Frequently Asked Questions About Peru
✈️ Getting to Peru
Direct flights to Lima from major U.S. cities range from 5.5 to 8.5 hours.
Indirect flights (with layovers) from Europe and Asia can take between 14 to 21 hours.
🛂 Visa Requirements
No visa needed for most American and Western European tourists.
Stay is limited to 90 days.
Must carry a valid passport; dual passport holders should bring both if names/numbers differ.
🔐 Safety
Peru is generally safe, especially in tourist zones.
Avoid flashy valuables, carry copies of documents, and use official taxis or transport apps.
Traffic officers cannot retain documents or accept bribes.
♿ Accessibility
Peru promotes “Tourism for Everybody.” Contact services in advance to confirm accessibility accommodations.
🌦️ Weather Overview
Coast: Warm (Nov–Mar), Cold and humid (Apr–mid Nov).
Mountains/Jungle: Rainy (Nov–Mar), Dry and colder (Apr–mid Nov).
Cusco: Avg highs 17°C (63°F), lows 2°C (28°F).
💸 Cost Reference
Item Approx. Price (USD)
Basic lunch $3–$12
Cusco-Machu Picchu train RT $30–$70
Basic lodging per night $5–$10
3-star hotel per night $50–$90
Flight Lima–Cusco RT ~$140
Burger $1.40
🥾 Trekking and Tour FAQs
🎒 What to Bring
Essentials: Passport, ISIC card, insurance, layers for cold & rain, thermal clothes, trekking boots, flashlight, refillable water bottle, personal meds, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks.
Recommended: Sleeping bag, walking poles, camera, sandals, swimwear, poncho, gloves, small towel.
⛺ Equipment
High-quality tents (2 ppl per 4-person tent), mattresses, cook & dining tents provided.
Optional rentals: sleeping bags (-5°C to -15°C), inflatable mats, walking sticks, extra horses/mules.
🧳 Luggage
Duffel bag provided (limit: 8kg/person).
Daypack: ~5kg carried by you.
Sleeping bag (~2kg) counts toward the duffel limit.
Excess luggage: $1/kg/day.
🐎 Horses & Porters
Emergency horse/mule is included (not on Inca Trail).
Extra cargo or riding mule/porter must be booked in advance.
Inca Trail porters must be reserved during booking.
🚽 Facilities
Toilet tents or natural options. Always carry TP and follow Leave No Trace rules.
Limited bathing access; some treks have cold showers or warm water on request.
💧 Water
Bring 1–2L to start. Use purification tablets for streams.
Cook will provide boiled water for refills daily.
🍽️ Food
Nutritious meals prepared hygienically.
Dietary restrictions accommodated with notice.
Water is boiled for cooking and cleaning.
🧳 Storage
Main luggage stored at Cusco hotel.
Return duffel bags after trek.
💰 Money & Tipping
Take enough cash for snacks, tips, meals in Aguas Calientes.
Suggested tips (per trek day, per person):
Guide: $10–$20
Cook: $5–$10
Porters/Muleteers: $3–$5
🚆 Train Info
Train schedules vary. Specify preference when booking.
Changes to tickets incur fees ($10–$22+ per ticket).
Early booking ensures best availability during high season (July–Aug).