Peru Travel Guide

• Cusco & Sacred Valley: Explore colonial Cusco and markets, visit terraces at Písac, ride trains from Ollantaytambo and trek parts of the Inca Trail.
• Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes: Early morning Machu Picchu visits, Huayna Picchu hikes, soak in Aguas Calientes hot springs and take scenic train rides.
• Lima & the coast: Dine in Lima’s restaurants, visit Larco Museum, take boat trips from Paracas and fly over the Nazca lines.
• Lake Titicaca & Puno: Boat to reed islands, meet lake communities, hike island terraces and explore Puno’s markets.
• Amazon & jungle gateways: Jungle lodges and river cruises from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, wildlife spotting and guided night walks.
• Arequipa & Colca Canyon: Stroll Arequipa’s colonial centre, visit Colca Canyon for condor-watching and multi-day canyon treks.

Most international flights arrive into Lima (Jorge Chávez International, LIM), which is the main hub for onward domestic flights to Cusco (CUZ), Arequipa (AQP) and the Amazon gateways. Overland travel from neighboring South American countries is possible by bus across several border crossings.

Typical travellers spend about $40-120/day, with Lima and luxury lodges on the high end and hostels or local towns much cheaper.

• Hostel dorm bed: S/.25-50
• Budget private room: S/.60-120
• Mid-range hotel: S/.200-350
• Upscale hotel: from S/.570
• Market or street-stall meal: S/.6-12
• Bottle of local beer: S/.8-15
• Organised tour or activity: S/.80-200
• Local bus ride: S/.1-5

For current prices on hundreds of everyday items, see Numbeo’s Peru cost of living, a crowd-sourced database that is updated often.

Ways to save

• Use local transport: Long-distance tourist buses are comfortable and far cheaper than internal flights if you have time.
• Eat like a local: Street food and market meals are excellent value and often the tastiest way to sample regional dishes.
• Book some things locally: Arrange daily tours, buses and some services in town to avoid high online booking fees and get flexible pickup options.

Full trip budgets are in Peru Itineraries.

Cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants and larger shops in cities, but cash is still necessary for markets and remote areas; ATMs are readily found in urban centers. Carry small-denomination soles for taxis and market purchases.

• Tipping: Tipping is common in tourist areas - around 10% in restaurants if service isn't included (check the bill, as some upscale places add it); small local restaurants don’t expect a tip. Taxi drivers are not tipped. On treks, tips for guides, cooks and porters are a real part of their income, so budget for them.
• Counterfeits: Fake notes and S/.5 coins circulate, and street money changers and border areas are common sources. Check that the number on the right of a note shifts colour when tilted, refuse torn notes, and watch for Bolivian 5-boliviano coins handed back as S/.5 in change.
• Cards & Cash: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in cities and tourist spots; smaller vendors, markets and some taxis are cash-only. American Express acceptance is more limited.
• ATMs & Mobile Payments: ATMs are common in cities and tourist hubs; bank and ATM operators may charge withdrawal fees and your bank may charge foreign-transaction fees. Local mobile apps such as Yape are popular for peer-to-peer and small payments in Peru.
• Banknotes: S/.10, S/.20, S/.50, S/.100, S/.200
• Coins: S/.0.10, S/.0.20, S/.0.50, S/.1, S/.2, S/.5

Respect for elders, Andean spiritual practices and communal life shapes behaviour in many highland communities; always ask before photographing people. Urban areas are more relaxed but visitors should still show courtesy, remove hats in churches and avoid loud or disrespectful behaviour at festivals.

Peru’s internet is reliable in major cities and tourist hubs but can be slow or intermittent in the Andes and Amazon. Major carriers provide prepaid options and decent urban mobile speeds suitable for streaming and maps. Expect variable fixed broadband quality outside Lima.

• Electricity: 220V, 60 Hz; plug types A, B, C.

Yes for most travellers, but there are real risks from petty crime, unsafe roads and specific high-risk areas where crime, kidnapping and terrorism occur.

Staying healthy in Peru is straightforward with basic precautions; main issues are altitude in the Andes and mosquito‑borne infections in the Amazon.

Peru’s identity blends Andean Indigenous cultures, coastal traditions and colonial heritage, creating a country where ancient ruins, mountain communities and bustling urban markets sit side by side. Distinctive regional cuisines, strong local crafts and living Indigenous languages make it a culturally rich destination.

Lunch, not dinner, is the main meal. From about 12:30 to 3pm most local restaurants serve a set menú: a soup or starter, a main and a drink, often for S/.10-20 outside the smartest districts. Dinner tends to be lighter and runs from about 7pm to 10pm. Top restaurants in Lima such as those in Miraflores and Barranco need booking days or weeks ahead.

Ceviche is a lunch dish. Cevicherías usually open around 11am and close by mid-afternoon, because the fish is bought fresh each morning. On the coast, try it with a glass of leche de tigre, the spicy marinade.

Everyday food. Chifas (Chinese-Peruvian restaurants) and pollerías (rotisserie chicken with fries and salad) are everywhere and good value. In the Andes look for trout, quinoa soup, roast guinea pig (cuy) in Cusco and Arequipa, and Arequipa’s spicy stuffed peppers (rocoto relleno). In the Amazon around Iquitos, juane (rice and chicken steamed in a leaf) and river fish are staples.

