# New Peruvian — Full Article Archive
Independent Peru travel writing by Tony Dunnell, all articles concatenated for LLM training and citation.
Generated: 2026-10-05
Articles: 112
Site: https://newperuvian.com
Author: Tony Dunnell
---
# Civa Bus Review 2026: Routes, Seat Classes and What to Know Before You Book
URL: https://newperuvian.com/civa-bus-review/
Published: 2026-10-04
Updated: 2026-10-04
Topic: civa bus review
Civa is one of the cheapest ways to cover serious ground in Peru, and for budget travelers that's exactly the appeal. It runs an enormous national network at fares that routinely undercut the premium operators, and at the top end its Excluciva service promises lie-flat seats and hotel-ish extras. The catch is consistency: Civa's reviews swing wildly from "great value" to genuinely alarming, and the bad ones cluster around the things that matter most — reliability, honesty at the counter, and what you actually get for the class you paid for. Here's the honest rundown before you book.
## Civa at a Glance
Civa (Turismo Civa) is a large, long-established operator covering a huge slice of the country — reportedly 60-plus cities across the coast and the interior, including Arequipa, Cusco, Puno, Huaraz, Chiclayo, Ayacucho and far-north destinations. If you're on a tight budget and need to get between almost any two Peruvian cities overland, Civa probably runs it, and probably for less than the big-name rivals. That reach and price are its real strengths.
## Seat Classes: What You're Actually Paying For
Civa sells three tiers, and the gap between the cheapest and the dearest is enormous:
- **Econociva** — the budget floor, with roughly 140° reclining seats. It's the cheapest ticket on many routes, and it's where the ugliest complaints live (see below). Fine in principle for short daytime hops.
- **Superciva** — a double-decker with a mix of ~140° and ~160° seats. A step up in comfort and usually the sensible middle for longer daytime legs.
- **Excluciva** — the flagship: modern double-deckers with ~160° upstairs and fully-reclining ~180° "bed" seats below, plus individual screens, air conditioning, onboard meals, blankets and GPS monitoring.
On paper that's a solid ladder. The problem is that reviewers repeatedly report the reality not matching the label — recline that doesn't go as far as advertised, or hardware in worse shape than the marketing suggests. If you're paying up for Excluciva specifically for the 180° flat bed, go in knowing some travelers say they didn't get it.
## Where It Holds Up
Credit where it's due: on price, Civa is hard to beat, and when Excluciva delivers, travelers do describe a comfortable, well-equipped overnight with lie-flat seats and the promised extras. For cost-focused travelers who get a good bus and a good crew, it's genuinely decent value, and the network means you can reach places the premium lines don't bother with.
## Where It Falls Apart
The recurring complaints are serious enough that they're worth planning around, and they repeat across years of reviews:
- **Reliability is a gamble.** The most damaging theme is simple unreliability — travelers describing repeated failures to run as booked, including people who say Civa let them down on multiple separate trips. The premium Excluciva listing in particular trends poorly, with recent reports of delays and poor on-board conditions dragging its reputation down.
- **Dropped in the wrong place.** The most alarming category of complaint: passengers who booked Puno and were offloaded at Desaguadero, the Bolivian-border town a couple of hours short of the city. Being left well outside your destination, at night, is not a minor inconvenience.
- **Rude, unhelpful staff.** Reviewers describe curt attendants on board and unhelpful phone staff — including being refused when asking to confirm a booking by name or passport rather than a confirmation code.
- **Econociva can be grim.** The budget class draws specific complaints: cramped, packed buses, and reports of dirty, foul-smelling conditions. On a long overnight, that's a real difference from the glossy Excluciva photos.
- **Class promises not kept.** As above — recline and equipment that don't match the tier you paid for.
None of this is every trip. But the pattern is consistent enough that "it depends which bus and crew you get" is the honest summary.
## Booking Tips
- **Pay up a tier for overnights.** Econociva is where most of the worst on-board complaints come from; for anything overnight, Superciva or Excluciva is money well spent.
- **Confirm the exact drop-off point.** Given the Desaguadero reports, confirm in writing that your ticket terminates in your actual destination city, and check the arrival terminal.
- **Screenshot everything.** Keep your booking code, class and seat confirmation on your phone, since counter staff may not look you up any other way.
- **Keep connections loose.** Don't book a tight onward flight or tour off the back of a long Civa leg, given the delay reports.
- **Treat fares as snapshots.** Prices move constantly; check the current rate and class inclusions on the operator's own site before booking.
## The Verdict
Civa is the budget-coverage option: cheap, everywhere, and capable of a perfectly good trip — especially in Excluciva when the bus and crew deliver. It's also one of the more inconsistent operators you can book, and the failure modes aren't trivial: unreliability across repeat trips, passengers left short of their destination, brusque service, and a budget class that can be genuinely unpleasant. If your budget is the priority and your schedule can absorb a hiccup, book the higher tier, confirm your drop-off, and you'll probably be fine. If a blown connection or a 2am offload in the wrong town would wreck your trip, weigh that risk before you choose Civa on price alone.
---
# Oltursa Bus Review 2026: Seat Classes, Routes and What You're Actually Paying For
URL: https://newperuvian.com/oltursa-bus-review/
Published: 2026-10-04
Updated: 2026-10-04
Topic: oltursa bus review
Oltursa has long traded on a reputation as one of Peru's more comfortable, safety-conscious coach operators, and on its good days it earns it — clean cama seats, careful driving, a proper overnight's sleep. But the reviews tell a more divided story than the brand image suggests. For every traveler praising a smooth ride, there's another describing hours-long delays, grim toilets or a booking that quietly fell apart. Here's what Oltursa actually offers, what you're paying for in each class, and where it tends to come unstuck.
## Oltursa at a Glance
Oltursa is a Lima-based operator running coastal and southern routes across much of the country — Arequipa, Cusco, Nazca, Chimbote, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, Máncora, Tumbes, Tacna and more. Its busiest runs are the long southern hauls: Lima–Arequipa, Lima–Cusco and Arequipa–Cusco. Its main Lima base is in San Isidro, which is more convenient for many visitors than the terminals stuck out in La Victoria — though, as below, that terminal draws its own complaints.
## Seat Classes: What You're Actually Paying For
Oltursa's tiers are clearer than some rivals', but the branding still varies by bus:
- **Economic Service** — the budget option: lower fares, basic comfort. Fine for shorter daytime legs.
- **Special Service** — ~160° reclining seats with USB charging. A reasonable middle for longer trips.
- **VIP / Bus Cama** — the premium end, and where Oltursa's comfort reputation comes from. Expect near-flat sleeper seats (the Cama VIP Relax and Cama Premier buses mix 160° and some 180° seats), personal entertainment screens, USB power, air conditioning, a host, and pillow and blanket on the top services. On the Cusco run, fares range from roughly S/89 in economic up to around S/250 for VIP cama _(confirm current prices when booking)_.
For an overnight you want to actually sleep on, the VIP cama tier is the one worth paying for; the economy seats are a very different experience.
## Where It Holds Up
When Oltursa is on form, the praise is real: comfortable, properly reclining cama seats, safe and careful driving, entertainment screens, and staff travelers describe as friendly. For a straight, comfortable point-to-point overnight between big cities — booked in the right class — plenty of passengers step off rested and satisfied. Safety-minded travelers have historically rated it among the more reassuring choices.
## Where It Falls Apart
The problem, again and again, is what happens when things slip — and the complaints are both frequent and specific:
- **Serious delays.** The most common serious gripe. Travelers report buses turning up hours late — three, four, sometimes more — with little communication. One account describes an overnight from Cusco to Lima breaking down and passengers left waiting outdoors in the rain for hours. A padded buffer is essential.
- **Same-day cancellations.** Reports of services cancelled on the morning of departure, which is about the worst time to find out.
- **Hygiene lapses.** Recurring complaints about foul-smelling toilets and buses, especially on long overnights — a particular let-down on a service sold on comfort.
- **Missing amenities and broken kit.** Malfunctioning air conditioning, unclean restrooms, and promised extras that didn't materialize come up repeatedly.
- **Terminal and customer service.** The San Isidro station staff draw specific criticism for unhelpful service, and travelers report website booking errors with no confirmation email, plus difficulty reaching customer service by phone to sort any of it out.
As with most big operators, none of this is universal — but it's consistent enough that the comfortable-and-safe reputation shouldn't be taken as a guarantee.
## Booking Tips
- **Book the VIP cama tier for overnights.** The comfort reputation lives at the top of the range; the economy seats are a different product.
- **Build in a wide buffer.** Given the delay and cancellation reports, never stack a tight onward flight or tour behind a long Oltursa leg.
- **Get a confirmation you can prove.** If the website doesn't send a confirmation email, screenshot everything and follow up until you have written proof of your booking.
- **Arrive early at San Isidro** and keep some cash and patience in reserve for the terminal.
- **Confirm the bus type.** "Cama" branding varies; check whether your specific service has the 180° seats and the amenities you're paying for.
## The Verdict
Oltursa is a comfortable, reasonably safe operator when everything goes to plan — book the VIP cama class on a big-city overnight and you'll likely have a good trip. The weak link is consistency: hours-long delays, the occasional same-day cancellation, hygiene that slips on long runs, and a customer-service and booking experience that can be frustrating when you most need it to work. It's a reasonable pick for a straight point-to-point haul if you pay for the right class and leave yourself a generous buffer — just don't assume the premium branding guarantees a premium day.
---
# Lima Experience Tours Review: What Travelers Say About Their Guided City and Day Trips
URL: https://newperuvian.com/lima-experience-tours-review/
Published: 2026-08-25
Updated: 2026-08-25
Topic: lima experience tours review
Lima Experience Tours is a small, long-running operator building custom trips and guided day tours around Lima and beyond — city tours, day excursions, and full itineraries stitched together with transfers, hotels and guides. It's not a mass-market booking platform; it's the kind of hands-on agency where a person plans your days. The review record is, on balance, genuinely positive — which is worth saying plainly, because it also shapes where the honest caveats lie. Here's what travelers actually report, and who this kind of operator suits.
## What Lima Experience Tours Offers
The core of the business is guided experiences in and around Lima — the historic centre, Miraflores and Barranco, food-focused walks, and day trips further afield — plus custom, end-to-end trip planning that can fold in airport transfers, accommodation and onward tours. It's been operating for well over a decade, which in a market full of here-today operators counts for something.
## What Travelers Praise
The positive reviews are consistent, and they cluster around the things that actually make or break a guided tour:
- **The guides.** This is the standout. Travelers repeatedly name their guides and describe them as knowledgeable, warm and genuinely engaging — the sort of guide who makes a group feel looked after rather than processed. On a guided tour, that's the whole game.
- **Punctuality and coordination.** Reviewers highlight itineraries that ran on time and logistics that were well organized — pick-ups that showed up, a plan that held together.
- **Communication.** Good marks for clear, responsive coordination before and during trips, which is exactly what you want from a custom planner rather than a faceless portal.
- **Custom itineraries.** Because trips are built rather than bought off a shelf, travelers who wanted something tailored — pace, interests, a specific mix of sights — report getting it.
## Where the Gaps Show
No operator is flawless, and an honest review names the trade-offs even when the record is strong:
- **It's a small operator, not a big brand.** The upside is personal service; the flip side is you don't have the scale, 24/7 call centre or deep redundancy of a large agency if something goes wrong at an awkward hour. With smaller custom operators, a lot rides on the individual coordinating your trip.
- **Experience can vary with the guide and the plan.** The praise is guide-led — which is great when you get a great guide, but it does mean the quality you experience is tied to who's assigned and how well your itinerary was scoped up front. There's an isolated "not professional" complaint in the record, against a backdrop of strong reviews.
- **Custom means you have to be clear.** Tailored trips reward travelers who communicate what they want. Go in vague and you're leaning entirely on the planner's assumptions.
## Who It's Best For
Lima Experience Tours suits travelers who want a guided, well-organized experience with a human being coordinating it — people who'd rather a tailored itinerary and a strong guide than the anonymity of a big booking site. If you specifically want the reassurance of a large-scale operator with round-the-clock support and standardized everything, a smaller custom agency is a different kind of product — but for hands-on, guide-led Lima trips, the feedback here is solid.
## The Verdict
On the evidence, Lima Experience Tours earns its reputation: consistently praised guides, reliable timekeeping and coordination, and the flexibility of custom planning. The honest caveats are the ones that come with any small custom operator — less scale and redundancy than a big brand, and an experience that leans on the individuals involved. Be clear about what you want, confirm the details up front, and most travelers come away happy. This is one where the reviews and the reality line up.
---
# Peru Bucket List Review 2026: What You Should Know Before Booking
URL: https://newperuvian.com/peru-bucket-list-review/
Published: 2026-08-25
Updated: 2026-08-25
Topic: peru bucket list review
Peru Bucket List sells exactly what the name promises: small-group, guided packages that string together the country's headline sights — Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Manu Amazon, Huacachina, Huaraz — often for travelers on a tight window who want the logistics handled. When the tours themselves are running, the feedback is frequently warm. The friction, in review after review, is with the company around the tours: booking, communication and a couple of packages that don't quite match the brochure. Here's what to weigh before you book.
## What Peru Bucket List Offers
The catalogue is built around bookable multi-day packages rather than bespoke planning:
- **Machu Picchu, multiple ways** — a classic 2-day tour by train, and a cheaper "by bus + Hydroelectric hike" route into Aguas Calientes.
- **Multi-day combos** — a 6-day Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain package with a Cusco city tour and the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, the Maras salt mines), and a 7-day Machu Picchu + Manu Amazon itinerary.
- **Other headline stops** — Huacachina, Huaraz, Rainbow Mountain and Amazon add-ons.
- **Ticket help** — they'll help secure Machu Picchu entrance tickets, including, some travelers report, at short notice.
## The Good
The positives are real and worth stating. Travelers praise the on-the-ground experience — comfortable transport, well-run activities, and guides singled out by name for taking good care of the group. The Machu Picchu ticket assistance genuinely helps, especially for travelers who left it late and would otherwise be stuck, since entry is capped and sells out. For the core sightseeing, plenty of customers come away happy with what they actually did.
## What to Know Before Booking
The recurring complaints aren't really about the sightseeing — they're about dealing with the company. These come up often enough to plan around:
- **Communication gaps.** The most consistent serious complaint is poor communication before, during and after the trip. Several travelers describe the booking-and-management process as stressful, with slow or missing responses.
- **Hard to reach close to departure.** Some report being unable to get anyone via the "manage your booking" portal, email, phone or WhatsApp until shortly before the pre-tour meeting — nerve-wracking when you're relying on them for tickets and pick-ups.
- **Payment up front.** At least some packages require 100% payment at the time of booking. Combined with the communication complaints, that's worth going in clear-eyed about — you're paying in full before you've had a chance to test how responsive they are.
- **Manage the Manu expectations.** The Amazon/Manu package draws specific criticism: reports that much of the trip is transport (two of three days, in one account), with lodging and wildlife that fell short of what travelers pictured. Manu is genuinely remote, so long transfers are partly the nature of the place — but the gap between expectation and reality is the complaint.
## Booking Tips
- **Get everything in writing.** Inclusions, exact timings, pick-up points, what happens if a connection slips — confirm it all before you pay, not after.
- **Pin down the itinerary's travel time.** Especially for jungle trips, ask bluntly how many hours are transfers versus activities so the day count doesn't mislead you.
- **Keep a paper trail and a backup contact.** Given the reachability complaints, save every confirmation and ask for a direct contact for the day of travel.
- **Don't stack a tight onward connection** immediately after a multi-day package until you're confident in how they handle changes.
## The Verdict
Peru Bucket List can deliver a good trip — the guides and the actual sightseeing earn genuine praise, and the Machu Picchu ticket help is a real asset for last-minute travelers. The weak link is the company's communication and organization around the tour: slow responses, patchy reachability near departure, full payment demanded up front, and at least one flagship package (Manu) that leaves some travelers feeling short-changed on wildlife and long on driving. Book it with everything confirmed in writing and realistic expectations of the admin side, and you can have a fine trip. Go in assuming smooth, responsive service throughout, and you may be frustrated before you've even left.
---
# Turismo Mer Review 2026: Where It Wins and Where It Falls Short
URL: https://newperuvian.com/turismo-mer-review/
Published: 2026-08-25
Updated: 2026-08-25
Topic: turismo mer review
Turismo Mer is a Puno-based operator best known for two things: the daytime "Ruta del Sol" tourist bus between Cusco and Puno, and guided tours out onto Lake Titicaca. On its best days it delivers a genuinely good version of both — a scenic, well-paced transfer and a comfortable day on the water. But the reviews paint a more uneven picture than the glossy itinerary suggests, and the weak spots cluster in a few predictable places. Here's the honest read: what it does well, where it slips, and what to confirm before you hand over any money.
## What Turismo Mer Actually Does
Two core products are worth separating:
- **The Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun).** A guided daytime bus between Cusco and Puno in either direction, roughly 07:00 to 17:30 — about 10.5 hours — stopping at Andahuaylillas ("the Sistine Chapel of the Americas"), the Raqchi temple of Wiracocha, the La Raya pass, and the Pukará museum, with a buffet lunch near Sicuani and a Spanish- and English-speaking guide on board.
- **Lake Titicaca tours.** Day and multi-day trips from Puno out to the Uros floating islands and Taquile, the standard Titicaca circuit.
On paper it's a full, well-structured offering. The question is how consistently it's delivered — and that's where the reviews get interesting.
## Where It Wins
Credit where it's earned. When it goes to plan, the Ruta del Sol is a smart way to cover the altiplano: you see a string of genuinely worthwhile sites instead of sleeping through the leg on an overnight coach, and the buffet lunch and guided stops are a real convenience. The scenery on this route is some of the best overland travel in southern Peru, and a daytime service built around it is the right idea. Plenty of travelers step off satisfied and say so.
## Where It Falls Short
The trouble is consistency, and the complaints are repetitive enough to plan around. Across public reviews, the same themes recur:
- **Guide quality is a lottery.** The single most common gripe is inconsistency from one guide to the next. Some travelers rave about their guide; others describe rushed, thin commentary — and a few report being handed a guide they'd already had on a separate tour that went badly. When the guide is the whole value-add of a "guided" service, that variability matters.
- **Rushed explanations, and language gaps.** Reviewers describe explanations delivered too fast to follow, with non-native English and Spanish speakers (French travelers come up specifically) left unable to keep up. On a service you're partly paying for the commentary, that's a real miss.
- **Entrance-fee surprises.** A recurring sore point: travelers buying last-minute or discounted tickets who then discovered that site entrance fees weren't included and had to pay extra on arrival. Some felt actively misled by how it was presented. The fees themselves are normal for this route — the complaint is about clarity, not the charge.
- **Professionalism and reliability wobbles.** Mixed marks on organization overall, with enough reports of things not running as promised to keep the average rating middling rather than glowing.
None of this is universal — there are strong recent reviews too — but the pattern is consistent enough that it's worth going in with your eyes open.
## What to Check Before You Book
- **Confirm exactly what's included.** Get it in writing whether site entrance fees are part of your fare or payable on the day, and carry cash for them either way.
- **Ask about the guide and the language split.** If you're not a confident English or Spanish speaker, ask how commentary is handled for your group.
- **Pin down the schedule and pick-up.** Departure times and pick-up arrangements are where day-of confusion tends to start; confirm both the night before.
- **Treat prices as snapshots.** Fares move; check the current rate on the operator's own site before booking rather than relying on a quoted "from" figure.
## The Verdict
Turismo Mer is a capable operator with a genuinely appealing product — the Ruta del Sol turns a dull transfer into a sightseeing day, and the Titicaca tours cover the right ground. But it's an inconsistent one, and the soft spots are specific: guide quality that varies wildly, commentary that can be rushed or hard to follow, and a habit of leaving entrance-fee costs unclear until you're on the road. If you book with those risks in mind — confirm inclusions, carry cash, and don't assume the guide will be a standout — you'll likely have a good day. Just don't take the polished itinerary as a guarantee of a polished experience.
---
# Cruz del Sur Review 2026: Comfortable Coaches, Patchy When Plans Change
URL: https://newperuvian.com/cruz-del-sur-review/
Published: 2026-08-22
Updated: 2026-08-22
Topic: cruz del sur review
Cruz del Sur is a long-running fixture of Peru's intercity bus network, and on a good day it delivers exactly what travelers hope for: a clean, comfortable coach with reclining seats that carries you across the country in one piece. The comfort is real. The trouble is what happens on the days that _don't_ go smoothly, and those turn up in the reviews with uncomfortable regularity. Here's the honest picture: what it does well, where it falls down, and what to know before you book.
## Cruz del Sur at a Glance
Cruz del Sur is one of Peru's largest intercity operators, running daily departures to dozens of destinations and covering the bulk of the country (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Puno and many more), with some cross-border services into neighbouring countries. If there's a major Peruvian city you want to reach overland, Cruz del Sur probably goes there. That reach is its real strength: for long point-to-point hauls between big cities, especially overnight, it's a known quantity.
## Seat Classes: What You're Actually Paying For
Cruz del Sur's fare tiers can be confusing because the branding changes, but they boil down to three levels of recline:
- **Semi-cama (≈140°)**: the entry-level seat. Fine for daytime or shorter hops, less so for a full overnight.
- **Intermediate (≈160°)**: a noticeably better sleep on longer routes; usually the sweet spot for value.
- **Full-cama / Suite (≈180°)**: near-flat seats on selected premium overnight services (often lower-deck). This is the one people rave about, and it's worth the upgrade on a 10-hour-plus overnight.
If you're taking an overnight and want to actually sleep, pay up for the 160° or 180° tier. The semi-cama is where a lot of the "uncomfortable" complaints come from. _(Class names and layouts vary by route and bus; confirm the exact recline when booking.)_
## Where It Holds Up
Credit where it's due. The coaches themselves are comfortable, with reclining seats and clean onboard bathrooms, and Cruz del Sur runs GPS speed monitoring and driver controls, which put it meaningfully ahead of the chaotic budget end of Peru's bus market on safety. In a country where road-safety standards vary wildly between operators, that's not a small thing, and it's the main reason cautious travelers pick it. If your journey goes to plan, you'll probably step off satisfied.
## Where It Falls Apart
The problem is concentrated, and it's the same story again and again: **Cruz del Sur handles disruption badly.**
- **Stranded passengers, no plan B.** The most consistent serious complaint is what happens after a delay or breakdown: passengers describe waiting for hours while terminal staff offer little explanation, no meaningful compensation and no help rebooking. You're effectively on your own.
- **Delays and last-minute changes.** Multi-hour delays come up repeatedly, often with little or no warning. Because a single bus can cover several legs, a slip early in the day cascades down the line.
- **Rigid, slow refunds.** Getting money back after a cancellation or missed connection is described as inflexible and painfully slow. Treat a Cruz del Sur ticket as effectively non-refundable in practice.
- **Unresponsive customer service.** Unanswered emails and unhelpful counter staff, exactly when a stranded traveler needs help most, and a particular problem if you don't speak Spanish.
- **The extras that grate.** Reviewers flag tour upselling at terminals, no snacks on some night services, poor seat allocations and awkward departure times.
The worst write-ups share the same themes again and again: travelers left waiting after a departure was cancelled, schedules and seats changed without consent, and cleanliness lapses on some overnight services. None of it is universal, but it's consistent enough to plan around.
## The Lima Terminal Problem
One recurring headache has nothing to do with the bus itself: Cruz del Sur's main Lima terminal is in La Victoria, not central Miraflores or Barranco where most visitors stay. Budget a taxi of roughly US$7 to $10 and 30 to 60 minutes in traffic to get there _(fares and times vary)_, and give yourself a wide margin. Reviewers describe the terminal as chaotic at peak times, with unclear baggage-fee policies and card-payment quirks that have left travelers scrambling. Arrive early, carry some cash as well as a card, and don't cut it fine.
## Booking Tips
- **Book 7 to 14 days ahead** on popular routes in high season; the best seat tiers sell out first.
- **Pick your recline deliberately.** 160° or 180° for overnights (see above).
- **Keep connections loose.** Given the delay pattern, never book a tight onward flight or tour off the back of a long Cruz del Sur leg.
- **If you don't speak Spanish,** an English-language booking platform or a Lima travel agency can smooth out the ticketing and any problems that follow.
## The Verdict
Cruz del Sur is a comfortable, relatively safe ride when everything goes to plan, and a frustrating, poorly-supported one when it doesn't. Whether that trade-off is acceptable comes down to a single question: can your itinerary absorb a multi-hour delay with nobody at the counter willing to help? If yes, and you book a proper cama seat, you'll likely have a fine trip. If a missed connection would wreck your plans, go in with low expectations of the customer service, keep your onward arrangements loose, and don't count on a refund if something slips.
Bottom line: the buses are comfortable and the safety record is a genuine plus; the company's response when things go wrong is the weak link, and for a lot of travelers, that's the part that actually matters.
---
# Inka Express Review 2026: Scenic Cusco to Puno, But It Takes All Day
URL: https://newperuvian.com/inka-express-review/
Published: 2026-08-22
Updated: 2026-08-22
Topic: inka express review
The stretch between Cusco and Puno is one of the more scenic overland legs in Peru, climbing across the altiplano past colonial churches, Inca and pre-Inca ruins, and a high mountain pass. You can cover it in an anonymous overnight coach and sleep through all of it, or you can take [Inka Express](https://www.inkaexpress.com/), the daytime tourist bus built specifically to turn the transfer into the day's sightseeing. Here's what to expect, stop by stop, and what's actually included.
## What Inka Express Actually Is
It's not a regular bus route. It's a guided day journey, sometimes called the Route (or Ruta) del Sol. The Cusco to Puno service leaves in the morning and arrives late afternoon, stopping along the way at a set of sights that would otherwise cost you a separate tour. It also runs the reverse direction, Puno to Cusco, on the same format.
## The Stops in Detail
- **Andahuaylillas.** The "Sistine Chapel of the Andes," a modest church from the outside hiding an astonishing painted and gilded interior.
- **Raqchi.** The Inca Temple of Wiracocha, with the remains of what was once one of the tallest Inca structures, plus circular storehouses.
- **Buffet lunch near Sicuani.** A mid-route break with an included spread of Andean dishes.
- **La Raya.** The high pass (around 4,300m) marking the watershed between the Cusco and Puno regions, and usually the highest point of the day.
- **Pukará.** A pre-Inca site with a small but worthwhile museum of stone sculpture and ceramics.
An English- and Spanish-speaking guide travels with the bus throughout. Note that **site entrance fees are typically paid separately on arrival**, recently around 53 soles total per adult for the ticketed stops _(confirm the current amount and bring cash)_.
## Schedule & Duration
The published Cusco to Puno service departs around **06:40 and arrives in Puno about 17:30**, roughly 10.5 to 11 hours, versus about 7 hours if you drove the same road straight through _(times vary; confirm the current schedule)_. That extra time is the whole point: it's a guided day out, not a dash. If your only aim is to get between the cities as fast as possible, this isn't the service for you.
## What to Expect On Board
- **Comfortable tourist-class coach** with big panoramic windows. The point is the scenery, so you're not trying to sleep through it.
- **Onboard WiFi** so you can stay connected across the altiplano and share the views as you go.
- **Onboard oxygen and heating** for the high-altitude stretch, a genuinely useful touch if you're not fully acclimatized.
- **Attentive service.** Reviewers consistently describe staff who are friendly, professional and speak good English, plus a careful, safety-minded driver.
- **Included buffet lunch, an onboard toilet, and hot and cold drinks.**
## A Few Things to Know
- **It's a full day, not a quick shuttle.** An overnight coach technically "saves" you daytime, but you'll see nothing. Inka Express is for travelers who'd rather the transfer _be_ the sightseeing.
- **Fixed morning departure.** You're committing the day to it, so plan your Cusco and Puno nights around the schedule.
- **Bring cash for entrance fees** (see above). The fare covers the ride, guiding and lunch, but not the site tickets.
- **High altitude.** The route crosses [~4,300m at La Raya](/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/); even with onboard oxygen, take it easy at the stops and keep water handy if you're not yet acclimatized.
## How It Compares
A standard overnight operator like [Cruz del Sur](/cruz-del-sur-review/) will get you between the two cities comfortably, but in the dark, with nothing to see. For the Cusco to Puno leg specifically, that's the wrong trade: this is one of the routes where the journey is worth more than the time saved. It also slots neatly into a wider southern-Peru trip; plenty of travelers pair it with a [Peru Hop](/peru-hop-review/) pass for the Lima-to-Cusco half.
## How to Book
You can book directly through the [Inka Express website](https://www.inkaexpress.com/), which lists the Cusco to Puno and Puno to Cusco departures. In high season (June to August) it's worth booking a few days ahead, as the daytime service is popular with travelers doing exactly this scenic leg.
Bottom line: on the Cusco to Puno run, Inka Express turns a wasted overnight into one of the better sightseeing days of the trip, and the consistently enthusiastic reviews suggest most travelers finish the day glad they took it.
---
# Peru Hop Review 2026: Convenient and Social, But Not the Cheapest
URL: https://newperuvian.com/peru-hop-review/
Published: 2026-08-22
Updated: 2026-08-22
Topic: peru hop review
[Peru Hop](https://bushop.com/peru/) runs a hop-on hop-off bus network through southern Peru: Lima down to Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno/Lake Titicaca and Cusco, with some passes continuing into Bolivia. It's become the default way a lot of independent travelers get around the region: instead of buying separate tickets between anonymous terminals, you buy one pass and hop off (and back on) at each stop for as long as you like. So does it live up to the hype? Here's an honest look at how it works, what it costs, and who it actually suits.
## How the Pass Works
The model is simple. You buy a single pass covering a corridor (say Lima to Cusco), then schedule each individual leg as you go, staying as long as you like at each stop before booking your next departure online. Passes are typically **valid for a year from your first travel date**, so there's no pressure to rush, and you can spend one night in Huacachina or a week. You book through the Peru Hop website, which is in English and lays out each pass with its included stops.
## Routes & Passes
Passes start lower than most travelers expect, and you only pay for the corridor you actually need _(these are "from" rates, and they vary by season and how far ahead you book, so confirm current fares on the Peru Hop site)_:
- **Short hops from US$49.** Single legs like Cusco to La Paz when you only need one segment.
- **Day trips from US$99.** Single-destination trips out of Lima (e.g. Paracas & Huacachina) if you're short on time.
- **Lima to Cusco from US$179.** The full south-coast corridor via Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca and Arequipa, then up to Cusco: the easy overland way to reach the city.
- **Lima to La Paz.** The same corridor extended through Puno/Lake Titicaca and Copacabana into Bolivia.
## What Travelers Like Most
- **Hotel-door pickup and drop-off.** The single most-praised feature in reviews. No hauling luggage to a terminal on the edge of a strange city at 5am. The bus collects you and drops you where you're staying. For solo travelers and women traveling alone especially, that safety margin is the whole point.
- **Customer service that actually responds.** Reviewers repeatedly single out staff who reschedule and problem-solve when plans change, the opposite of being left at a counter with no one to help.
- **Onboard WiFi.** Connectivity across the long legs means you can plan the next stop, book a hostel or just stay in touch while you travel.
- **Flexibility.** One pass, your own pace, a full year to use it.
- **English-speaking guides on board.** Each bus has a guide who handles logistics, gives context on what you're passing, and helps sort hostels, tours and onward plans. Reviews consistently mention this.
- **Built-in stops the big lines skip.** Detours to the Paracas National Reserve, the Nazca/Palpa area and the Chincha region are baked into the route, sights a straight terminal-to-terminal coach drives right past.
- **Gradual altitude gain.** Because the southern route climbs step by step toward Cusco, it doubles as [gentle acclimatization](/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/), much kinder than flying Lima to Cusco and hitting 3,400m cold.
## Is It Worth the Money?
This is the question every review circles back to. Piece together [local buses yourself](/tips-for-traveling-in-peru-on-a-budget/) and you can shave the fare down on paper. But that maths ignores what the pass bundles in: door-to-door pickups (no late-night taxis to sketchy terminals), a guide who fixes problems, onboard WiFi, the built-in sightseeing stops, and a safety standard you can count on. Factor in the taxis, the tours you'd book separately, and the time you'd lose sorting tickets in Spanish, and for most travelers the gap narrows fast.
If you'd rather a straight, no-frills city-to-city coach and your dates are fixed, a traditional operator like [Cruz del Sur](/cruz-del-sur-review/) may suit you better, but it's a different kind of trip.
## A Few Things to Know
- **It's a curated travel experience, not a bare local bus.** Pickups, flexibility, guides and safety are the point, and that's what you're buying.
- **It's aimed at the independent-traveler crowd.** The vibe is social and leans younger. If you specifically want a silent, private, business-class transfer, that's a different kind of product.
- **Popular stops fill up in high season.** Book your onward hops a bit ahead from June to August rather than assuming same-day space.
## Who It's Best For
Peru Hop is close to ideal for first-time visitors to Peru, solo travelers, women traveling alone, and anyone doing the southern circuit on a set number of days who wants it to run smoothly. It's less essential if you're a seasoned, Spanish-speaking traveler with lots of time and a tight budget who genuinely enjoys the puzzle of local transport, in which case you can DIY it for a bit less.
Bottom line: for independent travelers doing the southern Peru circuit, Peru Hop earns its consistently strong reviews on convenience, safety, connectivity and service. Just go in knowing it's a curated travel experience, not the bargain-basement option.
---
# Peru tourism in 2026: how it compares to the world’s fastest-growing destinations
URL: https://newperuvian.com/peru-tourism-2026-how-it-compares/
Published: 2026-07-16
Updated: 2026-07-16
Topic: peru tourism 2026
If you’re deciding where to travel in 2026 and wondering whether Peru is about to be overrun, the short answer is no. As of mid-2026, the country is posting solid but unspectacular visitor numbers, still climbing back toward its pre-pandemic high rather than breaking records. Around 1.37 million international travelers arrived in the first five months of the year, barely ahead of the same period in 2025 and only about three-quarters of what Peru saw in early 2019. Set that against the destinations dominating this year’s headlines, places like Vietnam and El Salvador posting double-digit or record-breaking growth, and Peru starts to look less like a bandwagon and more like a steady, uncrowded bet.
## Where Peru’s tourism stands in 2026
The most recent official figures tell a clear story. According to Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), the country [received roughly 1.37 million international visitors between January and May 2026](https://andina.pe/agencia/noticia-mincetur-peru-recibio-mas-13-millones-turistas-internacionales-entre-enero-y-mayo-1033445.aspx), up just 0.6% on the same stretch of 2025. The first quarter alone was a little stronger, up around 3.5% year on year, but the pace has been modest all year. Mincetur publishes the running totals on its [datosturismo portal](https://datosturismo.mincetur.gob.pe/appdatosturismo/content1.html), which updates as new months come in.
Where do the visitors come from? Overwhelmingly the neighborhood. About half of all arrivals, roughly 50%, come from elsewhere in South America. Chile is comfortably the biggest single market (around 303,000 visitors so far this year, or about 22% of the total), followed by the United States (about 255,000, or 19%) and Ecuador (around 114,000). Bolivia, Colombia and Brazil round out the top six. Europe accounts for roughly 17% of arrivals and Asia only about 5%, which is worth remembering if you picture Machu Picchu as wall-to-wall long-haul tourists: most visitors are regional, and plenty arrive overland.
Almost everyone still comes through Lima. Jorge Chávez International Airport handled around 64% of all international entries in the first five months of the year, a reminder of how central the capital remains as a gateway even for travelers whose real target is Cusco.
## Still short of the pre-pandemic peak
Here is the context the headline growth figures tend to miss. Peru’s record year was 2019, when it drew somewhere around 4.4 million international arrivals. Then the pandemic flattened everything. The rebound since has been real but uneven: arrivals climbed back to about 3.26 million in 2024, a jump of nearly 30% over 2023, and finished 2025 somewhere in the region of 3.6 million.
By that measure, 2026 is less a boom than a plateau. Mincetur’s own comparison puts arrivals in the first five months of 2026 at about 75% of the same period in 2019. In other words, more than six years on, Peru is still running roughly a quarter below its high-water mark, and this year’s slim 0.6% uptick suggests the fast part of the recovery is behind us for now. The government has set a more optimistic target of around 4.4 million for the full year, which would finally match pre-pandemic levels, but on the current trajectory that looks ambitious rather than likely.
None of this is a crisis. It is a steady return, not a stampede.
## How Peru compares to the world’s fastest growers
Zoom out and Peru’s story looks even more measured. Global travel is still growing: UN Tourism reported that worldwide arrivals rose about 4% in 2025 and [another 2% or so in the first quarter of 2026](https://www.untourism.int/news/international-tourism-up-2-in-q1-2026-amid-growing-uncertainty), with roughly 307 million trips taken in those three months. Peru’s low-single-digit growth is trailing even that global average.
The genuine standouts are in another league. Among the fastest-growing destinations in early 2026, UN Tourism flagged places like Paraguay (up around 46%) and El Salvador (up around 43%), the latter riding a dramatic turnaround in its safety reputation. Japan has been setting arrival records on the back of a weak yen. And in Southeast Asia, [Vietnam, which drew nearly 12.3 million international visitors in the first half of 2026](https://daytripsvietnam.com/research/vietnam-h1-2026-arrivals-record-pace/), up almost 15% year on year, posted the strongest six months in its history. To put that in perspective, Vietnam took in more visitors in six months than Peru is likely to see all year.
That gap is not a verdict on which country makes the better trip. It mostly reflects geography, flight connectivity and price: Vietnam sits in the middle of the world’s most populous travel region, while Peru is a long, often expensive haul from almost everywhere except its neighbors. But it does mean something practical for you as a traveler.
## What the numbers mean for your trip
A few takeaways, if you are weighing Peru for 2026:
**Peru is not an overtourism story, but its highlights are.** The country as a whole is quieter than its record-breaking rivals, and huge swaths of it (the north coast, the Amazon, the highlands beyond Cusco) see very few foreign visitors. The crowds concentrate at a handful of icons: Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and, increasingly, [Rainbow Mountain](https://newperuvian.com/the-rise-of-rainbow-mountain-in-peru/). If your itinerary is only those places in July and August, it will feel busy regardless of the national numbers.
**Book the capped attractions early, but for a different reason than you might think.** The pressure at Machu Picchu is not really about total visitor volume; it is about daily ticket limits and, for the [Inca Trail](https://newperuvian.com/how-much-does-hiking-the-inca-trail-cost/), a strict permit cap that sells out months ahead for the dry season. So even in a flat year, lock in your Machu Picchu entrance and any trek permits well in advance for June through August. Most other things (buses, hotels, day tours) you can usually arrange much closer to your dates.
**Use the shoulder seasons.** Because the crush is seasonal rather than year-round, the value in 2026 is in the shoulder months. April to May and September to October tend to offer reasonable weather with noticeably thinner crowds than the mid-year peak. If your dates are flexible, that is the sweet spot. Our guide to [the best time to visit Machu Picchu](https://newperuvian.com/the-best-time-to-visit-machu-picchu/) has the month-by-month detail.
**Give yourself enough time.** Peru is big, and the distances between its highlights are longer than most first-timers expect. If you are not sure how to structure a trip, start with [how many days you need in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/how-many-days-do-you-need-in-peru/), then dig into the [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) guides.
The bottom line: 2026 is a good year to come to Peru precisely because it is not having a blockbuster one. You get the same extraordinary sites without the record-setting scrum that some of the world’s hottest destinations are now wrestling with.
## Frequently asked questions
### How many tourists visit Peru in 2026?
Around 1.37 million international visitors arrived in the first five months of 2026, according to Mincetur, up about 0.6% on the same period in 2025. On the current pace Peru looks set to finish the year somewhere in the high three millions, though the government has floated a more optimistic target of up to 4.4 million.
### Has Peru’s tourism recovered to pre-pandemic levels?
Not quite. Arrivals in early 2026 were running at roughly 75% of the same period in 2019, Peru’s record year of around 4.4 million visitors. The sector rebounded strongly in 2024 but has largely plateaued since, so as of mid-2026 it remains about a quarter below its peak.
### Which countries send the most tourists to Peru?
Chile is the largest single market (about 22% of arrivals in 2026 so far), followed by the United States (about 19%) and Ecuador. Roughly half of all visitors come from within South America, with Europe adding around 17% and Asia about 5%.
### Is Peru more or less crowded than other top destinations in 2026?
Less, at a national level. While destinations like Vietnam and Japan are setting all-time arrival records, Peru’s numbers are growing only slightly and sit below its own 2019 high. The catch is that Peru’s crowds concentrate heavily at a few marquee sites, so Machu Picchu and Cusco can still feel packed in peak season even when the country overall is not.
### When is the best time to visit Peru to avoid crowds?
The shoulder seasons, roughly April to May and September to October, generally offer decent weather with fewer tourists than the June-to-August peak. The dry winter months are the busiest, especially around Cusco and Machu Picchu.
### How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail?
For travel between June and August, book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and any Inca Trail permits several months ahead. Those caps are fixed daily limits and sell out well before the destination itself feels full, independent of Peru’s overall visitor numbers.
### How does Peru’s tourism compare to Vietnam’s?
It is a different scale. Vietnam drew close to 12.3 million international visitors in just the first half of 2026, more than Peru is likely to receive in the entire year. Vietnam benefits from sitting in the world’s busiest travel region and from cheaper, shorter flights for most Asian travelers, whereas Peru is a longer, pricier trip for almost everyone outside South America.
---
# Discover the Best Inca Trail Tour Operators for a Legendary Trek Experience
URL: https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/
Published: 2024-02-03
Updated: 2026-06-12
Topic: best inca trail tour operators
When planning your Inca Trail experience, selecting from the best Inca Trail tour operators is crucial for an unforgettable journey. This guide compares reliable providers, focusing on those who marry top-notch service with a commitment to the cultural and natural heritage of the Andes. Learn what makes each top choice distinct, and gain insights to navigate your decision, all while avoiding the typical sales pitches and exhaustive listings.
## Key Takeaways
- Choosing a top Inca Trail tour operator is crucial for a safe and enriching trekking experience, ensuring personalized service, cultural insights, and tailored itineraries to meet various travel styles and preferences.
- Sustainable and community-oriented tour operators, such as Evolution Treks Peru, Photo Tours Peru, Llama Path, and Sam Travel Peru,
prioritize environmental stewardship, local community benefits, and ethical tourism practices along the Inca Trail.
- Preparing adequately for the Inca Trail includes navigating the permit process, acclimatizing to high altitudes, packing appropriate gear, and understanding the costs involved, all facilitated by reputable tour companies.
## Trailblazers of the Andes: Top Inca Trail Tour Operators
_Choose an Inca trail Tour company that treats porters with dignity and respect_
Embarking on the Inca Trail is a commitment to adventure and discovery. The best Inca trail tour operators are not just companies; they are your gateway to a treasured past and an unforgettable Inca trail experience. They are the experts who provide the logistics, the comfort, and the insights that elevate a hike to a transformative journey. Selecting the best Inca trail tour operator is as crucial as the trek, ensuring an enjoyable Inca trail experience that resonates with personal travel styles, interests, and expectations.
The top inca trail tour operators, known for offering the best inca trail tours, are renowned for their exceptional services, including:
- Providing group tours offered to those traveling on a budget.
- Offering customized intimate Luxury glamping-like tours catered to those who crave exclusivity
- Mastering the balance between thrill and safety, culture and adventure
Among the plethora of inca trail tour companies, including Machu Picchu tour companies, a few stand out for their commitment to delivering not just a journey to Machu Picchu but an inca trail adventure that’s etched in the highest echelons of memory. These companies know that a trek is not measured in miles but in moments of awe and connection.
Whether it’s the camaraderie of a group tour or the personal touch of a private trek, these trailblazers of the Andes offer it all. They are:
- Alpaca expeditions; The folks that navigate the ancient trail with expertise
- Yapa Explorers; The all-rounder, covering everything from the Classic Inca Trail to train and Sacred Valley tours
- Llama path that weaves cultural narratives into the fabric of your trek
- Sam Travel Peru expeditions personalize your journey to the sacred valley and beyond
- Evolution Treks Peru; The most acclaimed by media outlets across the world due to their sustainable and ethical practices
These inca trail tour operators don’t just guide you; they immerse you in the heart of the Andes, ensuring that each step on the classic inca trail trek is a step towards an unforgettable adventure.
### Our Top Choice: [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/)
If I had to point a first-time visitor toward a single operator, I would start with Yapa Explorers. What sets them apart on this list is range. They run the full four-day Classic Inca Trail and the shorter two-day version, but also the train routes to Machu Picchu, the one-day Inca Trail challenge, Sacred Valley tours and even Rainbow Mountain, so you can match the trip to your fitness, your schedule and your budget without juggling several different agencies. For most people planning a first trip around Cusco, that flexibility is worth a lot.
The team is entirely local (guides, drivers and porters all from the Cusco region), and the company puts real weight on porter welfare and on creating work for women from Andean communities, which is exactly the kind of ethical practice the rest of this article keeps returning to. Prices are all-inclusive, covering guiding, gear and transport, and they back their Machu Picchu trips with a full refund if entry tickets sell out before your dates. That last point is genuine peace of mind, given how often permits and tickets run short in high season.
They are a newer name (the current company launched in 2024), but they have built a strong reputation quickly: over 1,000 reviews at around a 96% approval rating, and more than 10,000 travelers served so far. For a first Inca Trail or Machu Picchu trip, they are the easiest company here to recommend.
### Pioneers in Peruvian Adventures: [Llama Path](http://www.llamapath.com)
Llama Path is a name that resonates with expertise and personalized care in the world of Inca Trail treks. Born from an ex-Inca trail porter and tour guide, Jose Gongora, who grew up in the vibrant streets of Cusco city, this tour company’s team is a tapestry of local talent, from historians to chefs, all united by their roots in Andean soil. What sets them apart is their knowledge of the ancient trail and their unparalleled dedication to customer satisfaction, evidenced by their glowing online reviews.
From the moment you are picked up directly from your hotel, Llama Path ensures your Inca Trail experience is seamless. Their exclusive services include:
- Private tours that skirt the crowds and delve into the less-trodden paths of Machu Picchu Mountain
- Crafted for those who seek a trail tour that is both an enjoyable trek and a private affair
- Every detail is considered, from the carefully selected camping spots to the sumptuous meals that fuel your ascent
But Llama Path isn’t just about comfort but creating a memorable journey. They understand that an inca trail trek is more than a physical challenge; it’s an emotional and spiritual odyssey. Their team, comprised of individuals from the local farming villages, brings authenticity to the trek that is only possible with those who have grown with the stories of the Andes. Llama Path doesn’t just take you on a safe and enjoyable trek; it guides you through the heart of Incan heritage, making every step an unforgettable adventure.
### Ethical And Sustainable Travel Masters: [Evolution Treks Peru](https://www.evolutiontreksperu.com)
Evolution Treks Peru embodies the spirit of Sustainability on the Inca Trail, intertwining ethical tourism practices and women empowerment with deep cultural immersion. This inca trail tour company is a steward of heritage, operating with a consciousness that extends beyond the beaten path. Their commitment to empowering women from remote Andean communities is reflected in their recognition by some of the world's most renowned travel media outlets, such as National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and BBC Travel, amongst others equally important, a testament to their sustainable and ethical practices on the inca trail experience.
Travelers embarking on an Inca Trail trek with Evolution Treks Peru aren't just tourists; they become advocates for "Fair Trade travel." This means improving the working conditions of Inca trail porters and preserving their cultural heritage. Picture yourself journeying along the Inca Trail, supported by local porters and guides who share their stories of empowerment and fairness brought about by Evolution's initiatives.
Evolution's immersive activities, such as sharing meals and experiences with the porters, enrich your trek and your spirit, weaving a tapestry of cultural exchange.
The essence of Evolution Treks Peru's tours lies in fostering respectful cultural interactions. You'll witness firsthand the significant differences in approach to hiking in the Andes compared to other companies. During my trek in March 2024, I was amazed by the quality of gear provided to the staff. It was evident that Evolution invests more in the well-being of their porters than any other company. This translates into a more humane and respectful experience for both travelers and the brave Andean men and women. I encourage anyone hiking the Inca Trail to take note of Evolution's impactful efforts.
### Authentic Andean Explorers: SAM Travel Peru Expeditions
SAM Travel Peru Expeditions hold a good reputation providing high-quality trekking on the Inca Trail. Authorized by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas, they are a testament to what it means to be a reputable inca trail tour operator. Their passion for preserving the trail and its surroundings is matched only by their dedication to delivering a safe and enjoyable trek that leaves both traveler and terrain unspoiled.
Focusing on small group tours, Sam Travel crafts an inca trail experience that feels intimate, ensuring that each traveler receives the attention they deserve. Their inca trail tours are not just about reaching Machu picchu; they are about journeying in a way that respects and honors the land and its history. It’s a commitment to responsible adventure travel that makes a tangible difference for the traveler and the communities that call the Andes home.
Choosing SAM Travel Peru Expeditions means embarking on private treks tailored to your pace and preference. This inca trail company’s personalized approach ensures that you are not just following a guide but are accompanied by a companion who shares your excitement and respects your needs. It’s an adventure travel experience that blends the thrill of the ancient trail with the comfort of modern services, all while maintaining a deep commitment to the ethics of exploration.
## Crafting Your Perfect Inca Trail Journey
_Arriving in Machu Picchu at sunset is impressive._
The journey to Machu Picchu is as individual as the traveler. Crafting your perfect Inca Trail journey means finding the sweet spot between companionship and solitude, between the tried-and-true and the road less traveled. The best inca trail tour companies understand this, offering a variety of inca trail treks that cater to your unique desires, whether it’s the classic route steeped in history or an alternative trek that offers a fresh perspective.
Choosing the right tour operator is just the beginning. The success of your trek depends on:
- The dynamics of your group
- The level of personalized service you receive
- Opting for a tour company that can tailor an Inca Trail tour package to your fitness level, interests, and schedule
- Whether you’re looking for an intimate experience with a small group tour or a customized itinerary that veers off the beaten path
Your Inca Trail journey should be as unique as your fingerprint.
There's a journey for every adventurer with options ranging from the traditional four-day Inca Trail trek to shorter or alternative routes. Some popular options include:
- The classic Inca Trail trek, which is a rite of passage for many
- The [Salkantay trek](/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/) offers a different kind of challenge.
- The Lares trek, which takes you through remote Andean villages
The right tour company will help you navigate these choices, ensuring your Inca Trail experience aligns with your expectations and leaves you with stories to tell for a lifetime.
### Group Dynamics and Personalized Service
Embarking on a group tour along the Inca Trail is a journey into the heart of diversity. You’ll find yourself among a kaleidoscope of individuals, each with their own stories and strides. A tour company’s performance is often measured by its ability to cater to this diversity, creating an atmosphere where everyone can thrive. The right tour operator ensures that each member of the group can:
- Hike at their preferred pace.
- Take breaks when needed
- Receive support and encouragement
- Enjoy the experience to the fullest
This ensures an enjoyable Inca Trail experience for all.
Companies like Quechua Treks Peru excel in providing personalized service that turns a group tour into a collective of individual adventures. They specialize in private tours that offer the luxury of customization, allowing trekkers to explore the Inca Trail in a way that feels tailor-made. With Quechua Treks Peru, the focus is on you – your pace, interests, and comfort – ensuring that your journey is as personal as it is grand.
The group dynamics on the Inca Trail can be as enriching as the scenery itself. With the right tour agency’s performance, a group of strangers can transform into a band of companions, sharing the highs and lows of the trek. It’s about finding that delicate balance between being part of a collective experience and having the space to forge your own path.
A private trek may offer solitude, but a group tour offers stories, laughter, and camaraderie, making the journey to Machu Picchu a shared triumph.
### Route Diversity: Classic vs. Alternative Treks
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is famous, but it’s not the only path that winds through the Andes. Route diversity is the spice of the Inca Trail adventure, offering trekkers a choice between classic and alternative routes. Each path offers its own vistas, challenges, and rewards, catering to different interests, schedules, and fitness levels. Whether it’s the iconic classic inca trail trek or an off-the-beaten-path option like the Salkantay Route, your adventure travel experience can suit your trekking appetite.
Alternative treks can offer a fresh take on the Inca Trail experience, with options like the Lares Route, the Vilcabamba Traverse, and the Lodge Trek. These routes provide a different lens through which to view the Andes, often with fewer crowds and unique landscapes. Prices for these alternative treks vary, reflecting the diversity of experiences they offer, from rugged mountain biking adventures to serene horseback rides through the Sacred Valley.
For those with limited time or seeking a less physically demanding journey, shorter inca trail treks such as the two-day Inca Trail or Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are available. These treks condense the wonder of the Inca Trail into a more manageable timeframe, ensuring that even the most time-pressed traveler can experience the magic of arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. No matter the route chosen, the journey remains an unforgettable inca trail experience, rich with history and natural beauty.
## New options, Eco-Friendly and Community-Oriented Companies
_Choosing a company that provides job opportunities for women is travel ethically_
This freshly written article explores the best Inca Trail tour operators, reflecting significant changes since my previous piece in 2014. The trail itself has evolved, with new operators and activities now available. While luxury and glamping tours have surged in popularity, I also want to shine a light on the emphasis companies are placing on unique experiences such as astrophotography and birdwatching. Additionally, it's noteworthy to mention the rise of women-only businesses among our list of best Inca Trail tour operators, a positive shift mirroring the changing times—a necessary evolution in Peruvian society.
As the Inca Trail winds through the majestic Andes, the importance of preserving this ancient pathway becomes ever more apparent. The sustainable inca trail experience is not just about treading lightly but about positively impacting. Eco-friendly and community-oriented tour companies go beyond providing a simple trekking service; they commit to responsible tourism, ensuring that the beauty and culture of the trail are preserved for future generations.
The dedication of companies like Alpaca Expeditions, SAM Travel Peru and Trexperience to sustainable and responsible tourism is evident in their operations. These inca trail tour operators recognize that their role extends beyond guiding trekkers; they are guardians of a heritage that must be honored and protected. Their practices, from waste management to community involvement, reflect a deep understanding that the Inca Trail is a treasure that demands respect.
At the heart of these sustainable inca trail tour companies is a commitment to the welfare of the Peruvian people and the environment. Evolution Treks Peru and Llama Path for example, prioritizes porter welfare, providing fair working conditions and benefits. Such ethical tourism practices ensure that the communities integral to the Inca Trail’s existence are supported, creating a trekking experience that is both enjoyable and conscientious. By choosing these tour operators, trekkers become part of a larger effort to ensure that the Inca Trail remains a sustainable adventure for all who walk its path.
### Green Guardians: Inkayni Tours
Among the champions of sustainable trekking on the Inca Trail stands Inkayni tours, a tour company that has made environmental stewardship its mission. They stand out as green guardians, committed to preserving the pristine beauty of the Andes through initiatives like conducting plastic-free tours. This focus on minimizing environmental impact is a shining example of how a tour company can lead the way in responsible adventure travel.
Inkayni’s commitment to the environment matches its dedication to providing comprehensive tour services. Their knowledgeable guides, attentive customer service, and inclusion of all necessary equipment and meals ensure a sustainable inca trail experience that sacrifices neither comfort nor quality. It’s a harmonious blend of luxury and eco-consciousness that sets a new standard for what it means to trek responsibly.
Supporting local economies and engaging with Andean communities are at the core of Inkayni’s ethos. By hiring local guides and staff, using local services, and ensuring fair profit sharing, they demonstrate a sustainable model of tourism that benefits both travelers and host communities. This approach to tourism cultivates a deeper connection between trekkers and the land, making every step along the ancient trail a step toward a more sustainable future.
### Community Champions: Quechua Treks Peru
Quechua Treks Peru exemplifies the essence of community-driven tourism on the Inca Trail. Their firm commitment to social responsibility shines through every aspect of their operations, focusing on empowering the local Andean communities that are so integral to the trekking experience. By championing local empowerment, Quechua Treks Peru ensures that your inca trail trek contributes to the fabric of these communities, weaving a pattern of mutual benefit and respect.
The company’s support of local economies takes various forms, from employing local guides and porters to sourcing supplies from local vendors. This practice enriches the trekking experience with authentic insights and fosters economic growth within the communities. Travelers with Quechua Treks Peru rest easy knowing that their journey supports the people of the land they traverse, making their adventure travel experience both impactful and enriching.
Quechua Treks Peru’s approach goes beyond mere transactions; it’s about building relationships and understanding that tourism can be a force for good. Their tours are crafted with the philosophy that the most memorable journeys honor and uplift the communities they touch. As a result, trekkers who choose Quechua Treks Peru don’t just embark on an inca trail tour; they become part of a story of empowerment and sustainability that resonates long after the journey ends.
### Astrophotography Tours: [Photo Tours Peru](https://phototoursperu.com/)
Embarking on the Inca Trail with the eyes of a naturalist and scientist requires both time and patience. Flavio Humani, a seasoned tour guide, offers exceptional tours tailored to photographers of all skill levels, as well as birdwatchers. My own experience hiking the Salkantay trek with them was truly remarkable; I not only learned valuable photography techniques but also gained insights into the fascinating world of hummingbirds.
### Women-Owned Tour Companies
Shandira Arque and her company Mother Earth Treks is a noteworthy addition to the Inca Trail tour operators, specializing in family tours tailored for children and elderly women. During my trek on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Shandira displayed remarkable patience and friendliness toward my children, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
## Preparing for the High-Altitude Adventure
_One of the most underrated aspects of the Inca Trail is the impressive wildlife. The Best Inca Trail tour operators also have the best especialized tour guides._
Standing at over 13,000 feet, the Inca Trail is a high-altitude challenge that requires preparation and respect. Preparing for this adventure means more than just packing a bag; it’s about conditioning your body and mind for the rigors of high-altitude trekking. A basic level of fitness is the foundation for a successful inca trail trek, and starting a training regimen months before your journey ensures you’re ready for the physical demands of the trail.
However, fitness is only part of the equation. At high altitudes, the air thins, and oxygen becomes a precious commodity. Understanding and preparing for altitude sickness is crucial to ensure your trek is enjoyable rather than an ordeal. Some symptoms of altitude sickness include:
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
But these challenges can be overcome with the right acclimatization strategies and awareness of your body’s signals.
Packing the right gear is also essential for a comfortable trek. From camping equipment to personal items, every piece of gear should be carefully chosen to withstand the conditions of the trail. Warm and waterproof attire, a sturdy backpack, and suitable footwear are non-negotiable elements of your packing list. With the right preparation, the high-altitude trek to Machu Picchu becomes a possibility and a promise of adventure.
### Gear Up: Essential Equipment for the Trek
No inca trail trek is complete without the right gear. The challenging conditions of the Andes demand equipment that can stand up to the task, ensuring that you remain safe and comfortable throughout your journey. From the sleeping bags that cocoon you at night to the boots that steady your step, every item has its role in the symphony of a successful trek.
Among the essentials, camping equipment ranks high. The gear you carry is your home away from home, your shelter against the elements. It’s not just about having a tent or a pack; it’s about the quality and the suitability of these items for the trail’s specific conditions. The gear selection can mean the difference between a restless night and a rejuvenating sleep under the stars.
While the basics are a given, smaller items can make a significant difference in your trekking experience. For example, crystallized ginger chews are a simple yet effective way to combat nausea associated with altitude sickness, enhancing your comfort as you ascend. Packing smart is about anticipating the challenges of the trail and equipping yourself with both the necessary and the ingenious.
### Acclimatize for Success: Tips to Overcome Altitude Sickness
The silent challenge of any high-altitude trek is not the distance or incline but the air. Acclimatizing to the elevation is a critical step toward a successful Inca Trail experience. Spending a few days at altitude before beginning the trek allows your body to adjust to the decreased oxygen levels, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing your enjoyment of the journey.
Awareness of altitude sickness symptoms is vital, especially during the first 24 hours at high elevation. Keeping an eye out for headaches, dizziness, or breathing difficulties is essential, and should symptoms arise, knowing how to respond can safeguard your health and your trek. Hydrating frequently, eating carbohydrates for energy, and using coca leaves to aid oxygen absorption are all practical strategies for acclimatization.
Altitude sickness can be a trek-stopper, but it doesn’t have to be. By monitoring your body’s response and taking preventive measures, you can mitigate the risks and focus on the trek’s beauty. With the right approach, acclimatizing becomes not a hurdle but a stepping stone to the unforgettable adventure that awaits you on the Inca Trail.
## Luxurious Escapes: High-End Inca Trail Experiences
_Luxury Inca Trail Tours are the best way to hike in style._
The Inca Trail is often synonymous with ruggedness and endurance, but it can also be a journey of indulgence and luxury. For those who seek comfort without compromising on adventure, high-end Inca Trail experiences offer the best of both worlds. Luxurious escapes along the ancient trail marry the thrill of the hike with the pleasures of opulent camping tours and gourmet meals, transforming the trek into a deluxe escapade.
Companies like View Peru and Enigma Travel Adventures set the benchmark for luxury on the Inca Trail, redefined what it means to camp in the wilderness. Their high-end travel experiences are characterized by amenities such as hot water showers, plush cots, and gourmet meals served in a dining tent that rivals fine restaurants. It’s an experience where the ruggedness of the Andes meets the refinement of luxury travel.
Evolution Treks Peru takes the luxury Inca Trail experience a step further by incorporating private services like Inca massage sessions, ensuring trekkers are pampered after hiking. These high-end services extend to every aspect of the trek, from the equipment's quality to the guides' expertise. Trekkers who choose luxury tours don’t just hike the Inca Trail; they savor every step with elegance and exclusivity.
### Gourmet Trails: Delicious and Nutritious Meals on the Move
One of the unexpected pleasures of a high-end Inca Trail trek is the culinary experience. Far from the basic provisions one might expect on a hiking trip, luxury treks feature gourmet trails where professional chefs craft delicious and nutritious meals. These amazing meals fuel the body and the soul, elevating the dining experience amidst the grandeur of the Andes.
Tour operators catering to the luxury market understand the importance of accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions. They offer meal plans tailored to meet the needs of every trekker, ensuring that each dish is as inclusive as it is flavorful. The dining experience on these treks often includes high-quality tableware and the option to pair meals with a selection of wines and spirits, bringing a taste of sophistication to the great outdoors.
The attention to detail in these gourmet meals is evident in every bite. From the ingredients' freshness to the presentation's creativity, luxury treks turn dining into an event to look forward to at the end of each trekking day. It’s a gastronomic journey that complements the physical journey of the Inca Trail, making every meal a memorable part of the adventure.
