Requirements and Recommendations for Traveling to Peru

How much time could stay a tourist in Peru? What should I know before traveling to Peru? Requirements and Recommendations. 

Tourism in Peru is one of the best ideas you can think of. This Andean country stands out for its incredible cultural diversity, as well as climates and natural spaces for all tastes. Now, if you're thinking of discovering the wonders of Peru, you need to know what the key requirements are for traveling and other aspects. 

In the following blog, we'll guide you through a list of essentials you need to consider before traveling to Peru. Have you packed your bags yet? Well, before you do, read our article to the end so you don't miss any important details! What will you see next?

Transportation and Mobility

If you're considering traveling to Peru, it's also crucial to know what transportation options you have to get around once you've arrived in the country.

Airlines in Peru

Currently, this country has 4 national airlines and 18 international ones. The main airport in this country is Jorge Chávez, in Lima, and the second most important is Alejandro Velasco Astete, in the city of Cusco.

The costs of direct flights to Peru depend on the destination country. For example, if you travel from Spain to Lima, you can find tickets for $1000 (930 €). If you decide to travel to Peru from Chile, the ticket price ranges from $115 (106,481 Chilean pesos) to $201 (186,111 Chilean pesos).

Ground Transportation for travel around Peru

As for ground transportation, it's possible to move around in your own vehicle without any problem, as long as you have the necessary documents in order. The local road network is extensive, covering approximately 78,000 kilometers of roadway. It's worth noting that there are various types of roads in Peru, which vary depending on the area you're in:

• Highways.
• Paved roads.
• Gravel roads.

The condition of the roads also varies depending on the location. In the coastal region, they often have some potholes, while in the highlands, they are better paved. In the jungle, it's common to find paths instead of roads.

Buses for traveling in Peru

Another transportation option in Peru is buses. The prices of this mode of transport are quite affordable, making it a favorite among the general population. Tickets can be purchased online to travel to various national destinations.

Peru has prestigious bus lines that offer hassle-free travel, such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Transportes Cruz del Sur, Paredes Estrella VIP, and Palomino. There are a variety of routes available with all the comforts for traveling in the best possible way.

Some common routes from Lima include:

• Lima - Cusco: Prices range from $23 (S/87) to $86 (S/325). Buses depart from terminals located in Lima Norte (Plaza Norte bus terminal), Lima Sur (Atocongo bus terminal), and Lima Centro (bus station). Buses depart from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.
• Lima - Ica: You can take buses from Cruz del Sur at the Central Bus Station in Lima Centro for $20 (S/75). At Atocongo Sur Station, you can find a more affordable fare of $13 (S/49) with PeruBus. Buses depart starting at midnight.
• Lima - Piura: The Central Bus Station in Lima Centro offers trips to Piura with Turismo Tacna Internacional for $25.20 (S/95.43). You can also take the bus to Sullana at Atocongo Sur terminal starting from $26.34 (S/99.75). Buses depart from 9:00 am.
• Lima - Arequipa: Oltursa offers trips from the Central Bus Station Terminal in Lima Centro for $34.60 (S/131.03). You can also travel from Atocongo Sur terminal with Palomino for $29.33 (S/111.07). There are both daytime and nighttime routes available.

Metropolitan Bus in Lima

If your destination in Peru is the city of Lima, you can experience traveling on the Metropolitan Bus. This transportation system operates through stations, which you can locate based on your place of stay. You only need to have a smart card costing $1.32 (S/ 5) and the fare for a one-way trip is $0.66 (S/ 72.5).

The main stations include:

• Angamos, Ricardo Palma, Benavides, and 28 de Julio (if you are in Miraflores).
• Balta and Bulevar (Barranco).
• Central, Colmena, Jirón de la Unión (Historic Center of Lima).

Taxi service

Another option you can consider for transportation in Peru is taxi service. From the Jorge Chávez International Airport, you can pay for a taxi service to popular destinations for an approximate value of $20 (s/75).

Uber, Indriver, Didi, and other mobile apps are also available in the country, with various payment options, from cash to debit cards or payment wallets like Plin and Yape.

Car Rental in Peru

If you don't want to rely on public transportation and prefer to drive yourself when traveling to Peru, you can opt for car rental. Depending on the vehicle model, specifications, and rental period, you can find a variety of rental prices starting from $26 (s/97) per day.

