- Language
- Spanish is the official language of Peru and is the main language used for everyday communication, business, and public services throughout most of the country. Peru is also highly multilingual, with Quechua, Aymara, and numerous Indigenous languages spoken in different regions. Quechua is particularly common in the Andean highlands, including areas around Cusco, Ayacucho, and Puno, while Aymara is concentrated mainly around Puno and Lake Titicaca. English is not widely spoken in everyday life, but it is relatively easy to find English-speaking staff in major tourist areas of Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, international hotels, travel agencies, and popular attractions. Outside tourist centers, including local markets, small restaurants, taxis, public transportation, smaller towns, and rural areas, English is much less commonly understood. Travelers can generally manage the main tourist routes with English, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases can make independent travel considerably easier. If you plan to visit remote Andean communities, the Amazon, or less-touristy areas, carrying a translation app and choosing an English-speaking local guide or operator can make communication much easier. Overall, communication is relatively easy on the main tourist circuits but becomes more challenging as you travel farther from established tourist areas.
- Best time to visit
- There is no single best time to visit Peru because the climate varies significantly between the Pacific coast, the Andes, and the Amazon. For trips to Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca, April to October is generally the drier season, with May to September offering less rainfall and more reliable conditions for hiking, trekking, and mountain sightseeing; June to August is the busiest travel period. The Andes experience their wetter season from November to March, with rainfall generally more noticeable in January and February. Along the coast, including Lima, Paracas, Ica, and Nazca, December to March is typically warmer and sunnier, while Lima can be cooler, cloudy, and foggy from May to October. The Amazon remains hot and humid year-round, but April to October generally brings less rainfall and more convenient conditions for jungle walks and outdoor activities. For a multi-region itinerary covering Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon, April, May, September, and October can offer a good balance of weather and travel conditions, although the ideal timing ultimately depends on the destinations and activities included in your itinerary.
- Packing
When traveling in Peru, pack according to the regions on your itinerary, as conditions can vary significantly between the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon. Lightweight, layerable clothing is the most practical choice, including T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, a light jacket, and a warmer layer. For Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and other high-altitude destinations, temperatures can drop noticeably in the morning and evening even when daytime conditions are sunny, so bring warm clothing, long trousers, and comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Peru’s official tourism information recommends carrying warm clothing, loose trousers, cotton tops, hiking footwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Sun protection is particularly important at high elevations, so pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. If you plan to hike or trek, also bring sturdy footwear, a lightweight daypack, a reusable water bottle, rain protection, and some snacks. For trips to the Amazon rainforest, add lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellent, waterproof bags, and quick-drying clothing; a lightweight rain jacket is useful during the rainy season. For high-altitude destinations, allow time to acclimatize and avoid scheduling strenuous activities immediately after arrival. If your itinerary includes Machu Picchu or mountain trekking, traveling with a light backpack is recommended, as some trails and viewpoints can be narrow and steep.
- Currency
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol (PEN), usually written as S/. or S/. Common banknote denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles, while coins include 10, 20, and 50 céntimos, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles. U.S. dollars are also accepted at some hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and businesses in major tourist destinations such as Lima and Cusco, but soles are recommended for everyday purchases, especially at local markets, small shops, taxis, and in rural or remote areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities and generally support international cards such as Visa and Mastercard; some ATMs allow withdrawals in both soles and U.S. dollars. Before traveling to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, or other remote destinations, it is advisable to carry enough cash because ATM and card-payment availability can be more limited than in major cities. For currency exchange, use banks or reputable exchange offices rather than informal street money changers. If bringing U.S. dollar cash, use clean, undamaged notes, as torn or heavily marked bills may be refused. Keeping some small-denomination 10, 20, and 50-sol notes is particularly useful for taxis, markets, small purchases, and tips.
- Transport
The main entry point for international travelers to Peru is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, the country’s principal air hub for both international and domestic flights. Peru’s official airport directory also lists Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa (AQP), Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ), and Inca Manco Cápac International Airport serving the Puno/Juliaca area (JUL) as international airports, although Lima is the main gateway for most international visitors. For travel within Peru, domestic flights are often the most time-efficient option for long distances because of the country’s large size and mountainous terrain, with air connections linking Lima with major destinations such as Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Iquitos, and Madre de Dios. Long-distance buses are another practical option, particularly for routes such as Lima–Nazca–Ica–Arequipa and Cusco–Puno, although journeys can take considerably longer because of winding mountain roads. Around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and nearby towns, travelers can use taxis, private transfers, and local minibuses. To reach Machu Picchu, travelers generally need to reach a railway station such as Ollantaytambo and then take a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), which is one of the main transport options for reaching the archaeological site. From Lima’s airport, travelers can use the official airport bus, licensed taxis, or pre-arranged transfers; Airport Express Lima also connects the airport with areas such as Miraflores.
- Emergency
When traveling in Peru, respect local customs and religious traditions, dress and behave appropriately when visiting churches, archaeological sites, and traditional communities, and avoid photographing local residents without permission. At attractions such as Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and national parks, follow designated routes and conservation rules, and do not touch, climb, or remove archaeological or natural features. In cities, avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash or valuables and use licensed taxis or pre-arranged transfers when possible. For food and drinks, take extra care with hygiene at local markets and street stalls, and bottled water is generally a safer choice. When visiting high-altitude destinations such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca, allow time to acclimatize and avoid strenuous activities immediately after arrival. In an emergency, call 105 for the police, 116 for the fire department, 106 for SAMU medical emergencies, or 110 for highway police. For official tourist information, assistance with tourism services, or help with travel-related issues, contact iPerú, Peru's free tourist information and assistance service, via WhatsApp at +51 944 492 314.
- Power socket
Peru generally uses a 220V, 60Hz electrical system, with Type A and Type C sockets being the most common. Type A sockets have two flat pins, while Type C sockets have two round pins. Some hotels and newer accommodations may offer multiple socket types, but this can vary, so travelers are advised to bring a universal travel adapter compatible with both Type A and Type C. Devices with standard two-round-pin plugs may work directly with Type C sockets. Before using appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, or electric kettles, check that they support 220V; devices designed only for 110V may require a voltage converter to prevent damage or safety issues.
