Useful information for your stay in Peru

Welcome to this essential guide to discover Peru!

Inside, you’ll find a clear and lively overview of the many facets of the country: health, culture, history, geography… In short, everything you need to better understand what makes Peru so unique.

Through the different pieces of information it provides, this document is here to inspire you, prepare you… and above all, make you want to set off and meet a vibrant, contrasting, and deeply human country.

First of all, here are a few key things to know before traveling to Peru — whether you’re coming with our agency or on your own.

Health

When traveling to Peru, it’s best to be at least somewhat prepared when it comes to health. In major cities, you’ll find pharmacies where you can buy basic remedies for small ailments. However, if you’re on a specific treatment — especially if you have allergies — make sure to bring your own medication.

In your first aid kit, remember to pack the essentials: painkillers, anti-diarrheal medication, antiseptics, bandages, burn cream, eye drops, water purification tablets, and so on. If you plan to travel to high altitudes, talk to your doctor about possible preventive medication.

You may have altitude sickness without realizing it. To avoid it, climb gradually, rest well, eat properly, and stay hydrated. Coca tea can also help. If you still feel unwell (headaches, fatigue, nausea…), rest, drink plenty of water, and if symptoms persist, go down to a lower altitude.

Regarding vaccines, make sure you’re up to date on tetanus and rabies. Hepatitis A is also recommended. If you’re traveling to the Amazon, it’s best to be vaccinated against yellow fever and consider preventive treatment for malaria. This is not mandatory but is advised. Dengue fever is also present in some areas, so make sure to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Better safe than sorry, especially when abroad.

Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Always choose boiled, bottled, or filtered water (using a suitable water bottle).

And very important: take out good travel insurance! Without it, in case of an accident or illness, treatment can be expensive, and some hospitals may refuse care without proof of payment.

More information on how to prepare for health and safety while travelling.

Weather & Geography

Depending on your itinerary, you’ll travel through various regions and climate zones. In general, you should know that in the Andes (Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, Chachapoyas, Huaraz, Cajamarca), it gets cold at night (depending on altitude, temperatures can drop to 0°C or below) but is usually pleasant during the day (around 20°C).

Peru has two main seasons:

Rainy season: December to April
Dry season: May to October–November

The weather varies greatly depending on whether you’re in the mountains, along the coast, or in the Amazon.

On the Coast

In coastal regions, the warmest months are from December to February, while the coolest months are June to August. Even then, temperatures generally stay between 15°C and 20°C, which is pleasant. However, from May to September — especially in Lima — there is almost constant fog, which can be a bit gloomy.

If you want to swim, rather than Lima, I recommend heading north to the Tumbes region. However, this will add a few days to your trip.

In the Andes

Here too, May to October is the dry season. But since it’s also winter, it can be colder than during the rainy season, which corresponds to summer.

Between December and April, daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, but nights can be chilly — bring a warm sweater and a hat. We do not recommend traveling during the rainy season, as heavy rainfall can cause landslides. While not necessarily dangerous, they often make travel more complicated and can disrupt your itinerary, or even block some roads temporarily.

The best time to travel in the Andes is between May and October, when rain is rare, the mountains are usually clear, and you can take stunning photos.

Amazon region

To prepare for this changing weather, I recommend packing clothing for all types of conditions, and a good pair of walking shoes.

Transportation

At Phima Voyages, we make sure your travel has the smallest possible impact on the environment — without ever compromising on comfort. We favour direct flights, encourage longer stays to reduce unnecessary back-and-forth travel, and whenever possible, we swap the plane for a night bus.

On the ground, we choose vehicles that match the size of the group — modern, well-maintained, and fuel-efficient. And whenever we can, we include walking, cycling, or public transportation in our itineraries.

Our drivers are trained in eco-driving, and we work with partners who share our commitment to sustainable travel. Less CO₂, more common sense… always with the aim of making your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Money

How should you manage your money in Peru? Excellent question! Is it better to travel with cash or a bank card? If cash, which currency works best? If a card, how does it work in practice? Let’s go through the essentials. But first — the best approach is to mix it up: bring both cash and cards, ideally more than one card, in case one doesn’t work or, worse, gets “eaten” by an ATM (yes, it does happen, even to careful travellers).

Before leaving for Peru, check with your bank to see if there are extra currency conversion fees. Another option is to use an online bank card that doesn’t charge these fees (such as Revolut). Since policies change regularly, make sure to double-check before your trip.