Accommodation, Where to Stay in Peru?

Regardless of your destination, you should know that Peru offers beautiful and well-equipped places where you can stay without any problem during your visit. This country boasts hotels and hostels with prices and features that vary and cater to your needs.

If you plan to stay in the city of Lima, there are thousands of options to enjoy a good rest after exploring the best of the Peruvian capital. Since the adventure can't stop even for a moment, we recommend checking out our blog on the top 7 areas to stay in Lima. (Click to view the map of hotels)

On the other hand, if your trip aims for the imperial city of Cusco, there are also specially designed places to accommodate visitors throughout the year. Check out all the information on hotels and hostels available in our article on options for staying in Cusco. (Click to view the map of hotels)

Restaurants, the Best of Peruvian Cuisine

One of the greatest attractions you can find in Peru is its gastronomy. The variety of dishes is endless, showcasing a blend of different cultures in each one. From causa to papa rellena, these are some of the traditional delights you can savor in Lima, but they are by no means the only ones.

Cusco also stands out for its wide range of culinary offerings, and the best part is that you can eat at really affordable prices. If you're looking for the perfect place to try Cusco's delicacies, you can find it in our blog featuring the best restaurants in Cusco. (Access the map of restaurants in Cusco and Lima)

Similarly, if you prefer healthier dining options, check out our article on healthy restaurants in Cusco. You'll love discovering the variety of ideal preparations for you.

Activities and Excursions

Peru's tourist attractions offer thousands of options to discover, both for locals and tourists. Peru offers a variety of options for tourists to do and see. In major cities like Lima and Cusco, it's possible to embark on numerous cultural and historical excursions and engage in exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and much more.

Furthermore, Peru is a country with a tasteful gastronomy, so you can't miss the opportunity to try each of its typical dishes. What can you do in Peru? Here's a wonderful list of activities!

• Visit the Nazca Lines.
• Explore Machu Picchu.
• Trek through the Colca Canyon.
• Discover the Rainbow Mountain.
• Take photos at the Watchman's Hut viewpoint.
• Immerse yourself in Lima's history in its historic center.
• Stroll through the Larco Museum in Lima.

As you've seen before, Peru offers a world of interesting activities to discover. If you want to take your visit to Peru to the next level, we recommend checking out all the tours we have available for you and starting the best experience of your life.

Safety and Health

One of the important points before traveling to Peru is to check if there is any state of emergency declared. You can find all this information in the Safety and other aspects section of the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru.

Some recommendations to consider for safety measures are:

• Avoid traveling during late hours of the night by vehicle due to the risk of robberies and the condition of the roads.
• In case of being a victim of a sexual crime, inform the Consulate of Lima.
• Get informed about possible natural disasters that may occur in the country through the daily publications of the Civil Defense Institute.

Healthcare Assistance for Foreigners in Peru

Foreigners visiting Peru have the same rights to medical care as Peruvian citizens. In this regard, the limitations are the same:

Public system:

• Free or subsidized: for Peruvians or residents with social insurance (SIS).
• Priority: emergency and severe cases.

Private system:

• Wide coverage: hospitals, clinics, and high-quality medical centers.

Agreements:

• Ibero-American Multilateral Agreement: low-cost or free healthcare for citizens of member countries.
• Private insurance: with international coverage.

In any case, the most advisable thing when traveling to Peru is to have medical insurance with the broadest possible coverage to assist you in cases of emergency.

Emergency Medical Numbers Available in Peru:

• SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service): Dial 106 from your mobile or landline to receive immediate medical attention from a professional. Depending on the situation, a doctor may dispatch an ambulance to your location. This service is active in 15 regions of the country:
• • Lima Provincias.
  • Lima Metropolitana.
  • Lambayeque.
  • Loreto.
  • Tacna.
  • Ica.
  • Tumbes. 
  • Ucayali.
  • Piura.
  • Amazonas.
  • Ancash.
  • Ayacucho.
  • Callao.
  • Huánuco.
  • Junín.
  • La Libertad.
  • Huancavelica.

SAMU is useful for receiving professional medical attention in cases of: traffic accidents, diabetic complications, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, hypertensive crises, asthma attacks, pregnant women with alarm signs, poisoning, choking, loss of consciousness, and burns.

