Before embarking on your journey to Peru, it’s essential to equip yourself with some crucial information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Getting around the diverse landscapes, understanding safety measures, and navigating local customs can make a significant difference in how you experience this beautiful country. From the vibrant streets of Lima to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, knowing a bit about local business practices, currency exchange, and the languages spoken will enhance your interactions and help you immerse yourself in the rich culture. This article will delve into key areas you should familiarize yourself with before your trip, providing valuable insights that will prepare you for the adventure that awaits in Peru. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, these tips will help you make the most of your Peruvian experience.

How Do You Report An Emergency While Traveling in Peru?

Is Peru Safe?

Peru’s safety situation requires caution for travelers. The Global Peace Index ranks Peru 103rd out of 163 countries, indicating moderate safety concerns. According to government data, 18.6% of Peruvians over 15 have been victims of crime. The U.S. State Department advises exercising increased caution due to crime and civil unrest.

While popular tourist destinations like Machu Picchu are generally safe, petty theft and street crime are common in major cities. Lima, the capital, scores 50 out of 100 on GeoSure Global’s safety scale. Travelers should remain vigilant, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables. Police and Seguranza (Local Security) are very common throughout Lima. Private security is stationed at the entrance to many businesses, restaurants, and event spaces. We rarely went more than a few minutes without seeing some security in the more populated areas of Miraflores or Barranco. Still, their jurisdiction and ability to help in an emergency are varied.

Peru also has an English-speaking tourist police force. They are in popular areas such as tourist sites and major parks. The tourist police checked on us when an unauthorized street vendor tried to sell us items and wouldn’t leave us alone.

Getting Around Peru

Traffic

Traffic in Peru, specifically in Lima, was surprising. There are limited stop signs, so most intersections rely on vehicles yielding haphazardly to each other. Cars commonly weave in and out of lanes, and turning in either direction from any lane was common. We used a lot of ride-sharing rides while we were in Lima, and the number of close-call accidents we had was staggering. Unless you are a very confident and aggressive driver, I cannot recommend driving in Peru. The plus side, though, is that ride-sharing services are cheap, with our costs for a 20 – 30 minute ride being less than $10.

If you decide to rent a car in Peru and have an English driver’s license, you will need an International Driver’s License.

Buses

As we researched important things to know before going to Peru in advance, we worked to understand the bus system. Based on our research, it didn’t seem very clear, and when we arrived, we understood why. It’s an uncoordinated system of primarily private buses with limited bus stops or routes.

To ride the bus:

1. Flag down a bus that lists the location you want to go to on its side
2. When you get close to the location you want, you tell the driver.
3. The driver will pull over even if there isn’t a bus stop there.

Buses will pick up and drop off just about anywhere. You’ll often find “bus assistants” trying to convince people to hop on the bus while it’s stopped at a red light. The private bus companies do not work together and will fight for your business. Similarly, there is no universal payment method for the buses; you pay the staff on the bus with cash, and the price can vary dramatically as it does not appear to be fixed or published.

In addition to it being a confusing system, the buses look old and, in some cases, barely functional. We saw many instances where the doors were broken and didn’t close. So people stood in the doorway, just holding on to keep from falling off the bus. It was also rare to see a bus that wasn’t completely full.

Municipal Buses

There is one exception. The one public municipal route has actual bus stops, an actual route, and a dedicated bus lane on the highway, so it’s fast and efficient, and you can find where it will start and stop. The route maps and payment instructions are in Spanish, though, so if you’re not fluent, the cheap ride-sharing services may be the way to go. In short, unless you are very confident in your Spanish and want an adventure, I cannot recommend taking the bus in Lima.

Crosswalks

Crosswalks exist at most major intersections, but there is rarely a “walk/don’t walk” indicator or a vehicle traffic light. Cars rarely stopped for pedestrians in the crosswalks but instead swerved around you, often honking at you. It always felt a bit like a Frogger game, most of the time when we crossed the street, trying to time it between speeding cars. There are a few places with traffic lights and pedestrian indicators, but even that doesn’t mean that cars would stop for you. In short, use caution when crossing the street, keep a close eye on the traffic, and don’t always assume that it’ll stop for you.

At times you will find “transit police” directing traffic and pedestrians. They use whistles and orange batons to tell people and cars when to go. If they are at an intersection follow their instructions over the lights and it’ll be the safest cross walking experience in all of Lima!

Where is Peru Located?

