Planning a trip to Peru this year? Here’s everything you need to know — from weather and money to safety, food, and cultural do’s and don’ts.
📍 Why Visit Peru in 2025?
Peru continues to be one of South America’s most iconic destinations — and 2025 is the perfect time to visit. With world-class ruins like Machu Picchu, thriving cities like Lima, and rich traditions found in Cusco, Arequipa, and the Amazon, Peru offers a unique experience for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re coming for history, adventure, food, or culture, this guide will help you plan smarter and travel better.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Peru
Peru has three main regions — coast, highlands, and jungle — and each has its own climate.
| Region | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Lima & Coast | December to April (summer) |
| Andes (Cusco, Machu Picchu) | May to October (dry season) |
| Amazon Jungle | May to October (less rain) |
🎒 Tip: June–August is high season: book in advance for Machu Picchu and domestic flights.
✈️ Entry Requirements for 2025
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
- Visa: Most countries (US, Canada, EU, etc.) don’t need a visa for up to 90 days
- Vaccines: No COVID-19 entry requirement as of early 2025
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: Recommended for Amazon travel (not required)
🛂 Always check your country’s embassy site for the latest updates before flying.
💬 Language & Communication
- Official Language: Spanish
- Quechua & Aymara are spoken in the Andes
- English is spoken in tourist areas, but limited outside major cities
🗣️ Learn basic Spanish phrases — locals will appreciate the effort.
💵 Currency & Payments
- Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
- Exchange Rate: ~3.7 PEN = 1 USD (check current rate)
- ATMs: Widely available
- Cards: Accepted in cities; carry cash for small towns & markets
💳 Bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for best rates.
📶 Internet & SIM Cards
- SIM cards are cheap and easy to find (Claro, Movistar, Entel)
- Buy at the airport or malls with your passport
- Free Wi-Fi in most hotels and cafes in cities
📱 Download Google Maps offline and a translator app before arrival.
🧳 What to Pack for Peru
Peru has multiple climates — you might need sunscreen, a down jacket, and insect repellent all in one trip!
Essentials:
- Layers (hot days, cold nights in the Andes)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Power adapter (Type A/B, same as US)
- Small daypack
🎒 Pack light but smart. Altitude in the Andes can drop temps fast.
🏥 Safety, Health & Travel Insurance
Peru is generally safe for travelers, but common sense goes a long way.
Safety Tips:
- Don’t flash valuables or large sums of money
- Use licensed taxis or ride apps (Beat, Uber, InDrive)
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas
Health Tips:
- Altitude sickness is common in Cusco & the Andes — drink coca tea, ascend slowly
- Tap water isn’t safe – drink bottled or filtered water only
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for health, theft, or trip cancellations
🩺 Bring basic meds, altitude pills, and rehydration packets
🎉 Cultural Etiquette
- Greet people with a polite “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes”
- Ask before taking photos of locals
- Bargain politely at markets
- Dress modestly in churches and smaller towns
🦙 Peruvians are friendly and proud — showing interest in the culture goes a long way.
🗺️ Must-See Places to Add to Your 2025 Itinerary
- Machu Picchu: Book your ticket months in advance
- Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero
- Cusco: Colonial charm, Incan ruins, gateway to the Andes
- Lima: Food capital of Latin America
- Arequipa: White-stone city with volcano views
- Amazon Jungle: Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos
- Huacachina: Sandboarding and desert oases
- Lake Titicaca: Floating islands and local traditions
📌 Need help planning your route? Start with this Peru Itinerary
🧭 Getting Around Peru
- Domestic Flights: LATAM, Sky, JetSmart — best for long distances
- Buses: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa – safe and comfortable
- Taxis/Ride Apps: Use ride apps in cities; avoid unlicensed taxis
- Trains: PeruRail & Inca Rail to Machu Picchu
🧘 Bonus Tips for a Better Trip
- Stay hydrated at altitude
- Book major sites/tours in advance (especially in June–August)
- Learn a few Spanish phrases
- Be flexible — Peru can surprise you in the best ways
- Respect local customs and rural communities
🎒 Final Thoughts: Your Peru Adventure Starts Here
Peru is more than a destination — it’s a full experience of flavors, stories, and landscapes. Whether you’re hiking ancient trails, sipping pisco by the ocean, or dancing in a mountain village, the memories you make here will last forever.
Planning ahead means traveling with confidence. Bookmark this guide, follow local tips, and get ready for one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world.