• Medical Alert (national attention): (01) 261-0502.
• Red Cross (central): 115.
• Red Cross (Cercado de Lima): (01) 266-0481.
• Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loaiza (Av. Alfonso Ugarte 848, Lima): (01) 614-4646.
• Hospital Nacional 2 de Mayo (Parque Historia de la Medicina Peruana S/N Alt. Cdra. 13 Av. Grau - Cercado de Lima): (01) 328-0028 / 328-0068.
• National Police of Peru: 115.
• Police Emergency on the Highway: 110.
• Firefighters: 116.

Is it advisable to purchase medical insurance for traveling to Peru?

If you're wondering whether it's necessary to have private medical insurance when traveling to Peru, the answer is yes. The healthcare system in this country is quite precarious, so it's recommended to be prepared for any type of medical issues. The most important thing is to choose medical insurance with the highest possible coverage.

With traveler's insurance to Peru, you ensure, among other things, medical care at the best healthcare facilities in the country. It's worth noting that this is not a mandatory requirement for entering the Andean country. Some recommendations for making a good choice of travel insurance to Peru include:

• Purchase the policy from a reliable insurance company.
• Compare various medical insurance offers.
• Ensure that the service offers 24-hour medical attention.
• The ideal coverage should be approximately $500,000.

Do you need vaccines to travel to Peru?

Currently, there are no mandatory vaccines to travel to Peru. However, if you plan to visit the jungle region of the country or if you come from countries in endemic situations, it is highly recommended to have the yellow fever vaccine, which should be administered at least 10 days before the trip.

It is also advisable, though not mandatory, to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Finally, it is ideal to have completed the COVID-19 vaccination schedule.

Weather and Seasons

Traveling to Peru is a fantastic experience; however, to maximize your visit even more, it's essential to consider the seasons and climate of this country. Due to its vast size, the climatic conditions vary significantly.

Coast

The Peruvian coast is one of the country's major attractions, bordered by the impressive Pacific Ocean. The seasons in this region are characterized by constant sunshine throughout the year. Summer temperatures can reach up to 27°C, while winter averages around 12°C with mild rainfall.

• Lima: The city of Lima is characterized by a subtropical climate with warm temperatures influenced by the cold Pacific Ocean. Year-round temperatures usually do not exceed 19°C, with peaks reaching 25°C and lows around 15°C.
• Ica: Undoubtedly one of Peru's most beautiful departments, Ica boasts attractions like the Paracas Reserve, making it ideal for tourism. The climate between December and March is arid due to its desertic nature, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 15°C.
• Tacna: Tacna experiences nearly nonexistent rainfall throughout the year, with a completely desertic climate. Temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C, occasionally dropping to 9°C in isolated cases, though this is uncommon.
• Piura: Piura's beaches are a true paradise to visit, with Cabo Blanco being one of the most beautiful. The sky over Piura is often cloudy throughout the day. Temperature-wise, it ranges from 18°C to 30°C. Typically, the sky becomes clearer in the afternoons.

Sierra

The highland region of Peru is a favorite among tourists due to its wealth of attractions. The climatic conditions vary between high-altitude areas and the surface. It's possible to find warm areas as well as snowy places with temperatures dropping below 0°C.

• Cusco: Undoubtedly the most acclaimed stop for travelers in Peru, boasting attractions like Machu Picchu. The climate in this city is temperate year-round, with common rainfall from November to March. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.
• Arequipa: Known as the "White City" of Peru, maintaining temperatures of 20°C to 25°C in the morning, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 10°C. The climate is predominantly dry and arid. It's worth mentioning that 30% of the city is coastal, with temperature peaks reaching 30°C.
• Ayacucho: This destination is also a good tourist option, featuring attractions like the Wari Archaeological Complex. It has a temperate climate almost year-round with temperatures up to 25°C during the day and 10°C at night. There are no constant rainfall patterns.
• Ancash: This city experiences below-zero temperatures with impressive snow-capped mountains reaching up to 6,000 meters above sea level. It's possible to see glaciers and crystal-clear lagoons in this fascinating place.

Jungle

The Peruvian jungle offers unique and diverse climatic conditions. The entire region is traversed by the mighty Amazon River. Its climatic variety allows it to be divided into two sections: high jungle and low jungle. Generally, the climate is humid and hot throughout the year.

