If you are planning a trip to Peru in 2024, this information is ideal for you. Auri Peru helps you from the first moment where you plan your personalized experience until the last moment where the long-awaited day arrives to live it, it will undoubtedly become an unforgettable experience.
From the natural beauty of its landscapes to the delicious Peruvian gastronomy, knowing these details is important for all trips that are preparing for a Peru trip, you can be part of them but you must prepare everything properly.
We recommend you see: Discover Why 2024 Is The Best Time To Visit Peru
1. DOCUMENTS AND CURRENCY
We know that you are excited and that your entire group is preparing for a Peru trip, however it is important to be aware of the documents necessary to enter the country and become familiar with the local currency. Here we provide you with all the information you need to prepare your trip without setbacks.
1.1. DOCUMENTS
1.1.1. Passport
To enter Peru, you will need a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into the country. Make sure your passport is in good condition and is not about to expire.
1.1.2. Visa
Visa requirements to enter Peru vary depending on your country of origin. This visa allows visitors to stay for a certain period within the country, usually up to 90 days.
SOME OF THE COUNTRIES THAT DO NOT NEED A VISA | ||
Argentina | Bolivia | Brazil |
Chile | Colombia | Costa Rica |
Ecuador | El Salvador | Guatemala |
Honduras | México | Nicaragua |
United States | Paraguay | Uruguay |
If you want to know if you need a VISA on your trip to Peru for 2024, follow this link: Click here |
1.1.3. TAM
Upon arriving in Peru, you may be given a Migration Card, also known as the Andean Migration Card. This card is mandatory for all travelers and must be completed with personal information and details of your stay in the country. The TAM will be given to you on the plane or upon arrival at the airport, and you must keep it throughout your stay in Peru.
1.2. MONEY
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Some important points about the Peruvian currency are:
1.2.1. Denominations
The Peruvian Sol is divided into cents. Common coin denominations include 10, 20, and 50 centimos, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles. As for bills, the most common are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles.
1.2.2. US Dollars
Although the official currency is the Peruvian Sol, the US dollar is widely accepted in many tourist establishments, especially in hotels, restaurants and travel agencies in tourist areas. However, it is recommended to also carry some local currency for everyday transactions and small purchases.
1.2.3. Money Exchange
You can exchange your money at authorized exchange houses, banks and hotels. It is advisable to avoid changing money on the street to avoid possible scams or receiving counterfeit bills. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in commercial establishments in urban and tourist areas.
If you want more information about money in Peru, read our article: Money Wisdom for Travelers: All about currency and money in Peru
“Work, Save, Travel, Repeat.” |
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2. Food and Gastronomy
Something important to consider when you plan a trip to Peru is undoubtedly the food. Peru is precisely the home of a gastronomy recognized throughout the world for its diversity, vibrant flavors and a unique fusion of culinary influences. From spicy ceviches to comforting mountain dishes, Peruvian cuisine delights the most demanding palates and promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. On your next trip to Peru you cannot miss a visit to one of these places:
2.1. Cevicherias in Lima
Lima, the gastronomic capital of Latin America, is the ideal place to taste fresh and delicious ceviche. Head to the Miraflores district, where you’ll find a wide selection of cevicherías offering this iconic dish prepared with fresh fish, lemon, chili, and red onion.
Some of the best restaurants to taste ceviche are: La Mar, Pescados Capitales or El Mercado.
2.2. Local Markets
Local markets are a window to authentic Peruvian cuisine. Visit the Surquillo Market in Lima or the San Pedro Market in Cusco, where you can explore stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish, as well as enjoy delicious traditional dishes at the restaurants located within the markets.
2.3. Restaurants in Barranco
Barranco, one of the most bohemian neighborhoods in Lima, is home to a wide variety of restaurants that offer a creative fusion of traditional flavors and modern culinary techniques. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants with ocean views and be surprised by the innovative Peruvian cuisine.
2.4. Picanterías in Arequipa
Arequipa, known as the White City, is famous for its spicy restaurants, where traditional Arequipa dishes full of flavor and tradition are served. Try the stuffed rocoto, shrimp chupe or ocopa arequipeña in one of the cozy restaurants in the city.
2.5 Restaurants in Cusco
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, offers a wide variety of restaurants that combine local ingredients with international culinary techniques. Taste dishes such as lomo saltado, ají de gallina or baked guinea pig in the cozy restaurants in the historic city center.
Some of the best restaurants to taste local food are: Chicha, Morena Peruvian Kitchen or Tunupa Plaza de Armas.
2.6. Chifas in Lima
The Chinese influence on Peruvian cuisine is reflected in chifas, restaurants that serve delicious Chinese-Peruvian food dishes. Visit the Chinese Quarter in Lima and enjoy dishes such as chaufa rice, sautéed noodles or the popular grilled chicken in one of the traditional chifas.
