🇵🇪 ALL ABOUT PERU: A Mini No-BS Guide for Real Travellers

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PERU ESSENTIALS

Peru isn’t just another destination - it’s a whole world on one country. From surfy Pacific towns to misty Andean peaks, rainbow mountains to lush Amazon rainforest, Peru packs more diversity into one trip than you’d think possible. One day you’re spotting condors in the world’s second-deepest canyon, the next you’re waking up to monkey chatter in a jungle lodge. Add ancient Incan cities, vibrant markets, and pisco sours at sunset — and you’re in for an epic adventure.

We made this guide for curious travellers like you — the ones who’d happily take a 10-hour night bus if it means seeing something unforgettable the next day. Whether you’re planning a quick holiday or a month-long epic, this Peru mini-guide is here to help you travel smart, eat well, and make it unforgettable.

📱 SIM Cards & Internet

• Claro and TIGO are the main providers. (~120 PEN for 30GB).

• Wi-Fi is good in most cities but patchy in remote areas.

💵 Currency

• Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)

• Exchange Rates (June 2025):

  1 USD ≈ 3.7 PEN

  1 GBP ≈ 4.7 PEN

  1 EUR ≈ 4.0 PEN

🚌 How to Get Around Peru

• Buses: Cruz del Sur and Civa are popular and comfy. Overnight buses save time and money.

• Domestic flights: Ideal for long distances like Lima–Cusco or Cusco–Puerto Maldonado.

• Colectivos (shared minivans): Used for short intercity trips — faster and cheaper than buses.

• Taxis/Ubers: Uber operates in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Elsewhere, agree on a price before getting in.

🏧 ATMs & Cards

• Banco de la Nación (Multired) doesn’t charge any fees. Max. withdrawal 400 PEN every 24hrs.

• BancoFie charges 18 PEN for up to 700 PEN withdrawal.

• ATMs are widely available in cities and towns (Multired, BancoFie and Scotiabank are reliable).

• Most ATMs charge a fee.

• Cards are accepted in larger restaurants/hotels, but bring cash for local spots, transport, and markets.
  

🌤️ Best time to travel to Peru

Peru is a year-round destination, but when you go affects what you can do — and wear:

Dry season (May–Sept): Clear skies, cool nights, and perfect trekking weather. This is the best time for the Andes and Machu Picchu, but also the busiest — especially June to August. Expect crowds and higher prices.

Wet season (Oct–April): The mountains get heavy rain (especially Jan–March), but the coast and jungle are lush, warm, and vibrant. It’s the best time to visit Máncora or the Amazon, and you’ll find fewer tourists in the highlands.

🚐 Travel Costs Between Key Destinations

In Peru, busses are a top pick among independent travellers. Companies like Cruz del Sur, Civa, or local operators offer the main tourist routes with comfortable seats. Some overnight busses even have 180 degree lie-flat options. You can purchase tickets online, at major terminals (like Lima’s Javier Prado or Arequipa’s terminal), or through your hostel. Booking in advance may secure cheaper tourist-class seats. Expect a small markup if booking via middlemen or hostels. Locals often haggle or ask for upgrades at terminals with the receptionist.

Key Long‑Distance Bus Routes (Cruz del Sur, CIVA, Oltursa)

Route	Time	USD	EUR	GBP
Lima → Paracas / Huacachina	3–4 hr	$20–23	€19–22	£17–20
Lima → Cusco	22–23 hr	$35–60	€33–58	£28–50
Cusco → Puno (Lake Titicaca)	6–7 hr	$20–25	€19–23	£17–20
Puno → Arequipa	6–7 hr	$30–35	€28–33	£24–30
Arequipa → Lima	17–19 hr	$35–50	€33–48	£28–44

DESTINATIONS YOU CAN’T MISS

📍 LIMA

Peru’s buzzing capital by the sea. Great for food, art, and coastal sunsets.