• Loreto: The department of Loreto is quite popular for cities like Iquitos, which offers impressive gastronomy. The climate is warm with constant rainfall and abundant jungle. Maximum temperatures peak at 33°C, with minimums around 23°C.
• Chachapoyas: The mountainous landscape is one of the most important features of this city. It has a temperate and humid climate with maximum temperatures of 26°C and minimums of 14°C, making for cool nights.
• Pucallpa: The gateway to the Amazon is ideal for those wanting to explore the Peruvian jungle. The climate is humid and warm year-round with maximum temperatures reaching 28°C, occasionally peaking at 34°C, and minimum temperatures around 22°C at night.
• Tingo María: Known as the "Bella Durmiente" (Sleeping Beauty) in Huánuco, it has average temperatures of 23°C, with maximums reaching 29°C and minimums of 19°C. Rainfall tends to be constant throughout the year.

Culture and Customs

Peru is a country with an extremely broad and diverse culture, which is a strong point in the Andean country. These cultural activities reflect the mixture of different cultures over time. Some of the most common ones are:

• Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria: celebrated annually from January 25th to February 8th in Puno. Originating as a cultural and religious event influenced by Catholic traditions in the country. The celebration concludes with a mass, the crafting of masks, and a commemorative concert.
• He Lord of Miracles: On October 18th, 19th, and 28th, Lima celebrates El Señor de los Milagros. Thousands of worshipers gather in Lima's Plaza Mayor to pay homage to the Christ of Pachacamilla. Multiple activities such as processions are involved.
• The Inti Raymi (festival of the sun): Traditionally celebrated on June 24th in Cusco, Inti Raymi is an ancient Incan tradition honoring the sun god. Today, it is represented through a theatrical performance attended by thousands of Peruvians and foreigners.
• Carnivals of Peru: Carnivals are a time of special celebration across different regions of the country, extending from February 14th to 17th. The most important festivities are held to the rhythm of drums and flutes. Cities like Cusco feature traditional dances, while Arequipa rewards the most creative masks
• Payment to the Earth: On August 1st, Peru celebrates Pachamama or Mother Earth. During this celebration, farmers refrain from working the land to allow it to rest in commemoration. The ritual involves offering foodstuffs such as chicha de jora (maize beer), coca leaves, etc.
• Flame Day: The llama is one of Peru's most important animals, hence it has its own celebration day on December 9th. Various activities take place such as exhibitions, fairs, llama walks, and more.

These cultural celebrations include significant activities in each region, such as concerts, fairs, crafts, and more. They are not to be missed if your visit coincides with these events in the country.

Documentation and visas

One of the main requirements for traveling to Peru is to have properly documentation and visas. Therefore, this may vary from one country to another, so you should pay attention according to your country of origin. In the case of South America, there are countries that do not need a visa and can enter the country only with their identification document, as long as they travel for tourist purposes, such as:

• Ecuador.
• Bolivia.
• Chile.
• Paraguay.
• Uruguay.
• Brazil.
• Colombia.

If your country of origin is not on this list, you must present your valid passport (valid for at least 6 months).

On the other hand, it is worth noting that countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Haiti require a visa to enter Peru. However, if you have permanent residency in Chile, Colombia, or Mexico, this will not be necessary. Citizens from Panama do not need a business visa.

If you want to travel to Peru from Spain (being Spanish or with nationality), it is not necessary to have a visa. You just need to bring your passport valid for more than 6 months. This applies to most countries that are part of the European Union.

How long can you stay in Peru as a tourist?

Regarding the valid stay period in Peru for tourists, it is 90 days for almost all countries. However, Brazil and Chile have a longer period of 180 days, while Mexicans can stay in the national territory for up to 183 days. Once this time is exceeded, it is crucial to start regularization procedures.

How to apply for a visa to Peru?

If you come from one of the countries that require a visa, you need to meet this mandatory requirement, but how to do it? To be honest, it's quite simple. First, you need to have the following documentation:

• Complete the DGC-005 visa form.
• Have your valid passport on hand.
• You must already have your round-trip plane ticket and present a copy of both (it is also valid to present the reservation or a legalized invitation letter).
• Two passport-sized photographs with a white background.
• Photocopy of your latest bank statement.
• Payment of the corresponding consular fee.
• Depending on the country, you may need to attend an in-person interview at the Peruvian Consulate.

