Prepare Your Trip to Peru:
Checklist, Tips & Tricks

Before booking your tickets, take time to consider the essentials. Make a list of cities, sites and activities you want to experience, and create a realistic itinerary considering distances, climate and travel time between stops. Plan your overall budget including contingencies.

Learn about local customs as some behaviors may be frowned upon. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks in Peru. Get proper rest before departure as jet lag, altitude and travel pace can be challenging initially. Finally, travel light - leave stress behind and embrace a new culture!

If you don't speak Spanish, we recommend learning some useful words and phrases that will help during your adventure. To assist you, we've prepared a small lexicon with translations in French, Spanish, English and Portuguese that you can download here.

Peru is known to be relatively affordable. However, costs vary depending on your travel style: solo or with a local agency, comfort level or season chosen. The cost of living also varies. Here are estimates to help plan your budget.

Accommodation:
Hostels: €10-20 per night
Mid-range hotels: €30-60 per night
Luxury hotels: €100+ per night

Food:
Local restaurant meal: €3-7
Tourist restaurant meal: €10-20
Local markets: very economical (€1-3 per meal)
High-end gastronomy: from €40

Transportation:
Long-distance buses: €10-50 depending on distance and comfort
Local buses: €0.50/trip
Domestic flights: €50-150
Taxis: €2-10 for city trips (varies by city)

Tourist Activities:
Machu Picchu entrance: about €45-60 (varies by circuit)
Guided tours: €20-100 depending on duration, group size and service type
Inca Trail trek: €500-1000 depending on duration, group size and service type
Amazon excursion: from €100/day depending on duration and included services

Peru has three major climate regions: coast, mountains (sierra) and Amazon rainforest. The best time to visit depends on regions you wish to explore.

Coast (Lima, Paracas, Nazca):
Best time: December to March (summer, warm sunny weather)
Avoid: June to September (fog and cool temperatures)

Mountains (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa):
Best time: April to October (dry season, ideal for hiking)
Avoid: November to March (rainy season, slippery trails)

Amazon (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado):
Best time: May to October (less rain, better wildlife visibility)
Avoid: December to April (frequent heavy rains)

Bus: Most economical and practical for long distances. Extensive network, most used by Peruvians for long trips. Some companies offer comfortable, safe buses.

Plane: Practical for long distances and saving time. Major cities have airports.

Train: Primarily used to reach Machu Picchu (departing from Cusco or Ollantaytambo). There's also a luxury train connecting Arequipa, Puno and Cusco.

Taxi and urban transport: In Lima and big cities, prefer apps to avoid unofficial taxis. In smaller towns, always negotiate price before boarding. Urban transport is practical and inexpensive, with extensive networks in all cities.

Safety:

• Avoid high-risk neighborhoods in major cities (e.g., Callao, Rímac, San Juan de Lurigancho in Lima).
• Use taxi apps to avoid scams.
• Avoid carrying highly visible valuables.
• Stay alert in tourist areas and markets (risk of pickpockets).
• Avoid traveling alone at night.
• Keep a copy of your passport and leave the original at the hotel.
• Do not place your backpack on the ground and avoid overhead compartments on buses.

Health:

• Altitude can cause mountain sickness (Cusco, Arequipa, Puno). Acclimate gradually.
• Drink only bottled or treated water.
• Have travel insurance that includes medical assistance and repatriation.
• Recommended vaccines: yellow fever (for the Amazon).

Internet:

• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants.
• In remote areas, the connection may be limited.

Prepaid SIM Cards:

• Available at airports and operator stores.
• Bring a passport for purchase.
• eSIM: a convenient alternative to avoid buying a local SIM.

• Valid passport (6 months after return date).
• Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation.
• Weather-appropriate clothing (warm, light, waterproof).
• Plug adapter (Type A and C).
• Bank card + cash (small bills in Soles).
• Notify your bank of your travel plans.
• Photocopies and scans of important documents.
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
• Basic medications and altitude sickness treatment.
• Translation app and offline GPS.
• Travel guide or list of places to visit.
• Comfortable backpack (20-30 L) for excursions.
• Camera and spare batteries.

Visa:

• Not required for stays under 90 days for most nationalities.

Recommended Vaccines:

• Yellow fever: mandatory for certain Amazonian areas.
• Typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies: recommended depending on the type of trip.

Customs:

• Certain food items, plants, and artisanal products are subject to restrictions.
• Ensure you have a return or onward ticket.