### Rest and Rejuvenation: Glamping Tours
After a day of traversing the Inca Trail, the promise of rest and rejuvenation becomes a treasured prospect. Opulent camping tours provide a luxurious retreat where comfort meets convenience. These tours offer elegant camping accommodations beyond mere tents to become sanctuaries of relaxation, complete with all the amenities one would expect from a high-class establishment.
Luxury camping on the Inca Trail is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an experience in itself. Spacious tents are furnished with comfortable cots and premium sleeping bags, ensuring trekkers wake up refreshed and ready for another day of exploration. Privacy is also a priority, with amenities like separate toilet tents adding a touch of refinement to the camping experience.
The level of service provided on these luxurious camping tours is second to none. Attentive staff cater to every need, ensuring that each trekker’s experience is as enjoyable as restorative. The combination of high-quality equipment and exemplary service ensures that each night spent on the trail is as rewarding as the day’s hike.
In these opulent settings, trekkers find a balance between the day’s exertions and the night’s indulgences, making the journey as rejuvenating as it is exhilarating.
## Navigating the Permit Process
The Inca Trail is a protected treasure, so access to it is carefully managed through a permit system. Navigating the permit process is a critical step in planning your trek, and it’s here that the value of booking with licensed inca trail tour operators becomes clear. These authorized entities can secure the necessary permits on behalf of hikers, ensuring a smooth path to the trail.
The process of vetting tour operators in Cusco is not to be taken lightly. It requires diligence to ensure you receive value for money and legitimate services. The limited number of Inca Trail permits – only 500 per day, with about 200 designated for trekkers – makes booking essential. A reputable inca trail tour company will handle this process seamlessly, including the permit cost in their tour package and advising on the varying prices by season, nationality, and age.
In preparing for your trek, it’s essential to remember to carry your passport, as officials may request it along the trail. It’s also important to note that Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, tied specifically to an individual and date. Understanding these details ensures that your journey begins on firm footing, with all the necessary paperwork for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
## Honoring Heritage: Cultural Insights and Historical Expertise
The Inca Trail is more than a scenic hike; it’s a living museum steeped in the history and culture of the Inca civilization. The value of having professional guides cannot be overstated. They are the custodians of the trail’s stories, offering cultural insights and historical expertise that enrich the trekking experience. Their narratives bring the ruins to life, connecting trekkers with the ancient traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Incas.
These experienced guides serve as a bridge between the past and present, illuminating the sophisticated engineering, architecture, and spiritual practices of the Inca civilization. They provide context to the stones underfoot and the unfolding vistas, explaining the how and why behind the Inca Trail’s construction. Their knowledge transforms the journey into an educational experience, deepening the traveler’s appreciation for the trail and its significance.
Understanding the historical and cultural context of the trail adds a profound dimension to the trek. Guides share the Inca Trail’s role in trade, communication, and religion within the empire, providing a glimpse into a world that once thrived in these mountains. This honoring of heritage turns a physical trek into a spiritual and intellectual odyssey, leaving trekkers with memories of the landscape and a lasting connection to an extraordinary past.
## Health and Safety on the Trail
The Inca Trail is an adventure with inherent risks, and ensuring health and safety on the trail is paramount. Reputable tour operators prioritize the wellbeing of their trekkers, adhering to strict health guidelines and safety protocols. From the sanitization of campsites to the availability of handwashing and disinfection facilities, these measures are designed to provide everyone a safe and enjoyable experience.
Comprehensive safety protocols are in place for peace of mind and actual emergencies. Tour agencies prepare for all eventualities with emergency contingency plans and supplies to handle health issues or disruptions. Such precautions are especially important given the trail’s remote nature and limited access to medical care. Tour operators come equipped with first-aid training and emergency numbers to ensure timely assistance.
Assessing trek suitability is an essential part of health and safety on the trail. Tour operators guide the physical readiness required for the trek, considering individual health conditions and potential risks like altitude sickness and dehydration. By choosing a tour operator that places a premium on safety, trekkers can focus on the beauty of the trail, secure in the knowledge that their health and safety are being expertly managed.
## Comparing Costs: Understanding Inca Trail Tour Pricing
Embarking on the Inca Trail is an investment in an extraordinary experience, and understanding the costs involved is crucial for trekkers. Inca Trail tour pricing varies widely, influenced by the level of service provided by the tour company. A basic service for a 4-day trek can include:
- Transport
- Guide
- Tents
- Meals
- Entry fees
- Return train
The cost for this basic service can range between USD 700 and USD 950, providing the essentials for a memorable journey on the group 4-day Inca Trail tours. However, a private service might cost between USD 1100 and USD 1800 while glamping tours can cost between USD 3000 and USD 5000 depending on the company and service you take.
For those considering a shorter trek, the two-day Short Inca Trail cost includes a hotel night and group tour services, with private tours and camping commanding a higher price due to operational expenses. Additional costs include porter services, tips, equipment rental, snacks, and tickets to Machu Picchu’s additional mountains. These expenses should be factored into your budget to ensure a trek that’s not just memorable but also financially manageable.
In comparing tour packages, it’s important to understand what’s included and what might be additional. Porter services, for example, can add significantly to the trek cost, but their support can be invaluable. Being aware of all potential expenses helps trekkers make informed decisions, ensuring that [the inca trail cost ](https://newperuvian.com/how-much-does-hiking-the-inca-trail-cost/)reflects the value of the experience they seek on the Inca Trail.
## The Social Scene: Reviews and Testimonials
In the age of information, the reputation of tour agencies can be gauged through the lens of social proof. Reviews and testimonials serve as baromones for a tour agency’s performance, offering insights into the experiences of past trekkers. Platforms such as Google, Facebook, Trustpilot, and Tripadvisor provide a wealth of feedback, with agencies boasting 95%-99% good reviews, which are generally considered reliable quality and customer satisfaction indicators.
Personal accounts of trekkers who have walked the trails with companies like Enigma Adventure and Trexperience paint a vivid picture of what to expect. These 5-star reviews often highlight high-quality trekking gear, food, communication, and amenities, pointing to a level of service that goes beyond the basic. Alpaca Expeditions, with its impressive number of excellent reviews on Tripadvisor, is often praised for its environmental ethic and community involvement, showcasing the impact of a company’s values on its service.
Media endorsements and industry recognition further reinforce the credibility of tour operators. When reputable travel-related media acknowledge a company like Evolution Treks Peru for high-quality, ethical tourism practices, it adds another layer of assurance for potential trekkers. Travel and tourism awards displayed on tour companies’ websites also indicate their commitment to excellence, providing travelers with additional confidence in their choice of Inca Trail tour operator.
Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, are the opinions of those who ensure the success of your trip—the Inca Trail porters. They have a dedicated platform showcasing the numerous and ongoing instances of exploitation and abuse they endure. It's crucial for tourists to consider these factors when selecting a tour company.
## Unveiling South America: Beyond the Inca Trail
The allure of the Inca Trail is undeniable, but it’s just one facet of South America’s trekking tapestry. For those captivated by the spirit of adventure, the continent offers a myriad of journeys beyond the well-trodden path to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail operators, seasoned in crafting treks to the ancient citadel, also offer alternative routes such as the Salkantay and Lares treks, each offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards.
These alternative treks present opportunities to discover South America in new and exciting ways. Photography-focused tours, for example, guide enthusiasts to capture the continent’s unparalleled beauty through the lens, led by professionals who understand both photography's art and the Andean landscape's intricacies. Adventure tours take the thrill to new heights, with activities like mountain biking and river rafting adding an adrenaline rush to the experience.
The options for adventure travel in South America are as vast as the continent itself. Whether pedaling through the Sacred Valley or navigating the rapids of an Andean river, these tours are designed to showcase the continent’s diversity. With prices reflecting the range of experiences on offer, from the affordable to the extravagant, there’s an adventure awaiting every traveler, ready to unveil the wonders of South America beyond the Inca Trail.
## Summary
As the journey through the best Inca Trail tour operators and the myriad aspects of the trekking experience comes to a close, it’s clear that the Inca Trail is more than a hike; it’s a multi-faceted adventure that blends history, culture, and the majesty of the Andes. Choosing the right tour operator is the first step in ensuring an unforgettable inca trail experience, one that resonates with your travel style and expectations.
From luxury escapes with gourmet meals and comfortable accommodations to eco-friendly treks that honor the environment and empower communities, the Inca Trail offers experiences as diverse as the trekkers who walk its path. Preparing for the physical demands, navigating the permit process, and understanding the costs involved are all part of the journey, with health, safety, and cultural insights woven throughout.
As you stand at the threshold of this legendary trek, remember that the Inca Trail is a gateway to personal discovery and connection with the past. Whether you seek adventure, luxury, or a sustainable journey, the trail offers it all. Let the stories of the Andes inspire you, and may your own story be added to the tapestry of tales surrounding this ancient pathway. Embrace the adventure, honor the heritage, and step forth into a journey that promises to be as transformative as it is unforgettable.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### How far in advance should I book my Inca Trail trek to ensure I get a permit?
It's recommended to book your Inca Trail trek at least six months in advance, especially if you're planning to travel during the peak season from May to September, to secure a spot with a reputable tour operator and obtain the necessary permits.
### What level of fitness do I need for the Inca Trail trek?
You need a moderate to good fitness level for the Inca Trail trek. To prepare, start a training regimen that includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and long-distance walks on uneven terrain.
### Can I trek the Inca Trail without a tour operator?
No, trekking the Inca Trail without a licensed tour operator is impossible. The Peruvian government mandates that all trekkers be accompanied by a registered guide for safety and conservation reasons, as well as to preserve and share the trail's cultural and historical context.
### What should I do to prevent altitude sickness on the Inca Trail?
To prevent altitude sickness on the Inca Trail, it's crucial to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at high altitude before starting the trek, staying hydrated, eating carbohydrate-rich foods, and considering traditional remedies like coca leaves. Also, it's important to ascend gradually and listen to your body's signals.
### Are there luxury options available for the Inca Trail trek?
Yes, luxury options for the Inca Trail trek provide high-end amenities like comfortable sleeping arrangements, gourmet meals, hot showers, and massage sessions to combine adventure with premium comfort.
---
# Trip Advisor Reviews: Balancing Genuine Feedback and the Questionable Deletion of Reviews Linked to a Tour Guide’s Grave Misdeeds Against Women.
URL: https://newperuvian.com/trip-advisor-reviews-balancing-genuine-feedback-and-the-questionable-deletion-of-reviews-linked-to-a-tour-guides-grave-misdeeds-against-women/
Published: 2023-10-17
Updated: 2024-07-25
In the age of digitalization, online reviews have become the compass guiding travelers in their quest for the best experiences. Platforms like Trip Advisor have emerged as the go-to source for insights on tours, accommodations, and other travel services. However, relying solely on these reviews can be a double-edged sword, and here's why.
## The Mirage of Authenticity
In 2022, a startling revelation shook the foundation of online reviews: a significant number of reviews on Trip Advisor were found to be fake, generated by companies specializing in selling reviews online. This discovery not only undermines the platform's credibility but also goes against Trip Advisor's claim of being a reliable and unbiased source of information. Manufacturing reviews, according to one's convenience are misleading and deeply unethical practices, casting a shadow over the authenticity of countless reviews.
## The Unsustainability of 'Positivism' in the review system
Trip Advisor's model, which leans heavily on a positivist approach, further exacerbates the issue. The platform's algorithm prioritizes listings based on the number of positive reviews, often sidelining the quality or authenticity of the experience. This system does not necessarily promote sustainable travel. Instead, it perpetuates a cycle where businesses resort to corrupt practices like hiring fake reviewers in a bid to stay on top.
## The Peruvian Travel Industry: A Case in Point
The travel industry in Peru starkly illustrates the shortcomings of this review system. Certain listings appear to have disproportionately benefited from it. Whether these entities have exploited Trip Advisor's vulnerabilities or not, there are undeniable indications of preferential treatment that are hard to overlook.
For instance, an alarming case involved [a tour guide imprisoned for assaulting women](https://eltiempocusco.pe/2023/el-loco-machete-podria-recibir-cadena-perpetua/) at knifepoint. Despite the gravity of the accusations, his name and pictures were conspicuously removed from Trip Advisor, seemingly in an attempt to distance him from the company he represented.
What's even more alarming is that this particular listing has the highest number of reviews in Peru, surpassing even its top four competitors combined. This raises serious concerns about the platform's role in deleting these reviews. Were the original authors of the reviews informed?
Did Trip Advisor play a part in this apparent cover-up? What's the relationship between Trip Advisor and this tour company? What happened to the transparency of reviews?
## Beyond Trip Advisor: Seeking Authentic Experiences
While Trip Advisor can be a useful tool, travelers should approach it with caution. It's essential to diversify sources of information and not rely solely on one platform. Engaging with local communities, seeking recommendations from trusted friends, or exploring niche travel forums can offer more genuine insights into ethical businesses and authentic experiences.
In conclusion, while online reviews can be a helpful starting point, they should not be the sole determinant in one's travel decisions. In an age of abundant information, it's crucial to be discerning and seek out authentic, ethical, and sustainable travel experiences. Check here my list of the[ 10+ best Inca trail Tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/). There are more to choose from beyond Trip Advisor.
---
# The 2026 Guide for the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
URL: https://newperuvian.com/the-best-time-to-visit-machu-picchu/
Published: 2023-06-13
Updated: 2026-06-13
Topic: best time to visit machu picchu
A journey to the breathtaking ancient citadel of Machu Picchu should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and timing is everything. But when is the best time to visit Machu Picchu? In this ultimate guide, we'll uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu's seasons and weather, the optimal months to visit, the perfect times of the day to explore, and tips for planning your trip. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the mystical land of the Incas.
### Short Summary
- Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail experience three distinct seasons – dry season, wet season, and the shoulder season, each providing a unique experience for visitors.
- April, May, September, and October are ideal for visiting Machu Picchu, offering beautiful weather conditions and few
people. June/July and August are the busiest months of the year but offer a combination of dry weather & lively atmosphere. November and December provide more space and occasional light showers,
while January symbolizes the beginning of the wet season.
- Planning ahead when visiting Machu Picchu is essential, including booking tickets & accommodations in advance. Also, packing essentials such as comfortable clothing and researching travel restrictions & safety protocols before embarking on your journey are key to experiencing Machu Picchu at its best.
## Machu Picchu's Seasons and Weather conditions
Machu Picchu, nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, experiences three distinct seasons: dry season (June to August), rainy season (November-March), and shoulder season (April, May, September, October, and November).
Each season offers unique advantages for visiting Machu Picchu and enjoy the many hiking trails that will help you reach Machu Picchu such as the classic inca trail and the [Salkantay trek](/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/), so let's dive deeper and explore what each season has in store for you.
### Dry Season (June, July and August)
From June to August, the dry season offers the most favorable weather conditions for trekking and sightseeing. With daytime temperatures ranging from 63 to 66°F (17°C -19°C), you'll enjoy sunny days, clear skies, and cold nights, perfect for exploring Machu Picchu's awe-inspiring landscape.
The dry season is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for larger crowds, long lines at Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes town but the stunning views and excellent trekking conditions are well worth it.
### Rainy Season (December to March)
From November to March, Machu Picchu transforms into a lush paradise with vibrant, verdant scenery during the rainy season. The weather conditions become a bit harsh but the temperature remains between 66°F – 70°F (19 to 21°C), making it ideal for those who prefer a cooler climate.
Although you'll encounter more rain, especially during the mornings or late afternoons, fewer visitors mean a more serene and peaceful experience when visiting the Machu Picchu citadel. The long lines of the dry season will be gone and, you'll likely find great deals on flights and hotels during this low season.
### Shoulder Season (April, May, September, October, and November)
The shoulder season, comprising April, May, September, October, and November, perfectly balances the rainy and dry seasons. During these months, you'll encounter warm, sunny days with not so many people as during the peak season, making it an excellent time for a more relaxed visit.
The weather is temperate, with less rain, clearer days and blue skies, allowing you to enjoy Machu Picchu's beauty without the rush. Most companies offer great discounts for all Machu Picchu tours during the shoulder season, particularly in November which is the beginning of the low season.
## Best Months to Visit Machu Picchu and Hike the Inca trail
_Machu Picchu In December. The clouds of the rainy season loom over the "lost city of the Incas'_
With a better understanding of Machu Picchu's seasons, let's explore the best months to visit this enchanting Inca citadel. Each month offers unique advantages, whether it's cold weather with clear skies and stunning sunrises, dry weather and bustling crowds, or tranquil moments and warmer temperatures.
### April and May
Visiting Machu Picchu in April and May is ideal for those who want to capture the perfect sunrise photo and enjoy the inca citadel. These months offer warmer temperatures, less rain and fewer chances of rain.
Experience the magic of Machu Picchu as the sun rises above the ancient incan citadel and illuminates the surrounding mountains, such as Huayna Picchu mountain, Huchuy Picchu, and the Sun gate creating an unforgettable memory.
### June and July
June and July can be considered the busiest time of the year to explore Machu Picchu. During these peak season months, you'll experience the best Machu Picchu weather, with cool nights and dry days with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) in the morning to 70°F (20°C) in the afternoon.
Although these months are the busiest time of the year to visit Machu Picchu, the increased crowds add a vibrant energy to this magnificent site. However, it is important to know that traveling to Machu Picchu during the American Independence day holidays as well as Peru's independence day can be extremely crowded. So, my advice is to skip those dates if possible or book your entrance tickets ahead of time so you can at least have a chance to enter Machu Picchu.
Furthermore, the peak season makes it difficult to find good hotels and book train tickets if you are traveling without booking arrangements or the help of a tour operator. Check bus and train schedules ahead of time so you don't miss your chance to visit Machu Picchu.
Moreover, If you find yourself unable to purchase a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, you can still buy them at Aguas calientes or Machu Picchu pueblo if you manage to make it there. Since 2022, a ticket office has been opened there so people are not left out from having a chance to visit Machu Picchu during the high season.
### August
For those who prefer a more peaceful experience, far from the madness of June and July, the busiest months of the high season, August becomes the ideal month to visit Machu Picchu. During this month, crowds are thinner, and the hiking trails such as the Lares trek, the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek are quieter, allowing you to connect with the mystical energy of the ancient citadel. The Machu Picchu weather remains mild and sunny, with temperatures around 72°F (22°C) during the day and 41°F (5°C) at night.
### September, October and November
October and November offer the pleasant climate and warmth of the shoulder season, with temperatures ranging from highs of 73°F (22°C) to lows of 39°F (4°C). These months are perfect for hiking tours those who want to enjoy Machu Picchu's beauty without the rush of the peak season.
With fewer visitors, you'll have more space to explore the ancient ruins and connect with the powerful energy of this sacred site.
The best time to visit and hike Machu Picchu is during the shoulder season, which runs from september to November. During this time, the trails are in their best condition and the views are magnificent
## Optimal Times of the Day to visit Machu Picchu
_Machu Picchu in the dry season. The views are simply incredible_
To make the most of your Machu Picchu visit, timing is crucial. The optimal times of day to explore this ancient citadel are during the mornings (6:00-10:00) and afternoons (after 2:00 pm).
These times allow you to avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the Lost citadel of the Inca.
The best time of the day to visit Machu Picchu depends on how early or how late you want to explore this beautiful wonder of the world.
The early morning and afternoon hours are the best times to visit Machu Picchu. You can avoid crowds and take in the magical atmosphere of the ancient citadel.
### Early Mornings (6:00-7:00)
_The Temple of three windows of Machu Picchu at the end of the rainy season_
Visiting Machu Picchu in the early mornings is a magical experience. As the sun rises over the Andean peaks, it bathes the ancient ruins in a golden glow, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Arriving early also gives you the advantage of fewer crowds, allowing you to explore the site at a leisurely pace and soak in the breathtaking views. Just be sure to bring a jacket and sunscreen, as the mornings can be cool and the sun strong.
### Afternoons (after 2:00 pm)
If you prefer a more relaxed visit, exploring Machu Picchu in the afternoons is a fantastic option. During this time, the crowds begin to thin out, allowing you to wander the ancient pathways in peace.
The afternoon light also provides improved illumination for photography, as the sun's lower position in the sky casts enchanting shadows across the ruins. Additionally, the weather tends to be more pleasant in the afternoons, with cooler temperatures and a reduced chance of rain, especially during the dry season.
## Hiking the Inca Trail: Timing and Considerations
_A floripondio flower at Machu Picchu_
Hiking the Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience, but timing is crucial to make the most of this incredible journey. The ideal months for hiking the trail are from Early April to end of November. March and December can still be considered part of the rainy season and a bit rainy to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail, but don't worry if you're planning to visit during the February closure of the Inca trail.
There are alternative treks available to suit your needs.
### Inca Trail Closure in February
The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, conservation, cleaning, and drainage works during the entire month of February which is the peak of the rainy season. This annual closure ensures that the trail remains in top condition for the thousands of hikers who embark on this iconic trek each year-round.
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu in February, don't despair – other options are available for exploring the region during the rainy season.
### Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu during the Rainy Season
Suppose you're visiting Machu Picchu during the Inca Trail closure in February. In that case, you can still experience the magic of the Andes by embarking on alternative treks, such as the Huchuy Qosqo trail and Lares trek. These treks can still be hiked in February, the peak time of the rainy season, and offer a different regional perspective, with stunning scenery and unique cultural experiences.
You'll still be able to visit the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu at the end of your journey, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
### Ideal Months for Hiking
The most favorable months for hiking the Inca Trail are April, May, September, and October. During these months, you'll enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the trail's breathtaking landscapes and ancient history.
The dry season months, that s June, July and August also offer great views and amazing clue skies but the competition to obtain permits for these months becomes hard.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or a first-timer, the Inca Trail offers an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
## Tips for Planning Your Machu Picchu Visit
To ensure a smooth and memorable visit to Machu Picchu, it's essential to plan ahead. This includes booking tickets and accommodations in advance, packing the right essentials for your trip, and exploring nearby attractions to make the most of your time in this magical region. If you would rather not fight for entry tickets yourself, some Cusco operators handle that side entirely; [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/), for example, includes tickets in its train tours and refunds you in full if Machu Picchu sells out for your dates.
From the Sacred Valley to the Inca Trail, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the area and take in the stunning views. Make sure to research the best routes and attractions to visit.
### Booking Tickets and Accommodations for the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
_Machu Picchu vie from the Inca Trail in July_
To secure your spot at Machu Picchu, it's crucial to book tickets and accommodations in advance. The most efficient way to book tickets is to visit the official Machu Picchu tickets ticket site at www\.machupicchu.gob.pe. Make sure you book your tickets at least six months ahead, especially if you itnend to climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain
For accommodations, there are numerous highly-rated hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, with options ranging from budget to luxury. Booking ahead of time will ensure the best schedules and prices during your visit, especially during the busiest months of the dry season.
### Packing Essentials
When packing your for your Machu Picchu adventure, it's essential to include items such as comfortable walking shoes, trekking pants, leggings or fitness/yoga pants, a hat or cap for sun protection, waterproof footwear, rain gear such as a poncho or rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, and a small personal day bag.
Also, consider bringing wool or moisture-wicking socks and exercise tanks. Remember that tripods, selfie sticks, backpacks, and bags exceeding 5 kilos in weight are not permitted.
### Exploring Nearby Attractions
While visiting Machu Picchu, don't miss the opportunity to explore nearby attractions such as Cusco's Plaza De Armas, Qorikancha, and Sacsayhuaman.
Additionally, consider hiking up to Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains for even more breathtaking views of the ancient citadel and surrounding landscapes. These nearby attractions will enrich your Machu Picchu experience and create even more cherished memories. If you are visiting Peru for more than 10 days, then you should consider exploring other parts of Peru such as lake Titicaca or the Colca Canyon. You will get more costumed to the altitude by exploring those places before your Inca Trail adventure.
## Travel Restrictions and Safety Protocols
When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, it's important to be aware of the current travel restrictions and safety protocols in place for Peru. This includes entry requirements, health and safety measures, and COVID-19 updates that may impact your travel plans.
### Entry Requirements
_Main Temple of Machu Picchu in April_
The entry requirements for Peru may differ based on your country of origin. It's essential to consult your local government for the most current information regarding visa requirements, vaccinations, and other necessary documentation.
Staying informed and prepared will ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Peru, allowing you to focus on enjoying your Machu Picchu adventure.
### Health and Safety Measures before visiting Machu picchu
The Peruvian government has implemented a range of health and safety measures to protect visitors, such as wearing face masks in public, adhering to social distancing protocols, and following hygiene guidelines. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and locals, so it's important to comply with these guidelines during your visit.
By taking these precautions, you can focus on experiencing the magic of Machu Picchu with peace of mind.
## Summary
In conclusion, timing is crucial when planning your visit to the awe-inspiring ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. By understanding the different seasons, choosing the best months and times of day to visit, and planning your trip with care, you can make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and prepare to embark on a journey through time as you explore the mystical land of the Incas.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### What are the best and worst times to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail is from late March to May and from September to mid-December, which are the months in between the dry and rainy seasons, when the weather is excellent and crowds are fewer.
However, the dry season from June to August can also be are great, but may be crowded.
### What is the best month to go to Peru?
For the best travel experience in Peru, plan your trip for the dry winter months from May to September. This is especially recommended for those looking to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu as the weather during wet season will be most favorable for these activities.
However, if you prefer a pleasant climate and warmer temperatures, visit during the summer from December to March, despite the higher chance of rain.
### How many days do you need at Machu Picchu?
To get the most out of Machu Picchu, I'd suggest you spend at least three days exploring this ancient Incan site. This will give you enough time to properly appreciate the ruins and its breathtaking views as well as take day trips to the surrounding area.
With additional travel time, you can extend your stay further to explore other parts of Peru.
---
# Peru’s Inca Trail Porter Law: Everything You Need to Know
URL: https://newperuvian.com/new-porters-2023-law-everything-you-need-to-know/
Published: 2022-11-30
Updated: 2026-07-23
## Introduction.
The horrendous exploitation of the porters of the Inca trail is nothing new. For decades, many righteous people and media outlets across the web have echoed the porters' struggle to get better working conditions. At last, such deplorable working conditions seem to have finally come to an end, at least on paper, which is what the [new 31614 porter's law,](https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/nueva-ley-del-trabajador-porteador-ley-n-31614-2124493-4/) approved by the Peruvian Congress and signed by the Peruvian president Pedro Castillo, appears to bring about.
For those who don't know about the mistreatment of porters, an overwhelming majority of these hard-working men and women complain about carrying excessive weight in their bundles, way beyond the 20KG /45l limit. Also, they receive poor salaries, lack food, proper sleeping conditions, and inadequate gear to haul the necessary supplies for tourists to accomplish this famous trek.
[Read this article](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/responsible-trekking-peru-know-workers-rights-porters) to get acquainted with the struggle of the porters working conditions.
Despite the good intentions behind the conception of this new law, many questions, big and small, have popped up regarding the implementation of such a law and its actual effects on porters, tourists, and tour operators alike.
### What is the new law, and how is it different from the previous one?
On a fundamental level, some aspects of the previous law have remained, such as the weight limits that porters carry, which are 20kg (45 lbs) for men and 15kg (34 lbs) for women. Also, tour operators are obliged to provide porters with food and proper camping gear, such as suitable clothing for the trekking activity, including shoes, sleeping pads, and tents.
#### What is new
The new law requires that the new salary that porters make for an entire four-day trip is 140 USD, which is more than double what they earn in 2022. Also, Tour operators must provide porters with a health insurance plan and provide an accident insurance policy.
In addition, the Peruvian government agrees to build shelters for porters to sleep on the trail and implements the area of rapid assistance in case of accidents with the permanent stay of health personnel.
Furthermore, porters must rest for five days before they start another trip and 30% of the resources collected by the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP, are assigned to the Regional Federation of Inca Trail Porters "Daniel Estrada Pérez" to promote and encourage the tourist activity, as well as to create a solidarity fund for porters to improve their working and social conditions.
_Porters will no longer sleep outside, in the bathrooms or in dining tents without floors._
What is missing and where things stand at the moment?
The new law does not consider the inclusion of women as something worth encouraging nor establish a mandatory quota of women to increase their participation in this industry.
Also, it needs to provide a clear path for enforcing this law to keep everyone involved accountable as it assigns the task of enforcing it to SUNAFIL, a well know government institution with a dubious reputation regarding the enforcement of fair labor practices.
Moreover, the current law protecting porters has been in place since 2003. Despite the differences between the new and old laws, the problem has always been how to enforce them properly.
The greediness of some operators and real hurdles to effectively run a sustainable model on the Inca trail added to corruption, and the collaboration of some park rangers in the Machu Picchu sanctuary has always had porters on the losing side. Moreover, the porter's federation doesn't have a say in how operators are held accountable, which substantially limits their ability to find meaningful change. Under these circumstances, what happened before will likely happen again as no clear path to enforce the new law has been established.
It is worth noting that the exploitative conditions of Inca Trail porters were caused mainly by irresponsible tour operators trying to maximize their profits and corrupt government officials in charge of enforcing the law turning a blind eye to these horrible conditions.
Some dishonest tour operators make sure porters go across the first checkpoint carrying the maximum weight allowed. However, using several tricks to 'avoid being caught,'; they force the porters to carry extra weight as soon as they reach the first campsite.
This problem is not exclusive to the tour outlets. Corruption runs rampant in almost every Peruvian public institution. According to a survey made in 2022, 80% of people believe corruption is the main problem in Peru. The numbers don't lie; corruption has plagued even the highest spheres of power in Peru. Three out of four ex-Peruvian presidents are in jail, expecting extradition or facing criminal charges for corruption, while one other committed suicide before getting arrested for the same reasons.
In June 2022, a group of Peru's Ministry of Culture employees (locally known as GERCETUR), including the Machu Picchu park director, was sacked after protests demanding their heads took place in Machu Picchu. As always, corruption was at the center of it. Later, authorities discovered that people were buying Machu Picchu tickets to resell at higher prices, all with the collaboration of workers inside this Peruvian institution.
###
_Including women in the Machu Picchu hiking industry is vital for the development of sustainable travel._
### What does this mean anyway?
No matter how good of a law this is, porters will again be at the mercy of corrupt tour operators and their acolytes within the park institutions. 'It would be very naive to think these park rangers will enforce the new law faithfully. Historically their role has been to follow the wishes of powerful tour operators turning a blind eye to the abusive practices against porters';, said Miguel Mayta from the porters federation.
### The real problem
Honest tour operators have always experienced a conflict between the service they provide tourists and the number of porters available to deliver that. It has always been a complex issue to deal with. The park laws regulate the amount of weight and porters allowed on the Inca trail, which limits the array of things provided for tourists.
**Since 2003, tour operators have substantially improved their clients' services to stay competitive. For instance, they provide them with several free unnecessary excessive goodies, such as portable bathrooms, showers, cooking classes, and even free porters to carry their personal belongings. All of it has only exacerbated the working conditions of the porters as they have to transport these things while being deprived of the essential items to work decently, such as food, shelter, and proper bags to carry stuff. **
Just think about this: Porters transport everything for hikers to have a comfortable adventure. Tourists eat well and sleep in warm tents, while porters starve during the day and sleep in bathrooms or tents without floors or insulation at night.
### Will the new law work?
Hopefully, yes, although a great majority of porters believe that their ability to work freely is threatened by a clause in the law mandating that they rest for five days after every trip.
**Also, the new law does not create the conditions for more women to be included in this industry, as it is much cheaper to hire men only to do this job. For instance, women porters carry 5kg less than men. To carry 60kg, tour operators prefer to hire 3 men instead of 4 women. Hiring women involves higher costs, more salaries, food, entrance fees, insurance, and other expenses. **
**Including women as porters on the Inca trail has been a difficult challenge. After a few years of moving forward to consolidate their presence on the Inca Trail, now this endeavor has become more challenging as it becomes an issue closely related to profit making.**
Also, it might work effectively for a few months in the beginning, but once the dust settles, things are likely to go back to the same corruptive ways as before and might even get worse for porters considering the levels of corruption in Peru.
### How will this affect travelers?
The bottom line is that the new law will increase the operational costs of the Inca Trail in 200% to 300% compared to those of 2022. Also, the prices of tours on the Inca Trail will increase by up to 50% or 100% more than the 2022 prices. This was announced by representatives of the Inca Trail tour operators in a[ Tv interview.](https://www.facebook.com/DiarioCiudadCusco/videos/518357420080882) It is improbable that operators will deliver tours without raising prices. Some tour operators are already in conversations with clients to voluntarily agree to pay the extra costs for trips they already signed up for, which implementing this law will mean.
Some travelers will likely look for cheaper alternatives, while others might withdraw their requests to hike on the Inca Trail. **The problem with looking for cheaper alternatives is that it perpetuates why porters have fought for so long to get a new law—because the only way to implement cheaper alternatives will force the porters to illegally carry excess weight. **
**Moreover, cheap tours have a heavy toll on porters, especially those who offer free perks such as free porters, portable bathrooms or cooking classes.**
_Porters carry the gear and food travelers need, yet they starve and lack proper tents_
## A chance to turn things more sustainable and the role of tourists.
Now, more than ever, hiking on the Inca Trail provides a chance for hikers to play a positive fundamental role concerning sustainable travel.
First, by choosing an ethical tour operator and, secondly, by holding tour operators accountable for their labor practices.
The fact that tourists will pay more for these Inca trail tours gives them an excellent opportunity to demand that porters receive fair and decent treatment and that tour operators treat them with dignity and respect.
### The risks
Furthermore, there is a massive risk for porters to be cheated again from these well-earned benefits even if good-hearted tourists agree to pay more for their tours. For decades, the bottom line has been all tour operators are cared for, and it is doubtful that that will change with the new law. I hate to say this, but chaos breeds opportunity; this is an excellent opportunity for irresponsible operators to make more money at the expense of tourists and porters.
**The new law allows tour operators to rebrand themselves as sustainable, responsible, etc. Tourists will pay more, but on-the-ground conditions for porters might remain the same if tourists do not play their role as caretakers of the Inca trail porters that make their trips possible. **
There is plenty of evidence to believe such a thing. For instance, for many years, tour operators have raised money speaking on behalf of the porters. During the pandemic, for example, some tour operators staged fundraisers to help their porters despite getting hundreds of thousands and even millions of USD distributed to tour operators through PPPs from the Peruvian government. To this point, we have yet to learn the fate of these funds, whether they followed up with helping the porters, the amount they gave them, or the form of help they gave them. But to date, the porters have received nothing, although they did not work for more than two years and were obliged to turn to farming or mining to care for their families. To add insult over injury, the fundraisers were done without the knowledge and permission of the porters, porters federation in complete disregard for the porters' federation authority.
### Conclusion
Any positive action, be it a law or an initiative to empower the porters,m coming from the Peruvian government or any private organization should be welcome and supported by all involved in the travel industry.
**The time to treat porters as cattle while some people get rich from exploiting them should be cast into history's dustbin. However, this will only happen when laws consider the opinion and consent of the Inca Trail porter's leadership and when they are given the power to enforce these laws.**
Without that, they are deprived of all means to safeguard their interests, especially when they have to confront the power of unethical powerful tour operators and corrupt government officials.
This new law may be good for the porters, but only time will tell. In the meantime, **it's up to trekkers to book with [ethical and responsible tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru)** and keep an eye on how porters are treated to ensure we don't lose the hard-earned momentum we've gained.
---
# Chorrillos and the Freshest Ceviche in Lima
URL: https://newperuvian.com/chorrillos-and-the-freshest-ceviche-in-lima/
Published: 2021-04-15
Updated: 2021-04-15
Topic: chorrillos
_This is a guest post by Brad Goodman. You can read more about Brad and visit his website in the author bio below the article._
You don’t eat [ceviche](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/) after 2 p.m., and you shouldn’t eat it from a bucket that’s been in the sun all day. The first rule is standard Peruvian knowledge. The second, I learned the hard way. But both teach the same lesson: Ceviche is safest when fresh. By the time the fish is caught, cleaned, taken to the restaurant or market, and cooked, your time is running out. And this means ceviche is best in the morning or for lunch, since fishermen work early in the day. Unsurprisingly, fresh ceviche is also more delicious.
No place exemplifies ceviche in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) more than Chorrillos. For centuries, inhabitants of the sea-hugging district have been famous fishers. And they ate fish cooked with passion fruit and other citruses centuries before the lime version of the dish came into popularity.
The fishermen of Chorrillos and their ceviches have survived colonialism, dictatorships, terrorism and all the other turbulent ups-and-downs of Peruvian history. Their market is a popular place for boat tours and a prime destination for seafood seekers. They know the dish so well, and have been making it for so long, that it might just be the best place to eat the freshest ceviche in Lima.
## In Search of the Freshest Ceviche in Lima
The busiest street in Chorrillos, Avenida Huaylas, is crazy even by Lima standards. Which is like calling someone tall by basketball standards. Hurtling buses and cars screech their horns and burn rubber by braking quickly, and drivers throw out occasional obscenities. Constantly checking my pockets, I followed Janina as we passed through groups of commuters. Janina noticed this was not my comfort zone. The experienced Chorrillana somehow got us a decent-looking taxi with a very unofficial-looking “taxi” sign and number showing from its dashboard, all without losing a limb.
Another side of Chorrillos made itself known as the cab turned the corner off Huaylas. At times we passed crumbling mansions, the vestiges of the well-to-do who fled during times of violence. But Chorrillos proved more timeless than their temporary opulence, having existed long before it was an upper-class outpost overlooking the ocean.
As the car wound its way downhill towards the Pacific, we saw the spouts of water spraying from the cliff side. In Spanish these spouts are called “Chorros”, or “Chorrillos.” Even today, well-off families own homes above the cliffs, on top of the chorrillos, looking out to sea and the realm of the other well-known class of Chorrillanos, the blue-collar fisherman.
In the market, the slapping of fish, clanging of knives on tables, and men rushing by in wool hats and waterproof boots continued on and ignored us, two strangers to the ecosystem. The smells and tastes that the airy market produces leave their mark on the senses: the delicious nourishment of Limeños, their legacy. Here, ceviche makes this world go round. And so the market pauses for no one. Only when we start talking to people do we even get an offer for a boat ride. We politely turn it down when we find what we’re looking for: the freshest ceviche in Lima.
_Ceviche de corvina in Chorrillos, Lima. [Photo by Jose Wolff](https://www.flickr.com/photos/josewolff/3950985952)._
There are about a half dozen cevicherias adjacent to the market, which somehow eluded us until a woman at the market pointed them out. They’re actually very easy to find. We sat down on plastic chairs, laid out on the sand with plastic tables covered in a tablecloth decorated with the logo of a prominent Peruvian beer company. It could have been anywhere in Peru.
But of course, it wasn’t. First, the only thing in the area are the cevicherias. We noticed that each one has its prices listed on a sign—yet every place charged the same exact amount. Apparently prices are controlled to prevent overfishing, and also to ensure fishers make a decent wage. Every restaurant is a family business; at the one we chose, the wife prepared the jalea and ceviche, using fish that her husband had literally just brought off the boat.
Of course, you can’t find fresher ceviche than the one we had that day. But there was something more magical than a fabulous lunch going on. People were eating the same meal right here, hearing the same waves hit the shore and sitting around with family and friends, since before the Incas arrived. This was made possible by a tradition that still thrives in the currently middle-class district. The ceviche ties together generations with its engaging and enduring flavors, while at the same time the historic district reminds you—in its own nonchalant manner— that it’s just another day in Chorrillos.
An adventurer at heart, Brad Goodman’s most transformative experience occurred in Peru. He now writes articles on Peruvian culture and develops sample itineraries for tourists to Peru. Visit his website at [www.GringoInca.com](https://gringoinca.com/) and join his Facebook group, [Responsible Travel South America](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1406331383040572/).
---
# Day Trip from Lima: The Waterfalls of Huarochirí
URL: https://newperuvian.com/day-trip-from-lima-waterfalls-of-huarochiri/
Published: 2020-07-28
Updated: 2020-07-29
Topic: Huarochiri
_This is a guest post by Brad Goodman. You can read more about Brad and visit his website in the author bio below the article._
The green mountains, crisp air and fresh waters of the Huarochirí Province seem worlds away from the drab and disquiet of Lima’s winters, but in fact are less than 75 km (and two quick bus rides) away. Anyone who’s [spent time in Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) understands the relief of the Andean sun upon leaving the city. Of course there are further-away destinations like Huaraz or Yauyos, but the culture, food, and landscapes of the Andes are closer to Lima than they seem.
Here I highlight two towns on the Central Highway in the Huarochirí Province: San Jeronimo de Surco and Matucana. Both offer a great choice of activities, including four waterfalls, two lakes, and canyoning.
## How to Get to Surco and Matucana
First, take a car to Chosica. There are many options from Lima, including [buses and _colectivos_](https://newperuvian.com/public-transport-in-peru/), and the trip takes just over an hour. In Chosica there are buses a block from the plaza which leave regularly for Surco and Matucana. The trip to Surco (km 63) takes roughly 45 minutes; to Matucana (km 75) it’s about an hour.
## Waterfall Hikes and Canyoning Near Surco
Welcome to the pueblo of waterfalls! The “waterfall circuit” includes three spots and only costs S/ 3. The most visited waterfall in Surco is Huanano, a 45 minute walk from town. For a more difficult hike, check out Cuchimachay, an hour long hike.
And if you really have time and are up for a long trek, the hike to Palacala waterfall takes most visitors about three hours.
Looking for something more adventurous? Ten minutes by bus from Surco are the [Toboganes de Songos](https://elcomercio.pe/somos/historias/songos-conoce-impresionantes-toboganes-naturales-paso-lima-carretera-central-noticia-546657-noticia/). In an adrenaline-pumping 45 minutes you’ll hike and perform canyoning in multiple waterfalls and waterways. But, _ojo_: you MUST go with an accredited tour company for the canyoning activities. Otherwise you can only walk the hike (which is still beautiful and fun, and only costs S/ 3).
_From left to right (click to enlarge): The walk to Antankallo in Matucana; the lion's head shape in the mountain; two photos of Antankallo Waterfall. Photos by Brad Goodman._
## Waterfall Hikes and Trekking from Matucana
OK, I’m biased on how great Matucana is. But that’s only because I lived there and it’s where I met my awesome wife. However, Matucana is objectively a nice weekend trip from Lima. It has a famous old train station (where a folklore show is put on for the tourists on the monthly train to Huancayo). And if you’re in town in the afternoon, try the pumpkin dessert that the women sell in the plaza. Trust me.
The top hiking opportunity in Matucana is the waterfall of Antankallo. Entrance to the hike is S/3 (S/ 1.50 kids). It takes about 1.5 hours to arrive at the falls, during which you’ll be going uphill most of the time. The trek includes a small rock forest and views of mountains named for the figures they appear to resemble, such as a lion’s head or a woman.
Closer to town is the waterfall of Challape. Just take a 20 minute walk (or 5 minute moto-taxi) to the neighboring town of Huariquiña. From there you follow a path along the train tracks towards the train bridge. Upon arriving at the bridge it’s a slightly steep 10-minute walk to the falls. Visiting Challape is free, but keep in mind the falls can disappear during peak dry season (July-August).
If you have more time, the Lagunas Gemelas de Orcococha in Matucana is a full day hike. If you are interested, it’s recommended to go with a local guide. [Matucana’s tourism department](https://www.facebook.com/TurismoMatucanaHuarochiri/) can provide more information.
Antankallo Waterfall in Matucana, Huarochiri. Photo by [Neptalí César Cipriano Gamarra](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archivo:Antakallo.jpg).
## When to Go and What to Bring on Your Day Trip From Lima
For your day trip to Huarochirí, I recommend that you bring:
- Sunblock! And a hat and sunglasses.
- Hiking shoes. No high heels! (seriously)
- Water and snacks (or cash to buy snacks in town)
- Cash for food, lodging, & transportation
- [Backpack](https://newperuvian.com/best-backpack-for-peru-south-america/). You want to have free hands for some hikes, especially the Toboganes de Songos
- Clothes for layering up. Afternoons are warm and sunny, but evenings are cool
I recommend avoiding the peak rainy season (January-March). This is because the Central Highway and the towns witness unpredictable flooding during these months.
## A Final Word on Surco and Matucana
[Be mindful of the altitude!](https://newperuvian.com/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/) Surco is 6,621 feet (or 2,018 meters) high. Matucana is higher at 7,802 feet (2,378m). Most people do not experience altitude sickness right away, so if you go for the day it might not be an issue. However everyone adjusts differently.
If you want to spend the night, both towns have several hotels and _hospedajes_. Most do not need to be booked ahead of time. There are also plenty of [_menús_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/) and restaurants.
Admittedly, these are just two locations in one province of Lima that are fascinating and fun. I chose them because their proximity to the city and location on the Central Highway make for a uniquely easy day trip from Lima. So I hope this article helped to plan your next trip and to keep finding new adventures!
An adventurer at heart, Brad Goodman's most transformative experience occurred in Peru. He now writes articles on Peruvian culture and develops sample itineraries for tourists to Peru. Visit his website at [www.GringoInca.com](https://gringoinca.com/).
---
# The Peru Overstay Fine in 2026
URL: https://newperuvian.com/peru-overstay-fine/
Published: 2020-03-09
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: peru overstay fine
If you overstay your officially allotted time in Peru, you’ll have to pay a fine when you leave the country. In theory, this is a straightforward process that can be handled when you exit Peru or in the days prior to leaving. But complications can arise, especially if you are leaving through one of the smaller overland border crossing points.
First you need to know how much time you’ve been given and [how much time you can stay in Peru as a tourist](https://newperuvian.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-peru-as-a-tourist/). Officially, you are allowed a maximum of 183 days in Peru during a 365-day period. Typically, however, new arrivals are given 90 days, and in some cases 30 days. Always check in your passport to confirm how long you’ve been given. If necessary, you can later [apply for a tourist visa extension](https://newperuvian.com/tourist-visa-extension-in-peru/), up to the maximum of 183 days (or thereabouts).
## Overstaying Your Time in Peru
Some tourists overstay their officially allotted time in Peru. This can happen due to a simple miscalculation of time, due to some kind of unforeseen problem, or a conscious decision to overstay (understandably, some people want to spend more time in Peru), among things.
This is obviously best avoided, but in most cases you don’t need to worry about it too much. As long as you have enough money to pay the daily fine when you leave Peru, you shouldn’t have too many problems.
## How Much Is The Peru Overstay Fine?
Any tourist overstaying their allotted time in Peru is subject to a daily fine (for each day overstayed) of 0.1% of the Unidad Impositiva Tributaria (UIT). The UIT for 2026 is S/ 5,500, [according to the official SUNAT website](http://www.sunat.gob.pe/indicestasas/uit.html).
So the daily overstay fine in Peru for 2026 is S/ 5.50, which is around US$1.50 for each day you’ve overstayed. That’s pretty lenient. For example, if you overstay for a week, you’ll pay about S/ 38.50 (around $11), for a month about S/ 165 (around $46) and so on.
## Where to Pay the Overstay Fine
You can pay the fine at Lima Airport before you fly out of Peru. A border official will direct you to the appropriate booth to pay the fine. Once you’ve paid in soles or dollars, you’re free to go. It’s a good idea to get to the airport a little earlier than normal if you have to pay a fine.
You can also pay the fine online in advance through the Banco de la Nación's págalo.pe platform, which saves queuing at a bank or booth. Alternatively, you can pay at the main immigration office in Lima in advance (you might also be able to pay at [other immigrations offices in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/immigration-offices-in-peru/)). You’ll need to take your passport (and maybe a photocopy or two of the main passport page, just in case) and a copy of your flight out of Peru or any other proof of onward travel. I’m not too sure how far in advance you can do this, but it’s probably best to go a day or two before you leave the country.
If you’re leaving Peru overland, through one of the large border crossing points, the process is similar. You’ll pay the border official as you leave.
It’s best to avoid the smaller border crossings out of Peru if you’ve overstayed as they might not be set up for paying the fine onsite. You might then find yourself having to go to a local Banco de la Nación to pay the fine, which could cause problems if you have a bus waiting for you (not only will you have to get to the bank, but banks in Peru often have depressingly long queues). If you have to pay at the Banco de la Nación, you might need photocopies of your passport. Once you’ve paid you’ll be given a receipt. Don’t lose it as you’ll need to give it to the border official.
## What If You Can’t Pay the Peru Overstay Fine?
If you don’t have enough money to pay the overstay fine, you could officially be held in custody until someone pays it for you.
I’ve never actually heard of that happening. The last person I met who had overstayed in Peru – and he’d overstayed by at least two years – crossed over at one of the smaller border crossings between Peru and Ecuador. He had nowhere near enough money to pay. In the end, the border officials just let him leave the country without paying, presumably because that was the easiest option for them.
But I certainly don’t recommend trying that tactic. If you haven’t got enough money to pay the fine, the best option is to find a family member or friend to lend you the money. You really don’t want to be spending any time in custody in Peru.
---
# Uphill and Down: A Female Porter’s Life on the Inca Trail
URL: https://newperuvian.com/uphill-and-down-female-porter-on-the-inca-trail/
Published: 2019-10-23
Updated: 2023-05-08
Topic: female porter
_The female porters of Evolution Treks carrying their packs along the Inca Trail. Photo by Somos Peru._
_The following is a guest post by Lucia Merclajuly Vela Sosa. Lucia, now a professional guide, was among the first female porters on the Inca Trail. She works for [Evolution Treks Peru](https://www.evolutiontreksperu.com/), a company whose ethical stance has attracted attention from the likes of Lonely Planet, Fodor's and National Geographic. This post was originally written in Spanish and translated for New Peruvian by Tony Dunnell._
[_Puedes leer el artículo original en español aquí._](http://newperuvian.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Historia-de-la-Mujer-Porteadora.pdf)
\*\*\*
Once again I finish [the four-day Inca trail](https://newperuvian.com/inca-trail-map-elevation-profile/) as a porter, lining up and watching my friend and adventure companion Sarita — and now Silvia, too – fight for a seat on the 5:45 pm Peru Rail train _¡Que niña más vivaz!_ She fights for respect and a place among the group of men, and we’re just three women on this trip, among 200 male porters.
It was a long race down from Wiñayhuana to the station at kilometer 107, and of course we cheated by leaving earlier so we could beat the men, who have an unmatched skill descending the mountain. We wait for the train to go back to Ollantaytambo. Between noise, jokes, compliments, and the excitement of having concluded the trek, my mind looks back….
## On the Inca Trail
I remember my first trip to [Machu Picchu](https://newperuvian.com/tag/machu-picchu/) as a student in October 2015. I thought that if I didn’t go, I would die, and I no longer remember how I got the money to pay for this trip, but it was wonderful. I don’t remember how much muscle pain I felt or if I walked with my shoes completely soaked for the whole trip because it rained three of the four days.
But what did leave a lasting lump in my throat were the Inca porters, the beasts of burden with tremendous backpacks, most wearing the typical red ponchos of the Patacancha community. Some were elderly men. I just looked at them. What could I do, and to be honest I had no idea how this trip worked.
Two years later, while doing an internship in an agency, my friend Sarita arrived with a proposal to enter the Inca Trail as a porter. _What? A female porter!_ Was it even possible that there were already women on that trail, as porters? I didn’t think twice; if I wanted to go it was my opportunity to learn so many things _in situ_.
We were guided by Miguel \[Miguel Angel Gongora, one of the co-founders of Evolution Treks Peru] and Rudi to do the Inca Trail course, to get our licenses. There was nothing unusual there: women and men of all ages. Until then I hadn’t talked with anyone about all this because I didn’t want to hear negative things like "you won’t be able to" or "it’s dangerous" or "this is not for you" — or worse, "this is work for men."
Then the day came when we really had to face so many doubts and insecurities, which since we were born had been implanted in us like daily prayers. I even remember having dreams before the trip, and I think we were looking forward to it nervously.
Finally we arrived at km 81 at Piscacucho, the starting point of the Inca Trail. We were introduced to our travel companions, with our chef Guillermo and guide Rudi, and our passengers: a family of two parents, both writers, and their two daughters between 16 and 18 years.
We passed through the control point and it was so different from the training courses. It was a world of men who wore uniforms, and I no longer saw any of the traditional red ponchos. They were surprised to see us there with our backpacks and work implements. Some seemed to see it as a joke, while others gave us condolences, saying that the road is very difficult: _Can you cope?_
But I already knew what the trail was like. What I didn't know was how to do it with 15 kilos on my back, but whatever happened, uphill and down, I was there to kill my doubts. To know what I was made of. Up to that moment it was just about me, my limitations, of knowing what I was capable of, and what I wanted to do. What I didn’t know was that here, on this trail, I would learn things that I would probably not have learned anywhere else.
Another problem I had were the guys at the SERNAP control post \[SERNAP is Peru’s National Protected Areas Service]. They did not believe, or perhaps did not want to understand, that we were entering as porters. They always gave us problems, thinking we were entering as massage therapists. Such things may have happened in the past, but that was certainly not our case.
Another thing that surprised me was my work partner and friend Sarita. I had always seen her as a delicate girl and at the beginning of the Inca Trail I felt responsible for her. But soon she showed that she was even stronger than me.
_On the Inca Trail with Evolution Treks and its team of male and female guides and porters. The first photo on the left shows Lucia (center) with her friends and fellow porters Silvia (left) and Sarita (right). Photos from Evolution Treks._
## The Inca Trail Porters
Once you’re on the Inca Trail, you see that the promotional videos don’t show everything. On the trail, you see all the beautiful landscapes but you also see the pain and misery of our people. The porters are not treated like you see in the videos: the uniforms are just uniforms, the working conditions are subhuman and nobody says or does anything.
Tourists do not see them because they have to walk quickly to reach the camp in advance to get everything ready for the arrival of the visitors with the guide. Many of them carry up to 40 kilos and some – at times with an innocent smile, sometimes a little proud — say that they once carried 50 kilos.
I know because on the trail, during the rest periods, there is always a curious guy asking what I’m doing there, or a kinder person asking if I’m okay, and chatting for a while. “_And you, how much do you get paid?_” Many times I thought that was an indiscreet question, I don’t know why, but my friend Sarita always asked and some answered 190 or 220 soles. Another told me that he earned 235 soles but they deducted 5 soles for the gear, referring to the _matra_ (sleeping mat) that he slept on.
A tourist pays all that money for an Inca Trail trek, and then his porters are treated in this way? Where the uniform is just a way to advertise the company, and the _matra_ you use to sleep is so uncomfortable and incomparable with your bed at home, no matter how humble you are when you leave it to go to work.
Who benefits most from this job? The porter or the company? There are so many indignant questions….
When night arrives the only thing you want on this trail is to sleep. And my peaceful tent awaited me. But not everyone is so fortunate. The cold of the night, and sometimes rain, is a punishment for those who do not have adequate camping equipment.
Where do the porters sleep? Some in the kitchen tent, where they pray that the rain won’t make a river run right under them. Others seek refuge in the bathrooms, protected from the rain but not the cold. Huddled beneath sheets of plastic or a sleeping bag or a rough manta blanket.
_What are we?_
For breakfast, lunch and dinner the cook and his assistant do their best to surprise the guests, and I have learned to cook many delicious things. On the trip they have surprised me by making an ice cream cake without a refrigerator, it was great. And I learned to make pizza without an oven.
But what does the porter eat? They eat before or after the visitors and it’s simply a soup with noodles and some other things. Often it’s just water, salt and noodles, and some kind of tea or other infusion in the morning. That’s why the porters always carry a bag of biscuits. And, of course, some of them carry cañazo \[aguardiente, or sugar cane moonshine], the only thing that pushes them on, hungry and lacking sleep. I've heard some guides criticize them and say that they are like that because they want to be that way. But for some porters it’s just a cheap way to endure the poor conditions along the trail.
And perhaps the coldest thing is the language barrier between porters and visitors. An [Inca Trail guide](https://newperuvian.com/can-you-hike-inca-trail-without-a-guide/) should be a mediator and a connector as an ambassador of our culture, but it’s not always like that. On our first trip as porters I think we broke that gap, but only in our small group.
At the end of my first Inca Trail experience as a porter, and already on the train, my friend and I looked at each other and I, laughing, said “We did it!” But we weren’t totally sure we’d made it. We had traveled about 65 km for four days as porters and it was still a challenge to enter the train. They didn’t want to let us get into the carriage of the porters. But they had never seen women porters before, so it was understandable.
_Photo by Somos Peru._
## The Future of Female Porters and Porter Welfare on the Inca Trail
Now I have completed about 25 Inca Trail treks and we are all more accustomed to seeing each other. There are now more female porters on the trail, and there have been many good and bad changes.
When we first started working along the trail, many doubted us. There were guides who checked our loads to make sure they were real, or if it was all just volume with no weight. But my heavy backpack always gave them a kick in their male egos.
But although always in a subtle way, the treatment we received was mostly courteous.
Today, however, the treatment we receive has turned into harassment. Like an invitation to retire from the trail, or a subtle threat or warning that this work should only be done by men. The male porters have turned against us, there are no longer any words of encouragement. Some do not even look at us, and we no longer sit down to talk like before. We have become a nuisance.
But why? Are we to blame? Did we do something wrong? Do women not have the right to want to work and earn money like them? Why do they reject us? Is it their machismo or is there a greater reason…?
We were a great novelty at the beginning, something new and inclusive that attracted the attention of the media. And everyone wants fame and publicity I guess, no matter how they get it. Other companies began to take photos and make videos of their female porters on the Inca Trail, but all just for the "photo for the Face" movie, as I have baptized it.
But they were doing it with no principles of inclusion, equality, sustainability, teamwork or, most importantly, companionship. They were just making videos of the female porters for social media, and this has generated discontent among the male porters.
We, within our team, have also had problems and discontent. As Miguel once said, "We have to learn from trial and error. We are doing something that did not exist before, and there is no scheme for the new. We have to be inventive and many things will have to change to make it work, and we will have losses and more problems."
And that’s how it is. We continue to discover and confront errors and problems. My work team is not just one of co-workers. We are friends, we protect ourselves, we help each other, at times we annoy each other but we talk and most importantly we have only one vision: “Change, inclusion, equality and improvement of working conditions for porters, not only for ourselves but for all.”
The change is happening slowly and painfully, and in a certain way there is at least a growing concern for providing sleeping tents for porters. And somehow more women have entered the trail. Now we just need to regulate and set rules that benefit everyone equally. There should be no difference in salary between men and women. And mutual respect should be universal, whether you’re the owner of the company or a porter.
And our mission now is also to break the gap that separates us from our visitors because of the language barrier. We want to share anecdotes, jokes and our culture with our visitors, with the help of our mediator and guide. But that should not be the work of our one little team alone. All visitors, guides and porters in general need to know that it is no longer just about “me” — now it’s about everyone.
2023 Update. The new porter's law implemented in early 2023 has created an opportunity for porters to get working conditions but due to the political crisis of early 2023, some tour operators have exacerbated the mistreatment of porters in general and the exclusion of women as the supply of porters far exceeds the demand for them. We highly encourage people to do exhaustive research on the way porters are treated and invite everyone to read about the best [Inca trail tour companies of 2023.](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru)
_The female porters of Evolution Treks, the first to work along the Inca Trail. Lucia is at the front. Photo by Somos Peru._
---
# A Day Trip to Isla Foca in the Piura Region of Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/isla-foca-piura-peru/
Published: 2019-10-18
Updated: 2019-10-18
Topic: isla foca
Our twelve-person white van sped down the desert. This was our third mode of transportation of the morning. After an hour-and-a-half bus ride and a very bumpy mototaxi, we were feeling a combination of hangovers and motion sickness. I told Ellie we shouldn’t have gone out the night before.
We were headed towards the coast to some boat or port we hoped would bring us closer to our goal of Isla Foca. Isla Foca is a small island off the northern coast of Peru and is home to hundreds of native sea lions and seals. Situated between the cold northern Humboldt current and warm equatorial current, Isla Foca is celebrated for its biodiversity.
We each looked out the passenger windows and stared into the Peruvian desert. Neither of us had a clue as to what our destination would reveal to us. Ellie had heard of Isla Foca and had been wanting to go the past two and a half years. This was her last opportunity before she headed back to the states. I just learned that _foca_ means seal.
But regardless, everything felt perfect and right in the world in that moment. We raced the sun to the top of the sky.
## Three Reasons to Go to Isla Foca
First, Isla Foca is an easy day trip from Piura. It’s a little off the beaten path for local and foreign tourists alike, but easily reachable when you know how (see further below). The island is located just off a small fishing village called La Islilla, which is about 12 miles from the small coastal city of Paita in the Piura Region. La Islilla (Paita District) is about an hour and a half west of the city of Piura, the capital of the Piura Region. That makes Isla Foca a very feasible day trip when you’re in Piura but don’t have a lot of time because you’re en route to the beaches (like Mancora).
Secondly, Isla Foca is a heaven for nature nerds, and marine biologists have crowned Isla Foca a paradise between two currents. Situated between the cold northern Humboldt current and warm equatorial current, Isla Foca is rich in marine life, including 34 species of birds (eight of which nest on the island, and include blue-footed boobies); three species of reptiles; 54 species of fish; 32 species of mollusks; 30 species of echinoderms; 28 crustacean species; and a _montón_ of native sea lions and seals. When you get a fisherman and boat to take you to Isla Foca, they’ll let you swim and relax on the island’s quaint beach. And between the months of July to November is whale watching season.
Thirdly, a trip to Isla Foca supports the work of nonprofit organizations like [Seacology](https://www.seacology.org/) and [Nature and Culture International](https://natureandculture.org/). The partnership between these two NGOs led to the creation of the visitor center in La Islilla. The center is modest and offers interpretive materials as well as artwork and crafts made by local women. This community benefit is paired with the conservation efforts that have protected the 24,216-acre marine habitat for 15 years. For [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/), where ecotourism efforts are still nascent, this nature conservation and ecotourism initiative is a leader in some ways.
_\*Note: the author, at time of publication, works for Nature and Culture International but did not have any association with, or knowledge of, the organization at the time of the visit._
## How to Get to Isla Foca from Piura
The following steps will tell you how to get to Isla Foca from Piura, and how to then get a boat to the actual island.
**Step 1: Getting from Piura to Paita**
There are two bus companies that will bring you from Piura to Paita, and the direct bus ride is typically 45 minutes to an hour. One bus company is called CIVA and the other is ITTSA. The bus companies are comparable if not the same in price and service. Both bus companies have buses leaving for Paita regularly (every 20 to 30 minutes or so). I’m purposefully not listing the bus station addresses here because it’ll likely change in the future and then this will be out of date. Most taxi and mototaxi drivers will know where the stations are as many people often commute between Piura and Paita. Just ask: “Sabes dónde está la estación del bus a Paita?” That should work like a charm.
