The Ultimate Peru Travel Guide for 2024

Temperature in Cuso

Hours of sunshine in Cusco

Rainy days in Cusco

Following nationalities don’t need a tourist visa for Peru:

• South America: Citizens of all South American countries except Venezuela
• Central America: Citizens of most Central American countries (exception Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti and Nicaragua)
• North America: Citizens of the United States, Canada and Mexico
• Europe: Citizens of all countries within the European Union and Switzerland
• Africa: Citizens of South Africa
• Asia: Citizens of Brunei, Indonesia, Israel, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand; partly citizens of China and India: according to a supreme decree from September 2016 Chinese citizens and according to a supreme decree from March 2017 Indian citizens with a permanent residency or a visa with a validity of at least 6 months for the USA, Canada, any country belonging to the Schengen area, UK or Australia can travel to Peru visa-free; other Chinese and Indian nationals still have to apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian embassy or consulate!
• Oceania: Citizens of Australia and New Zealand

*The passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page. Tourists are allowed to stay in Peru for up to 183 days.

For other countries need to apply through at a Peruvian Embassy or Consulate.

Source: http://www.consulado.pe/es/londres/tramite/Paginas/Visas/Issuance-of-Tourist-Visa.aspx

Type A and C plugs

The official currency in Peru is Sol (PEN).

Exchange Rate Converter

GlobalNet ATMs and other standalone cash machines tend to be towards the higher end, so I would rather skip them. Go with Scotiabank bank ATM (if possible), as there is often no surcharge for international account withdrawals. Banco de la Nación (multiRed) had a 0 fee as well. However, you might also probably get charged a fee by your own bank.

For this reason, I would recommend using online banks like Wise, which allows you to take money from ATM abroad without commission (2 times per month), and has one of the best conversion rates.

Withdrawal limits depend on the bank & ATM. Can be as low as 400 Sol, but 700 is more common. This means you might need to do multiple transactions. It’s worth noting that some banks decrease their withdrawal limit at night from around 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Just be careful where you take your money off.

*Note, if ATM is asking for a conversion rate, use the local currency, as your bank probably would provide a better conversion rate, than ATM.

We all don’t like overpaying. Here’s the Ultimate Travel Guide that I tried to collect the table with prices for the most common things visiting/living in Peru.

The four mobile phone companies in Peru are:

Bitel, Movistar Peru, Claro Peru and Entel Peru

Movistar and Claro are the most convenient ways to get SIM cards in Peru, in my opinion. Movistar is your best bet for 4G/LTE coverage and speeds (the latter, together with Entel). Claro is the best choice if you care about how fast the 4G/LTE connection is and where it works.

Another option is to use eSim like Airalo.

Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) is situated approximately 12 kilometers from the city’s center.

Taxis are the most common transportation to and from Lima International Airport. If you use a cab, expect to pay anything from 56.88 to 113.76 Peruvian Sol and travel for around 25-30 minutes. But the local public transportation system is notoriously unreliable, with overloaded and inadequate minivans acting as the primary form of transportation.

Taxi is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to the city

Depending on traffic, a ride in a shared minivan into the city center may take anywhere from 30min to 2 hours and cost as low as 2 Sol. I would also suggest, having an extra 1.90 Sol to switch minivans at various points throughout the trip.

Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International (CUZ) Airport

The airport is located just 5.5 km from the city center. Which is a 20-40min ride by taxi or bus.

By Bus. The cheapest way is to head to the Gas Station on the road and buses will stop there going to Cusco city center. The ticket to Cusco city center costs only $1 Sol (which is less than $1) and takes around 30-40 min to Plaza de Armas in Cusco city center.

By Taxi. The price to the historic center is around 10-15 Sol (US$ 3.50 – 5.00) for the 20-minute journey.

Taxi drivers are required to pay a 2 Sol parking fee when leaving Cusco Airport and often ask for this from the passenger in addition to the pre-agreed fare.

Peru is considered a safe place to visit, but like any other country, it has its share of crime, dangerous areas, health difficulties, and political upheaval. Be careful with your belonging, phone, and cameras. Avoid empty dark areas at night. Go only with licensed taxi drivers.

If you’re concerned about your safety while overseas, using a travel agency to set up your transportation, accommodation, and excursions in advance is an ultimate travel guide.

If you are traveling, I would say insurance is a must. I have seen so many times when people get injuries and health problems, and their relatives/friends are organizing fundraising campaigns for the treatments.

