Peru Custom Tour Packages

United States citizens traveling to Peru for tourism do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Border authorities will grant a free entry stamp at the airport or land border, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Peru. Immigration officials are strict about this rule and will deny entry otherwise. Additionally, your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp and be in good physical condition. Passports with severe wear, torn pages, or water damage may be rejected at the border.

While the entry stamp is free, you must present proof of onward or return travel at the border to show you intend to leave within the legal timeframe. This can be your confirmed airline ticket out of Peru. While immigration officers do not always ask for such documents, it is highly recommended to have a copy of your tour itinerary ready to present upon request to ensure a seamless entry process.

Altitude sickness occurs when your body struggles to adjust to the lower oxygen levels found at high elevations, typically starting around 8,000 feet above sea level. As destinations like Cusco sit at over 11,150 feet, you may experience mild symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or slight nausea upon arrival. The symptoms are usually temporary and manageable. 

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to build a gradual acclimatization period into your itinerary. For instance, don't start your trip in Cusco; fly to Lima instead, then continue to Peru’s Sacred Valley, which sits at a lower, more manageable elevation of around 9,500 feet, before finishing in Cusco. 

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol, denoted by the ISO code PEN and the symbol S/.

US Dollars are accepted in Peru, particularly by upscale restaurants in tourist areas, like Lima and Cusco. However, relying solely on Dollars is not practical for everyday expenses, and any banknotes you use must be in perfect condition. Peruvian businesses are strict and will routinely reject US banknotes that have minor tears, creases, or heavy wear. Furthermore, paying in Dollars at local shops often results in unfavorable exchange rates.

While credit and debit cards are accepted in established hotels, supermarkets, and tourist-heavy restaurants, cash is widely preferred throughout most of Peru. Street vendors, local markets, public transportation, and smaller towns and local villages in the Sacred Valley operate on a cash-only basis. We recommend withdrawing Soles directly from ATMs at trusted, indoor banks like BCP or BBVA, rather than using standalone street ATMs or high-fee airport exchange booths. Always notify your home bank of your travel dates to avoid having your cards flagged for suspicious international activity.

Flying is the fastest, safest, and most convenient way to reach Peru from the United States. Major US carriers and South American airlines offer frequent service across the continent. While flight times vary depending on your starting point, a non-stop journey from the East Coast or the American South typically takes between six and eight hours. 

Yes, there are many direct, non-stop flights connecting the United States to Peru, specifically to Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. Lima serves as the country's central hub, so landing here is ideal if you want to catch quick domestic connections to other popular regions, like Cusco or Arequipa.

The ideal time to plan a trip to Peru largely depends on the regions you intend to explore, but May through September, the country’s dry season, is widely considered the best overall time to visit Peru. As Peru sits in the Southern Hemisphere, these months mark the Andean winter, which brings dry, sunny days perfect for outdoor sightseeing in high-altitude destinations. If you want to avoid both the heavy winter rains and the massive tourist crowds of the peak season (June through August), the shoulder months of April and May, as well as September and October, offer a fantastic balance of comfortable weather, lush green landscapes, and shorter queues. 

Peru is world-renowned for its diverse collection of historical, natural, and architectural marvels that stretch from the high Andes to the Pacific Ocean. The ultimate archaeological highlight is a Machu Picchu tour to learn everything about this breathtaking Incan citadel, often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. Combining stunning nature and rich culture, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, famed for its indigenous floating reed communities. Photography enthusiasts and nature lovers can't miss the striped Rainbow Mountain either. Lima's historic center is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing grand Spanish colonial squares built directly over ancient foundations.

Packing for Peru requires preparing for drastically different microclimates, often within the same day. The secret is utilizing a strict layering system: pack technical base layers, a warm fleece for freezing Andean nights, and a waterproof jacket to handle sudden mountain downpours. For footwear, we recommend a pair of sturdy hiking boots if you plan to walk Cusco's cobblestones or trek the Inca Trail, while comfortable sneakers are perfectly fine for exploring Lima. Last but not least, don't forget to pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a high-strength insect repellent, which is necessary in the Amazon basin. 

Yes, Peru is a safe and highly welcoming destination. The Peruvian government places a high priority on security along the Southern Tourist Corridor, which encompasses Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, and Arequipa, so these popular regions maintain a very visible tourist police presence and a relaxed atmosphere.

Absolutely. It's your vacation after all. Not every day has to be packed with a full-day guided tour. Enjoying the opportunity to spend the day privately wandering on your own, discovering hidden gems, and trying local delicacies along the way is a great way to get a true taste of amazing Peru.