Most likely not. All US, Canadian and EU citizens do not need visas to visit Peru. More details can be found here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Peru
Some. Specially in touristic places like Miraflores or Cusco, most people will have some level of english. We recommend you using google translate or any other similar tool available. Also don’t forget to have the address of your hotel or the place you are going written somewhere (phone or notebook). At the end of the FAQ we included most common Spanish phrases. This would be a good time to download Duolingo and start learning Spanish!
We will be arriving to Lima on November 2nd and will fly back to NJ on November 21st. However, we recommend our guests to arrive no later than November 11th AM and leave not earlier than November 18th PM if you are planning to travel to Cusco after the reception. On November 14th we will be flying from Lima to Cusco with our friends and family (everyone is invited to tag along!) for a few days, to explore Cusco city, experience its nightlife, and visit Machu Picchu.
As in every country/city, there are safe areas and others that are not so safe. The places we have recommended to visit or stay (Miraflores) are tourist friendly and overall very safe, however we do have some recommendations for you to make sure your trip is as pleasant as possible: - Avoid walking around wearing jewelry or things that are too flashy - Beware of pick pocketers and always make sure you know where your phone, wallet and passport are. - People in Peru are friendly but keep your distance to make sure your belongings are safe. - When riding a car or taxi, keep your purse/bag and phones away from the window and out of sight. - If possible, we'd recommend walking with a friend or in a group at night. - Please only take out your phone inside a safe place. Avoid taking it out on the street.
Yes, there are direct flights from several main cities. If you live in NY/NJ, LATAM has a direct overnight flight to Lima from JFK and United has an afternoon direct flight from Newark. Flight time is about 7.5 hrs. From Florida, there are several direct flights to Lima (i.e. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami). Flight time is about 5.5 hrs.
Unless you have arranged for your hotel to pick you up, we recommend using Taxi Green, Taxi 365, or Taxi Directo. They have service desks at the arrival areas, right after luggage pick-up and before heading outside. If you are heading to Miraflores, the trip costs between PEN 50 and PEN 90 (US$15 – US$30). Prices are set and they should give you an invoice.
In Peru, we use Peruvian Soles (PEN) as our local currency. When coming from abroad, we recommend you come with USD or EUR. The conversion from dollar to soles is about 3.5-4. so if you bring 100 dollars, you could have 350-400 soles depending on the current rate. Another option is to use your debit card inside the airport upon arrival and withdraw soles instead of dollars from the ATM. If you brought cash, you could exchange a small amount at the airport and then exchange the rest at an “Exchange house” (Casa de Cambio). There are many "Casas de Cambio" in Miraflores. Whenever you give a banknote to pay, the other person will check it, so as to be sure it is not counterfeited or damaged. Ripped bills are not easily accepted in banks or stores, so if you get one as change, ask the cashier to replace it with one in a better condition (this applies to both Soles, Dollars and euros).
Though it’s good to have a few bills and coins in small denominations in case you want to buy souvenirs here or there, or visit a bodega to buy some water, it's important to have some handy in case you need to use the bathroom while traveling inside Peru. Public bathrooms at historical sites and even Machu Picchu require a fee, usually one or two soles, to use. Often that includes a ration of toilet paper and paper towel to wash your hands, but if you’ve got room, pack some tissues as well just to be safe.
It's potable but we'd recommend you to ONLY drink bottled water or boiled water. You can request it at a Restaurant, store or bodega as "Agua en botella", "Agua sin Gas" or "Agua con gas" if you'd prefer sparkling water.
Not really so please only use taxi apps to request a service. You can use Uber, Taxi Satelital, Beat, Cabify, Easy Taxi. If you'd like to call instead (Lima only), please call Taxi Satelital at +5113555555.
Most places will take credit cards but they might have a minimum purchase amount. For small purchases we recommend paying using soles (cash). Visa and MasterCard are most widely used. When using your credit card, you will be prompted in what currency you will want to proceed with the purchase, always use soles (Peru’s currency). Very likely you won't be able to split the bill in more than 2 ways and they will bring the POS to process the payment by your side on the table, instead of taking your card to the back. It's best to keep your credit card at your sight.
