Get essential Peru travel information with key facts, visa advice,
safety tips, and cultural insights. Discover the best time to visit,
how to get around, and everything you need to plan your perfect trip
to Peru.
Country: Peru
Continent / Region: South America
Capital City: Lima
Government Type: Constitutional Republic
Population: Approx. 34 million
Official Language(s): Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
English Usage: Limited (~15%), higher in tourism areas
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT−5
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/C – 220V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 105 (Police), 116 (Fire), 106 (Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 12–14 hours (1 stop; no direct flights)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May–September (dry season)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: 90 days; free entry
- Vaccinations Needed: Hepatitis A & Typhoid recommended; Yellow Fever advised for Amazon
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Peru):
Average Daily Costs: £25 / £50 / £120+
Tipping Culture: 10% in restaurants
Public Transport Options: Buses, taxis, collectivos, domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: PEN 2–3 (local bus)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good in cities; Claro, Movistar, Entel
Main Climate Type: Varies — coast (arid), mountains (cool), Amazon (tropical)
Average Temperature: Depends heavily on region & altitude
Major Cities: Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Trujillo, Iquitos
Natural Attractions: Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, desert coastline, Lake Titicaca
Popular Destinations: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Arequipa, Nazca, Paracas, Iquitos
Main Religions: Roman Catholicism, Indigenous traditions
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, anticuchos, aji de gallina, quinoa dishes
Special Drinks: Pisco sour, chicha morada, Inca Kola
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, Nazca Lines
Overall Safety Rating: Mixed — safe in tourist areas; caution recommended
Common Scams: Taxi scams, fake tours, pickpocketing
Health Risks: Altitude sickness (Cusco), mosquito-borne illnesses, food hygiene issues
Recommended Clinics: Good private hospitals in Lima & Cusco
Insurance Recommendation: Essential — especially for trekking
Internet Speed: Good in major cities; limited in remote areas
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca islands
Unique Experiences: Inca Trail trekking, Amazon jungle tours, pisco tasting, desert dunes in Huacachina
Hidden Gems: Kuelap fortress, Choquequirao ruins, Huaraz mountains, Paracas Reserve, Gocta Waterfall
Popular Areas to Stay: Miraflores (Lima), Cusco centre, Sacred Valley lodges, Arequipa historical centre
Average Hotel Prices: £20 / £50 / £120+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Lima Miraflores & Barranco, Cusco Plaza de Armas, Arequipa old town
Local Drinks: Pisco cocktails, artisanal beers, chicha morada
Entertainment: Live Andean music, bars, cultural shows, dance venues
Car Rental: Not recommended
Trains: PeruRail & Inca Rail (Cusco to Machu Picchu)
Buses: Comfortable long-distance services (Cruz del Sur)
Taxi / Ride Apps: InDrive, Beat, Uber (Lima)
Best Markets: Cusco San Pedro Market, Pisac Market, Lima Miraflores crafts
Popular Souvenirs: Alpaca wool, silver jewellery, textiles, coffee, ceramics
Local SIM Card Providers: Claro, Movistar, Entel
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Not safe — bottled or filtered water only
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Peru is home to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and more than 4,000 varieties of potatoes.