Andean women in traditional dress with a llama on a hillside near Cusco

Peru · Planning

Peru FAQs

Altitude, Machu Picchu tickets, money, safety and what to pack: answers to the questions travelers ask before a trip to Peru, from the specialists who plan them every day.

  • PEN Peruvian sol
  • 220V electricity
  • 10–12 days recommended

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

Frequently asked

Your Peru questions, answered

Pick a topic to narrow the list, then tap a question to open it.

Before you goDo I need a visa to visit Peru?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union and many other countries don’t need a visa for tourist stays. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Entry rules can change, so we always confirm current requirements before you travel.

Before you goHow many days do I need in Peru?

Ten to twelve days lets you enjoy Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco at an easy pace. Add three or four days for the Amazon or Lake Titicaca.

Before you goHow do I get around Peru?

Domestic flights connect Lima with Cusco (about 1 hour 20 minutes), Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. Between Cusco and Machu Picchu you travel by train, and we arrange private drivers for everything else.

Before you goDo I need travel insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, especially for high-altitude and Amazon itineraries.

Machu Picchu & the Inca TrailHow far ahead should I book Machu Picchu?

For May to September, book four to six months ahead, and further for the Inca Trail or Huayna Picchu. See our Machu Picchu guide for details.

Machu Picchu & the Inca TrailIs the Inca Trail open all year?

The Classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself is open every day of the year.

Health & altitudeWill I get altitude sickness?

Many travelers feel mild symptoms like headaches or breathlessness in Cusco (about 3,400 m). We plan itineraries that start lower in the Sacred Valley, with an easy first day. Ask your doctor before you go if you have any health concerns.

Health & altitudeCan I drink the tap water?

No. Drink bottled or filtered water. Hotels and lodges we work with provide safe drinking water.

Health & altitudeDo I need vaccinations?

Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Yellow fever vaccination and malaria prevention may be recommended for some Amazon areas. Please consult a travel health clinic for advice.

Money & etiquetteWhat currency is used in Peru?

The Peruvian sol (PEN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, and US dollars are accepted in some places. Carry small bills in soles for markets and tips.

Money & etiquetteHow much should I tip?

Around 10% in restaurants is customary if service isn’t included. Guides, drivers, porters and hotel staff appreciate tips too, and we’ll give you a simple guide before you travel.

Money & etiquetteIs Peru safe to visit?

Peru welcomes millions of visitors each year. As in any destination, use common sense with valuables in busy areas. Traveling with private transfers and trusted guides arranged by your travel advisor makes it easy and worry-free.

Money & etiquetteWhat plugs and voltage does Peru use?

Peru uses 220V, with type A and C sockets. Bring a universal adapter, and check that your devices support 220V.

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

Machu Picchu glowing in golden morning light

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at dusk, framed by a colonial archway

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

Reed boats at the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca

Begin your journey

Your Dream Peru Getaway

Peru is a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Peru specialists will start designing it with you.

  • A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
  • Machu Picchu tickets, trains and permits handled
  • Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
  • Support before, during and after your trip

Complimentary consultation

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Peru Specialists

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