Planning a trip to Peru brings up many questions. We've compiled the most common questions we receive from travelers like you. If you don't find your answer here, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
1. General Peru Travel Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Peru?
A: Peru has two main seasons: dry season (May-October) and rainy season (November-April). The best time depends on your interests:
- For trekking & outdoor activities: Dry season (May-Oct) offers clearer skies and better trail conditions
- For fewer crowds & lower prices: Shoulder months (April, May, Oct, Nov)
- For lush landscapes: Rainy season (Nov-Apr) brings greenery but more rain
- For festivals & cultural events: Year-round with peak in June (Inti Raymi)
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
A: Most tourists from North America, Europe, Australia, and many other countries do NOT need a visa for stays up to 183 days. You do need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity. Some nationalities require visas - check with the Peruvian embassy in your country.
Q: What vaccinations do I need for Peru?
A: Recommended vaccinations include:
- Required: Yellow Fever (for Amazon regions)
- Highly recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid
- Consider: Rabies (if spending extensive time in rural areas)
- Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel
2. Health & Altitude Questions
Q: How do I prevent altitude sickness?
A: Altitude sickness (soroche) is common in Cusco (11,152 ft/3,400 m). Prevention tips:
- Acclimatize: Spend 1-2 days in Cusco before strenuous activities
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters daily)
- Avoid alcohol & heavy meals first 24 hours
- Drink coca tea: Traditional remedy helps with symptoms
- Medication: Ask your doctor about Diamox (acetazolamide)
- Go slow: Rest when you arrive, don't overexert yourself
Q: What if I get sick during the tour?
A: We prepare for this possibility:
- Our guides carry first aid kits and basic medications
- We know locations of clinics and hospitals in each area
- We recommend travel insurance with medical coverage
- For serious issues, we can arrange evacuation to appropriate medical facilities
Q: Is the tap water safe to drink?
A: No, we recommend drinking only bottled or purified water. Most hotels provide drinking water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's made from purified water.
3. Packing & Equipment Questions
Q: What should I pack for Peru?
A: Packing depends on your itinerary but essentials include:
- Clothing: Layers for changing temperatures
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes + hiking boots for treks
- Rain gear: Waterproof jacket (especially Nov-Apr)
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (high altitude = strong sun)
- Daypack: For daily excursions
- Electronics: Camera, extra batteries, universal adapter
- Documents: Passport (with copies), insurance details, emergency contacts
Q: Do I need special equipment for the Inca Trail?
A: For the Inca Trail, we provide tents, sleeping mats, and dining equipment. You should bring:
- Good quality hiking boots (broken in)
- Sleeping bag (can be rented)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Trekking poles (can be rented)
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Personal toiletries and medications
Q: What's the luggage limit for domestic flights?
A: Most domestic flights in Peru have a 20-23 kg (44-50 lbs) checked baggage limit and 8-10 kg (18-22 lbs) carry-on limit. Check with your specific airline for exact limits. For multi-day treks, we arrange luggage storage for items you don't need on the trail.
4. Booking & Payment Questions
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Booking timelines vary:
- Inca Trail permits: 6-8 months in advance (limited daily permits)
- Peak season (Jun-Aug): 4-6 months in advance
- Standard tours: 2-3 months in advance
- Last minute: Some tours available with 2-4 weeks notice
Q: What's your deposit and cancellation policy?
A: We require a 50% deposit to confirm bookings. Full balance is due 30 days before departure. Cancellation policy:
- 60+ days before: 90% refund
- 30-59 days before: 50% refund
- 15-29 days before: 25% refund
- 0-14 days before: No refund
- Inca Trail permits are non-refundable once purchased
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept:
- Bank transfers (international and domestic)
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) with secure processor
- PayPal
- Cash (in our Lima office)
5. Tour-Specific Questions
Q: How difficult is the Inca Trail?
A: The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail is considered moderate difficulty. Challenges include:
- Altitude: Highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m)
- Distance: Approximately 26 miles (42 km) over 4 days
- Terrain: Stone steps, uneven paths, uphill sections
- Preparation: Regular exercise for 2-3 months before helps
- Alternative: We offer shorter/less strenuous options if needed
Q: Can I visit Machu Picchu without hiking?
