Tips & Advice For Travelling In Peru

Our excellent tips and advice guide for backpacking or travelling in Peru

Tourist Visa Requirements:

Visas NOT required to enter as tourist (some exceptions – people from parts of Asia, Africa, communist countries)
Can be given up to 183days visa at immigration
Sometimes officer may only give you 60/90days, can ask for longer but depends on their mood
Do NOT lose tourist card (white sheet of paper you fill out) – need this when leaving or pay a fine
Need pay $1 per day for every day you stay over your visa – pay in airport or at border when leaving

Machu Picchu:

Original Inca Trek sells out months in advance as only certain amount of permits given each month
Highly recommend 4 day Inca Jungle Trek (less than half the price, arrive at sunrise for best views, can book 1 or 2 days in advance)

Identification:

Valid passport needed, bring 1 or 2 photocopies though to use for nightclub entrance etc
Drivers Licence needed if you intend rent a car, although we highly recommened not to, drivers here are crazy!

Money:

Currency – Peruvian Soles
Dollars (up to a certain amount) also accepted in many places
Avoid paying by credit card as hostels sometimes put a surcharge on this
ATM fees can be high at some machines so try to use atms at banks like Scotiabank/BBVA
Currency exchange sellers on street are not always bad and give good exchange rates, ask hostel for advice
Don´t carry large amounts, use lockers provided in hostels
Be aware of gringo taxes in markets/taxis – always haggle prices
Average cost of meal in a middle class restaurant – $10 (25 soles)
Average cost of dorm bed in hostel – $10 lima (25 soles), $8 elsewhere (20 soles)

Lima Airport Arrivals:

If you are taking a taxi then try to arrive with minimum 100 soles, no large bills as taxi drivers don´t have change
The best and most trusted bus shuttle service is Airport Express Lima. You have your choice of drop off point in Miraflores.
ATM charges in the airport are high and exchange rates are bad in the airport, it’s better to wait until you arrive in Lima
As you pass customs many taxi companies with people in suits…safe but expensive ($40/$50 to miraflores)
Taxis outside generally safe and prices can be haggled, average price 25/30 soles ($15 to miraflores)
Take care if you arrive at night
Be sure you agree the price in SOLES – Some drivers might say 30, then when you get to hostel they say it was in DOLLARS
Have clear directions to your hostel printed off BEFORE you arrive

Taxis:

No metres, always haggle and agree the fare BEFORE you get into the taxi
Average 15/20minute journey should cost approx $4 (10 soles)
Be careful, keep belongings close at all times at your feet, NOT in your lap
Try to share cabs with another tourist where possible
Always ask hostel reception/Peru Hop guide for approximate costs and best places to find taxis

Hostels:

Recommended to book in advance, many can be full – miraflores is main area to stay in
Pool Paradise Lima is the only hostel in Lima with a pool, and has become known for it’s great food, and parties welcoming everyone.
Use hostelworld review functions, check location rating and security ratings, usually a good signal
Use lockers provided for all valuables
Be wary coming home at night to your hostel, avoid walking if at all possible

Language:

Medication and vaccines:

Luggage:

Use a backpack if possible, easy to store in hostels, carry around etc
Bring a small backpack for day trips/treks
Bring clothes and flip flops for summer weather, up to 30 degrees in some cities ALL year round
Bring a rainjacket for Arequipa and Cusco as rain possible ALL year round
Bring warm hoodies and pants as can get cold in places, especially at night
Bring comfortable trainers for trekking and activities
Usual items such as suncream, camera, sunglasses etc