At the bus station, get the next bus to Paita. The bus to Paita should be 4 soles per person. The prices should be published as well. Also be sure to ask for the last bus of the day going back to Piura. They should go pretty late into the night, but it’s always good to have this updated information handy as bus schedules may vary by day.
**Step 2: Getting from Paita to La Islilla**
Option 1 (most economic option): Once your bus pulls into the Paita bus station, the adventure begins. There will be a swarm of mototaxis waiting outside the bus station. You’ll have to use some Spanish here and explain that you want to go to La Caleta de La Islilla and need to be taken to the colectivos. This mototaxi to the colectivo terminal shouldn’t cost more than 3 soles per person.
The mototaxi should bring you to the colectivos. Colectivos are shared cars or vans and leave once they’re full. It may seem strange if you’re not accustomed to it, but it’s a general mode of transportation in Puira. The cost for the colectivo to Islilla is 6-7 soles per person.
Option 2: If there is a taxi at the bus station, you can try to haggle and get a reasonable price to go straight to La Islilla.
**Step 3: Getting from La Islilla to the island Isla Foca**
Once you get to La Islilla, look or ask for the caleta. At the fishing port, there is a small and modest visitor center for la Isla Foca. It was a project with Seacology, but it’s unclear if anyone mans the visitor center full-time. If it’s open, you can inquire there about getting a boat to Isla Foca. If it’s not open, then you’ll have to look to the local fishermen and ask them. The cost for the excursion varies depending on how many people are going out on the boat with you. The excursion will include the roundtrip boat fare and allow you a few hours on the island to swim and explore.
## Heading Back to Piura
After your excursion to Isla Foca, head back to Paita to catch the bus back to Piura. In La Islilla, head back to where the colectivos had dropped you off or ask the friendly villagers where to go. Headed back to Paita, ask the colectivo if they’ll drop you off by the _muelle_ (dock) which used to be the historic Paita customs house and remains an active fishing port.
Here, you can check if the restaurant Bvlass is open. Bvlass is an al fresco, traditional, northern Peruvian seafood restaurant overlooking the Peruvian bay with a laid back ambiance only coastal fishing villages have, with economic prices to boot! What more could you ask for? Bvlass, however, is a good example of how digital or internet presence by local businesses is behind in northern Peru. They don’t have a website or clear hours of operation listed on the internet. It’s also unclear if their phone number listed on Google is up to date, so you may be disappointed to find them closed during your visit.
Regardless, you can enjoy the Paita plaza where the town gathers to sit in the shade and cool down from the desert heat of Piura while talking about the recent _chismes_. Ice cream vendors wait for business on the sidewalks and children run around chasing each other.
Make your way back to one of the two bus stations in Paita (you can check both companies on your moto there). Get on your bus back to Piura, sit back and soak up all the new memories.
Louella Aquino is a Business Development & Nonprofit Management Consultant living and working in Peru since January 2019. She also writes and makes art. You can learn more about Louella at [LouellaAquino.com](https://www.theforkinmyroad.com/).
---
# Palccoyo: The Alternative Rainbow Mountain
URL: https://newperuvian.com/palccoyo-alternative-rainbow-mountain/
Published: 2019-04-25
Updated: 2019-04-25
Topic: Palccoyo
_If you like the idea of seeing Peru’s colourful Vinicunca Mountain but the crowds put you off, then consider Palccoyo, the alternative “rainbow mountain.” But don't take my word for it: The following guest post is by Matt Waugh, an experienced tour leader and the owner and founder of [Trek Hoppers Peru](https://www.trekhoppers.com/), who has been to both Rainbow Mountain and Palccoyo on numerous occasions…_
Most people who travel to Peru are now well aware of Vinicunca (as it’s known locally in Quechua), the famous Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Painted Mountain, Montaña Colorado or Montaña de Siete Colores, in the Cusco Region of Peru.
But today, with just four years of fame under its belt, [Rainbow Mountain can feel like just another over-populated route](https://newperuvian.com/the-rise-of-rainbow-mountain-in-peru/), a well-worn, overly-touristy destination that draws hundreds of people per day depending on the time of year.
So for anyone looking for something similar but – for now, at least — below the tourist radar, there is an alternative Rainbow Mountain: Palccoyo.
## The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain(s)
Like Vinicunca, Palccoyo (sometimes spelled Palcoyo) has an alternative name. Some call it Huallata Cunca, which roughly translates as “goose neck,” a name derived from the Andean goose native to the high Andes. And like Vinicunca, Palccoyo is also notable for its unusual mineralogical composition, which creates stripes of various colours.
In the Palccoyo area, there are actually seven mountains (I counted them) bearing the rainbow-like patterns. So rather than just one mountain of seven colours, here you get seven striped mountains — a real bargain for the view!
You also have the nearby Bosque de Piedras (Forest of Stones) to explore, with its strange rock formations. And from here you’ll have fantastic views over the panoramic, multi-coloured landscape, backdropped by several distinct mountains tops. On a totally clear day you can even make out the glacier-encrusted [Ausangate and Salkantay mountains](https://newperuvian.com/highest-mountains-in-peru/), all from the same place.
If I were a painter I could imagine standing here for hours with my palette and canvas, capturing the magnificent sight. But unfortunately I am not a painter, so I had to let my camera do the work.
## When to Go to Palccoyo and How to Get There
I’d been excited about this trip for some time, and I had hoped to visit before the start of the rainy season, which runs from November to March. But due to various other commitments getting in the way, I decided to chance my luck and go in February.
Happily, I managed to luck out weather-wise. But going in the wet season can be hit or miss. If you have to go during the wet season, it’s best to keep an eye on the weather forecast for the day you plan to go (and check to see if it snowed heavily the day before)
I also prefer to see Palccoyo in the afternoon as hardly anyone is there then. All the other agencies go in the morning as they say there’s more chance of rainfall in the afternoons. But of the five trips I’ve done to Palccoyo during wet season this year, it rained only once.
It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Palccoyo by van from [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) with a tour agency. There is no regularly scheduled local transport to get there at this time, although you could spend a tedious day looking around for passing _colectivos_ to the nearby area. For now, however, getting there and back is almost certainly going to be by private arrangement. As long as you split the cost of the van between you, it should work out fairly cheap.
For example, if you come with me and Trekkhoppers Peru, we can arrange the trip with a minimum of 4 to 6 people for just $45 US per person, or $35 for groups of 7 to 9 people and $30 for 10 people and above.
_All Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain photos by Matt Waugh and Trek Hoppers Peru._
---
# Immigration Offices in Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/immigration-offices-in-peru/
Published: 2019-03-23
Updated: 2019-03-23
Topic: immigration offices in peru
You’ll now find quite a few immigration offices in Peru (known as Migraciones, [www.migraciones.gob.pe](http://www.migraciones.gob.pe/)), where you can apply for various visas and permissions, sort out any issues you might have with your [Tarjeta Andina tourist “visa”](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/) (such as when the [online extensions](https://newperuvian.com/tourist-visa-extension-in-peru/) aren’t working), apply for residency, etc.
It wasn’t many years ago that nearly everyone had to go to the main immigration office in Lima — a huge pain if you happened to be traveling or living in other parts of Peru – but in the last few years smaller immigration offices have opened up in more than 10 other cities. And it’s often far quicker and easier to get stuff done in these smaller provincial offices than in the main office in Lima.
## The Main Immigration Office in Lima
The main immigration office in Lima ([read my Lima travel guide here](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/)) is located at Prolongación Av. España 734 in the Breña District of Lima. The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The phone number is 200-1000, although it can be difficult dealing with people there over the phone. You’ll sometimes have more luck sending a question to the [Migraciones Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/MigracionesDePeru/).
It’s easy enough to get to the office, a big, blocky, five-floored building with one main entrance along Av. España. If you’re staying in downtown Lima, especially on or near Parque de la Exposición or Plaza San Martin, it’s walkable in about 10 to 15 minutes. From the Plaza de Armas it’s a bit of a trek, but certainly doable if you enjoy an urban stroll. Just try not to get run over by one of Lima’s notoriously awful drivers, of which there are many.
Otherwise take a taxi, which I think should cost around 15 to 20 soles from Barranco or Miraflores (depending on the time of day and how hard you haggle). Or take the Metropolitano to the España Station, which is about two blocks east of the Migraciones office.
For some procedures you’ll first need to create an appointment online. You can find the links for these in the right-hand sidebar on the Migraciones homepage. Foreign tourists will normally want the link that says “[Citas en Línea Inmigración](https://sel.migraciones.gob.pe/citasmigraciones/PAGINA_MAESTRA/PRO_INICIO.aspx).”
It can be a bit hectic and confusing when you arrive at Migraciones for the first time. You’ll need to show your passport to the security guy at the main entrance, then head on in. There’s an information desk just inside the main entrance, where you can ask where to go. I think most of the immigration procedures for foreign tourists are done on the first or the third floor, but best to ask anyway.
After that, prepare yourself for unexpected bureaucratic nonsense, and hope for the best that it all goes smoothly. Sometimes it can take 10 minutes, sometimes two hours, and sometimes two days. Good luck, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
## Immigration Offices in Other Cities in Peru
From my experiences in the immigration offices in Chiclayo and Tarapoto, it’s a lot quicker and easier to do straightforward immigration stuff in these smaller regional offices, rather than in Lima.
There are currently 15 regional offices dotted across Peru. You won’t necessarily be able to complete all procedures in these smaller offices, but it’s worth going in and asking. Most of them should be able to help you with tourist visa extensions and other (supposedly) simple tasks.
Nearly all of these offices are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to midday.
**Arequipa**\
Address: Urbanización Quinta Tristán 2do Parque, Distrito José Bustamante y Rivero, Arequipa\
Phone: 054-421759\
The immigration office in Arequipa is about 1.75 miles (as the crow flies) southeast of the historic center. I’m not sure if there’s much worth seeing out this way. Any suggestions?
**Chiclayo**\
Address: Calle Los Tumbos 160, Urbanización Santa Victoria, Chiclayo\
Phone: 074-206838
**Chimbote**\
Address: Prolongación Leoncio Prado Mz. C Lt. 2, Chimbote\
Phone: 043-322481
**Cusco**\
Address: Av. El Sol 612, Local de la Prefectura, Cusco (read [Cusco travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/))\
Phone: 01-2001000 (Extension 1201)\
The immigration office in Cusco is directly southeast of the Plaza Mayor, less than half a mile away and passing near the Coricancha on the way (if you head down Av. El Sol).
**Huancayo**\
Address: Av. Giráldez N°634 , Camara de Comercio (one block from RealPlaza), Huancayo\
Phone: 064-214260
**Ilo**\
Address: Urbanización Enapu-Perú Mz. B, Ilo\
Phone: 053-482105
**Iquitos**\
Address: Av. Andrés Avelino Cáceres (no number), block 18, Morona Cocha, Iquitos (read [Iquitos travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/))\
Phone: 065-235173
**Piura**\
Address: Corner of Av. Sullana and Integración, Piura\
Phone: 073-335536
**Pucallpa**\
Address: Jr. Libertad 542, Pucallpa\
Phone: 061-575014
**Puerto Maldonado**\
Address: Av. 15 de Agosto 658, Puerto Maldonado\
Phone: 082-571069
**Puno**\
Address: Jr. Ayacucho 270 – 280, Puno (read [Puno travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/))\
Phone: 051-357103\
The immigration office in Puno is located right in the center of the city, less than a block from the Plaza de Armas.
**Tacna**\
Address: Av. Circunvalación, Urb. El Triángulo, Tacna\
Phone: 052-243231 / 052-242210
**Tarapoto**\
Address: Jr. Ramírez Hurtado 433, Tarapoto (read [Tarapoto travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/))\
Phone: 01-2001000 (Extension 1335)\
The immigration office in Tarapoto is small but the people are friendly. And if you get hungry, there’s a good cevicheria called Primer Puerto a few doors up the road.
**Trujillo**\
Address: Av. Víctor Larco Herrera 1216, Urb. Los Pinos, Trujillo\
Phone: 01-2001000 (Extension 1301)
**Tumbes**\
Address: Av. Arica 151, Tumbes\
Phone: 01-2001000 (Extension 1314)
## Any Advice or Experiences to Share About Immigration Offices in Peru?
If you have any tips, tales or traumas associated with any of the immigration offices in Peru, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks!
---
# The Rise of Rainbow Mountain in Peru: The Potential and the Problems
URL: https://newperuvian.com/the-rise-of-rainbow-mountain-in-peru/
Published: 2018-12-07
Updated: 2026-06-13
Topic: rainbow mountain
_This is a guest post by Kevin Groh, one of the founders of the Cachi travel company (see author box below for more info)._
After being discovered as a tourist destination in 2013, people have flocked to Rainbow Mountain. To the Pampachiri community located in the Canchis province and Pitumarca district, it is known as Vinicunca Mountain. And it’s with good reason that so many people want to visit Rainbow Mountain. It’s painted with colors of red, turquoise, and gold. It’s such a remarkable sight that it almost looks as if God had opened up Photoshop to practice his editing skills.
## The Benefits of Rainbow Mountain to the Local Community
Since its introduction to the wider world in 2013, over 1,000 people per day have decided to make the trek to Rainbow Mountain so they can snap a picture of it for their Instagram feed. As a result, many locals have migrated back to their old homes due to the economic boom brought about by the increase in tourism. Where the travelers go, jobs follow, right?
It has been a boom for the alpaca wool farmers in the area as many tourists bring home alpaca scarves, hats, and gloves. From an economic standpoint, the tour guides are bringing in over $400,000 per year for their community. People can put food on the table, pay for their clothes, and make repairs to their housing.
This is vital for a community that suffers from significant malnutrition rates. According to UNICEF, the area has up to 73% of people living in poverty and up to 40% living in extreme poverty. Additionally, according to the Inter Press Service, 53.1% of children in the area are malnourished.
_Small local stores set up near Rainbow Mountain. Photo by Cachi tour guide._
## Consequences of Increased Visitor Numbers at Rainbow Mountain
Despite these positives, there are significant concerns about what the new traffic is doing to the area. An increase in the number of people to the area can have some very substantial negative environmental consequences.
The community had to build a sizeable gravel-filled parking lot to accommodate the increase in traffic to the area. This area had previously been an important wetland for various animal species that lived in the area.
Also, the large number of people visiting — some 365,000 per year — has led to the creation of a path up the side of the mountain that has become very susceptible to runoff, causing significant erosion. As a result, there have been significant levels of destruction ecologically to the area. This has destroyed a considerable number of plants and habitat areas.
The Pitimurca District asks the local community to preserve the nature of the trail leading to the top of the mountain. However, they receive no compensation to do so besides the fees they collect from selling garments, operating tours, and giving tourists a ride up the mountain on their horse.
And it’s not just the tourists who have shown an increased interest in the area, and not only the locals seeing dollar signs when it comes to Rainbow Mountain. Due to the abundance of copper ore and iron ore located near the mountain, the Canadian mining company, Camino Minerals Corporation, applied for permission to start mining operations in the area. The proposal has been met with outrage by many environmentalists and others looking to preserve the serenity of the area. However, as of November 23, 2018, a presidential decree by the Peruvian government [declared a mining ban for the next 12 months](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-26/peru-stops-miners-from-exploring-rainbow-mountain-tourist-area).
## What Can be Done to Protect Rainbow Mountain?
Is there any way the mountain can be preserved environmentally, while at the same time providing a steady income to help combat malnutrition and poverty rates in the area?
One option may be to implement similar standards that are in place for the [Inca Trail](https://newperuvian.com/inca-trail-map-elevation-profile/). There was a time when the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu saw rapid deterioration due to a lack of conservation efforts. At one time, Machu Picchu was on the World Monuments Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites. After conservation efforts, it was removed from the list.
If nothing is done to preserve Vinicunca Mountain, the beauty that exists today may not survive another five years. It may be worthwhile to close the site down in February for cleanup, as they do for the Inca Trail. As it’s the rainy season, it’s not safe nor enjoyable to trek to Rainbow Mountain at this time anyway.
Tourism agencies could also assist in preservation and cleanup efforts as they do with the preservation of the Inca Trail. Some are already adjusting how they run the trip: [Rainbow Mountain Travels](https://www.rainbowmountaintravels.com/), one of the bigger operators on the mountain, schedules its departures to reach the summit before the main mid-morning wave, which at least spreads the daily crowd more thinly across the site. If the number of tourists visiting the area becomes overly burdensome, they could install a permit system. A permit system would help control visitor numbers while providing a source of income for the local community, as well as funds for the maintenance and conservation of Rainbow Mountain.
Measures can be taken to preserve the sanctity of Rainbow Mountain (as well as [alternative rainbow mountains like Palccoyo](https://newperuvian.com/palccoyo-alternative-rainbow-mountain/)) while providing an excellent source of income for those local to the area. But steps may need to be implemented before it is too late.
Kevin Groh is one of the founders of [Cachi](https://www.cachilife.com/), a travel company that’s looking to change how travelers experience Peru, while at the same time giving back to local communities. Kevin was on pace to be a world champion Halo gamer before he decided to focus on his love for the outdoors.
---
# Shipping Your Car and Belongings to Peru: The Key Considerations
URL: https://newperuvian.com/shipping-your-car-and-belongings-to-peru/
Published: 2018-09-17
Updated: 2018-09-18
Topic: shipping a car to peru
With its incredible geography and endless range of natural and man-made attractions – and one of the world's fastest-growing economies – Peru has become increasingly popular as a destination for ex-pats in recent times. But relocating to Peru from the U.S. or further afield can be challenging, so you’ll need to research this in detail before making confirmed plans.
In the post below, we’ll offer some actionable advice to help you complete your move, particularly in relation to shipping your car to Peru, along with all your household items.
## Shipping Your Vehicle to Peru
If you own a car prior to your move, importing this to Peru can be extremely beneficial. After all, while larger cities like Lima have a dedicated bus service, drivers only tend to speak Spanish and it can be hard to travel between destinations without a decent grasp of the language.
The situation can be even more challenging in more remote regions of Peru, as public transport is far less frequent while vehicles are also increasingly likely to break down, be delayed or even crash.
Before you’re able to ship your vehicle to Peru, however, you’ll need to ensure that it's compliant with the nation’s laws, regulations and requirements. Once this process has been completed, you’ll be able to determine whether your vehicle will be deemed as roadworthy in Peru, and if not, identify an alternative course of action.
To begin with, all vehicles imported to Peru must be within five years of its manufacture, otherwise the authorities will not allow you to ship it. This will only be waived in unique circumstances, such as instances where you’re willing to donate the car for public sector use as a taxi. This is unlikely, of course, but this set of circumstances could well see the age restriction overlooked.
Similarly, you may find the restriction waived if you’re a member of the National Diplomatic Services, although you’ll need to provide proof of this prior to shipping the vehicle.
All vehicles being shipped into Peru will also be subjected to an import duty, which is to be applied as soon as the car is dispatched from its country of origin. This includes a general sales tax, which is currently fixed at a rate of 86% for used vehicles and 45% on new cars that have only recently been purchased.
These rates are fair and based on the value of the car in Peru, which may be impacted by currency conversion and exchange rates. Additional duties will also be applied to you as the owner of the vehicles, including a standard customs fee to be applied by the local authorities in your precise destination.
Once again, these levies are waived if you’re a foreign diplomat, and it’s important to notify the authorities as soon as possible if this is the case.
After these considerations have been taken into account, the next step is to ensure that you have the requisite paperwork and customs documentation. Although this can be a painstaking piece of preparation, it can help you avoid any shipment delays or unnecessary, additional costs.
## Required Documentation for Shipping Your Car to Peru
Here’s a comprehensive list of the precise documentation you’ll need before you can ship your car to Peru:
- Vehicle Identification Number
- Vehicle RegistrationVehicle Title
- Inspection Report for New Vehicles
- Second Verification Report for Used Vehicles
- Emissions Inspection Approved by the Ministry of Transport
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Gas Emissions Certificate
- Technical Certificate
This is quite a checklist, but it’s important that you have authenticated copies of each document if you’re to import your vehicle successfully. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to complete the shipment and you’ll run the risk that the vehicle will be rejected at customs.
At this point, it may be worth hiring a professional service provider that specializes in the shipment of automobiles. This will incur a cost, of course, but it’s important to note that firms of this type will often handle the documentation requirements and ensure that all paperwork is completed and filed compliantly.
## Preparing Your Car for Shipment to Peru
If you do decide to pursue this course of action, however, it’s crucial that you prepare the vehicle according to the requirements of your chosen service provider. This will require you to take a couple of simple but important steps, in order to allow for as seamless a shipment as possible and safeguard the interests of the company.
According to [A-1 Auto Transport](https://www.a1autotransport.com), one of the first steps that you should take is to thoroughly clean the vehicle, paying attention to both the exterior and the interior. Protruding or impermanent components should also be removed at this time, including antennas, spoilers and roof racks, in order to better protect them from damage.
The courier in question will also want you to create a document detailing any existing damages to the vehicle. This will include all minor dents and scratches, as well as any other visual blemishes that are noticeable. We’d also recommend backing this up with pictures, so that there can be little dispute, in instances where additional damage is reported.
It’s also interesting to note that companies will often apply a punitive charge for vehicles that have more a quarter of a tank of fuel at the time of shipment. So, be sure to check this before the car is collected, as this could add a frustrating an entirely unnecessary expense.
Beyond this, all that’s required is for you to attend to another couple of seemingly small details. One of these revolves around your car’s fluid levels, as checking these could highlight any potential leaks ahead of shipment. Similarly, you should take the time to disable the car alarm, as this could avoid potential delays once the vehicle is out on the road.
On a final note, there are a couple of other considerations to keep in mind when shipping your vehicle to Peru. Firstly, it’s worth capturing the measurements of your vehicle for prosperity, as this is something that firms will want to know before offering you a quotation. This will also dictate the precise method of shipment that you use, as will the final selection of the port you’ll import into.
Just remember, there are around 25 individual shipping ports in Peru, and identifying the right one can prove crucial.
## How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car to Peru?
Car shipping costs from the United States to Peru typically fall in the range of $2,200 to $4,100 for a standard vehicle in a shipping container. For example, shipping a Honda Element from New York to the port at Callao in Peru costs around $2,450.
It's hard to get an accurate quote from the UK or other countries as its always changing, so it's always best to compare a few options before deciding on a course of action.
## How Do You Import Households Goods to Peru?
When it comes to shipping your worldly possessions and household goods, one of the first things to consider is whether or not your items are eligible for import. After all, each nation has its own strict requirements with regards to importing goods, and these will need to be adhered to in every conceivable instance. (If you're just coming into Peru as a tourist with standard baggage, you can [read more about Peruvian customs regulations](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-customs-regulations-can-cant-bring-into-peru/) here)
In the case of Peru, the following items are prohibited by the customs authorities, and will not be eligible for shipment in any circumstances.
- Asbestos
- Dangerous goods, hazardous or combustible materials
- Firearms, or parts of
- Ivory
- Mutilated maps of Peru
- Personal effects valued over US$ 2000
- Pisco (alcoholic beverage), unless made in Peru
- Sweeteners including sucralose, saccharin, aspartame powder
- Used car parts
- Used clothing
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
Beyond this, Peru also happens to have one of the longest lists of restricted items imaginable, and it will not be possible to ship these goods without express permission or written consent. Here’s the full list of goods that are subject to restrictions:
**Alcoholic Beverages other than Pisco:** If importing alcohol other than Peru’s national drink, you’ll need to provide DIGESA Sanitary Registration or DIGEMID. If you ship less than 3 liters and for personal consumption, you may only be required to file a simple declaration form.
**Computer Software and Hardware:** This type of equipment will be subject to Customs inspection. If it is an upgrade, a letter of declaration must be included in the shipment. Duties may also be applied to licensed software, and you’ll need to check this prior to traveling.
**Cosmetics:** An invoice must be included in the shipment, including a comprehensive description of goods, their usage, and any precise brand specifications.
**Drugs and Medications:** For private and personal use, you’ll need to provide a prescription that has been issued and reviewed by a Peruvian doctor. This should also be endorsed by the DIGEMID, or your medication will not be allowed to pass.
**Machine and Electronic Parts**: Once again, you’ll need to include a complete description of the relevant goods, along with the technical specifications as part of a detailed invoice.
**Personal Effects Under $2,000:** Start by recording the miscellaneous items on a commercial invoice, while indicating that this relates to ‘personal effects’ at the top. This should also include proof that you’ve lived outside of Peru for 13 months consecutively prior to the move, along with the value of each item.
You can review a full [list of prohibited or restricted items here](https://www.export.gov/article?id=Peru-Prohibited-Restricted-Imports), and be sure to review this thoroughly when packing and planning your relocation.
## Other Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Car and Household Items to Peru
When it comes to shipping your car and household belongings to a foreign country, we always recommend that you seek the help of an experienced international shipping company.
Here’s why we believe this:
Shipping your vehicle and household goods to another country is an expensive and time consuming process. Unless you are expressly familiar with Peru, the import process, and their specific regulations, it’s easy to make a mistake that can delay your shipment, or at worst, have your vehicle and household belongings denied and sent back to their country of origin.
A mistake like this, which is often easily avoidable, is costly and something that you don’t want to go through.
By working with an experienced international shipping company, you directly benefit from their experience.
After all, they do this stuff for a living, and because of that, they know what paperwork to fill out, how to shorten delays, and they greatly increase your chances of getting your belongings through customs as quickly as possible.
---
# The Effects of Climate Change in Peru: Problems and Solutions
URL: https://newperuvian.com/effects-of-climate-change-in-peru/
Published: 2018-08-25
Updated: 2018-08-25
Topic: climate change in peru
_The following guest post about the effects of climate change in Peru was written by Josy O'Donnel, the creator of [Conservation Institute](https://www.conservationinstitute.org/). See the end of the article for more about the author._
_Heavy snowfall in the Cusco Region in 2013. Photo by [adan smith](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Quispicanchi_Province,_Peru_-_panoramio.jpg), Wikimedia Commons._
Each day, more evidence emerges on the catastrophic effects of climate change. In the environmental arena, climate change is currently one of the most significant, worrisome, and debated issues. There is still more to learn about climate change and how it affects the planet, but researchers and scientists continue to make alarming discoveries about what changes have occurred so far, and what further changes will occur in the future, to Earth's global climate.
## What Is Climate Change?
Climate change, also called “global warming,” refers to an increase in average air temperatures on Earth. Climate change, according to the vast majority of scientists (see [here](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/may/03/is-the-climate-consensus-97-999-or-is-plate-tectonics-a-hoax), [here](https://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/) and [here](https://www.skepticalscience.com/global-warming-scientific-consensus-intermediate.htm) if you have any doubts about that), is caused by humanity's copious use of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide into the air when they are burned.
Ultimately, these particles make their way into the atmosphere. There, they can linger for years, and even decades. Unlike natural particles, they fail to break down. The extended presence of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases has wide-ranging effects on the planet's ecosystems. Toxic particles that stay in the atmosphere trap heat, which causes air temperatures to rise in the atmosphere as well as closer to the earth's surface.
## The Consequences of Climate Change in Peru
**Sea Level Rise**
When toxic particles stay in the atmosphere for a long time, a plethora of problems arise. One is sea level rise. Sea level rise essentially means that the volume of the world's oceans is expanding. Unfortunately, it doesn't take a big change to have negative effects.
Air temperatures that increase only slightly can cause sea levels to rise dramatically, which in turn increases the risk of severe flooding. Storm surges rise to higher levels during coastal storms, which intensifies and accelerates beach erosion. This also jeopardizes people and property along the coast. According to NASA, global sea levels are expected to rise from 1 to 4 feet by 2021.
In Peru, this could result in beaches along the Lima Coastal Zone being submerged. In 2012, the [Peruvian Navy's department of oceanography warned](https://www.peruviantimes.com/16/peru-navy-warns-about-impact-of-rising-sea-levels/16020/) that rising sea levels as a result of climate change could make some popular areas on Peru’s coast uninhabitable in 80 years. These areas include, but are certainly not limited to, the neighborhood of La Punta in the port city of Callao, and the upper-class beach district of Asia, located just outside of [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/). Mancora, the popular beach town on Peru's north coast, could also be impacted.
**Glacial Melt**
Another consequence of climate change, which directly affects Peru, is glacial melt. Glaciers are huge sheets of ice and snow that are so vast they normally don't melt. What makes the glaciers in Peru different from glaciers elsewhere is that they are tropical glaciers.
In total, Peru has nearly 70% of the world's tropical glaciers. Both tropical glaciers and arctic glaciers are in peril, as rising air temperatures are causing them to lose ice more quickly than they acquire new snow.
In Peru, one consequence of glacial melt is seen at Lake Palcacocha, a glacial lake in the Cordillera Blanca. [The lake is becoming ever more swollen with glacial meltwater](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jun/29/climate-change-has-turned-perus-glacial-lake-into-a-deadly-flood-timebomb), and residents in the nearby town of Huaraz, located directly below the lake, fear a repeat of an earlier tragedy. In 1941, a chunk of ice broke away from the glacier during an earthquake and fell into the lake. The resulting flood wave sent an avalanche of mud and boulders spilling down the mountain towards Huaraz. It reached the city, killing at least 5,000 people.
The lake is now potentially even more dangerous. In April 2003, [NASA scientists discovered a fissure in the glacier above Lake Palcacocha](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA03898) on Terra satellite images. This fissure and any potential collapse, combined with the significant rise in the lake's water levels in recent years, has the potential to unleash another tragedy. The Peruvian government is planning strategies to control glacial melt in the future by artificially draining some water from the lake.
_The city of Huaraz and Lake Palcacocha. Photo by NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team._
**Severe Weather**
Severe storms, such as hurricanes, rainstorms, and snowstorms, are becoming more frequent and devastating as the earth's temperatures rise. In 2013, unprecedented snowfall forced the Peruvian government to declare [a state of emergency in 10 regions](https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/04/peru-snowstorms-emergency-weather). Over 100,000 residents were impacted as a result of the snow, and tens of thousands of animals died.
Mudslides caused by heavier and more frequent rainfall are also affecting the country. In the future, mudslides are expected to become more prevalent and more dangerous. They pose a great risk to human and animal life, as well as any property and man-made structures in their path.
**Droughts And Floods**
Rising air temperatures can also rob streams, lakes, and rivers of their water supplies. This creates droughts, which affect everything from Peru's agricultural output to the resilience of the surrounding lands.
Today, about one-third of Peru's population is engaged in agricultural activities. The crops and products produced through agriculture produce over 62% of the country's food supply. Over 50% of Peru's farmlands depend on rainfall to generate crops, which means they are in jeopardy if rainfall volumes are affected by climate change.
The consequences of drought are already apparent in the Amazon. Between 2010 and 2012, [a serious drought occurred in the Amazon](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36856428). As a result, the Amazon's trees produced more carbon dioxide than oxygen, which tremendously affected the surrounding ecosystem. In the areas around the Amazon, and elsewhere around the country, the drying lands are becoming more susceptible to outbreaks of wildfires.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, rising air temperatures will also create heavier rainfall in some locations, which in turn causes flooding. In 2017, some parts of [Peru experienced rainfall amounts](https://www.dw.com/en/peru-floods-in-line-with-climate-change-models-says-climatologist-mojib-latif/a-38045642) up to 10 times their normal amount. This created especially problematic landslides and floods in the coastal areas, which usually have a semi-arid climate. Torrential rains have also impacted other parts of the country.
## What Is Peru Doing To Combat Climate Change?
Although Peru's stunning natural features are a source of pride, they are also directly (and severely) affected by global warming. Therefore, the Peruvian government is taking swift action against climate change.
Since 2000, Peru has been recognized as [a global leader in stopping climate change](http://www.un.org/climatechange/blog/2014/11/peru-evidence-climate-change-abundant-hope-solution/index.html). Currently, the country's emissions reductions plan has over 75 specific components to reduce emissions by over 40% over the next few years.
In 2010, the Peruvian government pledged to cut deforestation down to zero percent by 2021. This will decrease the country's total greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half (specifically, 47.5%). In addition to its government setting rules and regulations, and taking concrete action to combat climate change, Peru also works with several national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit entities to mitigate climate change and manage its impacts.
**About the Author:** Hi! I am Josy O’Donnel, and I am the creator of [Conservation Institute](https://www.conservationinstitute.org/). While completing my bachelors degree, I developed an interest in the study of Earth’s future and the conservation of Earth’s natural resources. Years after, I am still immersed in these subjects. I want to share my passion with an online community of people who are devoted spreading awareness and attention to the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
---
# The Best Places for Clothes Shopping in Lima, Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/clothes-shopping-in-lima-peru/
Published: 2018-08-22
Updated: 2018-08-22
Topic: clothes shopping in lima
_You'll find plenty of places to go clothes shopping in Lima, with some of the most globally renowned fashion brands in most malls and cheaper options across the city. But if you're a fashion-conscious shopper in search of something more unique, you might be wondering where to go. And since I know next to nothing about fashion (or clothes shopping), I asked Diana Orihuela over at [redbus.pe](https://www.redbus.pe/) to share some of the best spots for clothes shopping in Lima to suit various styles and budgets._
## Alternative Fashion Spots in Lima
If you're more into the indie-hipster style, we’ve got you covered! The most popular alternative clothing fairs in town are the Feria Cachinera and the Feria Marciana. Both are organized once a month in the Barranco district, the most bohemian neighborhood in Lima. They have a variety of brands from local young designers, as well as shops that resell vintage clothes. These fairs are hugely popular among young Peruvians because of the clothing style you can find, and also for the price range, which is usually lower than in the retail stores.
If your style is not so much Tumblr-esque, and is more conventional, in the Miraflores and San Isidro districts you can find several shops that gather the best Peruvian designers. One of them is [Lima Bonita](https://www.facebook.com/limabonitastore/), located in Miraflores, in which you can shop for a more casual, urban and bohemian style. Here you’ll also find accessories, shoes and beachwear. Another recommended store you can visit is [UNØ](https://es-la.facebook.com/unothestore/), also in Miraflores.
- Price range: From 5 soles to 70 soles ($1.50 to $22)
- Places: Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro districts
- How to get there: You can take the Sistema Integrado de Transporte Único (blue bus) that goes from Central Lima to Miraflores and Barranco.
_If you can stand the crowds, Gamarra is a great place for clothes shopping in Lima. Photo by [Barriga](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gamarra1.jpg), Wikimedia Commons._
## Gamarra: All the Clothes You Can Get
The huge Gamarra clothing and textiles market is by far the largest place for shopping for clothes in Lima, and usually at a lower price than normal retailers. It spreads out across more than 24 blocks, with thousands of textile shops, manufacturers, contractors and retailers selling a complete range of clothing of various qualities and styles. A shopper’s paradise indeed. Here you’ll be able to find everything from basic white tanks to the latest trends in fashion. But be ready: it's a very crowded place.
Most of the clothes you find in Gamarra are manufactured by the entrepreneurs and designers that work in Gamarra itself. If you’d like to design and make your own clothes, Gamarra also has many shops that sell fabrics and a variety of accessories for sewing. Some stalls and galleries can also produce your designs, so this is the place to go if you're into making your own clothes.
- Price range: From 10 soles to 170 soles ($3 to $52), although you can find plenty of items outside that range.
- Location: La Victoria district
- How to get there: Metro Línea 1 has a stop named Gamarra
_Luxury vicuna garments are sold in Kuna. Photo by [kunastores.com](https://kunastores.com/esencia/en/kuna-luxury/)._
## Eco-Friendly Clothing in Lima
If you care about the planet and also like to support local producers, you'll probably be interested in some of these shops. The first one is [Kuna](https://kunastores.com/), a chain that specializes in alpaca, llama and vicuna fabric. One of their principles is to guarantee quality by taking care of the animals in exclusive centers in [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/), a Peruvian province in the Andes, and preserving the ancestral techniques of the Inca Empire.
Another important store is [Pietà](https://www.projectpieta.com/), in which all the clothes are manufactured by women in several prisons in Lima. The idea behind this brand is to help with their reintegration into society.
Another brand that deserves a mention is [Insecta](https://www.insecta.pe/), which has plenty to say about animal cruelty in the fashion industry and specializes in vegan backpacks.
- Price range: From 150 soles to 400 soles ($45 to $120)
- Location: Depends on the store you're interested in (see store websites for more info)
---
# 12 Reasons to Hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
URL: https://newperuvian.com/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/
Published: 2018-06-08
Updated: 2018-06-08
Topic: salkantay trek
_The following is a guest post by [Salkantay Trek Machu](http://www.salkantaytrekmachu.com/en/), a Cusco-based trekking agency that specializes in hikes along the Salkantay trail._
Salkantay was one of the main sacred mountains of the Incas, and is stilled revered today as an important _apu_, or mountain spirit. Covered by a perpetual glacier, the mountain dominates the landscape northwest of Cusco, rising up in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range in the district of Santa Teresa, La Convención Province. At 20,574 feet (6,271 m) above sea level, Salkantay is the [one of the highest mountains in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/highest-mountains-in-peru/).
Just as famous as the mountain is the trek that bears its name. The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail. And while the Inca Trail is a spectacular and historic route, there are plenty of reasons to consider trekking Salkantay instead of the far more crowded Inca Trail…
## 1. Discover the Sacred Mountain of the Incas
The Salkantay trek perfectly combines cultural experience and natural beauty. The walk takes you back to the time of the Incas and brings you closer to the apus, the sacred mountain spirits who protect the people of the Andes. The most powerful apus were usually the highest mountains in the region, such as Salkantay. The Incas performed rituals to communicate with them, using sacred prayers and offerings, asking for protection and prosperity for the coming year.
These same rituals exist today. August is the most active time of the year for these rituals; local villagers near Salkantay say that at this time of year Pachamama (the Earth Mother) is thirsty and hungry, and it is necessary to satisfy her with offerings of the best food, giving Pachamama strength and energy.
## 2. See the living culture of traditional communities
When you reach the Salkantay trail, you’ll soon pick up on the mysticism that permeates the area. You’ll also come across strange piles of stones, similar to small cairns, dotted all around Salkantay. These are _apachetas_, offerings made by walkers, climbers and locals to the apu mountain spirits of Salkantay, and to Pachamama.
Before you continue on, your guide (if you have one) will make an offering of his best coca leaves, asking for protection during the trip and as thanks for past journeys. Apachetas are considered sacred, so you have to be careful with them. If you knock one over, don’t expect any favors from the mountain spirits.
_Stone piles, or apachetas, along the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Photo by [McKay Savage](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mckaysavage/7154610823/), flickr.com._
## 3. Appreciate Andean agriculture and ecology
The Salkantay trek not only takes you through Andean mountains and snowy landscapes, but also sub-tropical forests with tropical plant species. As such, you’ll see a range of agricultural practices, different plantations and traditional farming methods.
Agriculture is the main economic activity in this area. During your trek you’ll see plantations of coffee, cocoa, granadilla, banana and more, according to the season. You’ll also be able to meet the local farmers, so brush up on your Spanish if you want to have a good chat.
## 4. Breathe the purest air in Peru
Out on the Salkantay trail, surrounded by nature, the air is just about the purest you’ll ever breathe. Getting away from the pollution of large cities, you’ll be surprised how much the trek along the Salkantay route will allow you to cleanse your lungs, giving your whole respiratory system a boost despite the thin air at high altitudes.
_The stunning Humantay Lake along the Salkantay trek. Photo by [Nicolas Rénac](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Humantay_Lake.jpg), Wikimedia Commons._
## 5. Visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon
The Humantay Lagoon is one of the most beautiful natural attractions you’ll see along the Salkantay trail. Its stunning turquoise waters are quite a sight, with craggy snow-covered mountains in the background. The lake is important to the people of nearby Mollepata, providing a constant source of clean water for their crops and livestock. Humantay is well worth visiting even if you’re not doing the full Salkantay trek. Short one- and two-day treks can get you to the lake if you don’t have time to hike the entire trail.
## 6. Relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs
After a day (or days) of trekking, it’s hard to beat a dip in a natural thermal bath. The thermal waters of Cocalmayo come from a spring in the nearby foothills. You’ll have three pools to choose from, the hottest reaching 44 ºC. The waters are considered to have medicinal properties, and are particularly good for people with skin problems or bone pain. And, of course, for weary, aching Salkantay trekkers.
_The Salkantay trek is a challenge, but nothing that you can't handle! Photo by [McKay Savage](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mckaysavage/7154593269), flickr.com._
## 7. The Salkantay trek is challenging, but not too hard
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is considered a moderate hike but with some particularly challenging sections. Salkantay, therefore, offers both hardened trekkers and adventurous first-timers a good mix all along the route.
The Salkantay trek has a total length of about 45 miles (72 kilometers). In general, Salkantay is considered a little harder than the Inca Trail but not as hard as, for example, the Choquequirao trek.
Altitude, of course, is a major issue and can make some sections pretty tough. The highest pass on the Salkantay trek is at 15,256 feet (4,650 m) above sea level, which is a real lung-buster and higher than the notorious Dead Woman's Pass, which is [the highest point on the Inca Trail](https://newperuvian.com/inca-trail-map-elevation-profile/). But take it slow and one step at a time and you’ll conquer even these challenging sections. Because of the altitude, you should always [take time to acclimatize when you first arrive in Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-altitude-sickness-prevention/), and before you start trekking.
## 8. You can trek Salkantay with kids
Despite the challenge of the Salkantay trek, you can still hike the trail with kids. So if you feel like you’re missing out on adventurous outdoor activities because of your children, consider bringing them along.
Here at Salkantay Trek Machu, we recommend the Salkantay trek for kids of 10-years-old and above, as long as they have a good level of fitness and ideally some trekking experience. But if your kid simply hates trekking and the great outdoors, then they won’t have much fun no matter how physically fit they are.
_A cold creek winds through a valley on the Salkantay trek. Photo by [McKay Savage](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mckaysavage/7154665165/), flickr.com._
## 9. Salkantay is a photographer’s paradise
If you’re into nature and landscape photography, the Salkantay trek is one of the best options in Peru (and arguably better than the Inca Trail). The outstanding natural beauty all along the route, with incredible views and a variety of flora and fauna, will keep even the most demanding of photographers happy. On the way you’ll see stunning landscapes dotted with herds of cattle and sheep; you’ll see colorful birds and impressive orchids; and medicinal plants used by the Incas. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a beautiful spectacled bear.
## 10. There are fewer people on the trail
Trekker traffic along the Salkantay trail is about 70% less than on the Inca Trail. That’s good news for anyone who likes to avoid other trekking groups and spend more time away from other tourists.
_Just one of many stunning landscapes along the Salkantay trek. Photo by [Felipe Ernesto](https://www.flickr.com/photos/f_ernest/10143753404), flickr.com._
## 11. You can trek Salkantay independently and without a guide
[All trekkers along the Inca Trail must have a registered guide](https://newperuvian.com/can-you-hike-inca-trail-without-a-guide/). The Salkantay trek, however, has no such restrictions and is open to everyone. If you’re not an experienced trekker then you should probably go with an agency, who’ll provide a knowledgeable guide and sort out all your equipment, meals, routes etc. But experienced trekkers always have the option of doing the Salkantay trail independently, which is a big plus for more adventurous travelers.
## 12. Salkantay offers more flexibility in cost and booking
If you do decide to hike the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with a trekking agency, then you’ll find the whole procedure much more flexible and accommodating than the classic Inca Trail. Prices per-day tend to be cheaper for Salkantay, and you also don’t need to book your trek months in advance. In fact, you can normally book your Salkantay trek when you arrive in Cusco, and set off within a few days. Just don’t forget to buy your entrance to Machu Picchu.
_A local guide takes a well-earned break along the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Photo by [McKay Savage](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mckaysavage/7154602571), flickr.com._
---
# Packing for Peru: A List of What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
URL: https://newperuvian.com/packing-for-peru/
Published: 2018-05-25
Updated: 2020-05-01
Topic: packing for peru
_Before you go backpacking in Peru, you need to know what you'll be packing for Peru. Photo by [Rick McCharles](https://www.flickr.com/photos/rickmccharles/160043012), flickr.com._\
You’ve set the date, you’ve bought your ticket, and now you’re ready to get packing for Peru. But what do you actually need to bring to Peru, and what can you safely leave at home?
To help you decide, here’s a packing list for Peru broken up into various sections. It’s aimed at people traveling fairly light on a low to average budget. Quantities, where suggested, are just a rough guide and naturally depend on [how much time you have in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/how-many-days-do-you-need-in-peru/).
If you don’t already know how you’re going to carry all your clothes, gadgets and gear, then [read more about backpacks for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-backpack-for-peru-south-america/) first, as well as the benefits of carrying a daypack.
Also remember that you can buy almost everything you need in Peru, so if you forget something it doesn’t really matter (if anything in this Peru packing list is hard to find in Peru, I’ll let you know).
## Packing for Peru: The Basics
**Clothing:**
When you're thinking about what clothes to pack for Peru, keep in mind the distinct geographic regions of Peru and the huge differences in altitude. One day you can be in the heat of one of [Peru's Amazon destinations](https://horizonguides.com/peru/how-to-visit-the-peruvian-amazon), and the next in the chilly heights of the Andes, so you need to be adaptable. Think in layers and be flexible, but don't pack too much.
- 1 pair of shoes/trainers/sneakers for day-to-day use
- 1 pair of flip-flops/sandals
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket (or poncho)
- 1 warm jacket or lightweight fleece for cold weather
- 1 pair of trousers/pants/jeans for day-to-day use
- (1 pair of convertible trousers/pants that turn into shorts; not essential, but handy and good for trekking)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 swimsuit/swimming shorts (men could use their swimming shorts day-to-day as well, maybe replacing standard shorts to save space)
- 2 or 3 t-shirts
- 3 or 4 pieces of underwear (boxers, briefs, Y-fronts, frilly knickers… whatever makes you feel good)
- 3 or 4 pairs of lightweight socks (depending on how much hand-washing you want to do)
- 1 or 2 lightweight shirts or dressy outfits to wear on a night out, formal occasion, trying to get laid etc.
- 1 hat or cap
- 1 pair of sunglasses (even if you don’t normally wear them, sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from sun especially at high altitudes, when trekking on snow, or when on a boat/kayak/canoe when light reflects up off the water)
**Toiletries and medicine:**
- 1 wash bag with all the basics like toothbrush, toothpaste, small bar of soap, shampoo, razor etc.
- 1 insect repellent spray (DEET is nasty stuff, but you’ll learn to love it when the mosquitoes attack)
- 1 bottle of sunscreen, high factor for [high altitudes locations in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/)
- Any prescription medicines you might need
- (Anti-malarial medicine, if your doctor recommends it)
- Throw in some painkillers and plasters just in case
- Birth control
- Small travel towel (most hostels and hotels supply a towel, even if you have to ask, so this isn’t essential)
**Electronics and gadgets:**
- Plug adapter ([read more about electricity in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/electricity-in-peru-voltage-plugs-outlets-adapters/) before you travel)
- Camera and accessories
- Smartphone, not essential, but handy
- Laptop (or tablet), if you really need to [bring a laptop to Peru](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/)
- E-reader (I use a Kindle Paperwhite)
- Small flashlight
- Chargers for all your gadgets
- A lock to secure your locker if you’ll be staying in hostels (some hostels provide these, others have them to buy, but it’s handy – but not essential — to have your own)
**Documents and paperwork:**
- Passport (valid for at least six months after return date of travel)
- Flight tickets
- Wallet with bank cards, some cash (dollars or soles) and driving license (if you think you might drive in Peru)
## What to Pack for Peru for Specific Tours and Activities
Here are a few more things to consider packing for Peru if you’ll be focusing on certain activities…
**Trekking and outdoor activities:**
- Trekking shoes
- Thermal underwear for high-altitude or cold-climate trekking
- Trekking socks, which will help prevent blisters
- Walking sticks, if you use them (you can buy these in trekking hotspots in Peru, and many tour agencies can provide them)
- Pocket knife
- Waterproof bags for cameras and other electronics
- Duct tape (always useful)
- Camping gear, but only if you know you’ll need it (this is normally provided by trekking agencies)
- Sunglasses
**Jungle trips:**
- Long-sleeve shirt and long trousers to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects
- Strong insect repellent (increase the DEET)
- Waterproof bags for electronics
- Mosquito net (most jungle treks and jungle lodges provide mosquito nets, so only take one if you know you’ll need it)
- (A hipflask to fill with whisky, rum or vodka for long boat trips. Obviously non-essential, but highly recommended. By me, at least)
## What You (Probably) Don’t Need to Pack for Peru
- Tent – Only if you know for sure that you’ll be camping independently in Peru. Campsites are rare and most backpackers never use a tent in Peru unless they’re on a guided trek, in which case the tent is provided.
* Sleeping bag – Unless you’ll be camping independently, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever use a sleeping bag in Peru.
- Mosquito net – As mentioned above, jungle lodges and jungle tour operators almost always provide mosquito nets. You’ll probably only need your own mosquito net if you’ll be staying independently in rural areas in jungle regions. Otherwise, you’re unlikely to ever use it.
* Voltage converter – Many modern electrical devices (laptops, smartphones etc.) are designed to take both 110 and 220 volts. So before you go buying a heavy voltage converter for Peru, find out if any of your devices actually need it. They probably don’t.
- Printed guidebooks – The days of carrying a copy of Lonely Planet Peru have pretty much gone thanks to the internet. It’s nice to have a copy, sure, but if you want to reduce weight then ditch the guidebook.
* Unnecessary valuables – You don’t need to bring expensive jewelry to Peru. Leave it all at home and buy some cool local stuff made from beads or whatever.
## Any Questions About Packing for Peru?
If you have any questions or tips for packing for Peru, let me know in the comments section below. Thanks!
---
# Drugs in Peru: The Laws of Legal and Illegal Possession
URL: https://newperuvian.com/drugs-in-peru-legal-and-illegal/
Published: 2018-05-23
Updated: 2018-05-23
Topic: drugs in peru
Buried deep in [Peru’s penal code](http://spij.minjus.gob.pe/content/publicaciones_oficiales/img/CODIGOPENAL.pdf) are the laws that deal with drugs in Peru. They cover the rules, regulations, and potential punishments involved with the illicit trafficking of drugs, from cocaine production to the cultivation of marijuana to coercion to take drugs.
Here we’ll focus mainly on one short section called “_Artículo 299° – Posesión no punible_,” or in English “Article 299 – Unpunishable possession.” The article makes it pretty clear which common drugs are illegal in Peru above certain quantities, and which are legal in smaller quantities if they are for “one's own and immediate consumption.”
## Unpunishable Possession of Drugs in Peru for Personal Consumption
Article 299 states that you cannot be punished for carrying the following drugs in Peru as long as they don’t exceed the specified quantities:
- 5 grams of cocaine basic paste
* 2 grams of cocaine hydrochloride
- 8 grams of marijuana or 2 grams of its derivatives ([you can read more about marijuana in Peru here](https://newperuvian.com/is-marijuana-legal-in-peru/))
* 1 gram of opium latex or 200 milligrams of its derivatives
- 250 milligrams of ecstasy, containing Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Methamphetamine or similar substances
One sneaky little sentence in at the end of Article 299 states the following: “The possession of two or more types of drugs is excluded from the scope of the provisions of the preceding paragraph.” In other words, the quantities above are officially OK and unpunishable, but if you have two or more of the drugs above, even in quantities below those stated, you’re breaking the law. So if you get caught with a gram of cocaine and four grams of marijuana, you’re potentially in trouble.
## Problems With Interpretation and Enforcement of Drug Laws in Peru
The laws and quantities above are fairly clear, and quite lenient compared to the drug laws of many other countries.
The problem, however, is the “flexible” nature of laws and law enforcement in Peru. Ricardo Soberón Garrido, a Peruvian lawyer and one of the founders of the Drugs and Human Rights Research Center in Lima, has written extensively about just these kind of issues surrounding possession of drugs for personal use.
In “[Legislation on drugs and the prison situation in Peru](https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/tni-systems_overload-peru-def.pdf),” Soberón Garrido writes that despite laws like those mentioned in Article 299, the law nonetheless “does not establish precise criteria for police action leaving room for police discretion, frequent cases of corruption, and abuse of persons who possess drugs merely for their own use.”
He also notes that police in Peru consider people in possession of drugs to be potential traffickers – not just in possession of drugs for personal use – and will happily cart them off to the police station. And once at the police station, corruption and unlawful detention can raise their ugly heads.
## Foreign Tourists in Peru and Drug Possession
So what does all this mean for foreign tourists in Peru who purchase and carry the drugs listed above for personal use? Well, it means you need to be careful. Even if you are in possession of a supposedly legal amount, a police officer could decide otherwise and arrest you under suspicion of trafficking. And while it’s unlikely you’ll end up being charged, it’ll still be a highly unpleasant experience.
If you are in possession of more than the legal amount, well, you could be screwed. If you’re convicted of trafficking in illegal drugs, you could face a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 15. So if you’re considering getting involved in the Peruvian drug trade, watch a few [videos about conditions in Peruvian prisons](https://youtu.be/GbtQX0jNRvI), and then maybe you’ll change your mind.
## A Note on Coca, Ayahuasca and San Pedro
In Peru it's legal to chew coca leaves, drink ayahuasca and take San Pedro (from the _Echinopsis pachanoi_ cactus), all of which are considered part of Peru’s traditional medicine. Be careful when you’re leaving Peru, however, as other countries might well have issues with all three if you try to bring them in. Also be aware that [drinking coca tea or chewing coca leaves can result in a positive drug test for cocaine](https://newperuvian.com/drinking-coca-tea-drug-test-results/).
---
# The 12 Highest Mountains in Peru: A Photo Tour
URL: https://newperuvian.com/highest-mountains-in-peru/
Published: 2018-05-22
Updated: 2020-03-09
Topic: highest mountains in peru
The Andes Mountains form the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching some 4,300 miles (7,000 km) from north to south along the western edge of South America. The range runs all the way from Venezuela down to southern Chile and Argentina, with about 1,100 miles contained within Peru. Mount Aconcagua in Argentina is the southern hemisphere’s highest mountain, and the highest mountain in the world outside Asia. It rises up in the Mendoza Province, to a height of 22,837 feet (6,960.8 m) above sea level. The highest mountains in Peru are no mere molehills either. The country has 12 or so mountains above 20,000 feet (roughly 6,000 meters), and most are famous for more than just their height. Among Peru’s tallest mountains are sacred peaks and dormant stratovolcanoes, some with their own unique tales of sacrificial mummies and near-fatal climbs…
### 1. Huascarán
The highest mountain in Peru has two towering peaks. The highest, Huascarán Sur (the southernmost peak), rises up to 22,132 feet (6,746 m). This is the highest point in Peru and one of the highest in the southern hemisphere (705 feet below Aconcagua). The peak of its second summit, Huascarán Norte, reaches 6,655 m, which is still higher than Peru’s second highest mountain. Both are located in Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, Yungay province, Ancash. The first successful ascent of Huascarán Sur was by the German-Austrian expedition of Bernard, Borchers, Hein, Hörlin and Schneider in 1932. Modern climbers normally start the ascent through Huaraz, which is the climbing and trekking hub (and capital) of the Ancash department. From there, they head to the village of Musho to the west of Huascarán before climbing the mountain. _Photo by [MrBasically](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nevado_Huascar%C3%A1n_\(view_from_Yungay\).jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
### 2. Nevado Yerupajá
Nevado Yerupajá is also in the Ancash department, but forms part of the Cordillera Huayhuash range rather than the Cordillera Blanca. Its summit rises to 21,709 feet (6,617 m), making it the second highest mountain in Peru. The first successful ascent of Yerupajá was in 1950, when Jim Maxwell and Dave Harrah conquered this notoriously difficult mountain. Even today, with modern equipment, successful ascents are rare. Yerupajá’s ominous nickname — El Carnicero (“The Butcher”) – refers to the mountain’s knife-edge summit ridge with its serrated appearance. Most climbers approach Yerupajá first through Huaraz and then via the small town of Chiquián. _Photo by [Jeremyfrimer](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yerupaja_South_Face.jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
### 3. Nevado Coropuna
Coropuna is the highest volcano in Peru, and, at 21,079 feet (6,425 m), the third highest mountain. It’s located in Southern Peru, about 90 miles northwest of Arequipa. It actually has six summit cones of varying heights. Scattered across the vast mountain are the ruins of various Inca trails and temples, the best preserved located around the base and lower slopes of the mountain. The Incas worshipped Coropuna as a mountain apu, or spirit, and many locals still revere the volcano. Inca artifacts have been found high up the mountain, and they probably reached its highest summit. The first modern-day ascent was by Hiram Bingham and his Yale expedition in 1911 (the same year he rediscovered Machu Picchu, which makes for a pretty successful year, as years go). _Photo by [Edubucher](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coropuna_Volcano.jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
### 4. Huandoy
Another towering peak in the Cordillera Blanca, Huandoy isn’t all that far from Huascarán. It has four peaks, each one rising more than 19,685 feet (6,000 m). Huandoy’s tallest peak reaches 20,981 feet (6,395 m), making it the second highest mountain in the Cordillera Blanca (well, Huantsan, below, might have something to say about that: the two are often listed at exactly the same height). _Photo by [TMbux](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Three_summits_of_Huandoy_%5E_Peru_-_panoramio.jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
### 5. Huantsan
Huantsan is one of the hardest climbs in Peru, its arrowhead peak piercing the sky to a height of 20,981 feet (6,395 m) above sea level. Getting to the base of Huantsan is fairly easy, as it’s not too far east of Huaraz. But climbing Huantsan is a whole different prospect. Only experienced mountaineers need apply. _Photo by [Bas Wallet](https://www.flickr.com/photos/40255616@N08/5655190015), flickr.com_
### 6. Ausangate
Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco Region of Peru, and the second highest in southern Peru. Its peak rises to 20,945 feet (6,384 m) in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, about 60 miles from the city of [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/). The Incas revered Ausangate as one of the most important apus in Inca mythology. The mountain is still venerated, and is central to the annual Señor de Qoyllur Ritti festival. Ausangate is popular among trekkers and climbers, most of whom arrive in Cusco before heading to the small villages of Tinqui and Chilca. The town of Pacchanta is the most popular basecamp for trekking around Ausangate, and for ascents of its southern side. _Photo by [Edubucher](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ausangate.jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
### 7. Chopicalqui
Chopicalqui is one of the easier climbs, relatively speaking, in the Cordillera Blanca, despite reaching up to 20,817 feet (6345 m). Easier, at least, than the likes of Huascarán, Huandoy and Huantsan. Summit Post [calls Chopicalqui the easiest 6,000 m peak in the range](https://www.summitpost.org/chopicalqui/152630). This makes it a popular climb and a comparatively crowded ascent. The town of Yungay, north of Huaraz, is close to the Chopicalqui base camp. _Photo by [Adha65](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chopicalqui.jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
### 8. Siula Grande
Siula Grande is the second highest mountain in the Cordillera Huayhuash after Yerupajá. It was made famous by Joe Simpson, who wrote about his near-fatal climb of Siula Grande in [_Touching the Void_](https://amzn.to/2IEf7ya), which was later turned into a movie. In 1985, Simpson and Simon Yates climbed the west face, becoming the first climbers to reach the 20,813 foot (6,344 m) summit by that route. The descent, however, almost cost Simpson his life. He fell and broke his leg coming down, and then he and Yates were separated in a storm. Read the book or [watch the film](https://amzn.to/2Li1iTP) for more of what happened — it's quite a story. _Photo by [Jeremyfrimer](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cordillera_Huayhuash_Alpine_Circuit.jpg), Wikimedia Commons (photo shows four mountains in the Cordillera Huayhuash, from left to right: Rasac, Yerupaja, Siula Grande and Sarapo)_
### 9. Nevado Chinchey
Nevado Chinchey is the highest peak in the Chinchey massif of the Cordillera Blanca. Chinchey rises to 20,698 feet (6,309 m), which is about 100 feet taller than Nevado Palcaraju (see below), which is about 5 kilometers away. _Photo by [Ondando](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Perillaerea.jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
### 10. Ampato
Ampato is about 60 miles northwest of Arequipa. It’s a dormant stratovolcano, rising to a height of 20,630 feet (6,288 m), and forms part of the Cordillera Ampato alongside Coropuna (above at number 3) and the active Sabancaya stratovolcano. Ampato is famous for the discovery of the “Ice Maiden” Juanita near its summit. An expedition led by Dr. Johan Reinhard discovered the mummified and frozen remains of the Inca child in 1995. Investigations revealed she had been killed by a blow to the head, likely as part of a child sacrifice. Her eerily well-preserved remains, along with other mummies and artifacts discovered on Ampato, are housed in the Museo Santuarios Andinos in Arequipa. _Photo by [Marie Thérèse Hébert & Jean Robert Thibault](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jrthibault/9549176827), flickr.com (photo shows Ampato to the left alongside Sabancaya and Hualka Hualka)_
### 11. Nevado Palcaraju
Palcaraju is a close neighbor of Chinchey, above. Its summit is about 20,598 feet (MTERS) above sea level. _See Chinchey above for photo._
### 12. Salkantay
Salkantay is best known as the name of an alternative trek to Machu Picchu, one which [most Inca Trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/) now offer. The [Salkantay trek](https://newperuvian.com/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/) is named after Salkantay Mountain, which rises up 20,574 feet (6,271 m) in the Cordillera Vilcabamba. It’s directly south of Machu Picchu Mountain ([which, incidentally, is 10,000 feet / 3,048 meters high](https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-altitude-sickness-prevention/)), and not far from Cusco. Like Ausangate, it was one of the most sacred mountains in Inca territory, and was believed to have the power to control both the weather and fertility in the region. Salkantay attracts plenty of trekkers of all abilities, although weather conditions and high altitudes can make the trek tough going. Climbers need to be more experienced if they want to reach the summit. They normally approach from the town of Mollepata, located about two and a half hours from Cusco. _Photo by [McKay Savage](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peru_-_Salkantay_Trek_022_-_Nevado_Salkantay_\(7154577677\).jpg), Wikimedia Commons_
---
# Smoking Cigarettes in Peru: Prices, Laws, E-Cigs and More
URL: https://newperuvian.com/smoking-cigarettes-in-peru/
Published: 2018-04-27
Updated: 2018-04-28
Topic: cigarettes in peru
You might be thinking "Yeah, I'll go traveling in Peru for a month, it'll be a great opportunity to quit smoking!" Well, let's be honest, that's not going to happen. So now that we've agreed on that, let's talk about cigarettes in Peru…
_(And if you're partial to an occasional joint, read [Is Marijuana Legal in Peru?](https://newperuvian.com/is-marijuana-legal-in-peru/))_
## The Price of Cigarettes in Peru
[According to the World Health Organization](https://www.economist.com/news/economic-and-financial-indicators/21725309-cigarette-prices), the average price globally of a pack of 20 cigarettes was $4.87 in 2016. That figure has probably gone up since then, but it still places Peru a bit below average when it comes to the cost of a pack of 20.
