Peru offers a diverse range of climates and landscapes, each with its own unique attractions and best times to visit. Whether you're exploring the Andean highlands, relaxing on the coast, or adventuring through the Amazon rainforest, knowing the ideal time to travel can enhance your experience.

What to bring to Peru (packing list)?

What you bring to Peru depends greatly on what you plan to do, where, and when. If you're staying in 5 star hotels it is unlikely that you'll want a sleeping bag. If you're here for the dry season in the Andes you won't need a raincoat, but if you're here for the rainy season in the Andes you will live in your raincoat.Here we've tried to make a general packing list for Peru that any adventurer will benefit from when planning their trip.

Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol, commonly referred to as Sol, with its plural form being Soles. As of August 2024, the conversion rate is approximately 3.80 Soles to 1 US Dollar. It is recommended to convert your currency to Soles once you arrive in Peru, as the exchange rate is generally better than in your home country.

To be well prepared it is important to know what the weather in Peru is like. The climate of Peru varies dramatically due to the numerous microclimates throughout the country. Preparing for your trip to Peru will depend on whether you are planning to visit the Andean highlands, the Peruvian coast or the Peruvian the jungle.

Peru is an important and one of the World's Leading Culinary Destinations (World Travel Awards). There are restaurants in all categories; there is Peruvian streetfood and you can also eat at the local markets. Markets are an important part of life in Peru with a big section dedicated solely to food. Famous Peruvian dishes are: lomo saltado, ceviche, ají de gallina and more.

Peru is full of exciting shopping opportunities for handmade artisan items of all styles and qualities. Markets, street vendors, and small shops all offer a variety of options for travelers with a low-end budget. Elegant boutiques and fair trade organizations offer a different kind of shopping experience for those willing to foot the bill of high quality products.

In Peru, the supply voltage is 220 volts at 60 hertz. For most European devices, as well as in India, Australia and many African countries a voltage of 220 – 250 volts applies, so there will be no problem plugging your electronic item into a power outlet in Peru. In the USA, however, electricity is supplied at between 110 and 120 volts.There are two types of plugs in Peru: Type A (most commonly used with two flat parallel prongs) and Type C, with two rounded prongs.

Peru travel tips and advice

Home

Travel

Travel Tips

Travel

If you need practical information for navigating on the ground in Peru as a tourist or traveler, look no farther. Here you will find important travel tips for everything from your pre-visit preparations to your post-visit reminiscing. Get the scoop on what to pack, what to expect in-country, and how to stay involved with life in Peru after your visit.

GETTING READY

How to prepare for your trip to Peru: practical info about visiting Peru, health travel tips, weather, money etc.

Getting Ready

TRAVEL IN PERU

How to make the most of your trip to Peru: useful tips for travelers about transport food etc.

Travel in Peru

MORE ABOUT PERU

Read more about staying in Peru, study, taxes. Peru news, Facebook groups, forums and more.

More about Peru

1. Getting Ready ↑

Avoid the tourist high season or time your visit to participate in stunning Incan ceremonies

When to visit Peru

Don't leave out these essentials when you pack your bag.

What to bring to Peru

Learn how to obtain and manage a Peruvian visa, hint, you most likely won't need one.

Visa for Peru

Do I need them and why?

Vaccinations for Peru

Don't get swindled! Know these fast facts for dealing with dough in Peru

Money in Peru

Avoid sticker shock, know what to expect about pricing from food to souvenirs.

Travel costs in Peru

How to dress for every Weather Channel option: blistering sun, rain, hail, thunder and lightening.

Climate

What to expect as a study abroad student in Peru

Study in Peru

Do yourself and your friends a favor, know your questionable food items and avoid stomach illnesses.

Health information

2. Travel in Peru ↑

Where to eat out in Peru and most importantly: what to eat! All about the food culture in Peru and which dishes not to miss

What to eat in Peru

Tips and Tricks about Public Transport in Peru: which types of busses are there and how much does it cost?

Getting around

Stay in the loop with friends at home and abroad, learn about communication in Peru.

Communications

Don't let backpacking keep you smelly forever, use laundromats to rejoin hygiene...

Laundry

What is a fair price for a taxi in Peru?

Taxis

The need-to-know essentials of using the bathroom in Peru, bring your own toilet paper!

Toilets

Why is this shop/hostel/bank closed now?! Don't get left out in the cold in Peru.

Business hours

Know the best places to go and how to stay safe when you're out on the town.

Night Life

Where to get the best deals or the best workmanship and quality for your souvenirs.

Shopping

Know how to stay safe and what to do in an emergency from robbery to assault.

Emergency phone

Dealing with shortages and bills

Electricity

3. More about Peru ↑

Where do I pay and is there a difference for foreign residents?

Taxes

How to work legally, or illegally, in Peru

Work in Peru

Keeping up-to-date with local and national news in Peru.

Peru in the News

How to stay involved with organizations and causes from abroad.

Helping from Home

Get in touch with like-minded travelers and stay in-touch with whats buzzing in Peru.

Peru Forums

How to navigate the phone system in Peru

Telephone area codes

Northern Peru

Southern Peru

Bolivia

Peru Tours

Travel

GETTING READY

TRAVEL IN PERU

MORE ABOUT PERU

1. Getting Ready ↑

2. Travel in Peru ↑

3. More about Peru ↑