The health system here is very expensive. So it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it.

I personally buy for $45/month (can have a daily option) SafetyWings travel insurance. That gives me a peace of mind. It has $250 deductible, with $250 000 max limit. I had 2 claims, and both of them got covered.

*This is affiliate link. Meaning I will get commission if you use it. But as I mentioned before I am using this insurance myself.

Lima

Outsite (Co-living)

Cocohub (Co-living)

Selina (Co-working & Co-living)

WeWork (Co-working)

Cusco

Nomad hideout (Co-living)

FB Groups

Travel Peru

Backpacking Peru

Life in Peru – Expat Support

Expatriates in Peru

PERU FOR YOUNG EXPATS

Expats Cusco – Peru

Lima

Because Lima is so big and has so many people, it is hard to make broad statements about it. Some of the best restaurants are there, and there are many fun things to do on the beach. The museums and galleries in Lima’s colonial district are an excellent way to learn about Peru’s rich cultural history. Below are the areas that I recommend for staying:

• Miraflores – this is the safest area and is best for first-time travelers.
• Barranco – this offers the most epic nightlife experience.
• Central Lima – the most convenient place to stay for sightseeing attractions.

Cusco

Cusco is not only a central touristic location but also perfect for budget travelers since it is home to some of the best hostels in Peru. Even if you decide not to move, you should visit the area for a few days. I would recommend staying in the city center since it is conveniently accessible on foot. Furthermore, here is where the majority of travel brokers are situated. Below are the areas that I recommend for staying:

• San Cristobal – most accommodations here are cheaper so this area is perfect for travelers who have a tight budget. This area also offers a historic experience.
• San Blas – this alluring area also offers beautiful historic scenery and the most ambient cafes and restaurants.
• Plaza de Armas – cathedrals, the Museum of Natural History, and a Jesuit church are all packed in this area making it the heart of the Historic Center. This place also offers great nightlife.

Arequipa

Although you may feel more at home in Arequipa than in other parts of Peru, you should still check the area thoroughly before relocating there.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a great place for couples to relax and unwind away from the noise and chaos of the city. It’s very special place to visit.

This Peru Ultimate travel guide 2024 brought to you the list of things you can do in Peru:

Here is the list of things you can do in Peru:

Day 1. Lima. Explore the historic center of Lima with its beautiful colonial buildings and visit attractions like the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Monastery as well as the Pacific Ocean view around Miraflores.

Day 2. Go from Lima to Paracas. Explore the Ballestas Islands resemble Galapagos in many ways. If have time, see the Nazca Lines.

Day 3. Huaccachina Oasis. And get back to Lima.

Day 4. Go to the Cusco, take short walks, drink coca tea, and eat basic meals like soups and salads to adapt to the altitude.

Day 5. Go to Sacred Valley. Witness salt ponds, weaving cooperatives, and Incan ruins.

Day 6. Visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Plaza de Armas, and Saqsayhumana.

Day 7-8. Go to Aguas Calientes and do the early morning hike to Machu Picchu. Come back to Cusco.

Day 9. Climb Rainbow Mountain.

Day 10 & 11. Head to Colca Canyon & enjoy hiking there.

Day 12 & 13. Head to Puno. Lake Titicaca Tour: Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island

Day 14. Explore Arequipa’s historic area.

Last Update: September 24, 2022

• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary for entrance into Peru (3 doses) for all individuals older than 12 years. (Last dosage administered at least 14 days before boarding).
• If not vaccinated, need to have a PCR test within 48 hours of departure
• Two masks (one cloth, one surgical) or a KN95 mask must be worn in health centers, in land-transport service vehicles, and in closed spaces without ventilation. The use of masks outdoors and in closed spaces with ventilation is optional

Source: https://pe.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

• Get ready for altitude sickness first day arriving in Cusco. Eat more sweets, coca leaves/tea, or take aspirin.
• Ascending the Inca Trail with a reliable Peruvian tour operator will be costly, but might be worth considering
• Vendors frequently take advantage of tourists by charging them more than they’re worth. Don’t forget to bargain.
• Learn some basic Spanish words
• Don’t bring with you coca leaves coming back come, as in many countries it’s considered a drug with all the consequences

Hola – Hi

Sí – Yes

No – No

Adiós – Goodbye

Buenos dias – Good morning

Buenas tardes – Good afternoon

Buenas noches – Good evening

Por favor – Please

Gracias – Thank you

Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?

No entiendo – I don’t understand

Socorro! – Help!