South America
Peru
Machu Picchu, Andes treks, the Amazon and South America's best food. The well-worn Gringo Trail makes solo travel easy; altitude, petty theft and long bus rides are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa103 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyPENUS$1 ≈ S/3.44Details
- Price level52%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType A, C220 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency105Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water everywhere; many hostels have refill stations.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSociety is conservative; Lima's Miraflores and Barranco are the most open.Details
- Internet260 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 62 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightTourists can drive with a home licence plus an IDP for a limited period; driving in Lima is chaotic.
Where to go in Peru
13 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LimaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,310–2,030 | Dec–Apr | 56/100 |
| CuscoCity | 3/5 | $1,020–1,600 | May–Sep | 58/100 |
| Machu PicchuTown | 4/5 | $1,740–2,760 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 37/100 |
| ArequipaCity | 3/5 | $930–1,450 | Apr–Oct | 76/100 |
| Sacred ValleyRegion | 4/5 | $959–1,510 | May–Sep | 81/100 |
| HuacachinaTown | 4/5 | $726–1,160 | Oct–Apr | 92/100 |
| MáncoraTown | 3/5 | $726–1,220 | Dec–Apr | 87/100 |
| HuarazMountain town | 4/5 | $697–1,100 | May–Sep | 94/100 |
| PunoCity | 3/5 | $697–1,100 | May–Sep | 81/100 |
| ParacasTown | 4/5 | $813–1,250 | Dec–Apr | 90/100 |
| IquitosCity | 3/5 | $813–1,250 | Jun–Sep | 73/100 |
| NazcaTown | 3/5 | $1,020–1,600 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 66/100 |
| Puerto MaldonadoCity | 3/5 | $1,020–1,600 | May–Sep | 60/100 |
When to visit Peru
Andes and Machu Picchu: May–Sep, the dry season (busiest Jun–Aug). Lima: sunny Dec–Apr, grey Jun–Oct. Amazon: drier May–Oct. The Inca Trail closes in February.
Good to know
Entry
- Pre-registering on MigraCheck (free) can let you use the immigration e-gates at Lima airport.
- No arrival card; entry is recorded digitally. Overstays are fined per day when you leave.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon trips but is not required for entry.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Touching, climbing or removing anything at archaeological sites brings fines or arrest.
- Flying a drone at Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites needs a permit.
- Carry your passport or a copy; police ID checks happen.
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing people in traditional dress; many expect a tip
- Friends greet with one cheek kiss; strangers with a handshake
- Lunch is the main meal; the set 'menú' is the bargain
Tipping
Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones
- iPerú tourist information (PromPerú)
- PeruRail
- Speedtest Global Index: Peru
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.