Ultimate Guide to Visit Peru

Why Visit Peru

Peru was my first international travel destination post-coronavirus pandemic.

In a spontaneous last-minute decision, I signed up for my husband and me to embark on an epic adventure to visit Peru. However, one month before we were supposed to leave, my husband ended up in a terrible motorcycle accident. He was in a boot and crutches leading up to our trip, and his doctor advised him not to go.

I pondered for a long time, wondering if I should just cancel my trip, too. But, with the support of my husband, he helped give me the courage to visit Peru solo.

I’m so glad I went! I spent 10 days in this beautiful country. From partying in Lima to staying in the Amazon Jungle to hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I had the best time of my life! I even nearly became stranded in Aguas Calientes due to mudslides!

This unique and fascinating country stands out from the crowd with its friendly, hospitable people, colorful culture, and delicious cuisine. You should visit Peru because it’s the home to so many natural wonders!

It’s a country home to the Amazon, Machu Picchu, breathtaking coastlines, and mountain peaks. It’s a diverse country with so many elements to unpack and explore! So, grab your bags and visit Peru!

Best Time to Visit Peru

Peru is a massive country with many different climates and altitudes, so deciding when to visit can be tricky and greatly depends on what you want to do.

For the Inca Trail, it’s best to visit Peru during the country’s winter—from June to August. During this time, the weather is cooler, and there is far less rain than during the summer months.

If you’re looking at a trip to the Amazon, the best time to visit Peru would be from June to November. There’s less rainfall during this time of year, and the temperatures are slightly colder.

Peru on a budget: If you want to visit Peru during the non-peak season months, it’s best to go between December to March. This is Peru’s rainy season, but you’ll save a ton of money on airfare and hotel stays. You’ll also explore the country with much fewer tourists and crowds. I went in January, and so glad I did! It did rain some days, but the weather was beautiful and sunny most days. And on the trek to Machu Picchu, we couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather.

Important Things to Know:

Language: Peru has three official languages, with Spanish being the most common. During your visit to Peru, you may hear Quechua and Aymara as well.

Currency: Peru’s currency is the nuevo sol. Or just sol, for short.

Credit Cards & ATMs: In Peru, credit cards are widely accepted in most major cities and tourist destinations. Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card in Peru, followed by Mastercard. You’ll easily find ATMs that accept Visa cards for quick cash withdrawals. Just note, in most cases, to make cash withdrawals, you’ll need a debit card with a four-digit code.

Electricity & Plugs: To visit Peru, you’ll need Type A and C plugs and a voltage of 220 V. Also, the standard frequency is 60 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter and converter to take on your trip.

Safety: For the most part, Peru is a safe place to travel around. Your biggest worry will be petty theft in the bigger metropolitan areas and in public transportation areas. Keep an eye on your bags, and don’t flaunt any expensive jewelry or belongings. If staying in hostels, lock up your belongings and important documents.

Health Information:

Vaccinations & Medications: Before you visit Peru, make sure you’re up to date on all routine vaccinations (like chickenpox, Tdap, flu, MMR, and polio).

In addition, you should talk to your doctor about getting the Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Covid-19 vaccines before traveling to Peru. Also, consider bringing the essential travel medications.

Water: Stick to bottled water or use a water filter in Peru. The tap water and well water here are not safe to drink.

Altitude Sickness: Because of Peru’s high altitudes in most tourist places like Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s best to take the necessary steps to prevent altitude sickness from ruining your trip.