Peru is located on the western coast of South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It shares its northern borders with Ecuador and Colombia, while Brazil lies to the east. To the southeast, Peru shares a border with Bolivia, and Chile borders it to the south.

Covering an area of approximately 1,285,216 square kilometers (496,225 square miles), Peru is the third largest country in South America, following Brazil and Argentina. The country’s geographic coordinates are approximately 10° S latitude and 76° W longitude, placing it just south of the Equator. Its diverse landscapes range from coastal deserts to the high peaks of the Andes mountains and the lush Amazon rainforest, making it one of the most ecologically varied countries in the world.

What Type of Electrical Plug Do You Need While Traveling in Peru?

When traveling to Peru, you must be aware of the types of electrical plugs and voltage used in the country. Peru utilizes three main types of electrical plugs:

1. Type A: This plug has two flat parallel prongs and is commonly found in the United States.
2. Type B: Similar to Type A but includes a third-round grounding pin.
3. Type C: This plug features two round pins and is prevalent in many European countries.

Most outlets in Peru accommodate both Type A and Type C plugs, so travelers from the U.S. and Europe may be able to use current plugs without an adapter, depending on the location. We used an international power adapter and could plug it in at our hotel using the “US” setting. More importantly, Peru operates on a voltage of 220V with a frequency of 60Hz. This is significantly higher than the 110-120V standard used in the U.S. Therefore, if your devices are not dual voltage (able to handle both 110V and 220V), you will also need a voltage converter to avoid damaging them. Adapters can usually be purchased at airports or local stores if you forget to bring one.

What Kind Of Cell Phone Coverage Does Peru Have?

Peru has decent cell phone coverage, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but there are some gaps:

Coverage by Region

• Lima and other coastal cities have good coverage from the major providers Claro, Movistar, and Entel.
• Cusco and the surrounding region also have good coverage.
• Remote areas like the Amazon jungle and high Andes mountains may have spotty or no coverage.
• Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail usually have some coverage but can be unreliable.

Network Compatibility

• Peru uses GSM networks compatible with phones from the US and Europe.
• T-Mobile and AT&T customers can roam on Claro and Movistar networks.
• Verizon customers may get slower 2G roaming.

Getting a Local SIM Card

• Prepurchasing an eSIM Card from AirAlo ensures you have coverage as soon as you land.
• SIM cards can be purchased at airports, phone shops, and tourist information centers in major cities.

What Language Do They Speak in Peru?

In Peru, Spanish is the primary language spoken, the official language, and used by approximately 84% of the population. This widespread use stems from the Spanish colonization that began in the 16th century. Many places in touristy areas also speak English and have English menus, but we found plenty of shops and cafes where they struggled with English. We found it amusing that staff (and especially street vendors) would try to determine which language we spoke based on our appearance to start conversations with us.

In addition to Spanish, Quechua and Aymara are also recognized as official languages, particularly in regions where they are predominantly spoken. Peru is home to a rich linguistic diversity, with over 50 indigenous languages spoken throughout the country. These include Asháninka and Shipibo, primarily found in the Amazon region. The Peruvian government has tried to preserve and promote indigenous languages, ensuring bilingual education and recognition in local communities.

What Are The Passport and Visa Requirements for Peru?

Here are the critical passport and visa requirements for entering Peru:

1. Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Peru.
2. Visa requirements for tourists:

• U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
• Citizens of most European countries, Canada, Australia, and many other nations can also enter visa-free for up to 183 days as tourists.

3. Entry stamp: If you enter Peru by land, get your passport stamped at the immigration checkpoint. Without an entry stamp, you may face difficulties leaving the country. We arrived by air, and they did not stamp our passports when arriving or departing.
4. Overstaying: If you overstay your permitted time, you will need to pay a fine or could face detention.
5. Other travel purposes: If you are traveling for reasons other than tourism (e.g., work or study), you may need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
6. Proof of onward travel: While not consistently enforced, Peru technically requires proof of onward travel to enter as a tourist.

Before your trip, it’s always a good idea to check with the Peruvian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date entry requirements. Requirements can change and may vary based on your nationality and purpose of travel.

Want to get to and from your destination faster? Consider using Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check to fly through the airport.

What Kind of Money Does Peru Use?

Peru uses the Nuevo Sol (S/) as its official currency, divided into 100 céntimos. The currency code for the Nuevo Sol is PEN. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 céntimos and 1, 2, and 5 soles. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles.

In addition to the Nuevo Sol, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted in many tourist areas and larger businesses. While using soles for most transactions is advisable to avoid confusion with exchange rates, many establishments will accept U.S. dollar bills. The exchange rate typically fluctuates between S/3.50 to S/4.00 per U.S. dollar.

