How about a luxury train ride through the towering Andes Mountains? Embark on one of the last great adventures! The Belmond Andean Explorer takes you on a journey along one of the world’s highest rail routes to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes. Travel with elegance and style on a glamorous rail journey that…
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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Best Places To Visit
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 Difference
What Our Guests Say
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!
Daniela Betancourt Mastilenko
USA
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.
Thomas Roy Witt
USA
To the Enchanting Travels Team, I want to give an astounding thank you to the team at Enchanting Travels. First, thanks to Bronwen who started it all for me. From our first conversation i felt as though I was talking to a friend who was creating the best vacation package a person can dream of to help me celebrate my birthday in one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been too. Hats off to Camila, my trip coordinator who kept in contact, keeping me updated and surprising me for my birthday. It was very reassuring as I was traveling by myself. Thanks to Gustav, who made sure every ran smoothly once I arrived in Lima. We had lovely conversations. And as for my guides and drivers…outstanding! BIG THANKS to my guides for each leg of my travels. Millie (Lima), Miguel (Cusco) – extra special thanks for giving me the opportunity to immerse myself in Peruvian culture and Darcy (Machu Picchu) Thank you all for your warm welcome and lovely entertaining, engaging and educational conversations. My driver Roberto, (Cusco). Quiet soul, but wonderful, patient, punctual and safe driver. Thank you for getting us to every destination, safe and sound. And to Olga (my long-lost Peruvian sister!). Shared some great laughs and stories. Lastly, thank you for making my birthday the best one I’ve ever had. Thank you for the delicious surprise cake. It warmed my heart. Enchanting Travels did an amazing job from start to finish. Thank you, thank you so much for taking good care of me and giving me a world class experience. Enchanting Travels…truly first-class service! Pisco Sour and warm wishes, Love Carolyn
Carolyn Daniel
USA
Incredible agency that pulled together an incredible trip with thoughtful details. Everyone’s seamless and safe, letting me fully enjoy the adventure. The price was 100% worth it!
Adriana Davila
Canada
A truly 5 star adventure. Well planned but with enough surprises to keep things interesting. Everyone involved with our tour was gracious. The tour guides were well informed and willing to share their insights.
Deborah Konopada
Canada
Perfection from the minute we arrived in Peru. All the transfers ran smoothly, the hotels wonderful and of. course, Machu Picchu was a life experience ! Lisa, our Travel Consultant guided and tailored our trip flawlessly. Claudia, was available to answer any question or request. The guides spoke perfect English and were very knowledgeable.. I would highly recommend this company to the most discerning client. Look no further they are truly experts!!!
Bonnie Sue Piceu
USA