Peru has been attracting a lot of global attention lately. From the worldwide fame of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu to the international recognition of Maido and the growing popularity of Peruvian cuisine, Peru continues to attract travelers worldwide.
It’s no surprise that tourism in Peru continues to grow each year. If you’re thinking about visiting Peru—or if you’ve already booked your trip—this blog is for you. Before you start dreaming about alpacas, colorful markets, and ancient ruins, let’s go over some essentials.
Here we’ll answer 10 of the most common questions travelers have before visiting Peru. By the time you finish reading, you might find yourself even more excited about the idea of exploring this incredible destination. So let’s get started!
FAQ Section
1. What currency is used in Peru?
Your new friend in the Inca country will be the Nuevo Sol (PEN), or Peruvian money. Besides being the strongest currency in South America, it is also one of the most stable in the world. Although US dollars are widely accepted in tourist spots, we recommend exchanging some soles.
Peru’s currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles, while coins are available in 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles.
As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 US dollar to 3.40 soles, though this may vary slightly depending on the bank or exchange office. It is relatively easy to recognize Peruvian money; it has vibrant colors and memorable, important Peruvian characters printed on the bills.
For example, we know the 200-soles bill as “Santa Rosita,” the 10-soles bill as “Chabuca,” or the 20 soles bill as “Arguedas.” A tip that can work for you is to always carry some coins with you; it can be very practical to buy some food at street food stalls or enter a public bathroom.
2. Can I use credit cards in Peru, or should I carry cash?
The answer is yes…and no. Credit cards are widely accepted in businesses, restaurants, hotels, and larger stores. However, small businesses, markets, and some grocery stores prefer cash. Imagine you are visiting a magic town in Peru. It could be Pozuzo, Chinchero, in the Sacred Valley, or any other magical town in Peru.
Probably ATMs are not available in these areas, so your only option is cash. As we told you above, we recommend carrying with you some cash, bills, and coins, which would be useful. “When shopping in a mountain market, cash is still king.” That phrase will become your mantra when exploring the deepest parts of Peru.
3. Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Many countries, such as most of Europe, the US, Canada, and Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, do not need a tourist visa. So, if you are a visitor from these countries, you can stay in Peru for up to 183 days.
However, keep in mind that your passport must be valid, so make sure that your passport is still valid for at least 6 months before you come to Peru. We recommend scanning your passport and having a copy separately, and if you are not sure whether your country needs a visa to Peru or not, confirm it with official sources before traveling.
Extra tip: We recommend getting travel insurance in Peru. You can have more ideas by checking out our blog.
4. What electrical outlets and voltage are used in Peru?
Before packing every gadget you own, it’s helpful to know how electricity works in Peru. The country typically uses 220 volts and 60 Hz, which is higher than what many travelers from North America are used to. The most common plug types are A, B, and C. The good news?
Many hotels—especially in tourist areas like Lima or Cusco—have outlets that accept more than one plug style. Still, bringing a universal travel adapter is a smart move. It keeps your phone, camera, and laptop charged without any surprises.
If your device only supports 110V, you may also need a voltage converter, though most modern chargers (like phone chargers) handle both automatically. A quick check before your trip can save a lot of outlet frustration later.
5. Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Peru?
This is one of the most common questions travelers ask—and the safest answer is simple: stick to bottled or filtered water during your trip. While tap water in Peru is treated, it’s generally not recommended for drinking, especially for visitors whose stomachs aren’t used to it.
Luckily, bottled water is cheap, widely available, and easy to find almost everywhere—from supermarkets to small corner shops. Most hotels also provide drinking water or have filtered water stations. Many travelers use bottled water for brushing their teeth as well, just to be extra cautious.
It might sound like a small adjustment, but it’s an easy habit that helps keep your trip focused on exploring ruins, tasting amazing food, and enjoying the adventure—not dealing with an upset stomach.
6. How do you get to Machu Picchu and other major attractions?
We recommend travelers reach Machu Picchu from Cusco, as you can adapt to high-altitude weather, and it is the most practical way to enjoy the lost citadel. From Cusco, you have some alternatives:
By Train
This is the most conventional and secure way to get to Machu Picchu, although booking in advance is essential. In Cusco’s Poroy station or in Ollantaytambo station, you can take the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town. From there, you’ll go to the citadel by bus, normally the next day.
By the Inca Trail
This historic path follows ancient stone routes built by the Inca civilization and passes through cloud forests, mountain scenery, and fascinating archaeological sites before arriving at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu.
There are two main options. The Classic Inca Trail takes about 4 days and 3 nights, covering roughly 42 km (26 miles) of varied terrain and camping along the way. For travelers with less time, the Short Inca Trail is a 2-day trek that still includes beautiful scenery and the memorable arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Both options require permits and booking, as visitor numbers are limited to help preserve the trail.