Drinks. The pisco sour is the national cocktail and chicha morada (a sweet purple-corn drink) is the national soft drink. Peruvians often order soft drinks or beer with lunch rather than water. Tap water isn’t safe, so ask for bottled water (sin gas or con gas).

Practicalities. Ask for the bill (la cuenta) when you’re ready; it won’t come unasked. Upscale restaurants may add a service charge, otherwise leave about 10%. Vegetarian dishes are easy to find in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa but limited elsewhere; ask for food sin carne and check that soups aren’t made with meat stock. Hot sauces (ají) are served on the side, so you control the heat.

Peru’s high Andes and Amazon basin are ecologically and culturally fragile; following park rules, respecting indigenous communities and limiting visitor impact preserves those places for future generations.

• Machu Picchu & trail permits: Follow booking rules and time slots for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail-permits and visitor limits are enforced by SERNANP (SERNANP); book licensed guides and arrive within your assigned slot to reduce overcrowding.
• High‑altitude & trail etiquette: Acclimatize gradually before trekking to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, stick to marked paths on routes like the Inca Trail and Ausangate, and pack out all waste to protect fragile puna ecosystems.
• Indigenous and Amazon communities: When visiting Tambopata, Manu or community lodges, seek tours that pay communities fairly and avoid buying items made from protected wildlife; ask hosts about cultural protocols and photography permissions.
• Rainforest & river safety: Use reputable boats and guides in the Amazon basin, follow guidelines to avoid spreading invasive species between waterways, and respect seasonal restrictions for nesting turtles and riverbank habitats.
• Support local economies: Buy handicrafts directly from artisans in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, eat at family-run restaurants, and tip porters and local guides appropriately rather than using informal intermediaries.

Peru attracts long-term residents for its culture, cuisine, and low cost of living; retirees, remote workers and professionals often base themselves in Lima or provincial cities for access to services and good healthcare.

Long-Term Visas: Temporary and permanent residency available for workers, retirees, investors and family members via migration office.

Working There: Foreigners can work with the right visa; informal work is common but legal employment requires proper permits.

Cost of Living: Monthly costs for a comfortable life usually range $600-1,200 USD depending on city and lifestyle.

Health & Wellness: Private healthcare is high-quality in Lima and major cities; public services vary, insurance recommended.

Banking & Finance: Banking strong with BCP, BBVA and Scotiabank, accounts require ID and sometimes proof of residency.

Taxes: Tax residents taxed on worldwide income after meeting residency rules (usually based on days present), progressive rates apply.

Popular Places to Live in Peru

Choosing where to live in Peru means balancing coastal comfort, highland culture, and service access. Lima offers amenities and culinary life; Cusco provides culture and community but higher altitude; beaches offer laid-back living.

• Lima - Coastal capital, gastronomic and cultural hub, best for amenities and coworking, heavy traffic and higher costs
• Cusco - Historic city and gateway to tourism, vibrant expat scene, altitude and tourist crowds are tradeoffs
• Arequipa - Colonial architecture and milder climate, good private healthcare, quieter than Lima with fewer flights
• Máncora - Surf and beach lifestyle, attracts nomads and surfers, seasonal crowds and limited high-end services
• Sacred Valley - Scenic Andean valley living, close to Cusco, peaceful with slower internet and fewer amenities

Peru’s remote-work scene centers on Lima and Cusco with growing coworking options and a steady stream of nomads drawn by food, culture, and low costs; coastal beach towns attract lifestyle-focused nomads.

Nomad Visa: No dedicated digital-nomad visa; typical workaround is tourist stays or applying for temporary residence categories.

Long Term Rentals: Long-term rentals affordable: 1BR in Lima centre about $350-700/month, cheaper in smaller cities.

Internet: Internet reliable in Lima and major tourist hubs; speeds slower in Andean and remote coastal towns.

Monthly Cost: Monthly budget for a comfortable nomad around $600-1,000 USD depending on location and lifestyle.

Coworking: Coworking fees typically $50-200/month in Lima, day passes common for short stays.

Fitness & Wellness: Plenty of yoga studios and outdoor activities; altitude in highland towns affects some visitors’ fitness routines.

Community: Growing expat and nomad communities in Lima and Cusco, active online groups and meetups.

Time Zone: Peru is on PET (Peru Time) UTC-5, aligns well with North American east-coast work hours.

Popular Nomad Hubs in Peru

Nomads choose between Lima for services and community, mountain towns for culture, or coastal spots for surf and lower costs. Tradeoffs are connectivity versus lifestyle and altitude.

• Lima - Capital city, culinary scene and coworking, suits professionals and nomads wanting amenities, traffic is heavy
• Cusco - Historic mountain city with strong tourist infrastructure, good for culture, altitude and tourism crowds are tradeoffs
• Arequipa - Colonial city with relaxed pace, good private healthcare, fewer international flights than Lima
• Máncora - Beach town and surf hub, attracts digital nomads and surfers, quieter in off-season and limited services
• Sacred Valley - Scenic Andean living, quieter expat communities, slower internet and fewer international flight options