Peru Travel Guide
Peru: Essential information
From eclectic cities such as Lima and Cusco to historic villages and towns high up in the Andes, Peru is diverse and delightful. A Machu Picchu vacation is on every travel bucket-list. A Lima food tour or hiking up the Inca trail can can be just an invigorating, especially in winter, the best season to visit Peru.
If you’re wondering is Peru safe to travel in, rest assured that it is. From the high Andes to Lake Titicaca, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our most important Peru travel tips below – from cash and currency to dining etiquette, cultural tours in Peru and other important tips.
Cash, credit cards and tipping
Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the national currency of Peru. One sol equals one hundred Céntimos. Refer to this finance convertor for the most up to date exchange rates.
ATMs are found in every city and town, and are usually open 24/7. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card in South America, followed by MasterCard. American Express is sometimes accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, major shops and restaurants. Please carry some local currency, preferably in smaller denominations, to tide you over unforeseen circumstances.
Tipping and gratuities, known as “propinas” in Spanish, are not mandatory, but common practice at various service establishments like restaurants is 10%. Taxes are always included in the price.
Communications and internet
In Peru, mobile phone coverage is limited to major cities and towns but will be poor to non-existent in rural areas. If you wish, your Trip Coordinator can help you purchase a local SIM card while in Peru. The best option for making international calls from South America is a prepaid calling card that can be used with a local landline phone, for example, hotel room phones. You can easily purchase these at kiosks. Internet is available in all major cities and towns.
Health information
Visitors to Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru do not need any vaccinations. In the rainforest areas such as Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos in Peru, it is best to carry insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothes, trousers and a hat, to protect yourself from the Zika virus or dengue fever. Please speak with your doctor before the trip or visit a Tropical Institute to find out which preventive measures are best for you.
High altitudes
In areas such as Colca Canyon, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, we recommend taking it slow so your body can adapt to the high altitude. In the first hours after arrival we recommend you lie down and drink plenty of water. Acclimation generally takes 1-2 days.
Our travel consultants plan your Peru tours to give you plenty of time to get used to the altitude. If you need any assistance, our Trip Team is available around the clock.
How to prevent altitude sickness
- Eat light and avoid alcohol
- Ensure that you get a lot of rest, especially during the first few days
- Drink plenty of water
- Drink coca tea or chew on coca leaves
- Soroche Pills may be helpful – these can be purchased at any pharmacy
Dining
Please note that meal times are different in Peru than in the US, UK and Australia. Dinner is between 8:30 pm & 11:30 pm. Lunch is served from 12:30 pm to as late as 4 pm. It is typical to have a “merienda” or a light snack with tea or coffee around 5 or 6 pm.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Peru, however, native languages such as Quechua and Aymara are still spoken especially in the Andean regions. English is not widely spoken in areas outside of tourist establishments.
Our destination experts are happy to share more Peru travel tips and recommendations for your tour. Plan your journey of a lifetime in Peru. Contact us for your obligation-free itinerary.
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History
From the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to Lima, the vibrant ‘City of Kings’, and Spanish colonial influence, discover centuries of history and heritage in Peru.
Culture
Discover the fascinating and rich cultural heritage of Peru, with an incredible blend of strong indigenous roots and Spanish colonial influence.
Cuisine
Peru is one of the top gastronomic destinations in the world with creative young chefs defining a new Peruvian cuisine that reflects the bounty of natural resources and various cultural influences.
The Enchanting Travels Difference
What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
“Enchanted travels created a bespoke itinerary for our family trip through Peru, and it was fantastic–everything from the travel transfers to the guides was on point.”
June 2025 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels is a wonderful agency that we have now used twice for two long trips, one to Peru and one to Spain and Portugal. Their guidance in planning our trip was outstanding, always with an eye toward accommodating our desires and needs but also with wonderful suggestions made to enhance our experience. All of the staff that we have interacted with at Enchanting Travels have been friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. During our trips, the transfers have been seamless, the accommodations very much to our liking, and the guides outstanding. The 24/7 support that they provide during our trip takes all the stress out of our travel. We will definitely be using Enchanting Travels again for our next trip abroad.”
October 2025 Rating 5/5
“From the time we landed in Lima until the time we left Lima to come back home, everything was arranged for us. The guides, tours and drivers were excellent. We had a very fun and memorable time. Would highly recommend enchanting travels.”
April 2026 Rating 5/5
“We chose Enchanting Travels for a trip to Galapagos and Machu Picchu, and we are so glad we did! The guides selected were local and extremely knowledgeable. Our 3-week schedule was totally stress-free. We had not experienced this type of full service travelling before and we now know this is the only way to see the world!”
March 2025 Rating 5/5
“We had been wanting to go to Peru for a long time but hadn’t had the time to plan a trip. We decided to use an agency to facilitate the whole process and after having conversations and receiving quotes from multiple agencies, we decided on Enchanting Travels. They absolutely met and exceeded every single one of our expectations! The whole process was easy and seamless, from the planning and coordination of details, to the specifics and logistics during the trip itself. The hotels, guides, and experiences they organized were all amazing, it was truly the trip of a lifetime and we will definitely book with them once again!”
August 2024 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels planned and executed a two week trip for our family of nine (including two small children and a one year old baby) to several destinations in Peru. It is a superb travel agency. From trip planning to pre-departure preparation to execution to on site 24/7 support, they made sure that all aspects of the trip were well planned and carried out seamlessly. The transfers were always on time, and the drivers and guides were always friendly, knowledgeable, flexible, and very accommodating to our requests and needs. I recommend Enchanting Travels without reservation.”
June 2024 Rating 5/5