If you plan to travel to Peru, it is useful to prepare well. In this article, you can read all about the practical things you need to know for a trip to Peru.
Why you should travel to Peru
Located in the heart of South America, Peru is a country that has attracted backpackers for decades. The enchanting mix of mystical Inca culture, breathtaking landscapes and hospitable people makes Peru an irresistible destination. Whether you are looking for adventurous hikes in the Andes, sun-drenched beaches, or vibrant cities, Peru has something for everyone.
What makes Peru such a beautiful destination?
- Adventurous: From trekking along the Inca Trail to surfing wild waves, you can experience many adventures in Peru.
- Diverse: Discover the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, explore the colorful markets of Cusco, or admire the desert landscapes of Paracas.
- Hospitable: The Peruvian people are known for their warmth and hospitality. You quickly feel welcome.
- Affordable: Traveling in Peru is relatively cheap. You can sleep in hostels for a few euros a night and a delicious meal is not expensive either.
- Safe: Overall, Peru is a safe country for travelers, even for women traveling alone. With a little common sense and the right preparations, you can enjoy your trip without any worries.
To make your trip go smoothly, it is important to prepare. In this article, you’ll read about practical matters such as money, visas, and safety, with special attention to altitude sickness. This way you are well prepared for the unforgettable experience that traveling in Peru has to offer!
Peru Travel Tips
If you are going to travel to Peru, it is useful to prepare and read up. These are some useful travel tips for Peru.
Visa & passport requirements
To enter Peru you need a passport that’s valid for at least six more months and has at least two free pages. With many passports, you won’t need a visa for Peru, but make sure to check this before you leave on this website.
Update 2024: From what I have read, you will no longer get a stamp in your passport on your arrival, but you will be registered digitally. You can check your status on this website.
Vaccinations
Visit your doctor (well) before your trip to Peru to check whether you still need travel vaccinations. You might them; recommended vaccinations include those for Yellow Fever, DTP, and Hepatitis A. They can also provide advice on malaria, for example.
Travel insurance
It is important to take out travel insurance that covers medical costs, cancellation of your trip, and loss of luggage. Choose a travel insurance that suits your travel plans and activities.
Sometimes you have to activate extra modules for, for example, medical costs and worldwide coverage (if you live in Europe like me, many travel insurance policies default to Europe), so make sure to add that to your plan. It is often a little more expensive, but then you can be sure that you are in good hands if something happens.
I took a big hit in Huacachina while sandboarding and had a bladder infection (I also don’t understand how one thing led to another), but my insurance fully reimbursed me for all the medications and the doctor’s visit, which was great! Check Insubuy to find the insurance that fits your needs.
Money
The local currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sole, but you can also pay with US dollars. In Lima, you can pay with your credit card in most places but don’t count on paying with your credit card in other towns. A lot of places (restaurants, hotels) advertise with Visa or American Express, but check before you order, because sometimes these signs are just a decoration. Make sure to bring cash everywhere you go.
To get cash, you can use an ATM at one of the larger banks. I preferred BCP, this was the only place that allowed me to get 700 soles every time I used the ATM (the others wouldn’t give me more than 400 soles). I also didn’t have to pay additional costs when I used this ATM. ATMs aren’t available everywhere, so check for ATMs before you go to another destination.
Sockets and charging
In Peru, two types of sockets are commonly used:
- Type A: This is the flat plug that is also used in the United States and Canada.
- Type C: This is the round plug with two pins that is also used in Europe.
Some sockets in Peru are combined, allowing you to plug in both type A and type C plugs.
It is always useful to bring a universal travel adapter to Peru, so you can be sure that you can charge all your electronics.
Language
Peru is a country with rich linguistic diversity. The official language is Spanish, which is spoken by most Peruvians. But in addition to Spanish, there are about 47 indigenous languages spoken by a significant part of the population, especially in the Andes and the Amazon. The best-known indigenous language is Quechua, which was the language of the Incas.
Although you can get by with English in touristy places, it is useful to learn a few basic Spanish phrases and words.
Transportation in Peru
Peru is a big country and everywhere you want to go is far away. The mountains are really high, so it might take a while to go from one place to another. Within cities, it’s best to take a taxi (don’t forget to negotiate a little), but for long-distance, it’s best to book a bus ticket or a plane ticket.
Bus
You can go (almost) everywhere in Peru by bus. And they are super luxurious! If you want to take the bus it is almost the same as taking the plane. You have to go to a bus station, you have to drop off your luggage and you always reserve a seat (and that’s where you have to sit).
During the bus trip, you often get food and sometimes you even have a personal entertainment system! In the more luxurious buses, you can even recline your seat 160 degrees, so you lie almost flat. Ideal if you have a night bus, you will also receive a (warm) blanket and a pillow.
For an 8-hour bus ride, you pay between €15 and €30. That’s not bad, right? There are several bus companies to choose from, so take a look and see what suits you.
I went for the most luxurious company Cruz del Sur and I really liked it. Lots of choice of departure times and friendly staff. Curious about all the companies, travel times, and prices? Check the BusBud website (or app), where you can also immediately purchase an e-ticket.
Plane
Taking a domestic flight is way faster than taking the bus, but it’s also more expensive (and less luxurious). It’s kind of difficult to pick the right airline because all of them have bad reviews. Don’t just pick the cheapest, because there probably will be a high fee for checking your bag. Make sure to check the reviews of the airlines on your route, you can do this on Tripadvisor.
I used LATAM Airlines for a flight from Cusco to Lima. This was one of the more expensive options, but also one of the safest. Because of Cusco’s location and altitude, there can be quick changes in the weather, which makes a lot of airlines cancel or postpone their flights. LATAM has some of the best airplanes, that are equipped with the right instruments, so cancellation won’t happen that often.
