Departure dates

Travel Tips

Currency in Peru

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol (symbol S/, ISO code PEN). It is commonly referred to simply as “sol” and no longer as “nuevo sol”.

• Banknotes: S/ 10, 20, 50, 100, 200
• Coins: 10, 20, 50 céntimos, and S/ 1, 2, 5

US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, some restaurants, and tourist shops, but everyday purchases are paid in soles. It is helpful to carry small USD bills (10, 20, 50) in good condition, along with local currency for taxis, markets, and tips.

Exchange rates fluctuate; there is no fixed rate (such as 1 USD = 3.35 S/). Always check the current exchange rate before you travel.

• You can exchange money at banks, casas de cambio (exchange houses), and sometimes hotels.
• Exchange houses and ATMs usually offer better rates than hotel desks.
• Euros can be exchanged in Lima and other major cities; other currencies might have higher fees.

Important: Peruvian banks and businesses are very strict about US dollar bills. Notes that are old, torn, written on, or heavily creased are often refused, even by banks. Bring only clean, recent bills.

Credit Cards, ATMs

Credit and debit cards

• Visa is the most widely accepted card, followed by MasterCard. American Express and Diners are accepted at some hotels, upscale restaurants, and shops.
• ATMs are common in cities and larger towns; they usually dispense soles and sometimes US dollars.
• Some businesses add a 5–6% surcharge on credit card payments, especially for tours and luxury services. Ask ahead of time.

In small towns, communities, and markets, payments are often cash only. Always carry enough soles for daily expenses.

Visas, Passports & Entry Requirements

Visa Policy (Tourist Travel)

Citizens from most Western European countries, North and South America, the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian and Oceanian nations can enter Peru visa-free as tourists for stays typically up to 90 days, sometimes longer depending on nationality.

Because visa rules change regularly, travelers should always verify:

• With the Peruvian consulate or embassy in your country.
• Check the airline and government official websites before departure.

Passport Validity

• Your passport should generally be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry, as this is now a common requirement for airlines and borders.
• Make sure you have enough blank pages for stamps.

COVID-19 & Health Declarations

Peru has lifted COVID-19-specific entry restrictions. Currently:

• No proof of COVID vaccination is required to enter Peru.
• The Sworn Health Declaration and geolocation QR code used during the pandemic are no longer required.

Always check for the latest updates with your airline and official sources shortly before traveling, as health regulations can change.

Copies & Travel Insurance

• Make two sets of color photocopies or scans of your passport and travel documents: one to leave at home and one to carry separately from the originals.
• It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, evacuation, baggage, and trip interruptions. Consult your travel agent or insurer to find suitable coverage.

Taxes (IGV – VAT)

Peru imposes a general sales tax (IGV) of 18% on most goods and services, including hotels and restaurants. In many cases, it is:

• Included in advertised prices, but
• Some hotels and restaurants add 18% IGV on top of the base rate.

Foreign tourists are exempt from IGV on hotel stays if they present their passport and Andean immigration card; policies may differ by establishment.

Health & Altitude in Peru

Disclaimer: The following provides general travel information and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a travel medicine specialist before traveling.

Altitude Sickness (Soroche)

Many iconic destinations, such as Cusco (~3,400 m), Puno/Lake Titicaca (~3,800 m), and parts of the Colca Canyon, are situated at high altitudes. Some travelers may experience:

•  Symptoms include:
• - Headache
• - Fatigue and low energy
• - Nausea or upset stomach
• - Shortness of breath or palpitations
• - Difficulty sleeping

Recommendations:

• Plan for 1–2 days of acclimatization before participating in strenuous activities like long hikes.
• Stay well-hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid excessive alcohol and heavy foods in the first few days.
• Walk at a slow pace and pay attention to how your body feels.
• Travelers with heart, lung, or severe chronic conditions should see a doctor before traveling; specific medication may be advised.

Traditional remedies such as coca tea (mate de coca) are commonly offered in the Andes, but their effect varies and they do not replace medical treatment.

Physical Preparation for Trekking

For treks such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao, and other high-altitude routes:

• Our teams (porters, muleteers) carry most of the gear, but you need to be physically prepared (legs, cardiovascular fitness).
• Train with hikes and uphill walking before the trip, and test your equipment (boots, backpack, clothing) in advance.
• Bring a personal first-aid kit with any medication you regularly use, along with blister care, pain/fever relief, etc.

Sun & UV Exposure

The Andean sun is very intense, even when it feels cool.

• Apply high-protection sunscreen (SPF 50+) often.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and long sleeves whenever possible.
• The same is true in the rainforest, where humidity and reflections can be intense.

Please let us know about any health issues, allergies, or medications before the trip so we can prepare accordingly.

Vaccinations & Malaria – Amazon & Jungle Regions

There are no general vaccination requirements for entry into Peru. However:

• Routine vaccinations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, measles, hepatitis A/B) should be current.

