ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for latest entry and exit advice; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru/entry-requirements
*Many of our Peru tours also combine Ecuador (including the Galapagos Islands). Please ensure you also check the requirements for entry to Ecuador, as they may differ to those for Peru.
VISAS
British nationals are normally given permission to stay for up to 30 days when you arrive. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for permission on arrival. Immigration officials can grant you up to 180 days a year as a visitor or tourist.
U.S., Canadian, Australian and most European citizens may enter Peru for 30-180 days for tourist purposes without a visa (determinded by border officals at the time of entry). All other nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before your departure. You will need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
*N.B. - If entering Peru from Ecuador, make sure your passport is stamped with an exit stamp from Ecuador as well as a Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office. Furthermore, please double check the date of entry on your Peru entry stamp is correct – immigration authorities may also not let you leave Peru without a valid exit stamp from the last country you visited without paying a fee, or with an incorrect arrival date.
PASSPORT
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport
N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
- Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear:
Pack for both hot and cooler weather in Peru, including a warm, waterproof jacket. Comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, and absorbent socks are essential. For the Amazon, bring long-sleeved, lightweight cotton clothes to protect against insects, waterproof boots or sneakers, and absorbent socks. A smart-casual outfit for dinner is optional.
Although the weather is mostly warm and sunny, it’s wise to have a light jacket for cooler evenings or rain. Don’t forget insect repellent, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and lightweight binoculars.
Luggage Allowances:
International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.
Most Peru tours include internal flights and the luggage restrictions are;
Maximum weight and size: the maximum weight for checked baggage is 23 kg (51 lb) and cabin baggage is 10 kg (22 lb) 55cm x 35cm x 25cm
LANGUAGE
The main languages of Peru are Spanish and Quechua. Indigenous languages are also official in the areas where they are spoken. English is spoken widely across the country in the hospitality sector.
WEATHER
Peru is a huge country and due to this, it has 28 different types of climate. In general, the weather is mild, without heavy winter rainfall in the nor excessive summer heat. However, the country can be split into three climatic areas. Peru’s subtropical coast has summertime temperatures exceeding 29°C, while winters there, from June-September, are humid and rainy with temperatures around 14°C. The climate is cold and dry in the Peruvian highlands, where temperature range between 9-18°C, according to the time of the day. The sun usually shines every morning of the year, but in the evening, temperatures drop to 5ºC. Inland, Cusco experiences a mild temperate climate. Winters are dry and summers warm, with temperatures averaging around 18°C in the daytime. In the capital city, Lima, average temperature is 25°C in the summertime, and 12-15°C in winter.
ELECTRICITY
In Peru, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 60Hz. They use two types of plug – Type C (European plug adapter) as well as Type A (US/North American style). You may need to bring an adaptor, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Peru, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
Currency:
The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Though credit cards are often accepted at mid-high range establishments, but it is advisable to carry money in cash with you as well as not all shops and restaurants accept them.
ATMs are widely available in cities, but not so in smaller villages. Due to a high occurrence of card fraud and potential theft, is best to use an ATM during business hours and select one inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. Be particularly vigilant before and after using an ATM on the street, especially at night.
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, and some places, but not all, accept cards such as Diners Club or American Express. If you intend to use any of your debit or credit cards whilst away, please make sure that you contact your bank before you leave to inform them that you will be travelling in order not to cause any problems using your cards or whilst on the trip.
Gratuities:
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink, and you should stick to bottled water. Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
RELIGION
Whilst Peru is mostly Catholic, Amerindian beliefs still largely held as well and traditions are incorporated into daily life as well as catholic feasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Peru offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN PERU
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated Sep 2025