Travel Tips for Visiting Peru
Updated: 2 days ago
Full of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Peru is a country that offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. From exploring ancient ruins to venturing deep into the Amazon rainforest, there’s something magical waiting around every corner. If Peru is next on your bucket list, here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your adventure.
When to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru largely depends on the type of adventure you’re seeking! For those eager to trek the iconic Inca Trail or marvel at the beauty of Machu Picchu, the dry season from May to September is a clear winner. The weather is sunny, skies are clear, and conditions are perfect for exploring the Andean highlands. If you’re drawn to the lush greenery of the Amazon, however, the wet season from November to March brings the rainforest to life with vibrant flora and flowing rivers. No matter when you go, Peru offers incredible experiences all year round—just be sure to plan for the region and activities you’re most excited about!
We visited during the winter holidays, so the weather was warmer, prices were a little higher, and we experienced a little rain for a few days out of our trip. But there was plenty going on and I'd take a little rain over a Chicago winter any day!
Budgeting for Your Peru Adventure
Peru is wonderfully flexible for travelers of all budgets, and things are relatively much cheaper than they are in the states, so your dollar goes a long way!
Budget Travelers ($35–$50/day): Stay in hostels, eat at local markets, and use public transportation to keep costs low.
Mid-Range Travelers ($75–$100/day): Enjoy comfy accommodations, dine at casual restaurants, and include some sightseeing tours.
Luxury Travelers ($200+/day): Opt for boutique hotels, fine dining, and private guided tours for a premium experience.
Keep in mind that certain experiences, like trekking to Machu Picchu or visiting remote Amazon lodges, may increase your daily budget, but they’re worth every penny!
Currency and Exchanging Money
Peru’s official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN), and it’s widely accepted throughout the country. While many tourist hotspots and larger cities accept credit cards, I highly recommend carrying cash—especially when venturing into smaller towns or markets where card payments may not be an option. Exchanging money is easy, with exchange booths and banks available in major cities like Lima and Cusco.
For a quick, easy-to-remember exchange rate, $1 USD is roughly equivalent to 3.5-4 soles, though rates may fluctuate slightly. Keep in mind that exchange booths offer better rates than airports, so it’s worth waiting until you’re in the city to swap your cash. I always go a quick search on google maps and go to the one with the most/best reviews. Also, always check the condition of your bills—local vendors can be fussy about torn or damaged bills.
When it comes to how much to keep on hand, I recommend starting with around 200–300 soles in small bills for purchases like snacks, transportation, and tips. For larger expenses, like tours or accommodations, consider paying by card when possible to save cash for other needs.
Book in Advance
If there’s one tip you shouldn’t overlook, it’s booking in advance—especially for the most popular experiences in Peru! The iconic trek to Machu Picchu, for example, requires permits that often sell out months ahead, especially during the peak season. If you’re planning to hike the classic Inca Trail, make your reservations at least 4 to 6 months before your trip to secure your spot. Train tickets to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu entry tickets also get snapped up quickly, so don’t leave those until the last minute. The same goes for flights and accommodations, particularly in popular tourist hubs like Cusco and Lima.
We booked our Machu Picchu tickets a good 4 months in advance and there were already many time slots that were completely sold out so be sure to book that as soon as you can! If you're traveling during the rainy season, I also recommend planning multiple days if you can just in case! When we did Machu Picchu, it was extremely foggy and we almost missed seeing it entirely. We were able to wait around a few hours until the fog moved a bit but there were a lot of people who weren't able to see it or got completely rained out, but the next day was perfectly clear so if it's something that's really important to you, I'd suggest booking different circuits for a couple days in a row!
Getting Around
Navigating Peru is an adventure in and of itself, with each mode of transport offering its own unique charm. For longer distances, domestic flights are the quickest way to hop between major destinations like Lima, Cusco, and Iquitos. When leaving the airports, make sure to book with a trusted taxi company like Directo or Taxi365. All of the taxi companies have booths after baggage claim right before you exit the airport. You just have to show them the address you're going to, they give you a price based on the distance, you can pay with a card, and then they assign you a driver who walks you to the car past all the Taxi drivers outside.
