Itineraries in Peru

Planning a trip to Peru ?

🇵🇪 A staple in Latin America, Peru is a very welcoming country where you’ll get to discover many beautiful places. 

We know what you’re imagining … Peru equals colorful clothes ! That’s true but it’s not the only interesting thing about the country of Llmas.
Enjoy a lovely little Guinea pig … No don’t leave ! I was kidding (well not really but they are supposed to be really tasty !). If you don’t want to do that, you can also take a picture that will be you’re best screen wallpaper ever : in front of the Machu Pichu.
Go for a canoe ride on the rivers and admire the unique landscape of the Andes.
Traveling in Peru won’t be the most restful but you will come home with millions of stories to tell your friends and family and many unique experiences in your mind.

Ready for adventure ? Let’s go !

What to see in Peru ?

What to do in Peru ?

Live Peruvian experiences

• Get your breath taken away when getting to the top of the Machu Picchu.
• Go see the changing of the guard at Palacio de Gobierno in Lima. Yes, it does not only happen in London !
• Explore the « Pyramid Valley » in Túcume. Want a hint ? Well the name says it all. Live a unique experience at the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos.
• Drink some fresh juice at the local market of Cuzco.
• Admire Titicaca lake from the top of Cerrito de Huajsapata.

But wait for it, Peruvian also know how to party !

There are many national holidays all year long :

• In February, do not miss the carnaval that takes place during several weeks : parties, games and endless dancing.
• In the middle of vines, live a unique experience : smashing grape for la Fiesta de la Vendimia in March.
• Walk through the streets during la Semana Santa in April, where religious processions take turns during a week.
• Hike up the top of Ausangate Mountain, near Cuzco, during Q’oyoriti in May.
• Celebrate God on the 31st of May, for Corpus Christi.
• 4 major celebrations take place in June : Saint John’s Eve, Inti Raymi (celebration of the Sun), Selvámonos music festival and the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. 
• The 2 months during which it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere are vey touristic. You will get to attend some celebrations like : processions and city festivals.
• Horse lovers, do not miss the the International Spring Festival where you will get to see many equestrian performances (the seasons are inverted for those who usually spend spring in the Northern Hemisphere).
• Go rafting during the Great Amazon River Raft Race in the beginning of October.
• Just like in Mexico, el Dia de los Muertos (the day of the dead) is a major event, very different from the occidental customs.

Languages in Peru

We speak Peruvian !

Before going, you need to know that Peruvian is not a language .. But Spanish is and it is the official language, so for those who took Spanish in high school, it’s your time to shine !

But don’t worry, English is widely spoken across the touristic places.

Spanish 101 !

• Hello : Buenos días/Buenas noches/Holá (In the morning/In the afternoon/Hi)
• Goodbye : Adiós
• Please : Por favor
• Thank you : Gracias
• Sorry : Lo siento/Perdón/Disculpa
• Yes : Sí
• No : No

Official currency in peru

Money, money, money

The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN). Better get a money converter on your phone so you can manage your expenses more easily.

If you need to exchange your cash money, there are many exchange offices in big cities, but you can also exchange your money in Peruvian banks. Credit/debit cards are accepted most of the time, mainly Visa and Master Cards. Be sure to warn your bank that you are traveling so that they won’t block your card for suspect abroad transactions.

Traveling in Peru

Is the steering wheel on the left or right ?

Traveling in Colombia is best by bus but a car will be faster and allow you to have more independence.

To rent or drive a car you will need to be at least 25 years old and have had your driver’s licence for over a year. You will also need your passport and your credit/debit card.

If you were wondering what side the steering wheel is on, it’s on the left side and Peruvians drive on the right side of the road. But be careful, people do not really care about driving rules/ regulations !

Our itineraries were made to fit traveling by bus and/or plane because it is much easier to get around like that than by car, mostly because of the very long distances between steps.

Overall cost of a trip to Peru

Thanks for all the information but how much will this actually cost ?

Transportation :

• Four airlines have domestic flights :

– Latam (about 380 PEN/flight)
– Taca (from 513 PEN/flight)
– StarPerú (from 76 PEN/flight)
– Peruvian (from 171 PEN/flight)

• A bus ticket will be about 34 PEN.
• A trip on a “colectivo” (public transport) in cities : 0,72 PEN.
• Taxis start at 7.6 PEN.
• Car rentals start at 76 PEN/day+ taxes and insurances.
• Gas is about 3.31 PEN/ liter.

Accommodations :

• For a 2-person bedroom with a basic private bathroom, expect about 50 PEN.

Eating : 

• Expect about 5.70 PEN for a basic meal and 28.50 PEN for a pizza. A 2L bottle of water will be about 4.75 PEN.

Useful contact information in Peru

If you need to join / go to you embassy while in Peru, go to this website for the address, phone number, email address  and website.

In case of emergency, call :

• Medical services : 106
• Police : 105
• Firefighters : 116

Book your trip to Peru

Here are different platforms to book your trip from.

Flights :

• Latam Airlines
• Taca Airlines
• Starperu
• Peruvian airlines

Busses :

• Cruz del sur
• Transportes Linea

Rent a car :

• Hertz

Looking for other travelers’ experiences in Peru to get inspired from ? Go to ShareYourTrip !

Practical information for Peru

Tips to travelers :

• Tipping is not always expected, it depends on the quality of the waitering
• Just like on any trip, be sure to not have to much cash money or valuables on you.
• ONly drink bottled water and don’t eat raw veggies or fruits you don’t know where/how they were prepared.
• If you want to take a picture of someone, be sure to ask them or they could be asking you for money when they realize you took a picture of them.
• Do not give children money (we know it’s difficult but please don’t).