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:
- Try to arrive with minimum 100 soles, no large bills as taxi drivers don´t have change
- ATM charges in airport are high and exchange rates are bad
- 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
- 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:
- Spanish is the national language
- English spoken by most hostel receptionists, waitresses in touristy areas etc
- Taxi drivers in general don´t speak English unless in touristy area
Medication and vaccines:
- Bring some altitude sickness tablets for Arequipa and Cusco
- Vaccinations may be required if visiting Amazon regions, consult your local GP
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