Each country may have different requirements, which are managed directly at the consulate. In this regard, it is ideal that you know the offices of the Peruvian consulates for more information.

If you still have doubts about the visa for Peru, you can find details at the following link from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru.

Andean Immigration Card (Tarjeta Andina de Migraciones)

The Andean Immigration Card (TAM) is a proof document of legal entry into Peru for foreigners without a domicile in the country. This card must be kept until departure. Right now, there is a digital version that can be completed with the information from your passport, of which you must have a copy in PDF or in physical form.

Are there luggage restrictions for traveling to Peru?

Luggage is another relevant aspect to consider when traveling to Peru. The first thing to note is that your personal items do not need to be declared unless you intend to sell any of them.

Similarly, if you travel with sports accessories for inherent activities, they must be declared as "temporary entry merchandise." Another particularity regarding luggage is that there are prohibited products for entry into the country, such as "pisco" and others that you can review in the Luggage Declaration, which you must complete and sign.

Money and payments in Peru

The local currency in Peru is the sol. Each Peruvian sol is equivalent to $0.27. You can travel with dollars, as these are accepted in many tourist establishments in the country. Similarly, many hotels accept other currencies such as the euro (1 sol equals 0.25 €). However, the most common currency is the dollar, and it's challenging to exchange euros.

In the country's major cities like Lima and Cusco, you can use your credit card for direct payments and withdrawals from ATMs. If you're planning to travel to the country with cash, bear in mind that the maximum amount is $30,000 or its equivalent in soles.

Where to exchange money in Peru?

If you're wondering where to exchange money in Peru, you should know there are options such as banks and currency exchange offices that offer attractive rates.

• Western Union: This currency exchange office is one of the most important and has branches in several cities across the country:
  • Lima: Av. Arequipa 4651, Miraflores. Opening hours from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
  • Cusco: Av. De La Cultura 1617 San Sebastián, Cusco. Opening hours not specified.
  • Arequipa: Calle Mercaderes 212 Int. 7 Galer Gamesa, Arequipa.
• Global Exchange: This company is one of the most renowned in Peru, with 14 years of experience in the sector. It has a single main branch at Elías Aguirre 180 – Miraflores 15074, Peru.
• Banco de la Nación: It is one of the main banks in Peru and allows the exchange of dollars, euros, Chilean pesos, Colombian pesos, and Brazilian reais. It has offices nationwide:
  • Lima: Av. Javier Prado Este, 2499 15021 San Borja, Lima, Peru.
  • Cusco: Av. De la Cultura, 733.

Clothing by Cities and Seasons

The clothing you take to Peru is key to having a good experience, which will depend a lot on the season and the area you decide to travel to.

For example, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu, it's essential to bring trekking shoes for long walks in the mountains. If you want to know more details about this, check out our blog: what clothes to wear to Machu Picchu by season.

Now, if you're thinking of going to the coastal area of the country, lightweight clothing is a must in your suitcase, as well as sports shoes, perfect for short walks. An essential accessory in your luggage is sunglasses if you're traveling in the summer. On the other hand, don't forget your swimsuit to enjoy the best of Peru's beaches.

Lightweight pants are essential if you're going to the Peruvian jungle or desert areas to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Likewise, don't forget to bring insect repellent. If your itinerary focuses on Lima or high-altitude cities like Cusco, where the temperature drops a bit during the afternoon, bring jackets with you.

What to Pack by Season?

While it's true that seasons in Peru aren't as pronounced as in other countries, it's important to be prepared and have appropriate clothing for different seasons.

• Summer: from December to March.
• Autumn: from March to June.
• Winter: from June to September.
• Spring: from September to December.

Ideal Clothing for Summer in Peru

The temperature in Lima ranges between 20°C and 27°C, with no precipitation. In other cities like Cusco, the temperature reaches around 17°C, with rainfall. In this regard, the most important thing is to bring lightweight clothing and waterproof shoes.

Sandals are suitable for short routes in summer, as they may affect you during longer periods. Additionally, shorts are ideal to keep you cool most of the time.

Ideal Clothing for Winter in Peru

Winter can be more or less challenging depending on the region you're visiting. For example, Puno is one of the coldest regions during winter, so you should bring a proper coat with a hood. Pants should be thicker, and if possible, pack leg warmers.

Discover the charms of Peru