Peru Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Lima
- Currency
- Peruvian Sol (PEN)
- Best time to visit
- May to October for the highland sites (Machu Picchu, Cusco) — dry season with clear skies. November to April for the Amazon jungle. Lima has year-round grey skies but is always worth visiting.
Visa requirements
Citizens of 60+ countries enter visa-free for up to 183 days including USA, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada. A valid passport is sufficient.
Getting around
Comfortable long-distance buses (Cruz del Sur) are the backbone of intercity travel, with domestic flights saving long hours over Peru's mountains and scenic tourist trains running to Machu Picchu. In Lima and other cities, ride-hailing apps Uber, Cabify and DiDi are popular and safer than hailing street taxis.
Safety
Tourist areas are generally safe with vigilance. Watch for pickpockets in Lima, Cusco markets, and bus stations. Use official taxis or apps. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk in Cusco (3,400m) and the Inca Trail — acclimatize before strenuous activity.
Tipping customs
Tipping is appreciated but modest. Leave around 10% in restaurants (upscale places may add a service charge), round up taxi fares rather than tipping, and keep small change for hotel porters, housekeeping and guides; tour and trek guides customarily receive tips.
Travel tips
Book Machu Picchu tickets months in advance — daily entry is capped and sold out frequently. Take altitude sickness seriously in Cusco — arrive a day early, drink coca tea, avoid alcohol initially. Ceviche at a Lima cevichería is a life-changing meal.