Your first view of Peru might be mist drifting over Machu Picchu, or the gray morning light in Lima easing into a bright ceviche lunch. This country feels big and layered, so planning well pays off.
Here you will get the essentials for a smooth trip in 2026. You will learn about weather by region, entry rules (espeically for U.S. and Canadian travelers), money and safety, altitude and food health, transport, Machu Picchu tickets, culture, and packing.
You will also find simple steps you can follow. Think of this as your smart, friendly checklist for Peru. You will see the phrase you searched for too: Things to know before travelling to Peru.
If you want a custom plan that fits your timing and comfort level, talk to a Peru travel expert at Exploor. Start with our guides on the best time to visit Peru and altitude sickness in Peru: prevention tips.
Peru has three main regions with very different climates. The Andes are dry and sunny in winter and wet in summer. The coast is cool and gray in winter, then warm and bright in summer. The Amazon is hot and humid year-round.
In the Andes, the dry season runs May to September. Days are sunny with big blue skies, nights are cold, and trekking is excellent.
The rainy season runs November to March, with greener landscapes and afternoon showers. You will find fewer crowds and lower prices then. April and October often hit a nice balance of decent weather, lower rates, and more space on trails.
For a full month-by-month guide, see our article about the best time to visit Peru. On the coast, Lima’s winter (June to September) brings a cool marine layer called garúa, little rain, and temperatures around 60 to 66°F (16 to 19°C). Summer (December to March) is sunny and warm, often 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C), perfect for ceviche lunches and beach escapes.
In the Amazon, expect 75 to 90°F (24 to 32°C) and high humidity all year. High-water season from December to May makes river travel easier and the forest looks lush. Low-water season from June to November opens more walking trails and often means more varied wildlife sightings.
If you want the right dates for comfortable weather and fewer crowds, contact us for a free quote.
Altitude shapes your experience here. Cusco sits at 11,150 ft (3,400 m), the Sacred Valley rests lower at 9,400 ft (2,865 m), and Machu Picchu is lower still at 7,972 ft (2,430 m).
Many travelers sleep first in the Sacred Valley to acclimatize, then visit Cusco. From May to September, days are sunny and nights are cold. From November to March, you will see regular showers, but mornings can be clear and beautiful.
If you want quieter photos, book sunrise or first-entry circuits and go midweek when possible. Use these guides to plan well: how to get to Machu Picchu and the Machu Picchu ticket guide.
Lima’s winter runs June to September, with cool air and a steady fog layer. Expect 60 to 66°F (16 to 19°C) and little rain.
Summer goes December to March, with blue skies and 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C). It is prime time for ceviche lunches and coastal day trips like Paracas.
Pack a light sweater and a windbreaker for winter days, and a hat and sunscreen for summer. If food is a highlight for you, learn more about our Peruvian culinary tour.
High-water season, December to May, lifts river levels and makes canoe routes easy. Low-water season, June to November, opens more forest trails and often brings great wildlife viewing.
Expect 75 to 90°F (24 to 32°C) all year with high humidity. Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are the main gateways. If you are unsure about which place to visit then learn more about our Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos comparison.
Inti Raymi takes over Cusco in late June. Easter Holy Week falls in March or April. Independence Day is late July.
During these dates, flights, trains, and hotels sell out fast. If you are traveling in June through August, book core services 3 to 6 months ahead. To see the highlights at good hours, consider our customized Peru tours.
For 2026, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 183 days. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist trips up to 90 days.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
Airlines can deny boarding if you do not meet this. At the border, an officer decides your allowed days and may ask for proof of onward travel and hotel bookings.
Review official guidance before you fly:
Peru uses the sol. Cards are common in cities, but cash is standard in markets and small towns. Keep small notes, like 10 or 20 soles, for taxis, bathrooms, and snacks.
Use ATMs inside banks for better security and check fees before you withdraw. Inspect bills for tears or obvious damage. Many small businesses prefer cash for little purchases.
For street-smart exchange info and where to get fair rates, read our Peru money exchange tips.
Petty theft happens in crowded places, bus stations, and markets. Keep your phone zipped away, split cards and cash into two spots, and avoid empty streets at night.
Use your hotel safe and carry only what you need. Choose official taxi apps or prearranged transfers, especially after dark. Our field-tested advice is here: Peru safety tips.
Choose a policy that covers trip interruption, medical care, evacuation, and lost or delayed bags. Some hikes reach 15,000 ft (4,572 m), like Rainbow Mountain, so confirm altitude coverage.
If you are planning a high Andes trek, match coverage to your route and activities. Get a free quote and we will match your plan to your activities.
Altitude sickness can start around 8,200 ft (2,500 m). Headache, fatigue, dizziness, and mild nausea are common signs. You can reduce risk with a few simple steps:
Afraid that you might get sick? Have a look at how to avoid altitude sickness when traveling. If you want an easy first day with gentle walks and scenic views, our Sacred Valley tour fits well.
Keep routine shots up to date. Doctors often recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid for travelers. If you are going to the jungle, ask about Yellow Fever.
Some Amazon areas also call for malaria prevention. Protect against bites with long sleeves at dusk and strong repellent. Use theCDC Peru Traveler Health page and visit a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before your trip.
Do not drink tap water in Peru. Choose bottled or filtered water, and skip ice unless you trust the source. A reusable bottle with a purifier is handy for day trips.
Eat ceviche at lunch when seafood is freshest, and pick busy spots with high turnover. For food advice by region, learn more about the best food in Peru.