Please note: A lot of airlines have some sort of ‘Gringo-tax’ for non-locals. Some search engines don’t see the difference, so you might find lower prices for your flight on websites like Skyscanner and WayAway. If you book those flights, you probably have to pay a big fine at the airport. So make sure to check the airlines’ official website from a different country than Peru (you can usually change it on the website).
Where to stay
There’s plenty of accommodation in Peru. You can sleep in a low-budget hostel, or in a luxury hotel, anything is possible. Booking something last minute is usually not a problem, there’s always something good available. I always use Booking.com, because I just love their app and having all my bookings in one overview.
Tours & excursions
In Peru, it’s fun to visit the cities and go hiking in the mountains, but to get to some places you have to book a tour. For example, if you want to hike the Inca Trail, you have to make a reservation months in advance.
You can often go for other tours and excursions at the last minute. You can often book through your hostel or hotel, but special tour agencies can also be found in all cities. Be careful when booking with such an agency, not all are equally good. I myself had bad experiences with one in Cusco. It might be smarter to book your tours via GetYourGuide, where you will immediately see the reviews.
What to eat in Peru?
Peru is famous for its fantastic food. These are some famous dishes you have to try:
- Ceviche (raw fish in a lemon sauce with sweet potato)
- Lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with vegetables and rice)
- Aji de gallina (a creamy sauce with chicken, potatoes, eggs, and rice)
- Andes cuy (guinea pig, I didn’t try this myself, because I just couldn’t…)
And if you like cocktails: make sure to try the famous pisco sour at least once. It’s awesome!
Internet access
You can use public wifi in many places, mostly in hostels and hotels. It might not be as great as you’re used to, but it’ll work well enough to get your social media updated.
I had a SIM card that I could use in Peru. Not only useful for navigation, but also nice for keeping the home front informed and booking buses and accommodations. You can purchase a handy E-SIM via Airalo, which allows you to enjoy the internet in Peru.
Is Peru safe?
A question many people ask: is it safe to travel in Peru? In general, Peru is a safe country to travel in, even for women. The Peruvian people are known for their hospitality and respectful treatment of travelers.
Unrest and crime
In Peru, as in any country, there are some risks you should be aware of:
- Pickpocketing and robberies mainly occur in tourist areas and busy squares. Be alert to your surroundings, keep a close eye on your valuables, and avoid dark alleys. I was once approached by the police in Miraflores (Lima) because I had my camera in my hand, and they kindly asked me to put it in my bag. A bit uncomfortable, but nice that you are being looked after.
- Demonstrations sometimes occur in Peru, especially in Lima. Keep an eye on local news and avoid large demonstrations.
- Taxis: Make sure you get into an official taxi with a meter. Agree on the price in advance.
- Avoid remote areas, especially in the border areas with Colombia and Ecuador. In these areas, there is an increased risk of crime and drug trafficking.
Traveling solo as a woman in Peru
For women traveling alone, Peru is a surprisingly safe and friendly destination. The locals are known for their hospitality and respectful treatment of travelers. With a little common sense and the right preparations, you can fully experience Peru as a woman traveling alone.
I traveled alone through Peru for a month and rarely felt unsafe. Only in Arequipa did I feel like I was being followed by a few men. I managed to shake them off by ducking into a busy shopping street and quickly returning to my hostel. There I asked a few of the male guests if I could have dinner with them that evening and I still had a super fun evening.
It is always good to trust your intuition. Don’t wander the quieter streets of a city alone at night and avoid groups of men. Usually, it turns out fine.
Altitude sickness
How to deal with altitude sickness is definitely something you’ll need to know before traveling to Peru. Whatever you do, don’t underestimate this! Most people experience some symptoms of altitude sickness when they’re traveling to an altitude of 2500 meters (8200 feet). You can feel really tired (you’ll be exhausted by climbing some stairs), and might experience some dizziness or nausea.
When you’re traveling to a higher altitude (for example, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and Huaraz), make sure to plan a rest day, before engaging in activities. Drinking (a lot of) water is always good, but you can also try the best remedies according to locals: coca tea and coca candy. Whatever you choose, make sure to take your time.
These are my travel tips for Peru. Do you have anything to add or any questions? Let me know by dropping a comment!
Book a trip to Peru
Would you like to visit Peru after reading this article? I can assure you that Peru is a wonderful country to explore! Book your trip now.
✈️ Plane tickets – Lima has a major international airport. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚍 Bus tickets – To get from A to B in Peru it is best to use long-distance buses. These are very comfortable and often include a meal. I often booked first class (which was not very expensive at all) and the seats were amazing! This is especially a good idea when traveling on night buses. You can book bus tickets via Busbud.
🚘 Rental Car – You can also discover Peru with a rental car. Then you are flexible and can stop wherever you want. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
📱E-SIM – Do you prefer having cell service during your trip? Get an e-SIM via Airalo, so you can use mobile internet to navigate and keep in touch with family and friends.
💊 Travel insurance – Don’t forget your travel insurance, as it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.
🧗🏼 Tours & activities – There are many fun day tours and adventurous activities to do in Peru. Check Viator and Get Your Guide for all the options.
Read more about Peru
Interested in learning more about Peru? Get one of these great guides for more tips and inspiration:
You can also read more about Peru on this website. Check out these articles as well:
- 20 unforgettable experiences and beautiful places in Peru
- Peru packing list: must haves for your trip
- The perfect 1 month Peru itinerary
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This article was published in October 2018. Last update with more tips: May 2024.
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