🐾 Traveling to Peru with Pets
Pet-Friendly Peru
Peru is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly in urban areas and eco-tourism spots. From coastal beaches to Andean trails, well-behaved pets are often allowed in hotels, restaurants, and outdoor sites, though policies vary by region and altitude considerations.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and other pets need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by official authorities.
Certificate must include proof of good health and freedom from infectious diseases.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before entry and valid for the duration of stay.
Vaccination records must be detailed with dates and veterinarian information.
Microchip Requirements
Pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Include microchip number on all documents; scanners are available at entry points.
Non-US Countries
Pets from high-risk rabies countries may need additional tests or quarantine; contact SENASA for specifics.
Obtain import permit from Peru's National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA) at least 10 days prior.
Restricted Breeds
Certain aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls may face restrictions or require special documentation.
Always check with SENASA; muzzles and leashes are recommended for larger dogs.
Other Pets
Birds, fish, and exotic animals have strict import rules; CITES permits required for endangered species.
Consult SENASA for species-specific requirements and potential quarantine.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Peru on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Lima & Cusco): Many mid-range hotels welcome pets for 50-150 PEN/night, providing bowls and nearby parks. Chains like Ibis and local boutique hotels are often accommodating.
- Eco-Lodges & Jungalows (Amazon & Sacred Valley): Nature lodges frequently allow pets at no extra charge, with access to trails. Ideal for eco-adventures with dogs in rainforest settings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings commonly permit pets, especially in coastal and rural areas. Homes offer space for pets to play freely.
- Hostels & Guesthouses: Budget options in Arequipa and Mancora welcome pets and often have outdoor areas. Great for families with animals seeking authentic stays.
- Campsites & Glamping: Most campsites in the Andes and coast are pet-friendly, with dog zones and hiking access. Paracas and Huaraz sites are popular.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: Upscale resorts like Belmond Hotel in Cusco offer pet amenities including walking services and special menus for pets.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Andean Hiking Trails
Peru's mountains offer pet-friendly paths in the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon.
Leash dogs near llamas and check altitude effects; avoid high passes for pets.
Beaches & Coast
Northern beaches like Mancora and Paracas have dog-friendly sections for swimming.
Check local rules; some areas restrict pets during turtle nesting seasons.
Cities & Parks
Lima's Malecón and Cusco's plazas allow leashed dogs; outdoor markets welcome pets.
Arequipa's historic center permits dogs on leash; terraces often accommodate.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Peruvian café culture includes pets; water bowls are common in urban spots.
Many Lima coffee shops allow dogs outside; inquire before entering indoors.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Lima and Cusco welcome leashed dogs without extra fees.
Archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán are pet-friendly; skip indoor exhibits.
Cable Cars & Boats
Some Andean cable cars and Lake Titicaca boats allow pets in carriers; fees 20-50 PEN.
Verify with operators; advance booking recommended for pets in peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (Cruz del Sur, Peru Hop): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs need tickets (20-50 PEN) and must be leashed/muzzled. Allowed in most classes except premium lounges.
- Trains (PeruRail, Inca Rail): Pets under 8kg free in carriers; larger pets 30-100 PEN with muzzle/leash. Trains to Machu Picchu have pet policies.
- Taxis: Confirm with driver; most accept pets with notice. Apps like Uber may require pet-friendly selection in major cities.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Avis allow pets with deposit (100-300 PEN). Opt for SUVs for comfort on Andean roads.
- Flights to Peru: Check airline policies; LATAM and Avianca allow cabin pets under 10kg. Book early and review carrier rules. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: LATAM, Copa Airlines, and American Airlines accept cabin pets (under 10kg) for 100-200 PEN each way. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Lima (Clínica Veterinaria Ricardo Palma) and Cusco offer urgent care.
Travel insurance should cover pets; consultations cost 50-200 PEN.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Petco and local stores in major cities stock food, meds, and accessories.
Pharmacies carry basic pet items; bring prescriptions for specialized treatments.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban areas have grooming salons and daycare for 50-150 PEN per session.
Reserve in advance during tourist seasons; hotels can recommend services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services and apps like PetBacker operate in Peru for sitting during excursions.
Hotels in tourist areas often arrange pet care; consult concierge.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, archaeological sites, and protected areas. Rural trails may allow off-leash if controlled and away from livestock.
- Muzzle Requirements: Larger dogs may need muzzles on public transport and in crowded sites. Carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Carry and dispose of waste properly; fines up to 100 PEN for littering. Bins are available in urban parks.
- Beach & Water Rules: Some beaches restrict pets during high season; respect zones for marine life protection.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets allowed at outdoor seating; keep quiet and off furniture. Ask permission indoors.
- Protected Sites: Machu Picchu and national parks require leashes; avoid during rainy seasons for pet safety.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Peru
Peru for Families
Peru captivates families with ancient ruins, vibrant markets, Amazon adventures, and coastal beaches. Safe for kids with interactive sites, family tours, and cultural immersion. Facilities include stroller access at major attractions and children's options in eateries.
Top Family Attractions
Magic Water Circuit (Lima)
Largest fountain complex with laser shows, tunnels, and interactive water displays.