A: Absolutely! Many options exist:
- Train from Cusco/Ollantaytambo: Most popular option
- Short hike options: 1-day Inca Trail or other shorter hikes
- Alternative treks: Salkantay, Lares, or other less crowded routes
- Combination tours: Train one way, hike the other
Q: Are your tours suitable for children/families?
A: Yes! We offer family-friendly tours with:
- Age-appropriate activities
- Flexible pacing
- Family accommodations
- Experienced guides who work well with children
- Minimum age varies by tour (usually 8+ for most, 12+ for strenuous treks)
Q: Do you offer vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free meal options?
A: Yes! Please inform us of dietary restrictions when booking. Peruvian cuisine offers many vegetarian options naturally (quinoa, corn, potatoes, beans). We can accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice.
6. Safety & Security Questions
Q: Is Peru safe for tourists?
A: Peru is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular areas. Common-sense precautions apply:
- Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
- Avoid isolated areas at night
- Follow guide instructions during tours
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- We provide safety briefings at tour start
Q: What about political demonstrations or strikes?
A: Political demonstrations do occur occasionally. We monitor situations closely and:
- Adjust itineraries if needed for safety
- Have contingency plans for transportation disruptions
- Communicate promptly with clients about any changes
- Follow government and embassy advisories
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, we require all clients to have comprehensive travel insurance covering:
- Medical expenses and evacuation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Emergency assistance services
- Verify that your policy covers adventure activities if doing trekking
7. Cultural & Practical Questions
Q: What language is spoken in Peru?
A: Spanish is the official language. Quechua (Inca language) is widely spoken in the Andes. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by our guides. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases enhances your experience.
Q: What's the local currency and can I use credit cards?
A: The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities. For markets, rural areas, and small purchases, carry cash in local currency.
Q: What about tipping in Peru?
A: Tipping is customary for good service:
- Restaurants: 10% (sometimes included as "servicio")
- Tour guides: $10-20 per day per person
- Drivers: $5-10 per day per person
- Porters (trekking): $15-20 per day per porter (collective from group)
- Tipping is always at your discretion based on service quality
Q: Can I use my cell phone in Peru?
A: Yes, options include:
- International roaming: Check with your provider (can be expensive)
- Local SIM card: Purchase upon arrival (need unlocked phone)
- Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels and cafes (quality varies)
- We provide local contact numbers for emergencies during tours
8. Sustainability & Responsible Tourism
Q: How do you practice sustainable tourism?
A: We're committed to responsible tourism through:
- Employing local guides and staff
- Using locally-owned accommodations and services
- Following Leave No Trace principles on treks
- Supporting community tourism projects
- Educating travelers about local cultures and environments
- Minimizing plastic use (we provide refillable water options)
Q: Do you support local communities?
A: Yes, community support is central to our mission:
- We partner with community-based tourism initiatives
- Our porters receive fair wages and proper equipment
- We visit local markets and artisans
- Portions of tour costs support community projects
- We educate travelers about respectful cultural interaction
9. Special Requirements Questions
Q: Can you accommodate travelers with mobility issues?
A: We strive to accommodate all travelers. Please discuss your specific needs when booking. Some considerations:
- Accessibility varies by destination (Machu Picchu has steep steps)
- We can adjust itineraries and pacing
- Some activities may have alternatives
- Early discussion helps us make appropriate arrangements
Q: What if I have a medical condition?
A: Please inform us of any medical conditions when booking. We can:
- Advise on tour suitability
- Recommend medical precautions
- Coordinate with special dietary needs
- Ensure guides are aware of any concerns
- Help arrange any special equipment needed
10. Still Have Questions?
If your question isn't answered here, please reach out to us directly. Our travel specialists are here to help you plan your perfect Peru adventure.
Contact Information:
Email: info@championsperutravel.com
Phone: +51 1 2345678
WhatsApp: +51 987654321
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Peru Time GMT-5)
Note: Information in this FAQ is subject to change. We recommend verifying specific details for your travel dates and consulting with your travel advisor for personalized advice.