Peru Travel Guide
May–September is the Andean dry season and the best window for Machu Picchu and trekking. November–March is wet, and the Inca Trail closes each February.
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Peru at a glance
Best time to visit Peru
May–September is the Andean dry season and the best window for Machu Picchu and trekking. November–March is wet, and the Inca Trail closes each February.
Peak: June–August, plus Inti Raymi on 24 June in Cusco.
Shoulder season: April–May and September–October: green landscapes, mostly dry, far fewer people.
Visa and entry
Visa-free for 90 days for most Western nationalities. Tourist card (TAM) issued on arrival — keep it for departure.
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change frequently. Always confirm with an official embassy or consulate source before booking.
Money and tipping
Peru uses the PEN (S/.).
10% at restaurants (sometimes included as servicio). Small tips for guides are customary; not expected in markets.
Getting around
Lima's Metropolitano bus needs a rechargeable card at about S/3.20 a ride. Cusco sightseeing is mostly walkable, and the Boleto Turístico (about S/130) bundles 16 sites over 10 days.
When a pass pays off: The Cusco Boleto Turístico pays off from about 3 of its included sites — most Sacred Valley days clear that on their own.
Local etiquette
Do
- Give yourself 1–2 easy days in Cusco (3,400 m) before hiking; slow first days help.
- Book Machu Picchu entry and Inca Trail permits months ahead — they are strictly quota-limited.
- Carry small soles; change for large notes is scarce.
Avoid
- Don't drink tap water.
- Don't photograph people in traditional dress without asking — many expect a small tip.
- Don't plan anything strenuous on your first day at altitude.
Common scams and tourist traps
- Fake or resold Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits — book through the official ticket site or a licensed operator.
- Unofficial taxis at Lima airport; use the authorised counters or an app.
- Damaged and counterfeit soles in markets — check notes, and pay by card where you can.
Health
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Peru, Yellow fever vaccination is often recommended for Amazon-region travel, and visitors to Cusco or Machu Picchu should plan a day or two to acclimatize to the altitude. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
When locals eat
Meal windows shift by country, and eating on the local clock is the difference between a full restaurant and a closed kitchen.
| Meal | Early riser | Typical | Night owl |
|---|---|---|---|
| breakfast | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| lunch | 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM | 2:30 PM |
| dinner | 7:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
Useful Spanish, with Quechua and Aymara in the highlands phrases
English is limited outside Cusco and Lima tourism; basic Spanish makes a real difference.
- Hello
- Hola(OH-la)
- Thank you
- Gracias(GRA-syas)
- Excuse me
- Disculpe(dees-KOOL-peh)
- How much is this?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta?(KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
Staying connected
eSIM providers that cover Peru: Airalo, Holafly. Buying an eSIM before you fly avoids airport queues and roaming charges.
Peru travel FAQ
- When is the best time to visit Peru?
- May–September is the Andean dry season and the best window for Machu Picchu and trekking. November–March is wet, and the Inca Trail closes each February.
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
- Visa-free for 90 days for most Western nationalities. Tourist card (TAM) issued on arrival — keep it for departure. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — confirm with an official consulate or embassy source before booking.
- Do you tip in Peru?
- 10% at restaurants (sometimes included as servicio). Small tips for guides are customary; not expected in markets.
- What currency is used in Peru?
- Peru uses the PEN (S/.).
- What power plug and voltage does Peru use?
- Peru uses Type A and Type B and Type C sockets at 220V / 60 Hz. Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.
- What is the emergency number in Peru?
- In Peru, call 105 (police) / 117 (ambulance) / 116 (fire).
- What time zone is Peru in?
- Peru is in the America/Lima time zone (UTC-05:00).
- What language is spoken in Peru?
- The main language is Spanish, with Quechua and Aymara in the highlands. English is limited outside Cusco and Lima tourism; basic Spanish makes a real difference.
- Is public transport worth buying a pass for in Peru?
- Lima's Metropolitano bus needs a rechargeable card at about S/3.20 a ride. Cusco sightseeing is mostly walkable, and the Boleto Turístico (about S/130) bundles 16 sites over 10 days. The Cusco Boleto Turístico pays off from about 3 of its included sites — most Sacred Valley days clear that on their own.
- What health precautions should I take in Peru?
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Peru, Yellow fever vaccination is often recommended for Amazon-region travel, and visitors to Cusco or Machu Picchu should plan a day or two to acclimatize to the altitude. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
Ready-made Peru itineraries
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Plan my Peru tripThis guide is general travel information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Visa, health, and safety requirements change — verify anything time-sensitive with an official source before you travel.