Plan your visit to PERU with our travel tips
Exploring the lands of Peru is meant to be a mysterious adventure, but getting there does not have to be. Below, we have compiled tips and information designed to make your entry, stay and departure from the country easier, and to ensure your visit is a complete success. Here you will find useful information. We invite you to take a few minutes to review this section as preparation for an unforgettable vacation. PERU VIAJES Y EXCURSIONES, from the land of the Incas, welcomes you!
Discover entry routes to the country by land, sea and air. Whatever your preference, Peru awaits you with open arms.
By Air
Peru is a country in a privileged location, in the center of South America, a condition that has allowed the modern Jorge Chávez International Airport (in Lima) to become a connecting terminal for several airlines heading to different routes in South America. Lima, the capital city, has direct or connecting flights from major cities around the world.
By Land
The land entry points are as follows: • From Ecuador: Aguas Verdes (Tumbes) via the Pan-American Highway and La Tina (Piura) from the city of Loja (Ecuador). • From Bolivia: There are two border crossings, Desaguadero and Kasani, for those coming from La Paz and from Copacabana, respectively. • From Chile: Santa Rosa crossing (Tacna) via the Pan-American Highway.
By River
Peru can also be accessed via rivers. You can enter the Peruvian city of Iquitos through the Amazon River, from Leticia (Colombia) and Tabatinga (Brazil).
By Lake
You can enter via Lake Titicaca, from Guaqui (Bolivia) to Puno (Peru).
By Sea
Cruise ships that stop in Peru mainly disembark at the port of Callao (30 minutes from Lima).
Entry into Peru
Everything you need to know to enter Peru.
Clothing and accessories
Hat, sunglasses, cotton t-shirts, sunscreen, loose and comfortable pants, hiking boots, sports shoes and sandals, water bottle
Luggage
When packing your luggage, keep in mind the list of items exempt from customs duties published at: www.aduananet.gob.pe
Visas and customs
Peru is a country with basically open access. Most countries in the Americas and Western Europe do not require a tourist visa to enter Peru, and the maximum stay granted by the authorities is 183 days (it cannot be extended). For a longer stay with other purposes (business, study, work, etc.) it is necessary to request the corresponding visa from Peruvian consulates in advance. To enter Peru, presenting a valid passport is an essential requirement. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela and Chile can enter with their national identification document.
Currency
The Nuevo Sol (S/.)
This is the official currency of Peru. There are banknotes with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles. There are coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 soles.
The US Dollar
The US dollar is accepted in countless shops, restaurants, hotels and service stations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses. There are also street “money changers,” but the transaction is not guaranteed. The usual business hours for currency exchange establishments are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sundays until noon.
Euros and Traveler’s Checks
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange houses and some tourist establishments.
Credit Cards
ATMs can be found in almost every city in the country, and most are connected to the Plus (Visa) and Cirrus (Mastercard/Maestro) networks, American Express and others. You can withdraw money in nuevos soles or US dollars, but the exchange rate tends to be higher. It is also possible to pay with these cards at many affiliated establishments.
Time Zone
Peru is in the -5h GMT time zone
Lima | 12:00 h | Londres | 17:00 h |
Nueva York | 12:00 h | Berlín | 18:00 h |
Buenos Aires | 14:00 h | París | 18:00 h |
Santiago | 13:00 h | Tokio | 02:00 h (*) |
*del día siguiente
Health
Sanitary conditions in Peru are good, especially in the cities. In recent years, healthcare services have been modernized and expanded, and both hospitals and clinics provide adequate care, but it is always advisable to have health insurance for your trip.
Vaccines
There are no mandatory vaccines to enter Peru, except for yellow fever, and only for travelers coming from countries in Africa and the Americas. See the list of recommended vaccines below:
| Vaccine | Recommended for | Recommended destinations |
| Chickenpox | Travelers who have never had chickenpox | Entire country |
| Hepatitis A | Todos los viajeros | Entire country |
| Hepatitis B | Travelers who will have prolonged contact with the local population | Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Ucayali, Junín, Madre de Dios |
| Fiebre amarilla | Travelers in jungle areas below 2300 m | Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Ucayali, Junín, Madre de Dios |
The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be effective.
Consulates and Embassies
Directory of Peruvian Consulates abroad. Directory of Peruvian Embassies abroad.
Duty-free luggage
According to Peruvian customs regulations, used or new items that a traveler may reasonably need for personal use or consumption, and which by their nature, quantity and variety are not presumed to be for commercial use, are considered duty-free luggage. For more details, check the list of exempt goods.
Upon entering Peru, travelers must properly complete the Luggage Declaration Form, indicating all items subject to duties.
Staying in Peru
While you are with us, you may need information about Tourist Service Centers, Health Centers and much more. Here is the general information.
Tourist Services
The tourism industry in the country has grown significantly in recent decades, with major hotel investments, new tourist routes and a variety of services for relaxation, and adventure is available to visitors throughout Peru, for different budgets and travel styles. However, it is recommended to hire travel agencies authorized by the National Directorate of Tourism, as well as to request a payment receipt and a detailed list of all contracted services. Buying from people offering tourist services in the streets, plazas and main airports offers no guarantee of payment or service.
