Peru Private Tours

Peru Travel FAQs

• How can I obtain my visa to Peru?  

  People from most countries can visit Peru for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days, with the exception of a few nationalities who must obtain a visa from one of the Peruvian diplomatic missions. Citizens from the US, Canada, European Union, UK, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt from visas and must have a passport valid for at least 6 months on arrival.

• Do I need any vaccinations to visit Peru?  

  No vaccines are required for entry into Peru. However, if you're traveling to jungle regions such as Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, please consider getting vaccinated against yellow fever as a preventive measure. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel and provides lifetime protection.

• When is the best time to travel to Peru?  

  Generally, the best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and October. Since Peru's geography includes the coast, highlands, and jungle, each has its ideal travel season.

  Lima & the Coast: The best time is December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. The rest of the year tends to be overcast and cooler.
  Highlands (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca): Best from May to October, with clear skies and dry weather. The wet season (November to March) is greener and quieter, but comes with heavy rains in the Andes.
  Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado): You can visit all year, but April to October is drier and better for spotting wildlife.

• How many days do I need in Peru?  

  If you have about 7 days in Peru, you can explore the highlights of the Inca culture, during which you'll set foot in many historical sites in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes. Most of our customers would like to spend two weeks taking an in-depth Peru tour from south to north. If you prefer a tour of specific interests like culture, flavor, and rainforest, you can contact us to customize a unique trip.

• Can I combine my visit to Peru with another country?  

  Yes. Odynovo arranges tours to 80+ destinations in South America and other continents. With our tailor-made service, it is easy to extend your Peru tour to its neighboring countries or more, such as Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, etc. So, if you prefer a multi-country tour to Latin America, just let us know and we can help to customize a unique tour around your personal interests.

• How to get to Machu Picchu?  

  Most travelers reach Machu Picchu by taking a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo), followed by a short shuttle bus ride up to the ancient Inca citadel.

  For the more adventurous, the Inca Trail offers a multi-day hike through breathtaking scenery and historic ruins, ending at the Sun Gate with a stunning view of Machu Picchu.

• What should I know about Machu Picchu's ticket booking and circuits?  

  As of June 1, 2024, Machu Picchu uses a circuit system to manage visitor flow and protect the ruins. There are three main circuits, divided into ten specific routes, and each ticket is valid for one circuit only.

  We recommend Circuit 2 (either route) for first-time visitors, as it includes the classic panoramic viewpoint and most iconic sites. If it's unavailable, we'll work with you to select the best alternative based on your interests.

  Each ticket allows a maximum visit of 4 hours to complete your booked route.

  You can check our guide to the Machu Picchu ticket and circuit for more detailed information.

• Will I be able to exchange Dollars, Euros, or other currencies during my tour in Peru?  

  In Peru, US Dollars and Euros can be easily exchanged for local currency (Peruvian Sol) in airports, banks, exchange offices, hotels, or street money changers. But the exchange rate differs in different places, it is suggested to make a comparison or ask your tour guide for personal suggestions.

• Is it common to use credit cards in Peru?  

  Credit cards are widely accepted in Peru and you shouldn't have any problems in ATMS and major hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, cash is still essential in smaller towns, local markets, and for services like taxis or tips. Luckily, plentiful ATMs make it easy and cheap to get cash, especially in popular destinations. Note: A processing fee is required to withdraw money with an international card.

• Is it a common practice to give tips in Peru?  

  Tipping in Peru is generally considered a good practice and strongly encouraged among travelers. You'll find that tipping is normal at restaurants, hotels, and bars.

  At hotels, tipping $1–2 USD per service (such as for luggage handling or housekeeping) is typical. In restaurants, a 10% service charge ("propina") is often included in the bill. If it's not, it's customary to leave around 10%.

  How much to tip your tour guide and driver depends on how you rate their service. Normally, we suggest tipping USD 5-10 per traveler per day for guides, and USD 6-8 per traveler per day for drivers.

• Is English widely used in Peru?  
  The official language of Peru is Spanish. As with many other countries, the people speaking English are concentrated in the areas that tourists visit more often. At Odynovo, with your private professional English-speaking guides and drivers, you should have no problem with language during the entire trip to Peru.
• Will I get altitude sickness?  

  If you're visiting high-altitude destinations like Cusco (3,400m / 11,000 ft) or Puno (3,830m / 12,556 ft), you may feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

  To help your body adjust during the first 24 to 48 hours, remember to:
  - Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  - Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals.
  - Try coca tea during the day and Andean mint tea at night to relieve symptoms.

  With Odynovo, your private guide is always by your side to make sure you feel well and get help when you need it.

• Is it safe to visit Peru?  

  In general, Peru is somewhat a safe place to visit, having received record tourists in recent years. While traveling with Odynovo in Peru, your personal driver and guide will accompany you throughout the whole trip, ready to provide you with the necessary assistance and ensure you a safe trip. What you should be aware of is that tourist hotspots and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, so stay alert with your belongings.

• What electricity supply used in Peru? What kind of plugs are used?  
  The supply voltage in Peru is 220V at 60Hz, and there are three types of sockets and plugs used: Type A (Two flat parallel pins), B (Two flat blades with a round grounding pin), and C (Two round pins). An adapter or converter may be necessary depending on your devices.
• Can I take pictures of the people, streets, during my tour?  

  Of course, you can take some memorable photos in Peru. But it would be better to ask for permission first, especially when visiting indigenous tribespeople. Museums and galleries usually have the sign of "no flashing", and a few strictly ban all photographing. It's appropriate to follow the guide. In addition, taking photos of military buildings and installations is often prohibited.

• How should I dress?  

  There are no strict dress codes or religious requirements in Peru. However, to avoid unwanted attention, it’s best to dress in a casual but respectful way. Shirts, T-shirts, and jeans are always safe choices.

  Keep in mind that mountain areas can be warm and sunny during the day but very cold at night. Packing a thick jacket will help you handle the changing temperatures.

  Just dress for the weather and season in a way that feels comfortable for you. Also, don't forget to bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent, they’re essentials for a pleasant trip.