By Hidroelectrica
It is quite simple to follow the route from the Hidroelectrica Station to Aguas Calientes. There is no need for a guide because the trail is level, has no steep elevations, and is clearly labeled. You will walk through the dense vegetation that is typical of the high jungle area.
The trip is particularly picturesque and pleasurable due to the landscape’s abundance of vivid flowers, a variety of plant species, and tall trees.
The path is easy to navigate, and you are less likely to get lost because it runs alongside the train tracks. The stunning Urubamba River flows alongside you for a large portion of the route, providing a peaceful soundtrack for your hike.
You can leave the stress behind, leaving everything related to your trip in Viagens Machu Picchu’s hands. Along with our experience and expertise in the Inca citadel and Peru, we can arrange your Machu Picchu trip to be one that you’ll never forget!
7. Should I worry about altitude sickness in Peru?
You can experience symptoms of altitude sickness due to the high altitude of certain tourist spots in Peru, such as Cusco, the Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, or Arequipa, which are located above 2500 meters above sea level. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
Please, don’t be intimidated by this, as it is a natural way in which your body is protecting you, and, on top of that, we have some tips to fight against altitude sickness. You can check out our blog articles about the best itinerary to avoid it and what to take if you have some symptoms.
8. What language is spoken in Peru?
Peru’s official language is Spanish, but we have native languages such as Quechua, the ancient Inca’s main language, and Aymara, often spoken in the altiplano regions of Puno and Lake Titicaca.
It’s okay if you don’t speak Spanish, especially in tourist areas where most people can understand at least a few English words. However, we suggest studying a few words or phrases in Spanish so you can communicate with locals and understand their way of life if you want to fully enjoy your trip to Peru.
Luckily for you, we have an article on our blog that will offer you some suggestions for enhancing your Spanish experience while in Peru. Take a look at it and practice your Spanish with people who live in the Inca country!
9. Is tipping expected in Peru?
Although it’s not strictly mandatory, tipping is usual and appreciated in Peru, particularly in the tourism and travel industry. If service isn’t already covered by the bill, a 10% tip is expected in many restaurants, especially in places like Lima or Cusco.
If the receipt displays a “servicio” charge, an extra tip is not required but is still appreciated for outstanding service. Tipping drivers, trekking staff, and guides is also customary for guided tours.
For instance, at the conclusion of their hike to Machu Picchu, visitors frequently leave modest gratuities for the porters and guides. A few soles are also appreciated by hotel employees, like housekeeping and bellhops. Consider tipping as a modest way to show appreciation for welcoming service and local hospitality.
10. When is the best time to visit Peru?
Well, to answer our last Peru FAQ, that is up to you. If you love rain, green landscapes, and adventure, the rainy season would be perfect for you to visit Peru. The rainy season in Peru is between December and March, with the heaviest rainfall in February.
You can expect some hiking to be suspended because of the danger, such as the Humantay or the Inca Trail, and some trips can be suspended as well because of the bad weather, although this is not normal.
However, rain mainly affects the Sierra (the highland region) and the Amazon jungle, while the Peruvian coast has a very different climate. Peru is a large country with diverse geography, which means it has several microclimates and weather patterns depending on the region you visit.
On the other hand, there is the dry season, which many travelers prefer. This period is considered the best time for trekking and outdoor adventures, especially in the Andes. However, it also coincides with high tourist season, so prices for accommodation and tours can be slightly higher.
Unlike the wet season, which falls during the low tourist season, the dry season is also famous for its lively atmosphere. Starting around May, many festivals and cultural celebrations take place across the country.
When you consider the pros and cons of both seasons, one thing becomes clear: there really is no bad time to visit Peru.
Conclusion
What about now? Is Peru on your bucket list by this time? We really hope these practical answers can help you to focus on planning a memorable trip, whether you are a solo traveler or if you want to travel with your partner or family.
Once you have sorted out logistics, you can now think about which cities you’d like to visit, or which ancient Peruvian cultures you’d like to know, or what dishes you want to try with your pisco sour.
Peru, as we talked about above, is an enormous country; you can find variety and contrasts in each corner, so we encourage you to increase your curiosity about Peru, as it has everything for you to have the best trip of your life.
After all, the only real challenge left is deciding whether to explore ruins, taste more ceviche, or photograph another alpaca. To take the first step into your Peruvian adventure, contact Viagens Machu Picchu agents.
We have assisted over 150,000 customers in making their dreams come true in Peru, and we’re experts in every destination in Peru. Don’t put it off too long; Peru and everything it has to offer are waiting for you!
Viagens Machu Picchu: journeys that inspire, moments that last.