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Travel Guide
Visiting Peru
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Exercise Caution
UK FCDO: State of Emergency in Peru A State of Emergency is in place in Peru. Avoid large gatherings and protests. There will be increased security patrols and a visible presence of armed forces on the streets. Follow the instructions of police and local authorities. Emergency measures are in place following a rupture of the Camisea gas pipeline and the resultant natural gas shortage. Expect disruption and shortage of natural gas for vehicles (GNV). The Peruvian Government has announced temporary measure
Updated 2026-03-07
Discover
Top Attractions in Peru
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Machu Picchu
The 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu sits on a ridge at 2,430 metres and is one of the most celebrated archaeological sites on earth. Timed entry tickets and a guide are now required, and most visitors arrive by train to Aguas Calientes or on the multi-day Inca Trail.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley holds the terraced ruins of Pisac and the fortress town of Ollantaytambo. Its gentler altitude makes it a comfortable place to acclimatise while exploring markets and Inca sites.
The Sacred Valley
Stretching between the Inca sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a concentration of terraced ruins, living indigenous communities, and colourful markets set within a broad Andean valley. Ollantaytambo preserves one of the finest examples of Inca urban planning still in use today, while Pisac's hilltop ruins command panoramic views over the valley floor and its famous Sunday market below. The valley's lower altitude and temperate climate make it a popular acclimatisation stop before visiting Cusco or Machu Picchu.
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Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 106 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Peru see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police105
Ambulance106
Fire116
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Peru
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Peru page at Yoogo.
Peru's official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in cities, but cash remains essential in markets, rural areas, and for taxis, as many vendors add surcharges for card payments or do not accept them at all.
Peru is visited by millions of international travellers each year and most trips pass without incident, though petty theft and pickpocketing are common in busy urban areas and on public transport. Tourist Police (POLTUR) operate in major cities and can be reached in Lima on 01-460-1060, while the national emergency police line is 105.
Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover Peru's vast distances, with routes connecting Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, and Iquitos operated by LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. Long-distance buses run between most cities and are a popular budget option, while the PeruRail train service connects Cusco to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu, a journey not possible by road.
The dry season from May to October is the most popular time to visit, particularly for trekking in the Andes and visiting Machu Picchu, with stable weather and clear skies across the highlands. The coast enjoys warmer temperatures between December and April, while the Amazon is accessible year-round but drier from May to September.
Spanish is the primary language and is spoken throughout the country, alongside Quechua, which remains the first language of many Andean communities, and Aymara, spoken around Lake Titicaca. English is understood at hotels, tour operators, and major tourist sites, but is less common away from established visitor routes.
Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended for all travellers, and yellow fever vaccination is advised for those visiting jungle regions below 2,300 metres, including parts of the Amazon basin. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a practical consideration when visiting Cusco, Puno, or the Sacred Valley, all of which sit above 3,000 metres, and travellers are advised to allow a day or two to acclimatise before strenuous activity.
Tipping is customary but not obligatory in Peru, and a gratuity of around 10% is standard in restaurants where a service charge is not already included on the bill. Tour guides and trekking porters on routes such as the Inca Trail rely significantly on tips, with 20–40 soles per day per traveller considered appropriate for guides and a similar amount for porter crews shared collectively.