Entry 5-10 PEN; evening shows delight kids. Open year-round in Parque de la Reserva.
Larco Museum (Lima)
Archaeological museum with pre-Columbian artifacts, gardens, and kid-friendly exhibits.
Tickets 30-40 PEN adults, 15-20 PEN kids; includes cafe and playground areas.
Sacsayhuamán (Cusco)
Inca fortress with massive stones, open fields for play, and panoramic views.
Boleto Turístico pass 70 PEN; family tours available with storytelling for children.
Inca Museum (Cusco)
Hands-on exhibits of Inca artifacts, mummies, and cultural history.
Entry 10-15 PEN; interactive sections engage young learners with replicas.
Machu Picchu (Cusco Region)
Iconic Inca citadel with family-guided tours and train rides for accessibility.
Tickets 152 PEN adults, 70 PEN kids; book family packages with PeruRail.
Colca Canyon (Arequipa)
World's deepest canyon with condor viewing, easy trails, and hot springs.
Entry 70 PEN; family hikes suitable for ages 5+ with mule rides available.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Peru on Viator. From Inca trail hikes to Amazon boat trips, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Lima & Cusco): Hotels like Novotel and Casa Andina offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for 200-500 PEN/night. Include cribs, kids' menus, and play areas.
- Adventure Resorts (Sacred Valley): Eco-resorts with family activities, pools, and childcare. Inkaterra properties cater to families with cultural programs.
- Rural Homestays: Community stays in the Andes provide animal interactions and home-cooked meals. Prices 100-250 PEN/night including breakfast.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering options with kitchens for family meals and space for kids. Ideal in beach towns like Huanchaco.
- Hostels with Family Rooms: Budget stays in Arequipa for 100-200 PEN/night. Clean facilities with shared kitchens and family dorms.
- Luxury Lodges: Belmond properties near Machu Picchu offer family suites with train access and kids' activities.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Lima with Kids
Magic Water Circuit, Larco Museum, Miraflores parks, and coastal bike paths.
Street food tours and cat cafes add fun; beaches for sandcastle building.
Cusco with Kids
Sacsayhuamán fortress play, chocolate workshops, Sacred Valley train rides.
Alpaca farms and market visits engage senses with colorful textiles.
Arequipa with Kids
Colca Canyon condor spotting, Santa Catalina Monastery tours, hot springs.
Volcano views and easy hikes with picnic spots for family bonding.
Amazon Region (Puerto Maldonado)
Boat safaris, canopy walks, wildlife spotting in Tambopata Reserve.
Family lodges with night walks and butterfly farms for young explorers.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Children under 5 free; ages 5-12 half-price. Family seats on Cruz del Sur with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Lima's Metropolitano buses and Cusco micros offer family passes (20-40 PEN). Many routes stroller-friendly.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (30-50 PEN/day); book ahead. 4x4s recommended for highlands.
- Stroller-Friendly: Major sites like Machu Picchu have paths; cities vary with cobblestones, but ramps common.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants serve ceviche, rice dishes for 15-30 PEN. High chairs available in tourist areas.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Markets like San Pedro in Cusco offer casual eats with play space. Picanterías in Arequipa welcome families.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Plaza Vea stock baby food and diapers. Fresh markets for fruits and local snacks.
- Snacks & Treats: Churros, lucuma ice cream, and anticuchos keep kids happy on the go.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Found in malls, museums, and airports with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Botica): Carry formula, diapers, and meds; English-speaking staff in cities.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters (50-100 PEN/hour); local agencies in Lima and Cusco.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in all cities; clinics like Anglo American in Lima for internationals.
♿ Accessibility in Peru
Accessible Travel
Peru is improving accessibility with ramps at major sites, wheelchair taxis in cities, and inclusive tours. Tourism boards offer guides for barrier-free travel to ruins and natural wonders.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: Cruz del Sur offers wheelchair spaces and assistance; book ahead for ramps.
- City Transport: Lima's Metropolitano has low-floor buses and elevators at stations.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-adapted taxis in Lima via apps; standard ones fit folding chairs.
- Airports: Jorge Chávez in Lima provides assistance, accessible facilities, and priority boarding.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Larco Museum and Sacsayhuamán have ramps and audio guides; elevators at key points.
- Historic Sites: Cusco's cathedral accessible; Machu Picchu offers shuttle and path options.
- Nature & Parks: Paracas Reserve has accessible viewpoints; Amazon lodges with boardwalks.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (May-Oct) for Andes and coast; wet season (Nov-Apr) for lush Amazon.
Shoulder months (April, Oct) balance weather, crowds, and costs.
Budget Tips
Boleto Turístico covers multiple sites; family discounts at attractions.
Street food and markets save money; apartments for self-catering.
Language
Spanish official; English in tourist hubs. Quechua in Andes.
Basic phrases help; locals are friendly to families and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Layers for altitude changes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain gear.
Pet owners: familiar food, leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vaccination records.
Useful Apps
Peru Hop for buses, Google Translate, and local pet apps.
iPeru for tourist info and real-time transport updates.
Health & Safety
Peru safe for tourists; drink bottled water. Pharmacies offer advice.
Emergency: 105 police, 116 ambulance. Travel insurance recommended.