Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Health Declarations
Travelers to Peru must complete an online health declaration form 72 hours before arrival, including proof of yellow fever vaccination for Amazon regions. This digital process is free and quick, helping streamline entry at airports like Lima's Jorge Chávez International.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Peru, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Biometric passports are recommended for smoother processing at borders.
Always verify with your issuing country for any additional re-entry validity requirements to avoid issues upon return.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, and many Latin American nations can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. This covers most short visits to sites like Machu Picchu and Cusco.
For stays over 90 days, apply for an extension at a Peruvian immigration office with proof of funds and onward travel.
Visa Applications
Visa-required nationalities (e.g., some Asian and African countries) should apply at a Peruvian consulate abroad, submitting documents like a valid passport, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, and financial statements (around $50/day minimum).
Fees range from $30-50, with processing times of 10-30 days; tourist visas are typically single-entry for 90 days.
Border Crossings
Air arrivals at major hubs like Lima or Cusco require a quick immigration check, including fingerprinting and photo; expect 30-60 minutes in peak times. Land borders with Bolivia (Lake Titicaca) or Ecuador involve vehicle inspections and possible queues.
Always carry your tourist card (given on arrival) as it's checked on exit; losing it incurs a $25 fine.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is mandatory for adventure activities like trekking the Inca Trail, covering medical evacuation (up to $100,000 recommended due to remote areas), trip delays, and theft. Policies should include high-altitude coverage for places like Cusco (3,400m).
Affordable options start at $2-5/day from global providers; declare pre-existing conditions to avoid claim denials.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 90 additional days at Migraciones offices in major cities like Lima or Arequipa, requiring a fee of about $20-40 and documents proving reason for extension (e.g., ongoing travel plans).
Apply at least 10 days before expiration to avoid overstay fines of $1/day; total stay cannot exceed 183 days in a year without a residency visa.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Peru uses the Peruvian Sol (PEN). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Lima by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for domestic flights to Cusco or Arequipa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at mercado stalls for affordable meals like lomo saltado under PEN 15, skipping upscale tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs.
Local markets in Cusco or Lima offer fresh ceviche and empanadas at bargain prices, often with set lunch menus for PEN 10-20.
Public Transport Passes
Get a PeruRail or Inca Rail pass for multi-day Andean travel at PEN 200-300, reducing costs for routes to Machu Picchu and Puno significantly.
City buses in Lima (Metropolitano) cost PEN 3/ride; combo tickets for buses and trains can bundle savings for intercity trips.
Free Attractions
Explore public sites like the historic centers of Cusco and Arequipa, Rainbow Mountain viewpoints, or Huacachina dunes, which are cost-free and provide authentic cultural immersion.
Many national parks offer free entry days, and walking tours in Lima's Barranco district reveal street art without guided fees.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry soles cash for rural markets, taxis, and tips where fees can add 5-10%.
Use ATMs in banks for better rates (withdraw PEN 500-1000 at a time to minimize fees); avoid airport exchanges.
Combo Tickets
Purchase the Boleto Turístico in Cusco for PEN 70-130, granting access to multiple sites like Sacsayhuamán and Pisac ruins, paying for itself after 2-3 visits.
National park passes for places like Manu or Colca Canyon offer bundled entry and transport discounts for eco-tours.
Smart Packing for Peru
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers for Peru's diverse climates, including moisture-wicking base layers for humid Amazon areas, fleece for high-altitude chills in the Andes (nights drop to 0°C), and lightweight rain ponchos for coastal fog.
Modest clothing is advised for cultural sites like Machu Picchu; quick-dry synthetics help manage sweat during treks and humidity in Lima.
Electronics
Bring adapters for Type A/B/C plugs (110-220V), a solar-powered charger for remote areas like the Inca Trail, waterproof phone cases, and apps for offline translation (Spanish/Quechua) and altitude trackers.
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is useful in rural spots; pack extra batteries as power outages occur in the highlands.
Health & Safety
Include proof of vaccinations (yellow fever for Amazon), altitude sickness meds like acetazolamide, a comprehensive first-aid kit with blister treatments, diarrhea remedies, and high-SPF sunscreen (UV intensifies at elevation).
Travel insurance docs, water purification tablets, and insect repellent (DEET 30%+) are crucial for mosquito-prone regions like Iquitos.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable 40-60L backpack with rain cover for multi-day hikes, a lightweight daypack for city exploration, reusable water bottle with filter, and a money belt for valuables in crowded markets.
Include headlamps for blackouts or early treks, earplugs for noisy buses, and laminated copies of passport and itinerary for checkpoints.
Footwear Strategy
Choose broken-in hiking boots with ankle support for rugged paths like the Salkantay Trek or Colca Canyon, paired with wool socks for cold Andean mornings and breathable sandals for coastal beaches.
Waterproof trail runners work for lighter walks; pack extra laces and foot powder to combat blisters from long bus rides or humid conditions.
Personal Care
Carry travel-sized biodegradable soaps, high-altitude lip balm with SPF 30+, wet wipes for water-scarce areas, and a compact umbrella or hat for intense sun exposure in the Atacama-like deserts.
Feminine products and allergy meds are available but pricier in remote spots; eco-friendly items respect Peru's sensitive environments like the Sacred Valley.
When to Visit Peru
Dry Season (May-October)
Prime time for Andean adventures with clear skies, temperatures 15-25°C in Cusco, and minimal rain ideal for Inca Trail permits (book 6 months ahead). Wildlife viewing in the Amazon is excellent with lower water levels.
Fewer crowds in May/June shoulder months; perfect for Machu Picchu hikes and Lake Titicaca boat trips without mudslides.
Wet Season (November-April)
Lush greenery transforms the highlands with waterfalls and blooming orchids, though heavy rains (20-30°C coastal, cooler Andes) can close trails; great for birdwatching in Manu National Park.
Lower prices and fewer tourists; focus on coastal Lima or desert Nazca for drier escapes, but pack for sudden downpours.
Shoulder Season (April-May & September-October)
Mild weather (10-20°C) with transitioning rains offers balanced crowds and costs; ideal for exploring the Sacred Valley or Arequipa's Colca Canyon condor spotting without peak-season hikes.
Festivals like Inti Raymi preparations add cultural vibrancy; Amazon rivers are navigable for eco-lodges at discounted rates.
High Season Peak (June-August)
Winter in the Southern Hemisphere brings sunny days (5-20°C highs) for high-altitude activities, but book trains and hotels early due to international school holidays swelling Cusco crowds.
Excellent for stargazing in the Atacama or skiing in Huaraz; avoid if you dislike lines at iconic sites like Huayna Picchu.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN). ATMs widespread in cities; exchange USD easily, but carry small bills for rural areas.
- Language: Spanish is official, with Quechua and Aymara in Andes/Amazon. English common in tourist hubs like Cusco and Lima hotels.
- Time Zone: Peru Time (PET), UTC-5 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 220V, 60Hz. Type A/B/C plugs (flat two/three-pin, similar to US)
- Emergency Number: 105 for police, 116 for ambulance, 117 for fire; tourist police at 0800-10878
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, PEN 5-10 for guides/porters on treks
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified (boil/filter) to avoid traveler's diarrhea
- Pharmacies: Farmacias widely available (e.g., Inkafarma); look for red cross signs, open late in cities