Pack a small kit you can reach easily:
A compact pouch in your daypack saves time when you need it. For a complete checklist, see our Peru packing list and what to pack for the Inca Trail. If you share your route with us, we will tailor your packing list for you.
Domestic flights link Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and Iquitos. If Machu Picchu is the goal, most travelers take the train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes. The two rail operators are PeruRail and Inca Rail.
Talk to an expert to learn more about your Machu Picchu adventure.
In big cities, use rideshare apps like Uber and Cabify, or ask your hotel to arrange a transfer. Most street taxis do not use meters, so agree on the fare before you start.
For late-night arrivals, a pre-booked transfer adds peace of mind.
Machu Picchu uses timed entries, one-way circuits, and limited daily tickets. Peak season can reach 5,600 daily visitors, and low season about 4,500.
Visits are time limited, and re-entry is not allowed on the same ticket. Guided entry is required, and group sizes are capped.
Book weeks to months ahead for May to September. An early entry often brings gentler light and lighter crowds.
Use our Machu Picchu circuit guide, choose an Inca Trail trek, or aim for a Machu Picchu tour. Want us to secure the right circuit and train times for you?
Trains to Aguas Calientes have small luggage limits, often around 11 to 17 lb (5 to 8 kg) per person. Leave your big suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Bring a small overnight bag with a warm layer, rain protection, water, and essentials.
Use our Peru packing list to get your train bag right.
You will hear English in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Outside those hubs, Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are common. Learning a few Spanish phrases opens doors.
Always ask before you take photos of people, especially in markets and rural areas. A small tip is sometimes expected for posed photos.
If you want a friendly, bilingual guide who can connect you with local artisans, then learn more about our customized Peru tours.
A 10 percent tip is appreciated in restaurants unless a service fee is already added. Keep small coins and notes for bathrooms, snacks, and taxis.
Cards work in many restaurants and hotels, but small businesses prefer cash. Withdraw from ATMs inside banks and carry a mix of 1, 2, 5, and 10 sol coins and notes.
More practical tips are in Peru money exchange tips.
Peru uses 220V. Outlets often accept Type A or B (flat pins) and Type C (round pins). Bring a universal adapter and a portable battery. Learn more about the electrical plugs in Peru.
A local SIM or eSIM is great for data in Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. Coverage drops in remote valleys and deep jungle.
Get your eSIM and stay connected during your time in Peru.
Contact us if you have any questions or if you need support with your Peru packing list.
Now you have the essentials to plan with confidence. You know when to travel by region, how to enter, how to stay healthy at altitude, how to move around, and how to connect with local culture respectfully.
The result is a smoother trip with more time for the views and the food, the walks and the stories. That is the heart of a great Peru journey.
If you want a well-paced plan that avoids crowds and handles the logistics, we can help.
Talk to a Peru travel expert and we will build a smart, comfortable plan around your dates.
Most travelers from North America, Western Europe, and many other countries can visit Peru for tourism without a visa for short stays, usually up to 90 days. However, rules vary by nationality, length of stay, and purpose of visit. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel. Always check the latest entry rules with the Peruvian consulate or your government’s travel advisory before you book.
Peru has different climates in the coast, Andes, and Amazon, so the best time depends on where you go. The dry season in the Andes and around Machu Picchu usually runs from May to September, with cooler nights and clearer skies, which many travelers prefer for trekking and sightseeing. The coastal region around Lima is warmer and more pleasant from December to April. The Amazon is hot and humid year-round, with more rain from November to March. Plan your trip around the regions you want to visit and the type of activities you prefer.
Cusco, Puno, and other highland cities sit at high altitude, which can cause headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath for some travelers. To prepare, plan one or two easy days on arrival, avoid intense exercise at first, drink plenty of water, and eat light meals. Some travelers take medication for altitude after speaking with their doctor before the trip. Local remedies like coca tea are common, but you should still listen to your body, rest if you feel unwell, and seek medical help if symptoms become severe.
Peru is a popular destination, and major tourist areas like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lima’s main districts, and Arequipa are generally safe when you use normal travel caution. Petty theft and pickpocketing can happen, especially in crowded places, markets, and public transport. Keep valuables out of sight, use a money belt or hidden pouch, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and use trusted taxi services or ride-hailing apps where available. Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and important documents in separate places.
The official currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). In cities and tourist areas, many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops accept credit or debit cards, often with better rates for Visa and Mastercard. Small businesses, local markets, and rural areas usually prefer cash in soles. You can withdraw money from ATMs in most cities and airports, but your bank may charge fees, so it is smart to withdraw larger amounts less often. Carry some small bills and coins for tips, taxis, and small purchases.
mirna3 October, 2023 at 9:29 am
gracias
Josef Ferry2 October, 2023 at 1:08 pm
I love this article! Especially the unique accommodations will be definitely on my list for my trip to Peru.
Konsti from Exploor Peru7 October, 2023 at 8:19 am
Hello Josef,
Konsti from Exploor here. Thanks a lot for your feedback!
Happy to hear that you have liked our blog article about Peru’s unique accommodation.
In case you need any additional support, then feel free to contact us via email: [email protected]
Cheers,
Konsti
Daniel Burton24 December, 2022 at 2:57 am
very very cool! I like the section about the weather and the small tips, such as, ask the locals before taking pictures and the taxi section.
Konsti from Exploor Peru29 December, 2022 at 3:28 am
Thanks Daniel!
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions.
Best,
Konsti