Peru - Travel Guide - Tripmasters Travel

Peru – Travel Guide

Peru amazes beckons travelers with its mystical allure and rich cultural tapestry. From the majestic peaks of the Andes to the verdant depths of the Amazon rainforest, Peru’s diverse landscapes astonish at every turn. Iconic archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines whisper secrets of civilizations past, while colonial cities like Lima and Cusco pulse with vibrant energy and history. Peruvian cuisine, celebrated worldwide, tantalizes palates with its exquisite flavors and fresh ingredients, from savory ceviche to hearty lomo saltado. Peru enchants with the warmth and resilience of its people, whose traditions and spirit infuse every corner of this enchanting land.

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All about Peru

Peru FAQ

What is Peru Known for?

Peru is known as the `Land of the Incas` – home to ancient ruins, indigenous cultures and fabulous food and festivals! From Machu Picchu high in the majestic Andes Mountains to the arid desert etchings at Nazca and the lush rainforest of the Amazon River, Peru offers stunning glimpses into its 5000 year history. Explore the country’s culture through its cuisine (Ceviche and Pisco), its markets with traditional pottery and weavings and its festivals, which can last for days! Hike the Inca Trail, cruise down the Amazon or across Lake Titicaca or just relax on the beach and take in the museums of the capital city of Lima.

What are the best places to visit in Peru?

The premier archeological site of Machu Picchu is Peru`s main attraction with its magnificents sights and ruins, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The extraordinary, vibrant and fascinating city of Cuzco is brimming with a variety of sights, attractions and activities along with delicious authentic cuisine and vibrant markets. The Amazon River is the mightiest river in the world, originating in streams running through the Andes, the longest river on earth surrounded by pristine wilderness, exotic wildlife, and birdlife. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an alluring destination in Peru encompassing a massive area, a lush verdant valley filled with roaring rivers, soaring snow-capped peaks and unique geography.

How many days should I spend in Peru?

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.

What is the best way to get around Peru?

Getting around Peru can be done in several ways including buses and trains. Peru is a large country with difficult mountain terrain and other landscapes that can be difficult to navigate. Train services are very limited and only offer a few tourist routes.

By Bus: The country has a complex network of private bus companies that crisscross the country and cover the most popular tourist routes.

By Train: Train travel in Peru connects passengers to some of the fascinating sights such as Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Cuzco. The journeys can be a simply spectacular experience steaming through the magnificent Peruvian peaks boasting breathtaking views.

What is the currency in Peru?

The local currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol, and each Sol is subdivided into 100 centimos. Exchange rates vary, but you can change US dollars, or travelers check locally and obtain cash advances via ATMs in most towns, and cities. Always advise your bank, and credit card issuers, when you intend to use your cards abroad.

What is the language spoken in Peru?

Ninety percent of Peruvians speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest you get a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

Best time to visit Peru

Peru can be visited all year round, and the country experiences two main seasons. The dry season between May and October sees sunlit days, brilliant blue skies in the Andes and crisp nights. It is a fantastic time to be in Peru; but being the high season, early booking is necessary.

Between November and March, guests will observe more frequent rain, with January and February being the wettest months to visit. Sightseeing during this time does provide the benefit of fewer visitors, greener landscapes and a little lower price for flights and hotels. Although the Amazon also realizes more rain between November and March, this should not keep you from visiting – the flora and fauna will still be ample and there are always breaks in the showers.

Visiting Peru in January – April

The rainiest time to visit the Andes and the Amazon, with the Inca Trail closing for the entire month of February. Travel is still attainable, however, and Machu Picchu remains open – it will just be more demanding for those desiring to hike. As February closes, the Inca Trail re-opens and more visitors begin to show up; specifically as Easter arrives. This is also a favored time to vacation for those wanting to combine Peru with a visit to the Galapagos Islands.

Events and Festivals

– Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria (February): The town of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca celebrates the feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria over a two week period with folkloric music, dance and spectacular costumes.