Cigarettes in Peru are certainly way cheaper than in countries like Australia, the U.K., Canada, France and Germany, and a fair bit cheaper than in the United States. In the U.S., the average hovers around $7, with New York at around $13 (among the world’s most expensive) and Missouri at about $5.25.
As of April 2018, prices for some of the most popular cigarette brands in Peru are as follows (pack of 20):
It’s safe to say those prices will continue to rise. When I first came to live in Peru in 2009, a packet of Hamilton cigarettes was about S/ 4.50, less than half the current price.
If you're one of those annoying "social smokers" who only ever wants one or two cigarettes during a night out, there's good news: You don't have to blag them off your smoker friends, as in Peru it's easy to buy just one cigarette. You can do this in some small stores (bodegas), and you can buy them from street vendors. One cigarette normally costs S/ 1 from a bar-cruising street vendor.
## Rolling Tobacco and Mapachos
If you like rolling your own cigarettes, then you’ll have to go on a hunt once you've smoked all the Golden Virginia you brought from back home. Rolling tobacco isn’t common in Peru, and can be difficult to find outside of [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/). In Lima you’ll find a few specialist tobacconists who sell it, like the [Casa de Fumidor](http://www.fumador.pe/) at Av. Larco 590 in Miraflores (not far from Parque Kennedy). There are also a few head shops scattered around in Lima and elsewhere, where you might find rolling tobacco and where you’ll definitely find rolling papers (and pipes, bongs etc.).
For a cheap alternative to cigarettes and rolling tobacco, you could try smoking mapachos. Mapachos are made from _nicotina rústica_, or wild tobacco, and are often used in shamanic ceremonies. They’re pure, but rough as hell. On the positive side, they don’t contain chemicals and they’re ridiculously cheap. You can buy about 100 of them, pre-rolled, for about S/ 5 or S/ 10 (less than $3) in markets throughout much of Peru. If you have iron lungs, then go for it.
_A shaman using a (super fat) mapacho cigarette during a ceremony in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/), Peru. Photo by Apollo, [flickr.com](https://www.flickr.com/photos/brindle95/17776603646/)._
## E-Cigarettes and Vaping in Peru
As far as I know, you’ll need to go to a specialist tobacconist like the one mentioned above for all your E-cig and vaping needs. Or go to a head shop like [420 Smoke Shop](http://www.cuatroveinte.pe/), also in Miraflores. Just make sure you’re buying something genuine rather than some weird rip-off product, or you’ll probably kill yourself.
## Cigars in Peru
You can buy cigars in tobacconists and some supermarkets. You’ll find plenty of international brands, but if you want to try some Peruvian cigars look for anything by the [Tabacalera del Oriente](http://www.tabacaleradeloriente.com/).
The Tabacalera del Oriente makes a wide range of cigars in [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) (where I live), and they’re good. They make premium cigars that are sold in Peru and exported to Europe, as well as more basic mild cigars for casual smoking. Prices vary greatly depending on size and quality. On the cheap end of the scale you can buy packs of five cigars for as little as S/ 8 (Rio Mayo and Puritos Chicos), and they’re not bad at all (well, I smoke them quite often, but I’m no connoisseur). For something more refined, try the San Martín, Miguel Grau or Señor de Sipán varieties.
## Smoking Laws in Peru
Peru’s smoking laws are defined in [Law 28705](https://www.minsa.gob.pe/portada/Especiales/2017/tabaco/documentos/Ley28705.pdf), which covers all the standard stuff from advertising to age restrictions. By law, no one can sell tobacco products to people under the age of 18.
It’s also illegal to smoke in any establishment, private or public, dedicated to health or education (schools, hospitals etc.). Smoking is also prohibited in [all forms of public transport](https://newperuvian.com/public-transport-in-peru/), but that’s a slightly grey area. Sure, you can’t smoke in buses or on planes, but plenty of taxi drivers will let you have a cheeky smoke out the window of their cab. And once you start traveling around the jungle by boat, no one seems to care.
The law also states that the owners of workplaces, hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and other entertainment centers have the option to allow the consumption of tobacco in designated smoking areas. These, however, must be physically separated from any areas where smoking is prohibited. But like [the legal drinking age in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/legal-drinking-age-in-peru/), this is a law that is often ignored. You can still smoke in many bars and clubs in Peru, as well as in some cafes and a few grimy restaurants.
---
# How to Get a Tourist Visa Extension in Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/tourist-visa-extension-in-peru/
Published: 2018-03-22
Updated: 2020-03-09
Topic: tourist visa extension in peru
As of May 2018, you can now extend your Peruvian "tourist visa" (what is actually a [Tarjeta Andina, or TAM](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/) entry-exit card) by applying online. This process if known as the _Prórroga de Permanencia como Turista_ ("Extension of Permanence as a Tourist") and can be carried out at the official Migraciones website.
So, for example, if you were given 30 or 90 days when you first entered Peru and later decide you want to stay longer, you can apply online for more time, up to an additional 90 days. Any extensions, of course, cannot pass the maximum allotted time in Peru (for a tourist), which is 183 days in a 365-day period. I highly recommend also reading [How Long Can You Stay in Peru as a Tourist?](https://newperuvian.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-peru-as-a-tourist/) as it clears up some of the oddities you might come across when dealing with Migraciones in Peru.
**_Before you carry on reading:_** _I had a conversation with a guy from Migraciones a while ago (via Facebook messenger) about various errors and oddities in the online system, and conflicting info being given by Migraciones officials. And, according to him, only citizens from the Comunidad Andina and Mercosur nations (so some South American countries, basically) should be able to extend their stay in Peru online. The fact that many people from Europe, the USA and elsewhere have successfully extended their tourist visas online was a surprise for him and his colleagues, and they say they'll look into it. So… it's a bit of a mess. But for now at least, it seems like you can still extend your visa online, even though officially it shouldn't work. You should go do the extension in person at a Migraciones office, but feel free to try either/both._
## Requirements for Extending Your Stay in Peru
Before you try to extend your stay in Peru online, have a look at the requirements that need to be met according to the official guidelines for the [Prórroga de Permanencia at the Migraciones website](https://cel.migraciones.gob.pe:8081/PRPL/PRPL_Inicio) (click to open this in a new tab, as you'll need it to fill out the extension application). Before you apply, you must have:
- **The correct migratory status in Peru.** Only tourists who have entered Peru with [a standard Tarjeta Andina](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/) ([TAM Virtual](/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/)), and therefore have the official status of "temporary authorization to enter as a tourist," can apply for this extension online. If you previously had to apply for a tourist visa for Peru at a consulate before you traveled, then this is not for you.
* **A valid current status in Peru. **In other words, you must not have already overstayed your initially allotted time in Peru when you try to apply for your extension. It will be rejected if you have already overstayed (you can read more about the [Peru overstay fine](https://newperuvian.com/peru-overstay-fine/) here). And, as mentioned above, you must not have already spent more than 183 days in Peru during the current 365-day period.
- **A valid passport** (make sure it hasn’t expired).
* **Your receipt for the payment of the visa extension process.** Yep, it's not free to extend your stay in Peru. But the good news is it only costs S/ 11.70 soles (about $3.50 US). You can pay this at any branch of the Banco de la Nación. Tell them you need to pay for the Prórroga de Permanencia, which has the code 1857. Keep the receipt safe. You can also pay online at the bank's [pagalo.pe](https://pagalo.pe/) website, in which case you'll get the receipt by email.
### For How Long Can You Extend Your Time in Peru?
According to Migraciones, you can extend your stay in Peru for a maximum of three months. Whether that is considered to be 90 days is unclear, but I'd imagine it is. And, again, remember that you cannot extend beyond the total time allowed in Peru, which is 183 days per 365-day period. If, for example, you were given 140 days when you entered Peru (not likely to happen, just theoretically), you'd only be able to extend for 43 more days, taking you to the 183-day limit.
Migraciones also notes that anyone wanting to extend their stay for more than three months (up to the 183-day max.) must first go to Interpol (in Lima) for clearance. Details on this are a little thin right now. I'll update if I get some more info.
## How to Do Your Tourist Visa Extension for Peru Online
OK, now that you've got your head around all of the above, it's just a matter of heading over to the [Prórroga de Permanencia en Línea (PRPL)](https://cel.migraciones.gob.pe:8081/PRPL/PRPL_Inicio) page at the Migraciones website and filling in the form. Filling in forms at the Migraciones website is a notorious pain in the ass, however, so don't expect it to be sooth sailing all the way.
First, click on the button that says Generar Prórroga (or [click here](https://cel.migraciones.gob.pe:8081/PRPL/PRPL_Busqueda)). Now fill in all of the fields. It's all in Spanish with no translation options, for now at least, so here's a brief rundown of what you're looking at:
- Documento — Select the type of document you used when you entered Peru, probably your passport.
- Número de Documento — Enter your passport number.
- Nacionalidad — Select your nationality from the drop-down menu.
- Primer Apellido — Your first surname. If you only have one surname, then enter it here.
- Segundo Apellido — Your second surname. Leave this blank if you only have one surname (it's not a required field).
- Nombres — Your given name(s), exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Fecha de Nacimiento — Your date of birth.
- E-mail– Your email address.
- Días Prorroga Solicitados — The amount of additional days you are requesting. This should be up to a maximum of 90, as long as you're not exceeding the 183-day maximum. If your request isn't going through, try fiddling with the numbers (see comment below).
- Once you're done, fill in the captcha and hit the Continuar button.
If some kind of miracle occurs, everything will work just fine and you'll receive your requested extension. If so, you should receive some kind of certification with a code (which takes the place of the stamp you'd previously receive in your passport). But plenty of people have had problems completing the online extension….
## Problems With the Online Visa Extension for Peru
If you receive an error message at any stage of the online visa extension process, don't panic — plenty of people have run into problems (see comments section below for various examples). Error messages are common, including messages that say you don't exist, or that your bank receipt number doesn't exist, and other existential conundrums.
Sometimes people also try to extend their visa too early. I'm not too sure what the exact time frame is, but it seems best to extend when you only have 10 days, or maybe a couple of weeks, left before your current tourist visa expires.
If you do run into problems, feel free to ask in the comments section below. But a lot of these bugs are totally random and often the best way to get everything sorted out is to visit your [nearest immigration office in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/immigration-offices-in-peru/).
## Tourist Visa Extensions in Peru for Your Kids
If you try to do the online extension for your child, and your child is 16 or under, you'll get the following message: La prórroga de permanencia en línea no está habilitada para menores de edad, usted deberá acercarse a las oficinas de migraciones. ("The online extension of stay is not enabled for minors, you should go to a migrations office").
In which case, make sure you've fulfilled all the requirements mentioned in the article above, and then go to your nearest Migraciones office to get the extension.
## Have You Tried Doing a Tourist Visa Extension in Peru?
If you've tried doing your online tourist visa extension in Peru, I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below. Being a new system, it's almost certainly going to throw up a few snags, bugs and oddities. If you have any questions about getting your tourist visa extension in Peru, feel free to ask.
---
# Rafting in Chachapoyas: The Four Commandments
URL: https://newperuvian.com/rafting-in-chachapoyas-four-commandments/
Published: 2017-12-30
Updated: 2017-12-30
Topic: rafting in chachapoyas
Suited up in life jackets and helmets, we stand on the grass near the banks of the Rio Utcubamba near [Chachapoyas, Peru](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/). The raft is inflated but not yet afloat, the sun is shining, and for now, at least, everything is tranquil.
“Before we go, a quick safety lesson,” says Nilo in Spanish. He arranges us in the beached raft, which will carry the six of us. “You sit here on the side,” he explains, “with your front foot underneath. Here.” Sat like this, with one foot anchoring each us to the floor of the raft, our chances of being thrown out of the boat are minimal, or that’s the plan, at least.
“Now, four commands. _Adelante_. Forward. _Atras_. Back. _Alto_. Halt. _Adentro_. Get inside the boat.” He elaborates on each of the four paddling commands we’ll need to navigate the river. We listen as best we can, eager to get going. We have no idea that two hours later these same commands will still be stuck in our heads like a stubborn rock in a white-water river.
“_Adelante_” says Nilo in a calm voice, sitting up on the stern. We set off from the bank of the Rio Utcubamba, the six of us paddling in unison down a smooth slide of grey-brown water. The landscape around us begins in rocky riverbanks and rises up through scrub and trees to the ridges of the canyon. Colorful birds flit around, hummingbirds and occasional small swallows diving at the river.
The water downriver is a bubbling white, rippling in channels between large boulders. “When we approach the rapids, you’ll need to paddle hard!”
“_Adelante con fuerza!_” he shouts and we plunge our paddles into the flow, _con fuerza_, with force. The prow rolls up and over a wave and descends down the other side just as quickly. Laughs and screams from the crew. We’re all soaked. “_Adelante, adelante! Con fuerza!_” We’re not through the rapid yet, and a boulder is looming to the left of us, cutting through the water with obstinate force.
“_Atras! Atras!_” We respond as best we can, changing to a reverse paddle, forcing the raft backwards, digging into the river to spin us sideways and away from the rock. Another wave emerges from below like a watery jowl intent on swallowing us, the jaw scattering into spray as it strikes the side of the raft. I can hear Bryony laughing behind me. I look back and see Jack smiling. Nilo gives the command to halt.
“_Alto!_” We stop paddling and draw up our paddles. The water is smooth again. We pass under a dilapidated footbridge of rusting metal, sagging cables and missing wooden slats. Just downriver we slide below a new bridge, a sturdy suspension of red-painted metal, perhaps part of the recent investment into the region, the same money that funded the construction of numerous roads in Amazonas, and, more famously, [the cable car to Kuélap](https://newperuvian.com/how-to-get-to-kuelap-tours-independent-chachapoyas/). The breather is over. “_Adelante_.”
“_Adentro!_” shouts Nilo as we surge down another rapid and too close to a brutish-looking boulder. It emerges from the froth, looming immediately to our left. “_Adentro!_” Too late to paddle clear, we sink down to the floor of the raft for protection. The raft narrowly misses the boulder and we spin around. More laughter. Nilo shouts “_Adelante!_” We retake our seats on the sides of the raft and immediately start paddling through the relentless rapid.
“_Adelante con fuerza!_” With force. Smiling and laughing. The Rio Utcubamba taking us on its way.
## How to Go River Rafting in Chachapoyas
Rafting on the Rio Utcubamba is a fairly new outdoor sport in the region. The pioneers are Chacha Rafting ([www.chacharafting.com](http://www.chacharafting.com/)), who at time of writing were operating from the Amazon Expedition ([amazonexpedition.com.pe](http://amazonexpedition.com.pe/)) office on Chachapoyas’ Plaza de Armas (Jr. Ortiz Arrieta 508).
You’ll be on the river for about one and a half hours. All equipment is provided. The rapids are Class III, so you don’t need any kind of experience to give it a go. Rafting starts at S/ 80 per person.
_All photos in this post are by [Martin Chumbe](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009666063503), a professional photographer from Chachapoyas, Peru._
---
# 6 Reasons to Explore Northern Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/
Published: 2017-12-21
Updated: 2020-05-01
Topic: northern peru
The classic Peruvian “Gringo Trail” lies entirely in the southern half of the country. Such is the popularity of this southern route that as many as 85% of all foreign tourists never set foot in northern Peru.
And that’s a shame, because the north is a hugely diverse region ripe for exploration. At the same time, this relative lack of popularity means northern Peru is a welcome break from the tourist hordes down south (for now, at least). So what are you waiting for: Go north!
## 1. The Inspiring Archaeology of Northern Peru
Everyone has heard about the Incas and Machu Picchu. But head to the northern half of Peru and you’ll be in territory once dominated by equally fascinating cultures such as the Moche (Mochica), Chimú, Sican and Chachapoyas.
Some predate the rise of the Inca Empire (1438–1533). Others were contemporaries of the Incas, and many were assimilated, forcibly relocated or destroyed by them. But all left their mark: in their ceramics, their textiles and their archaeological sites.
Would-be Indiana Joneses have plenty to explore north of Lima. Not too far from the capital is Caral, a “mother city” and the oldest known city in the Americas. It was already an established metropolis when the Ancient Egyptians were building their great pyramids.
Further north along the coast lies the vast adobe city of Chan Chan and the truncated Moche pyramids of the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and the Moon). At Huaca Rajada, another Moche site, you can explore the tomb of the Lord of Sipán and other important burial chambers. These lavish gold-laden tombs were largely spared from the _huaqueros_ — the local tomb raiders — and so far fourteen tombs have been found and excavated.
Head inland from the north coast and you’ll reach the town of [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) and the imposing [Fortress of Kuélap](https://newperuvian.com/how-to-get-to-kuelap-tours-independent-chachapoyas/). This huge structure was built by the Chachapoyas civilization, known as the “Warriors of the Clouds,” before the Inca Empire developed into a mighty force. But despite their impressive stronghold, the Chachapoyas were eventually conquered by the Incas, not long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and the swift fall of the Incas themselves.
_Laguna 69, one of many glacial lakes in Huascarán National Park. Photo by [Esmée Winnubst](https://www.flickr.com/photos/150130427@N06/35583885843/), flickr.com._
## 2. Natural Wonders of Northern Peru
The southern half of Peru is home to numerous natural wonders: Lake Titicaca, Cotahuasi Canyon, and Manú National Park to name but a few. But the north is just as blessed.
Travel 170 miles north of Lima and you’ll reach Huaraz, Peru’s mountain climbing capital and gateway to Huascarán National Park. The park covers much of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, including [Mount Huascarán](http://www.summitpost.org/huascar-n-sur/150254), the highest peak in Peru and the fourth highest in the Western Hemisphere. Trekking in the park takes you through fantastical landscapes of mountain lakes and tropical glaciers, snow-capped peaks and plunging ravines.
Head further north to Chachapoyas and you’ll be within an easy day trip of the silvery Gocta Waterfall, which plunges down through the cloud forest. Gocta remained largely unknown to the outside world until the 2005 expedition of German explorer Stefan Ziemendorff. He measured the fall to be 2,530 feet (771 m) high, placing Gocta among the highest waterfalls in the world. Even higher is the nearby Yumbilla Waterfall, located in the Bosque de Cataratas Gigantes ("Forest of Gigantic Waterfalls") near the town of Cuispes.
Return to the coast and head to the extreme north of Peru and you'll find the mangrove forests near Tumbes. The [Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary](https://www.peru.travel/what-to-do/Natural-Peru/protected-natural-areas/los-manglares-de-tumbes-national-sanctuary.aspx) helps preserve this important ecological zone, home to more than 200 species of birds, many of them endangered. If you're near Piura, you could also take [a day trip to Isla Foca](https://newperuvian.com/isla-foca-piura-peru/) to see sea lions, seals, and plenty of birds.
And, of course, there’s the Peruvian Amazon, which surely deserves a section of its own…
_Exploring Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in northern Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## 3. Amazonian Adventures
Whether you’re looking for a [luxury Amazon riverboat cruise](https://horizonguides.com/peru/how-to-visit-the-peruvian-amazon/how-to-plan-an-amazon-river-cruise) or a dirt-cheap cargo boat voyage, you’ll find it all in northern Peru.
Cargo boats ply the waterways between [Yurimaguas](https://newperuvian.com/yurimaguas-travel-guide/) (near [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/)) and [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/), and from Pucallpa to Iquitos, providing budget travelers with easy three- or four-day river voyages along the Amazon River and its tributaries (the Marañon from Yurimaguas and the Ucayali from Pucallpa). Hammock space on one of these lumbering cargo boats costs as little as S/ 60 (about $19) for the three-day trip, or S/ 300 ($93) for a tiny but secure cabin for two. Both options include three simple meals each day. You can read more about [my experience on the slow boat to Iquitos here](https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/02/human-cargo-on-the-slow-boat-to-iquitos.html).
For organized Amazon expeditions, find a tour in Yurimaguas or Iquitos to take you into the dreamlike Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. This is the second largest protected area in Peru and the second largest in the entire Amazon Basin. Few protected areas in the world offer as much biodiversity.
_Carachama catfish on sale in Belén Market in Iquitos, northern Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## 4. Unique Food of Northern Peru
Peru’s reputation as a culinary powerhouse is growing by the day. Lima is at the heart of this gastronomic surge, but the capital’s internationally-recognized restaurants draw their inspiration from across the country.
When you travel in northern Peru, you’ll experience a whole new set of regional dishes. The north coast has ceviche to rival that of the capital, and is the home of _ceviche de conchas negras_, an impressively inky ceviche made using small black clams from the far north.
The coastal city of Chiclayo is a seafood hotspot, and has given its name to various dishes including the breaded seafood mix, _jalea chiclayana_. Tender dishes of duck and goat are also common along the northern coastal strip, especially around Chiclayo and Trujillo.
A whole different array of dishes await you further east in the jungle regions of the north. The city of Tarapoto is known for its cecina, a type of cured pork typically served with tacacho, a mashed up ball of green plantain and tasty chunks of pork fat.
Keep an eye out for jungle oddities (including [some of Peru's weirdest food](https://newperuvian.com/weird-foods-in-peru-for-adventurous-eaters/)), especially in Iquitos. These include roasted ants and fat grubs known as suri. The vast and ramshackle Belén Market in Iquitos is the best place to explore the Amazon’s seemingly endless range of products, from strange fruits to alcoholic aphrodisiacs. Fish, of course, is also in abundance throughout the northern Peruvian Amazon. You might find yourself eating piranha one day, and a huge paiche the next.
_Peruvian surfer Sofía Mulánovich, former ASP Women’s World Champion, surfing in Máncora in northern Peru. Photo by [surfglassy](https://www.flickr.com/photos/surfglassy/4072999212/), flickr.com._
## 5. World-Class Surfing Along the North Coast of Peru
It’s hard to find stunningly beautiful beaches in Peru. If you want white sand, crystal clear waters and perfect sunshine, you’re better off heading to Brazil or the north coast of Colombia. But if you’re a surfer, Peru will suit you just fine.
Surfers head to the north coast of Peru for a variety of reasons. The waves are long, the atmosphere is relaxed, the surf rarely gets too crowded (and most surfers are local), and a wide variety of breaks exist year-round along this strip of coast.
Famous surf spots in the north include Playa Chicama near Trujillo, where you’ll find the longest left-breaking wave in the world. Further north is Lobitos, a small surf town near Talara that’s also great for kitesurfing.
A short ride north of Talara is Máncora, Peru’s most famous beach town. With consistent left breaks and perfect weather, Máncora is ideal for surfers and kitesurfers — and anyone looking for lively nightlife on the north coast.
_Northern Peru: plenty of culture, far fewer tourists. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## 6. There Are Far Fewer Tourists in Northern Peru
The Gringo Trail down south laps up tourists like a thirsty llama, leaving the north a comparatively untrodden destination where you can escape the crowds and all the negative aspects of burgeoning tourism.
Unlike the historic center of [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) or the popular tourist hub of Miraflores in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), cities in the north remain unsaturated by foreign faces. Sure, there are always a few vacationers strolling around, but nowhere near enough to give you that creeping feeling of being just another tourist on an endless treadmill of selfie-taking travelers.
Don’t get me wrong: the southern half of Peru is spectacular and endlessly intriguing. But the north also has its own special something: something that adventurous travelers will thoroughly appreciate.
## Have You Traveled in Northern Peru?
If you have, where did you go? What were your highlights? And how does it compare to the southern half of the country? Let us know in the comments section below!
---
# Christmas in Peru: Traditions, Food and Where to Go
URL: https://newperuvian.com/christmas-in-peru/
Published: 2017-11-03
Updated: 2018-06-04
Topic: christmas in peru
If you’ll be spending Christmas in Peru, now’s the time to catch up on the country’s Christmas traditions, its festive food and drink, and other common Christmas customs.
You might also be wondering where to spend Christmas in Peru: Which towns and cities offer the most festive and authentic Christmas experiences — and which have the best parties? Read on for all this and more…
## A Brief History of Christmas in Peru
The first Christmas in the Americas was a bit of a letdown. On December 25, 1492, Christopher Columbus managed to run one of his ships, the _Santa Maria_, aground while exploring the coast of Hispaniola (present day Haiti). He had to abandon it on Christmas Day, and left behind 39 men who built the settlement of La Navidad. All in all, not a great way to spend Christmas.
When exactly the first Christmas was celebrated in Peru is open to debate. But Francisco Pizarro arrived in Peru in the 1530s, and defeated and captured the Inca Atahualpa in November 16, 1532. It’s safe to assume that he and his small band of conquistadors probably celebrated — or at least observed — Christmas the following month.
In the centuries that followed, Christmas remained one of the principal Christian festivals in colonial Peru and then independent Peru. Until relatively recently, Christmas in Peru was a highly religious affair, with religious festivals taking place throughout December and ending in the first week of January (beginning with Inmaculada Concepción on December 8 and running through until Epiphany on January 6).
Santa Claus first arrived in Lima at the end of the 19th century. For religious zealots, things were all downhill from there. It wasn’t long before Christmas became increasingly more commercialized. That said, Christmas in Peru isn’t as overly-commercialized as in, for example, the USA or UK. Jesus is holding his own against Santa Claus, and gift-giving (and receiving) still isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of Christmas in Peru.
## Christmas Customs and Traditions in Peru
For many foreign travelers, the most obvious difference between Christmas in Peru and back home is that Peruvians celebrate Christmas on December 24 rather than December 25.
In Peru, as in much of Latin America, December 24 is Nochebuena — literally the “Good Night.” The more religious families start the night by going to a Misa de Gallo (literally “Mass of the Rooster”), a mass held in churches and cathedrals throughout Peru on Christmas Eve. The Misa de Gallo normally starts around 10 p.m. Once it’s over, everyone can hurry home to start the festivities.
Midnight is when everything really gets going. A barrage of fireworks light up the sky at the stroke of midnight, and people stand outside their homes to watch the display and greet their neighbors. Once that’s done, it’s time to head inside to eat the Christmas dinner (see below) and open gifts that sit beneath the tree.
Christmas trees are now common in Peru, but the nativity scene is a more traditional Peruvian Christmas decoration. Known as _belenes_, _pesebres_ or _nacimientos_, these nativity scenes feature models of all the classic figures, including Mary and Joseph, the Three Wise Men, and a few goats or cows (in Peru, the biblical barnyard animals might be replaced by alpacas and llamas). The manger traditionally sits empty until the stroke of midnight, at which time a representation of the newly-born baby Jesus is put in his rightful place.
Gifts are typically exchanged and opened at or just after midnight, depending on the family and the patience levels of their kids. Some households might eat first, others after. In some Andean communities, gifts are opened on January 6 during Epiphany (and the Bajada de Reyes), in which case the unfortunate kids have to wait even longer.
Little children are sent to bed shortly after midnight, but many adults continue drinking until the early hours, often past sunrise.
December 25 — unsurprisingly — is a day for sleeping late, overcoming hangovers, and playing with new toys. The towns and cities are normally quiet, apart from bands of roving kids who still have leftover fireworks to set off.
_Panetón, one of the traditional Christmas foods in Peru. Photo by [N i c o l a](https://www.flickr.com/photos/15216811@N06/31752504105/), flickr.com._
## Christmas Food and Drink in Peru
The traditional Peruvian Christmas dinner normally features roast pork (often _lechón_, or suckling pig), turkey or, less traditionally, chicken. Accompaniments often found on the Christmas table include applesauce, tamales, some kind of salad, _puré de papas_ (potato puree) and a rice dish.
The most common sweet item eaten in Peru for Christmas is _panetón_, a sweet bread loaf filled with raisins and candied fruits. Panetón originally came to Peru from Italy and started becoming a popular Christmas food in the early 1900s. You can buy panetón in Peru all year round, but stores are absolutely full of them in the run-up to Christmas (and for at least a month after Christmas).
Panetón goes perfectly with hot chocolate, a classic Christmas drink in Peru. You can buy bars of chocolate in Peruvian stores and markets specifically produced for making hot chocolate. Cloves and cinnamon give the hot chocolate extra zip (and, if you’re like me, you might find a glug of whisky or rum makes it even nicer). You'll also see _chocolatadas_ taking place during the Christmas period. These are social events where people gather to drink hot chocolate, with the proceeds sometimes going to local causes (such as an orphanage), or with poor kids/street kids invited to take part (and receive donated gifts).
In terms of Christmas alcohol, most families will have at least one crate of beer on hand (more likely five), with maybe a few pisco sours being passed around. For something more Christmassy, learn how to make algarrobina, [a classic Peruvian pisco cocktail](https://newperuvian.com/classic-pisco-cocktails-peru-beyond/) similar to eggnog. Midnight toasts might involve champagne, sparkling wine, or dubious gassy cider.
## Where to Spend Christmas in Peru
Where to spend Christmas in Peru depends on what you’re looking for. For rich traditions and colorful processions, then [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) and [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) are hard to beat. For parties, parades and plenty of drinking, [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) is certainly worth considering (but only if you like big cities).
Arequipa is a happy mix of partying and parades, and might be a good option if Lima’s too big and Cusco’s too touristy. For a relaxing Christmas in [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/), [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) seems like it could be a good balance of festive cheer, picturesque streets and friendly people (as long as it's not raining every day).
As someone who lives in the Peruvian jungle ([Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/), to be precise), I find it hard to recommend any jungle [cities in Peru](/major-cities-in-peru/) for Christmas. I’m English, so for me Christmas should be cold. In the 33°C heat and humidity of the jungle, Christmas just doesn’t feel right, and Santa looks way to sweaty.
But if you hate Christmas and want to avoid religious parades and excessive shopping, then the jungle might be just the thing — especially if you go on a multiday trek in the deep jungle, in which case you can avoid Christmas altogether.
_The Santurantikuy crafts fair on Christmas Eve in Cusco, Peru. Photo by [Renate Zindel](https://www.flickr.com/photos/99586315@N04/16336041975/), flickr.com._
## Other Christmas Events in Peru
Some other notable events taking place in Peru on or around Christmas include:
- Santurantikuy — This vibrant crafts fair takes place every year on December 24 in Cusco’s main square. Local artisans gather from across the region to sell everything from sculptures to religious icons to knitted hats.
* Bajada de Reyes — January 6 is the Bajada de Reyes, which ties in with Epiphany. Traditionally on this day the decorations are taken down and the nativity scene is put away until next Christmas. In Lima, three mounted police, dressed as the Three Wise Men, ride through the city carrying gifts, which they take to the Municipality of Lima on the Plaza Mayor.
- Peru Christmas Fights (Takanakuy) — Yes, you read that correctly. Every year on December 25 in the Chumbivilcas Province near Cusco, local residents fight each other to settle old scores (or just to prove who’s toughest). Copious amounts of alcohol and plenty of dancing ensure that the combatants stay on reasonably good terms after the fist fight (although I'm sure some grudges remain unresolved).
## How to Say Merry Christmas in Peru
Simple: “_¡Feliz Navidad!_” which means “Happy Christmas!” Throw in a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug and you'll be all set for the festivities.
---
# How to Get to Kuélap: Tours and Independent Visits From Chachapoyas
URL: https://newperuvian.com/how-to-get-to-kuelap-tours-independent-chachapoyas/
Published: 2017-10-30
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: kuélap tours
The archaeological site of Kuélap is one of the jewels of [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/). And thanks to its cable car system, the first of its kind in Peru, the fortress/settlement/citadel is far more accessible than it once was.
**Update, July 2026:** Much has changed since I first wrote this guide. In April 2022, part of Kuélap’s southern perimeter wall collapsed and the site closed for more than a year. It partially reopened in August 2023 and access has been expanding in stages ever since, with the restored southern wall sector reopening to visitors in mid 2026. The site is now closed on Mondays, daily visitor numbers are capped, and entry tickets must be booked in advance through the Ministry of Culture’s official platform ([tuboleto.cultura.pe](https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/kuelap)). I have updated the prices below where I could verify them; treat anything else as a rough guide from my original visit and double check the latest situation in Chachapoyas.
Kuélap tours leave from Chachapoyas every day except Monday, when the site is closed (read my [Chachapoyas travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) here), but you can also visit Kuélap independently. Read more about both options below.
## Where Is Kuélap Fortress?
First things first: Where is Kuélap?
The Chachapoyan walled settlement is located near the city of Chachapoyas in the Amazonas Region of northern Peru. It’s about 14 miles (22.5 km) south of Chachapoyas as the crow flies. With the _teleférico_ (cable car), most visitors now reach Kuélap from the small town of Nuevo Tingo.
You can fly to Chachapoyas directly from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) with ATSA Airlines, or directly from [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) with SAETA. Flight schedules to Chachapoyas change often, so check what is currently flying before you book.
Kuélap Fortress, Amazonas, Peru
## Kuélap Tours From Chachapoyas
The one-day tour of Kuélap is the classic thing to do from Chachapoyas, along with day trips to Gocta Waterfall. You’ll find tour agencies dotted around the Plaza de Armas of Chachapoyas and surrounding streets, all of which offer tours to Kuélap.
I went with Chachapoyas Expedition ([www.facebook.com/chachapoyas.expedition](https://www.facebook.com/chachapoyas.expedition/)), who I can highly recommend. The agency is located on the main square of Chachapoyas (Ortiz Arrieta 530).
Chachapoyas Expedition, like other agencies, have departures to Kuélap every morning except Monday, when the site is closed. The trip cost S/90 (about $28) when this guide was first written, which was the standard price for most Kuélap tours at the time. Expect to pay more now, and check current prices with the agencies in Chachapoyas.
The tour typically includes the minibus to Nuevo Tingo; the cable car (S/26.50 return as of this update); entrance to Kuélap; an English-speaking guide; and lunch in Nuevo Tingo. Since late 2024, Kuélap entry tickets must be reserved in advance on the official [tuboleto.cultura.pe](https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/kuelap) platform, so confirm that your agency is taking care of the booking when you sign up.
Tours leave from Chachapoyas between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Typical tour groups seem to consist of anywhere between five to 20 people. Daily visitor numbers at Kuélap are now capped and the site is explored along set circuits, so tours run to a tighter schedule than they once did.
It takes about an hour to get to Nuevo Tingo, where you’ll first go to the shiny new Estación de Embarque (boarding station). You’ll probably have to hang around here for a bit while your group waits its turn to board a minibus for the short ride up to the cable car platform (Andén 1). Once up at the cable car platform, hop into one of the eight-seat cabins — of which there are 26 in total — for the 20 minute ride up to the upper platform (Andén 2).
Once you arrive up at Andén 2 and the Kuélap visitor center, your guide will take you on the walk up to Kuélap itself. It’s maybe a 20- to 30-minute walk; you can hire a horse if needed.
The tour of the site will probably take about two hours, maybe three if you’re going slowly. Once you’re done, you’ll head back to the cable car for the return trip to Nuevo Tingo, where you’ll have lunch. After eating, you’ll board your minibus for the return trip to Chachapoyas. You should be back by 4 p.m.
_A Chachapoyas Expedition minibus for tours to Kuélap. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Kuélap Tours From Other Cities
You can arrange Kuélap tours from other [cities in Peru](/major-cities-in-peru/), including Tarapoto and Lima. These will often be package tours to Kuélap that include hotels and transportation. I’m guessing it might also be possible to arrange a package tour to Kuélap from Chiclayo and perhaps Cajamarca.
Considering how easy it is to get to Chachapoyas independently, and then to Kuélap by local tour or independently, there’s not much point in arranging a package tour to Kuélap from outside Chachapoyas.
## How to Get to Kuélap Independently By Bus and Cable Car
If you want to save some money and avoid the tour groups, then it’s easy enough to get to Kuélap independently.
First, head to the Terminal Terrestre de Chachapoyas, the city’s main bus terminal. It’s just over half a mile from the city center, so it’s totally walkable, but take a taxi if you’re feeling lazy. Colectivos (minibuses) leave the terminal for Nuevo Tingo every hour. The fare was between S/7 and S/10 each way when I last did the trip; expect to pay a little more now. It takes about an hour, maybe an hour and a half.
Once you arrive in Tingo Nuevo, walk up to the Estación de Embarque. It’s uphill, but not too far. Buy your cable car ticket (S/26.50 return as of this update, keep your ticket safe) and wait your turn to be shuttled up to the first platform by minibus. Note that the cable car runs Tuesday to Sunday only, roughly from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Once you're at the platform, hop on the cable car for the 20-minute ride up to the entrance to Kuélap. Enjoy the scenery, or pretend you're [James Bond in _Moonraker_](https://youtu.be/woDyKekeTTg).
One big change from the old days: you can no longer just turn up and pay for your Kuélap entry at the gate. Tickets must now be reserved in advance through the official [tuboleto.cultura.pe](https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/kuelap) platform. The basic circuit ticket is free but still needs to be booked, while the fuller circuit that enters the walled llaqta itself has cost roughly S/20 to S/30 for adult foreigners in recent years, depending on the promotional rates in force. Daily visitor numbers are capped, so book at least a day or two ahead, especially in high season.
If you decide you’d like a guide, then you should be able to find one near the ticket office or where the path up to Kuélap begins. Ask in the ticket office if you’re not sure. I was told a guide at the site charged around S/50 back when this guide was first written; expect the rate to be higher now. That’s OK if you’re in a group of four or five, but pretty expensive if you’re alone or a couple. You might be able to negotiate the price if there’s just one or two of you, or perhaps join up with another group. Look around, weigh up the options and don’t be afraid to negotiate a little (but not too much). To get the most out of Kuélap, it is best to go with a guide.
Two or three hours is enough for exploring Kuélap quite extensively. Once you’re done, head back down to the cable car for the return leg to Nuevo Tingo. You can either eat lunch in Nuevo Tingo or start looking for a colectivo to take you back to Chachapoyas. It shouldn’t be too hard to track one down; ask around if you’re having any problems.
All in all, going to Kuélap independently isn’t all that much cheaper than going with a tour. Let’s say you spend S/14 or more for the colectivo (there and back), S/26.50 for the cable car, and something in the S/20 to S/30 range for the full entrance ticket if you want to enter the llaqta. You’ve already spent S/60 or more and that’s without lunch and with no guide. But if you want to spend a little less, aren’t bothered about having a guide, and want to avoid the whole tour scenario, then go for it.
_A cable car descends from Andén 2 (at 2,930 meters above sea level) on its return from Kuélap to Andén 1 and the town of Nuevo Tingo. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Trekking to Kuélap
If you love trekking up hills then you can skip the cable car altogether in favor of a grueling 5.5 mile (8.9 km) uphill hike.
To do this, you need to take the bus to Tingo (Viejo) rather than Nuevo Tingo. They’re close to each other, but make sure you go to the correct one. Once you arrive in Tingo Viejo, you should be able to find the signposted trailhead (ask around if not).
The hike can take four hours, so you need to set off early in the morning. The trail is well marked, but you won’t find much on the way, so take enough water and snacks for the walk. If you run out of time or decide you don’t want to walk back down after visiting Kuélap, you can always return on the cable car.
One important change: even if you hike up, you still need a pre-booked entry ticket from [tuboleto.cultura.pe](https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/kuelap), and the site is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
## Kuélap Opening Hours
Kuélap is now open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. The site opens at 9 a.m. and entry to the walled llaqta ends in the mid afternoon, while the cable car generally runs from 8 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. Opening hours have changed more than once since the 2022 wall collapse, so double check on the official platform or with an agency in Chachapoyas before you go.
---
# Chachapoyas Travel Guide
URL: https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/
Published: 2017-10-17
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: chachapoyas
_The pedestrian-only Jr. Amazonas, which begins at the Plaza de Armas of Chachapoyas and stretches for five blocks. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
Sat on the eastern slopes of the Andean range at some 2,335 meters above sea level, Chachapoyas has long been accustomed to its own isolation. Founded in 1538, just three years after Francisco Pizarro founded [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), the secluded city has developed its own particular style: Undeniably of the sierra but touched by the selva; of both the Peruvian highlands and the jungles to the east.
Despite its relative remoteness, today Chachapoyas is stirring. The sleeping city is awakening to embrace a bright new future; its picturesque colonial streets have a certain buzz, their wooden balconies looking down on a steadily growing influx of domestic and international tourists.
This new wave of tourism has been stimulated by investment into the Chachapoya archaeological site of Kuélap and its cable car system, the first in Peru. At the same time, new air routes are making it easier than ever before to reach Chachapoyas from the capital. And the city — with its polite and helpful inhabitants (pop. 30,000), comfortable hotels, affordable food and strangely ubiquitous taxis — seems more than ready to receive a new wave of visitors.
But before you go, know this: Chachapoyas has plenty more to offer beyond the two nationally-renowned sites of Kuélap and Gocta Waterfall. Many more archaeological sites and natural attractions dot the Amazonas region, of which Chachapoyas is the capital, and opportunities for outdoor adventure are finding a firm foothold.
New trekking, rafting and canyoning initiatives are being developed by young outdoor enthusiasts, and it would come as no surprise to me if, in another few years, Chachapoyas develops a reputation as much for its outdoor adventure activities as for its big-name attractions.
Now if only they could sort out their internet…
_All photos in this Chachapoyas travel guide are by Tony Dunnell and © New Peruvian._
## Things to Do in Chachapoyas and the Surrounding Area
Chachapoyas is an attractive city with photogenic streets and a pretty Plaza de Armas. And while you won’t find any must-see attractions within Chachapoyas itself, the surrounding area is full of memorable day trips to archaeological sites, natural wonders and cultural centers, most within a two-hour bus ride.
**Attractions in Chachapoyas:**
- Plaza de Armas — Perfect for people watching, Chachapoyas’ main square is a fine place to relax and watch the world go by. It’s also surrounded by tour agencies, restaurants, hotels and the ever-useful mini mercado (mini-market).
* Pozo de Yana Yacu (Yana Yacu Well) — This historic well is located half way up the steps leading to the Luya Urco mirador (see below). Legend has it that Saint Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo, then the Archbishop of Lima, came to Chachapoyas while the settlement was suffering a severe drought. He hit his staff three times on the rocks, and water began to spout from the ground. A well was built around the new water source, quenching the first of the local inhabitants. It's also said that single people who drink from the well will remain in Chachapoyas forever, enchanted by the beauty of the local women. The local ladies need not fear, however, as the well is covered and completely dry. Yana Yacu isn't a must-see by any stretch of the imagination, but you’ll pass it as you walk up to…..
- Luya Urco Mirador (Luya Urco Viewpoint) — Head up past the well and take a right at the top of the steps and you’ll come to Luya Urco Mirador, which offers a good view of Chachapoyas below.
* Museo Étnico Religioso e Histórico de Santa Ana (Santa Ana Ethnic Religious and Historical Museum) — A tiny museum that’s not really worth visiting unless you’re really bored or have a fetish for gaudy religious robes. The highlight of the tiny collection is a scale model of Kuélap.
- Gilberto Tenorio Ruíz Exhibition Room — This exhibition room on the Plaza de Armas is now home to the permanent “El Reino de las Nubes – Las Chachapoyas” museum. I didn’t visit because it shut for the weekend and I ran out of time in Chachapoyas, but I imagine it’s a better option than the Santa Ana Museum. And it has mummies.
* Chachapoyas Market — I really like this market. It’s colorful, has a wide range of fruits, meats, cheeses and other regional produce, and is full of good photo opportunities. The food stalls on the second floor also offer cheap eats, including tasty causa rellena for just S/ 4 (weekends only, I think). The ceviche looks sketchy, so you might want to avoid it unless you have guts of steel.
- Pampa de Higos Urco — Just east of the city and across from Chachapoyas’ large university is the pampa de Higos Urco, a hilltop that marked the main center of the Battle of Higos Urco, fought between pro-independence and pro-Spanish forces on June 6, 1821. A simple graffiti-scarred monument marks the victory for independence. Worth visiting if you fancy a stroll after eating at Los Guayachos Restaurant (see restaurants section below).
_A stall owner inside Chachapoyas Market. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
**Attractions outside Chachapoyas (day trips):**
Chachapoyas is the main base for exploring the most famous attractions in the Amazonas region. Kuelap and Gocta are the two classic sights, but there’s plenty more to discover.
- Kuélap — The archaeological site of Kuélap is the poster boy for the promotion of [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/). The cable car system running up to the site is the first to be built in the entire country, and has helped generate plenty of additional buzz around the walled Chachapoyas settlement/fortress/citadel. Kuélap is frequently referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Northern Peru,” which doesn’t necessarily do it any favors. It's impressive, there’s no doubt about that, but Machu Picchu is a whole different level of spectacular. Be aware that part of Kuélap’s southern wall collapsed in April 2022 and the site closed for over a year. It has been reopening in stages since August 2023, with the restored southern wall sector back open to visitors as of mid 2026. The site is closed on Mondays, daily visitor numbers are capped, and entry tickets must be booked in advance at [tuboleto.cultura.pe](https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/kuelap). [You can get to Kuélap by tours and independently](https://newperuvian.com/how-to-get-to-kuelap-tours-independent-chachapoyas/).
* Catarata de Gocta (Gocta Waterfall) — Depending on the criteria used, Gocta is anywhere between the fourth- and 16th-tallest waterfall in the world. Ranking aside, Gocta is a beautiful, powerful and impressive waterfall, and justifiably one of the main attractions in Amazonas. It’s easy to reach via a two-hour trek from the village of Cocachimba (you can hire a horse if you don’t like trekking). You do not need to sign up for a tour to reach Gocta Waterfall, as it’s easy enough to get there independently.
- Sarcophagi of Karajía — Another emblematic archaeological site of the Amazonas Region, the sarcophagi of Karajía sit in a cliff-face nook overlooking a steep-sided valley below. If, like me, you enjoy history and archaeology, then it’s certainly worth visiting Karajía as a day-trip from Chachapoyas (tours combine Karajía with a visit to Quiocta Cavern; see below). If not, then you might find it an underwhelming experience considering the length of time required (a full day, basically).
* Caverna de Quiocta (Quiocta Cavern) — Most tours head to the Caverna de Quiocta after visiting Karajía. I didn’t get to see the cavern as a member of my group had an accident after Karajía (note: never open an umbrella while sitting on an unprepared horse), forcing us to return to Chachapoyas. Talking to other tourists, Quiocta sounds like a fairly minor attraction (some told me it was OK, others said it was dull). If you’ve been to caves elsewhere in the world, then you might want to skip Quiocta.
- Huancas and the Miradors of Sonche and Huanca Urco — Head out to the village of Huancas, about 15 minutes from Chachapoyas, for spectacular views of the Sonche and Huanca Urco canyons. The Sonche mirador (viewpoint) is the most popular, but the mirador at Huanca Urco offers perhaps even more impressive views. If you want to do some independent trekking, you’ll find trails leading away from each mirador. In theory, you should be able to hike from one mirador to the other along the rim of the canyons, but the trail is tricky to follow, so prepare to get lost and possibly retrace your steps (we tried twice and failed to complete the whole trail).
* Levanto — Levanto is a colonial town a few miles south of Chachapoyas. Levanto and the wider Levanto District are home to a number of archaeological sites, including remains of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road system), the Yalape settlement, and Yurac Urco at Collacruz.
- Mendoza — The town of Mendoza, capital of the Rodríguez de Mendoza Province of Amazonas, is about 30 miles east-southeast of Chachapoyas (as the crow flies). Known for its good climate and fertile soils, Mendoza is one of the main coffee growing regions in Amazonas. Tourist attractions near Mendoza include Huamanpata Lake (best to visit between February and July) and the Aguas Termales de Tocuya (thermal waters). According to a friend of mine in Chachapoyas, the thermal baths aren’t actually hot, which is a big disappointment if you drive two and a half hours from Chachapoyas for a nice warm soak.
* Leymebamba and Leymebamba Museum — Leymebamba (sometimes Leimebamba) is a pretty town south of Chachapoyas, reachable by local minibus in just under two hours. The main attraction is Leymebamba Museum, which houses hundreds of Chachapoya mummies from Laguna de los Cóndores. Some are eerily well-preserved, enough to send a few shivers down susceptible spines. You don’t need a tour to visit Leymebamba, unless you want to combine the museum with a trip to Revash (below), a day-trip combo offered by most tour agencies in Chachapoyas.
- Revash — Revash is a Chachapoya funerary complex south of Chachapoyas, roughly en route to Leymebamba. Unlike the sarcophagi at Karajía, the mausoleums at Revash are like little houses, forming miniature villages along the canyon wall.
_The beautiful Huaylla Belén river valley. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Outdoor Activities in Chachapoyas
Outdoor enthusiasts will get a real kick out of Chachapoyas. Adventure sports are still in development, but the future possibilities are promising indeed. For me, the chance to trek, raft and go canyoning (and fishing) really made Chachapoyas shine as a fully-fledged tourist destination in Peru — and one likely to go from strength to strength in the next few years.
- Trekking — Trekking opportunities abound in the Amazonas Region, and Chachapoyas serves as a great base. The walk to Gocta is an easy day hike from Cocachimba, or you can head a little further north to Cuispes and hike well-marked trails along a beautiful waterfall circuit that includes the towering Yumbilla Falls. For multiday treks, consider the Gran Vilaya circuit or the trek (or horse ride) out to Laguna de los Cóndores.
* Canyoning (Barranquismo) — This is a new initiative set up by a friendly and ever-enthusiastic Spaniard named Juan Luis Molins Perez and his [Canyoning Explorer](https://www.facebook.com/Canyoning-Explorer-1650131935303723/) agency. Canyoning (canyoneering) is an outdoor activity that mixes various techniques — including rappelling (abseiling), walking, scrambling, jumping and swimming — to traverse through and down canyons. With Canyoning Explorer you’ll head to Cuispes and the waterfall circuit, where various canyoning routes are being developed ranging in difficulty from total beginner to professional. Highly recommended!
- Rafting (Canotaje) — Another start-up in the local outdoor activities scene, Chacha Rafting ([www.chacharafting.com](http://www.chacharafting.com/)) offers [fun rafting trips down the Utcubamba River](https://newperuvian.com/rafting-in-chachapoyas-four-commandments/). Whitewater levels range from II to potentially IV. Chacha Rafting is currently operating out of the Amazon Expedition tour agency office on the Plaza de Armas. Rafting starts at S/ 80 per person.
* Huaylla Belén — This astoundingly pretty valley offers a bit of everything for outdoor fanatics. You can spend the day trekking, or set up camp and just enjoy the scenery; you can splash around in the winding river, or maybe even arrange a day of fly fishing. Fly fishing isn’t currently offered by any of the agencies in Chachapoyas; if you’d like to fly fish, [contact me](https://newperuvian.com/contact/) for more information (I have a friend in Chachapoyas who might be able to help). Few, if any, local agencies offer trips to Huaylla Belén, so you’ll probably need to sort out private transport.
## Tour Agencies in Chachapoyas (and Sample Prices)
You’ll see quite a few tour agencies dotted around Chachapoyas, most of which offer the same tours.
- Chachapoyas Expedition (Ortiz Arrieta 530, Plaza de Armas; [www.chachapoyasexpedition.com](http://www.chachapoyasexpedition.com)) — I went to Kuélap with Chachapoyas Expeditions and it all went well. The guide had some New Age-ish ideas about the significance of Kuélap, some of which were too “out there” for me, but it was an excellent trip overall.
* Amazon Expedition (Ortiz Arrieta 508, Plaza de Armas; [amazonexpedition.com.pe](http://amazonexpedition.com.pe/)) — Another good agency. Go here to arrange both standard tours and rafting trips.
- Turismo Explorer (Grau 549, Plaza de Armas; [turismoexplorerperu.com](http://turismoexplorerperu.com/)) — I went to Karajía with these guys and the trip was cut short when a female member of the group fell off her horse. The agency coped with the situation fairly well, although should have been more forthcoming with at least a partial refund. Apart from that, Turismo Explorer seems like a good option.
* Hostal Revash (Grau 517, Plaza de Armas) — This long-established hotel also offers tours, including Gran Valaya treks. If you need information, ask to talk to Fernando Burga, a highly knowledgeable local and former guide who works at the hotel.
- To arrange treks to **Laguna de los Cóndores** (bypassing the agencies), try calling one of the following guides in Leymebamba: Eyrin (941 850 671) or Sinecio (957 471 938).
A quick note on the prices in this guide, starting with the list below: they date from my original research and have risen since, so treat them as a rough guide to relative cost rather than exact amounts.
Approximate all-included prices (entrance fee, lunch, transport and guide) for the standard tours were:
- Kuelap — S/ 100
- Gocta — S/ 60
- Leymebamba Museum and Revash — S/ 125
- Karajía and Quiocta — S/ 95
## Hostels and Hotels in Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas has a good range of hostels and hotels at affordable prices. Even the upper scale accommodation options are reasonably priced, and are generally cheaper than in Peru’s major cities. Unlikely almost everywhere in Peru, most hotels and hostels in Chachapoyas don't offer a free breakfast.
I’ve stayed at all of the hostels and hotels mentioned below, unless otherwise stated; they are ordered (roughly) from the cheapest to the most expensive. Many use Booking.com for reservations, so you can check current room rates there (prices listed below are subject to change).
- Aventura Backpackers Lodge (Amazonas 1416; [facebook.com/AventuraBackpackersLodge](https://www.facebook.com/AventuraBackpackersLodge/)) — Probably the cheapest option in town, with dorms starting at S/ 15. I didn’t stay at Aventura, but I did pop in for a look and it seems like a good place. The hostel is four and a half blocks from the main square, which is further out than most, but still not far at all.
* Chachapoyas Backpackers (Dos de Mayo Street 639; [www.chachapoyasbackpackers.com](http://www.chachapoyasbackpackers.com/)) — This is a great place with friendly staff, a good kitchen, clean rooms and a perfect location just a block and a half from the Plaza de Armas. It also seems to be a good spot for meeting other travelers. A single room with shared bathroom starts at around S/ 40; dorm beds are around S/ 26. _[Book here](http://www.booking.com/hotel/pe/chachapoyas-backpackers-hostel.html?aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)_.
- Hostal Revash (Grau 517) — This is one of the oldest hotels in Chachapoyas. Some of the rooms are a little antiquated, which you’ll either find charming or not. I like it, and the leafy courtyard and knowledgeable staff (especially Fernando) give the whole place a great vibe. It’s also smack bang on the Plaza de Armas. Rates are anywhere between S/ 35 and S/ 70 per person, based on two-person occupancy. The more expensive rooms have a view of the plaza and a small balcony. _[Book here](http://www.booking.com/hotel/pe/hostal-revash.html?aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)_.
* Las Orquideas (Ayacucho 1231; [www.hostallasorquideas.com](http://www.hostallasorquideas.com/)) — Modern, spotlessly clean and with great bathrooms, Las Orquideas is a good option for groups and families thanks to the availability of large rooms with up to five beds. Comfortable matrimonial rooms are also available. The owner, Señor Jorge, is friendly and attentive. _[Book here](http://www.booking.com/hotel/pe/las-orquideas-hostal.html?aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)_.
- Hotel Posada del Arriero (Grau 636; [www.posadadelarriero.net](https://www.posadadelarriero.net/)) — Another spotlessly clean hotel in Chachapoyas, Posada del Arriero is a modern colonial-style building with three floors of rooms surrounding a central courtyard. _[Book here](http://www.booking.com/hotel/pe/posada-del-arriero.html?aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)_.
* Ñuñurco Travellers Hotel (Ortiz Arrieta 186) — Clean, friendly and with spacious communal areas, it's easy to feel at home in Ñuñurco. The owners and staff always greet you with a smile and are on hand with plenty of information. A single room with private bathroom is S/ 60; doubles and matrimonial rooms are S/ 80; and triples for S/ 110. _[Book here](http://www.booking.com/hotel/pe/hostal-aua-urco-travellers.html?aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)_.
- La Casona de Chachapoyas (Chincha Alta 569; [lacasonadechachapoyasperu.com](http://lacasonadechachapoyasperu.com/en/)) — La Casona de Chachapoyas is situated in an elegant colonial building surrounding a charming courtyard that wouldn’t be at all out of place in [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) (but where you’d be paying four times as much). This was my favorite hotel in Chachapoyas, but also the most expensive. Breakfast is included, and it's definitely worth getting up for. _[Book here](http://www.booking.com/hotel/pe/hostal-casa-vieja.html?aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)_.
* Gocta Lodge ([goctalodge.com](http://www.goctalodge.com/)) — This is the most famous lodge out near Gocta Waterfall. And it’s a great place: bright, comfortable, relaxed, friendly, excellent food (breakfast included), good bar, and a swimming pool with a view of Gocta. Gocta Lodge is easily one of my top 10 hotels in Peru, possibly top three. Rooms range from S/ 259 to S/ 419 for a suite.
## Cafés and Restaurants in Chachapoyas
You can eat well in Chachapoyas, and even the most upscale restaurants are surprisingly affordable by Peruvian standards. You’ll also find plenty of cafés selling local coffee and tempting cakes.
- Cafés in Chachapoyas — You’ll never be far from a cozy café for your daily dose of coffee. Keep an eye out for cafés and coffee shops bearing the Ruta del Café logo, which guarantees fresh coffee from the Amazonas region. These include Café Fusiones (more on this below), Alejandra Chocolateria (great chocolates, cakes, cheesecake and more; [facebook.com/ChocolateriAlejandra](https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateriAlejandra/)), Cal Payes ([facebook.com/calpayes](https://www.facebook.com/calpayes/)) and Café Karajía ([facebook.com/karajiacafe](https://www.facebook.com/karajiacafe/)).
* Café Fusiones (Ayacucho 952, Plaza de Armas; [cafefusiones.com](http://cafefusiones.com/)) — Café Fusiones deserves its own mention for various reasons. Firstly, it’s a gathering place for all kinds of tourists, expats and wayward wanderers. It also serves a great breakfast, organic coffees, craft beers and a fantastic hot chocolate with rum (one of my weaknesses). The setting is colorful, artsy, warm and relaxing. If the Wi-Fi was faster and more reliable, Fusiones would be near-perfect.
- Raymistura (Ayacucho 1013) — Located just half a block from the main square, this restaurant serves a cheap and tasty [lunchtime _menú_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/) for between S/ 6 and S/ 10. You can choose from a range of traditional Peruvian _comida criolla_ dishes and chifa options.
* El Tizón (Ortiz Arrieta 516, Plaza de Armas) — Don’t let the dark interior put you off, as El Tizón serves a good _menú_ for about S/ 8 and surprisingly good chicken dishes (pollo a la brasa, chicharrón de pollo etc.) at night. Nothing fancy, but hits the spot when you’re hungry.
- La Tushpa (Ortiz Arrieta 753) — Meat-eaters might want to check out La Tushpa, which serves steaks and other chunks of meat. Not out-of-this-world, but good for the price.
* Sabores de Peru (Dos de Mayo 321) — Sabores de Peru’s friendly owner is passionate about her food, and the house specialties are versions of traditional homemade cooking from her childhood. The restaurant was empty when I went and the atmosphere was lacking, but if you want to try traditional food like _ucho de papas_ (potatoes mixed with cecina and chorizo), cuy in walnut sauce, or trout chaufa, then Sabores is worth a shot. Order a hot draque to drink on a cold night.
- MILU Cocina Fusión (Puno 240) — MILU is a fancy chifa serving good Peruvian-Cantonese dishes. Most plates are in the S/ 20 to S/ 30 range, with a cheaper chifa _menú_ for lunch (around S/ 10 to S/ 15).
* Candela (Dos de Mayo 728; [facebook.com/Candela-800390693340236](https://www.facebook.com/Candela-800390693340236/)) — Pizza in Peru is normally overpriced and average (at best). Candela probably has the best pizza in Chachapoyas, and while it’s not cheap (S/ 24 to S/ 32 for a pizza for one, which is pricey by Chacha standards), it certainly ticks most — if not all — of the boxes when it comes to pizza.
- Los Guayachos Restaurant (Higos Urco 169; [losguayachos.com](http://losguayachos.com/)) — Los Guayachos is a short taxi ride outside of town, up by the university and Pampa de Higos Urco, and it’s well worth a visit for grilled meat dishes and Peruvian classics. I had the _costillas ahumadas en reducción de chila_ (smoked ribs in a chila sauce; S/ 27) and they were amazing — some of the best ribs I’ve had in Peru.
* Mistura Urco (Puno 325) — Along with Los Guayachos and El Batán del Tayta, Mistura Urco is without doubt one of the best restaurants in Chachapoyas. Foreign tourists, however, don’t seem to know about it. Mistura Urco specializes in seafood, but also has an extensive range of local and national classics. If you’re hungry, order a S/ 30 seafood and ceviche combo, which will keep you full and _feliz_ all day long. Thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, low tables and comfy seats, Mistura Urco is the perfect place for a long and lazy lunch. Not to be rushed.
- El Batán del Tayta (La Merced 604; [facebook.com/ElBatanDelTayta](https://www.facebook.com/ElBatanDelTayta/)) — This is Chachapoyas’ flagship restaurant, known as much for its great food as for the whimsical presentation. I’ll be writing a standalone article about the restaurant in the future. For now I’ll just say this: don’t leave town without eating at El Batán.
## Nightlife in Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas is almost devoid of nightlife, so you won’t find it too hard to wake up for all those 8 a.m. tours. But when you fancy a beer — or something stronger — you’ll at least have a handful of bars to choose from, and booze is normally cheap in Chacha, too.
- La Reina (Ayacucho 544) — This is the place to go drinking in Chachapoyas (not that it has much competition). La Reina is an elegant and spacious drinking spot surrounding a colonial-style courtyard with wooden balconies and plenty of plants. The clientele is mixed and can include businessmen, students, friendly drunks and tourists on any given night. La Reina is known for its aguardiente infusions, which include everything from maracuya to milk to siete raices (a classic jungle infusion). If you want to try them all, order the 12-glass arco iris — ideally with two or three friends.
* Other bars — No offence to all the “other bars” in Chacha, but none of them rival La Reina. You’ll see a handful dotted around, but none stand out. I went into Bar Silvia’s for a few beers, which is a good spot for no-frills drinking and has saloon-style swinging doors to keep all you cowboys happy.
