official language of Peru is Spanish, and it’ll get you far in most parts of the country. Some indigenous communities have their own languages and don’t always speak Spanish.

Quechua is the most widely spoken indigenous language — especially in the Andean region.

English is only spoken by a small number of people. That said, locals who work in tourism can usually get by in at least basic English.

SIM Card, Internet, and Power Outlets in Peru

We recommend getting an eSIM before your trip to Peru. You can set it up at home and activate it the moment you land — and you’re online instantly.

Our pick is the eSIM from Saily.

Alternatively, you can buy a physical SIM card locally, which tends to be cheaper. Most accommodations in Peru also offer Wi-Fi.

Coverage is solid in larger towns, but in more remote areas — like on hikes in the Andes — expect poor or no signal at all.

You’ll also need a travel adapter for Peru. Some outlets accept European-style plugs, but most don’t. We’d suggest picking up a universal adapter before you go.

Time Zones and Best Time to Visit Peru

Peru is in the EST time zone (UTC-5) and does not observe daylight saving time. Depending on where you’re traveling from, the time difference will vary — just worth checking before you go so you can plan calls home.

The best times to visit Peru are May, September, and October. During these months, you can travel comfortably throughout all regions of the country.

Southern Peru — home to the most important highlights — is generally great to visit from April through November. From December to March, rain is frequent and many hiking trails are closed.

Food and Drink in Peru

Peruvian cuisine is world-famous — and it lives up to the hype. Here’s a look at some dishes and drinks you absolutely have to try.

Typical Peruvian Dishes

• Ceviche: Raw fish marinated in lime juice with onions and sides like corn and carrots.
• Lomo Saltado: Marinated beef stir-fried with onions and tomatoes.
• Anticuchos de Corazón: Beef heart skewers — a classic street food you have to try at least once.
• Chicharrón: Crispy fried pork.
• Ají de gallina: Chicken in a rich yellow chili sauce.
• Causa rellena: Mashed potato with fillings (looks like a layered cake), typically served as a starter.
• Pachamanca: A traditional Andean dish where vegetables and meat are slow-cooked on hot stones underground.

Typical Peruvian Drinks

• Pisco Sour: Pisco — a grape brandy — is Peru’s national drink. As a cocktail, it’s mixed with lime juice, sugar, egg white, and bitters. Don’t leave without trying one.
• Chicha morada: A non-alcoholic, deep purple drink made from dried purple corn. Refreshing and unique.
• Inca Cola: A sweet, yellow, caffeinated soda found only in Peru — oddly addictive.

Drinking Water in Peru

Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Many accommodations have water dispensers with filtered water — bring a reusable bottle so you can fill up for free.

If that’s not available, you can buy bottled water. Larger containers (like 5-liter jugs) are more affordable and a good option if you’re staying put for a few days.

You can also boil tap water — most accommodations have an electric kettle in the room. Just let it cool before drinking.

What to Pack for a Trip to Peru?

Peru demands versatility when it comes to clothing. Along the coast and in the Amazon, it’s warm year-round, so light layers are essential.

In the Andean highlands, though, temperatures can drop quickly — especially at night. Even in summer. Then the sun comes out and it’s suddenly hot again.

In short: pack for all kinds of weather. Layering is the way to go.

That said, try not to overpack. The less weight you’re carrying, the better — and you’ll remember this the moment you’re hauling your bag uphill through Cusco.

Beyond clothing, your personal toiletries, phone, and documents, make sure to bring these essentials:

• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Swimwear
• Hiking gear (especially shoes)

Our tip: For Peru, a large backpack works much better than a suitcase. Many streets are uneven and cobblestoned — wheeled luggage is a real pain.

Vaccinations and Health in Peru

Before traveling to Peru, speak with your doctor or a travel health clinic about recommended vaccinations. The most commonly advised are yellow fever and hepatitis A. You should also ask about vaccinations against chikungunya, dengue fever, hepatitis B, and rabies.

Rabies in Peru

I (Tina) was once bitten by a stray dog in Peru and was really glad I had the rabies vaccine. Even though rabies in humans is rare in Peru, contact with stray dogs can happen more quickly than you’d expect.

If you are bitten by an animal, get a booster shot immediately — even if you’ve been pre-vaccinated. Pre-exposure vaccination significantly reduces your risk of serious illness. Without vaccination, rabies is fatal in nearly 100% of human cases (sorry, but it’s important to know).

Rabies in Peru is also transmitted by bats, so keep that in mind if you’re exploring caves or jungle areas.

Malaria in Peru

Elevations above 2,500 meters are malaria-free. In the rest of the country, the malaria risk is generally low.

The risk is only high in parts of the Amazon — and even there, it varies by region. If you’re heading into a malaria zone, talk to your doctor about whether prophylactic medication makes sense for your itinerary.

Altitude Sickness in Peru

Many of Peru’s most popular destinations sit above 3,000 meters. As a result, altitude sickness is really common among travelers. The first symptoms are usually headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. More severe cases bring nausea and vomiting.

The key to avoiding it? Acclimatize properly — something a lot of travelers skip entirely.

Spend at least one night at an elevation between 2,000 and 3,000 meters (Arequipa is perfect for this) before heading up to places like Puno or Cusco.

Also, don’t go straight into strenuous hikes when you arrive in the highlands. The Rainbow Mountain trail, for example, takes you above 5,000 meters — that’s not something to tackle on your first day in Cusco.

If you do get altitude sickness, coca tea or coca leaves are the local remedy and genuinely help with mild symptoms. For anything more serious, see a doctor or head to a lower altitude. Your health comes first.

Travel Health Insurance for Peru

Getting travel health insurance before your trip is a must. If you need to visit a hospital or doctor in Peru, you’ll typically pay out of pocket first and then claim reimbursement from your insurer.

We had to go to a hospital in Peru ourselves once, and the reimbursement process went smoothly. Make sure you have solid coverage before you go — it’s not worth the risk.

Our article with the best travel health insurance options