Peru also has an extensive and affordable bus network, making it easy to travel between cities while seeing the stunning landscapes along the way. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider splurging on a Vistadome ride with PeruRail or the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer.
Once you’re in a city or town, taxis and rideshares like Uber are readily available, but always agree on a fare beforehand if taking a traditional taxi since meters aren’t always used. We primarily used Uber in Lima and Cusco. Peru’s colectivos (shared minibuses) present a budget-friendly and local way to travel shorter distances, letting you experience local, everyday life. You might need to know a bit more Spanish for this, but we got around the smaller town of Urubamba this way for 2 Soles each way. They also had plenty of Tuktuks that were budget friendly as well. Don’t be afraid to try navigating on foot either—plenty of Peru’s towns, like Cusco, are best explored by wandering their cobblestone streets.
Stay Safe & Avoid Getting Scammed
Peru is a breathtaking destination, but like any trip abroad, staying safe requires a bit of planning and awareness. First and foremost, always keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist areas or crowded markets, so carry a crossbody bag with zippers and keep your valuables close. When exploring at night, stick to well-lit, populated areas—especially in larger cities like Lima.
While Peru is generally welcoming and friendly, it’s wise to stay aware of common scams. Only use reputable companies for tours and transportation, and if you’re unsure, ask for recommendations from your hotel or fellow travelers.
Lastly, don’t forget travel insurance. It might not feel adventurous to think about, but having coverage for unexpected medical needs, cancellations, or lost belongings can provide peace of mind for an unforgettable trip. We always use World Nomads for our coverage, and we paid about $250 total for 2 people and 10 days. I would definitely recommend it since there's always the possibility you might get food poisoning, and if you're going any adventurous activities there is always the chance something could go wrong!
Altitude Preparation
Traveling to iconic destinations like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca often means venturing to high altitudes, and trust me, preparing for the change can genuinely make or break your experience. The thin air at these elevations (Cusco sits at around 11,000 feet above sea level) can take a huge toll on your body if you’re not ready for it. To avoid altitude sickness, it’s best to give yourself at least a full day to acclimate—taking it easy, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy meals or excess alcohol during those first 24-48 hours.
Make sure to carry medication on you in case you experience some altitude sickness symptoms, like nausea, headaches, or fatigue. I brought plenty of Advil/Tylenol as well as Dramamine Non Drowsy (motion sickness medication that helped me out a lot!). You can also go to your doctor to prescribe something more serious if you’re really worried about it. If you have a breathing condition like asthma, definitely make sure to bring an extra inhaler.
You may also want to consider traditional remedies that can help with altitude sickness, like chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, which are found all over the place in higher altitude cities. Just be aware of the potential for a positive drug test when leaving Peru as coca leaves are used in creating cocaine. But don’t worry, consuming them is completely legal within Peru and doesn’t have any psychoactive effects at all.
Pack Smart
Packing for Peru is all about striking a balance between essentials and versatility. The country’s diverse climate zones—ranging from the humid Amazon rainforest to the chilly Andean highlands—mean you’ll need to pack for multiple weather conditions. Start with comfortable layers—think moisture-wicking base layers, a warm sweater or fleece, and a lightweight, waterproof jacket. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have that rain jacket during those sudden downpours in Cusco or the Sacred Valley!
When it comes to footwear, sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are a must if you plan to do any trekking. For city exploration, a pair of lightweight sneakers or comfortable walking shoes will do the trick. Don’t forget accessories like a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the sun can be intense at higher altitudes. I love using the Supergoop powder suncreen since it's easy to carry in my bag, doesn't count as a travel liquid, and is easy to reapply throughout the day and works on my scalp as well.