– Holy Week (March/April): Holy Week brings the celebration of Jesus Christ`s death, burial, and resurrection to Peru’s towns and cities; particularly notable in Cuzco.

– The feast of the Three Kings (6th January): This feast is famous across Latin America, but Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley is an excellent place to celebrate. During the ‘Bajada de Los Reyes’ the town is engulfed with joyous processions, music, and dance.

Visiting Peru in May- September

As the rains in the Andes come to an end, guests can enjoy warm, sunny days and crisp evenings at altitude. This point of the year lends itself to appreciating all the attractions Peru has to provide, from admiring Machu Picchu in the sunshine, to enjoying a boat trip on Lake Titicaca under brilliant blue skies and hiking against a background of snow-capped mountains. Those wanting to travel from June onward should make their plans six to nine months in advance, and up to 12 months in advance if you wish to hike the Inca Trail but have a limited travel window.

Events and Festivals

– Inti Raymi (June): A month of festivities in Peru, many escalating up to the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) approaching the end of the month. A preferred festival is Corpus Christi, which lands on the ninth Thursday after Easter.

– Santa Rosa de Lima (30th August): Lima’s patroness is honored with a civic holiday and procession to Lima cathedral.

Visiting Peru in October – December

The dry season comes to an end, but conditions are still delightful. An overabundance of birdlife and flora, especially orchids, can be appreciated in Peru’s cloud forests during this time. Although water levels in the Amazon will be higher from December to March, meaning fauna may not venture as close to the river’s edge, this does present the advantage of easier exploration of minor tributaries which are frequently unattainable in the drier months.

Events and Festivals

– Santurantikuy Market (24th December): Visiting Cuzco’s Santurantikuy Market on Christmas Eve is an extraordinary experience, with vendors from the Andes mountains arriving to sell grasses and plants for the nativity manger and children queuing for hot chocolate. What a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus Christ`s birth.

Tipping in Peru

The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

Tipping in Peru

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Nuevo Soles?

The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol and US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for soles upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in rural areas of Peru you will find it useful to always keep cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the cities.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

In most restaurants in Peru no tip is required. A 10 percent tip is common at nicer establishments. Always check your bill and if any service charge has been added. If your service is excellent, feel free to add an additional tip. If you aren`t satisfied with the service, you can forgo a tip altogether. Bartenders receive a tip equivalent to about S/1 per drink.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Tipping in hotels in Peru is rarely expected except in cases of exemplary service or if you solicit special services. The most commonly tipped employees are the porters and housekeeping. If a porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is about S/3 per bag, usually no more than S/6 total. It is customary to leave about S/3 to S/5 per day for housekeeping. Other hotel services are tipped depending on the service provided.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Usually cab drivers are not tipped in Peru. You may wish to tip extra if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around. If you hire a taxi driver for the entire day the rate expected is about S/60 per day. If it is around Christmas or New Year`s Day, a tip is very much appreciated. Needless to say, if your driver was rude or took you on an out of the way route to hike up the fare, do not leave a tip. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.

Tour Guides: Should I tip?

The normal tip for tour guides is about S/60 per day. If a tour guide is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra cash if you wish!

Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?

Note: Peru is not a heavy tipping culture, however, if you get your picture with a llama, a hawk or a lady in traditional dress — please tip. A majority of their income may depend on tipping.

Street Performers: Here is one place to splurge a bit. Though you may not actively solicit entertainment from musicians, mimes, artists, and the like, it is polite to tip them if you have enjoyed their trade. These people live off the money they make bringing their talent to the streets of Lima, Arequipa, Tujillo or Cusco. Take some of what you would have left your waitress in the restaurant and give it to one of these artists!

Other Services: In the event that you are in Peru for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% range.

Final Thoughts:

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S. the expectations for tipping are lower in Peru than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy, it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.

Final Thoughts

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy, it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.