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:

• 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