3. Places to visit
When you are planning a trip to Peru, remember that this is a destination of ancient civilizations and impressive landscapes, it offers a wide range of tourist places that captivate travelers from all over the world. Some of the most notable tourist places that you cannot miss on your trip to Peru are:
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
- Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray and Maras)
- Lake Titicaca (including the floating islands of Uros, Taquile and Amantani)
- Peruvian Amazon (Tambopata National Reserve, Pacaya Samiria, Manu and others)
- Paracas and the Ballestas Islands
- Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
- Nazca Lines
- Chan Chan Citadel
- The White City of Trujillo
- The beaches of Máncora
- Huascarán National Park
And many other destinations that you can enjoy, learn more about our services at the following link: Click here
4. Climate
While planning a trip to Peru, you cannot ignore that the country offers a wide variety of climates and landscapes. From the warm beaches of the north to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the rainforests of the Amazon, Peru has something for everyone. Here is a description of the weather for your trip to Peru during the rainy season and the dry season, along with the best places to visit in each:
4.1. Rainy Season (November to April)
During the rainy season, precipitation is more frequent in the Andes and the jungle. Some recommended destinations to visit during this season are:
- Peruvian Amazon: Immerse yourself in the lush Amazon rainforest during the rainy season to experience the fullness of plant and animal life. Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos are excellent starting points for exploring the jungle, taking boat trips along the rivers and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: Despite occasional rains, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near Cusco, remains a fascinating destination during the rainy season. The Inca archaeological centers, the picturesque towns and the lush landscapes become even more impressive with the greenery that the rains bring. Usually rains are during the morning or afternoon, but not during the entire day.
4.2. Dry Season (May to October)
During the dry season, the climate is more stable and rain is less frequent throughout the country. Some notable destinations to explore during this time of year are:
- Machu Picchu: The iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is even more impressive during the dry season, when the weather is clearer and clearer. Take the opportunity to walk the Inca trails and marvel at the impressive views of the snow-capped peaks and green valleys.
- Paracas and the Ballestas Islands: The desert coast of Paracas is an ideal destination during the dry season, when the sun is shining and the sky is clear. Enjoy boat rides around the Ballestas Islands to see a wide variety of seabirds, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins.
- Máncora Beaches: Head to the beaches of Máncora on the north coast during the dry season to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. The conditions are perfect for swimming, water sports and relaxing by the sea.
5. How to Get There and Get Around
Right now many people are preparing for a Peru trip, you can be one of them. For this, it is important to know the options to arrive and move around the country. Whether you prefer to explore cities, archaeological centers or impressive natural landscapes.
5.1. Getting to Peru:
- By air: Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima is the main entry point to the country and receives direct flights from major cities around the world. Other important cities, such as Cusco, Arequipa and Iquitos, also have international and national airports that connect with Lima and other destinations but less frequently.
- By land: Peru shares land borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. There are border crossings at several locations along these borders, but it is important to check visa requirements and entry procedures before traveling.
- By sea: If you arrive in Peru from other South American countries, you can also consider arriving by sea. The port of Callao in Lima is one of the most important ports in the country and receives cruise ships and cargo ships from different parts of the world.
5.2. Getting around Peru
- Plane: For long distances, especially between cities separated by the Andes mountains or the dense Amazon jungle, the plane is the fastest and most convenient option. There are regular flights between the main cities of the country, such as Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, the average time is 1 hour and 30 minutes, and air tickets have a price from $80.00 dollars onwards. The main airline companies that we can find in Peru are: LATAM and Sky Airlines.
- Bus: Bus service is a popular option for traveling within Peru, especially for short and medium distances. There is an extensive bus network that connects the main cities and towns in the country, the travel time can vary between 1, 6, 8 or even 24 hours depending on the distance they are located, you can find prices from s/ 50.00 soles per section. Among the main companies for this service you find Cruz del Sur, Tranzela, Oltursa and others.
- Train: For some specific tourist routes, such as the journey between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the train is a picturesque and comfortable option. In the same way, there is also a route that allows us to travel by this transport between Puno, Arequipa and Cusco, you can obtain more information about this in our article: Inca Rail or Peru Rail? which train to Machu Picchu choose?
MEMORIES OF MY TRIP TO PERU
“After some years, I finally reached Peru, my dream destination! The most that I enjoyed of my trip was in Cusco, the gorgeous squares, bright textiles danced before my eyes. The sights, the sounds, the sacred grounds – Peru’s spirit lives within. Thanks Auri for this magnificent experience!”
Now you have everything ready to plan a trip to Peru, Auri Peru will help you personalize the experience you want to live, we will be happy to help you in this new adventure, contact us now.
“Perú is Always a Good Idea”