In general
Currency
Peruvian sol (PEN). Keep cash for taxis, markets, tips and smaller sites; cards are accepted in city hotels and restaurants. ATMs are common (sometimes with fees): carry small notes.
Language
Spanish (and Quechua in the Andes). English is limited outside tourist areas: a few words of Spanish help a lot.
Visa
Citizens of the EU, UK, US and many other countries need no visa for tourism, for stays up to 183 days; on arrival check the period granted (stamp/registration). Passport valid for at least 6 months. Check the rules for your own nationality before leaving.
Health / Vaccines
No mandatory vaccines arriving from a non-risk country. Yellow fever and hepatitis A/B are recommended (not required) if you visit the Andean-Amazonian areas; dengue is present in the warm lowlands. Travel health insurance is strongly advised.
Altitude sickness (soroche)
The most important point: Cusco, Puno and the passes exceed 3,400-4,900 m. Ascend gradually (the itinerary is built that way), drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first days and try coca-leaf tea. If symptoms are severe, descend.
e-SIM / Connectivity
Good 4G coverage in cities and main sites, weaker on the altiplano and some Andean stretches. Operators Claro, Movistar, Entel; international e-SIMs (Airalo, Holafly) are handy too.
Electricity
220V, 60Hz, type A (flat blades) and C (European) sockets. Two-pin European plugs fit type C sockets; a universal adapter is still handy.
Time zone
UTC-5 all year, with no daylight saving.
Climate
Varies greatly with altitude. The dry season, the best, runs May to September: sunny days and cold nights at altitude. Lima's coast is often grey (garúa); the Amazon is hot and humid all year.
Payments
Cash in soles is essential for taxis, markets, tips and smaller sites; cards are fine in city hotels and restaurants. Change money at reputable casas de cambio, never on the street.
Good to know
Safety
Petty crime is high in the big cities and some districts of Lima and Callao. Avoid peripheral and non-touristy areas, don't flaunt valuables, and use app-based or radio taxis. For excursions, rely on known local agencies and guides.
Machu Picchu and trains
Entry to Machu Picchu is only with a timed ticket and an official guide, and the trains to Aguas Calientes must be booked weeks ahead, especially June to August. Plan early: they sell out.
Water and food
Don't drink tap water: bottled only. Be careful with raw food in rougher spots; ceviche is excellent but choose busy places with fresh turnover. At altitude, eat light the first days.
Transport
For long legs the "cama" buses (Cruz del Sur and similar) are comfortable and reliable; to save time, domestic flights from Lima to Cusco or Arequipa. Keep your passport handy: it's often needed for buses and sites.
Tipping
Appreciated: around 10% in restaurants if not already included. A small tip for guides and drivers is customary.
Useful numbers
- 105 — Police / emergencies
- 106 — Medical emergency (SAMU)
- 116 — Fire brigade
💡 Gain altitude slowly and keep coca tea handy: altitude sickness ruins more trips than bad weather. And book Machu Picchu and the trains weeks ahead, because they sell out.