Tourist Services
IPeru is the free Tourist Information and Assistance System provided by PromPeru. Through a network of offices throughout Peru, it provides the following: Official tourist information about attractions, routes, destinations and tourism service companies. Assistance for complaints or claims, in case contracted tourist services were not provided as offered by tour operators, resolved through conciliation and mediation.
Communications
Telephone: Mobile phone signal covers most of the country. Public telephones can be found in most cities and towns; they work with coins and prepaid cards sold at most stores.
Internet: Unlike other countries in the region, Peru has affordable public internet services everywhere, in the form of public internet cabins. In addition, more and more tourist and commercial establishments offer Wi-Fi.
Postal service: There are post offices in every region of the country. For more information, visit www.serpost.com.pe.
Health
Altitude sickness or soroche: Some cities in Peru are above 4800 meters above sea level, especially in the southern and central highlands. If traveling to the highlands by land, it is recommended to ascend gradually to prevent altitude sickness and to rest upon arrival for good acclimatization. It is best to rest on your first day, eat light, drink plenty of fluids and drink coca tea. If you have a heart condition, consult your doctor before traveling.
Food and water: Drink bottled water and avoid eating from street food stalls to prevent infections.
Shopping and entertainment
Shopping: Shopping is always enjoyable due to the variety of offers, with great safety and a wide range of options, from modern shopping centers in major cities to small craft fairs in small towns. Most shopping centers and stores are open 7 days a week, including holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. All prices must include the General Sales Tax (18%) and a payment receipt should be requested. Bargaining or price negotiation is common in the country when shopping at informal businesses such as fairs, markets, on the street or with beach vendors.
Nightlife: Nightlife in Peru is concentrated in the big cities. Every day there are shows, performances, concerts and various artistic presentations in discotheques, pubs, nightclubs, peñas, salsódromos, café-theaters and other venues specializing in regional music shows for tourists.
Transportation
Airports: The main cities of the country have air terminals for domestic flights. In most cases the TUUA (Airport Usage Fee) is included in the price of the ticket, and in others it must be paid before boarding. More and more airlines are covering domestic routes from different points in the country.
Interprovincial buses: There is a wide variety of buses connecting almost all destinations in the country, and more and more cities have bus terminals. Land transport offers different types of service depending on the level of comfort, speed and price. The country’s main highways are in very good condition, are monitored by specialized police and have emergency services for quick assistance.
Urban transport: The urban bus, also called a “combi,” is the means of transport within cities. They have defined routes but no formal stops, so they stop at every corner to pick up and drop off passengers. The ride can be long and not very comfortable. Before using them, it is recommended to get informed about the routes. Taxi service in Peru does not use a meter. If you hail one on the street you can negotiate the price, but your personal safety may be at risk. It is very important to use taxi companies (with phone bookings) or those authorized by the municipality (yellow colored, with the license plate number on both sides), especially if traveling at night. The Metropolitano and the Lima Metro (electric train) are other available services. Click here for more information: www.metropolitano.com.pe/
Trains: Tourist service trains cover the following routes: Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu. There are currently two companies offering this service: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Cusco (Poroy) – Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). Operated only by Peru Rail. Cusco-Puno-Cusco. Operated by Peru Rail. Lima-Huancayo. The Ferrocarril Central Andino operates this route, but does not have frequent departures, only on scheduled dates (July, August, October and November). It is important to check on road conditions. In Peru the main roads are paved, but there are several secondary routes that are unpaved. If a police officer signals you to stop, you must do so. The officer must be in uniform and carry identification (their last name is displayed on a badge on their chest). Under no circumstances should you allow them to enter the vehicle. Keep in mind that your documents and the vehicle’s documents cannot be withheld, and under no circumstances should you offer money. In case of an accident or collision, call the police. If the vehicle is rented, also call the representative of the insurance company where you rented the car. Wait and do not move from the location. Do not stop if strangers signal you along the way. Do not park in dark places or leave valuables visible to passersby.
Prohibitions
It is forbidden to photograph airports, military bases, areas near high-voltage towers and police stations. In some monuments and museums, photography or filming is prohibited. Please inquire in advance. Peruvian law prohibits and penalizes the extraction, transport, marketing and export of any species of wild flora or fauna, alive or dead, without proper authorization. Peruvian law prohibits and penalizes the marketing and export of original pieces of national cultural heritage (ceramics, textiles, metal items and other archaeological or historical-artistic objects). However, you may take replicas certified by the Ministry of Culture. In Peru we want to contribute to the rights and happiness of our main heritage: children. For this reason, clients and anyone who sexually exploits our children and adolescents face prison sentences (Law No. 28251).
Special Recommendations
Protected Natural Areas (PNA) It is important to be informed about the requirements to enter a Protected Natural Area, as well as the activities that can be carried out within it and the areas restricted to visitors. For more information, visit www.sernanp.gob.pe.
Adventure sports
Hire the services of a company specialized in the activity you wish to carry out and verify that it has the necessary safety equipment. For hikes through rural areas, it is advisable to consult with local residents about the characteristics and difficulties of the route, and to request permission if you are going to cross private property.
Archaeological sites
All archaeological sites are managed by agencies of the Ministry of Culture. You should inform yourself beforehand about the permitted areas and routes for tourist visits. The use of rubber-soled shoes or sneakers is recommended, to minimize the impact of our visit on the site and help with its conservation.
How to get there