If you’re thinking of traveling to Peru for the first time — congratulations! You’re about to discover a country that has it all: ancient culture, award-winning cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. But before packing your bags, there are a few things you should know to make your trip as smooth and safe as possible.
Here’s everything you need to plan that dream trip to Peru.
📖 First Things First: What Do You Need to Enter Peru?
Good news: most tourists don’t need a visa to enter Peru if their stay is under 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Upon arrival, you’ll receive an Andean Migration Card (TAM), either digitally or on paper.
If you’re coming from certain Asian or African countries, check ahead of time whether a visa is required. Better safe than sorry!
🏥 Health & Vaccines: Prevention Is Key
For jungle areas like Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, or Manu, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended. It’s not mandatory, but definitely a good idea. Also, if you’re visiting high-altitude cities like Cusco or Puno, bring altitude sickness pills and a basic first-aid kit.
Travel insurance is also highly recommended. Peru is generally safe for travelers, but it’s always best to be prepared.
📅 When’s the Best Time to Visit Peru?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to visit Machu Picchu or explore the highlands, the dry season from May to October is ideal. For coastal areas and beaches, December to March is the best time.
Note: July and August are peak tourist months, so book your trip in advance.
💸 Currency: Soles or Dollars?
Peru’s official currency is the Peruvian Sol (S/), but US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas. Change your money at authorized exchange houses or banks, and always carry cash for rural areas, taxis, or local markets.
Credit cards work well in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.
📶 Stay Connected
Need constant internet? Buy a prepaid SIM card as soon as you arrive. Providers like Claro, Movistar, or Entel offer plans starting at $5 USD.
Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafés, but remote areas like Machu Picchu or the jungle may have limited signal.
🎒 ¿Qué llevar en tu maleta?
Empaca pensando en los cambios de clima. Si vas a la costa, ropa ligera y bloqueador solar. Para la sierra, abrigo y zapatillas cómodas. Si visitas la selva, impermeable, repelente y ropa de manga larga.
Siempre lleva un adaptador de enchufe tipo A/B (el mismo que en USA).
🚕 Transporte: cómo moverte sin problemas
En ciudades como Lima o Arequipa, puedes usar taxis por app como Uber, Beat o Cabify. Para trayectos largos, los buses interprovinciales son cómodos y seguros (Cruz del Sur, Civa, Oltursa).
Para llegar a Machu Picchu, tienes dos opciones: tren (PeruRail o Inca Rail) o hacer trekking por el Camino Inca o Salkantay.
📌 ¿Qué lugares no te puedes perder?
Difícil resumir Perú en una lista, pero si es tu primera vez, apunta estos destinos:
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Lago Titicaca
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Arequipa y el Cañón del Colca
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Iquitos y la Amazonía
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Nazca y sus enigmáticas líneas
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Paracas e Islas Ballestas
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Lima, capital gastronómica de Sudamérica
🚨 Consejos extra que te salvan de apuros
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Evita sacar mucho dinero en cajeros callejeros.
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Nunca tomes taxis informales.
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Guarda una copia digital de tu pasaporte.
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Bebe mucha agua en altura.
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Siempre pide precio antes de subir a un taxi.
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Sé respetuoso con las costumbres locales, sobre todo en comunidades rurales.
📝 Final: prepárate para enamorarte de Perú
Planificar bien tu viaje es la mejor inversión para que la experiencia sea inolvidable. Perú no es solo Machu Picchu: son sus sabores, sus paisajes y su gente. Vive la cultura, prueba su cocina, respira su historia.
Si quieres recorrer Perú a tu medida, en Oki Doki Travel Perú te armamos la ruta perfecta. Escríbenos, que te llevamos.
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