- Organik (Santa Ana 199, about eight blocks from the Plaza de Armas) — This is the main _discoteca_ in Chachapoyas (there are only two), and it’s a decent place for late-night drinks and drunken dancing. It’s fairly big and spread over two floors. The music is standard Peruvian stuff. Entrance is S/ 7 at the weekend.
## Getting to and Around Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas used to be one of the most isolated [cities in Peru](/major-cities-in-peru/), with no regular scheduled flights in or out and limited road connections. But with all the investment in Kuélap, the Peruvian government had to make sure people could actually get to Chachapoyas without spending a day on a bus.
Chachapoyas is also a popular stopover for people coming from or going to Ecuador via the San Ignacio border crossing point (an alternative to the more hectic coastal border crossing up near Tumbes). You can get to San Ignacio from Chachapoyas along the road that passes through Bagua and Jaén.
**Flights to Chachapoyas:**
There are now three air options to consider for getting to Chachapoyas. You can fly from Lima to Chachapoyas with ATSA ([www.atsaairlines.com](https://www.atsaairlines.com/)) twice a week (Monday and Thursday), with one-way tickets starting at around $65.
Alternatively, you can fly from Lima to [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) and then to Chachapoyas. From Tarapoto, SAETA ([www.saetaperu.com](http://www.saetaperu.com/)) has three flights daily to Chachapoyas for as little as S/ 70 for Peruvians and other legal residents. Foreigners, however, have to pay S/ 220. Still, the flight takes just 25 minutes, compared with seven or eight hours by bus.
Or you can fly with LATAM to Jaén. Jaén is about 75 miles northwest of Chachapoyas, and around three hours by bus depending on road conditions.
Flights from Lima and Tarapoto to Chachapoyas are susceptible to delays and cancellations, especially during the rainy season from December to April.
**Buses to Chachapoyas:**
If you’d rather take the bus, two of [Peru’s major bus companies](https://newperuvian.com/best-bus-companies-in-peru-safest-reliable/), Movil Tours and Civa, both have buses direct from Lima to Chachapoyas (22 to 24 hours, tickets around S/ 120). Or you can head to Chachapoyas from other coastal cities like Trujillo and Chiclayo.
Regular overland connections also run from Tarapoto to Chachapoyas (about eight hours) via Moyobamba and Pedro Ruiz. The road between Chachapoyas and Cajamarca is also now open, and takes about 10 hours (conditions permitting).
**Getting around in Chachapoyas:**
Due to its small size, Chachapoyas is easy to explore on foot, although navigating can be a little confusing for the first few days as many of the central streets look the same.
If you need to head all the way across town, then you’ll have plenty of surprisingly modern white taxis to choose from (you can get to most places in or just outside the town for three or four soles). Mototaxis are banned from Chachapoyas, which helps keep the city nice and quiet.
If you want to head further afield independently rather than with a tour, head to the Terminal Terrestre de Chachapoyas, the main bus terminal. From here, combis and colectivos (minibuses) head to most of the surrounding towns, including Nuevo Tingo (for Kuélap), Cocahuaico (for Cocachimba and Gocta), Leymebamba, Mendoza and more.
## Safety in Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas seems like one of the safest places I’ve been to in Peru. That’s partly due to its small size, but also thanks to a sense of community spirit and mutual respect among the Chachapoyanos. Walking around the city center at night is very relaxed, but solo female travelers should always be a little careful walking through deserted streets after dark.
The police presence in and around Chachapoyas also seems unusually high for a city of this size. Police road checks are common outside the city, in which cars and buses are pulled over and all passengers are asked to show their ID cards. Foreign tourists are normally ignored, but it’s worth carrying a photocopy of your passport just in case you’re asked for identification.
## Withdrawing and Exchanging Money in Chachapoyas
There are only a handful of ATMs in Chachapoyas (about four total, as far as I’m aware). Some of them run out of money, so it’s worth arriving in Chachapoyas with enough cash to at least get through your first day and night. You can [read more about ATMs in Peru here](https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/).
There are no street money changers in Chachapoyas, so your best option for changing money is inside the Banco de la Nación on the corner of Ayacucho and Dos de Mayo, a block from the Plaza de Armas. If you're [using US dollars in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/using-us-dollars-in-peru/) and need to exchange them for soles, make sure the notes are in near-perfect condition or the bank won't accept them.
I was also told that there’s a _casa de cambio_ (bureau de change) somewhere in town, but I never found it.
## Internet in Chachapoyas
The internet in Chachapoyas is worse than in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/), and that’s pretty damn bad. Some hotels have satellite internet, which is bearable as long as the weather is good. Otherwise, the Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants and cafes is often too slow to use (or too slow to even connect).
I imagine one-day Chachapoyas will receive an upgrade to bring it up to speed with [internet access across Peru](https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/), but for now it's sadly lacking.
## Weather in Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas has a temperate climate with a fair amount of rain. The rainy season tends to run from the end of October to April, with May to September being the driest months (and therefore optimal for most tours and outdoor activities).
### Major Festivals and Events in Chachapoyas
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) — movable feast, March/April.
- Raymillacta — a major folkloric festival, typically held during the first week of June, and combining with Chachapoyas’ Semana Turística (Tourist Week).
- Fiesta de la Virgen Asunta — a religious and cultural celebration on August 15.
## Help Expand This Chachapoyas Travel Guide
If you have additional information or extra recommendations to help expand and improve this Chachapoyas travel guide, then don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. All opinions and points of view are more than welcome. Thanks!
---
# How Long Can You Stay in Peru as a Tourist?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-peru-as-a-tourist/
Published: 2017-10-11
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: how long can you stay in peru
On March 27, 2017, Peru’s official national newspaper, _El Peruano_, published [Legislative Decree No.1350](http://busquedas.elperuano.com.pe/normaslegales/reglamento-del-decreto-legislativo-n-1350-decreto-legislat-anexo-ds-n-007-2017-in-1502810-4/). This contained a whole bunch of new regulations — 230 articles in total — aimed at clarifying and in some cases streamlining various elements of Peru’s immigration laws.
We always knew — way before these new regulations were published — that 183 days was the maximum amount of time allowed by the [Tarjeta Andina](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/) (the simple entry/exit card given to tourists upon arrival in Peru).
But there were always grey areas. Was it 183 days per calendar year (Jan to Dec)? Or 183 days per 365 day period? Or could you simply exit Peru on your 183rd day and come straight back the next day (the classic border hop) for another 90 or even 183 days? Most of the time it depended on the mood of the border official who you had the luck — or misfortune — to deal with when crossing back into Peru.
Everyone kind of assumed (or at least hoped) that these new regulations would help clear up the issue of how long you can stay in Peru as a tourist. But, in typical fashion, the Peruvian officials did a good job of making things open to interpretation…
_Note: While 183 days is still officially the maximum amount of time you can spend in Peru per 365 days, most new arrivals are now given 90 days on arrival, with the option of later [extending their stay in Peru for another 90 days](https://newperuvian.com/tourist-visa-extension-in-peru/)._
## How Long Can You Stay in Peru as a Tourist According to the New Regulations?
Here’s what Article 77.2 of Legislative Decree No.1350 says in regards to the amount of time given to tourists in Peru:
_77.2. El plazo de otorgamiento y de permanencia es de ciento ochenta y tres (183) días consecutivos o de periodos de días que sumados den un resultado de ciento ochenta y tres (183) días dentro de un año, contado desde su primer ingreso al territorio peruano. Estos plazos no son prorrogables._
77.2. The granted term of permanence is one hundred and eighty three (183) consecutive days or period of days that together give a result of one hundred and eighty three (183) days within a year, counted from the first entry into Peruvian territory. These periods are not extendable. \[My translation]
That’s the official line. But the problem here is the lack of clarity as to whether it’s 183 days per calendar year or 183 days in any 365 day period. \[As a side note, there's also the option of overstaying your given time and [paying the overstay fine when you leave Peru](https://newperuvian.com/peru-overstay-fine/).]
### Official Clarification of the Maximum Amount of Days in Peru
In an attempt to clear things up, I first sent a message to the official [Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones del Perú Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MigracionesDePeru/) page. Within half an hour, I received the following clear response:
“A foreign national can stay in Peru as a tourist up to 183 days in a 365-day period.”
Good, that's clear enough.
I then emailed some of the higher-ups at Migraciones, just to see if everyone was on the same page. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t receive a reply from most of them. But I did receive a response from Dr. Frieda Roxana del Aguila Tuesta, the general manager of Migraciones in Lima. Her response:
_“No tiene nada que ver el mes o año, son 183 días de estadía de los 365 días que constituye un año.”_
“It has nothing to do with the month or year, it is 183 days of the 365 days that constitute a year.” \[My translation]\
Dr. Del Aguila’s answer wasn’t quite as clear and conclusive as I was hoping for. But I take her response as meaning 183 days per 365-day period (not calendar year), since it has "nothing to do with the month or year" (and therefore must be any 365-day period).
Next…
## The Legal View of 183 Days in Peru
To further clarify this whole 183-day issue, I contacted Sandro Monteblanco, a managing partner at [Monteblanco & Associates](http://www.peruvianlaw.com/), a law firm headquartered in Peru that specializes in immigration law (the firm also has an office on 11 Broadway, NYC, should you ever want stop in to say hi).
Here is my email exchange with Sr. Monteblanco:
**Sandro Monteblanco:** “The matter is simple yet the lack of proper understanding has led to a series of doubts and confusions. In fact, a similar question also surfaces a lot when they ask about the term “consecutive” as used in the law. Section 2 of the aforementioned article stipulates that 183 consecutive days are granted in a year’s time. The way this legislation is to be interpreted is that the 183 days that one is allotted as a maximum amount per year, is counted from the moment they gain entry into the country. That being said, if a person comes into Peru on April 10th, day 1 of their year begins on April 11th. This DOES NOT mean that if they came in on April 10th, 2017, that they have 7 months and 20 days left on their year. I hope I’ve explained myself accordingly, but if you have any other questions, feel free to ask away.”
**New Peruvian:** “It makes perfect sense. But just to help clarify things 100% for my readers, and to use your real-world example: If a person enters Peru on April 10, 2017, and leaves on Oct 10, 2017 (after 183 days), he will then have to be outside Peru for 183 days before re-entering. He cannot re-enter on January 1, 2018, simply because it's the start of a new calendar year. That's correct, yes?”
**Sandro Monteblanco:** “That is perfectly accurate. The take-home message for your readers Tony is that they cannot rely on a calendar year: their year begins the moment they set foot in Peru. We have had several clients get turned away at the port of entry because of this. This is something that cannot be winged anymore as people were accustomed to doing in the past; it’s not worth the aggravation, not to mention the expense involved.”
## Being Told That You Can Now Only Have 90 Days Per Year in Peru
Around June 2019, [a new document appeared](https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/file/337769/Requerimientos_de_visa_para_ciudadanos_extranjeros.pdf) that seemed to say that tourists of some nationalities, including the United States, were now only allowed a maximum of 90 days in Peru per 365-day period (not 183). This created a load of confusion, especially as border officials at Lima Airport were showing this document to new arrivals and telling them about the 90-day maximum stay.
I contacted Sandro Monteblanco again in March 2020 to clear this up. His response:
“There have been no changes nor new laws issued pertaining to the matter that you are referring to. I would not be surprised if it was just a scare tactic used by some immigration “official.” The reality is that the Legislative Decree 1350 remains intact and it clearly states in its article 29, subsection 29.1, section H that the maximum amount if days available for a tourist is of 183 days. Please inform your readers that to know the law is to own the law. This means that no grease tax or shakedown need be allowed or entertained herein.”
### The Bottom Line
Sr. Monteblanco's responses clear things up. But will all Peruvian border officials enforce the regulations in the same way? As ever, who the hell knows? Since the new regulations were passed, I’ve already spoken with people who have spent 183 days in Peru before exiting and successfully re-entering within two or three months.
But officially, you can only spend 183 days in Peru per 365-day period (typically with an initial 90 days that can then be extended up to 183 days total, or thereabouts). If you try to re-enter Peru before spending sufficient time outside the country, you should expect to be denied entry.
---
# 11 Types of Ceviche, From Fish to Frozen Testicles
URL: https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/
Published: 2017-09-20
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: types of ceviche
Ceviche is one of the most iconic dishes of Peru. But do you know how many types of ceviche there are beyond the common ceviche simple and ceviche mixto?
How about ceviche made using dried ray meat? Or mushrooms? Or bull testicles? Yep, however you spell it — ceviche, cebiche or seviche — the world of ceviche is probably more diverse than you first imagined…
And if reading this leaves you wanting to do more than just eat it, cooking classes in Lima, such as [Luchito's](https://luchitoscookingclass.com/) in Miraflores, will teach you to make the classic version yourself, market visit included.
_A classic ceviche simple from Ica, Peru. The fish used in this ceviche is lenguado (sole). Photo by [Patty Ho](https://www.flickr.com/photos/patio/6196296989/), flickr.com._
### Ceviche Simple (Simple Ceviche)
This is your classic ceviche: fresh fish marinated in lime juice, normally mixed with ají chili peppers, chopped red onions, salt and cilantro. If a menu just says "ceviche" — with no other details — this is what you’ll be getting. Some menus specify “ceviche simple” to distinguish this dish from other types of ceviche dishes. A menu might clarify things even further by saying "ceviche de pescado" (fish ceviche).
### Ceviche Mixto (Mixed Ceviche)
Ceviche mixto is a slightly more elaborate — and some would say more interesting — version of simple ceviche. It’s the same basic dish, but with added seafood such as shrimp, octopus (_pulpo_), squid (_calamar_), clams (_almejas_) and/or scallops (_conchas de abanico_). The dish might also have a couple of mussels and a small crab, both in their shells.
### Ceviche de Pulpo (Octopus Ceviche)
Ceviche de pulpo is an octopus ceviche. You can also find ceviches made solely from squid, clams, shrimp of scallops, but octopus ceviche is more common in coastal Peru. If you don’t like the fishier texture and taste of standard ceviche, then try ceviche de pulpo. There’s an art to preparing it correctly — especially getting the octopus tender rather than chewy — but it’s delicious when done right.
### Ceviche de Conchas Negras
For something different, try ceviche de conchas negras. Conchas negras (“black shells”) are a type of clam known scientifically as _Anadara tuberculosa_. In Peru, conchas negras are harvested in the coastal mangrove forests of the Tumbes Region. It’s most common, therefore, to find ceviche de conchas negras along the north coast of Peru, but you’ll also find it served in cevicherias in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and other [major cities](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/). To protect the conchas negras in Tumbes, each year the government announces a closed season for harvesting and eating them. In 2017, this ran from February 15 to March 31. The dish itself has an inky black color and a unique salty-fishy taste, depending on the preparation.
### Ceviche de Camarones (Shrimp Ceviche)
Ceviche de camarones, or shrimp ceviche, is particularly popular in the Arequipa Region of Peru and along the coast of Ecuador. It’s prepared in a similar way to a regular ceviche. Tomato is sometimes added to the mix. In Ecuador, ceviche de camarones is sometimes served with chifles (thin green plantain chips) or patacones (thick green plantain chips).
### Ceviche de Champignones (Mushroom Ceviche)
This is one of the most popular vegetarian versions of ceviche. Instead of fish, the dish uses mushrooms, making it meat-free and a good option for anyone looking for [vegetarian dishes in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/traditional-peruvian-food-for-vegetarians/). It’s not all that common, but you’ll find it in some vegetarian restaurants. Some traditional cevicherias are now also including it on their menu as a vegetarian option.
_Ceviche de chochos from Ancash, Peru. Photo by [Dtarazona](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceviche_de_chochos_Huari_09102009.JPG), Wikimedia Commons._
### Ceviche de Chochos (Bean Ceviche)
Another fairly common vegetarian ceviche is ceviche de chochos (which is _not_ vegetarian if mixed with leche de tigre, the fishy juice from regular ceviche). Instead of fish, this dish uses chochos (tarwi beans). Ceviche de chochos is popular in Ecuador, where it’s sometimes known as cevichochos, and in some parts of the Peruvian Andes (especially Ancash). It’s also an option in many vegetarian restaurants throughout Peru.
### Ceviche Nikkei
Ceviche Nikkei is a modern addition to the ceviche world. Nikkei cuisine is a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian gastronomy, and so mixes oriental influences into the traditional ceviche. Ingredients might include soy sauce, ginger, sesame seeds and celery. I’ve haven't tried ceviche Nikkei yet. Have you?
### Ceviche Amazónico (Amazonian Ceviche)
Ceviche amazónico is a standard ceviche made using ingredients from the jungle. So instead of, for example, sea bass, the dish might contain paiche (a huge Amazon River fish); instead of ají limo (limo chili pepper), it might use the tasty ají charapita; and instead of a camote accompaniment, you might find chonta (heart of palm) on your plate. The Amazon-style ceviche in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) is often excellent.
### Chinguirito
Another oddity, chinguirito is a type of ceviche dish from the Piura Region of [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/). Chinguirito is prepared in a similar way to standard ceviche, but uses guitarra, or flathead guitarfish, a type of Pacific ray known scientifically as _Rhinobatos planiceps_. And the meat isn’t fresh either, but is cured and dried before being used to make chinguirito.
### Ceviche de Criadillas (Testicle Ceviche)
Yes, you read that correctly: testicle ceviche. These balls come from bulls; the testicles are normally finely chopped, typically while frozen, before being added to the classic ceviche mix of lime, onion, chili pepper and salt. White vinegar is also added. Um, I’m not sure what else to say about ceviche de criadillas. _Buen provecho_?
## Which Types of Ceviche Have You Tried?
How many types of ceviche have you tried? And what other ceviche dishes have you come across that I haven't included in this article? Let us know in the comments section below.
---
# The Most Popular Attraction in Each Region of Peru: A Map Infographic
URL: https://newperuvian.com/popular-attractions-in-peru-regions-map/
Published: 2017-09-15
Updated: 2017-10-20
Topic: popular attractions in peru
The most popular tourist attractions in Peru are all dotted along — or at least close to — the so-called Gringo Trail. But what about all the other less-visited regions of Peru? What attractions do domestic and international tourists visit the most in departments like San Martín, Cajamarca, Ayacucho and Moquegua?
The map infographic below shows the most popular attraction in each region of Peru, based on statistics from various government sources (see below).
_**Click on the map to see a larger version.**_
## Most Popular Attractions in Peru by Region, A-Z
Here's an A to Z list of the info presented in the infographic above, with some additional notes.
Sources used include [Datos Turismo](http://datosturismo.mincetur.gob.pe/appdatosTurismo/Content2.html) by Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo (Mincetur); "[Reporte Estadístico de Turismo, Octubre 2016](https://www.mincetur.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/documentos/turismo/estadisticas/Octubre_2016.pdf)" by Mincetur; and "[Conociendo al turista que visita las regiones](http://www.promperu.gob.pe/TurismoIN/sitio/ConociendoAlTurista)" by PromPerú.
**Amazonas** — Fortress of Kuelap near [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/).
**Ancash** — Huascarán National Park
**Apurímac** — Laguna Pacucha. This was a tricky region due to a lack of available visitor statistics. But according to PromPerú, Laguna Pacucha is the most popular attraction. Other popular spots in the region include Abancay National Park and the Sondor archaeological site.
**Arequipa** — I included Colca Canyon and the Santa Catalina Monastery on the map because they're almost tied, with Colca Canyon only receiving a few thousand more visitors in 2016.
**Ayacucho** — Wari Archaeological Complex
**Cajamarca** — Ventanillas de Otuzco Archaeological Center. This strange pre-Inca archaeological site is located just outside the city of Cajamarca. The Cuarto del Rescate ("Ransom Room") of Atahualpa must also be popular; if I come across some concrete figures, I'll add it to the map.
_Laguna Pacucha, Apurímac (photo by [Paulo Tomaz](https://www.flickr.com/photos/locoperucho/4658882220/), flickr.com)_
_Kuelap Fortress, Amazonas (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
**Cusco** — Machu Picchu is the most popular tourist attraction in the [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) region, which will surprise absolutely no one.
**Huancavelica** — This was another tough region, as it's one of the least visited in Peru. The Inka Wasi archaeological site is popular; Huancavelica Cathedral also receives plenty of visitors, but not all are tourists. Other popular sites include the Santa Bárbara mine and Choclococha Lagoon.
**Huánuco** — Tingo Maria National Park and Cueva de las Lechuzas (Cave of the Owls). The Kotosh archaeological site is also popular.
**Ica** — Paracas National Reserve. Depending on the figures used, either the Nazca Lines or Laguna Huacachina come in second place.
**Junín** — The main square and Casona Ugarte León in the town of Concepción.
**La Libertad** — The archaeological sites of Huaca del Sol y de la Luna and Chan Chan. PromPerú says that Huanchaco is the most visited attraction in La Libertad, but Huanchaco is a town rather than an actual attraction, so I didn't include it.
**Lambayeque** — Tumbas Reales del Señor de Sipán Museum
**Lima** — The Magic Water Circuit received about 2.4 million visitors in 2016. Of course, not all of them are tourists, as it's a popular place for [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) locals too. But still, that's a lot of visitors. An argument can also be made for Larcomar Shopping Center being the most popular attraction in Lima. [According to Perú.com](https://peru.com/viajes/conozca-peru/larcomar-uno-lugares-mas-visitados-peru-fotos-noticia-250697), Larcomar received more foreign visitors than Machu Picchu in 2012. That's just depressing, so I'll leave it at that.
**Loreto** — Quistococha Zoo and Tourism Center in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/). Quistococha Zoo is underfunded, so you might not enjoy seeing the condition of some of the animals (but the zoo needs visitor funds, so there's no harm in visiting). If you do go, don't miss [the manatees at the Amazon Rescue Center](https://newperuvian.com/orphaned-manatees-at-the-amazon-rescue-center-in-iquitos-peru/) just down the road.
**Madre de Dios** — Tambopata National Reserve.
_Tingo Maria National Park, Huánuco (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
_Kuelap Fortress, Amazonas (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
**Moquegua** — Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Moquegua (Iglesia de Santo Domingo).
**Pasco** — Church of Santa Rosa on the Plaza de Armas of Oxapampa.
**Piura** — Visitor numbers for Piura are hard to come by for some reason. But the beaches of Máncora must be among the most visited attractions, especially among foreign visitors to the region.
**Puno** — Titicaca National Reserve. The reserve is the top attraction in the [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) region, while also containing other popular attractions like Isla Taquile. The most popular attraction outside the reserve is the Sillustani archaeological site.
**San Martín** — Baños Termales de San Mateo (San Mateo Thermal Baths) in Moyobamba. The second most visited attraction in San Martín is the Ahuashiyacu Waterfall just outside [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/).
**Tacna** — The Paseo Cívico in Tacna lies at the heart of the city and is home to parks, monuments, fountains and Tacna Cathedral.
**Tumbes** — Finding figures for Tumbes was tricky, but the beaches of Punta Sal must be right up there. The Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes (National Mangrove Sanctuary) is also popular.
**Ucayali** — Pucallpa Natural Park.
---
# Do You Need to Speak Spanish in Peru?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/do-you-need-to-speak-spanish-in-peru/
Published: 2017-09-13
Updated: 2017-09-13
Topic: speak spanish in peru
Don’t let a lack of Spanish stop you from going to Peru. You can travel in Peru without speaking the local language; you can see all the sites you want to see; and you can normally find an English-speaking guide for most major attractions.
_But…_
…if you want to get the most out of your trip — and travel in a far more relaxed manner — then having the ability to speak Spanish in Peru goes a long, long way. Even if you just learn some basics, you’ll have a far easier time getting around, ordering in restaurants, and dealing with simple day-to-day interactions.
## How Many People Speak English in Peru?
According to the [Education 'First English Proficiency Index'](http://www.ef.co.uk/epi/), the Peruvian population has a low proficiency in English. Out of 72 countries, it ranks at 45. That puts Peru slightly ahead of Ecuador and Colombia, and significantly ahead of Venezuela (Bolivia isn’t included in the rankings). Chile, Brazil and Uruguay are all ahead of Peru but sit in the same category; Argentina sits way up in 19th place with a high proficiency.
A [2015 study by the market research company GfK Perú](https://www.slideshare.net/GfKPeru/gfk-per-idiomas-en-el-per-setiembre-2015) found that only 8% of people surveyed said they spoke English. Half of those English speakers lived in Lima and almost a third were under 25 years of age.
From my experience living and traveling in Peru, the GfK Perú survey sounds about right. Young Peruvians (18 to 25) certainly speak more English than their elders. You’ll also come across far more English-speaking Peruvians in the capital, especially in upscale or tourist-oriented [districts of Lima](https://newperuvian.com/where-to-stay-in-lima-best-districts-sights-safety/).
As a tourist, you’re more likely to meet English-speaking Peruvians, especially if you’re traveling along the popular Gringo Trail. Tour operators, guides, hotel and hostel staff, and other people working in the tourism industry in cities like [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) and Arequipa are far more likely to have some basic level of conversational English, with many speaking excellent English.
Head off the beaten path, however, and your chances of meeting English-speaking Peruvians drop off significantly — well below the 8% mentioned by GfK Perú.
## The Benefits of Speaking Spanish in Peru
In case you need some motivation to learn Spanish for Peru, here are just a few reasons to start studying before you travel.
- You’ll be able to save money every day by negotiating fares, haggling for prices and spotting rip offs, among other things.
* You’ll find it far easier to travel around Peru if you can ask for basic information like arrival times and travel durations. Also, being able to ask a bus driver or passenger where exactly the hell you are and when you should get off is a huge bonus.
- You’ll be able to communicate with the locals. Even if it’s only a very basic conversation, it will go a long to forming bonds and positive memories with the local population. And that’s a pretty fundamental part of traveling.
* You’ll be more comfortable traveling off the tourist trail in places where English speakers are rare.
- You won’t feel so lost when it’s time to order in restaurants, cafes and bars.
* You’ll have fun when you speak Spanish in Peru. Well, not always: sometimes trying to speak Spanish is a migraine-inducing nightmare, especially if you’re just starting to learn and you’re on a long trip. But it can be fun. You know, trading curse words and all that — makes everyone happy.
## Traveling in Peru Without Knowing Any Spanish
As mentioned in the intro, don’t avoid going to Peru just because you don’t speak Spanish. You can travel in Peru without knowing any Spanish at all and still have a fantastic trip.
It’s easier with a tour package as you’ll have a guide for most of the time, but you can also travel completely independently, including as a backpacker, with no Spanish. You’ll struggle at times, but keep a smile on your face and you’ll do just fine.
It’s probably worth downloading a language app for you smartphone (if you travel with one). At least then you can type out the English, receive a translation, and then try to speak it out loud — or just show the translation on the screen.
## Areas of Focus for Learning Spanish for Peru
If you do want to speak Spanish in Peru — even just some useful travel basics — then it’s worth focusing on the following practical areas:
**Explaining your level of Spanish** — If you really don’t know much (or any) Spanish when you arrive in Peru, it makes sense to be able to explain your position (rather than just stare blankly). If you don’t speak Spanish, explain as much with a simple “_No hablo español._” If you need to ask someone if she speaks English, ask “_¿Hablas inglés?_” If you’re still learning and struggling to understand, politely ask if she can speak a little slower: “_¿Puedes hablar más despacio, por favor?_”
**Basic social interactions** — You should at least be able to say hello, please, thanks and goodbye. And you'll almost certainly find yourself using this popular tourists phrase: "_No, gracias_" ("No, thanks").
**Simple introductions** — Learn how to say your name and ask someone else’s name. These are the most fundamental ice-breakers, so they go a long way socially even if the conversation stops there. Learning to say where you're from is also important, as you'll be asked that a lot ("_¿De dónde eres?_" — "_Soy de Inglaterra_" / "Where are you from?" — "I'm from England.")
**Directions** — Most importantly, perhaps, is “_Where is….?_” For “Where is (the bus station)?” you’d ask “_¿Dónde está (la estación de autobuses)?_”
**Numbers** — One to ten, at the very least.
**Times, days of the week, dates etc.** — As an independent traveler, understanding departure and arrival times is pretty damn important.
**Shopping** — Many shops in Peru don’t put prices on their wares. So you’ll be needing “_¿Cuánto es?_” / “_¿Cuánto cuesta?_” (How much is it?” / “How much does it cost”).
**Ordering in Bars and Restaurants** — You’ll probably be eating out most days (and maybe drinking most nights). To ask for the menu, say “_La carta, por favor_” (use _la carta_ rather than "menu" to avoid confusion with [the Peruvian _menú_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/)). For the bill: “_La cuenta, por favor._” And, of course, you’ll need to order a beer: “_Una cerveza, por favor_” (substitute _cerveza_ for [a pisco cocktail](https://newperuvian.com/classic-pisco-cocktails-peru-beyond/) or any other drink you'd like).
---
# What’s the Best Backpack for Peru (and South America)?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/best-backpack-for-peru-south-america/
Published: 2017-09-02
Updated: 2018-05-25
Topic: backpack for peru
Choosing the best backpack for Peru is going to be one of the first significant decisions you make before you travel. Your backpack is going to be your mobile home for weeks or even months — especially if Peru is just part of a wider backpacking trip in South America — and it will contain [everything you pack for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/packing-for-peru/). So choose wisely…
## What Size Backpack for Peru and/or South America?
Backpack sizes (measured by volume in liters) range from tiny 5 liter daypacks to huge 85 liter travelpacks. Picking the right size backpack for Peru and South America depends on a few things, like how much you actually want to pack, how much you’re willing to carry, and your body size.
Backpack size seems to come with some bragging rights in the backpacking world these days, in this case smaller being better. People laugh at the notion of having a 60 liter pack, saying that you’ll never need more than 45 liters. Ignore all of this banter and decide what's best for you.
Sure, 45 liters might be just right. But so might 60 liters. Or 65. Or maybe even 70.
Anywhere in the 45 to 65 liter range is reasonable for a weeklong or even months-long trip around Peru and/or South America.
Generally speaking, women should try to go slightly smaller than men, simply because of frame-size differences between the genders (see more about fitting a backpack to your frame below). For example, 50 to 55 liters is a good range for many female backpackers, while men might be better suited to 60 or 65 liters.
Of course, a lot depends on how much you want to pack, which only depends slightly on how long you’ll be traveling. Don’t let travel duration influence you too much, as the longer you travel the more you’ll appreciate a lighter, more compact backpack.
Also, if you buy a really large backpack for Peru (over 65 liters), then you might be tempted to pack too much, which will only weigh you down unnecessarily. On the other hand, it’s good to have extra space in your backpack for souvenirs, gifts and random memorabilia that you pick up while traveling.
If you decide to go with a smaller pack (around 45 liters), then it might be within the carry-on luggage [baggage allowance policies of domestic airlines in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/baggage-allowance-in-peru-limits-and-restrictions-for-domestic-airlines/). This is handy, but not essential. Checked luggage is easy to collect on domestic flights in Peru, and not too time consuming, so it’s not a huge benefit to have carry-on only.
So, to reiterate, consider anywhere between 45 and 65 liters as a good size backpack for Peru, but take your own body size into consideration. It's important to be well balanced and to avoid developing back pain.
**_Here are some well-reviewed travel backpacks on Amazon.com that would be good for backpacking in Peru and South America:_**
## Choosing a Backpack for Peru That Fits Your Frame
The most important part of choosing the best backpack for Peru and South America is making sure it fits correctly. The fit depends on your body size and also your body shape. Some packs just feel right, while others are uncomfortable no matter how you adjust the straps.
If you’re buying in a store, then you can try the backpack on. Ask if you can put a few things inside to increase the weight, allowing you to better judge how it feels. Do this with a few different packs to find one that feels comfortable.
Also keep the total size in mind. If your pack is simply too big for your frame, then you’ll be constantly backpacking off balance, which is never fun. If your backpack is way too big, you’ll topple over every time there’s a light breeze.
Ideally, your backpack should have padded shoulder straps, a padded belt and a cushioned section for your lower back. Everything should fit with the contours of your body. Though not nearly as common as standard backpacks, you can also find packs designed specifically for women. If you’re struggling to find a pack that fits your frame, it might be worth trying a backpack designed for the female frame.
You can [read more about sizing and fitting a backpack here](http://www.wildbackpacker.com/backpacking-gear/backpacks/sizing-and-fitting-a-backpack/).
## The Right Compartments, Attachment Points and Rain Covers
Having multiple compartments allows you to keep your backpack more organized. I recommend having at least two separate small compartments to compliment the main area of your pack.
Backpacks also have a number of attachment points for things like sleeping bags, tents and other camping or trekking equipment. You might not need these, but make sure they’re there if you do.
Another incredibly useful addition to your backpack is a rain cover. Most packs are water resistant to a certain extent. But a rain cover offers far more protection, and helps keep your pack clean. It’s far easier to wipe off unidentifiable gunk (strangely common in bus baggage holds) from a rain cover than from the pack itself.
## The Supplementary Daypack for Peru
I always travel with a daypack in Peru so I can leave my main backpack in my hostel or hotel. When I’m [traveling by bus](https://newperuvian.com/best-bus-companies-in-peru-safest-reliable/) or plane, I check my main backpack and keep my daypack with me.
I keep all my most valuable items inside my daypack, including [laptop](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/), camera, passport, debit cards etc. Personally, I always prefer to have these things with me rather than in my checked baggage in the luggage storage of a plane or bus.
Travel backpacks often come with a removable daypack attached. That’s great. But these daypacks aren’t necessarily designed to be kept attached to the main pack when you’re on the move, as the weight distribution will be wrong. You can normally attach the daypack onto the front straps of your backpack. By carrying it on your chest, you’ll have a better overall weight distribution (for greater comfort and balance). Having your daypack in front of you like this is also good for security reasons, as it’s less likely to be a target of pickpockets.
If your backpack doesn’t come with a daypack, it’s worth considering [buying a small daypack](http://amzn.to/2vUdq4t) to take with you to Peru (or buy one in Peru if you decide you need it).
_**Here are some nice travel backpacks with detachable daypacks:**_
## Spending the Right Amount on a Backpack for Peru
A good travel backpack can cost anywhere from US$60 to $300. Generally speaking, a pack within the $80 to $180 range should be just fine for backpacking in Peru (and you'll often find lower prices buying online).
It might be tempting to buy a cheaper (perhaps store made) backpack for under $80. And sure, it might turn out to be an excellent purchase. But there’s more likelihood of a higher quality backpack lasting you for years, whereas a cheaper backpack will often become frayed after just a year or so of usage.
In which case, it’s actually cheaper in the long run to buy a better backpack for Peru and South America, which will hopefully last for many more trips in other parts of the world.
---
# The Dress Code in Peru: From Day-to-Day Clothing to Formal Events
URL: https://newperuvian.com/dress-code-in-peru/
Published: 2017-08-31
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: dress code in peru
[You’ve packed your bags for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/packing-for-peru/). You’ve got all the clothes you need for walking the streets of Lima and trekking to Machu Picchu. And then you somehow find yourself invited to a wedding. Or to a fancy restaurant. Or, god forbid, to some formal event where you might actually have to wear a tie.
So now you’re wondering if there’s a specific dress code in Peru. How should you dress? What should you wear? And can you wear sandals to a quinceañera….?
## The Day-to-Day Dress Code in Peru
What you wear on a day-to-day basis in Peru is entirely up to you. There’s no real etiquette when it comes to clothing in Peru, and no strict religious or social taboos to bear in mind. But people will judge you to a certain extent depending on what you’re wearing, as they do across the globe.
The majority of [Peruvians](https://newperuvian.com/are-peruvians-short-and-other-questions/) are fairly conformist when it comes to clothing, and they certainly notice — and occasionally comment on — the occasionally outlandish clothing of foreigners.
Some locals are also quite judgmental. For example, many Peruvians think that hippies are unwashed vagabonds who need a good scrub in a hot bath.
On the flipside, if you’re a sharp dresser — golden wristwatch, Armani shirt, Gucci leggings (?) — you’ll attract an altogether different type of attention. Amorous advances will probably be more frequent, but not always well intentioned. You’ll also be a far more tempting target for all the nearby muggers.
Foreign women wearing revealing clothing will almost certainly find themselves subject to street harassment by Peruvian men, even if the men don’t consider it as such. But don’t let that change the way you choose to dress.
### Restaurants
It’s rare for a restaurant in Peru to have a formal dress code. Feel free to dress up if you like — especially if it’s a more formal dinner gathering — but you rarely have to worry about being let in to a restaurant because of what you’re wearing.
I contacted three popular upscale restaurants in Lima to see if they have any kind of dress code. Their responses:
- Central Restaurant: no dress code
- Astrid y Gaston: no dress code (“the attire is casual”)
- Maido: no dress code
### Nightlife
Peruvians like to dress up when they go out drinking and dancing. Even in the heat of the jungle, most men will head out to bars and discotecas wearing trousers rather than the more typical daytime shorts. Some of them also wear long-sleeved shirts. I live in the jungle and I never go out at night in trousers — it’s too damn hot. But no one cares.
As far as I know, I’ve never been to a club in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) or Arequipa or [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) or anywhere else in Peru that has a dress code. But I guess some of the more exclusive (uptight) nightclubs might have a no-shorts policy. If you’re going somewhere super-swanky, then it might be worth checking in advance.
### Beaches
You’ll be fine on Peru’s beaches whatever you wear, as long as you don’t go topless (or bottomless). If you wear one of those tiny Brazilian _fio dental_ (dental floss) bikinis like you see on [the beaches of Rio](https://www.savacations.com/6-best-beaches-rio-de-janeiro/), then expect a few stares. And probably some comments. But no one will ask you to leave the beach.
If you really want to let it all hang out, then head to Puerto Bonito about 45 miles south of Lima. As far as I know, it's the only nudist beach in Peru.
_Sunbathing in Lima. Going topless is normally prohibited. Photo by [Christian Córdova](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccordova/8693834185/), flickr.com._
### Business Dress in Peru
Business dress in Peru is the same as the traditional Western dress code: men wear suits (or at least a shirt and trousers) and women wear dresses, skirts or blouses (or a variant of the suit, but that’s less common in Peru).
Indigenous Peruvians might have their own traditional dress for formal occasions, including for business.
### Hospitals
I was once denied entry to a hospital in [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) because I was wearing shorts (I was trying to visit a friend who was about to give birth). I’m not sure how common this is in Peru, or if it's standard policy in other hospitals around the world, but bear it in mind if you want to visit someone.
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
### Dealing with State Officials and Peruvian Bureaucracy
While you can normally enter government buildings wearing whatever you like (within reason), it’s worth dressing up a little if you’re trying to get something done quickly and without additional fuss.
For example, a border official might treat you better if you look respectable (by his standards), rather than scruffy and disheveled. And that could make the difference between being given [183 days in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-peru-as-a-tourist/) (on your [Tarjeta Andina](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/)), or just 90.
As a general rule, if you know you’ll be dealing with any kind of Peruvian bureaucracy or officialdom, dress slightly smarter than usual. It all helps.
As a side note, the US Embassy in Peru does not have a dress code. They do recommend wearing “adequate and comfortable” clothing.
### In Schools, Colleges and Universities
Business casual/smart casual is normally fine if you’re visiting or teaching at a school, college or university in Peru. Excessive tattoos and piercings might well be frowned upon in some institutions.
### In Churches and Cathedrals
Foreign tourists frequently wander into churches and cathedrals in Peru wearing shorts, sandals and a T-shirt, with a camera strapped around their necks. That doesn’t seem to be a problem. But taking photos (especially with a flash) and talking loudly is a problem and should be avoided.
### Family Celebrations and Events
Birthday parties, graduation festivities, quinceañeras and other such events don’t have any kind of dress etiquette for guests. That said, Peruvians will often dress up for these parties — the women more so than the men. As a foreign visitor, no one will mind if you turn up in your shorts, jeans, flares or whatever.
### Peru Dress Code for Funerals and Weddings
It’s always tricky if you unexpectedly need to attend a wedding or a funeral while you’re traveling. And it's highly unlikely that you’ll have packed anything appropriate for such an occasion.
For a wedding, just try to dress as smartly as possible. The dress code for Peruvian weddings is similar to a regular (i.e. not too extravagant or upper-class) wedding in the USA or the UK. If the invitation specifies smart or formal clothing, then you’ll have to try to borrow or rent something. Suit rentals are normally possible in [Peru’s major cities](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/).
Funerals are obviously a serious and somber affair, making the dress etiquette a more pressing issue. Peruvian funerals have two elements: the funeral itself and the _velorio_ (vigil). If you need to attend a funeral service, then you should try to wear primarily black (unless you hear otherwise). A suit is ideal for a man, which you can try to rent or perhaps borrow from a friend. Otherwise, just dress as smartly as possible, ideally in a shirt, trousers and shoes. Avoid shorts, T-shirts and sandals. Women typically wear black or other dark or muted colors.
The _velorio_, which normally takes place outside the deceased's family home, is less formal. But you should still try to dress in a reasonably formal manner.
_A lavish church wedding in Peru. You might want to hire a suit for this one… Photo by [Bruce Dailey](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jciti/5716566108/), flickr.com._
---
# Classic Pisco Cocktails From Peru and Beyond
URL: https://newperuvian.com/classic-pisco-cocktails-peru-beyond/
Published: 2017-08-25
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: classic pisco cocktails
Unless you’re a tea-totaller (or allergic to eggs), you’ll probably try a pisco sour at some point during your trip to Peru. But don’t overlook the other classic pisco cocktails, which all deserve at least one sampling.
Some of the pisco cocktails mentioned here are genuine Peruvian classics, while others trace their origins to different parts of the world. They are all easy to make, although some require a little practice before achieving pisco cocktail perfection…
## Pisco Sour
Of the handful of classic pisco cocktails featured here, the pisco sour is by far the most famous. It was invented in Lima in the 1920s by American bartender Victor Vaughen Morris, owner of Morris' Bar. It was then refined by Mario Bruiget, a Peruvian bartender working at Morris’s Bar.
The pisco sour is a fairly simple cocktail, but takes a practiced hand to make properly. The pisco is mixed with fresh lime juice (typically Key limes), simple syrup, egg white and ice. The mixture is shaken, which helps to develop the foam on top of the finished cocktail. It is then poured and topped with a few drops of Angostura bitters.
If you'd like to learn the technique rather than just order the result, some cooking classes in Lima, [Luchito's](https://luchitoscookingclass.com/) in Miraflores among them, finish the session with a hands-on pisco sour lesson.
## Chilcano (de Pisco)
The chilcano de pisco is a refreshing alternative to the pisco sour and perfect for hot days in the jungle. It’s made by pouring two ounces of pisco onto ice in a highball glass, then adding the juice from half a lime before filling the glass with ginger ale (_not_ 7UP or Sprite, which some Peruvian bartenders insist on using). To finish, add two or three drops of Angostura bitters. The ginger ale has to be recently opened, fresh and sparkling, otherwise the whole drink falls flat.
The origins of the chilcano are unconfirmed, but the most probable explanation is that the drink was invented — or at least first became popular — in Chilca, a town in the Cañete Province just south of Lima (“chilcano” being [the demonym](https://newperuvian.com/demonyms-of-peru/) of Chilca). The chilcano de pisco should not to be confused with the _chilcano de pescado_, which is a Peruvian fish soup (and, incidentally, is very good for hangovers).
_A tempting algarrobina pisco cocktail in Peru. Photo by [ta@keshi kimi](https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimi-/4059561959/), flickr.com._
## Algarrobina
Algarrobina is a syrup made from the Black Carob tree (_Prosopis nigra_). In Peru, it’s used in deserts and smoothies, and mixed with milk or other ingredients as a drink (including in various cocktails). Because of its high levels of protein and vitamins, algarrobina is often considered one of Peru’s numerous “superfoods.”
The algarrobina cocktail is basically a Peruvian version of eggnog. And, to be frank, it’s considered “a girl’s drink.” The cocktail is a mix of pisco, algarrobina syrup, evaporated (or condensed) milk, egg whites and ice cubes. This is all blended together and poured into a glass. A sprinkling of cinnamon tops the finished cocktail.
## Capitán
The capitán (captain) is very similar to the Manhattan cocktail, but with pisco as its base liquor rather than whiskey. It’s normally made by mixing two ounces of pisco with one ounce of sweet vermouth (or equal parts, depending on preference). Pour onto ice then add a few dashes of Angostura bitters; decorate with a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist if you can be bothered.
The most pervasive origin story behind the capitán is as follows: In the sierra of Puno in the 1920s, army captains made their nightly rounds, after which they sought out their favorite tipple of pisco mixed with vermouth. The drink became so popular among these captains that it gained the name capitán.
_A pisco punch as served by the Peruvian Embassy during London Cocktail Week. Photo by [Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cancilleriadeperu/15417944987/), flickr.com._
## Pisco Punch
Of all the classic pisco cocktails, pisco punch was born the furthest away from Peru. It was invented some 4,000 miles away by Duncan Nicol, the owner of the Bank Exchange & Billiard Saloon in San Francisco, California, at the end of the 1800s. Some sources also give credit to his bartender, Professor Jerry Burns. You can still order a pisco punch in San Francisco, and it’s becoming increasingly common on bar and cocktail menus in Peru.
The original recipe was a mix of Peruvian pisco with pineapple, lime juice, sugar, gum arabic and distilled water. Modern versions vary, but tend to follow the original formula to some extent. Pineapple simple syrup and fresh orange juice sometimes find their way into the mix.
## Cholopolitan
The cholopolitan is the most modern of all the classic pisco cocktails on this list — so let’s consider it a potential future classic. It was invented in Lima in 2000 by the Peruvian bartender Hans Hilsburg.
As the name suggests, it’s a Peruvian version of the classic cosmopolitan cocktail, in which pisco replaces vodka. The pisco is mixed with orange liqueur (a triple sec such as Cointreau), cranberry juice, passion fruit juice and freshly squeezed lime juice. It’s all shaken together with ice cubes before being poured into a martini glass.
## Piscola (Perú Libre)
Piscola (pronounced piss-cola, which is unfortunate) is a popular pisco drink in Chile. It’s an incredibly simple highball cocktail that mixes Chilean pisco with some kind of cola. This is often Coca-Cola or a similar alternative, but can also be a soft drink like ginger ale, tonic or Sprite. It’s poured on the rocks and the ratio of pisco to cola can be anywhere from 1:3 to 1:1, depending on how generous the bartender is (or how drunk you want to get).
The same drink exists in Peru, but under a different name (partly due to the intense rivalry between the two countries — especially when it comes to pisco). Peruvians refer to the drink as a Perú Libre, being a mix of Peruvian pisco (of course), cola and normally a couple of lime wedges.
---
# How Much Does Hiking the Inca Trail Cost in 2026?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/how-much-does-hiking-the-inca-trail-cost/
Published: 2017-08-24
Updated: 2026-06-13
Topic: inca trail cost
_View from the Inca Trail, day three. Photo by [karlnorling](https://www.flickr.com/photos/karlnorling/7426302078/), flickr.com._ For many travelers in Peru, one of the biggest expenses beyond the flight there and back will be hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But how much should the Inca Trail cost? And why are some treks along the very same trail three times the price of others?
## How Much Does the Classic Inca Trail Cost?
The classic four-day/three-night [Inca Trail](https://www.evolutiontreksperu.com/inca-trail.html) trek can cost anywhere from US$620 to over $2000 per person. Generally speaking, the sweet spot for a standard group trek on a budget is somewhere between $800 and $900.
Much below that, and the level of service could suffer (see below), especially in [how porters are treated.](https://newperuvian.com/new-porters-2023-law-everything-you-need-to-know/) And once you start approaching $2000, you’ll enter luxury territory with gourmet food, fancy mattresses, and personalized attention.
In my [list of recommended Inca Trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/), you’ll find prices ranging from $750 to $5000 — the latter being a luxury trek that lasts for five days and four nights (one day more than the more standard four-day trek).
Backpackers on a tight budget should aim for the $750 to $800 bracket. But if money isn’t too much of an issue, then go for a company that treats its porters fairly and maybe upgrade to a luxury tour; it might be just what you need.
The cost of the Inca Trail trek typically includes the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance fee; bus and train transportation from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu and back again; a bilingual guide (Spanish and English); porters; tents; and three meals a day.
## How Cheap Is Too Cheap When Booking an Inca Trail Trek?
You might come across Inca Trail treks for under $750, and perhaps as low as $620. This might be a reduced price due to a seasonal promotion, in which case it should be fine. But **if it’s the standard Inca Trail cost for a particular tour operator, you should be cautious, especially when those operators are considered as horrible employers by the inca trail porters themselves. [Watch this youtube porter's channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS5HeKlym1ubOr-ZsT2F6lA) to find out more.**
I don’t recommend these cheaper treks for two reasons:
1. The level of service will likely suffer at these lower prices. The food and the equipment will probably be average at best, and the standard of the guides won’t be as high as with a slightly more expensive tour operator.
2) More importantly, **there’s a real possibility that the porters within this price range are being underpaid and mistreated.** This is a known and ongoing problem along the Inca Trail, **so an Inca Trail trek below $750 looks kind of suspicious.** More so when they do not hire women porters and include free stuff like cooking classes, extra porters, hot showers, and other perks. This is an issue that was recently reported on a [documentary about the Inca Trail porters](https://matadornetwork.com/read/km-82-film-inca-trail/) and other media outlets such as [Lonely Planet](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/inca-trail-permits)
Some of these particularly cheap treks might turn out just fine. And there are almost certainly newly-licensed companies who are trying to do extra-cheap treks just to draw in their first clients. But that in itself is a risk, as you could end up with an inexperienced company that only just got authorized among the 130+ licensed Inca Trail operators.
All things considered, and especially considering the ongoing porter welfare issues, it's best to pay $150 or $200 more for a more established and more reputable company. The food will probably be better, as well as the overall level of professionalism — which is important for a fairly tough four-day trek.
If you want a sense of what that sensible middle looks like, [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/) is a useful benchmark: all-inclusive Classic Inca Trail pricing, an entirely local team of guides and porters, and a full refund if Machu Picchu tickets sell out for your dates. Compare any quote you get against that standard.
And let's face it: The Inca Trail is such a one-off experience for most people that it makes sense to pay at least $850 for a reliable — and ethical — service.
## Do These Prices Include Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Tickets?
The Inca Trail price includes the entrance fees to visit Machu Picchu, but they do not include the cost of Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu mountain tickets. You must obtain separate permits to hike to any of these mountains after the guided tour of Machu Picchu. One change worth knowing for 2026: some operators now sell the Machu Picchu entrance ticket (around $65) separately instead of bundling it into the trek price, so confirm whether your quote includes it before comparing companies. You can do so through your travel company or by yourself at the official site of the Machu Picchu National Sanctuary [here.](http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe)
Also, find more about when is the [best time to visit Machu Picchu](https://newperuvian.com/the-best-time-to-visit-machu-picchu) here
## 3A Breakdown of Additional Inca Trail Hike Expenses
Your total Inca Trail cost will rise slightly when you figure in a few extras. These might include:
- An extra porter (this could be anywhere between $180 and $220)
- Tips for porters, guides and cooks (see this [Inca Trail tipping guide](https://newperuvian.com/how-much-to-tip-inca-trail/) for more)
- A tent of your own, rather than sharing (maybe $60 to $80)
- Equipment rental if required, such as walking poles, a backpack and other trekking gear (cost varies)
- Snacks, souvenirs and anything else you might buy along the Inca Trail or at Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu mountain tickets 55 USD
- Huayna Picchu mountain tickets 55 USD
**What is the Price of the Short Inca Trail **
The short Inca Trail hike is one of the best options that people can take to get to Machu Picchu. This tour takes two days and one night and covers a distance of 12km or 9 miles which can be covered in only seven hours. The most popular itinerary includes a hotel night at Aguas Calientes town. On the second day, travelers return to Machu Picchu for the guided tour. Some companies offer you to upgrade your adventure and camp in tents and have an outdoor cookout instead of a night in a hotel. The short Inca trek tour price ranges between 500 and 600 USD per person for group tours with a hotel night included and between 700 and 900 for private tours with a camping option. Like the classic Inca Trail, the short Machu Picchu trek price consists of the Machu Picchu pass, train and bus tickets, meals, and accommodation. You might be wondering why this shorter tour is almost as expensive as the classic Inca tour. The answer is that the operational expenses for this tour are much higher due to the costly train and hotel services that your travel company might use.
**What is the Cost of Other Inca Alternative Hikes?**
People can book different alternative hikes when tickets for the Inca trail are sold out, or one simply wants to avoid the crowds and have an off-the-beaten-path experience.
The most important alternative hike is the [Salkantay trek](/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/) in all its versions. For instance, the classic Salkantay trek costs between 450 and 600, while the Salkantay trek and Inca Trail prices range between 900 and 1300
Also, The Lares treks cost between 750 and 850, and the Inca Quarry hike costs between 750 and 900. The price of other longer alternative hikes, such as the Choquequirao trek, is slightly higher than all the other alternatives, ranging between 1200usd and 1600.
Again, all of these tours include Machu Picchu tickets and everything else that the other Inca Trail tours provide, such as camping gear, meals, tour guide, porters,etc.
### **Machu Picchu By Train Tour Costs**
For those who don't want to do any hiking, there is an option to travel to Machu Picchu by train. Any local tour company based in Cusco will be able to offer you a tour of this kind. Usually, these tours take one or two days. The prices range between 400 and 600 USD depending on the type of service one chooses, especially if you decide to stay in a fancy hotel or travel on some of the most expensive trains mentioned above.
## Inca Jungle tour
The Inca Jungle tour is a multi-activity tour that takes you to Machu Picchu via the back door. The Inca jungle tour combines downhill mountain biking, white water river rafting in the Urubamba river, and a couple of days of hiking. The first part takes place on the road that connects Cusco to Quillabamba (the second-largest city in the Cusco region, located in what is considered part of the Amazon basin. The white water river rafting part takes place in the Urubamba river. The hiking part is done on the road that connects Santa Maria with Hidrolelectrica and Machu Picchu. Many companies will offer you this tour, both online or in Cusco. Make sure you choose one with an impeccable record in safety. The average price of this tour ranges between 250 and 400 US dollars.
##
---
# 25 Practical Things to Do Before Traveling to Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/things-to-do-before-traveling-to-peru/
Published: 2017-08-23
Updated: 2018-05-25
Topic: before traveling to peru
You’ll need to sort out a few practicalities before traveling to Peru: all those boring fiddly things that no-one actually wants to do but are necessary before heading to some far-flung part of the world.
Below you'll find a checklist of all that you might need to do before you go to Peru, ranging from financial matters to visas to teaching your grandmother how to use Skype. As always, if you have any questions feel free to ask me in the comments section below.
## Things to Do Before Traveling to Peru
**Save enough money for Peru** — Beg, borrow or steal. OK, so don’t steal. But make sure you have enough money saved for your trip. This will obviously depend on [how many days you have in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/how-many-days-do-you-need-in-peru/) and your style of travel. If you need a cash injection before you go to Peru, sell some of your stuff. I helped finance my first six-month trip to Brazil by selling all the _Star Wars_ toys I had from when I was a kid (it hurt, but it was worth it).
**Decide whether to go alone, or with friends, with family etc.** — It’s a big decision, so think carefully and weigh-up the pros and cons.
**Check your passport** — Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the return date of your trip.
**Tourist visa issues** — You probably won’t need to apply for a visa to go to Peru as a tourist. Foreigners of various nationalities — including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and more — can enter the country [for up to 183 days](https://newperuvian.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-peru-as-a-tourist/) with a simple [entry-exit card called the Tarjeta Andina](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/). But check in advance, as some nationalities do require a visa, which you must apply for well in advance.
**Book the Inca Trail** — If you want to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, then you should ideally try to book your trek at least six months before you go to Peru. Consider trekking with one of these [Inca Trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/).
**Travel insurance** — This is one of those should-I-shouldn’t-I travel issues, and quite a few travelers decide to go without travel insurance. But it’s always best to have it, so give it some serious thought before you go.
**Vaccinations** — No vaccines are required for entering Peru. But there are a few [recommended vaccinations for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/what-vaccinations-do-you-need-for-peru/), and you might need the shots weeks or sometimes months before you travel.
**Money** — It’s easy enough to fly into Peru and withdraw local currency when you arrive. [You’ll find ATMs all over Peru](https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/), including inside Lima Airport. You can also [use dollars in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/using-us-dollars-in-peru/) (and change them at the airport), but it’s normally best to carry local currency. You could change some cash into Peruvian nuevos soles at home before you travel, or just withdraw soles from an ATM in Peru. Learn the exchange rate before traveling to Peru so you know how much you’re spending.
**Clear debit and/or credit cards for use abroad** — Contact your bank and ask them to clear your cards for use in Peru (and any other countries you might visit afterwards). If not, they might flag them and freeze them as soon as they’re used abroad. Which, believe me, is a royal pain in the ass.
**Online banking** — If you don’t already use online banking, set it up before you travel. It’s a quick and easy way to check and manage your account(s) while abroad.
**Pay any outstanding bills** — Paying bills always hurts, especially when you’re trying to save for a trip. But returning home to find you’ve racked up a bunch of additional fees or fines hurts even more.
**Cancel unnecessary regular payments, subscriptions and standing orders** — If you’ll be in Peru for a while, it might be worth canceling some of your regular services. Gas, electricity, water, broadband, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Pornhub Premium, whatever, cancel it if you don’t need it.
**Provide for your pets** — This is an obvious one, but it’s worth sorting this out well in advance. Find a reliable friend or family member who can look after your dog, cat or tortoise, so you can travel without worrying all the time.
**You've got mail** — You might need to have your mail forwarded to friends or family, or have it held at the post office.
**Backup your documents** — It’s worth having soft copies and hard copies of all your important travel documents, including your flight details, passport, travel insurance etc. Leave photocopies with a friend or family member back home, and consider storing soft copies on Dropbox or any other file hosting service (or just email copies to yourself).
**Sort out your communications** — Teach your parents or grandparents how to use Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook or whatever other method of communication you use. And accept the fact that they’ll still probably want a postcard.
**Tell someone your travel plans** — Even if you’re a hermit living in a lighthouse on some godforsaken rock five miles off a desolate coastline, it’s always a good idea to tell someone you’re going to Peru. Even if it's just the mailman.
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
**Register your trip** — For an extra level of security in case of emergency, you can enroll with your government’s travel registration service. For example, [STEP](https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/step.html/) for US citizens; [Registration of Canadians Abroad](https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration) for Canadians; and [Smartraveller](http://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx) for Australians. The UK ended its LOCATE travel registration service in 2013 and, as far as I’m aware, never really replaced it.
**Learn basic Spanish** — Six months before you go to Peru, do yourself a favor and start learning some Spanish. Buy a phrasebook and learn some basics. Better still, buy an audio course or start a free online course like [Duolingo](https://www.duolingo.com/). A little Spanish goes a long way in Peru, even if it’s just for basic situations like ordering food in a restaurant or asking for directions.
**Buy a good backpack** — Your backpack will be your continual travel companion in Peru, so you might as well buy a good one. Depending on how long you’ll be traveling, a pack between 45 and 65 liters should be about the right size. Read my tips for [buying the best backpack for Peru (and South America)](https://newperuvian.com/best-backpack-for-peru-south-america/) here.
**Check your electronics** — Check your laptop, smartphone, hairdryer, curling tongs and any other electronics you’ll be taking to make sure they can accept [the electrical current in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/electricity-in-peru-voltage-plugs-outlets-adapters/). You’ll probably need a plug adapter, and you might need a voltage converter (although many electrical items are now dual current and don’t require a converter). Also, [do you actually need to take a laptop to Peru?](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/) Do you really need curling tongs? Unless they’re essential, consider leaving them at home.
**Check baggage allowances and customs regulations** — Before traveling to Peru, check the baggage allowances for your international flight and [the allowances for domestic flights in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/baggage-allowance-in-peru-limits-and-restrictions-for-domestic-airlines/). Stay within these allowances and you’ll avoid additional baggage fees. Also [check the customs regulations for entering Peru](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-customs-regulations-can-cant-bring-into-peru/) to avoid problems on arrival.
**Plan the very first day of your trip** — Even if you’re a free and easy backpacker who’s happy taking things as they come, it’s never a bad idea to at least plan your first day. It’s worth knowing [how to get from Lima Airport to Miraflores](https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/), so that you don’t get stranded or ripped off on arrival. It’s also good to know [which districts in Lima are best for tourists](https://newperuvian.com/where-to-stay-in-lima-best-districts-sights-safety/), and [which areas in Lima are dangerous](https://newperuvian.com/most-dangerous-areas-of-lima-peru/). Consider booking a hostel or hotel in advance, at least for your first night. And if you’re flying into Lima just for a layover before heading to [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) or elsewhere, you might want to [stay at a hotel or hostel close to Lima Airport](https://newperuvian.com/best-hostels-hotels-near-lima-airport/).
**Have a leaving party just because you can** — Any excuse is a good excuse for a party, right? Just do it a few days before you leave so you don’t have to travel with a terrible hangover.
**Pack and go** — That’s pretty much all you need to do. Now just pack your bags (once you've decided [what you're packing for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/packing-for-peru/)), head to the airport and fly to Lima. Have a great trip, and if you have any questions just let me know.
---
# All-Inclusive Resorts in Peru: In Search of “Todo Incluido”
URL: https://newperuvian.com/all-inclusive-resorts-in-peru-todo-incluido/
Published: 2017-08-22
Updated: 2017-08-23
Topic: all-inclusive resorts in peru
You won't find many all-inclusive resorts in Peru. The concept is rare, and you might think that’s a good thing: The all-inclusive holiday doesn’t exactly have the best of reputations, especially among travelers who like first-hand, independent experiences of local cultures, rather than five days of unlimited booze and body-boarding on a private beach in the Bahamas.
But… each to their own. And there are actually some interesting all-inclusive “resorts” in Peru — ranging from beach resorts to lakeside lodges to Amazonian canopy treehouses, all offering some form of _todo incluido_…
### Royal Decameron Punta Sal, Tumbes
The [Royal Decameron Punta Sal](https://www.decameron.com/en/otr-destinations/peru/punta-sal/royal-decameron-punta-sal) was the first genuine all-inclusive resort to open in Peru, and is still the only “classic” (“typical” might be a better word) all-inclusive you’ll find in Peru.
The resort has all the inclusiveness you’d expect from a Barcelo, Club Med or Sandals resort in the Caribbean: three meals a day; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; scheduled daily activities; tennis courts; non-motorized watersports; a nightclub and more.