So many to list. However, these websites list most of our favorite places. Some places like Central and Maido require a 2-3 month in advance reservation! Please plan accordingly. For some restaurants like Isolina (great peruvian food), Punto azul (great seafood), Canta rana (seafood) or "La Picanteria" you will have to wait in line for about an hour if you go at lunch time. Don’t get discouraged, it’s worth it. At "La Picanteria" you can buy a fish from the display and order how you would like it to be cooked. This is family style restaurant, a great place to go with a group. Other amazing options are: Baan (Thai), Mayta (Peruvian), Titi (Chinese or "Chifa"), La Mar (Seafood), Panchita (Peruvian), El Hornero (Steak), Osaka (Sushi), Amor Amar (Peruvian) ... too many! Don't forget to try Ceviche and Pisco! Great options below: https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/list/1-50 https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/lima-peru-best-restaurants/index.html https://www.peruhop.com/best-restaurants-in-lima/ https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/sitemap/peru/lima
US electrical sockets are 110 volts while those in Peru are 220 volts. While that shouldn’t make a difference for most electronics which tend to be compatible with a range of voltages, it does still bear consideration. On the plus side, your iPhone will charge a lot faster, but you might also notice it heating up while doing so. To be safe, be sure to charge up your devices when you need to and unplug when you’re done so you as not to stress the circuitry. https://howtoperu.com/electricity-and-plugs-in-peru/
Yes, mostly at restaurants and touristic services. We don't usually tip taxis or delivery personnel. For tipping amounts, it varies, but it can go from 5-10% of the total amount. Totally up to you!
Most of these things you can buy in Lima or Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu but if you have space in your suitcase, bring them! - A good pair of hiking boots or walking shoes. - A poncho for those downpours. The weather changes very quickly here. - A warm jacket. - Good quality sunscreen and a sunhat. - Bring clothes that you can layer. - A day-pack to carry all your bits and pieces, ideally with a hip strap to make long days hiking and exploring more comfortable. - Small first aid kit for basic cuts and bruises, tummy upsets, nasal spray, cold/flu medicine, ear drops, and pain killers. - A spare pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses plus a copy of your prescription is a good idea. - A hat, scarf and gloves for those cold mornings and evenings. - Pack your toiletries in zip lock bags. Altitude can cause shampoo and other bottles to pop. - Insect repellent, particularly if you plan on going trekking or visiting Machu Picchu.
We do! You can find it in the link below. If you have any question, don't hesitate to contact us! We are working with a tour agency so you won't have to worry about booking anything but your hotels and flights. For more information please read the document below. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NfptkqhTsefDX7EgxwPVst4aF9w-y3p0RO3v2ZmILoE/edit?usp=drivesdk
You can but most certainly will need to tip them. Sometimes is 1 dollar, but better to ask first. Also, there will be a lot of people selling souvenirs or touristic services, if you are truly not interested, just say "No gracias" and walk away.
If you are traveling on your own (without us), then we'd recommend you to arrange the hotel to pick you up or arrange a taxi for you. Outside of the airport there will be a lot taxis offering their services but for your safety it's best if you only take a hotel taxi or one that they have arranged. Just tell the people outside "No gracias" and walk away.
Certainly! There are so many beautiful places you could visit if you would like to extend your visit. We'd recommend visiting Arequipa (amazing food, has one of the world's deepest canyons - Colca, home of the Condor), Puno & Lake Titicaca (beautiful scenary, highest lake in the world, home of the Uros living on floating islands), Punta Sal & Mancora (nice beaches), Nazca, Paracas & Huacachina (Nazca lines, sandboarding, secluded oasis) and the jungle (breath taking). More details and other sugestions can be found here: https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-peru/
Sometimes! We do enjoy adding "aji" or "rocoto" to make our food spicy. In case you are not adventurous enough to try them out, don't forget to tell your waiter that you'd like your food "sin picante".
We do! The name in Spanish is "Cuy" and its mostly eaten in the Andes but you can find places in Lima that will serve it!
Speaking of the altitude, specially if you haven't experienced it before, please visit your doctor before your trip. He or she might prescribe you altitude medication, but if you plan to visit the Amazon regions (jungle) you might want to consider bringing antimalarial medication with you and possibly getting a shot for yellow fever or typhoid. Please consult the CDC page and look at the maps to determine if you might need any shots or medications for where you plan to visit, then discuss the options with your healthcare professional. Acetazolamide is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes. You will be also offered coca tea or to chew coca leaves to releave altittude sickness in Cusco and Machu picchu and other places in Peru that are located at a very high altitude. Please also bring your covid vaccination card with you!
Hola - Hello Buenas - Hi (informal) Buenos días - Good morning Buen día - Good morning (less common, used in Argentina) Buenas tardes - Good afternoon Buenas noches - Good evening Bienvenido - Welcome Mucho gusto - Nice to meet you Qué gusto de verlo(a)/verte - What a pleasure to see you (formal/informal) No te preocupes - Don't worry ¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much is it ¿Nada menos? - to negotiate a lower price when buying a souvenir Necesito ir a esta dirección - I need to go to this address Tengo hambre - I'm hungry Tengo sueño - I'm sleepy Estoy cansado(a) - I'm tired Me duele la cabeza - I have a headache No me siento bien - I don't feel good La carta por favor - The menu please La cuenta por favor - The check please Adiós - Goodbye Chau - Goodbye (informal) Hasta luego - See you later Hasta pronto - See you soon Hasta mañana - See you tomorrow Nos vemos - See ya Buenas noches - Good night Que tengas un buen día - Have a good day Que te vaya bien - Have a good day Cuídate - Take care (informal) Cuídese - Take care (formal)