I’d also recommend packing a compact daypack for your excursions—a perfect spot to stash water, snacks, your camera, and any layers you shed throughout the day. And don’t overlook insect repellent, especially if you’re heading to the Amazon, and a travel-sized first aid kit to handle minor scrapes or blisters that includes an antibiotic cream, disinfectant, bandaids, and medication like pain relievers and allergy meds.
Finally, consider the practicalities. High-quality packing cubes can be a game changer for keeping your bag organized, and don’t forget plastic bags or dry sacks for wet or dirty clothing. Keep your electronics safe and make sure your documents—passport, travel insurance, and permits—are easily accessible and stored in a water proof bag - a Ziploc bag works just fine.
Embrace the Local Culture
Beyond Peru’s natural beauty lies an incredibly rich culture that can be experienced in everything from its food, art, music, and language. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes like ceviche, alpaca, or cuy (guinea pig), take a Latin dance class in Lima or Cusco, visit traditional markets to support local artisans, and brush up on your Spanish skills before you go. Even just learning a few key phrases can go a long way in connecting with the locals and making your trip that much more memorable. Always greet people with “Buenos días” (good morning), “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon), or “Buenas noches” (good evening). A friendly hello goes a long way!
Lastly, respect local customs and traditions. In more traditional areas, it’s best to dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos or entering sacred sites. And while bargaining is common practice in markets, remember that what may be a small amount of money to you can make a big difference for the sellers—so be fair and respectful in your negotiations.
Tipping Culture
Tipping in Peru is generally appreciated, though often not expected in the same way as it might be in other countries. However, understanding when and how much to tip can go a long way in showing gratitude for good service. At restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10% is standard if a service charge hasn’t already been added to your bill—check carefully as some places, especially in tourist areas, include it automatically. If you’ve been particularly impressed with the service, feel free to leave a little extra!
For tour guides and drivers, tipping is customary at the end of your trip or excursion. A good rule of thumb is around 10–20 soles for guides and 5–10 soles for drivers per person, per day, depending on the quality and length of service. Hotel staff, like porters or housekeeping, are often tipped a few soles for their help, though this is optional.
When using taxis or rideshares, tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up the fare to the nearest whole number is a kind gesture. Keep in mind that tipping in smaller, local establishments or in areas less frequented by tourists may not be as customary, so don’t feel awkward if it’s not a common practice. The most important thing is to be kind and courteous, as showing appreciation—even with just a smile or a sincere "gracias"—can make a big difference!
Must-See Attractions When Visiting Peru
If you’re wondering where to start planning your Peru trip, these iconic destinations deserve a spot on your itinerary:
Machu Picchu: The crown jewel of Peru! This ancient Incan citadel perched in the Andes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must-see. Check out my guide on getting to Machu Picchu for different ways to get there!
The Amazon Rainforest: Explore its incredible biodiversity on guided tours or stay at eco-lodges in areas like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado.
The Sacred Valley: This stunning valley is dotted with traditional Andean villages, majestic landscapes, and archaeological sites like Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world, dotted with floating reed islands and home to indigenous communities. Don’t miss a trip to the Uros Islands!
The Nazca Lines: These mysterious geoglyphs carved into the desert sands are best appreciated from a scenic flight overhead.
Colca Canyon: Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this natural wonder offers jaw-dropping views and is one of the best places to see Andean condors in flight if you're into bird watching.
Arequipa: Known as the “White City” for its volcanic stone architecture, this colonial gem is also the gateway to Colca Canyon.
Lima: Peru’s culinary capital! Indulge in world-class gastronomy, from fresh ceviche to the fusion flavors of Nikkei cuisine.
Cusco: A delightful blend of history and charm, this city combines stunning Incan ruins with colonial Spanish architecture.
Huacachina: This surreal desert oasis near Ica is perfect for adventure lovers. Try your hand at sandboarding or dune buggying on the golden sands.
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