When withdrawing cash, I recommend using Banco de la Nación, Peru’s official state bank. You can withdraw up to 400 soles per day without fees. Other banks charge higher fees (for example, BCP charges 32 soles per withdrawal).

For everyday payments, very few shops accept cards. Always keep some cash on you.

If you need to exchange money, you can change US dollars or euros at banks or authorised exchange offices. Take a quick look at the posted rates before making your exchange.

A quick note on tipping: while not mandatory in Peru, it’s always appreciated to leave around 5–10% in restaurants. Your guides and private drivers will also be grateful for the gesture.

Luggage and clothes

In addition to what’s already been mentioned above, here’s a list of essentials for your suitcase when travelling to Peru:

Good walking shoes
A hat or cap, and sunglasses
A rain jacket, warm clothing for cooler nights
Shorts or convertible trousers, T-shirts
Breathable shirts
A fleece, good socks to avoid blisters
A wool hat for chilly nights
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Any personal medication
Toilet paper — in rural Peru, it’s not always provided. Also, remember not to flush toilet paper: use the bin provided.
One or more universal adapters or type-A adapters (especially if your plugs are thick or have a grounding pin), and check if your devices are compatible with 220V / 60Hz (most are, but it’s worth confirming).

Reminder: your checked luggage should not exceed 23 kg. Beyond that, extra fees may apply.

The Peruvian People

Peru is a Spanish-speaking country. Its second language, particularly in the Andes, is Quechua. Before your trip, we recommend learning a little Spanish — even just simple phrases like “hello” or “thank you”.

See our article History and Culture of Peru and the Inca People for more insights.

Peruvian Art

Before travelling to Peru, I’d like to share a glimpse into the country’s artistic culture — especially literature and local music. Two wonderful ways to appreciate its richness.

For reading inspiration — to immerse yourself in Peru before you even set foot there:

Modern Peruvian novel? A Place Called Dog’s Ear by Iván Thays — a poetic yet raw look at the Andes and the scars of the past.
A classic? Deep Rivers by José María Arguedas — perfect for understanding Andean life, its traditions, and its contradictions.
To explore the jungle and shamanic rituals: Diary of an Apprentice Shaman by Corine Sombrun — both accessible and fascinating.
A touch of humour and romance in Lima? Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa (yes — a Nobel Prize winner!).

These books will draw you right into the heart of the cities, Andean traditions, everyday life, spirituality… the perfect cultural warm-up for your journey.

For more suggestions, see our article Our Selection of Books on Peru.

Music – because you can’t truly understand a country without knowing its sounds

Peruvian cumbia – lively, upbeat, and wildly popular, with electric guitars and a contagious rhythm. Perfect for setting the mood!

Peruvian rock – try the band Líbido, a household name in Peru. Their track Como un perro is a great place to start.

Traditional Andean music – huayno, pan flutes, festive village dances… you’ll hear them everywhere during your trip, and they’re even more special if you’ve already tuned your ears to them.

So why not start creating your own Peruvian playlist now and immerse yourself in their musical culture?

More on this in our article on Peruvian music.

Recommendations

Festivals

In Peru, every festival is more than just a celebration – it’s an invitation to step into the living soul of the country. From the majestic Andes to the Amazon rainforest, each event blends ancestral traditions, spirituality, and collective joy. Taking part in these unique moments means experiencing firsthand the history, culture, and vibrant energy of the communities that keep them alive.

See our article on Festivals and Celebrations in Peru.

Food & Restaurants

Peruvian cuisine is a journey in itself. Blending Andean traditions, Amazonian influences, and flavors from around the world, every dish tells a story. From colorful markets to fine dining restaurants, Peru offers a palette of flavors where creativity, generosity, and authenticity come together.

See our article on Peruvian Gastronomy.

Group Excursions – how do they work?

When we mention “Group Excursions” in your itinerary, it means we work with a trusted local agency based in your destination. They organise day trips to the region’s archaeological and cultural sites.

In this context, “group” means a minibus with up to 18 passengers, a driver, and a Spanish/English-speaking guide. Your meeting point will usually be near the agency’s office, at the Plaza de Armas, or the bus will pick you up directly from your hotel.

If the bus picks you up, please note that the schedule we provide may vary slightly. Since the bus stops at several hotels to collect passengers, any delay at one pick-up point can affect the others.