Peru Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Peru in 2023

Peru is a magical destination in South America. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant culture of Lima, there is a lot to explore in this colorful country. You’ll love the delicious cuisine, rich history, and welcoming people.

This ultimate Peru travel guide will help you with valuable tips to be prepared for your Peru trip!

Document checklist for Peru

• Visa (if applicable)

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have two blank pages)

• Sufficient funds to cover your trip

• Return or onward ticket

Essential Peru travel information

• Currency - Peruvian sol (S/). $1 is equivalent to approx. S/.3,83.

• Daily budget for 1 person - Allow a daily budget of S/.179 ($47).

• Languages - Spanish is the official national language. However, over 26% of the population speaks a local language as their first language, such as Quechua and Aymara.

• Number of travelers per year - In 2020, 1,119,000 travelers visited Peru, according to the World Bank. Whether to explore history or spiritual cleansing, the destination is a must-see in South America.

• Socket type - Types A, B, C, F, and L, 220V supply voltage and 60Hz.

• Time zone - Peru Time Zone (UTC-5).

• Top 3 cities to visit - Cuzco, Arequipa, and Lima.

• Top 3 landmarks/monuments - The Machu Picchu, Laguna Parón, Monumental Callao.

Visa information for Peru

Peru is very open to tourism. Travelers from most countries in the Americas and Western Europe are visa exempt. Local authorities allow visitors to cross the border area and stay in the territory for 183 days.

Those who need to apply for a tourist visa must follow the traditional procedure for a paper visa. You can use our Visa Checker Tool to see if you need the document.

The Peru Tourist Visa explained

The visa is part of the entry and exit requirements for some nationalities, such as Indians and Pakistanis. In this case, the Peruvian government requests travelers to apply in advance for a paper tourist visa to arrive at Lima's international airport with the document on hand.

You must contact your country's Peruvian embassy or consulate for further information about the application process. In general, it involves an interview at the embassy.

Visa difficulty index for Peru

Accessibility: 1/5 Unfortunately, nationals who need a visa to enter Peru must visit an embassy to apply for a paper visa. So be prepared for a bureaucratic process.

Time to get your visa: 3/5 Getting the Peru Tourist Visa takes 7 to 10 business days after the personal interview.

Costs: 5/5 The Peru Tourist Visa costs USD 30. You must pay the visa fee at the time of the embassy appointment.

Travel to Peru: Typical costs and budget for Peru

A guide to what you'll spend on a daily basis traveling through Peru on a mid-range budget.

• Daily spending - Around S/.179 ($47) per person, per day. This includes:

• Meals - Expect to spend about S/.48 ($13) in total for three meals per day.

• Transport - Depending on your travel plans and standard of travel, local transportation may cost up to S/.25 ($6.55) per day.

• Hotel - The average hotel price in Peru for a couple is S/.150 ($39). On average, a trip to Peru for two people for one week will cost S/.2,506 ($657).

Transport and best ways to travel around Peru

Here you will find the best ways to get to and around Peru. Check out some tips for exploring the major cities and countryside safely.

Flying to Peru

Lima airport is the main international entry in Peru. You can find direct flights from cities in Europe, such as Madrid, in the US, from Atlanta, Detroit, and New York, or Latin America, from major cities, such as Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires. Check below the major airlines that fly to Peru:

• American Airlines,

• Air France

• Iberia

• Air Europe

• Delta Air Lines

• British Airways

• KLM

• LATAM Airlines Group SA

• Gol Transportes Aéreos

• Avianca

You can count on domestic air travel to travel around the country, going from Lima to other cities such as Cuzco and Arequipa.

Arrival and immigration tips for Peru

Travelers usually enter Peru by air or land. Here are some tips for a smooth arrival:

• On the departing date, arrive at least 4 hours at the airport before boarding. It’s enough time to avoid missing your flight due to traffic jams or airport queues.

• You must present a valid passport to the local authorities. It must be valid for at least six months after the arrival date. *Entering Peru by the Peru-Ecuador border, ensure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the local immigration office in Aguas Verdes.

• The same is valid to enter Peru overland from the Peru-Bolivia border: you must get the entry stamp at the Peruvian immigration office in Desaguadero or Copacabana.

• Pre-booking an airport transfer with your accommodation or through a reputable company is a good idea, so you don’t need to worry about transport on arrival.

Public transportation: Buses in Peru

You can count on buses to explore the places and go from one city to another. However, It can be a long trip depending on your destination: from Lima to Máncora beach, you have a 15 hour trip, for example. But it’s a cheap way to travel around and the bus terminals can take you to the main cities.