The north-coast location in Punta Sal, Tumbes is good for sun, sea and sand, at least by Peru’s Pacific coast standards. This stretch of coast is also a surfing hotspot. The resort is about 10 miles up the coast from Máncora, and a one-hour fifteen-minute ride from the airport in Tumbes.
If you’re looking for a warm coastal getaway where you can relax without thinking about a thing, then the Royal Decameron Punta Sal is the best all-inclusive option you’ll find in Peru. Just don’t expect it to be as fancy as the big name resorts in the Caribbean.
_El Pueblo Resort, an all-inclusive option in Lima, Peru. Photo by hotelelpueblo.com.pe._
### El Pueblo Resort & Convention Center, Ate Vitarte, Lima
[El Pueblo Resort](http://www.hotelelpueblo.com.pe/) is located in the Ate District of [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), about 10 miles directly east of Lima’s Plaza Mayor (main square). That’s the opposite direction from the coast, so no beaches at this resort. Instead, you’ll find yourself on 40 acres of landscapes gardens, with seven swimming pools and more than 200 rooms.
According to the resort’s website, a number of famous names have stayed at El Pueblo during its lengthy history, including Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida, Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
With its all-inclusive package, El Pueblo now attracts couples and families looking for a stress-free escape from the capital. The “Todo Incluido” system includes three meals a day from six on-site restaurants; unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from seven bars (including a karaoke bar, if you enjoy such awful things); access to all the pools, as well as the Jacuzzi, sauna, golf, gymnasium and more.
Online reviews of El Pueblo Resort are mixed and range from terrible to “best mini-vacation ever.” It’s probably best to go with expectations lowered, just in case. But for an all-inclusive experience near Lima, this is your only real option. Despite no mention of it on the El Pueblo website, the resort is a Decameron-managed property (like the Royal Decameron Punta Sal, above). Which would explain the all-inclusiveness.
_The Treehouse Lodge in Peru. Photo by treehouselodge.com._
### Treehouse Lodge, San Juan Bautista, Iquitos
The [Treehouse Lodge](https://treehouselodge.com/) website proudly states that this is the “only all-inclusive treehouse lodge in the Amazon.” Considering the combination of those three things — all-inclusive, Amazon, and especially _treehouse_ — the uniqueness is understandable.
Treehouse Lodge is located on the Yarapa River, a tributary of the Amazon, about 55 miles south of [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) (as the toucan flies). It also sits on the northeastern tip of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The lodge has 10 treehouses tucked up in the canopy, so you’ll be at eye level with some of the local wildlife. The lodge also offers an array of jungle excursions, including sunset trips to see pink river dolphins, piranha fishing and jungle walks to spot sloths and night monkeys.
Reputation-wise, Treehouse Lodge is about as solid as it gets. It’s been featured by the likes of National Geographic and Animal Planet, and has plenty of excellent reviews in print and online.
It’s not totally inclusive, however, so check the not-so-fine print before booking. The package includes transport from Iquitos Airport to the lodge and back; three meals a day; bottled water and juice; excursions of your choice; and a bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
Alcohol isn’t included, which is probably a good thing as treehouses and drunkenness are not a good combination (I’m speaking from experience here). Personal expenses, [tips](https://newperuvian.com/tipping-in-peru/) and souvenirs are also additional extras. Per person rates start at $695 for three days/two nights.
_The Titilaka lodge on the banks of Lake Titicaca. Photo by titilaka.pe._
### Titilaka, Lake Titicaca
Located on a private peninsula, [Titilaka](http://titilaka.pe/en/) is a true luxury all-inclusive experience with stunning views across Lake Titicaca.
The 18-room boutique lodge is about as far as you can get from the boozy beach scene of classic all-inclusive resorts. Here, sophisticated services mix with Andean culture to create a unique experience in one of Peru’s most enchanting environments.
As a member of Relais & Châteaux, it’s also no surprise that the food at Titilaka is also gourmet standard. Titilaka’s resident chef, María Fé García, uses local ingredients to produce elevated Andean dishes, which can be eaten in the main dining room, on the terrace, or brought to your room.
The all-inclusiveness extends to three meals a day. The bar is also free all day, with additional cocktails at dinner time. You'll have more than a dozen complimentary excursions to choose from (with bilingual local guides), including trips to Sillustani and the main islands of Lake Titicaca. You can choose one full-day excursion each day. Expect to pay upwards of $1,000 a night for a room.
## More (Almost) All-Inclusive Resorts, Lodges and Hotels in Peru
The following hotels, lodges and resorts offer packages that approach all-inclusiveness, but fall too far short to be considered all-inclusive resorts in Peru:
**Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu** — The [Belmond Sanctuary Lodge](https://www.belmond.com/sanctuary-lodge-machu-picchu/) at Machu Picchu offers a handful of packages that flirt with the all-inclusive category. The “Citadel Experience,” for example, includes a daily buffet breakfast and à la carte lunch and dinner; all beverages except premium brands; and two entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (with a private guide). Rates begin at around $650 per night.
**Belmond Las Casitas, Colca Canyon** — Like the Sanctuary Lodge, [Belmond Las Casitas](https://www.belmond.com/las-casitas-colca-canyon/) offers a package that is nearly all-inclusive. Book the “Full Board Package” and you’ll have a daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a few activities thrown in (but no alcohol). These include complimentary cooking and pisco lessons each day, property tours, alpaca feeding, trout fishing, star gazing and twice-weekly yoga sessions. Daily rates start at around $480.
**Hotel Paracas Resort, Paracas** — If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in Paracas, the [Hotel Paracas Resort](http://www.hotelparacasresort.com/) is as close as you're going to get — just check what packages they currently have on offer. At time of writing, the “Paracas: Pack And Enjoy Paradise” package offers a family-oriented deal including accommodation; buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; complimentary kayak and catamaran use; and various discounts at the bar and spa.
---
# The Legal Drinking Age in Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/legal-drinking-age-in-peru/
Published: 2017-08-10
Updated: 2017-11-03
Topic: legal drinking age in peru
The legal drinking age in Peru is 18, which is fairly standard on a global level. About 60% of all countries have a drinking age of 18. Some, like Cuba, Burundi and Antigua, are more lenient and have an on-premise drinking age of 16. A handful of nations are more puritanical and have a legal drinking age of 21 — most notably the United States.
So if you’re a youthful America with a penchant for alcoholic beverages, you can breathe a sigh of relief when you arrive in Peru. For most other nationalities, the legal drinking age in Peru is nothing out of the ordinary.
Laws, of course, are sometimes no more weighty than the paper they’re written on. In Peru, Article 14 of Law 28681 clearly states that selling or supplying alcohol to anyone under 18 is illegal.
But, well, no one’s looking, right? At least, not all the time.
## Drinking Laws in Bars and Discos in Peru
Many bars, discotecas and nightclubs in Peru do ask for ID, especially if the person looks underage. This is particularly common in midrange to upscale clubs, which sometimes have a policy of asking everyone for ID at the door (a photocopy of your passport will do).
At the same time, it’s not exactly a surprise to walk in to a packed disco and see a bunch of 15-year-olds passing round a bottle of beer. This is more common in the less touristy parts of [Peru’s major cities](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/), and in smaller provincial towns and cities. These establishments might attract a few police visits now and then, but normally go back to serving underage drinkers (and letting in underage females who just want to dance) once the heat dies down.
## The Sale of Alcohol in Supermarkets and Stores in Peru
Any place that sells alcohol in Peru must display a sign stating: “_Prohibida la venta de bebidas alcohólicas a menores de 18 años_” (“It is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to people under the age of 18”). This includes in supermarkets, liquor stores and small neighborhood bodegas (grocery stores).
Supermarkets and liquor stores are more likely to ask for identification, but the owners of small neighborhood bodegas tend to be more lenient when it comes to selling alcohol. If a 16-year-old wanted to buy a couple of beers from a small local store, his chances of being served are fairly good.
## The Reality of the Legal Drinking Age in Peru
The regularity of underage drinking in some bars and discotecas, as well as the lenient sale of alcohol in local stores, explains in part why many Peruvians have at least tried alcohol before the age of 18.
Studies by DEVIDA (Peru's National Commission for Development and Life Without Drugs) have revealed that many Peruvian kids first try alcohol at age 13 ([link to report in Spanish](http://peru21.pe/actualidad/consumo-alcohol-aumenta-entre-adolescentes-peruanas-2265868)). But these 13-year-olds aren’t drinking in bars or discos — most of them first try alcohol with their families at home, especially during family occasions like birthdays and [Christmas](https://newperuvian.com/christmas-in-peru/).
As an Englishman, that sounds familiar. I was drinking wine and beer at home during family gatherings way before I was 18. In the United Kingdom, however, it’s legal for adults to give alcohol to their children at home once their child is 5-years-old or more (that sounds kind of crazy, [but that’s the official line](https://www.gov.uk/alcohol-young-people-law)).
In Peru, no such law is specified. Still, I’ve seen plenty of kids drinking chicha (corn beer) at family gatherings, enough to get them tipsy. Some of them can’t have been any older than 10.
So, while the legal drinking age in Peru is very clearly 18, the enforcement of that law — as with many laws in Peru — is far from stringent.
---
# Baggage Allowance in Peru: Limits and Restrictions for Domestic Airlines
URL: https://newperuvian.com/baggage-allowance-in-peru-limits-and-restrictions-for-domestic-airlines/
Published: 2017-08-10
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: baggage allowance in peru
Unless you’re carrying more gear than a Gold Rush mule, you’ll be able to fly within Peru without too much baggage drama. But the old days of a free 23 kg checked bag with every ticket are gone. As of mid-2026, the [major domestic airlines in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/) mostly work on a fare-bundle system: the cheapest fares include only a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you, while carry-on suitcases and checked baggage often cost extra. Buy the wrong fare and you could pay more for your suitcase than for your seat.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the baggage policies for Peru’s four main domestic airlines, along with restricted and prohibited items; sporting equipment and musical instruments; and pets (see final sections). Airlines tinker with these rules and prices constantly, so treat the numbers below as a guide (accurate as of mid-2026) and always check the fare details at booking. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
## LATAM Perú Baggage Allowance
**Hand luggage**: Every LATAM fare, including the cheapest Basic fare, includes one underseat bag or backpack, free of charge. This is the personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag ([read more about bringing a laptop to Peru](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/)), and its maximum dimensions are 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm, pockets and straps included. A proper carry-on suitcase for the overhead compartment, with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm and a maximum weight of 12 kg in economy (16 kg in the premium cabins), is included with every fare except Basic. If you bought a Basic fare, you can add a carry-on for a fee up until six hours before the flight.
**Checked baggage**: The standard LATAM checked bag is 23 kg, with a maximum linear dimension of 158 cm (height plus length plus width). Whether you get one free depends on your fare: as of mid-2026, Standard and Full fares include one 23 kg bag, while Basic and Light fares include none, meaning you pay extra to check anything.
**Excess baggage**: Extra bags and overweight bags are charged according to the route and how far in advance you buy. Adding baggage online through Mis Viajes before you fly is considerably cheaper than sorting it out at the airport.
[LATAM baggage allowance policy](https://www.latamairlines.com/pe/es/experiencia/prepara-tu-viaje/equipaje)
## Sky Airline Baggage Allowance
Sky Airline is a low-cost carrier, so what you can bring depends almost entirely on the fare bundle you choose.
**Hand luggage**: Every Sky fare includes one personal item (a handbag, small backpack, or laptop bag) measuring no more than 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm and weighing up to 10 kg, which goes under the seat in front of you. A proper carry-on for the overhead compartment, up to 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm and 10 kg (wheels, pockets, and handles included), is only included with the higher fare bundles (Light, Max, and Max Flex as of mid-2026). On the cheapest fares (Basic and Standard), you pay extra for it. You can also bring a coat or jacket free of charge, which is worth remembering when flying to chilly Andean destinations like [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/).
**Checked baggage**: Checked bags must weigh no more than 23 kg each and measure no more than 158 linear cm. Checked baggage is not included with the cheapest fares, so add it when you book: Sky itself points out that adding baggage in advance is always cheaper than paying at the airport.
**Excess baggage**: Bags over 23 kg pay an excess charge. Sky accepts single bags of up to 45 kg on flights within Peru, if you really must bring the kitchen sink.
[Sky Airline baggage allowance policy](https://cda.skyairline.com/es/peru/servicios/centro-de-ayuda/category/37)
## JetSMART Baggage Allowance
JetSMART, which began flying domestically in Peru in 2022, is an ultra-low-cost airline, and its baggage policy follows the same logic as Sky’s: the headline fare covers you and a small bag, and everything else is an add-on.
**Hand luggage**: The base fare includes one personal item weighing up to 10 kg with maximum dimensions of 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you. A carry-on suitcase for the overhead compartment, up to 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm and 10 kg (one per passenger), costs extra unless it comes with your fare bundle.
**Checked baggage**: Checked bags cost extra. Each bag can weigh up to 23 kg and measure up to 158 linear cm, and you can check as many as five bags per passenger if you pay for them.
**Excess baggage**: A checked bag weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg pays a fixed excess fee. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted at all, so weigh that souvenir-stuffed monster before heading to the airport.
[JetSMART baggage allowance policy](https://jetsmart.com/pe/es/PreguntasFrecuentes)
## Star Perú Baggage Allowance
Star Perú, the smallest of the four, is refreshingly old-fashioned: as of mid-2026, its standard tickets still include both hand luggage and a checked bag on most routes.
**Hand luggage**: One piece weighing up to 8 kg, with maximum dimensions of 45 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm (pockets, wheels, and handles included) on most routes. Flights to Huánuco, which use smaller aircraft, cut this to 5 kg and 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm.
**Checked baggage**: One piece weighing up to 23 kg, with a maximum linear dimension of 158 cm, on most routes (15 kg on Huánuco flights). Allowances can vary by fare class, so check the conditions on your ticket.
**Excess baggage**: Star Perú lists excess baggage at US$30 plus IGV (Peru’s sales tax) per extra kilo or additional bag, which makes packing light a sound financial strategy.
[Star Perú baggage allowance policy](https://www.starperu.com/es/sobre-mi-equipaje)
## Airlines That No Longer Fly in Peru
If you’re reading older articles or forum posts about baggage allowances in Peru (including earlier versions of this one), you’ll see rules quoted for airlines that no longer exist. Viva Air collapsed in March 2023; Peruvian Airlines stopped flying in 2019; LC Perú was grounded in late 2018 and never returned; and Avianca shut down its Peruvian domestic operation in 2020. Any baggage information you find for these airlines can be safely ignored, along with the airlines themselves.
## Airline Baggage Restrictions in Peru
Airline baggage restrictions in Peru are fairly standard and typical of airline policies around the world. Always check the specific restrictions of your airline if you're unsure. (For customs issues when entering Peru, read [Peruvian Customs Regulations: What You Can and Can’t Bring Into Peru](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-customs-regulations-can-cant-bring-into-peru/))
Things that are typically prohibited on flights in Peru include:
- Firearms
- Explosives
- Compressed gas
- Flammable liquids and solids
- Oxidizing materials
- Toxic, corrosive or infectious substances
- Radioactive material
Certain small items for personal use, like aerosols, gels, liquors, creams, deodorant sticks, lipstick and toothpaste are allowed in your carry-on luggage, as long as they’re stored inside a transparent bag of up to one liter in size (according to LATAM).
Most domestic airlines in Peru accept sporting equipment as checked luggage, including surfboards, golf clubs, bicycles, skateboards, SCUBA equipment and fishing rods. Musical instruments can also be taken as checked luggage, or as hand luggage if they fit the size restrictions. On the low-cost airlines, expect to pay for these as special or oversized baggage. Check the airline’s policy before you fly.
## Taking Pets on Airlines in Peru
Pets are normally accepted on flights in Peru, sometimes in the cabin and sometimes in the hold, but always for an additional fee and under certain regulations. Pets are not considered part of the standard baggage allowance, and so are treated as an extra (and therefore you have to pay more). Each airline has specific guidelines, including weights, kennel sizes, and health paperwork, so check the relevant website for more details before booking.
---
# Festivals and Cultural Events in Lima, Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/festivals-and-cultural-events-in-lima-peru/
Published: 2017-08-06
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: events in lima
Below is a list and description of all the festivals and cultural events in Lima (read my [Lima travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) for more about Peru's capital city). These include annually recurring festivals, traditional celebrations, and major annual cultural events like book fairs and film festivals. Exact dates for many of the bigger events shift from year to year, so check locally before you travel.
For major concerts and music festivals in Lima — updated regularly — read [Music Concerts in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/music-concerts-in-peru/).
## Annual Events in Lima
January 6
**Adoración de Reyes Magos** (Epiphany) — In Lima, the Adoration of the Magi is notable for a procession led by three mounted policemen dressed as the Three Wise Men (the biblical Magi). They ride through the streets carrying offerings to the Municipality building.
January 18
**Foundation of Lima** — Major celebrations and civic events take place across Lima to mark the capital’s foundation. The conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on January 18, 1535.
Whole of February
**Carnaval** — February is carnaval month across Peru, and the festivities are particularly vibrant — and chaotic — in Lima. Processions, folkloric dances, concerts and shows take place across the city. But the most famous aspect of carnaval are the numerous water fights that take place in the streets. Buckets of water, water balloons, water pistols: all are used to soak innocent passers-by. Keep your camera safe.
First Saturday of February
**Día del Pisco Sour** (Pisco Sour Day) — This annual event pays tribute to Peru’s national cocktail, the pisco sour. Keep an eye open for pisco sour offers in bars and restaurants, and other pisco sour-related events. You can read more about [pisco sour and other classic pisco cocktails](https://newperuvian.com/classic-pisco-cocktails-peru-beyond/) here.
March and/or April\
(moveable feast)
**Semana Santa** (Holy Week) — Celebrated throughout Peru, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the week leading up to Easter (but does not include Easter Sunday). It’s a moveable feast, so dates vary depending on the year.
April 22
**Anniversary of the Constitutional Province of Callao** — The Constitutional Province of Callao is a bit of an oddball, administratively speaking. It’s part of the wider Lima Metropolitan Area (and it’s home to Lima Airport), but it’s also a unique administrative region of Peru. People from Callao, known as _chalacos_ ([a Peruvian demonym](https://newperuvian.com/demonyms-of-peru/)), are a proud bunch. Expect plenty of parties and street parades when they celebrate their anniversary, which dates back to April 22, 1857.
April\
(multiple days, dates vary)
**Lima Jazz Festival** — Jazz fans can enjoy an extensive program of musical events in Lima, typically held on multiple days in April. Organizers and dates change from year to year, so check current listings before you travel.
_The Lima Marathon in 2017. Photo by lima42k.com._
May\
(dates vary)
**Lima Marathon** — The biggest annual marathon held in Lima, the [Lima42K](https://lima42k.com.pe/) attracts runners from across the world. It usually takes place in May, with 10K and half marathon races run alongside the full marathon.
May or June\
(moveable feast)
**Corpus Christi** — Religious parades and festivities celebrating the Eucharist. Corpus Christi is really big in Cusco, but the processions in Lima are impressive, too.
Late May or early June\
(dates vary)
**Fiesta de la Vendimia de Surco** (Surco Wine Harvest Festival) — The Surco district celebrates its winemaking traditions with several days of wine, pisco, food and live music in the Plaza de Armas of Surco Pueblo. Recent editions have run from late May into the first days of June, and the exact dates shift from year to year.
June 24
**Festivals of San Juan and Inti Raymi** — These festivals deserve a mention despite not being based in Lima. The Festival of San Juan is celebrated throughout the Peruvian jungle, in cities like [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) and [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/), but events do take place in Lima (there are plenty of people from the jungle living in the capital). Inti Raymi, the annual reconstruction of the Inca ceremony of the sun and the winter solstice, takes place at Saksaywaman, just above the city of [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/). You might see some related events in Lima.
June 28
**Día Nacional del Cebiche** (National Ceviche Day) — A nationwide event in honor of one of Peru's most iconic dishes. Keep an eye out for restaurant offers, particularly in cevicherias across Lima, and other ceviche-related events. And before you go, read about the various [types of ceviche](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/) that exist.
June 29
**Día de San Pedro y San Pablo** (Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Day) — This is a national holiday in Peru. Maritime processions pass along various coastal regions. In Lima, major street and coastal processions take place in Callao and in Chorrillos.
July 16
**Virgen del Carmen** — A colorful religious procession in which the faithful carry an image of the Virgen del Carmen through the streets. It begins in a church in the Barrios Altos neighborhood and continues through Lima’s historic center. The procession is accompanied by bands playing traditional _música criolla_.
Fourth Sunday of July
**Día Nacional del Pisco** (National Pisco Day) — Keep an eye out for bargain deals on pisco in bars and restaurants across Lima. You might even come across some free tasting sessions.
_The Gran Parada Militar del Perú, a huge military parade in Lima on July 29 for the Fiestas Patrias. Photo by [Galeria del Ministerio de Defensa del Perú](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ministeriodedefensaperu/9397362066/), flickr.com._
July 28 and 29
**Fiestas Patrias** (Independence Day celebrations) — Peru celebrates its independence on July 28, the day on which José de San Martín liberated Peru from its Spanish rulers in 1821. July 29 is a day in honor of the armed forces and police of Peru. Both days are national holidays with plenty of parades, pageantry and fireworks (and booze). The Gran Parada Militar del Perú — a huge military parade in Lima — is broadcast live on TV across the country.
Second half of July\
(often continuing into August)
**Lima International Book Fair** — This literary and cultural event has been going from strength to strength each year. It typically runs for more than two weeks, with guest authors from across the globe, and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Early August
**Festival de Cine de Lima** (Lima Film Festival) — Peru's premier film festival typically takes place in the first half of August. It lasts at least a week. [Check the website for details](http://festivaldelima.com).
August 20
**Anniversary of Callao** — Callao gets two anniversary celebrations: the day it was recognized as a Constitutional Province (April 22, 1857), and the day it received political autonomy with the creation of the Callao Littoral Province (August 20, 1836). It's complicated, but I'm sure no one in Callao cares too much after a fifth bottle of beer.
August\
(date varies)
**Lima Half Marathon** — Lima's annual half marathon is one of the oldest half marathons in South America. It features both 10K and 21K events. It usually takes place on a Sunday in August.
August 30
**Día de Santa Rosa de Lima** (Saint Rose of Lima Day) — A national holiday in Peru in honor of Saint Rose of Lima, the first Catholic saint of the Americas and the patron saint of both Lima and Latin America.
October 8
**Combate de Angamos** (Battle of Angamos) — A national holiday in honor of the fateful Battle of Angamos (1879), a naval encounter during the War of the Pacific between the navies of Chile and Peru. Peru lost the battle, in which the great Peruvian hero Admiral Miguel Grau Seminario also lost his life.
_The Señor de los Milagros religious parade in Lima. Photo by [Mililo2012](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andas.jpg), Wikimedia Commons._
October\
(various dates)
**El Señor de los Milagros** — This is the biggest religious congregation in South America, with huge processions — including purple-robed devotees — passing through the streets of Lima. Hundreds of thousands of people walk through the decorated streets, with the main processions typically taking place on October 18, 19 and 28 (dates may vary and further processions might take place on different days).
October 26\
(and surrounding days)
**Anniversary of Barranco** — The Barranco district of Lima celebrates its foundation with at least a week of events and festivities, including parties, parades and art exhibitions.
October 31
**Día de la Canción Criolla** (Day of the Creole Song) — A day in honor of _música criolla_, a traditional genre mixing influences from Africa, Spain and the Andes. Keep an ear open for the sound of free concerts.
October and November
**Feria Taurino del Señor de los Milagros** (Bullfighting Fair of the Señor de los Milagros) — The biggest bullfighting event in Peru and South America, attracting professional _toreros_ (matadors) from the world's major bullfighting nations. The event takes place at the Plaza de Toros de Acho, the oldest existing bullfighting ring in the Americas. The bullfights typically run through October and November. Understandably, protests often take place outside the arena.
November 1 and 2
**Día de Todos los Santos and Día de los Difuntos** (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) — These two days are a mix of family feasts, graveside vigils and a bit of drinking (All Saints’ Day is, after all, a national holiday). Peru's Day of the Dead isn't nearly as colorful as in Mexico, for example, but you might come across some interesting parades. Halloween, which precedes All Saints' Day on October 31, is growing in popularity in Peru, especially in Lima, but it's not celebrated with as much planning and passion as in the USA.
November 3
**Festividad de San Martín de Porres** (Festival of San Martín de Porres) — Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima on December 9, 1579 and died on November 3, 1639. As a man of mixed race, Martin de Porres became the patron saint of mixed-race people, as well as barbers and innkeepers, among other things. His death is remembered each year in churches and cathedrals across Lima.
December 8
**Inmaculada Concepción** (Immaculate Conception) — Another national holiday in Peru, this time in honor of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. Expect to see religious parades and plenty of people dragging themselves to church.
December 24 and 25
[**Christmas Eve and Christmas Day**](https://newperuvian.com/christmas-in-peru/) — People stay up late on December 24 to celebrate at midnight. On Christmas Day, adults recover from hangovers while kids play with their new toys. Christmas in Lima is a fairly standard affair, with bucket loads of commercialism and busy streets.
---
# Lima Travel Guide
URL: https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/
Published: 2017-08-04
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: lima travel guide
It’s no small task to write a concise Lima travel guide. Home to around 10 million people, the Peruvian capital is by far the largest city in Peru. It’s a sprawling metropolis whose boundaries encompass everything from run-down shanty towns to luxury sea-view apartments; from bland traffic-choked districts to historic areas with beautiful plazas and parks.
Many tourists overlook Lima, using it as nothing more than an entry point into Peru on the way to [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), Arequipa, [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) or the Amazon. And I get that: not everyone likes big cities, and Lima isn’t the most obviously charming of places despite its seafront location.
But [if you have the time](https://newperuvian.com/how-many-days-do-you-need-in-peru/), give the Peruvian capital at least a few days. Lima is full of sights and attractions, with plenty to keep travelers of all ages and budgets entertained for at least a week — and potentially far longer. And Lima is the beating heart of modern Peru — a mix of every type of Peruvian, from the coast, the highlands and the jungle — where Peruvian culture, music, food and more have collided to form an urban melting pot that might be hard to love, but is never short on sights, sounds and sensations.
## Things to Do in Lima
**Sightseeing in Lima**
Lima is packed with sights and attractions. For relaxed sightseeing, you can easily spend an hour or so strolling around Parque Kennedy and Miraflores; or Barranco with its colorful buildings and café culture; or [Bosque el Olivar](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bosque-el-olivar-olive-grove-forest) in San Isidro; or the impressive historic center of Lima, all of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer some context with your wandering, [Lima Walking Tour](https://www.limawalkingtour.com/) runs free tips-based walking tours with licensed guides, leaving daily from Miraflores for the historic center, Barranco and Miraflores itself.
More specific excursions within the city include the Magic Water Circuit with its illuminated fountains, and the Parque de las Leyendas, which combines a zoo, botanical garden, museum and archaeological site. For views — at least on a rare clear day — head up to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal, or south to Chorrillos and the Cristo Del Pacífico (Christ of the Pacific) statue. If you’re traveling with kids, they might enjoy Mini Mundo, Divercity and the Parque de la Imaginación.
**Sports and Outdoor Activities in Lima**
Believe it or not, Lima is also pretty good for sports and outdoor activities. There are obviously far better places in Peru to go trekking, but for walking, jogging and cycling you can hit El Malecón, Lima’s coastal cliff-top path. You can also go paragliding from El Malecón. Bicycle tours run along this stretch and other parts of the city.
Down below the cliffs are Lima’s beaches, which attract surfers year-round and hundreds of sunbathers during the city’s all-too-brief sunny spells. Most of Lima’s best surfing beaches are further down the coast on the city limits and beyond.
Other outdoor activities in Lima include free walking tours; sandboarding (not as good as at Huacachina down south near Ica, but decent nonetheless); scuba diving at Pucusana and the Islas Palomino; and boat tours of nearby islands.
The biggest sporting event in the city is the huge soccer derby match — _El Clásico Peruano_ — between Alianza Lima and Universitario. If you want passion and maybe a little chaos, this is the game to see. Alternatively, you might be able to catch the national team play — ideally against a neighboring rival such as Chile or Ecuador, or a heavyweight like Brazil or Argentina. For a more traditional but far more controversial spectator “sport,” head to the historic [Plaza de Acho](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/plaza-de-toros-de-acho) bullfighting ring (most major bullfights take place during October and November).
_Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, Lima. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
**Art, Music and Theater in Lima**
It took a long time for Lima to get its act together on the arts scene, at least in terms of contemporary art. Now the city has the new Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC Lima) in Barranco; it’s still got some way to go, but it’s a start. Also in Barranco is the MATE gallery, set up by internationally acclaimed photographer Mario Testino. You’ll find other galleries, including the Lima Museum of Art (MALI) and the Museum of Italian Art, in the Parque de la Exposición in downtown Lima. For street art, stroll around Barranco.
Lima attracts a lot of major international music acts these days, playing in a variety of venues across the city (with the biggest gigs often taking place at the Estadio Nacional). Big concerts in 2017 include Justin Bieber, Bryan Adams, Linkin Park, Ed Sheeran and Maroon 5. Lima also hosts a growing repertoire of music festivals. You can see all the upcoming [concert and festival listings for Lima and Peru](https://newperuvian.com/music-concerts-in-peru/) here.
For classical music and theater, check out the program at the Gran Teatro Nacional ([www.granteatronacional.pe](http://www.granteatronacional.pe/)).
**Museums and Historic Sites in Lima**
The main museums in Lima include the free and fairly brutal Museum of the Inquisition (currently closed for renovations); the private and much acclaimed Museo Larco; the Museo de la Nacion; and Museo Pedro de Osma. Other museums in Lima cover everything from minerals to textiles, stamps and gold. Also of note is the Museo Planetario y Observatorio del Morro Solar (Lima’s planetarium and observatory).
The historic center of Lima is packed with important old buildings from the colonial period and the Republican Era. The Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas) is the historic center of Lima and the most important and impressive square in the capital. On it you’ll find the Government Palace (with a daily changing of the guard), Lima Cathedral and the impressive Archbishop's Palace, among others.
Don’t miss the Monastery of San Francisco with its bone-filled catacombs, located a couple of blocks from the main square. Other notable religious buildings are the Iglesia de Santo Domingo (home to the skull of Saint Rose of Lima) and the extravagant Iglesia de la Merced.
Other important landmarks include Real Felipe Fortress in Callao; old colonial homes such as Casa Aliaga, Casa de la Riva, and Casa de Oquendo (Casa de Osambela); the impressive Torre Tagle Palace; and the Parque de la Muralla in which you can see parts of the old city walls.
Archaeological sites within the city include Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores and Huaca Huallamarca in San Isidro. Just to the south of the city is the large complex of Pachacamac.
_The Archbishop's Palace of Lima, one of the main buildings on Lima's Plaza Mayor. Photo by [Art DiNo](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tafs/22081280698/), flickr.com._
## Where to Stay in Lima
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lima, you might want to first choose a district rather than a specific hotel or hostel (unless, of course, there’s a particular hotel you really want to stay at). You can read more about this in my article [Where to Stay in Lima: The Best Districts for Sights and Safety](https://newperuvian.com/where-to-stay-in-lima-best-districts-sights-safety/).
If you’re planning a layover in Lima and you want to stay near the airport, read [The Best Hostels and Hotels Near Lima Airport](https://newperuvian.com/best-hostels-hotels-near-lima-airport/).
I’ll be covering more individual hostels and hotels in Lima in the future. But for now I’ll list some of the best options available in a range of prices, from cheap backpacker hostels to five-star hotels.
**Friend’s House** ([facebook.com/FriendsHouseLimaPeru](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsHouseLimaPeru/)) — I’ve been returning to Friend’s House in Miraflores for years. It's a little worn around the edges, but cheap, comfortable and has a good vibe.
**1900 Backpackers Hostel** ([www.1900hostel.com](http://www.1900hostel.com/)) — My favorite hostel in Central Lima, located in a spacious renovated mansion.
**Red Llama Eco-Hostel** ([redllamahostel.com](http://redllamahostel.com/inicio/)) — A good spot in Miraflores. Slightly expensive for a hostel, but fun and eco-friendly.
**Gran Hotel Bolivar** ([www.granhotelbolivar.com.pe](http://www.granhotelbolivar.com.pe/)) — One of Lima’s most historic hotels, albeit a shadow of its former star-studded self. Still, its slight decline has made this supposedly haunted hotel surprisingly affordable. I love it.
**Hilton Lima Miraflores** ([website](http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/peru/hilton-lima-miraflores-LIMMFHH/index.html)) — Generally considered one of the best hotels in Lima. Rooms start at around US$230.
**Hotel B** ([hotelb.pe](https://hotelb.pe/)) — This arts-boutique hotel in Barranco has garnered a lot of global media attention since it opened in 2013. It’s not cheap though, with rooms between $330 and $580.
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
## Where to Eat in Lima
If you believe all the hype, Lima is one of the world’s great food cities. The international accolades keep pouring in, and no Lima travel guide would be complete without mentioning certain chefs who are becoming global stars.
Most notable among them are the husband-and-wife culinary teams of Gastón Acurio and Astrid Gutsche (owners of Astrid & Gastón and a billion other restaurants) and Virgilio Martínez and Pia León, owners of Central, voted the best restaurant in South America in 2017 (and the fifth best in the world).
So while you’re in Lima, think about booking a seat at one of these swank restaurants to see what all the fuss is about. You might have to book well in advance, but it will be far more affordable than eating in restaurants owned by the same chefs in cities like London and New York.
If upscale isn’t your style, you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants in Lima that won’t drain your budget. The capital is one of the best places in Peru to eat ceviche, whether it’s at the fish market in Chorrillos or one of many cevicherias serving a range of [different types of ceviche](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/). One particular seafood restaurant I always return to is Aventuras Marinas at Manuel Bonilla 178-B in Miraflores (not far from the top of Parque Kennedy); [the lunchtime _menú_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/) costs between S/ 10 and S/ 15 ($3 and $4.60) and it’s always memorable.
If you like chifa (traditional Peruvian-Cantonese fusion) then go chow down in Barrio Chino (Chinatown) in the city center. It's a fun area for a stroll and an even better place for eating chifa. If you’re hungry, head to an all-you-can-eat chifa buffet, guaranteed to fill you to the brim.
For quick eats, try Lima’s street food. From pork sandwiches to sugary churros, the street food in Lima is well worth exploring, especially after a beer or three.
If you’ve been on the road for a while, you might be missing food from back home. In that case, take advantage of Lima’s international options — buffalo wings, curry, sushi, pulled pork sandwiches and much more — which are hard, if not impossible, to find in other cities. Check out places like Mantra ([www.mantraperu.com](http://www.mantraperu.com/)) in Miraflores, Wingman ([@wingmanalitasinc](https://www.facebook.com/wingmanalitasinc/)) in Barranco and Papi Carne ([@PapiCarne](https://www.facebook.com/PapiCarne/)) in Surquillo, to mention just a few.
Sweet-toothed tourists should visit the ChocoMuseo ([www.chocomuseo.com](https://www.chocomuseo.com/)), where you can learn the chocolate-making process and eat a load of chocolate. Lima has two ChocoMuseos, one in Miraflores and the other on Lima’s Plaza Mayor (Central Lima).
Also keep an eye out for gastronomic fairs. If you’re a “foodie,” you’ll enjoy annual culinary events like Mistura, Invita Perú and various others.
When it comes to alcohol, Lima is home to Peru’s best pisco sours and other [classic pisco cocktails](https://newperuvian.com/classic-pisco-cocktails-peru-beyond/). Hotspots include the bar at the historic Gran Hotel Bolívar; Bar Inglés at the Lima Country Club; and Mayta in Miraflores. Beer enthusiasts, meanwhile, will want to sample the ever-expanding options coming out of Peru’s new craft beer scene (see nightlife section for more).
_A busy night in Barbarian bar and taproom in Miraflores, Lima. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Drinking and Nightlife in Lima
Lima is packed with clubs playing modern electronic music with various others genres sometimes thrown into the mix. I’m no expert on big clubs in Lima (so feel free to recommend something in the comments below), but you could try Bazar in Miraflores, El Dragon in Barranco, and MIA or Mute in Surco (both close to each other).
Bars are more my kind of thing, especially if they sell good beer. A few years ago, it was tough to find an IPA or a pale ale in Peru, with just the standard Pilsen Callao, Cristal and Cusqueña available at most bars. But Peru’s craft beer scene has blossomed in the last few years, and now you can bar crawl from one taproom to the next. In Miraflores you’ll find the Barbarian and Nuevo Mundo taprooms, both of which have a range of house beers and other craft beers from across Peru. Barranco, meanwhile, is home to the English-owned Brewpub Wicks and Barranco Beer Company. And in Pueblo Libre, head to Hops. If cocktails are more your thing than beer, [Saha](https://sahaperu.com/) is a terrace bar on Calle Bolívar in Miraflores, tucked behind the Atlantic City casino, with internationally trained bartenders.
For traditional nightlife in Lima, go to a peña. A peña is a mix of live _musica criolla_, dancing, food and drink. Some peñas are touristy and not so authentic, while others are the real deal. One of the most popular peñas in Lima is Del Carajo! ([www.delcarajo.com.pe](http://www.delcarajo.com.pe/)) in Barranco. It’s a mix of foreigners and tourists, and gets lively late on Friday and Saturday.
Other nightlife options include gambling in one of Lima’s many casinos or catching a movie at the cinema. Most districts have a good cinema, including Miraflores, which has at least two, with one inside Larcomar Shopping Center ([www.larcomar.com](http://www.larcomar.com/)).
## Shopping in Lima
I hate shopping. I loathe it. But here we go anyway…
Shopping in Lima is great! Ahem. Yeah, well, I guess it’s great. I mean, you can buy everything from genuine Gucci handbags to finger puppets made from llama wool.
Districts like Miraflores and San Isidro have plenty of expensive boutique clothing stores frequented by people who probably own pink poodles. You’ll also find international brands in shopping centers like Larcomar and large retail stores like Ripley.
Bargain hunters should avoid these places and instead go to Gamarra, the largest center for retail clothing in Peru (it covers about 20 blocks in the La Victoria district). It can get a little sketchy at times, especially when it’s crowded, so be wary of pickpockets and opportunistic thieves.
Another option is Polvos Azules, also in La Victoria. It’s a sprawling and ramshackle shopping center with thousands of stores selling everything from perfume to purses to PlayStations. In Central Lima, a block or two from Barrio Chino, you’ll find the Mercado Central. Inside the main market building are stalls selling fresh produce, including meat, fruit and veg. All around the market are stalls selling everything from shoes to Tupperware to electronics that probably won’t work for more than a week.
For something completely different, head to the Mercado de Brujas (Witches’ Market), located beneath the Gamarra metro station. Here you can buy all kinds of potions and cure-alls, including the now-infamous frog smoothies.
For prime souvenir shopping in Lima, go to the Mercado Indio (Indian Market) along Avenida Petit Thouars in Miraflores. It’s touristy and you’ll probably find slightly better prices elsewhere, but it’s packed full of good stuff and makes souvenir shopping easy. Perfect for people who hate shopping.
## Transport in Lima: Arriving, Getting Around and Onward Travel
Lima is the transportation hub for the whole of Peru. Most major forms of [national public transport in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/public-transport-in-peru/) have their main terminals or ports in the capital. Nearly all international air traffic lands at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, and all of [Peru’s domestic airlines](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/) are centered on Lima, from where they fly to other [airports in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/main-airports-in-peru-map/).
Many travelers arrive in Lima by air and then travel to tourist districts like Miraflores. You can read about [getting from Lima Airport to Miraflores by taxi, bus, shuttle and more](https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/) here; many of these options also apply to other districts.
[Major domestic bus companies in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-bus-companies-in-peru-safest-reliable/) arrive and depart from their respective terminals, not from a large bus terminal serving all companies. Many of these terminals are in La Victoria. Taxis in Lima are good, but you need to be careful when flagging down a cab. Always look for a reasonably modern vehicle with a clearly displayed license (including yellow cabs and unmarked modern black cabs).
Lima has a cheap but chaotic system of minibuses (combis and colectivos). If you’re feeling brave and you don’t mind the cramped conditions, give it a go — just be careful of pickpockets and snatch thieves.
A better, safer option is the Metropolitano bus rapid transit system. It’s not perfect and can be overcrowded, but it’s cheaper than a taxi and normally more comfortable and quicker than a combi. You’ll need to buy a Metropolitano swipe card to use the system (or you can ask someone to swipe their card for you and give them the equivalent amount in change — normally a few soles).
If you have any questions about transport to, from or in Lima, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
## Safety in Lima
No big city anywhere in the world is ever totally safe.
The most dangerous thing about Lima is the traffic. Otherwise, it's not so bad. Exercise all standard precautions etc. etc. and you should be fine. Especially watch out for snatch theft, and don’t leave any valuables exposed or unattended for even a second.
Certain districts in Lima are worse than others, so try to avoid the most dangerous areas, especially at night. I won't cover them in this Lima travel guide, but I have written a separate article all about [the most dangerous areas of Lima](https://newperuvian.com/most-dangerous-areas-of-lima-peru/).
## Withdrawing and Exchanging Money in Lima
ATMs are everywhere in Lima. It’s best to withdraw money from an ATM inside a bank just to be on the safe side (less chance of snatch theft and card skimmer devices). You can read more about [using ATMs in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/) here.
If you are [using US dollars in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/using-us-dollars-in-peru/), you can change them for soles in banks, _casas de cambio_ (currency exchange offices) and with registered street money-changers, the latter often giving the best exchange rates.
## Internet in Lima
The [internet in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/) is normally functional and sometimes surprisingly fast, and Lima has arguably the best connection speeds, especially in touristy and upscale districts.
Most three- to five-star hotels should have good Wi-Fi access throughout. Many hostels also have good Wi-Fi, although speeds vary greatly depending on the internet package used and the number of people online at any given time.
You’ll find internet cafes all over Lima, and most cafes, restaurants and bars have free Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi hotspots have also been set up in some districts, including in Miraflores.
## Weather in Lima
Lima is an oddball when it comes to weather. The city is located in the tropics, just 12 degrees south of the equator. It’s also in a desert. But Lima is neither a lush tropical city nor an arid desert metropolis — it has a mild desert climate with two distinct seasons: a warm and fairly sunny summer and a cool and overcast winter.
Summer runs from December through April with January to mid-March being the hottest period. Average maximum temperatures sit around 28°C (82°F) during the day, with average lows of about 18°C (64°F) at night. Coastal fogs are common in the morning, keeping humidity levels high early in the day. The summer skies over Lima are relatively cloud-free, ensuring a reasonable amount of bright and sunny days. Rainfall is almost nonexistent during the summer months, with the exception of some brief and very light showers.
Winter runs from May to November with June to September being the coolest, wettest and cloudiest months (the most depressing months, some would say). Average temperatures from June to September hover around 14°C (57°F) at night, with average maximum temperatures rarely rising above 20°C (68°F). Dark, lifeless and overcast skies often hang over Lima for days or weeks on end during the winter. Precipitation remains low, but morning drizzle and fogs — known locally as _garúa_ — are common.
A large percentage of international tourists arrive in Lima during the city’s grey winter period, which happens to be high season in Peru. Tourists who only see the gloomy side of Lima might well have a different opinion of the city if they returned in the summer.
## Festivals and Events in Lima
You can find out what's happening in Lima throughout the year with my guide to [festivals and cultural events in Lima, Peru](https://newperuvian.com/festivals-and-cultural-events-in-lima-peru/).
---
# Orphaned Manatees at the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos, Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/orphaned-manatees-at-the-amazon-rescue-center-in-iquitos-peru/
Published: 2017-07-31
Updated: 2017-09-15
Topic: amazon rescue center
Crunch, crunch, crunch. Munch, munch, munch.
The orphaned baby manatee stuck his grey snout out of the water and took another bite from the thick aquatic leaf I was offering. Munch, munch.
His little whiskers moved up and down as he chewed, gummy and toothless, with gusto. Mucho gusto. Crunch, crunch.
I’d come to the Amazon Rescue Center in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) after a depressing walk around the nearby and presumably underfunded Quistacocha Zoo. Quistacocha, with its lakeside beaches, sun loungers and caged Amazonian wildlife, is a popular spot just outside the isolated jungle city. But the sight of animals pacing in circles in cramped cages, depressed and often alone, had tainted the whole experience.
And so it was, in a funk and far from inspired, that I went a short way down the road to see if the Centro de Rescate Amazónico (CREA), or Amazon Rescue Center, was any more uplifting.
Crunch, crunch. Munch, munch.
I paid for my ticket at the entrance and followed a group along a path through the trees, heavy drops of golden sun filtering through the leaves and dripping through the shade. We passed a small clearing in the woods, where the smiling Guardian Tree watched over new arrivals like one of Tolkien's Ents.
Further on, some monkeys, running free, were obviously up to some mischief. They had an enclosure, but for now they were allowed outside.
Then we passed out of the wooded area and came to some manmade pools of clear water, in which fat little things bobbed and lounged like chubby little Atlantean princes. I watched as a staff member bottle-fed one of these orphans, a helpless baby manatee who would have had little chance — if any — of surviving in the wild.
Glug, glug. Glug, glug.
This was one of the quarantine pools for newly-rescued orphans. Here the manatee calves would receive veterinary treatment and drink milk from the bottle.
A milk-slick ran into the water from the mouth of the grey-skinned baby, a focused but messy eater. He breathed through his nose as he sucked on the bottle, his nostrils opening and closing while his mouth stayed firmly fixed on the bottle’s teat.
Greedy little bugger, I thought, already charmed by these beautiful blubbery creatures.
We moved on to a nearby set of pools. These were of darker, shadier water, where slightly older infants were slowly swimming. This was the weaning area, where the manatees drink less milk and eat more aquatic vegetation.
“Would you like to feed them?” asked the smiling staff member who was leading us through the grounds. He handed me a pot of thick aquatic leaves and immediately a couple of manatees swam over in expectation of food.
I knelt by the pool and two short, whiskered snouts popped out to probe the air. I offered a leaf and both baby manatees brought their heads halfway out of the water, their strange upper lips — large, flexible, and prehensile — reaching out finger-like to gather the food. The closer of the two took the leaf. The second manatee moved off to try his luck with some other humans who had knelt by the pool with another pot of food.
Munch, _munch?_
The manatee below me sniffed loudly and impatiently through his large nostrils, asking for more. I complied, and he happily demolished my entire pot, his toothless mouth drawing in the thick leaves like logs into a lumber mill.
Watching him eat was fascinating, almost hypnotic. His short whiskers moved and twitched with his stubby snout and probing lips, his small eyes fixed and occasionally blinking, his eyelids closing in a strange circular manner, another peculiarity of the manatee. I ran my hand along his wet skin; it was smooth but tough, like the skin of a young elephant.
Baby manatees do not have teeth, at least nothing developed enough to be of much use. Even when they’re released from the center and grow to adulthood, these rescued orphans will still only have about six teeth along each jaw, with no incisors or canines, just a row of molars. The molars are slowly but continuously replaced, with new teeth growing at the back and moving forward like a conveyor belt as the older teeth fall out at the front. This strange system of tooth renewal is found in only three mammals: manatees, kangaroos and elephants.
Crunch, crunch.
When he’s ready, this manatee will move from the weaning pool to the pre-release area. There he’ll only eat aquatic vegetation and will share the lagoon with other animals — but with no direct human contact — where he’ll grow to about 100 kg (a fully-grown adult can weight 350 kg or more). And then, when he’s at least three years old, he’ll be ready for release.
Some say that ocean-dwelling manatees — not this freshwater Amazonian species — [may have inspired myths of sirens and mermaids](http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2014/11/141124-manatee-awareness-month-dugongs-animals-science/) among weary, bleary-eyed sailors. Looking at these fat little fellows, it’s hard to associate them with the Disneyfied image of a mermaid. I’m sure Ariel, at least, would develop quiet a complex if she was compared to such a creature.
But for me, in all my time in Peru, I’ve seen few things — living or otherwise — more beautiful than these orphaned manatees. And in turn, few enterprises more worthy or more deserving of support than the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos, Peru.
Munch, munch. Crunch, crunch.
## Learning More About the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos
In the Amazon, as in other parts of the world, humans pose the greatest threat to the three species of manatee (Amazonian, West Indian and West African). This is often through habitat destruction and collisions with motorboats, including hull impacts and cuts caused by propellers. In the Amazon, however, other, greater threats exist:
“The greatest threats to manatees \[in the Amazon] are hunting, especially of adult manatees,” says Cris Vélez, a board member of the Amazon Rescue Center and the Coordinator of the Environmental Education and Tourism Area. “They have been hunted for hundreds of years and this still continues in some Amazonian villages. People kill them for food or use the manatee’s meat to catch fish. If they hunt an adult with a baby, they’ll try to sell the baby manatee as an exotic pet.”
I asked Cris via email to tell me more about the Amazon Rescue Center and its ongoing efforts to help rescue, protect and then release orphaned manatees: “The center can care for 10 manatees in the quarantine and weaning areas, but we have a pre-release area where the bigger manatees are. The number of manatees \[we] rescue per year changes according to the year; we have rescued 40 manatees since 2007.”
And where do these manatees go when they’re old enough to leave the center?
“All of the manatees released so far were released in natural protected areas like Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and Tamshiyacu Tahuayo \[Regional Conservation Area]. We move them there by boat or airplane. Manatees can stay out of the water for up to one day with wet skin; the trip takes us 40 minutes by plane or three hours by fast boat.
"Before and after releasing them, we work with the communities near the release lagoon. Usually the lagoon is far from the villages, but it is part of the conservation effort and one of the main objectives of CREA to raise awareness among the Amazonian population. All the manatees have a belt in their tails when they are released, and we track them for at least 6 months.”
Running a center like the Amazon Rescue Center is no easy task, and Cris and his colleagues receive minimal help from the Peruvian government. “The only help we receive from the government is through the [Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana](http://www.iiap.org.pe/) (IIAP)," he told me. "They are part of the government and give us a piece of land inside their facilities. Our funding comes from the [Dallas World Aquarium Zoo](http://www.dwazoo.com/); they are the main funder of the project. Other funding comes from the tourists that visit CREA; they have to pay a fee to get in and that income allows us to improve the facilities.”
Finally, I asked Cris how people can help the Amazon Rescue Center and the orphaned manatees: “People can help us by spreading the word about what we do to try to conserve a vulnerable species; they can visit CREA or [contact us through our website](http://www.centroderescateamazonico.com/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CentroRescateAmazonicoCREA/) if they want to donate; they can also volunteer here. Most important: Do not buy wildlife as pets.”
Thanks Cris, and many thanks to the Amazon Rescue Center for doing what it does.
_All photos and video by Tony Dunnell._
---
# The Current Minimum Wage in Peru in US Dollars and Soles
URL: https://newperuvian.com/current-minimum-wage-in-peru-in-us-dollars-and-soles/
Published: 2017-06-27
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: minimum wage in peru
The current minimum wage in Peru is S/ 1,130 (soles) per month, a figure in force since January 1, 2025. At the time of writing (mid-2026), that's roughly $330 (US dollars), though the conversion shifts with the exchange rate. The increase from the previous S/ 1,025 was set by supreme decree at the end of 2024, and while unions continue to push for more, no further rise has been confirmed so far in 2026.
To get a rough idea of what that number means for the average Peruvian worker — and how it reflects both the cost of living and [traveling in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/tips-for-traveling-in-peru-on-a-budget/) — we can compare it to other nations in the region and globally. But we also need to keep in mind Peru's informal sector, which is a huge part of the country's economy.
## Recent History of the Minimum Wage in Peru
Peru is a developing country with [plenty of natural resources](https://newperuvian.com/major-imports-exports-of-peru/) and a strong economy. The minimum wage (_sueldo mínimo_ or _salario mínimo_) in Peru continues to rise, albeit not enough according to some (and too much according to others, who argue it fuels Peru’s massive informal sector; more on that below).
Since the year 2000 (the last year of Alberto Fujimori’s controversial reign as President of Peru), the minimum wage has almost tripled, rising from S/ 410 to the current S/ 1,130.
The minimum wage increased twice during the administration of former President Ollanta Humala, from S/ 675 up to S/ 750 in June 2012, and from S/ 750 to S/ 850 in May 2016. It then rose to S/ 930 in 2018, to S/ 1,025 in May 2022, and to the current S/ 1,130 in January 2025. Workers' groups have long argued the figure should be higher, and each new government faces the same demand.
## Minimum Wage in Peru Compared to Other Nations
As of early 2026, Peru sits in the middle of South America's minimum wage rankings. The figures below are approximate monthly amounts converted to US dollars at early-2026 exchange rates; the conversions fluctuate a lot, so the order can shift quite easily. Argentina is the classic example, swinging up and down the table as its currency moves:
| Country | Dollars (approx.) | Local Currency |
| --------- | ----------------- | ------------------------- |
| Uruguay | $630 | 24,572 Uruguayan pesos |
| Chile | $550 | 529,000 Chilean pesos |
| Ecuador | $480 | $482 |
| Colombia | $430 | 1,750,905 Colombian pesos |
| Peru | $330 | 1,130 soles |
| Argentina | $290 | (varies with inflation) |
| Brazil | $260 | 1,502 Brazilian reais |
Further afield, the Federal minimum wage in the **United States** still stands at $7.25 an hour (unchanged since 2009), which works out at about $1,250 per month — significantly more than in any South American nation, though many US states set their own, higher minimums.
In the **United Kingdom**, the minimum wage for adults is now over £12 an hour, which works out at roughly $2,600 per month for full-time work.
## Reality Check: The Minimum Wage and Peru’s Massive Informal Economy
According to [a 2016 study by Peru’s National Institute of Statistics and Information](http://elcomercio.pe/economia/peru/inei-impresionantes-numeros-sector-informal-peruano-229623) (INEI), the informal sector has represented 19% of Peru’s total economy in the last decade. The report also states that informal employment in Peru is at a massive 73.2%.
These figures are backed up by [a separate study by BBVA Research](http://elcomercio.pe/economia/peru/bbva-research-informal-hay-peru-estudio-232073), whose findings were published in January 2017. The report revealed informal employment to be about 71% — meaning that more than 7.5 million Peruvians are working informally.
This obviously means that the minimum wage can be circumvented by many informal employers. At ground level, that’s easy to see. In any Peruvian city, you don’t have to look hard to find waiters, bar staff, hotel receptionists, maids and more being paid cash-in-hand at less than the national minimum wage (sometimes significantly less).
The amount of Peruvians who actually benefit from a rise in the minimum wage is therefore debatable — and potentially minimal.
---
# Meet Scott Jones, the Englishman Introducing Cider to Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/scott-jones-englishman-introducing-cider-to-peru/
Published: 2017-06-22
Updated: 2017-11-03
Topic: cider in peru
Down in southern Peru in the colonial “White City” of Arequipa sits an Englishman and a mound of apples. He is Scott Jones, who, as far as he knows, is the only qualified cider maker in Peru, and the only dedicated cider producer in the country.
Scott’s cider-making journey in Peru began with his Crazy Llama brand, launched in 2014. Then, when Scott found out the Red Bull group had trademarked a similar name, he decided a relaunch was in order. The rebranding began in January 2017 and resulted in [Oltree Cider](https://www.facebook.com/oltreecider/), a crisp, clean, 100% natural apple cider available as dry, medium, and sweet, as well as strawberry and maracuya (passion fruit) varieties, all at 6% alcohol by volume.
For cider drinkers such as myself, this was great news. But introducing a relatively unknown type of alcohol to the Peruvian population was never going to be so easy…
## The Origins of Peru’s First Craft Cider
With the rise of Peru’s craft beer movement in the last few years, Scott was hoping to see someone start producing cider, his drink of choice back in the U.K. But after waiting for a year or so, his thirst for cider forced Scott to take the situation into his own hands.
“My first batch was 20 liters and it tasted great,” says Scott, “and this spurred me on to do it as a business.” Scott had previously completed cider-making courses in the U.K., so he already knew his way around a brewery. But getting started as a cider maker in Peru was far from straightforward:
“I went down the _inversionista_ route \[a type of resident visa], so I invested $30 thousand to start up the business. The problem was I needed to deposit it into a Peruvian bank to start the process. And without a _carné de extranjería_ \[resident visa], I couldn't open the bank account. It was a closed circuit: no bank account, no _carné_; no _carné_, no bank account. And that was the first hurdle of opening a business in Peru.”
After several weeks bouncing between his bank manager, the head of immigrations, and his lawyer, the only solution for Scott was to use his lawyer as the legal signer, placing her in total control of his 30 grand. Hardly an ideal situation. “Luckily for me,” says Scott, “once I received my _carné_ four to five months later, the business was signed over to me.”
### In the Brewery
Back in the brewery, it all begins with the apples, which Scott buys from just outside [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/). On average, Scott gets through about four tonnes of apples each month.
“Sourcing apples is very tough,” he says, “because the price \[per kilo] is the same for one kilo as it is for two tonnes! So no discount — and in actual fact if you buy a kilo it might weigh 1.1 kilos, but if you buy two tonnes it's exactly that, so the idea of getting a wholesale price doesn't seem to apply here in Peru.”
Scott is currently in the process of expanding his production to 2,500 liters per month, which will keep him at full stretch in his relatively straightforward Arequipa-based brewery. “My equipment consists of an apple mill, press, carbonator and pasteurizer: fairly basic stuff and certainly not tens of thousands of dollars spent on bottling lines!”
### Introducing Craft Cider to Peru
Craft beer has established a strong foothold in Peru’s larger and more touristic cities, but it’s still not part of the wider culture. Selling cider to Peruvians is an even greater challenge, as cider (_sidra_) is pretty much an unknown alcoholic beverage in Peru. And the cider that can be purchased here, well, it’s not great.
“So-called ‘cider’ in Peru is served in a champagne bottle and is about 4% alcohol,” says Scott. “It’s very sweet and very gassy and tastes horrible. It costs about 12 soles a bottle and is generally used for [toasting at Christmas](https://newperuvian.com/christmas-in-peru/). I've had to educate the British culture of cider \[in Peru] so it's been tough going, but slowly I'm getting there.”
Oltree cider is currently on sale in three of Peru’s major cities. In Lima, you can find it in the Barbarian taproom and at Houlihans Irish Bar. In [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), you can buy Oltree at Paddy's Irish Pub, Norton Rat's Tavern and Nuevo Mundo Draft Bar. And in Oltree’s hometown of Arequipa, you’ll find it on sale at Chaqchoa, Chelawasi and Kiwi Corner.
“I seem to sell more in touristy spots,” says Scott, “due to tourists not being able to find cider easily in Peru, so they're normally excited to see cider being sold.”
You’ll also find Scott representing cider at some of the beer festivals now taking place more regularly in Peru. In May 2017, Scott took part in the IV Festival de Cerveza Artesanal Arequipa (IV Arequipa Craft Beer Festival; see [facebook.com/festaqp](https://www.facebook.com/festaqp/) for future events) — again, as the sole cider-maker on the scene.
“The festival was a success,” he says. “The downside was that I sold all my stock, so I've been catching up on production these days, hence the production expansion. On the Saturday night I sold a lot, mostly to women; I was selling the maracuya and fresa real-fruit ciders, which were popular.”
Looking ahead, Scott says he’s now focusing on selling more cider in barrels, “as more and more bars seem to be having tap systems.”
As for competition, Scott would like to see other cider-makers enter the Peruvian market, so that he’s no longer the lone producer: “At this point I would like to have other cider producers, to get the word out and start having cider festivals like the beer festivals.”
It could be a while before we see a dedicated cider festival in Peru. But hopefully more Peru-based brewers will start making cider, helping both Scott and cider make further advances into Peru’s national drinking culture.
_Scott Jones: bringing craft cider to Peru._
---
# Internet Access in Peru: Connection Speeds, ISPs and More
URL: https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/
Published: 2017-06-22
Updated: 2018-05-31
Topic: internet access in peru
Now that we’re fully immersed in the age of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, digital nomads, smartphones, Snapchat and narcissism, internet access in Peru is just about as important as knowing how to get to Peru in the first place.
Thankfully, the internet in Peru is OK — not perfect, but typically adequate for most needs. So you don’t have to scrub Peru off your bucket list just because you can’t live without uploading a selfie every half hour.
## How Fast is the Internet in Peru Compared to Other Countries?
In its _State of the Internet_ (Q1 2017) report, [Akamai Technologies](https://www.akamai.com/) — an American content delivery network (CDN) that serves between 15 and 30 percent of all web traffic — provides average and peak connections speeds for countries across the globe.
According to the report, Peru has an average connection speed of 6.2 megabits per second (Mbps) and an average peak connection speed of 47.5 Mbps per second. Peru’s average connection speed places it at 91 in the global rankings, out of 143 countries.
The global average is 7.2 Mbps. South Korea has the fastest connection speeds at 28.6 Mbps. The USA comes in 10th place, with 18.7 Mbps.
The internet in Peru, therefore, is slightly slower than the global average and significantly slower than in countries such as Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Japan and the USA.
By South American standards, Peru’s internet connection speeds are fairly average. Uruguay and Chile lead the way, with Brazil and Argentina only slightly ahead of Peru. Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela and Paraguay all have slower average connection speeds than Peru.
Peru ranks better for mobile connection speeds. The average connection speed for mobile in Peru is 8.3 Mbps. In the Americas, only the United States and Canada rank above Peru for mobile.
## Internet Access in Peru by City and Region
Internet access in Peru varies greatly depending on location. It’s a rugged country with many isolated towns and cities, some of which are poorer than others with less developed infrastructure.
Generally speaking, you’ll find the fastest and most reliable internet connections in [Peru’s major cities](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/), and the slowest and least reliable in smaller towns and villages further away from the cities. [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) tends to have the fastest internet in Peru, especially in [districts like Miraflores and San Isidro](https://newperuvian.com/where-to-stay-in-lima-best-districts-sights-safety/). The internet in [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) is OK, but might give you a few headaches if you’re trying to upload or download large files.
One notable exception to the big-city rule is [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/). Internet speeds in Iquitos have improved greatly over the last few years (it was stuck at dial-up velocities for a long time), but they’re still slow. Considering Iquitos’ isolated Amazonian location, that’s no great surprise. [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/), despite all the recent investments in the city and the wider Amazonas Region, also has pretty bad internet connections.
## Working Online in Peru
As long as you’re in a large town or city and not in a rural location, you should be able to find an internet connection that will at least allow you to use Netflix, YouTube, talk to friends and family on Skype, and upload photos to Facebook, Instagram etc.
