I'm excited to travel to Peru and want to see some sights before or after the wedding - can you help me plan my vacation in Peru?
Peru is an amazing place and we are so excited you've decided to make the most of the time and see more of the country! Unfortunately, we are not able to assist anyone with their additional travel plans. Planning a destination wedding doesn't allow us the extra bandwidth to advise on Peru vacations. We've compiled some resources and helpful info for you on this tab of this website. If you aren't sure what to do, TripAdvisor is an awesome resource online too!
What airport do I fly into?
Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)
Can I use my credit cards in Peru?
Yes! Major credit cards are widely accepted around Lima. Make sure to check with your bank regarding international transaction fees. If you travel to smaller towns or more remote areas, cash will be your primary source of payment.
What is the currency in Peru?
The sol (S/) is the official currency of Peru. There are bills with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles. There are also coins of 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles.
Do I need to worry about Altitude Sickness?
That depends on where you go! The wedding is being held in Lima, which sits essentially at sea level. Altitude won't be an issue in Lima for the wedding! However, if you choose to travel to Machu Picchu, Cusco or other parts of Peru then you will need to look into Altitude preparedness.
Is the water safe to drink?
Water in Peru is not safe to drink, so do not drink it or use it to rinse things such as your toothbrush. Use bottled water at all times.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Please check with the government that has issued your passport regarding any visa requirements for travel to Peru.
What type of electric adapter/converter should I bring?
Peru uses 220 volts, but typically plugs are shaped the same as in North America—two flat prongs. So you won't need an adapter, but if your appliances run at 110 volts, you'll need to bring a converter to avoid frying the device.
Are public buses safe? What about airlines? Which airlines and bus companies are the most reliable?
Public city buses are safe, but as a foreigner, you'll want to exercise basic caution. Petty crime exists in the more touristic areas of the country, and it's not unheard of for people to have their pockets picked. As for long-distance buses, there are many reputable companies with solid fleets of comfortable vehicles. Prices can vary depending on the time of departure and destination. As for airlines, major carriers like LATAM and Avianca service destinations throughout the country. There are also lower-cost national airlines, like Viva Air Peru, for those on a budget.
What are the most popular destinations in Peru?
Here is a list of the eight most popular cities, regions, and sites:
Machu Picchu
Lima
Cusco
Sacred Valley
Amazon
Puno
Nazca
Paracas
How many regions does Peru have?
Peru is separated into three geographical regions, the Andes, the coast, and the Amazon. Each has its own climate, wildlife, and culture.
The coastline is arid and consists of the western shore, as well as dry desert inland, which includes places like Lima and Nazca. The Andes incorporate the mountain slopes, peaks, and valleys, and include places like Cusco, Puno, and Machu Picchu. The Amazon is a remote inland section of Peru that features the Amazon basin along cities like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.
Where can I see wildlife in Peru?
Peru’s diverse landscape makes it a hotbed for wildlife, marine life, and fauna. The following list features some of the best places to spot the stunning variety:
Colca Canyon to view the Andean condor
Manu Biosphere Reserve to spot the cock-of-the-rock
Tambopata National Reserve to view the macaw
Ballestas Islands to find the Humboldt penguin
Tambopata National Reserve to search for puma
Manu Biosphere Reserve to spot jaguar
Iquitos to look for Amazon river dolphins
The Sacred Valley to find llamas and alpacas
Is Peru safe to visit?
Peru is very safe. As with most countries, you must remain vigilant in highly populated areas such as Lima or Cusco, where petty theft can occur. Overall, your safety is not in jeopardy in Peru, especially when in the hands of a travel specialist.
Altitude sickness is a real possibility for visitors to the Andes, especially when traveling from low-altitude destinations like the Amazon or Lima. Symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, or dizziness can keep you from discovering the sites you want to visit. It does not affect everyone, but you should make sure you have time to acclimatize to your surroundings and drink plenty of water and coca tea.
What language do they speak in Peru?
The official language of Peru is Spanish.
Many locals may also speak other languages, with English widely spoken in major cities and popular tourist destinations.
You should have little trouble communicating unless visiting small villages or remote towns where locals may speak an indigenous language, such as Quechua or Aymara. These have official status.
Can I drive in Peru if I rent a car?
Driving in Peru, especially in Lima, is not for the faint of heart. If you choose to drive in Peru please be aware that traffic is some of the worst in the world. Defensive driving skills are a must