In the cities, you can cross metropolitan areas on micros (buses) and combis (vans) for less than S/.4 (nearly US$1). Despite this, there are constant drop-offs and pick-ups and no set schedule.

Road trip in Peru

A road trip is an option if you have an international driving permit. However, you must have a flexible budget, time, and ability to face chaotic traffic and roads in bad conditions. The price goes from $16 for a basic option to around $60 for an SUV.

Carretera Panamericana is the most important highway, connecting the north to southern Peru. Considerrenting a four-wheel drive for a better experience in the rough terrain, especially if you visit the jungle or the Andes region.

Trains in Peru

Train services can reach only a few destinations in Peru. It’s the case of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Departing from Cusco or the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, the train ride to the Inca citadel offers a scenic journey. Both Inca Rail and Peru Rail offer tickets to travel to the Unesco World Heritage Site.

Taxis in Peru

Despite being more expensive than public transport, taxi services can be an excellent option to move quickly in the city and for personal safety at night. Only travel with licensed taxi drivers, and remember to set the price in advance since they do not use meters. In big cities, there is also the option to use rideshare apps such as Beat and Uber.

Safety in Peru

Peru is definitely a worth visiting destination in Latin America. However, tourists must exercise a high degree of caution to travel safely. Here are some recommendations:

• Violent protests and demonstrations have been occurring in some regions of Peru. Monitor the local news, avoid the spots with widespread civil unrest, and follow the recommendations of local authorities.

• Peru faces drug trafficking and violent crime issues. The local advice is not to go out alone, especially at night. Pay attention to personal belongings and avoid wearing jewelry in public.

• Peru is susceptible to many natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. Monitor local media, and keep an eye on the local weather to keep yourself updated about potential dangers.

• Members of a local terrorist group may still be active in Southern Highlands. Monitor local news and be careful when traveling to this region.

• During the rainy season, traveling to steep or slippery areas can be dangerous. *We always recommend purchasing travel insurance to travel. It’s an essential measure to guarantee access to medical services.

Weather in Peru

The best time to visit Peru is during the winter (May-September) when you have the dry season. You can explore Machu Picchu on sunny days with bright blue skies.

Otherwise, during the rainy season (November-April), the weather will be an obstacle to fully enjoying outdoor activities. In this season, be cautious in the steep areas where there may be landslides, so monitor local media to be aware of the instructions from local authorities.

In Lima, during the year, the temperature varies from 15°C (59°F) to 27°C (81°F) and is rarely below 13,8°C (57°F) or above 29°C (85°F).

Tourist destinations: Must do and see in Peru

Don’t miss these awesome sights on your holiday to Peru:

1. Hike to Machu Picchu, one of the World's New Seven Wonders.

2. Explore the Laguna Parón, in Huaraz. The snow-capped mountains contrast with the green lagoon, offering a breathtaking view.

3. Visit the Monasterio de Santa Catalina in Arequipa. The building with imposing high walls dates back to 1580 and is one of Peru's most fascinating religious buildings.

4. Visit the Monumental Callao in Lima. This is a colorful center for urban art where local artists make their mark on this barrio’s historic streets.

5. Explore the Parque Nacional Yanachaga-Chemillén. The park is located north of Oxapampa and has a preserved spectacular cloud forest and diverse flora and fauna.

Typical Peruvian food to try

• Ceviche - This is a delicious dish of Peru and a must-try for any visitor. Made with fresh raw fish, lime juice, onions, and cilantro, it's a refreshing and flavorful food to try on your trip.

• Lomo Saltado - This dish is a delicious fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine. It's made with marinated beef strips, onions, tomatoes, and french fries.

• Anticuchos - These are skewers of grilled meat, typically made with beef heart, marinated in a blend of spices, and served with a spicy sauce. They are popular street food in Peru.

• Rocoto Relleno - This is a spicy and flavorful stuffed pepper dish made with ground beef, raisins, olives, and topped with cheese. It's a traditional dish from Arequipa and a must-try when you're there.

Travel advice: Vaccine information for Peru

It's essential to check what routine vaccines and COVID-19 measures are required to travel to Peru, especially if you visit the jungle or remote areas. We recommended visiting the CDC website for further information about vaccine requirements and any recommended guidance or medicine lists.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a magical place hidden for centuries among the Peruvian mountains. The citadel was built in the 15th century by the Incas. It was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and rediscovered only in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Even these days, researchers cannot say for sure why the developed city was abandoned.

It's considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a testament to the ingenuity and advanced engineering of the Incan civilization. Besides the intriguing history, the spot is surrounded by stunning natural scenery in the Andes Mountains. The site itself is perched on a mountain ridge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

One thing is for sure: you will not regret visiting this destination!