Top Things to Do:

• Eat ceviche and sip pisco sours in Miraflores and Barranco

• Explore Barranco’s street art, the Jade Rivera gallery and boho cafes

• Cycle the Malecon along the Pacific cliffs

• Visit the Plaza de Armas, the San Francisco Convent & Catacombs and Pucllana

📍 PARACAS & HUACACHINA

One for the wildlife lovers and thrill-seekers.

Top Things to Do:

• Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands (penguins, sea lions!)

• Cycle or ATV through Paracas Reserve

• Dune buggy ride and sandboarding in Huacachina

• Sunset over the desert dunes

📍 AREQUIPA

Elegant, laid-back, surrounded by volcanoes. Nicknamed “The White City.”

Top Things to Do:

• Explore Santa Catalina Monastery

• Rooftop views of El Misti volcano

• Day trip or multi-day trek to Colca Canyon (condors!)

• Day trip rafting

• Yanahuara viewpoint

• Ruta de Sillar

• Try exotic fruit at San Camilo market

• Try queso helado (local ice cream)

📍 LAKE TITICACA / PUNO

The world’s highest navigable lake — and it feels like it.

Top Things to Do:

• Uros Floating Islands boat tour

• Taquile Island for weaving demos and quiet trails

• Overnight homestay with a local family

📍 CUSCO & SACRED VALLEY

The ancient Inca capital, a great base and hands down one of our favourite cities in South America.

Top Things to Do:

• San Pedro Market

• San Blas neighbourhood

• Day trips to Sacred Valley: Pisac, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo

• Acclimatise before a trek (Inca Trail Salkantay Trek, or any other) or Rainbow Mountain

📍 MACHU PICCHU

No words do it justice — but yes, the hype is real.

Ways to visit:

• Train: Easy and scenic from Cusco or Sacred Valley

• Hike: Classic Inca Trail (4D/3N), Salkantay (5D/4N), Lares or Inca Jungle (rafting, zip lining and a bit of hiking)

📍 PUERTO MALDONADO

Peru’s most accessible slice of Amazon rainforest.

Top Things to Do:

• Stay in a jungle eco-lodge

• Wildlife tours: monkeys, macaws, caimans, capybaras

• River cruises and canopy walks

📍 HUARAZ & MÁNCORA

Pick your extra adventure: mountains or beach.

HUARAZ (Cordillera Blanca)

• Laguna 69 hike

• Santa Cruz trek (4D/3N)

• Laguna Churup

MÁNCORA (Beach escape)

• Surf, sun and ceviche (!)

• Chill vibes and beach parties

• Best from December to April

🇵🇪 Doing Peru Right Starts Here

Yes, Machu Picchu is iconic — but Peru is so much more. On this page, you’ll find key info to get started. For the real deep-dive, download the full Peru guide.

You’ll get:
✅ Detailed bus and flight prices between Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Titicaca & more
✅ Restaurant picks for every stop — from ceviche spots to mountain comfort food
✅ Practical tips for each destination
✅ Route options for 7 days up to a full month

If you want to make the most of Peru without overspending or missing key stops — this guide’s for you.

Grab your copy below.

download full guide

WANT TO VISIT PERU?

... but overwhelmed by all the logistics?

This guide’s meant to help you piece together your own epic Peru route — but if you’re thinking “can someone just plan it for me?” — we’ve got you.

Our group trip to Peru hits all the highlights (and some wildcards too), with all logistics handled: we’ll Machu Picchu of course, but will also do an incredible clamping experience in the desert, meet a local Quechua family in their home and cook a traditional Incan bbq with them, stay with a local family on one of the islands, and go on some more epic adventures! Just show up and let the Andes do the rest.

If that sounds more your pace, just reach out:

hello@atawtravels.com

+351 915 145 090 (we’re on WhatsApp!)

• Peru FAQ – What Real Travellers Want to Know

  What type of luggage should I bring to Peru?

  A 40–50L backpack or soft duffel is ideal. Rolling suitcases are tough to manage on Peru’s cobbled streets, sandy deserts, jungle lodges, and overnight buses. Go for something light, flexible, and easy to carry — especially if your trip includes trekking or hopping between towns.