Travelers can exchange currency at banks or casas de cambio (exchange houses) or withdraw cash from ATMs that dispense soles and dollars. However, it’s important to ensure that any U.S. bills are in good condition, as worn or damaged notes may not be accepted.

What Important Stores Should I Know About While Visiting Peru?

When visiting Peru, you’ll find various stores and markets that cater to different shopping needs. Here are some key places to consider:

Artisan Markets

• San Pedro Market (Cusco): A vibrant market offering fresh produce, textiles, crafts, and local delicacies. It’s an excellent spot for authentic souvenirs and experiencing local culture.
• Chinchero Artisan Center: Known for its traditional textiles and handicrafts, this market showcases the rich artisan heritage of the region.

Shopping Districts

• Barranco (Lima): This bohemian neighborhood features designer boutiques and art galleries. Notable places include the Dedalo Gallery, which offers handmade crafts and artworks.
• Miraflores (Lima): A popular district with upscale shops, cafes, and the Larcomar shopping center, which overlooks the ocean.

Department Stores and Supermarkets

• Saga Falabella: A well-known department store chain in Peru, offering a wide range of products from clothing to household goods.
• Tottus: A major supermarket chain where you can find groceries and local products at reasonable prices.

Specialty Shops

• Alpaca Stores: Look for shops like Kuna or Sol Alpaca for high-quality alpaca wool products, such as sweaters and scarves. These stores offer authentic items that reflect Peruvian craftsmanship.
• Jewelry Stores: Explore local shops for silver jewelry featuring traditional designs, including pieces inspired by Inca symbols.

Food and Beverage

• Chocolate Museums (Lima & Cusco): These venues sell delicious Peruvian chocolate and offer workshops on chocolate-making.
• Coffee Shops: Peru is known for its high-quality coffee. Consider purchasing freshly roasted beans as a souvenir.
• Supermercaods Peruanos (Plaza Vea, Vivaanda, Mass): Plaza Vea is the largest supermarket chain in Peru, with over 100 stores nationwide. It is owned by Supermercados Peruanos. Other Plaza Vea brands include Vivanda and Mass.
• Cencosud (Wong, Metro): Cencosud, the second largest supermarket operator in Peru, owns both Wong and Metro. Wong caters to higher-income shoppers, while Metro serves the middle-income market.

Want to learn to make your own chocolate? Try this chocolate-making class in Lima. We did it, and not only was it a fun two-hour experience, but the chocolate we took home with us was amazing!

Pharmacies

• InkaFarma and MiFarma are the largest chains, both belonging to the Peruvian economic group InRetail Pharma. Together, the top pharmacy chains account for 77.8% of the total pharmacy market in Peru by sales value despite only comprising 11.6% of the total number of pharmacies.

Is Peru Worth Visiting?

One of the most important things to know before going to Peru is that, yes, Peru is definitely worth visiting. Here are several reasons:

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

Peru is home to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Inca Trail leading to this ancient citadel is considered one of the best hikes in the world, offering stunning views of the Andes mountains.

Diverse Landscapes

Peru boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from the arid deserts of the coast to the lush Amazon rainforest to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. This diversity allows travelers to experience multiple ecosystems in one trip.

Rich History and Culture

Peru has a fascinating history spanning the Inca Empire and earlier pre-Columbian civilizations. The country is home to numerous archaeological sites, colonial cities, and indigenous communities that provide insight into its cultural heritage.

Adventure Activities

For thrill-seekers, Peru offers a wide range of adventure activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, sandboarding, and whitewater rafting in stunning natural settings.

Cuisine

Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the best in the world. It has influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, Asian, and Italian cuisines. Lima, in particular, is a foodie paradise.

Affordability

Peru is relatively affordable for travelers, especially those outside Lima, compared to other South American countries. Accommodations, food, and activities can be found at various price points. So whether you’re interested in history, culture, cuisine, adventure, or just taking in incredible landscapes, Peru has something to offer every type of traveler. With its unique blend of ancient and modern, Peru is a destination that is well worth visiting.

Important things to know before going to Peru: The Highlights

Peru was a fun country to visit, and our strong exchange rate made it a cheap trip. Spanish is very common, but most places in tourist areas (hotels, restaurants, shops) have English menus and English-speaking staff. It’s a beautiful country with incredible food and definitely worth a visit; just don’t forget that there is more to Peru than Machu Picchu.

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