Insider Travel Tips

How to plan a trip to Peru?

Peru is a popular destination, offering enormous diversity in both its landscapes and historic sights. You’ll want to plan ahead to ensure a smooth Peru itinerary. Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are good focus points for first timers. Lima is your most likely gateway, so give the capital a couple of days en route. Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca are great additions with more time, as are the Nazca Lines or visiting the Amazon. For the latter, you’ll need to fly as there are no roads connecting the gateway city Iquitos. Permits for hiking the Inca Trail should be booked at least six to eight months in advance. If you miss out, don’t panic! There are other treks you can take that go via fascinating Inca sites.

How long can you vacation in Peru?

Tourists are granted 90 days in Peru upon entry, which can be extended to 183 days per 365-day period.

Where should I stay in Peru?

Most visitors arrive via Lima, where the food scene has fast risen to become one of the world’s most renowned. Lima also offers historic sights and nightlife to compete with any of South America’s large cities. Peru's most popular tourist city however is the ancient Inca capital, Cusco. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Sacred Valley and journeying to Machu Picchu, though is best enjoyed at leisure at the end of your itinerary, once you have adjusted to the high altitude. Puno is Peru’s gateway to Lake Titicaca, and an ideal last stop if you’re on your way to Bolivia, while the white city of Arequipa makes a good base for exploring the Colca Canyon region. Iquitos in Peru’s far northwest is where Amazonian cruises depart, and is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road. Further south, Puerto Maldonado is the gateway to Peru's Amazonian lodges.

How much is a trip to Peru?

Peru is a generally affordable destination. A moderate Peru tour including Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu costs around US $170 per person, per day. If you want to travel to more remote regions such as the Amazon, Colca Canyon, and the lesser-known or pre-Inca historic sites, expect to pay more. Budget around US $375 per day for a good Inca Trail hiking package with porters and a guide.   

What currency does Peru use?

The Peruvian sol trades at about 3.75 to $1 USD. Keep at least little cash with you for tips and small purchases. Mid to upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants should all accept credit cards.

Do I need to tip in Peru?

Tip between 10 and 15 percent at restaurants, and between 10 and 20 percent to your tour guide. A few soles for bar staff and hotel staff is always appreciated, but not expected. 

What to take on a trip to Peru?

This depends entirely on what kind of Peru vacation you have in mind. During the dry season, you can get by just fine in jeans or shorts and a t-shirt, along with good walking shoes. However, as you reach higher altitudes, expect things to get cold at night. Bring breathable layers, or consider buying an alpaca hat or jumper once you’re in Peru. If you’re coming in the rainy season, a light waterproof jacket or poncho is a must. Bring an insulated sleeping bag and bug spray with you on any multi-day hike, as well as a day pack or small overnight bag for excursions. Most Peru vacation packages move through destinations fairly quickly, so try to pack light.

How do I visit Machu Picchu?

Aguas Calientes is the gateway town to Machu Picchu, so you’ll most likely spend a night here if visiting. Train services including scenic trains, which start at Poroy or Ollantaytambo, finish here. A short bus ride takes you the rest of the way. Machu Picchu is a fragile site that just about every visitor to Peru wants to see. As such, a limited number of tickets are made available each day, and visitors must follow one of the pre-defined circuits. Tickets can be booked online, or via your travel advisor, and all tourists must be accompanied by an authorized guide, with a maximum of 10 visitors per guide. Tickets are issued for timed entry, and visits are limited to a maximum of four hours.

Is Peru LGBTQ+ friendly?

LGBTQ+ people are generally accepted in Peru’s larger cities and towns, though more discretion may be needed when visiting rural areas. Foreign same-sex marriages are recognized and most forms of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination are illegal. Non-binary gender is not currently recognized. A large LGBTQ+ scene exists in Lima, particularly around the Miraflores and Barranco neighbourhoods, while a smaller scene exists in Cusco. Don’t mistake the rainbow flags around Cusco for Pride flags however. This is the official flag of the city and the Incan Empire.

Why is Peruvian food so famous?

Peruvian cuisine has broken out as an unexpected star in the world of gastronomy. Of course, this isn’t news to Peruvians, who’ve been combining fresh, high-quality ingredients in interesting ways for some time. Peru also has a massive variety of ingredients at its fingertips, allowing for a lot of creativity that’s drawn chefs from France, Italy, Japan, and elsewhere. Ceviche is a local staple that comes in many varieties, but roasted cuy (guinea pig), lomo saltado (stir-fry beef), papas a la huancaina (potatoes in spicy cheese sauce) and aji de gallina, a creamy chicken dish are all worth seeking out.  

Can I drink the tap water in Peru?

Avoid drinking tap water in Peru unless it’s been boiled or filtered. It’s fine for washing or brushing your teeth however.