Language

Peru is a country of great linguistic diversity. Spanish is the main official language, spoken by 84.1% of the population; Quechua is the second official language spoken by 13%; followed by the third official language of Aymara at 1.7%; then Ashaninka 0.3%; other native languages (including a large number of minor Amazonian languages) 0.7%; and Other 0.2%. Some English (and other European languages) is spoken in cities and major tourist areas, but attempts to speak basic Spanish will be well received.

Currency

Nuevo Sol (divided into céntimos/cents)

US dollars are easily changed.

Credit cards and ATM are available in most large cities and hotels, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

International Dialing Code

+51

Electricity

Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts, at 60 hertz. The most common pin types are A. (2 flat prong) or type C. (2 round prong).

Visas

A visa is exempt for passport holders from the following countries visiting Peru for short term tourism purposes:

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy.

If you are entering Peru from Bolivia, Ecuador, or any land border, please ensure you source a Peruvian entry stamp at the border. Take initiative at the immigration checkpoint, as they may not approach you. Failure to obtain an entry stamp requires applying for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima. Without this order, air travel out of Peru is not allowed, and it may lead to a 10-year ban on re-entry. Please note however that passports will not receive immigration entry or exit stamps at any international airport in Peru. Instead, entry and exit from the country will be digitally recorded.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.