  Is Peru safe to travel to?

  Yes — Peru is generally safe for travellers, especially in tourist-friendly cities like Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima. But just like anywhere, use basic precautions:

  • Don’t flash valuables

  • Avoid sketchy areas at night

  • Watch your bags on buses and in busy markets

  Most travellers have a smooth trip, and locals are warm and helpful.

  Can you drink the tap water in Peru?

  Nope. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, even in big cities. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and use it to brush your teeth too.
  👉 Tip: Bring a refillable filter bottle (like Grayl or Lifestraw) to save money and cut down on plastic waste.

  What should I pack for a trip to Peru?

  Peru’s climate shifts fast — you might be in the jungle one day and 4,000m up a mountain the next. Key things to pack:

  • Layers: t-shirts, fleece, rain jacket

  • Comfortable shoes: hiking boots or good trainers

  • Sunscreen & repellent: for jungle and high altitudes

  • Power bank & adapter: Peru uses type A/B plugs (220V)

  • Daypack: for hikes or overnight tours

  👉 Need a detailed list? Here’s our full Peru packing guide.

  Do I need a visa to enter Peru?

  If you’re from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand — you don’t need a visa. You’ll get a 90-day tourist stamp on arrival.
  Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

  What’s the best SIM card for Peru?

  Claro and Entel are the top picks. You can grab a tourist SIM in Lima airport or at any corner shop for ~120 PEN (30GB data).
  Coverage is good in cities and towns but patchy in remote mountain or jungle regions.

  What’s the best way to get around Peru?

  Long-distance buses are the top choice for most travellers. Cruz del Sur and Civa offer comfy seats (some fully lie-flat), and night buses save time and money.

  • For quick hops: use colectivos (shared vans)

  • For cities: Uber works in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa

  • For long stretches: domestic flights are cheap and save days on the road

  Will I feel the altitude in Peru?

  Yes — if you’re going to Cusco, Lake Titicaca, or Huaraz, you’ll likely feel it. Common symptoms: headache, fatigue, dizziness.
  Tips:

  • Rest on your first day

  • Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves

  • Avoid alcohol and drink lots of water

  • Diamox (altitude medication) can help, ask your doctor before your trip

  Is there Wi-Fi in Peru?

  Yes — in cities and most tourist towns, Wi-Fi is decent at hostels, hotels, and cafés. In rural areas (like the Colca Canyon or Amazon), expect little to no signal.
  📥 Tip: Download offline Google Maps or Maps.me before heading off-grid.

  How much cash should I carry?

  Always have some soles in cash, especially for colectivos, small eateries, and market stalls.

  • ATMs are common in cities and towns

  • Some charge up to 18–20 PEN withdrawal fees

  • Cards are accepted in mid-range and upscale restaurants, but not everywhere
    🧠 Pro tip: Withdraw larger amounts to save on fees.

  Can I use drones in Peru?

  Technically, yes — but you need a permit, especially near archaeological sites (like Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley) or national parks. Enforcement varies, but some travellers report confiscation or fines.
  🎯 If you fly: be discreet, stay respectful, and never film people without permission — especially in Indigenous communities.

  What’s the food like in Peru?

  Delicious and diverse. Think:

  • Ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina

  • Quinoa soups, grilled alpaca, jungle fruits

  • Fresh juices on every corner

  Peruvian food is flavourful, not overly spicy, and meat-heavy — but there are veggie options in tourist towns. Try the set lunch menus (“menú del día”) for the best deals.

  What’s the electricity situation in Peru?

  • Voltage: 220V

  • Plugs: Type A/B (like the US)
    Bring an adapter if you’re coming from the UK or EU.
    Power outages are rare, but a small power bank is handy for long bus rides or treks.

  Should I tip in Peru?

  Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated:

  • Restaurants: 10% is standard (check if it’s already included)

  • Guides & drivers: tip based on service

  • Porters or trekking teams: definitely tip — they work hard in tough conditions