Yellow Fever

• Yellow fever is present in some parts of Peru, mainly in lowland jungle areas below approximately 2,300 meters, including Iquitos and regions of Madre de Dios and other Amazonian areas.
• Peru currently does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Still, International health authorities recommend vaccination for many Amazon itineraries, and some countries might require proof of vaccination if you arrive from Peru.

Discuss yellow fever risks and vaccine suitability with a travel medicine doctor; the vaccine may not be suitable for everyone.

Malaria

Malaria exists in certain areas of the Peruvian Amazon and low-lying jungle regions, but not in high-altitude cities like Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa.

Depending on your specific itinerary, antimalarial medication (e.g., atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, etc.) might be advised.

• Always consult your doctor or a specialized travel clinic for a personalized risk assessment.

Mosquito protection is crucial::

• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dusk and dawn.
• Use a trusted insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or other recommended active ingredients.
• Use mosquito nets when they are available.

Food, Water & Hygiene

The most common travel issue in Peru is digestive upset.

To minimize risk:

• Choose well-cooked food and avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs unless you are sure the hygiene standards are high.
• Be careful with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Avoid unwashed or uncooked fruits and vegetables – or peel them yourself.
• Tap water isn't safe to drink in Peru; choose bottled, boiled, or properly treated water.
• Avoid ice from unknown sources.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer before eating.

If you have an upset stomach, focus on rehydration: water, oral rehydration salts, clear soups. Avoid alcohol, strong coffee, and very heavy meals.

At high altitude, the body also requires sugar and electrolytes; locals often use traditional cane sugar (chancaca) and broths as quick energy sources.

Tips, Gratuities & Gifts

Salaries in the tourism sector are often modest, and tipping for good service is common.

Customary:

• Restaurants: if a 10% service charge isn't included, leaving 10% in cash is appreciated.
• Hotels: tip bellboys, porters and housekeeping directly.
• Guides and drivers: tipping is customary; we include suggested ranges in our pre-departure information.

Gifts for children & communities

We kindly ask you not to give children money or candies. Dental care is limited in many rural areas, and giving money can lead to dependence.

Instead, if you wish to bring gifts, consider:

• School supplies (notebooks, pencils, colored pencils)
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Simple, durable clothing that is in good condition.

On some of our treks, we visit rural schools where such gifts are truly useful. We also support social projects in local communities; contact us if you want to contribute in a more organized way.

Safety & Theft

As with most popular tourist spots, petty theft and pickpocketing happen, especially in big cities and crowded places.

• Bring only the cash and cards you'll need for the day.
• Use hotel safes for passports and valuables whenever possible.
• Avoid wearing costly jewelry or obviously flashy items.
• Exchange money only at banks, reputable exchange offices, or ATMs—never with street money changers.
• Ask your local guide which areas are safe and which to avoid, especially at night.

Using common sense and basic precautions helps ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Typical Peruvian Food and Drinks

Peru is renowned worldwide as a culinary powerhouse, showcasing three unique culinary regions: coastal, Andean, and Amazonian cuisine.

Coastal Cuisine

• Ceviche – raw white fish marinated in lime juice with chili, onions, sweet potato, and corn.
• A variety of baked, grilled, or fried fish and seafood dishes, including corvina (sea bass).
• Shrimp chowder – hearty dish from the Arequipa region.

Highland Cuisine

Made with corn, potatoes, quinoa, and other Andean grains, served with meats.

• Lomo saltado – stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, chilies, and fried potatoes, served with rice.
• Rocoto relleno – a spicy stuffed pepper filled with meat and vegetables.
• Chicharrones – deep-fried pork commonly eaten for breakfast in the highlands.
• Oven-roasted suckling pig.
• Cuy (guinea pig) – a traditional Andean delicacy, usually roasted or fried.
• Many hearty soups and broths that are filling and excellent at high altitude.

Amazon / Tropical Cuisine

• Paiche – large river fish, often grilled or steamed, served with yucca, plantains and palm hearts (palmito).
• Juanes – rice and chicken wrapped in bijao leaves (similar to tamales).
• Tacacho con cecina – roasted mashed plantain served with cured pork.

Drinks

• Pisco – Peruvian grape brandy. In the classic Pisco Sour, it is shaken with lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white and bitters.
• Wines from Ica, Tacama, Ocucaje and other valleys.
• Peruvian beers – light lagers plus regional varieties.
• Chicha de jora – traditional fermented corn beer (often homemade).
• Chicha morada – non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, pineapple and spices.
• Coffee & Infusions: Peruvian coffee is excellent; in the Andes, mate de coca and various herbal teas are widely enjoyed.

Electricity

Peru uses:

• Voltage: 220 V
• Frequency: 60 Hz
• Plug types: mostly A and C, with some B also found in certain areas.

Many hotels have multi-standard sockets, but it is safest to bring:

• A universal plug adapter, and
• If your devices are not dual-voltage (110–240 V), a voltage converter.

