Peru travel guide

Travel essentials

PERU

Languages: Spanish 85% , Quechua 12%, Aymara 1.7, %
Ethnic groups: 45% Amerindian (native Peruvian) , 27% Mestizo (mix of native and Spanish and or other ethnicities) , 15% white, 2% other.
Demonym: Peruvian ('peruano' for men and 'peruana' for women)
Area: 1,285,216 Km2 (19th largest country)
Population: 31,151,643 (estimate)
Currency: Sol peruano (please note that many people still use the old currency name 'Nuevo Sol'
Regions: 25 total
Visas: Citizens of the U.S. and most other Western countries don’t require a tourist visa. The maximum period of stay granted is 183 days (you will need to specifically ask the customs officer for more than 90 days, which is otherwise the default period of stay).
ATMs: Widely available in big cities and towns. ATMs will allow you to withdraw either Soles or American Dollars US$. Please note that most ATMs limit withdrawals to about 700 Soles per day (or the equivalent in US$). If you need larger amounts of money, tell your bank in advance so they can raise your limit.
Credit & debit cards: Accepted at many businesses. Note: VISA is more popular in Peru than Mastercard, and very few places accept other cards, such as AMEX.

vaccines

electricity

sales tax

tipping

water

Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Malaria*
Rabies*
Yellow Fever*

* Especially if you are planning to go to the jungle.

Electricity in Peru is 220V/60Hz: Most cellphone and laptop chargers are compatible with this voltage, but we recommend you to confirm this before bringing any device to Peru.

All sales prices in Peru already include an 18% IGV sales tax by law (However please note that visitors get an automatic 18% IGV sales tax exemption at hotels during their stay).

Tipping has become very popular at restaurants, and a 10% tip is suggested. However, please note that tipping taxi drivers is not customary.

Stay safe: Faucet water is NOT drinkable. Instead, buy bottled water, use a water filter, or boil faucet water before drinking it.

Costs of Living

Banana

PEN 0.3

Bread

PEN 0.3

SIM card

PEN 15

Milk

PEN 3-5

Lunch

PEN 8-12

Water

PEN 1.5

Apple

PEN 0.8

Beer

PEN 4

Taxi

PEN 5-15

Movie tkt

PEN 15

Bus

PEN 2.5

Coffee

PEN 8

High end
PEN 300+ ($90+)

Hotel room with breakfast = PEN 200+
Restaurant lunch = PEN 20+
Fancy dinner = PEN 70+
Private city tour = PEN 150+

Airbnb = PEN 55-90
Set menu lunch = PEN 10-15
Restaurant dinner = PEN 20-45
Museum tickets = PEN 7
Transportation = PEN 5-20

Shared dorm bed = PEN 25-30
Budget lunch = PEN 8
Budget dinner = PEN 10-20
Museum tickets = PEN 7
Transportation = PEN 5

Mid-range
PEN 90-150 ($25-$45)

On a budget
PEN 60-70 (about $22)

Your estimated daily budget

Top travel itineraries

Little time, big expectations

Time investment

2 weeks average

Travel plan:

1) Visit the city of Lima & learn Spanish

2) Paracas

Visit the town of Paracas and coastline
Tour the natural reserve of 'Islas Ballestas'

3) Sandboard in Huacachina

4) Nazca

Fly over the Nazca Lines

5) Arequipa

Visit the ''white city'' of Arequipa
Trek the incredible Colca Canyon or the Cotahuasi Canyon

6) Puno

Quick visit to the city of Puno
Hire a classic tour to the Titicaca Lake or a more complete tour to additionally visit the ''Taquile'' Island

7) Cusco

Explore the city of Cusco
Visit the archeological sites around the city and in the Sacred Valley
Explore Machu Picchu and hike the Wayna Picchu mountain

Jungle adventure

6 weeks average

Travel plan:

1) Visit the city of Lima & learn Spanish

2) Cusco

Explore the city of Cusco
Visit the archeological sites around the city and in the Sacred Valley
Explore Machu Picchu and hike the Wayna Picchu mountain

3) Manu National Park

4) Puerto Maldonado

5) Pucallpa

Explore Yarinacocha and the tribal villages of Shipibos

6) Iquitos

Hire a tour to go deeper into the Jungle

7) Pacaya Samiria National Park

PLEASE NOTE: We strongly suggest hiring local tour agencies to visit most of the trips listed above, since exploring the Peruvian jungle requires professional experience to do it safely and easily.

The best of Peru