I live in [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) in the northern high-jungle region, and my internet is pretty good (it’s actually better here than it is in rural Wales, where my parents live). I work online, uploading and downloading files, including large photos, films and videos, and publishing to WordPress etc. Most days, this is hassle free. And when I’m traveling in Peru, I can normally find an internet connection that will let me work (although I did give up in Iquitos).
If you also need to work online as you travel in Peru, you should be OK — although if you have a lot of live chat engagements (as an English teacher, for example), you will end up canceling some because of poor connections. There will be days when the connection fails or everything runs unbearably slowly, but most of the time you’ll be able to get things done.
## How and Where to Get Online in Peru
Nearly every hostel and hotel in Peru offers free Wi-Fi, so you’ll easily be able to get online if you’re [traveling in Peru with a laptop](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/), tablet, smartphone or other device. Some hotels and hostels also have communal computers that you can use, sometimes for a small fee.
Many restaurants, cafes and bars also offer free Wi-Fi, which you can use as long as you purchase something. Always be careful with your devices when using them in public spaces.
You’ll also find internet cafes dotted around, even in some small towns and villages. Rates are often between S/ 3 and S/ 5 per hour.
Municipalities in Lima are increasingly providing free Wi-Fi zones. In Miraflores, for example, [you can get online at a handful of locations](http://www.miraflores.gob.pe/_contenTempl1.php?idpadre=4951\&idcontenido=7073), normally just by registering through social media. You can also access the internet for free, albeit briefly, at Lima Airport. Again, be very careful with your laptop or smartphone of you’re using it in public.
## Internet Providers in Peru
The number of available internet service providers (ISPs) has increased greatly in the last decade. Where once Claro and Telefónica (Movistar) were the dominant two for both telephone and internet services, they now have increasing competition from companies such as Bitel, Entel, Olo and DirecTV.
As a foreign tourist, signing a contract with an internet provider in Peru can be tricky, as you might need to have a Peruvian ID card. But shop around and you should be able to sign up for something using your passport.
Fixed and mobile broadband packages normally start at around S/ 100 per month (US$30).
## A Note About Keyboard Layouts (and How to Type @ in Peru)
If you’re using a computer in an internet café or in your hostel/hotel, then you might be confronted with an unfamiliar keyboard layout. This is due to different layouts between Latin American, Spanish and standard English-language keyboards.
One of the most common problems is figuring out how to type the ‘at’ sign — @ — known as _arroba_ in Spanish. If you find that Shift+@ isn’t working, you can always copy and paste the @ symbol, but that gets annoying after a while. Alternatively, try one of the following:
- Hold down the Alt key and type 64
- Hold down Control+Alt+@ (you’ll probably find @ on either the Q or 2 key)
---
# Essential Ingredients in Peruvian Cuisine
URL: https://newperuvian.com/essential-ingredients-in-peruvian-cuisine/
Published: 2017-06-05
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: ingredients in peruvian cuisine
Certain ingredients in Peruvian cuisine are essential to the nation’s ever-growing gastronomic scene. These are the kind of ingredients that, if removed , would leave a big gap in the Peruvian pantry, making many classic and popular dishes impossible to recreate, or at least fundamentally changed…
_Peruvian cuisine without fish ceviche? Unthinkable… Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Meat
When it comes to the meat used in Peruvian food, chicken, pork and fish are the main three. Beef, lamb, duck and various other meats are also used in certain regional dishes (and, where beef is concerned, in the nationally popular _lomo saltdo_), but not to the same extent.
**Chicken** — Chicken is a truly vital ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. Without it, we wouldn’t have _ají de gallina_, _pollo a la brasa_, _escabeche de pollo_ and various other Peruvian classics.
**Pork** — Pork is a big ingredient in the highlands, and especially in [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), where chunks of _chicharrón de chancho_ are never in short supply. Pork is also important in the Peruvian jungle, especially in cities like [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/), where _cecina_ (cured pork) and chorizo sausage are sold at every street grill.
**Fish** — Peru is home to about 2,000 different species of marine and freshwater fish. Fish dishes are varied and differ from region to region, from trout near Lake Titicaca to paiche in the Amazon to corvina along Peru’s lengthy Pacific coastline. Ceviche is by far the most emblematic fish dish in Peru, and Peru wouldn’t be the same without it. [Various types of ceviche exist](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/), using a variety of ingredients including seafood and freshwater fish.
_Honorable mention_: _Cuy_ (guinea pig) deserves a special mention for being one of the country’s most famous dishes, albeit not so widely eaten. Cuy is a delicacy to a certain extent, and not something people eat on a daily basis. Among many foreign tourists, cuy is considered [one of the weirder foods in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/weird-foods-in-peru-for-adventurous-eaters/) — especially for anyone who had a pet guinea pig as a child.
_Harvesting in the potato fields in the Cusco Region of Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Vegetables
Peruvian cuisine includes a reasonable amount of vegetables, although [authentic Peruvian vegetarian dishes](https://newperuvian.com/traditional-peruvian-food-for-vegetarians/) can be hard to find. Root vegetables and tubers are particularly common. Vegetables that can be considered essential to Peruvian cuisine include:
**Potato** — A native Peruvian specialty, the potato is a staple, especially in the Andean highlands. Some 3,000 varieties grow in Peru, so you’ll never be short of a new potato to try. Which of these spuds has the most value in Peruvian food is open to debate, but the _papa amarilla_ (yellow potato) has a strong case to make. It is used to make potato purees, as well as the ever-popular causa rellena.
**Red onion** — The standard yellow onion commonly used in Europe and the USA is something of a rarity in Peru compared to the smaller, sweeter red onion. Red onions are used in almost everything, including classics like ceviche, lomo saltdo, escabeche, and many more.
**Tomato** — Frequently used in salads and sauces, tomatoes are pretty fundamental in Peruvian cuisine, without being fancy. They rarely take center stage, but serve with honor when called upon.
_Honorable mention_: Two root vegetables, camote (sweet potato) and yuca (cassava), deserve a mention despite not being quite as fundamental to Peruvian cuisine as the humble potato. Both accompany various dishes, including ceviche and breaded seafood _jaleas_. Yuca is a popular side dish in the jungle regions (boiled or, preferably, fried), and is also chewed or mashed up and fermented to make alcoholic _masato_ (the jungle version of Andean chicha).
_Ají amarillo: “The DNA of Peruvian cuisine.” Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Herbs and Chili Peppers
Herbs and chili peppers deserve their own section, as they make a particularly strong mark on Peruvian cuisine. Of particular note are:
**Ají amarillo** — Peru produces a wide range of chili peppers, but none are as important as _ají amarillo_ (yellow chili, although it’s more orange than yellow). This fairly mild chili pepper is used to make classic Peruvian dishes such as _ají de gallina_, _causa rellena_, _papa a la huancaína_, _tiraditos_, _escabeches_ and many more. One of Peru’s star chefs, Virgilio Martinez of [Central](http://centralrestaurante.com.pe/en/) in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), called ají amarillo “The DNA of Peruvian cuisine.”
**Ají rocoto** — Generally speaking, [Peruvian food isn’t spicy-hot](https://newperuvian.com/is-peruvian-food-spicy-hot/). But when _ají rocoto_ is involved, things can get fiery. Ají rocoto is used to make potent chili sauces, normally served on the side rather than incorporated into a dish, allowing you to add as you see fit. The most famous rocoto dish is _rocoto relleno_ from the Arequipa Region. The rocoto is stuffed with chopped up beef or minced beef; the rocoto itself is normally boiled or soaked overnight to remove some of the heat, but it can still be a hot, hot dish.
**Culantro / Cilantro** — The words cilantro and culantro are often used interchangeably in Peru, despite being different things. Both cilantro (_Coriandrum sativum_, also known as coriander) and culantro (_Eryngium foetidum_) have similar flavors, and can be used as alternatives to one another. Culantro, however, tends to have a stronger flavor. Culantro is used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. In Peru, culantro — or cilantro — is used in dishes such as _arroz con pollo_, _aguadito_, _tamalitos verdes_, and in escabeches and ceviche.
_Honorable mention_: Huacatay (or wakatay) is a culinary herb used in various dishes, particularly in the southern half of the country. Huacatay sauce (_ají de huacatay_) is a popular accompaniment to _pollo a la brasa_ and other grilled or roasted meats. A similar sauce is poured over potatoes to make _ocopa_, a popular starter from Arequipa. Huacatay sauce is sold in some stores internationally ([including on Amazon.com](http://amzn.to/2qRjDfO)), where it is called various names including Peruvian black mint and black mint sauce.
### Grains and Beans
It’s hard to think of a classic Peruvian dish that doesn’t incorporate either maize, rice or beans in some form.
**Maize** — Peru is home to a few varieties of native maize (corn). Large-kernelled Peruvian maize is a key ingredient, especially in the Andean highlands. Known as _choclo_ in Peru, it serves as an accompaniment to dishes like ceviche and _chicharrón de chancho_, and in dishes such as _pastel de choclo_ and humitas. Whole ears of boiled corn are popular on the streets of cities like Cusco, where corn on the cob served with a slice of cheese is called _choclo con queso_. _Maiz chulpe_ is used to make _cancha_, a type of toasted corn served for free in many bars and restaurants. Corn is also used to prepare drinks, including the alcoholic _chicha de jora_ and the non-alcoholic _chicha morada_, the latter made from Peruvian purple corn.
**Rice** — Rice is not native to the Americas, but was introduced by colonists in the 1500s. It is now an essential ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, accompanying many classic dishes including _lomo saltado_, _ají de gallina_, _arroz con pollo_ and numerous chifa dishes (Peruvian-Chinese food).
**Beans** — Beans are a popular accompaniment to many dishes, especially rice-based dishes (with the exception of chifa). When you buy a rice-based [lunchtime _menú_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/), there’s a good chance it’ll come with beans. Various types of _frejoles_ (beans) are cultivated in Peru, including lima beans.
_Honorable mention_: Quinoa deserves a mention, and could almost be considered essential. But this traditional Andean grain isn’t as widely used as other ingredients mentioned here, partly due to rising costs. Quinoa isn’t one of [Peru’s major exports](https://newperuvian.com/major-imports-exports-of-peru/), but it’s still a desirable crop in the international market. This has caused both opportunities and problems in Peru and in Bolivia, leading to some [international debate about whether eating quinoa is even ethical](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jan/25/quinoa-good-evil-complicated).
_Various Peruvian cheeses, including queso fresco, on sale in a market in Lima. Photo by [vcheregati](https://www.flickr.com/photos/vcheregati/19981307824/), flickr.com._
### Dairy
Peru’s dairy scene is pretty bleak. If you like creamy French camemberts and smelly British blue stiltons, then you’ll be disappointed by Peruvian cheeses. Two dairy ingredients that do play a notable role in Peruvian cuisine are:
**Evaporated milk** — Evaporated milk is an important ingredient in Peruvian desserts like _arroz con leche_ and the classic _suspiro limeño_. But it’s also used in many savory sauces and dishes, including _ají de gallina_, _papa a la huancaína_ and _ocopa_.
**Queso fresco** — Peru isn’t a good country for interesting cheeses. But the light and milky queso fresco does find its way into a few tasty dishes, including _papa a la huancaína_, _ocopa arequipeña_ and in _solteritos_.
_Honorable mention_: Tres leches cake. It's neither essential nor an ingredient, but it _is_ damn delicious. Tres leches cake is a type of sponge cake with three types of milk: condensed milk, evaporated milk and whole milk (or ideally cream). Don't leave Peru without trying it.
_Tacacho (balls of roasted green plantain) with cecina and chorizo. Photo by [vivir\_de\_ilusiones](https://www.flickr.com/photos/vivir_durmiendo/24329388716/in/photostream/), flickr.com._
### Fruit
Where to start? The variety of fruits available in Peru is mind blowing. At the same time, it’s hard to call any particular fruit essential to Peruvian cuisine. But as someone who lives in the Peruvian jungle, I will put forward this one ingredient:
**Banana** — Short ones, long ones, sweet ones, savory ones: You’ll find plenty of bananas in Peru, especially in the jungle regions. Sweet bananas are sliced lengthwise and fried as a sweet and slightly caramelized accompaniment, as part of a dessert or just to eat on their own. Then there are the starchy, unripe green bananas (plantain, or _platano verde_) used in the jungle cuisine of Peruvian cities such as Tarapoto and [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/). If you’re unlucky, you’ll get a boiled green plantain, known as _ingiri_, which is probably the most boring food in the world. It’s like eating a stick of wax. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a perfectly cooked ball of _tacacho_, a concoction of mashed-up roasted plantain will a few chunks of pork fat thrown in for flavor. When done well, tacacho is a thoroughly satisfying accompaniment to cecina or grilled chicken.
Finally, if you want to get hands-on with these ingredients rather than just read about them, the best place to start is a local market. Cooking classes in Lima, such as [Luchito's](https://luchitoscookingclass.com/) in Miraflores, begin with exactly that: a market visit to pick out ingredients before you cook classics like ceviche, causa and lomo saltado.
---
# The Most Dangerous Areas of Lima, Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/most-dangerous-areas-of-lima-peru/
Published: 2017-06-02
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: dangerous areas of lima
Picking out the most dangerous areas of [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) is problematic. Different government agencies in Peru use different methods for determining “danger,” be it assaults, robberies, murders or an assortment of various factors. But by using a few different sources, it is possible to present a solid overview of the most dangerous districts of Lima (of which there are 43 in total).
Sources used here include Peru’s Observatorio de la Criminalidad, a branch of the Ministerio Publico; the NGO Lima Cómo Vamos; and the Peruvian National Police. They don’t always agree on the exact ranking of each district, but they do highlight the same districts in their lists of the most dangerous parts of Lima.
It's also worth noting that all of Lima's nine most populated districts (by population, not population density) are on the list below. It's reasonable to argue, therefore, that crime rates are higher — to a certain extent — simply because of the number of people living in these districts. At the same time, some of these highly populated districts are also among the poorest in the capital.
## The 12 Most Dangerous Districts of Lima
The following districts of Lima are considered the most dangerous in the city. They are ordered in approximate order of danger as defined by the sources mentioned above. Callao is included despite being a city in its own right (rather than a district), because it forms part of the contiguous Lima Metropolitan Area.
1\. Central Lima (Cercado de Lima)\
2\. San Juan de Lurigancho\
3\. Callao\
4\. Ate Vitarte\
5\. La Victoria\
6\. San Martín de Porres
7\. Villa El Salvador\
8\. Santa Anita\
9\. Villa María del Triunfo\
10\. San Juan de Miraflores\*\
11\. Comas\
12\. El Agustino
\*not to be confused with Miraflores
Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid strolling around these districts (with the exception of Central Lima, see below), especially at night.
I once went to San Juan de Lurigancho for some random reason, and after the sun had set I decided it was time to leave. I started trying to flag down a taxi on a fairly busy street, but none would stop. After about five minutes, a taxi finally pulled up and I jumped in. I told the driver I’d been waiting for a while but couldn’t get a taxi for some reason, and he replied: “Yes. Taxis don’t normally stop on this street at night, it’s far too dangerous.”
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
### Why Is the Crime Rate So High in the Central Lima District?
Despite appearing at the top of this list of dangerous areas in Lima, Central Lima (Cercado de Lima) is also one of my [recommended places to stay in Lima](https://newperuvian.com/where-to-stay-in-lima-best-districts-sights-safety/). So what’s that all about?
In [an October 2015 interview with Perú21](http://peru21.pe/actualidad/cercado-lima-considerado-sector-mas-peligroso-pais-infografia-2230487), Renzo Reggiardo, president of the Special Multiparty Congressional Committee of Security, put the bulk of the blame on one particular neighborhood within the Central Lima district: Barrios Altos.
According to Reggiardo, “There are many people \[in Barrios Altos] who engage in crime. It’s not all of them, but a great proportion.” Barrios Altos is a stone’s throw from the Historic Center of Lima, which includes the Government Palace and Lima Cathedral. Despite being so close to Lima’s colonial center — all of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site — Barrios Altos nonetheless suffers from high levels of poverty, urban decay and lack of infrastructure. For many of its residents, crime has become a way of life.
Tourists do not typically stay in Barrios Altos, for obvious reasons. But much of the rest of Central Lima is fairly safe, despite its high levels of reported crime (partly due to the Barrios Altos neighborhood and partly because of the high numbers of visitors to the district, both foreign and national, which leads to increased incidents of snatch theft and other opportunistic crimes).
It’s fine to stay in the reasonably well-policed historic center, or just to the south or southwest (Barrios Altos is to the east of the district) toward Plaza San Martin and the Parque de la Exposición. Just be careful of strolling too far afield, especially at night, as you can soon arrive in unsafe areas.
A low-stress way to get your bearings on a first visit is to join a guided group walk. [Lima Walking Tour](https://www.limawalkingtour.com/), for example, runs a free tips-based tour of the historic center every morning with licensed guides, which keeps you on the safer streets while you work out the lay of the land.
---
# Where to Stay in Lima: The Best Districts for Sights and Safety
URL: https://newperuvian.com/where-to-stay-in-lima-best-districts-sights-safety/
Published: 2017-05-29
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: where to stay in lima
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), it helps to have an overview of the city’s best neighborhoods.
There are 43 districts in Lima — a city of almost 10 million people — but only a handful typically serve as popular bases for visiting tourists. These popular areas tend to have a good balance of safety, nearby attractions, restaurants and bars. They’re also located within reasonably short distances of each other, making it easy to visit them all no matter which one you choose to stay in.
### Miraflores
Miraflores has long been the most popular district in Lima among foreign tourists. Day or night, you can walk around Lima and see almost as many foreign faces as those of locals. It’s full of bars and cafes, fancy restaurants and familiar fast food joints, and nightclubs that range from chic to sweaty and sexy (and sometimes borderline sordid).
Miraflores fits any budget. You’ll find hundreds of cheap to midrange hostels, and hotels from US$20 to $400 a night. You can eat for cheap in the street or at a whole bunch of affordable restaurants selling [lunchtime _menús_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/). Or you can fine-dine at world-renowned restaurants like [Central](http://centralrestaurante.com.pe/en/).
The location is just about perfect. The Barranco district is next door to the south and San Isidro to the north, and it’s easy to hop on the Metropolitano or hail a taxi to the historic center of Lima. Miraflores is also a coastal district; the scenic coastal walkway, known as El Malecón, stretches along the cliff tops. El Malecón is a hotspot for paragliding, as well as jogging, cycling and smooching.
Architecturally, both Central Lima and Barranco are more appealing. But Miraflores does have some museums and even a major archaeological site, Huaca Pucllana. It’s also a prime spot for shopping, with tourist markets, shopping centers (most notably Larcomar), and plenty of fancy clothing stores.
Despite being a fairly exclusive residential and upscale shopping district, Miraflores is nonetheless a good mix for tourists, especially for first time visitors. It’s safe during the day and reasonably secure at night, but it’s best to walk in groups late at night once the streets start to clear.
One other current benefit of basing yourself in Miraflores — especially if you’re a backpacker on a tight budget — is the emergence of [cheap shuttle services to and from the airport](https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/). As things stand, these services only go to and from Miraflores, although they are looking to add more districts in the future. Miraflores is also home to the city's tourist information centers, and the free daily [walking tours](https://www.limawalkingtour.com/) of the historic center, Barranco and Miraflores all leave from here, which makes the district an easy base for exploring the city without a car.
[_Find and book hostels and hotels in Miraflores with Booking.com._](http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=1996\&aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)
_Walking down the bajada de los baños, the path that leads from the Barranco district down to the sea. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Barranco
Barranco, by almost all accounts, is Lima’s Bohemian district. Being “boho” these days seems more about pretentiousness and commercialism (especially if you like designer-label flowery dresses) rather than second-hand clothes and creativity, but Barranco used to be the real deal. From the early-1900s to the tail end of the 1960s, Barranco was _the_ hangout for all of Lima’s artists and poets, playwrights and photographers, musicians and wannabe creative-types.
Today, well, it’s still got some of that floating around in the air, among the wafting clouds of weed emanating from groups of Chilean hippies, and the floating chatter of young backpackers looking for beer and live music. And Barranco is a great place to listen to live music. The district's bars and other venues attract local bands and acts from across South America and beyond; you can see [the concert schedule for Lima](https://newperuvian.com/music-concerts-in-peru/) here.
Beyond the nightlife, Barranco is a fine place to take a stroll during the day, and is one of the most interesting and colorful districts in Lima when it comes to architecture and street art. Old colonial _casas_ and Republican-era mansions dot the streets, some restored and others in states of sad yet grand decay. Houses are painted in blue, green and orange hues, and some streets are wide and tree-lined. The wooden Bridge of Sighs still attracts young lovers, and two relatively new museums — the Museum of Contemporary Art and Museo Mario Testino (MATE) — keep the arty types rolling in.
Bohemian? Maybe, maybe not. But a good district to stay in Lima? For sure, especially if you want something less commercial than Miraflores.
[_Find and book hostels and hotels in Barranco with Booking.com._](http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=3416\&aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
_The Plaza Mayor and Government Palace in Central Lima. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Central Lima
Central Lima, known as Centro de Lima or Cercado de Lima in Spanish, is the historic downtown area of Lima. The district is home to the official Historic Center of Lima, as recognized by UNESCO and designated a World Heritage Site.
Due to safety concerns, Central Lima still has a poor reputation as a place for foreign tourists to stay, and many locals and guide books still warn of setting up base in the historic district. Statistically, Central Lima is one of [the most dangerous areas of Lima](https://newperuvian.com/most-dangerous-areas-of-lima-peru/). In reality, it’s really not that bad — as long as you stay in the safer and more touristy parts of the district.
Some streets and neighborhoods get sketchy at night, especially around the edges of the historic center, so don’t stray too far after dark. Central Lima shares borders with a few districts that aren’t safe, so grab a map and stay within the reasonably well-policed touristy areas.
If you do decide to stay in Central Lima, you’ll be steps away from numerous attractions and surrounded by impressive colonial architecture. The elegant Plaza Mayor is the historic core of Lima and colonial Peru, and is home to the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral and other important buildings. The surrounding streets are full of colonial casas and churches, including the Convent of San Francisco with its bone-strewn catacombs.
Just walking around the historic center is a pleasure. You can stop off at affordable cafes and restaurants, and some of the city’s oldest bars. The Museum of the Inquisition is free and morbidly fun (_note: the Museum of the Inquisition is currently closed for_ _renovations_), while Barrio Chino — Lima’s small Chinatown neighborhood — is a great place to stroll and eat. You’ll also be close to the Parque de la Exposición, a large park that’s home to art galleries, museums and the Magic Water Circuit.
Accommodation options aren’t as good or as varied as in Miraflores, but there are enough good hostels and hotels to provide some choice.
Overall, Central Lima is a great place to stay in Lima for history buffs, architecture aficionados and street photographers who don’t necessarily want the nightlife of Barranco or the trendy restaurants of Miraflores and San Isidro.
[_Find and book hostels and hotels in Central Lima with Booking.com._](http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=7104\&aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)
_The San Isidro District of Lima seen from the Huaca Huallamarca archaeological site. Photo by [Marie Thérèse Hébert & Jean Robert Thibault](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jrthibault/9125768831/), flickr.com._
### San Isidro
San Isidro is one of Lima’s most upscale residential districts and the city’s financial center. In other words, it’s expensive. If you’re a yuppie or a social climber, this is where you’ll probably want to live.
That might sound horrific to some of you, but San Isidro has its charms. At the same time, it’s more suited to "flashpackers" and well-healed tourists than budget backpackers. Cheap hostels are scarce, but swank hotels are common.
If you decide to stay in San Isidro, you’ll be close to some of the city’s best restaurants, art galleries and chic cafes. The district is also known for its parks, most notably the [Bosque del Olivar](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bosque-el-olivar-olive-grove-forest) with its colonial-era olive trees. It’s also home to two archaeological sites, Huaca Huallamarca and Huaca Santa Cruz, and a bunch of monuments to Peru’s historic figures.
Posh travelers will feel right at home in San Isidro. Cocktail bars provide plenty of [classic pisco cocktails](https://newperuvian.com/classic-pisco-cocktails-peru-beyond/), and pricey boutique clothing stores have all the basics. Exclusive social clubs like the Real Club de Lima and the British-founded Phoenix Club provide safe spaces in which to mingle beyond the reach of the rabble. And, of course, there’s Lima Golf Club — because what would one do without a round of golf now and then (if you've got the cash to play at an exclusive course like this one)?
San Isidro is the safest district in Lima. Whether you want to stay there or not probably depends on your budget and whether you prefer caviar to churros.
[_Find and book hostels and hotels in San Isidro with Booking.com._](http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=1997\&aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)
_Inside the historic Taverna Quierolo in Pueblo Libre, Lima. Photo by Taverna Quierolo._
### Pueblo Libre
If San Isidro sounds a little too upscale but you still want to stay in a relaxed residential district, then Pueblo Libre could be just the place.
The Pueblo Libre district has the most parks in Lima, and also has a strong sense of history. The famous liberator Simón Bolívar lived in Pueblo Libre, and his colonial mansion now houses the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru. The district is also home to the acclaimed Larco Museum, which contains one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian artifacts in Peru (including erotic pottery representing every sex act you can imagine, and some you probably can’t). Another famous attraction is La Cruz del Viajero (The Cross of the Traveler), a cross placed by Franciscan monks in 1672.
Pueblo Libre is more affordable than San Isidro but also has a fine selection of restaurants. Some of the best restaurants for traditional _comida criolla_ are located in Pueblo Libre, as well as some of the city’s oldest restaurants — most notably the [Taverna Quierolo](http://antiguatabernaqueirolo.com/), which opened its doors in 1880.
Pueblo Libre is a sleepy district in comparison to fast-paced neighborhoods like Central Lima and Miraflores. But if you’re looking to relax and take in the sights and sounds of a less touristy district, then you’ll be perfectly happy in Pueblo Libre.
[_Find and book hostels and hotels in Pueblo Libre with Booking.com._](http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=7577\&aid=1376632\&no_rooms=1\&group_adults=1)
### Map of the 5 Best Districts in Lima, Peru
On the map below you can see the five recommended districts in Lima. From north to south: Central Lima, Pueblo Libre, San Isidro, Miraflores, and Barranco.
Miraflores BarrancoCentral LimaSan IsidroPueblo Libre
## Where to Stay in Lima for Renting, Surfing and Layovers
The five Lima districts above are all great options for tourists. They’re good for long-term stays, too, if you can afford the rent. Districts that aren’t necessarily great for tourists but could be good for renting include places like San Borja, Surco, Jesús María, Lince and Magdalena del Mar.
Fore surfing, Miraflores, Barranco and Chorrillos are popular bases year-round simply because they’re central and on the coast, with decent surf spots nearby. Serious surfers (and beachgoers when the sun’s shining) head further south to districts on the fringes of the city, including Punta Hermosa, Punta Negra and San Bartolo.
If you’re flying into Lima for a layover, you might want to [stay in a hostel or hotel near Lima airport](https://newperuvian.com/best-hostels-hotels-near-lima-airport/). In that case, you’ll find yourself in Callao — not a district, but a city in its own right and part of the wider Lima Metropolitan Area. Callao isn’t the nicest or safest of cities, but there are some decent places to sleep before flying out.
---
# “Are Peruvians Short?” and Other Questions Google Users Want Answered
URL: https://newperuvian.com/are-peruvians-short-and-other-questions/
Published: 2017-05-14
Updated: 2018-06-04
Topic: are peruvians
When you type a word or phrase into the Google search box, Google automatically gives you suggestions based on the words you’ve entered. These suggestions are based on the most commonly searched terms related to your entry. And this reflects the human hive mind in all its terrifying glory.
I’ve use the [Yoast Google Suggest Expander tool](https://yoast.com/suggest/) to give me a far larger list of commonly asked questions. By entering “Are Peruvians….” I quickly had a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about Peruvians, at least during May 2017. And in this article I’ve tried to answer them all.
I’m probably asking for trouble here, but I didn’t want to shy away from the more troublesome questions. So I apologize in advance for some huge generalizations, and some points of view that might ruffle a few feathers.
And if you think some of the questions are stupid, don’t blame me — blame the Human Race.
## _The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Peruvians_
These are the most commonly asked questions about Peruvians in Google search, when asking “Are Peruvians….?”
## Are Peruvians Hispanic or Latino?
If you’re in the United States, then, [according to the U.S. Census Bureau](https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html), Hispanic or Latino is “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.” That’s quite a catch-all definition, and would make Peruvians both Hispanic and Latino.
Being Hispanic is basically determined by whether you or your family/ancestors speak Spanish. Being Latino is a geographical thing; if you come from Latin America, you’re Latino.
It’s not really an issue in Peru (or, generally speaking, outside the USA), as Peruvians see themselves as Peruvian first and then South American — not Latino or Hispanic. A Peruvian in the USA would be a Latino; in Peru, he’s just Peruvian.
## Are Peruvians Asian or Part-Asian?
Asian immigrants, primarily Japanese and Chinese, account for 5% to 7% of the population of Peru. So while Peruvians are not, by definition, Asian, there are a lot of Asian Peruvians.
## Are Peruvians white?
Peru is a multiethnic nation, with a mix of indigenous groups, a colonial history and plenty of immigration (including from Asia, Africa and Europe). The national census does not gather information about race, but other studies have put the percentage of the population that identifies as “white” at between 5% and 15%.
Beyond the jargon, most Peruvians are a beautiful brown color with shades all across the spectrum.
## Are Peruvians black?
Generally speaking, no, Peruvians are not black (see above). But Peru is home to vibrant Afro-Peruvian communities, formed by the descendants of Africans brought to Peru as slaves. The actual number of people in Peru identifying as black or Afro-Peruvian varies depending on the study involved. I’ve seen percentages ranging from 2% to as high as 15%.
## Are Peruvians Spanish?
Nope, not Spanish either. They’re Peruvian. But Peru was under Spanish colonial rule from the mid-1500s until July 28, 1821, when it won its independence.
## Are Peruvians Indian?
What? Like, from India? Or like cowboys-and-Indians Indians? Either way, no. There _are_ indigenous Peruvians. And while you could refer to them as native Americans, which isn’t strictly incorrect, the term Native American typically refers to the indigenous people of the United States (see below). But if you refer to indigenous Peruvians as _indios_, or "Indians,” you’ll sound like a Spanish explorer from the 1500s. And that’s probably not a good thing.
## Are Peruvians short?
Europe dominates the list of the world’s tallest people, with the Netherlands at the top. The average Dutchman is around 6 feet tall (183 cm). Other particularly tall countries include Latvia (especially its women) and Estonia. The average man in the USA is about 5 feet 9.5 inches tall.
Peruvians are a long way down the list. The average Peruvian man is 5 feet 4.5 inches (164 cm, which is 6 cm shorter than Lionel Messi). The average Peruvian woman is 4 feet 11.5 inches (151 cm). So Peruvians are officially on the short side. But at least they’re slightly taller, on average, than Ecuadorians and Bolivians. If you want to know the science behind the shortness of Peruvians, [read this report about a 2018 study](http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/05/study-short-peruvians-reveals-new-gene-major-impact-height) that found a specific gene variant that might account for Peruvian shortness.
_Peruvian children on the streets of Lima. [Photo by Thomas Quine](https://www.flickr.com/photos/quinet/87663583/), flickr.com._
## More Google Questions About Peruvians: A to Z
### Are Peruvians attractive?
Sorry, but this one is far too subjective to answer. The physical characteristics of Peruvians also change on a regional basis, so you might find yourself falling in love every half hour in the jungle, and just once a month in the highlands. Or vice versa.
### Are Peruvians arrogant?
I say no to this one. You get some arrogant Peruvians, of course, but that’s the same in any country. Speaking very generally, I reckon there’s a higher percentage of arrogant people in the United Kingdom (my home turf) than in Peru.
### Are Peruvians good in bed?
Ahem. Um, are Peruvians good in bed? I, erm, I think I'll call privacy clause on that one. But feel free to leave a comment below with your opinion about Peruvians being good lovers or not.
### Are Peruvians circumcised?
Circumcision is relatively rare in most of Europe and Latin America, while almost universal in the Muslim world and common in the United States. In Peru, fewer than 20% of males are circumcised — probably closer to 10% or less.
### Are Peruvians Catholic?
The majority of Peruvians are Catholic. Here’s the religious overview of Peru, according to the last census in 2007:
Catholic Evengelical Other Atheist / None
### Are Peruvians crazy?
While I have met some crazy Peruvians, I’ll say that no, most Peruvians are not crazy in any kind of clinical sense.
### Are Peruvians cheap?
I’m guessing that’s “cheap” as in “they don’t like to spend money” or “stingy.” In which case… um… I’ll say no. At the same time, I’ve met a lot of Peruvian guys who are total misers when it comes to buying beer. But there are also pure economic considerations here, as between 20% and 25% of the Peruvian population lives below the poverty line, which can make “cheap” living a matter of necessity, not choice.
### Are Peruvians dumb /stupid / smart?
No nationality or race is inherently dumb. Peruvians are not dumb. Unfortunately, the Peruvian education system is not great. In 2013, Peru ranked last in the influential [OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)](http://www.oecd.org/pisa/) rankings, which included 65 countries. Its ranking improved slightly in 2015, but not by much. Must do better.
### Are Peruvians friendly?
Peruvians range from incredibly friendly to forlorn and reserved. From my experience, Peruvians in or from the jungle regions are the friendliest. But there’s always going to be a huge caveat when it comes to perceptions of friendliness: If you act like a dick, people will treat you like a dick. So a lot depends on you.
### Are Peruvians happy?
Yes, apart from the miserable ones.
_This Peruvian soldier seems a little distracted by something. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Are Peruvians Inca?
As mentioned above (Are Peruvians White?), Peru is a multiethnic country. The [CIA World Factbook](https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pe.html) states that 45% of the Peruvian population is Amerindian (indigenous). The two major ethnic groups are the Quechuas and Aymaras, both of which are tied to the Incas. Another large chunk of the Peruvian population is mestizo, a mix of European and Amerindian descent. So it’s fair to say that some Inca blood still runs in at least half the Peruvian population.
### Are Peruvians jealous?
Yes.
### Are Peruvians lazy?
Generally, Peruvians are probably about average on the global laziness scale. Without wanting to offend my jungle friends, I’d say they’re probably lazier on average than Peruvians from the coast and highlands. But Peruvians in the jungle have the heat and humidity as a perfect excuse. Hell, I live in the jungle and I use the heat to excuse my laziness all the time.
### Are Peruvians Mayans?
Nope. You need to head north to Central America and Mexico for Mayans.
### Are Peruvians Mexican?
I’m assuming curious five-year-olds are the reason for the frequency of this particular Google query. Peruvians are not Mexican. Mexicans are Mexican. Burritos are Mexican. Speedy Gonzalez is Mexican. Peruvians are Peruvian.
### Are Peruvians mean?
Oooo, those mean Peruvians! I don’t think the average Peruvian is any meaner than anyone else on this planet. Of course, you can find a few examples of meanness. They haven’t banned bullfighting or [cockfighting](https://newperuvian.com/cockfighting-in-peru-merchant-careador-spectator/). Some of them [tie condors to the backs of bulls](http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/08/13/339859934/in-perus-blood-festival-its-the-condor-versus-the-bull). They love to run over each other in cars, especially in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/). But in the UK we still argue about tearing foxes to pieces and we love to mock the French, so I guess we’re all a bit mean.
### Are Peruvians Native American?
As mentioned above, indigenous Peruvians are native to the Americas. But the term Native American typically refers to the indigenous peoples of the United States. People native to Peru are more commonly referred to as the indigenous peoples of Peru (or, more widely, of the Americas).
### Are Peruvians obese?
Peruvians are just about in the middle of the [global obesity rankings](https://www.indexmundi.com/g/r.aspx?v=2228), with about 15% of adults in the obese category. That’s not too bad, especially compared with the top of the table. In first place is American Samoa with a whopping 74.6% of its adult population in the obese category, followed by a whole bunch of other South Pacific nations. The United States, well-known as a land of “larger people,” ranks 19th in the world, with obesity in adults at 33%.
### Are Peruvians racist?
Big question. I’m going to say no, Peruvians are not racist. They can be hugely politically incorrect, sure. They’ll openly call anyone from Asia or slightly Asian-looking “_chino_” (Chinese); blacks are _negros_ (but, [as controversial footballer Luis Suárez pointed out](http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/luis-suarez-maintains-use-of-the-word-negro-in-row-with-former-manchester-united-defender-patrice-9820685.html), that’s not as offensive as it may sound to English speakers); overweight people are _gordos_ (fat); and white-skinned foreigners are gringos. Sensitive, no. But generally not hostile, either. On the uglier side of things, there is a lot of discrimination among Peruvians, directed against their highland compatriots. People from the sierra take the brunt of the prejudice in Peru, so much so that even their [demonym](https://newperuvian.com/demonyms-of-peru/) — _serrano_ — is used as an insult.
_A Peruvian family in the northern jungle region of Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Are Peruvians rude?
Peruvians are no ruder than most people. But they do have their quirks, some of which can easily be perceived as rude (or, let’s face it, just _are_ rude). They are pretty useless at queuing — especially old women, who elbow their ways into queues across the nation — which for an Englishman is especially notable. When a Peruvian dials a wrong number, he or she will rarely say something like “Oh, sorry for bothering you.” They just go silent and hang up. Or, and this is really annoying, they’ll call a wrong cellphone number and when you say “Sorry, wrong number” they’ll start interrogating you, thinking you stole the phone. Now that’s rude (and it ties in with the question of trust/distrust, see below).
### Are Peruvians religious?
Yes, but Peruvians are arguably not as fervently religious as Brazilians or Argentines when it comes to Catholicism (the dominant religion in all three countries). I say that from my own observations. For me, religious fervor in Peru is not as strong as you might expect — and I put that down to Peru’s history. Despite the best efforts of the Spanish conquistadors and the Catholic Church, the Inca gods and other mythological entities — such as Pachamama and the Apu mountain spirits — are still revered and “active,” even among practicing Catholics. Not only is that pretty cool as religions go, it also dilutes the Catholicism to a certain extent (feel free to disagree with me here — I imagine many people might).
### Are Peruvians romantic?
They’re probably more romantic than me. Outwardly and publicly, anyway. How much substance is behind the romantic gestures of Peruvian men is open to debate. Buying chocolates and flowers and teddy bears for your girlfriend is all great and lovely — but not so great and lovely when your two other girlfriends find out.
### Are Peruvians trustworthy?
This is potentially the most controversial thing I’ll talk about in this article, but trustworthiness is an issue in Peru. I could probably write a book about this (it's a complicated and delicate subject), and I don’t want to get mired in details here, but this is an aspect of Peruvian society that many Peruvians acknowledge and accept as true. The trust issue ties in with what is known as _la viveza_ (_la viveza peruana_ or, more widely in South America, _la viveza criolla_). It’s a way of acting that may include (whether consciously or not and to varying extents) a lack of respect for others, a self-centered outlook, blaming others and avoiding personal responsibility, a lack of moral direction, opportunism and a few other negative characteristics. That's not to say that every Peruvian lives by the code of _la viveza_ — far from it — but it is very much alive and kicking in Peruvian society.
I asked Dario Alfonso Moscoso Pastor, one of my Peruvian friends in Lima, for his opinion on the trustworthiness issue. His answer:
> “In general, yes \[Peruvians are trustworthy]. But as an expat, you need to take time to adapt to the sometimes shocking experience about living in Peru. One of the most negative aspects you might find is the so called "_viveza criolla_", or taking advantage of others, even if you need to break the rules. Which applies to the chaotic traffic in Lima, for example. The total disregard for rules, not respecting lights and pedestrians, can give you an idea about Peru. But in time, you'll know how to deal with it, because there will be other Peruvians who'll help you, eventually. There might be bad Peruvians, but the good ones overwhelm them.”
### Why are Peruvians always late?
Timekeeping is certainly not a strong point in Peru. As to why Peruvian are always late, I’m not entirely sure. Is it just a cultural thing, whereby people somehow have come to accept punctuality as some kind of myth, in which case arriving on time is basically an error? I don’t know. What do you think?
### What are Peruvians called?
Seriously? The answer is kind of in the question, no? Unless, of course, that’s just a poorly worded way of asking what names are popular among Peruvians (I’m being kind here). In that case: Maria, Jose, Juan, Luis, Carlos and Rosa frequently appear at the top of lists of the most popular names in Peru.
### What are ancient Peruvians called?
The cultural periods of pre-Columbian Peru stretch way back, as far as 9500 BC in some charts. During that time, many cultures and civilizations, large and small, have risen and faded. Some of the most notable civilizations include the Norte Chico, Chavín, Moche, Nazca, Wari, Sican, Chimú, Chachapoya, and Inca. There is no single name for ancient Peruvians as a whole.
### Why are Peruvians so bad at Dota (and Dota 2)?
Dota and Dota 2 are multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video games. I don’t know much about them, so I asked a friend who has a fair bit of experience (he told me “I used to play six hours every day for a year. I still suck at it though”). According to him, Peruvians are so notoriously bad at Dota that the words “Peruvian” and “Peru” are used among the Dota community to refer to anyone — Peruvian or not — who’s bad at the game. “North Americans stereotype Peruvians as the worst teammates in the server,” he says, “in the same way the Philippines is portrayed in the Southeast Asian servers. It’s because they clown around and don’t do team play. If someone dies or is the weak link, Americans just say “Fuck you Peru” even if the person isn’t Peruvian.” So now you know.
---
# Public Transport in Peru, From Buses to Boats to Rail Travel
URL: https://newperuvian.com/public-transport-in-peru/
Published: 2017-05-10
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: public transport in peru
Public transport in Peru is — in a word — varied.
As an independent traveler in Peru, you could find yourself on a surprisingly luxurious long-distance bus one day, and on the back of a cramped pick-up truck the next. You could be flying over the Andes on Monday, winding your way down the Amazon by boat on Tuesday, and be bouncing down a dirt road in a mototaxi a few days later.
The public transport system in Peru — a country [twice the size of Texas](https://newperuvian.com/how-big-is-peru/) and much more varied geographically — is an adventure in itself. And to get you started on this sometimes bumpy path, here’s an introduction to all of the different types of public transport you might come across in Peru.
### Tricycle
As far as I can remember, I’ve only seen tricycles used as public transport in one city in Peru. That was in [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/), where colorful but cumbersome-looking pedal-powered tricycles were driven by old men, normally carrying old women or kids as their passengers.
_A parked tricycle down at the harbor in Puno, Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Taxi
Taxis in Peru are a real mixed bag. Some are black, modern and sleek, with suited drivers who respect the laws of the road. Others are standard yellow cabs driven by chatty men who like to talk about football, women and the weather. Then there are four-wheeled death traps studded with dents and driven by men who probably shouldn’t be let out of the house (or who probably escaped from prison). You’ll find all three in most of [Peru’s major cities](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/), but with far fewer in the jungle regions, where mototaxis (see below) greatly outnumber regular taxis.
_A taxi rank in Miraflores, Lima. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Colectivo (Shared Taxi Service)
The word _colectivo_ is used in various ways, but typically refers to any small vehicle — normally a car, van or minibus — that runs along a set route and functions as a shared taxi. A colectivo vehicle runs from a “terminal” known as a _paradero_, from where it leaves for specific destinations. Colectivos typically leave when they’re full; that’s three or four passengers in a shared car, or more in a van or minibus. If there’s room on board, you can flag down a colectivo in the street.
_Micros_ and _combis_ (see below) can be considered colectivo services. A colectivo service might function within a city; between cities and outlying villages; or even over long distances between cities (for example, the colectivo shared taxis of Pizana Express, which run between [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) and Tingo Maria). Colectivos run on set fares.
### Mototaxi
Mototaxis are an iconic part of Peruvian life, especially in the jungle, where motorbikes and mototaxis far outnumber cars. Mototaxis, which are similar to rickshaws in India, can zip you across cities like Tarapoto, [Yurimaguas](https://newperuvian.com/yurimaguas-travel-guide/) and [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) for just a few soles. They can carry two to three people (legally, at least). As with regular taxis, you need to negotiate the fare in advance. Mototaxis also operate just outside of the cities on country roads. Be careful on rougher roads, however, as mototaxis can tip over if they overbalance.
### Camioneta (Pickup Truck)
Traveling by _camioneta_ can be fun for about 10 minutes, until your legs begin to ache, your backside goes numb, and the person next to you starts to lose consciousness. Camionetas are pickup trucks — some new-ish, some very old — that carry passengers in the cargo area. If the cargo area is packed, everyone stands for the duration of the trip. If there’s some breathing room, you might find a place to sit — but that will probably be on the side or on the raised tailgate, which after a while is more uncomfortable than standing. Camionetas provide the cheapest form of public transport in Peru. Avoid whenever possible, unless you’re a youthful masochist.
_Passengers on a pickup truck on the road outside Tarapoto, Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Micro and Combi (Minibus)
Minibuses are a fundamental part of the public transport system in some Peruvian cities. And, in most cases, the local government wishes they weren’t — especially in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), where _micros_ and _combis_ are a large source of air and noise pollution, traffic congestion, and accidents.
The combi is the smallest, most sardine can-like of the two, often being a beat-up Nissan or Toyota minivan/microbus. If you’re over five-feet tall, good luck. The micro is normally an old Toyota or Mitsubishi minibus, and is larger than the combi. Both trundle around along a set route and can be flagged down on any block. You’ll normally see the “ticket collector” hanging out the side door repetitively shouting out the destinations. Combis and micros are chaotic, cramped, and attract pickpockets, but they are incredibly cheap.
_A combi minibus negotiates its way through the streets of Lima. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Lima Metropolitano
The Metropolitano is Lima’s bus-based rapid transit system. It actually works fairly well and connects most of the districts tourists might want to visit, including Barranco, Miraflores and Central Lima. Once you’ve bought the appropriate swipe card, it’s easy to get around on the Metropolitano. It can get crowded inside the buses, sometimes to the point where it’s hard to even get off at your stop, but it’s still safer than the combis.
_A bus on Lima's Metropolitano system stops at the Ricardo Palma terminal on the Vía Expresa. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Long Distance Bus
[Peru’s best long-distance bus companies](https://newperuvian.com/best-bus-companies-in-peru-safest-reliable/) might surprise you. If you think you’ll be sharing a seat with a chicken and a goat, think again. With comfortable fully-reclining seats, air conditioning and onboard movies, Peru’s top-end buses provide a good way to [travel in Peru on a budget](https://newperuvian.com/tips-for-traveling-in-peru-on-a-budget/). Travel times can be long, however, so it’s worth considering a flight before opting for a 24-hour bus ride, no matter how comfortable the bus.
### Tourist Bus
There’s a middle path between public buses and organized tours, and it comes down to licensing. A standard company holds a terminal-to-terminal permit, and those terminals are rarely central (Lima alone has a dozen, scattered across the city), so a cheap intercity ticket stops looking so cheap once you add a taxi at each end. Tourist operators hold a tourism transport licence instead, which lets them collect you at your hotel, drive into places a regular bus legally can’t go, and stop at viewpoints and archaeological sites en route.
On the southern Gringo Trail, [Peru Hop](https://bushop.com/peru/) runs Lima to Cusco as a hop-on hop-off service via Paracas, Huacachina, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa and Puno, with an English-speaking host on board and the coastal legs scheduled in daylight. For the Cusco to Puno crossing specifically, [Inka Express](https://www.inkaexpress.com/) does the same in daytime, breaking the trip at the Andahuaylillas church and the ruins at Raqchi and Checacupe, with a buffet lunch and Wi-Fi included. Neither is the cheapest ticket on paper. If you’re heading off the tourist trail, a regular long-distance bus will still cost you less.
### Train
Trains in Peru are limited to the southern half of the country, and the rail system is limited to just a handful of destinations. [PeruRail](https://www.perurail.com/) is Peru’s most famous train operator, offering tourist-focused train services between [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) and Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). PeruRail also runs the luxury Andean Explorer between Cusco and Puno.
The [Ferrocarril Central Andino](https://www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe/index_.php) runs from Lima to La Oroya in the central Andes, where the tracks split: one heads north to Cerro de Pasco and the other south to Huancayo and Huancavelica. It is the second highest railway in the world. A tourist service runs about twice a month between Lima and Huancayo. Finally, there’s the Ferrocarril Tacna Arica, Peru’s only international train service, which lay dormant for many years. It’s a tourist service with just one carriage, offering one-hour thirty-minute rides across the Peru-Chile border from Tacna to Arica.
_A PeruRail train arrives in Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Teleférico (Cable Car)
Only one cable car system (_teleférico_ in Spanish) exists in Peru, and that started operating in early 2017. [It was built to improve access to Kuelap Fortress](https://newperuvian.com/how-to-get-to-kuelap-tours-independent-chachapoyas/), a magnificent archaeological site near [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) in [northern Peru](/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/).
### Airplane
[Domestic airlines in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/) do a pretty good job of connecting the country’s major cities (and some minor cities). The budget end of the market has had a bumpy ride: Viva Air Peru, which shook up fares after launching in 2017, collapsed in 2023. Low-cost flying lives on through carriers like JetSMART and Sky, which compete with LATAM on the busier domestic routes, so it’s still worth shopping around for a cheap seat before committing to a long overland trip.
### Large River Boat
Large passenger boats (_lanchas_) ply the river routes of the Peruvian Amazon. They also carry plenty of cargo below decks, and sometimes you get the feeling that the cargo is more important than the passengers. But still, it’s a fun way to travel for adventurous backpackers, who can pay for hammock space on the main passenger deck, or pay a little extra for a tiny cabin. The two main river routes are from Yurimaguas to Iquitos and Pucallpa to Iquitos.
_The view from the top deck of a large river boat on the Peruvian Amazon. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Lancha Rapida
A _lancha rapida _(or sometimes _delizador_) is a long and narrow boat with an outboard motor, used for much faster travel along Peru’s river system. They’re great for short hops and are common around Iquitos and Pucallpa. You can also travel long distance by lancha, but expect to pay significantly more than you would for a large passenger boat.
## More Public Transport in Peru?
Have you traveled by any other type of public transport in Peru not included in this article? If you have, let me know in the comments section below. Thanks!
---
# 33 Things to Know Before You Go to Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/things-to-know-before-you-go-to-peru/
Published: 2017-05-07
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: things to know before you go to peru
Peru is an endlessly fascinating country, with so much to see and do, eat and drink, with ups and downs, plenty of laughs and… occasionally… some weighty frowns.
As someone who has lived in — and written about — Peru since 2009, I've had my fair share of experiences. So for all you first-time travelers to the land of the Incas, here’s my selection of things to know before you go to Peru — stuff that will help you get the most out of your trip.
If you have anything to add, or if you have any questions, feel free to add a comment in the comments section below. And for basic travel preparation tips, read [25 Practical Things to Do Before Traveling to Peru](https://newperuvian.com/things-to-do-before-traveling-to-peru/). Happy travels!
### Give Lima a Chance
Lima is worth a few days (read my [Lima travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) if you need more convincing). Seriously, people gripe and groan about Lima all the time, but it’s an interesting city (I wouldn’t want to live there, but I always enjoy going back to Lima for a week or so). So when you’re figuring out your itinerary, don’t treat the Peruvian capital as nothing more than a landing pad for onward travel to Arequipa and [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/). Stick around for a few days and explore Lima’s amazing restaurants, impressive architecture, endless cultural quirks and burgeoning concert and festival scene. Just try not to get run over (treat this little nugget as a bonus tip: Everyone in Lima wants to run you over).
### Peru's Electric Boogaloo
The [electricity in Peru](/electricity-in-peru-voltage-plugs-outlets-adapters/) might be different from what you’re used to, so before you plug in your hair straighteners, [read about electricity and plug sockets in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/electricity-in-peru-voltage-plugs-outlets-adapters/). A lot of modern devices, including laptops and smartphones (and their respective battery chargers) are designed to work at both 110 and 220 volts, in which case you’re fine.
### Noisy Neighbors
Peruvians like to make noise, at parties, on buses, at home, everywhere. And Peruvians rarely complain about people making noise. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs. If you’re a bitter, cantankerous, argumentative noise-hater, bring the appropriate medication.
### Three Countries in One
Peru is like three different countries in one, so try to travel along the coast, in the highlands, and in the jungle. It’s not just the weather that changes as you move between Peru’s three major geographic regions (and the weather can change a lot, so [pack for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/packing-for-peru/) with that in mind). The food, the accents, the lifestyle, the culture, even the appearance and style of dress all change as you move from the _costa_ to the _sierra_ to the _selva_. It’s one of the reasons Peru never gets boring.
### Go North!
Nearly all tourists travel in the southern half of Peru, rarely venturing north of Lima. So if you want to get off the well-trodden Gringo Trail, head north! There are [plenty of reasons to explore northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/): great food, loads of Indiana Jonesing in tombs and temples, and far fewer tourists to get in the way, to name just a few.
### Peru's Best Buses are Surprisingly Good
The long-distance buses in Peru are some of the best in the Americas. Stick with [the best bus companies in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-bus-companies-in-peru-safest-reliable/) and avoid the cheaper options (which often aren’t safe) and you should have a positive on-the-buses experience. On the southern Lima-to-Cusco circuit, it’s also worth comparing a hop-on hop-off pass with [Peru Hop](https://bushop.com/peru/) against point-to-point tickets, especially if you plan to stop off at places like Paracas and Huacachina along the way.
### Drink Like a Pro
Drink craft beer, good pisco, and Amazonian aphrodisiacs. Normal Peruvian beer (Pilsen, Cusqueña, Cristal) is refreshing but extremely boring, so treat yourself to an occasional glass or bottle of Peruvian craft beer ([or cider](https://newperuvian.com/scott-jones-englishman-introducing-cider-to-peru/)), a market that has blossomed over the last three years. Cheap pisco smells like rotting vegetable matter, so try the good (expensive) stuff at least once (as well as [a few classic pisco cocktails](https://newperuvian.com/classic-pisco-cocktails-peru-beyond/)). As for the Amazonian aphrodisiacs, well, why not? They’re full of shamanic barks and natural remedies, they’re alcoholic, and they have sexually suggestive names. Perfect.
And in case you're wondering: The [legal drinking age in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/legal-drinking-age-in-peru/) is far more liberal than in the United States (but fairly standard, globally speaking).
_An array of alcoholic aphrodisiac infusions in a store in the Peruvian jungle. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Don't Drink the Water
Don’t drink the water. Don’t. Drink. The. Water. _Don’t drink the water!_ It won’t melt your face or anything, but the chances of getting a stomach bug or parasite or bacteria or radioactively-induced superpower are high if you drink the water in Peru. Drink beer instead.
### Learn Some Spanish for Peru
Not many people speak English in Peru, at least not beyond the tour agencies and touristy restaurants. So do yourself a favor: Try to learn at least some basic Spanish before you travel. I know it’s boring, but it makes a world of difference once you arrive.
### Smoke With Caution
Drugs are quite widely frowned upon in Peru, especially by the older generations, so don’t be too blasé with the pot smoking. The actual [laws for marijuana possession in Peru are fairly liberal](https://newperuvian.com/is-marijuana-legal-in-peru/), but some locals don’t differentiate between cocaine and weed — it’s all just drugs — and they’ll get annoyed if you spark up near them. Just tread carefully… and with some respect.
### Eat Weird Food in Peru
Peru is home to a wide range of strange dishes. Embrace the oddities and don’t shy away from trying [some of the weirder foods in Peru.](https://newperuvian.com/weird-foods-in-peru-for-adventurous-eaters/)
### Taxi Drivers Lie
Taxi drivers always try to rip you off. OK, maybe not all of them, but most of them, especially in the bigger cities. So always haggle with taxi drivers. As a rule of thumb, if they say S/ 10, offer S/ 7. Your bargaining power typically increases with your level of spoken Spanish. And you don’t need to tip taxi drivers unless they’re particularly helpful.
### Ass Spoons
Peru is an excellent country for amusing product names, funny signs and poorly translated menus. So keep your eyes open and your camera ready. Because a photo of you at Machu Picchu probably won’t receive as many Likes or Retweets as a photo of a packet of Kraps crackers or a bag of Ass spoons…
_Ass for sale in Tarapoto's supermarket. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### The Lunchtime Menú
The [Peruvian lunchtime _menú_ is a real bargain](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/). Among all my [tips for traveling in Peru on a budget](https://newperuvian.com/tips-for-traveling-in-peru-on-a-budget/), making the most of the _menú_ is one of the keystone pieces of advice. You’ll find these set-lunch options all over Peru, letting you fill up for as little as S/ 8 ($2.50), and sometimes less. But don’t go too cheap, as the _menú_ can quickly turn from a budget traveler’s blessing to a Peruvian culinary blight.
### Toilet Tactics
Carry toilet paper with you everywhere. Most public toilets in Peru don’t have toilet paper; if they do, it’s normally terrible stuff and you have to pay for it. Most public toilets also lack toilet seats, making a large wad of toilet paper even more essential.
### Peru's Light-Fingered Opportunists
Opportunistic theft is rife in Peru, so keep a firm grip on your gear and never, ever leave something unattended for even a second, especially in a public place like a café or restaurant. Of all the things to know before you go to Peru, please remember this one. Having something valuable stolen abroad can taint your whole opinion of a country and its people, so don't give anyone an easy opportunity to ruin your day — or your holiday.
### Be a Bookworm
Peru is a far more interesting place if you know a little about its history. The same can be said for anywhere in the world, it’s true, but Peru is particularly connected with its archaeology. And the amount of people who go to Machu Picchu without knowing what the hell Machu Picchu even is, well, that’s just depressing. Do yourself a favor and read a book like [_The Conquest of the Incas_](http://amzn.to/2qJHJIX) by John Hemming before, or while, you travel. Other books worth reading are [_Death in the Andes_](https://amzn.to/2J8EYLb) by Mario Vargas Llosa; [_Turn Right at Machu Picchu_](https://amzn.to/2LMkOrT) by Mark Adams; [_The Peru Reader_](https://amzn.to/2LMkTMd); and [_Last Days of the Incas_](https://amzn.to/2IZs3yR) by Kim MacQuarrie.
### Lima and Bieber
[Check the concert listings before you go to Peru](https://newperuvian.com/music-concerts-in-peru/), as Lima attracts some major international acts these days. You never know, you might be able to catch your hero live in Lima. Like Justin Bieber. Or Anthrax.
### Photo Bombs
Not all photos are free in Peru. Snap-happy travelers — especially in Cusco — will soon find out that those women in traditional dress leading colorful llamas around don’t just stroll the streets for nothing. If you ask to take their photo, they’ll tell you how much (normally a few soles) and strike a pose. If you take their photo without asking, they’ll still ask for a tip. They just might not be so friendly about it. I’ve had a woman ask for a tip after I took a photo of Cusco while walking down from Saqsayhuaman. She was about 100 yards away and just crept into the bottom of my photo. I said no, politely, because it was ridiculous. Her cute little child swore at me in Spanish as they walked away.
_You see the local woman with a llama in the bottom-right corner of this photo? She demanded a tip after I took this photo of the whole of Cusco. And I think she's actually posing. Good effort, I guess. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Easy-Access Peru
In most cases, tourists can enter Peru with just a valid passport and a simple tourist card, known as the [Tarjeta Andina de Migraciones](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/) (TAM). And even the card is being phased out in favor of a simple digital version, making the process even easier.
### The One-Way Ticket Problem
Arriving in Peru on a one-way ticket can cause problems if you don’t have proof of onward travel. Thankfully, [there are a few handy ways of getting around the one-way ticket issue](https://newperuvian.com/one-way-ticket-to-peru-problems-solutions/).
### Book the Inca Trail Well in Advance
Always book the Inca Trail well in advance of your travel date, with one of [the best Inca Trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/). Ideally, six months ahead of time. The [classic Inca Trail](https://newperuvian.com/inca-trail-map-elevation-profile/) gets booked up months in advance, especially during high season, so don’t leave your booking too late and don’t go to Cusco expecting to find space on the Inca Trail. The alternative treks, on the other hand, can often be purchased at the last minute (sometimes at reduced prices).
### Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can really ruin your trip, so treat it with the respect it deserves. Whenever possible, allow at least 24 hours to acclimatize when you arrive at [a high altitude city or attraction in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/).
### Vegetarian Peru
Peru can be a tough place for vegetarians, but there are more and more vegetarian and vegan restaurants opening up all the time, especially in touristy cities like Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Look carefully and you’ll also find [a few traditional Peruvian dishes that are suitable for vegetarians](https://newperuvian.com/traditional-peruvian-food-for-vegetarians/), so you don’t have to miss out on authentic Peruvian cuisine altogether.
### Coca Tea Can Get You Fired
[Coca tea is great stuff, but it can make you test positive for cocaine](https://newperuvian.com/drinking-coca-tea-drug-test-results/). If there’s any chance you might undergo a drug test in the weeks after returning home from Peru, it’s best to avoid coca tea and chewing coca leaves.
### Expect Delays
Wherever you are in Peru, and whatever you might be doing, expect delays. Expect them, and accept them (to a certain extent). Stuff happens that you and everyone else simply can't avoid: floods, landslides, earthquakes. Peruvians are also terrible with time i.e. they're always late. But Peruvians are also resilient and tend to pick themselves up and get on with life, even in the face of hardship. So take the ups with the downs and try not to let delays and inefficiencies get under your skin; they're all part of the experience.
_I got stuck behind the 2010 earthquake near Bagua in northern Peru. The bus company gave us two options: return with them back to the coast, or walk across the crumpled landscape. Nearly everyone picked up their bags and walked. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Lima Airport to Miraflores for Cheap
[Buses and shuttles now run from Lima Airport to Miraflores](https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/). Yep, no more overpriced taxis at the airport. Just hop on one of the new bus or shuttle services and save some soles for a pisco sour.
### The Rise (and Fall) of Cheap Air Travel in Peru
Air travel in Peru isn’t as cheap as in some developing countries, so don’t expect [Peru’s domestic airlines](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/) to be a giveaway. Budget flying here has had a bumpy decade: Viva Air came and went, folding in 2023. Low-cost carriers like JetSMART and Sky still compete hard on the busier routes, though, and if you’re traveling light with no bags to check, a cheap seat booked well ahead can come close to the price of the bus.