Always read the label on your devices.

Weights & Measures

Peru uses the metric system for all measurements.

• 1 centimeter ≈ 0.4 inches
• 1 meter ≈ 3.3 feet
• 1 kilometer ≈ 0.6 miles
• 1 kilogram ≈ 2.2 pounds

Business Hours

Hours differ depending on region and business type, but usually:

• Shops and malls: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
• Banks: roughly 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, sometimes Saturday mornings. Anywhere.
• Many small shops close for lunch and have flexible hours.
• On public holidays, many offices and banks are closed, while tourist services usually operate with adjusted hours.

Internet & Connectivity

In cities and popular tourist spots, Wi-Fi is commonly accessible, especially in:

• Hotels, hostels, and guesthouses
• Cafés, restaurants, and co-working spaces

In remote mountain and rainforest areas, connections can be slow or inconsistent. To improve coverage, many travelers purchase a local SIM card (Claro, Movistar, Entel, Bitel) with a data plan.

Outdoor Activities & Adventure

With coastlines, the high Andes, and the Amazon rainforest, Peru is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Trekking & Climbing

• Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – the most famous trek in Peru.
• Alternative routes include Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, Ausangate, Vilcabamba, and many others.
• In Huaraz (Ancash), world-class trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash attract climbers and hikers to some of the highest peaks in the Americas.

Birdwatching

Peru is home to over 1,850 bird species and ranks among the world's top birding destinations.

Key areas include:

• Manu Biosphere Reserve & Tambopata (Madre de Dios)
• Pacaya–Samiria and surrounding regions near Iquitos
• Paracas and Coastal Wetlands
• Cloud forest regions on the Andes and eastern slopes

Birding can be enjoyed year-round, featuring seasonal highlights.

Rafting & Biking

• Some of the best white-water rafting in South America can be experienced on rivers like the Apurímac, Urubamba, and Cotahuasi (season and difficulty vary).
• There are countless mountain bike routes in the Sacred Valley, around Arequipa, and in many Andean regions. If renting equipment locally, always check the quality of bikes and safety gear.

Social & Ecological Projects

Peru is a country rich in natural and cultural resources but faces uneven distribution of these assets. Many Andean and Amazonian communities have limited access to health, education, and infrastructure.

We encourage travelers to:

• Bring appropriate donations, such as warm clothing and school supplies, if you'd like to help – preferably coordinated with us.
• Avoid fostering dependence; promote organized local projects rather than random handouts.

We work with reforestation and conservation efforts, planting native trees to protect ecosystems, restore degraded areas, and secure water sources for the future. vallesagradoverde.org/

If you are interested in supporting social or ecological projects, please contact us – we can suggest transparent, responsible ways to contribute.

Population (Updated)

Peru’s population in 2025 is projected to be about 34.5 to 35 million people, with nearly one-third residing in the greater Lima metropolitan area.

• Approximately three-quarters of the population live in urban areas, mostly along the coast.
• The country is ethnically diverse, with Indigenous groups (mainly Quechua and Aymara), mestizo, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian (primarily Japanese and Chinese) roots.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

for Nature & Culture Travelers

Before Your Trip

• Learn about Peru’s regions, cultures and customs.
• Ask your travel agent or operator about their sustainability practices and how they work with local communities.
• Pack consciously, avoiding unnecessary packaging and disposable items.

During Your Trip – Culture & Communities

• Respect local cultures and ways of life.
• Hire local guides and services whenever possible and consume locally produced products.
• Learn a few basic words in Spanish or local languages (Quechua, Aymara), especially greetings and polite expressions.
• Ask your guide about appropriate behavior, particularly in homes, markets, sacred sites, and during ceremonies.
• Be careful with gifts and donations – prioritize school materials or useful items, not sweets or money.
• Ask permission before taking photos of people; accept if a small payment is requested or if they refuse.
• Avoid loud, ostentatious behavior; modesty and discretion are valued in most Andean and Amazonian communities.
• Don’t make promises (sending money, gifts, invitations) that you may not be able to keep.

During Your Trip – Nature & Environment

• Move carefully and quietly in natural areas to avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Do not collect plants, animals, stones or other natural “souvenirs”.
• Do not feed wild animals or use recorded sounds to attract them.
• Follow all park rules and your guide’s instructions in protected areas.
• Practice Leave No Trace:
• Carry out all your trash, especially plastics.
• Use toilet facilities where available; otherwise, follow your guide’s instructions.
• Use biodegradable soaps whenever possible and away from water sources.
• Avoid campfires in fragile or high-altitude environments.

If you are unwell with a contagious illness, minimize contact with remote or Indigenous communities for their protection.

After Your Trip

• Share your experience and promote responsible tourism.
• Give feedback to your travel agency about improvements that could benefit nature and local communities.
• Support organizations that protect the environment, Indigenous rights and cultural heritage in Peru and internationally.