When you are planning a trip there are always questions that come up, even some you don’t think of! We’ve put together a list of questions our Peru Travel Specialists get asked frequently and additional helpful information to make planning easier.
If you find you have any additional questions please do get in touch with our specialist team who will be happy to help!
Trekking
The Inca trail is one of the most popular treks in the world. There are only 500 permits a day released worldwide, it’s worth noting this includes permits for the guides and porters. This means at best there could be 300 places available for the general public. With the popularity of travel within Peru it’s best to book at least 6 months in advance to not be disappointed.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness levels. Much like seasickness you just never know until you are already travelling. You can help yourself by where possible not flying straight to a place of high altitude. Travelling overland where possible, slowly acclimatising will reduce the risk.
You’ll need to carry your own bag and sleeping bag (pack a small bag for a few days, the remainder of your luggage you will leave in your hotel in Cusco). The porters that are included as part of your package are hired to carry camping and cooking equipment. Though you can tip locally for the porters to carry personal items this is not guaranteed. If you don’t feel able to carry these items you can hire an additional porter. This must be booked in advance as porters have the same access to permits as you do and the permits sell out quickly. Just let us know.
Tipping should be dependent on the quality of the service provided. As a good guide the tip is easy to work out per day of your trek, approx $10-20 a day for the guide and $5-10 for the porters. This, of course, is an average and is also per person, but a good idea of what other people tend to pay.
Before departure
Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your planned departure from Peru. You can find out more information on entry requirements on our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.
As long as you hold a valid British passport and are staying in Peru for no longer than three months, you won’t require a visa to travel.
You can find out more information on entry requirements on our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.
Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.
Layers are key in Peru as you will be travelling through different climates and terrains. We would advise a warm layer and a waterproof jacket, plus shoes with a good grip are essential for any hiking you might do.
It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Travel Health Pro website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.
Departure
We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:
- Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
- Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
- Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
- Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
- Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
- Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
- Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!
Arrival
The primary language in Peru is Spanish but the Quechua and Aymara languages are both still alive and kicking and are widely spoken in areas of the country.
Here are a few key words to get you started:
Hola – Hello!
Buenos dias/tardes/noches – Good morning/afternoon/evening
Me llamo/llama – My name is.. (m)/(f) *Hint: two ‘ll’ is pronounced as a ‘y’ sound.
Adios – Goodbye
Hasta luego – See you later
Hasta pronto – See you soon
Necesito ir a el bano – I need to go to the bathroom
Donde esta el bano – Where is the bathroom?
Cuanto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
Me gustaria una cerveza/una ron por favor – I would like a beer/a rum please!
Una cerveza, por favour – One beer please!
Food is an important part of Peruvian culture, and the food in Peru is amongst the best on the continent.
Alongside Peruvian meat staples such as lomo saltado (marinated steak strips mixed with tomato and onions), you’ll also find plenty of delicious cerviche (raw fish cured in citrus juice), and also some more ‘unusual’ things like alpaca and guinea pig dishes.
Peru is also home to a huge variety of fruit and veg, some of which you will never have seen before…..there are an estimated 4000 types of potato alone! So, if you’re vegetarian or vegan then don’t despair, there will be plenty of options available, especially in the cities (tip: the Happy Cow app will help you find vegan/veggie restaurants). In rural areas, your options may be a little more limited, of course. We would advise that you keep an eye on the food that you eat and how it’s been prepared, especially when it comes to meat and fish.
Due to the country’s history, there is a large Spanish influence in Peru, although Quechua and Aymara culture is also prevalent, and the people of Peru proudly celebrate these cultures. This mix of influences can be seen throughout local art, music, festivals and literature, as well as in Peruvian cuisine.
Peru is a predominantly Catholic country, although other Christian denominations and other religions are also represented.
Safety
Whilst civil unrest and protest is fairly normal in Peru, it is a relatively peaceful country and a safe place for tourists to travel through. Like anywhere in the world, you should use common sense and avoid being out alone at night or in certain urban areas, and don’t be too flashy with your gadgets or jewellery.
We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.
Tips and practical information
The local currency in Peru is the Peruvian Nueva Sol, however US dollars are also widely accepted, so it’s a good idea to carry some change and small denomination notes ($10, $20) with you.
You will hear lots of different advice on currency and what is best to take. Changing your Pounds in to US dollars will of course mean you can pay commissions twice if you then change in to the Peruvian Sol as well. Dollars are widely accepted certainly in larger places so can be great emergency currency, but if, like us, you like small local places it is best to have local currency as well.
Service charges are generally included in the more expensive restaurants in Peru. In the cheaper restaurants, service isn’t included but tipping isn’t customary and rounding off the bill is enough. It’s not customary to tip taxi drivers but make sure you agree on a reasonable price beforehand. If you’re taking part in a trek, please be aware that it is customary to tip the guide/porter/cook etc.