### Small Soles
You’re better off carrying Peruvian soles rather than [using US dollars in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/using-us-dollars-in-peru/), at least on a day-to-day basis. While plenty of tour operators, hotels, restaurants, transport companies and large stores accept dollars, many places don’t. Ideally, you’ll always be carrying a few soles notes; S/ 50 notes and smaller are best, as many businesses have a perpetual change shortage. You can easily withdraw dollars and soles from [ATMs in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/).
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
### Getting Closer to the Sun
Sunburn is worse at high altitudes. Even on an overcast day in a high-altitude city like [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) or Cusco, you can still burn quickly. Carry a hat and use sunblock when you’re at altitude.
### Tipping and Haggling
Peru isn’t a tipping nation, so don’t go crazy with tips. But sometimes a tip is expected. To avoid confusion, read my [guide to tipping in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/tipping-in-peru/). Peru _is_ a haggling nation, so don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially in traditional markets and souvenir stores.
### Only Weirdos Eat Ceviche at Night
Only weirdoes eat ceviche at night. You can eat ceviche during daylight hours, but not once the sun sets. That’s the unofficial rule, anyway. It kind of makes sense, considering the fish is normally caught in the morning to sell at the markets, so isn't nearly as fresh after dark. You can always eat one of the [different types of ceviche](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/), in which fish is replaced with anything from mushrooms to bulls testicles.
### Peru Is Endless
You’ll never see enough of Peru. You’ll never see it all. I’ve been traveling around Peru since 2009, and I still have a never-ending list of things I want to see and do. So don’t try and pack in too much and rush through your trip. Take some time to let Peru wash over you. Slow down. You can always come back. And you’ll probably want to.
_A pretty street in the Yanahuara neighborhood of Arequipa, with the mountains in the background. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
---
# Visiting Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Animal Orphanage in Iquitos
URL: https://newperuvian.com/pilpintuwasi-butterfly-farm-animal-orphanage-iquitos/
Published: 2017-05-03
Updated: 2017-05-04
Topic: pilpintuwasi butterfly farm
Tucked away in the jungle just outside [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) is the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Animal Orphanage ([www.amazonanimalorphanage.org](http://www.amazonanimalorphanage.org)). This 20-hectare wildlife center officially began life as a butterfly farm in 2002, as a place to breed endangered butterflies. Its founder, Gudrun Sperrer, then expanded operations to take in rescued animals, which now include everything from monkeys to toucans to jaguars.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
I could tell Pilpintuwasi was a good place to live as soon as I arrived, both for its long-term and temporary residents, human and animal alike. A bald uakari monkey (above) lounged around [like Burt Reynolds on a slow day](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3499801/Burt-Reynolds-80-regrets-posing-naked-bearskin-rug-Cosmopolitan-centerfold-1972.html), enjoying life as it played with an insect. I was then greeted by a young American volunteer who seemed as chilled out as the uakari, but she was a lot chattier. And prettier. And she wasn’t trying to eat an insect.
After a brief introductory chat beneath the leafy shade of the dense canopy, the volunteer showed me around the butterfly farm. Not knowing much about butterflies, it was great to have someone who was knowledgeable enough to answer a bunch of amateur questions and give a few details about the lives of these impressive insects.
While some butterflies were camouflaged and designed to blend in to their environment, others were clearly more worried about making an impression. Some of the colors were truly stunning.
Inside an airy hut was the butterfly hatchery or nursery. Here, a flood of long-dormant science class trivia came rushing back to me. Well, trickling back. Here was [the life cycle of a butterfly](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/caterpillar-butterfly-metamorphosis-explainer/). Egg, larva, pupa and adult. Egg, caterpillar, chrysalis/cocoon, butterfly. The incredible metamorphosis of crawly things into squishy bits into radiant butterflies.
I had already seen butterfly eggs attached to leaves out in the lepidopterarium (the fancy name for a butterfly house or enclosure). But inside the hatchery were these jars of eggs of varying colors. I later emailed Gudrun Sperrer to find out more about this egg collection process. She told me:
“We collect the butterfly eggs from the host plants because there are parasites who infect the eggs, and then, instead of a caterpillar, hatches a little wasp etc. Depending on the species, it takes between 5 to 15 days for the eggs to develop. Heat makes the process faster, cold slows it down.”
After seeing the butterflies, we moved on to say hello to some of the animals at Pilpintuwasi. These animals have all been rescued, some from traders in Belen Market or along Iquitos’ riverside boulevard, were vendors try to sell illegal wildlife. It’s an ongoing problem, and one that tourists often aid despite their best intentions. Never buy an animal from these traders, even if you want to “set it free.” All you do is feed the market for illegal wildlife. You can, however, report the vendor to local authorities.
Thankfully, Pilpintuwasi is on hand to help rescue some of these orphaned animals (and it receives no government funding, making volunteers and visitors essential to its continued existence). These include all kinds of animals, from the tigrillo above to various species of monkeys, snakes, caimans, birds, jaguarundis (small wild cats) and more.
Above is a pygmy marmoset, the smallest true monkey in the word. Like the other animals at Pilpintuwasi, this marmoset benefits from the care and attention of Gudrun Sperrer and her volunteers.
When I emailed Gudrun, she enthusiastically gave me an update on some of her latest initiatives. One really stood out as an excellent reflection of the mentality at Pilpintuwasi, in which the animals always come first.
“We are finishing a metal mesh tunnel that will cover the whole walkway through which visitors walk around in Pilpintuwasi. So hopefully we can release more and more animals into freedom and keep the people closed in…. to avoid physical interaction with the animals and, with that, the danger of passing on flu or other diseases that people can give to the animals, and that can kill them. Another reason for the construction of the tunnel is that our visitors won't have to be afraid that one of our cheeky monkeys might steal something out of their pockets!”
Enclose the visitors, free more animals? Sounds like a great idea to me.
In the video above, which I shot while at Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm, you can see three different residents at the animal orphanage. The first is the Burt Reynolds-like bald uakari monkey, playing with his favorite insect. The second (correct me if I’m wrong) is a greedy little capuchin monkey.
The third is arguably the most impressive creature at Pilpintuwasi: the beautiful Pedro Bello, a jaguar who has lived at Pilpintuwasi for 16 years. There were once plans to send Pedro Bello to a nature reserve in Brazil, but the Peruvian government wouldn’t allow it; as you can hear the volunteer explaining in the video, the Peruvian government wants to keep Pedro Bello — or more specifically his genes — in Peru in case it one day decides to initiate a breeding project. And, according to Gudrun, after so much time in captivity, Pedro would not stand much chance of surviving if he was now released into the wild.
The moment toward the end of the video when Pedro Bello extends to his full height against the fence was an impressive sight indeed. His elegance, his strength, his curiosity. And I guess if he must remain in captivity in Peru, there are few better places for him than at Pilpintuwasi.
## How to Visit Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Animal Orphanage
Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Animal Orphanage is a fantastic daytrip (or even half-day) from Iquitos. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; entrance is $5 (S/ 20) for foreign adults, but please give more if you can.
To get to Pilpintuwasi, you need to take a boat from the Bellavista-Nanay port about three miles north of the city center. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes; in dry season you’ll have to walk an additional 15 minutes to get to the entrance of Pilpintuwasi.
Make sure you go to the correct butterfly farm, and not the rival farm that opened up nearby. You can find more info about this, and further directions, on the [Pilpintuwasi website's contact page](http://www.amazonanimalorphanage.org/contact/).
---
# Bus Companies in Peru: The Safest and Most Reliable Options
URL: https://newperuvian.com/best-bus-companies-in-peru-safest-reliable/
Published: 2017-05-03
Updated: 2026-06-10
Topic: bus companies in Peru
If you stick with the best bus companies in Peru, you should have a reasonably positive overland travel experience. The higher-end companies are comfortable, generally quite reliable and far (far!) safer than the cheaper options, which are not recommended.
That said, you can have a bad experience with any bus company in Peru, a country where consistency of service is rare, no matter what kind of business you’re looking at. So don’t expect a faultless experience with even the biggest names — Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Excluciva and the like — as you can never guarantee a completely smooth ride, whether through the fault of the company or through some random act of nature.
But by traveling — whenever possible — with the best bus companies in Peru, you’ll enjoy a far higher level of efficiency, service and safety. Among the hundreds of smaller and/or more antiquated companies, such things are sadly all too rare.
## Tourist Bus Services in Peru
In the southern half of Peru, especially along the classic Gringo Trail route, you’ll come across a few specialist bus companies aimed at tourists rather than the general population. These tend to be more expensive than the standard long distance options, but you’re paying for a different kind of trip.
It comes down to licensing, something most travelers never hear about. A standard long-distance company holds a terminal-to-terminal transport license: it can legally carry you from one bus station to the next, and that’s it. The tourist operators hold a tourism transport license, which lets them pick you up at your hotel, drive into places a regular bus legally can’t enter, and stop at viewing points and attractions along the way. Whether that’s worth the premium depends on the kind of trip you’re after.
Three notable tourist bus services are:
### Peru Hop
Peru Hop ([bushop.com/peru](https://bushop.com/peru/)) is a hop-on hop-off bus service running between Lima and Cusco via Paracas, Huacachina, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa and Puno (its sister service, Bolivia Hop, continues to La Paz). Buses are modern coaches with Wi-Fi and run daily, so you set your own dates, hotels and pace. The tourism license lets it do what normal buses can’t: hotel pickups in Lima and Cusco, a drop-off in central Paracas, and stops at places like the Hacienda San José, a 300-year-old estate with tunnels once used to smuggle enslaved people. There’s also a local host on board to tell you what you’re passing and keep the bus sociable, which solo travelers love.
It’s one of the safer ways to travel these routes, too: drivers stick to speed limits (not a given in Peru), the Arequipa to Nazca leg runs by day so you actually see the spectacular coast road, and when strikes shut down travel the company warns its passengers in advance and helps them rebook.
Is it for everyone? Almost all travelers, but not everyone. If you’re heading somewhere off the Gringo Trail, the long-distance companies below will get you there for less. Ticket for ticket, a regular bus looks cheaper. But Peru Hop isn’t really competing on the bare fare. It’s aimed at first-timers who want the journey itself to be part of the trip. And once you add up the extras that come with public buses (taxis to and from the terminals, plus booking separately the detours and tours that Peru Hop already includes), a Peru Hop pass tends to work out cheaper.
### Inka Express
Inka Express ([www.inkaexpress.com](https://www.inkaexpress.com/)) runs tourist buses between Cusco and [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/). On the way, you'll make a few stops, including Andahuaylillas Church and the archaeological sites of Raqchi and Checacupe. Also includes a buffet lunch, and the buses have Wi-Fi on board. The company has grown a lot in recent years, and its recent reviews have been excellent, so it has clearly been doing something right.
### 4M Express
Similar to Inka Express, but 4M Express ([www.4m-express.com](http://www.4m-express.com/)) covers more ground, running small tourist buses between Cusco, Puno, Arequipa and Chivay. You get to stop off at some viewing points along the way; I did the trip from Puno to Arequipa with 4M Express and it was kind of fun. Is it worth the extra money? Probably not, unless you really want to stop a few times en route, seeing a few lakes and some flamingos. If you’re only in Peru for a week or so and want to see as much as possible, then it makes sense. If you’re on a backpacker’s budget and traveling for weeks or months, then not so much.
_A hop-on hop-off Peru Hop bus on the Peruvian coast. Photo by Peru Hop._
## The Best Long Distance Bus Companies in Peru
OK, this isn’t based on scientific analysis, so excuse the subjectivity. But these are what I consider the best long-distance bus companies in Peru, based on my experience living and traveling in Peru since 2009. I'm also taking into account the general reputation of each company and some safety figures (such as [these accident stats for 2015](http://www.sutran.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IPA_2015.pdf)). Feel free to disagree in the comments section below — all opinions are appreciated.
One note on the prices below: they cover the bus ticket only, terminal to terminal. Bus terminals in Peru are rarely central (Lima alone has a dozen of them, scattered across the city), so budget for taxis at both ends. And if you want to visit places along the way, like Paracas or Huacachina, each leg means a separate ticket and your own connections to plan. Worth working all of that out before you book.
### Civa
Civa ([civa.com.pe](http://civa.com.pe/)) is a big company operating all along the coast and southern Peru. Civa had the worst accident record of all the major bus companies in Peru in 2015. With that in mind, it's best to use the company's more expensive Excluciva ([excluciva.com.pe](http://excluciva.com.pe/)) bus service for more comfort, reliability and safety. Lima to Cusco from $38 with the standard Superciva service, or from around $86 with Excluciva.
### Cruz del Sur
Founded in Arequipa back in the 1960s, Cruz del Sur ([www.cruzdelsur.com.pe](https://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe)) has been in the transport game for a long time. It has its critics (who doesn’t?), with complaints about poor customer service and consistently late buses, but it’s still up there as one of the big bus companies in Peru. Its buses are fairly comfortable and normally in good condition; reasonable safety features are in place and are adhered to; and the coverage is excellent (including a number of international destinations such as Santiago, Buenos Aires, Quito and Bogotá). I’ve traveled with Cruz del Sur on numerous occasions. The buses were often late, and I’ve seen English-speaking travelers struggle a bit, but I never had a major problem. It’s one of the more expensive options here, but worth the extra cost. Recommended. Sample fare: [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) to [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) from around $61 (terminal-to-terminal fare only; taxis and other costs need to be planned for separately).
### Oltursa
Solid all-round, Oltursa ([www.oltursa.pe](https://www.oltursa.pe)) is a good option, especially along the coast and inland to Cusco. Ticket prices are in a similar bracket to those of Cruz del Sur, so it's not the cheapest bus company out there. Lima to Cusco from $58.
### TEPSA
A safe and reliable option, TEPSA ([www.tepsa.com.pe](http://www.tepsa.com.pe)) has great coverage throughout most of Peru, including to cities like [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) and Tingo Maria, which many other companies don’t go to. Lima to Cusco from around $36 (S/135).
_A Cruz del Sur bus in Peru. Photo by Cruz del Sur._
### Movil Tours
I’ve always been a fan of Movil Tours ([www.moviltours.com.pe](http://www.moviltours.com.pe/)), especially for [traveling in northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/). It’s a cheaper alternative to Cruz del Sur, TEPSA etc., but the buses are good and the service is safe and secure. It’s probably still worth paying more for Cruz, TEPSA etc., but if you’re trying to save a few dollars then Movil is a perfectly reasonable alternative (especially for shorter journeys). Movil also runs to some cities ignored by other major companies.
### Línea
Línea ([linea.pe](https://linea.pe)) is limited by its range of destinations, all of which are north of Lima and generally sit on or near the coast. But if you’re heading that way, Línea is worth a look.
### Ormeño
Ormeño ([www.grupo-ormeno.com.pe](http://www.grupo-ormeno.com.pe)) seem to eternally flirt with the idea of becoming a truly top-end bus company, but then seems to get lost along the way (metaphorically speaking). Ormeño is a good company, but I’d edge toward Cruz del Sur, TEPSA and others on this list first. It’s also had a largely dysfunctional website for as long as I can remember (so I can’t even check the current ticket prices).
### Flores
One of the biggest bus companies in Peru, Flores ([floreshnos.pe](http://floreshnos.pe/)) offers various services across its expansive fleet. At the cheaper end of its fleet, it’s a midrange company at best: Not bad for short hops, but not good for longer trips. Ideally, stick with the company’s more expensive Dorado VIP buses, especially for lengthy journeys.
### Other Long-Distance Bus Companies in Peru
If a company isn’t mentioned above, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid using it. Plenty of other companies, such as ITTSA, Peru Bus, Soyuz and Palomino, have large fleets and carry passengers along some of Peru’s main routes on a daily basis. These companies might not have the big-name reputation of their competition, but they mostly do a decent job.
Still, as a general rule you’re better off paying more money for a top-end long-distance bus service: one with higher safety standards and more comfortable buses. Paying that extra $10 to $20 for a 10- to 20-hour journey is well worth it.
_A luxury Excluciva bus by Civa. Photo by Civa._
---
# The Best Domestic Airlines in Peru for 2026
URL: https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/
Published: 2017-04-20
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: domestic airlines in peru
Peru's domestic airline market has been through a lot over the past few years: a pandemic, the collapse of several familiar names, and the arrival of new budget carriers. As of mid-2026, four airlines handle almost all domestic flying in Peru.
A handful of domestic airlines in Peru provide a quick and reasonably efficient way of traveling around the country. Most flights within Peru take about an hour, and there are regularly scheduled flights to most of Peru’s major cities (see [a map of Peru’s major airports here](https://newperuvian.com/main-airports-in-peru-map/)).
On the downside, flying in Peru is quite expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget. For example, don’t expect domestic flights for anywhere near as cheap as in India or Malaysia. Thanks to budget airlines, even flying within Europe can be cheaper than flying domestically within Peru.
The good news is that budget flying has finally arrived properly. Sky Airline and JetSMART both run modern fleets on Peru's main trunk routes, and their competition has pulled fares down across the board. Just be careful with their add-on charges, as the cheap headline fare can grow quickly if you're not familiar with their policies.
Gaps in Peru’s domestic flight network also mean that overland transport (bus, normally) is sometimes unavoidable. You can’t, for example, fly to cities such as [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/), Ica, or Moyobamba, at least not by any regularly scheduled flights.
## Brief Reviews of Domestic Airlines in Peru
Below are Peru's four main domestic airlines, each with regularly scheduled flights to at least a few of [Peru’s major cities](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/).
Determining which airlines are “the best” is subjective. LATAM arguably has the best service but tends to be more expensive. And due to their cheaper fees for Peruvian nationals, both airlines have been accused of applying a “Gringo Tax” to foreigners. That’s not true, but you do have to be careful when purchasing tickets with LATAM.
_A LAN airplane (now LATAM) at Lima Airport in 2015. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### LATAM Perú (LAN)
LATAM Perú ([www.latam.com](https://www.latam.com/)), formerly LAN Perú, is a subsidiary of the Chilean LATAM Airlines. LATAM has been the dominant force in the domestic market for years, and as of mid-2026 it carries roughly two-thirds of all domestic passengers in Peru.
As well as flying to all major [airports in Peru](/main-airports-in-peru-map/), LATAM also has international flights from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) to various South American nations, the U.S.A, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Spain.
- Pros: LATAM Perú is a good airline, there’s no doubt about it. The service is solid, the planes (Airbus 319 and 320) are in excellent condition and flights normally run on time.
- Cons: It’s often more expensive to fly LATAM in comparison to airlines like Star Perú, Sky Airline or JetSMART. You also have to be careful with the fine print (it’s not so fine, to be honest). If you accidentally purchase a ticket aimed solely at Peruvian nationals, you could get hit with an additional US$177 fee at the airport.
_Peruvian Airlines at Lima Airport. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Star Perú
Star Perú ([www.starperu.com](http://www.starperu.com/)) has been around in one form or another since 1997. In 2020 and 2021, Star Peru had a hard time keeping afloat due to the enormous economic damage caused by the pandemic, and they almost went under due to the lack of business. It pulled through, and as of mid-2026 it remains the third player in the market, with roughly 8% of domestic capacity, concentrating on the central and northern routes that the bigger airlines mostly ignore.
Star Perú has no international flights. Domestically, it flies from Lima to Cusco, Huánuco, Tarapoto, Iquitos, Pucallpa and Puerto Maldonado.
- Pros: Among the established domestic airlines in Peru, Star Perú is one of the cheapest. It’s a no-nonsense airline in terms of cost, with no hidden fees. Its accident record is also good.
- Cons: Reliability can be an issue with Star Perú. I once had to wait eight hours in Tarapoto Airport for a delayed flight; apparently, the plane had hit a truck in Iquitos (an explanation that left much to the imagination). You’re more likely to experience delays with Star Perú during the rainy season in parts of Peru, especially in jungle regions. Another annoying thing with Star Perú is the confirmation email after booking, or the lack of one. After completing a ticket purchase on the Star website, you should see a confirmation page. But some people justifiably wonder if it has actually been confirmed, expecting to receive an email confirmation. But that doesn’t always, or perhaps ever, happen. What you need to do is make a note of your reservation code (_código de reserva_), which should be six letters (e.g. UADPSV) and then click on the E-ticket tab on the Star website. Enter your code and your surname and you can see your confirmed booking; click on another button to see and print out your E-ticket.
*
_Viva Air, which flew in Peru from 2017 until its collapse in 2023. Image from www\.vivaair.com._
## Budget Airlines in Peru
Peru's low-cost scene has been through boom, bust and rebirth. Here's where things stand as of mid-2026.
### VIVA AIR PERU (NO LONGER FLYING)
Viva Air launched in Peru with plenty of fanfare in 2017 and for a few years was the budget option of choice, though rarely without complaints about delays, cancellations and refunds. The whole Viva Air group then collapsed in March 2023, stranding passengers across Peru and Colombia, and it never came back. If you see Viva Air fares mentioned anywhere online, that information is out of date. Sky and JetSMART now cover the low-cost end of the market.
### SKY AIRLINE
Sky Airline ([www.skyairline.com](https://www.skyairline.com/)), the Chilean low-cost carrier, is now the clear number two in Peru's domestic market, with around 20% of capacity as of mid-2026. It flies new A320neo aircraft on the main routes (Lima to Cusco, Arequipa and other major cities), and one-way fares can start at under US$30 if you book well ahead. Like most low-cost airlines, it has been criticized for its extra charges (luggage, etc.), which can add up and make it more expensive than a regular airline. So check the fine print carefully before you buy your ticket.
### JETSMART PERU
JetSMART ([www.jetsmart.com](https://www.jetsmart.com/)), another Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier, began flying domestically in Peru in mid-2022 and has been expanding ever since. It runs new A320neo planes from Lima to Cusco, Arequipa and a growing list of other cities, with headline fares that compete directly with Sky. The usual low-cost caveats apply: pack light or pay for bags, and read the fare rules before you buy. But for simple point-to-point hops it has quickly become a perfectly sensible option.
## Regional Domestic Airlines in Peru
Smaller domestic airlines pop up in Peru every now and then, but few of them last for long. They typically operate along just one or maybe two routes, plugging a gap in the nationwide network. Some are subsidized by the government in order to help boost tourism in a particular city or region.
Regional airlines that have been operating in recent years include the two below. A word of warning: schedules, prices and even the airlines themselves change often on these small routes, so double-check everything is still flying before you build a plan around it.
- SAETA ([www.saetaperu.com](http://www.saetaperu.com/)) — Subsidized by the Peruvian government, SAETA flies small nine-passenger Piper Cheyenne III turboprop aircraft between Tarapoto and [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/). The price? Just S/ 60 for Peruvians and other legal residents of Peru, which is about the same as taking the bus. Unfortunately, foreign tourists have to pay S/ 220, which is pretty expensive for a 25-minute flight. But it's either that or the bus, which takes eight hours.
* ATSA ([www.atsaairlines.com](https://www.atsaairlines.com/)) — Another small airline, ATSA has very useful flights direct from Lima to Chachapoyas every Monday and Thursday. Tickets start at around US$65 one way.
## Airlines That Are No Longer Flying
If you're reading older forum posts or guidebooks, you'll see several other names that have since disappeared. A quick rundown so you don't go looking for them:
- **LC Perú**: Once useful for smaller destinations like Huaraz and Andahuaylas, LC Perú had its fleet grounded in late 2018 over insurance problems and slid into bankruptcy. It never resumed flying.
- **Avianca Perú**: The Peruvian domestic arm of Avianca was shut down in 2020 during the group's pandemic-era restructuring. Avianca still flies to Lima internationally, but it no longer operates domestic routes within Peru.
- **Peruvian Airlines**: For years a solid mid-market player, Peruvian Airlines suspended all flights in October 2019 due to a "lack of liquidity" and, despite talk of a rescue, never returned to the skies.
---
# Machu Picchu at Sunrise: Times, Tours and Photos
URL: https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-sunrise-times-tours-photos/
Published: 2017-04-13
Updated: 2026-06-13
Topic: machu picchu sunrise
First things first: you’re not going to see a genuine sunrise at Machu Picchu. There’s no unobstructed stretching-to-the-horizon sunrise to be seen. The sun first has to rise up above the mountains that surround Machu Picchu, by which time the archaeological site is already bathed in a half-light.
And now that we’ve got that out of the way…
## What Time Is the Sunrise at Machu Picchu?
The actual sunrise times at Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) differ by an hour depending on the time of year. The earliest sunrise is at 5:13 a.m. in November, and the latest sunrise is at 6:13 a.m. in July.
The first buses leave Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu at 5:30 a.m. and Machu Picchu opens at 6 a.m. So even if you manage to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu, there’s a good chance that the morning light will have started to illuminate the archaeological site and its surroundings, even if the direct rays of the sun have not.
After that, it could still be about an hour after the actual sunrise until the sun rises up above the mountains.
_Morning sunlight floods through the ruins of Machu Picchu. [Photo by dann toliver](https://www.flickr.com/photos/00dann/734295358/), flickr.com._
The big question is: Is it worth getting up to Machu Picchu early to watch the “sunrise”? Well, it largely depends on the weather. The site is often so shrouded in cloud and mist that watching the sun come up is anticlimactic and Machu Picchu remains largely obscured.
But if you’re lucky, you’ll see a beautiful sight even when it's cloudy: The cloud and fog dissipating, slowly revealing the bones of Machu Picchu, and then its full body, like a ghost ship emerging from a misty sea. The rays of the sun will rise up through the clefts and entranceways of the Inca stonework, and all will be right with the world.
Sometimes, on a dry and bright morning, you'll have a clear view of the sun's first rays spreading across Machu Picchu, as you can see in the time lapse video below.
Again, it’s a matter of luck. You also need to take into account the early-morning onslaught of tourist arrivals, all trying to get to Machu Picchu for the “sunrise” before each other — and all at the same time.
For that reason, it’s worth considering an afternoon visit to Machu Picchu, which is quieter. Some photographers also say that the light before sunset, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., is the best for photographing Machu Picchu.
## Machu Picchu and Sunrise from the Sun Gate
If you trek along the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, whether for two days or four, you’ll normally have an extremely early morning start on the final day. This gives you time to trek to the Sun Gate — Intipunku — for sunrise.
Again, how much you’ll see depends on the weather, and you won’t see an actual sunrise but rather the sun rising up over the mountains. You will, however, have an excellent view over Machu Picchu and its nearby mountains — if they aren’t completely shrouded in cloud. It’s best to not expect a perfect view, just to avoid disappointment after waking up at 4 a.m.
## Machu Picchu Sunrise Tours
A quick note on so-called Machu Picchu “sunrise tours,” which some Machu Picchu and [Inca Trail tour companies](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/) advertise as a Machu Picchu tour option. It tends to be a two-day non-trekking tour that leaves Aguas Calientes very early on the second day, to arrive at Machu Picchu in time for sunrise.
As a selling point, tagging on the “sunrise” element sounds great. But considering the sunrise at Machu Picchu isn’t a guaranteed spectacular — and it’s not a genuine sunrise — it seems more appropriate to think of these tours as “early bird” tours.
These tours don’t enter the archaeological site of Machu Picchu any earlier than other tours (i.e. they don’t manage to get in before the 6 a.m. opening time), so don’t expect anything too unique about a Machu Picchu “sunrise tour.” If the early slot is what you’re after, just make sure whoever books your tour gets you the first entry time; operators like [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/) will arrange the 6 a.m. tickets as part of a standard train tour, which is the realistic way to see the site at its quietest.
_From from the Sun Gate as the morning shadow retreats from Machu Picchu. [Photo by karlnorling](https://www.flickr.com/photos/karlnorling/7427559450/), flickr.com._
---
# Machu Picchu Safety Tips and Vaccinations
URL: https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-safety-tips-vaccinations/
Published: 2017-04-12
Updated: 2017-08-04
Topic: machu picchu safety tips
The following Machu Picchu safety tips cover just about everything that could potentially go wrong during your trip to the Inca archaeological site, apart from the most extreme and/or improbable situations (and I’ll mention some of them, too).
Generally speaking, there’s not much to worry about. The vaccinations for Machu Picchu are fairly standard, and most people will already have had some of the recommended shots. Altitude sickness is arguably the most pertinent concern, and even that’s nothing to be paranoid about.
## Routine and Highly Recommended Vaccinations for Machu Picchu
Before you travel, you should ask your doctor about [the recommended vaccinations for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/what-vaccinations-do-you-need-for-peru/), all of which apply to travelers in [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) and Machu Picchu. Some of them you’ll have had already, but you might need a booster jab. Others will be new.
The routine vaccinations are:
- measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
- diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
- varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
- polio vaccine
- yearly flu shot
The highly recommended vaccinations are **Hepatitis A** and **Typhoid**. You can read more about these by following the link above.
## Mosquito-borne Diseases at Machu Picchu
The risk of mosquito-borne diseases at Machu Picchu is very low. Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika.
The [Centers for Disease Control (CDC)](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/select-destinations/peru-cusco-machu-picchu) states that travelers who visit only [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), Cusco and Machu Picchu do not need to take antimalarial medication and do not need a yellow fever vaccination. The risk of dengue is also very low, and chikungunya and zika almost non-existent.
Unless you hear of an outbreak in the Cusco region, you do not need to worry about any of the above. That said, it’s always wise to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
If you are heading into the jungle after Cusco and Machu Picchu, you’ll need to reevaluate the need for malaria pills and the yellow fever vaccination. Diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever are more common in jungle regions.
## Leishmaniasis at Machu Picchu
Leishmaniasis, or the “flesh-eating disease,” does occur in Peru, and cases have been reported in the Cusco Region. But the risk for tourists visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley is so low that it shouldn’t be a concern.
Leishmaniasis is spread by infected sandflies. And sandflies along the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu can be a royal pain in the ass (and the legs, the hands, the ankles and everywhere else). So even though the risk of leishmaniasis is incredibly low, you should still carry DEET-containing insect repellent to keep these little buggers at bay.
## Rabies at Machu Picchu
The pre-exposure vaccination for rabies is not generally recommended for Peru, and is certainly not necessary for visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu. Rabies in dogs has been greatly reduced in Peru over the last 15 years, and cases are rare.
## Altitude Sickness at Machu Picchu
The risk of altitude sickness at Machu Picchu is a genuine concern, although Machu Picchu itself is below the elevation at which altitude sickness normally occurs. You’re at greater risk in Cusco, which is more than 3,000 feet (900 meters) higher than Machu Picchu.
It’s a good idea to know the symptoms of altitude sickness before you go to Machu Picchu. If you begin to feel ill at Machu Picchu, or while hiking the Inca Trail, tell someone and, if you start to decline, seek medical attention.
You can [read more about Machu Picchu and altitude sickness prevention](https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-altitude-sickness-prevention/) here.
## Falling Accidents Involving the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
A small number of falling fatalities have occurred at Machu Picchu and along the Inca Trail in recent years. These include a [German man who crossed over security barriers at Machu Picchu](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/01/machu-picchu-german-tourist-falls-dies-photo) to pose for a photo; he jumped in the air for the shot, but fell to his death in the canyon below.
To avoid falling accidents, always be aware of your footing and take it slowly in areas with dangerous drops. Respect security barriers, and don’t risk your life for the sake of a selfie.
## Travelers’ Diarrhea (TD) in Cusco and Machu Picchu
As many as half of all visitors to Peru suffer from travelers’ diarrhea (TD) at some point. To reduce the risk of diarrhea — especially in the days before your much-anticipated trip or trek to Machu Picchu — avoid dubious-looking street food and dirty restaurants. And never drink the tap water in Peru — it’s not worth the risk.
## Sunburn at Machu Picchu
You’ll probably be hoping for a clear, sunny day at Machu Picchu. And if you’re lucky, that’s exactly what you’ll get. But don’t go ruining the rest of your trip with painful sunburn.
Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level — and Cusco even higher — and at these heights you can burn easily on a sunny day. UV levels increase by 10% to 12% with every 1000 meters of altitude, so the higher you go, the more careful you need to be. Don’t forget to take a hat and sunblock.
## Struck By Lightning at Machu Picchu
While not common at all, tourists have been struck by lightning at Machu Picchu. The [last reported lightning strike](http://perureports.com/2016/10/25/tourist-struck-lightning-machu-picchu-peru/) was in October 2016, when a Spanish citizen and her Peruvian guide were struck near the famous Three Windows area of the site. Both suffered minor injuries.
Previously, in 2004, a 35-year-old Russian tourist was killed by lightning while on the peak of Huayna Picchu Mountain, the iconic mountain that rises up above the archaeological site.
If you're at Machu Picchu during a severe lightning storm, [your best option is to seek shelter](http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/explainer-how-to-avoid-being-struck-by-lightning-20161206-gt52gt.html) in one of the huts dotted around the site.
## Kidnapping at Machu Picchu
Now we’re getting to the more improbable end of the spectrum, but I’m mentioning kidnapping at Machu Picchu simply because of a strange incident that occurred in February 2013.
Nothing actually happened, but the U.S. Embassy in Peru did release [an official warning regarding a potential plot to kidnap a U.S. tourist at Machu Picchu](http://www.reuters.com/article/us-peru-machupicchu-alert-idUSBRE92602820130307). It was a bizarre warning to make, and was roundly rebuked by the Peruvian government.
Beyond that strange little blip, kidnapping at Machu Picchu is not something that anyone ever worries about. And neither should you.
## Do You Have Any More Machu Picchu Safety Tips?
If you have any additional Machu Picchu safety tips to share, please leave a comment below. Thanks!
---
# Postal Codes in Peru: Find Zip Codes for the Entire Country
URL: https://newperuvian.com/postal-codes-in-peru/
Published: 2017-04-11
Updated: 2018-03-22
Topic: postal codes in peru
In December 2016, Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications rolled out a new system for postal codes in Peru.
Previously, postal codes (zip codes/postcodes) were only used in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and the wider Lima Metropolitan Area. Now, postal codes exist for the entire country, with a total of 2,670 postal codes in 210 “postal zones” across the nation’s 25 administrative regions.
## How to Find Postal Codes in Peru
Postal codes in Peru consist of five numbers. The first two numbers represent the administrative region. They are as follows:
- 01 Amazonas
- 02 Ancash
- 03 Apurímac
- 04 Arequipa
- 05 Ayacucho
- 06 Cajamarca
- 07 Callao
- 08 Cusco
* 09 Huancavelica
* 10 Huánuco
* 11 Ica
* 12 Junín
* 13 La Libertad
* 14 Lambayeque
* 15 Lima (see more about Lima below)
* 16 Loreto
- 17 Madre de Dios
- 18 Moquegua
- 19 Pasco
- 20 Piura
- 21 Puno
- 22 San Martín
- 23 Tacna
- 24 Tumbes
- 25 Ucayali
## Using the Peru Postal Code Finder
Finding the next three numbers is more complicated. Thankfully, the Peruvian government has created a reasonably useful website for tracking down the postal code for any particular area:
> [www.codigopostal.gob.pe](http://www.codigopostal.gob.pe/)
Once at the website, you can begin your search by clicking on “Consulta el Código Postal Nacional Aquí” (or go straight there by [clicking this link](http://www.codigopostal.gob.pe/pages/invitado/consulta.jsf)).
You’ll come to a screen that looks like this:
You can now search for a district, city or region, or simply try to find the area you want by searching directly on the map. Of course, all this depends on you having enough information to find the postal code for any given area.
If you know where the address is physically located on the map of Peru, just click on the area (zoom in if necessary) and the postal code will appear on the map.
If you have the address but don’t known where it is on the map, enter the name of the city in the “Distrito Provincia Departamento” box and select the city from the dropdown menu. The map will zoom in and you can now enter a street name in the second box that appears. After this, enter a street number if you have one. The map should then show you the correct postal code.
In the example below, I wanted to search for the following address: Avenida Venezuela 100, Arequipa. Using the three boxes that appear, I first searched for Arequipa, then Avenida Venezuela, and then the house number 100, to receive the postal code 04002.
It’s not a perfect system, and I imagine it can be frustrating if you can’t find the correct location, but it works pretty well most of the time. Let me know if you’re struggling to find the correct postal code in Peru and I’ll try to help.
## Postal Codes in Lima, Peru
Despite the fact that the Peruvian government has launched a new set of postal codes and has a fairly efficient postal code finder, it seems like the old postal codes for Lima are still frequently used.
I went to the [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) office of Serpost, Peru's national postal service, in May 2017. The envelope I wanted to send displayed what I assumed to be the correct postal code for the Pueblo Libre district (15084) in Lima, because that was the code given by the government's own postal code finder. The lady at Serpost, however, told me it was wrong and that the code they use for Pueblo Libre is "Lima 21" — which is the old postal code.
I'm not sure what's up with that (if anyone can explain, please do so in the comments section below), but you might receive a similar response. So here are the old Lima postal codes, just in case:
- Lima 01 = Cercado
- Lima 02 = Ancon
- Lima 03 = Ate
- Lima 04 = Barranco
- Lima 05 = Breña
- Lima 06 = Carabayllo
- Lima 07 = Comas
- Lima 08 = Chaclacayo
- Lima 09 = Chorrillos
- Lima 10 = El agustino
- Lima 11 = Jesús María
* Lima 12 = La Molina
* Lima 13 = La Victoria
* Lima 14 = Lince
* Lima 15 = Lurigancho
* Lima 16 = Lurin
* Lima 17 = Magdalena
* Lima 18 = Miraflores
* Lima 19 = Pachacamac
* Lima 20 = Pucusana
* Lima 21 = Pueblo Libre
* Lima 22 = Puente Piedra
- Lima 23 = Punta Negra
- Lima 24 = Punta Hermosa
- Lima 25 = Rimac
- Lima 26 = San Bartolo
- Lima 27 = San Isidro
- Lima 28 = Independencia
- Lima 29 = San Juan de Miraflores
- Lima 30 = San Luis
- Lima 31 = San Martin de Porres
- Lima 32 = San Miguel
- Lima 33 = Santiago de Surco
* Lima 34 = Surquillo
* Lima 35 = Villa María del Triunfo
* Lima 36 = San Juan de Lurigancho
* Lima 37 = Santa María del Mar
* Lima 38 = Santa Rosa
* Lima 39 = Los Olivos
* Lima 40 = Cieneguilla
* Lima 41 = San Borja
* Lima 42 = Villa el Salvador
* Lima 43 = Santa Anita
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
## Where to Put the Postal Code On Addresses for Delivery in Peru
If you're wondering where to put the postal code within the Peruvian address format, then the official Codigo Postal website does give an example, albeit easy to miss. Here's the image they use, which shows you where to put the post code (the code is in bold):
## Do You Actually Need to Use a Postal Code in Peru?
Postal codes can speed up delivery, but they aren't entirely necessary. I've been living in Tarapoto, Peru, since 2009, and have received a reasonable amount of mail both from abroad and from within Peru. At least half of that mail was sent without a postal code. I imagine a postal code is more useful in larger cities, especially in Lima.
If you live in Peru, you might occasionally need your postal code to fill out forms (especially online). In that case, using the search method above should help you track down the correct code.
---
# Inca Trail Map and Elevation Profile
URL: https://newperuvian.com/inca-trail-map-elevation-profile/
Published: 2017-04-11
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: inca trail map
## Inca Trail Map
The Inca Trail map above shows the approximate course of the classic four day/three night Inca Trail trek, as well as the Urubamba River and some of its tributaries.
Most Inca Trail treks now begin at a point along the road known as km 82, although some start at km 88 (there’s not much difference between the two). Here’s a quick day-by-day breakdown of the trek:
- **Day One**: Setting off along the Inca Trail, you’ll have a fairly easy trek to the first main archaeological site, Llactapata. You then carry on until you reach the first campsite, typically at Wayllabamba. The first day is a good warm up for Day Two, which is the toughest day of the whole trek.
* **Day Two**: On the second day you have to take on the ominous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), which takes you over the highest point on the Inca Trail. For most trekkers, this is the biggest single challenge of the trek. Get this out the way, and you know you can conquer the rest of the Inca Trail. After the pass you’ll head downhill to your campsite, normally at Pacaymayo, for a well-earned rest.
- **Day Three**: A lengthy trek of ups and downs, but nothing as brutal as Dead Woman’s Pass. The third day is full of stunning scenery and a handful of archaeological sites, including Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka and Phuyupatamarka, all of which you’ll have some time to explore. You’ll then head downhill to the Wiñaywayna campsite. If you’ve got some gas left in the tank, you can walk an extra 30 minutes to the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna before settling down at the campsite.
* **Day Four**: An early morning start for the shortest section of the trail, giving you plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu. But first you’ll trek to Intipunku — the Sun Gate — to watch the sun rise up over the mountains (if you’re early enough). [It’s not a proper sunrise over Machu Picchu](https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-sunrise-times-tours-photos/), but impressive nonetheless. Then it’s on to Machu Picchu and the end of your trek.
## Inca Trail Elevation Profile
The Inca Trail elevation profile above shows approximate altitudes along the trail. As you can clearly see, the second day of the trek has the greatest altitude gain, rising up from about 9,800 feet (3,000 m) to 13,780 feet (4,200 m) as you traverse Dead Woman’s Pass.
Day three and day four of the Inca Trail see an overall descent as you head down to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. At 7,972 feet (2,430 m) above sea level, Machu Picchu sits at a lower altitude than almost all points along the Inca Trail. You can read more about [Machu Picchu’s altitude and altitude sickness prevention](https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-altitude-sickness-prevention/) here.
Finally, make sure you do an in-depth [research on the tour operator](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru) you will hire for this unforgettable adventure and always keep in mind that the health of the Inca Trail porters is as valuable as your experience. Operators that make porter welfare part of how they sell the trek, [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/) with its all-local Cusco crew being one example, tend to be a safer choice on both counts.
---
# The Etiquette of Peruvian Greetings, Introductions and Goodbyes
URL: https://newperuvian.com/etiquette-peruvian-greetings-introductions-goodbyes/
Published: 2017-04-09
Updated: 2017-04-09
Topic: peruvian greetings
Left cheek, right cheek, or both? Is this the right moment for a formal greeting or a relaxed “_hola_!”? Do I kiss the 85-year-old grandmother sat in the corner? Will I sound like a 17th century musketeer if I say goodbye with an “_adios_!” or should I stick with a simple “_chau_”…?
For the uninitiated, a foreign land can be an etiquette minefield. And while Peru is fairly relaxed when it comes to cultural customs, it’s always a relief to know your etiquette is at least passable, especially with day-to-day interactions like Peruvian greetings, introductions and goodbyes.
_(This article focuses on Spanish greetings and goodbyes simply because Spanish is Peru’s dominant language. I’ll try to cover Quechua and Aymara in a later article.)_
## Peruvian Greetings and Introductions
**Formal**\
Formal greetings in Peru are defined by the time of day, as they are in English. Generally speaking, these formal greetings are used in business situations (unless you know the person well); when speaking to people in positions of authority (police, border officials etc.); and when speaking respectfully to your “seniors” (people who are significantly older than you).
You can use formal greetings in any situation without sounding weird, with the exception of saying high to your friends — in which case you might sound like a strange foreign stiff.
The three main formal greetings in Peru are:
- _Buenos días_ — good day or good morning (used until midday)
- _Buenas tardes_ — good afternoon or good evening (used from midday until nighttime)
- _Buenas noches_ — good night (used at night as a greeting and as a way of saying goodbye)
For extra politeness/respect/suck-up-ness, you can tag on _señor_ (m) or _señora_ (f): _Buenas tardes, señora_. For example, a respectful “_Buenos días, señor_” to a Peruvian border official might just be enough to get you the full 183 days in Peru rather than just the 90.
You can also say _buenas_ by itself — without the following _días_, _tardes_ or _noches_ — as a more informal version of the above.
**Informal**\
The most common way of saying hello in Peru is with a simple _hola_. It’s informal, so stick with the formal greetings above if you have any doubts.
There are endless ways to embellish _hola_ — especially if you know some Peruvian slang. But some common ways of following up _hola_ include short questions like:
- _¿Cómo estás?_ – How are you? (you can use this formally, just drop the “s” from the end of _estás_: "_¿Cómo está?_")
- _¿Como va?_ – How’s it going?
- _¿Qué tal?_ – What’s up? Or How are you? (_¿Qué tal?_ Can also be used to ask how something was or went, like “How was it?”)
You can play around with _hola_ and other combinations. For example, “_¡Hola! ¿Qué tal, amigo?_” (“Hi! How are you, friend/buddy/mate?”)
## Handshakes, Hugs and Kissing in Peru
Peruvian greetings and introductions typically involve some kind of physical gesture, be it a handshake, a hug or a kiss on the cheek. In the case of introductions, it’s typical to say _mucho gusto_ — “it’s a pleasure” — when you are introduced to someone.
**Handshakes**
Men normally shake hands: a firm handshake and a certain level of eye contact is the norm. Younger men have also started adopting the fist bump, so you can expect a few of them, particularly if you’re hanging with the cool kids. A handshake is also used between men and women in business situations, unless they are friends (in which case a kiss on the cheek might be appropriate).
**Kissing**
A single kiss on the left cheek is a standard gesture when saying hello or goodbye in Peru, and when being introduced in informal settings. But there’s no cheek kissing between men, just between men and women and between two women. In business situations, handshakes are often used instead of kissing, unless the people involved are already acquaintances.
As for the 85-year-old grandmother sat in the corner who I mentioned at the start of this article, I’m still not too sure on the etiquette here. Despite living in Peru since 2009, the Grandmother Conundrum remains a case-by-case decision for me. I’ll often shake hands with elderly _señoras_, as a kiss on the cheek sometimes feels wrong. I’ll let you decide.
**Hugging**
Hugging in Peru is normally between good friends and family members. Men don’t hug other men very often, preferring a handshake or a hand on the shoulder instead of a hug.
## Peruvian Goodbyes
The physical gestures above — handshakes, hugs and kisses — apply for goodbyes in the same way as they do for greetings.
You can say goodbye in Peru in various ways, but by far the most common is a simple _chau_ (bye). It’s informal, but so widely used that it’s rarely a faux pas to use it in formal situations.
At night, you can also say _buenas noches_ (good night) as a goodbye.
Then there’s _adios_, which to my ears always sounds overly dramatic — like a scene from an 18th Century romance novel where a woman waves her handkerchief and shouts “_¡adios!_” as her lover marches off to war (or a farewell scene in any Mexican telenovela, one of the two).
It’s not incorrect to use _adios_ to say goodbye in Peru, but it does carry a certain melodramatic weight. Save it for the big goodbyes — like when it’s finally time to leave Peru and head home. Then there’s nothing better than a heartfelt “_¡Adiós, amigos!_”
Other ways of saying goodbye in Peru include:
- _nos vemos_ — literally “we’ll see each other,” but meaning “see you later”
- _te veo_ — “I’ll see you”
**Using Hasta**
Arnold Schwarzenegger made “_hasta la vista_” famous. And while you can use _hasta la vista_ (literally “until the next sighting,” but more like “see you!”), other _hasta_ phrases are more common in Peru. In most cases, _hasta_ — which means “until” or “up to” — is used in farewells in the same way we’d say “see you…..”:
- hasta luego — see you later
- hasta mañana — see you tomorrow
- hasta pronto — see you soon
- hasta entonces — see you then
---
# The Best Hostels and Hotels Near Lima Airport
URL: https://newperuvian.com/best-hostels-hotels-near-lima-airport/
Published: 2017-04-07
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: hotels near lima airport
If you’re flying into [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and then heading straight out the next morning — to Cusco or Arequipa, for example — you might be looking for hostels or hotels near Lima Airport (or maybe an Airbnb).
**Update (as of mid-2026):** Jorge Chávez International Airport opened a brand new terminal in June 2025, and all flights now use it. The old terminal is closed to passengers. The new terminal sits on the far side of the runways, reached by a different access road, so hotels and hostels that used to be right next to the airport (including the Wyndham that was physically attached to the old terminal) are now a 15 to 30 minute drive from the doors, depending on traffic. I’ve updated the details below, but the area around the new terminal is still developing, so double-check locations, shuttle services and rates before you book.
Staying near the airport can be a good option for layovers in Lima. On the downside, Callao — where the airport is located — is not a particularly interesting or safe place to stay.
But if you don’t have the time, the money or the inclination to [take a taxi or bus from the airport to Miraflores](https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/), Barranco or Central Lima (three of the main tourist hubs in Lima), you’ll at least find good accommodation near the airport. Just don’t expect any noteworthy attractions in the immediate area.
Of course, you could just spend the night in Lima Airport. I’ll cover that option later in this article.
_All room rates are given first in soles or dollars, depending on how they are originally listed. Prices have risen since this article was first written, so treat them as a rough guide and check current rates before booking._
## The Best Hostels Near Lima Airport
**Pay Purix Backpacker Hostel**
Pay Purix is a colorful, safe and friendly hostel just a few blocks from the old terminal. Now that flights use the new terminal, count on a taxi ride of roughly 15 to 20 minutes, traffic permitting. Twelve-bed dorms start at S/ 35 per person (about US$10), with private rooms starting at S/ 100 ($30). Pay Purix can arrange airport pick-up for an additional fee. Av. Japon 16138. [www.paypurix.com](http://www.paypurix.com/)
**Hostal Victor**
Not as close to the airport as Pay Purix, but a decent option nonetheless. However, by the time you get to Hostal Victor you’re almost half way to Central Lima. Depending on your flight times, it might be worth driving just a little further to have maybe an hour or two to explore Lima’s historic center in the morning. Single rooms start at $28 (S/ 90), with doubles and triples for $30 (S/ 97) and $39 (S/ 125) respectively. Manuel Mattos 325. [facebook.com/hostelvictor](https://www.facebook.com/hostelvictor/)
**Hostal Las Fresas**
Simple, inexpensive and just five minutes from the old terminal, so allow a fair bit longer to reach the new one. Don’t expect much, but fine for a layover. Rooms start at S/ 50. The hostel’s own website has since disappeared, and while it still shows up on the big booking sites, it’s worth double-checking it’s still operating before you book. Calle Las Fresas 217-221, Urbanización el Olivar.
**TUPAC Lima Airport Hostel**
A clean hostel with helpful staff and a good breakfast included in the price. Ten-bed dorms start at US$7 (S/ 23), with single and double private rooms for $17 (S/ 55) and $20 (S/ 65) respectively. Also very responsive to Facebook messages, which can be helpful. Located not far from Hostal Victor, so not quite as close to the airport as Pay Purix or Hostal Las Fresas. [www.facebook.com/TupacHostel](https://www.facebook.com/TupacHostel/)
_The communal area inside Pay Purix, one of the best hostels near Lima Airport. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## The Best Hotels Near Lima Airport
**Manhattan Inn**
Located about five minutes south of the old terminal, which now means a slightly longer taxi ride to the new one, Manhattan Inn is a good layover option if you’d prefer a midrange hotel rather than a hostel. The hotel’s early check-ins and late check-outs give guests more flexibility with their flight schedules. Rooms start at $50 (S/ 160). Luna Pizarro 168. [www.hmanhattan.com](http://www.hmanhattan.com/)
**Machu Picchu Suites**
This is perhaps stretching the limits of what can be considered a hotel near Lima Airport, but Machu Picchu Suites is nonetheless a straight drive from the old terminal down Avenida Elmer Faucett, about 15 minutes if the traffic isn’t too bad. From the new terminal, expect a somewhat longer ride. It’s a boutique-style hotel with more charm than most layover options. Helpful staff and a great breakfast make for a pleasant stay. Rooms range from about $40 to $100 (S/ 130 to S/ 325). The hotel’s own website is no longer online, though it still appears on the major booking sites, so double-check it’s still operating before you book. Jr. Machu Picchu 128, San Miguel.
**Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport**
For years, the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel was the closest hotel to Jorge Chávez International Airport, linked directly to the terminal building. That terminal is now closed to passengers, so the hotel has lost its biggest selling point, but it’s still open and it hasn’t abandoned its guests: a free shuttle runs 24 hours a day, every 30 minutes or so, between the hotel and the new terminal, a ride of roughly 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. It’s a fairly standard international airport hotel, with all the modern amenities you’d expect from a Wyndham, including sauna and spa facilities. Rooms started at around $210 (S/ 680) when this article was first written, so check current rates. In other words, it’s not cheap. Av. Elmer Faucett, Lima Airport. [wyndhamhotels.com](https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/lima-peru/wyndham-costa-del-sol-lima-airport/overview)
If you want the hotel that’s now genuinely closest to the airport, that title has passed to the Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport, a five-star hotel built alongside the new terminal and connected to it by a short walkway. It’s the priciest option of all the hotels listed here, as you’d probably expect.
_A room at the Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima, next to the old terminal of Jorge Chávez International Airport. Photo from www\.wyndhamhotels.com._
## Airbnbs Near Lima Airport
Do a quick search on Airbnb and you’ll find a fair amount of options ranging in price from S/ 30 to S/ 100. [Try this link to see Airbnbs near Lima Airport](https://www.airbnb.com/s/Lima--Lima-Region--Peru?guests=1\&adults=1\&children=0\&infants=0\&place_id=ChIJZ5ZTHtvIBZERKdp7oIpTRU8\&ss_id=dz0f57j2\&source=bb\&page=1\&allow_override%5B%5D=\&ne_lat=-11.99907167298088\&ne_lng=-77.07530254986284\&sw_lat=-12.038983782294588\&sw_lng=-77.11873287823198\&zoom=14\&search_by_map=true\&s_tag=BlKrcTcF) — if the link doesn’t work, search for Lima and then drag the map to the airport in Callao. One caveat: most of these listings cluster around the old terminal, so check the map against the new terminal entrance and budget for a taxi ride before booking anything described as “steps from the airport.”
## Can You Sleep in Lima Airport?
Yep, you can still sleep inside Lima Airport. The new terminal is open 24 hours a day, though the old backpacker routine of camping out by the second-floor food court belongs to the old terminal, and to history.
In the new terminal, you can wait it out in the public landside areas, but comfortable seating is limited and security has been known to move sleepers along in the small hours. It’s safe, but keep your bags close or pay to store them in the luggage storage area on the first floor.
A better option, if your budget stretches to it, is the new bank of sleeping pods on the departures level, which you can book by the hour. Prices start at around $23 for two hours at the time of writing, so check current rates. Alternatively, you can pay to enter one of the airport lounges, some of which are open around the clock. None have proper beds, but you can curl up in a comfy chair. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of $40 to $55 for entry, and check current prices before counting on it.
Lima Airport provides free Wi-Fi, but access is limited to short sessions unless you pay, or you can use the internet in one of the cafes, if you buy something first.
---
# Puno Travel Guide
URL: https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/
Published: 2017-04-05
Updated: 2026-06-13
Topic: puno travel guide
_On a bright and sunny day, Puno's Plaza de Armas is actually quite pretty. Photo by Tony Dunnell._ Maybe it’s the thin air. Maybe it’s all the bare red-brick walls. Or maybe Puno just can't compete aesthetically with the beautiful silvery lake on whose shores the city sits.
Whatever it is, Puno isn’t the prettiest of places. It has plenty of soul, heart and culture, but it just doesn’t cut it visually. And the pizza, which for some reason is sold almost everywhere, sucks.
This lack of urban charm is the reason why many tourists decide to stay on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca. Specifically, they stay at the more picturesque Bolivian town of Copacabana, some 65 miles from Puno as the Andean gull flies (or paddles, in the case of the Titicaca flightless grebe).
But Puno does have some major positives as a base for exploring Lake Titicaca and other sights in the Puno Region. The floating islands of the Uros people lie within easy reach, as do the stunningly beautiful and culturally fascinating islands of Taquile and Amantaní. The impressive pre-Inca archaeological site of Sillustani is also an easy day trip from Puno.
If you prefer a more hip, touristy and far smaller base on the banks of Lake Titicaca, then head to Copacabana. But before you head straight there with all the other backpackers, give Puno some thought. It’s not known as the “Folkloric Capital of Peru” for nothing…
Note: Puno is one of [the highest cities in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/), at an altitude of 12,556 feet above sea level (3,830 m). If you’re heading to Puno directly from a low altitude city ([Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), for example), you should take at least 24 hours to acclimatize.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
## Things to Do in Puno
You won’t find much to do in Puno itself. Really, it’s all about Lake Titicaca, a truly stunning natural attraction whose charm is impossible to ignore, whatever the weather. But Puno is also a well situated base for exploring other sites outside the city, including traditional villages and the impressive archaeological site of Sillustani.
- The Floating Islands of the Uros People — This is Lake Titicaca’s top tourist attraction. To be honest, it’s an almighty tourist trap, which can detract from the overall experience. But there’s no doubting the unique and fascinating nature of these floating reed islands, continuously rebuilt and maintained by the indigenous Uros people over hundreds of years. Boats leave frequently from the dock in Puno.
* Sillustani — This imposing pre-Inca burial ground, with its funerary towers and sweeping views of Lake Umayo and the puna grasslands, is well worth a visit. It’s about an hour from Puno and easily reachable from the city with an inexpensive tour. It’s worth going with a guide, and take a few layers in case it gets cold. You might stop on the way for a traditional breakfast at one of the rustic farm houses. This is where [I first ate clay with chuño potatoes](https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/wnbp4z/why-perus-altiplano-farmers-eat-clay-with-their-potatoes), which I wrote about for Vice.
- Isla Taquile and Isla Amantaní — These two emerald green islands rise up out of Lake Titicaca about 23 miles from Puno. Both have distinct populations of indigenous Quechua speakers, many of whom are engaged in agriculture, fishing or weaving. You can visit both islands by boat (private/tour or public) as a day trip, or you can stay overnight in guesthouses. Both islands offer homestays, too. You can also kayak to the islands (see below).
* Kayaking — Kayaking on Lake Titicaca is a beautiful experience, from the crystal clear waters near the shore to the choppy depths further out. You can kayak on Lake Titicaca with the [Titikayak project](http://latinamerica.wtm.com/__novadocuments/47538?v=635297211477370000), a community initiative that works alongside the Explorandes trekking and tour agency. The project is based in the picturesque village of Llachon on the tip of the main peninsular northeast of Puno. From here, you can kayak to Isla Taquile or Isla Amantaní, where you can choose to stay the night. I did this in 2016, and highly recommend it.
- Llachon and other villages around Puno — These high plateau villages are dripping with culture and traditions, and you could easily spend a fascinating week just touring around and spending the night here and there. Llachon, where the Titikayak project is based, is a stunning spot and worth visiting even if you don't want to go kayaking.
* Condor Lookout Point (Mirador El Condor/Mirador de Kuntur Wasi) — If you’re looking for something to do back in Puno, walk up from the Plaza de Armas to the _mirador_ (lookout point), know as Mirador El Condor or Mirador de Kuntur Wasi. It’s not far but the high altitude makes it a tough slog at times (you can take a taxi if you like). The views from the top are impressive.
- Museo Naval — Puno’s tiny naval museum is worth a visit of you enjoy naval history. The museum contains a few model ships, including two models of British-built ships ordered specifically for use on Lake Titicaca: the Yavari and Yapura. Other items include large shell cases, ship’s wheels, antique engine order telegraphs and pressure gauges. Admiral Miguel Grau, Peru’s greatest naval hero, also features heavily. Corner of Avenida El Sol and Titicaca (nine blocks from Puno’s Plaza de Armas as you head east to the bay. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free entrance, but there is a box for donations.
_The view across Lake Umayo from the pre-Inca burial site of Sillustani, near Puno. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Where to Stay in Puno
Puno does OK for budget accommodation options, kind of fails for decent midrange hotels, and then gets seriously swanky when it comes to the luxury end. I’ll start with some hostels and then ramp it up to the top-end hotels.
- Pacha Hostel — This is the best hostel I’ve stayed at in Puno. Clean, comfortable and with friendly staff. Good location, too. Three- and four-bed dorms start at about S/ 30 per person. Lima 106.
* Marlon's House Puno — This place used to be a hotel, which explains the layout: Multiple floors with large rooms, big communal areas, and some impressive views across Puno from the rooftop area. Unless it’s really busy, you might struggle to meet other backpackers due to the size of the place, but the staff is friendly and always up for a chat. Not as central as Pacha, but has a good breakfast. Dorms from S/ 30 per person, private rooms starting at S/ 60. Lambayeque 144. [www.marlonshouse.com/marlons-house-puno](http://www.marlonshouse.com/marlons-house-puno/)
- Libertador Lake Titicaca — Located on the private Esteves Island in the bay of Puno, this is the place you pass when you take the boat to the floating islands. It looks a bit like a beached cruise ship from a distance, but don’t let that fool you: This is luxury from lake shore to lamp shade. [www.libertador.com.pe](https://www.libertador.com.pe/en/hotel/libertador-lake-titicaca/)
* Sonesta Posadas del Inca Lake Titicaca Puno — Another luxury option on the lake shore, with stunning views and world-class service. [www.sonesta.com](https://www.sonesta.com/pe/puno/sonesta-posadas-del-inca-lake-titicaca-puno)
- Titilaka — This famous lodge has 18 sophisticated lake-facing rooms on four acres of grounds, with two private beaches, all on a private peninsula jutting out into Lake Titicaca. Whether you’re looking for great gastronomy, closeness to nature, or just a modern slice of luxury on the lake, Titilaka ticks all the boxes. [titilaka.pe](http://titilaka.pe/)
_Traditional and contemporary: Two boatmen sit in front of an Uros reed island, with the luxury Hotel Puno Libertador Lake Titicaca in the background. Photo Tony Dunnell._
## Restaurants in Puno
Puno’s restaurateurs have a strange obsession with pizza. It’s everywhere. I guess at some point someone decided that foreign tourists only want to eat pizza, and then everyone jumped on the bandwagon, and so was born a city full of half-assed pizzerias (the same thing happened in Aguas Calientes). For something more memorable, try one of the following:
- La Table del' Inca — Probably the best restaurant in Puno, and definitely the most sophisticated, La Table del' Inca is a French-owned restaurant selling French-Peruvian fusion. In Puno. Random, really. But the food is excellent. A three-course set menu, including a glass of wine, costs S/ 80 — and it's well worth it. Ancash 239. [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/La-Table-del-Inca-301117863345533/)
* La Estancia Grill — This is an old-school no-nonsense restaurant selling big plates at reasonable prices. The pork at La Estancia is divine; the roast suckling pig is heavenly. You’ll find plenty of other options on the menu, including anticuchos, cuy (guinea pig), alpaca, trout, pork chops, soups, omelets and pasta dishes. They also do cheap pisco sours. Perfect. Libertad 137.
- Mojsa Restaurant — A popular place on Puno’s main square. The food isn’t as good as you’ll find at La Table del' Inca or Estancia Grill, but it’s a good spot for lunch on the balcony overlooking the square. Lima 635 (second floor). [mojsarestaurant.com](http://www.mojsarestaurant.com/)
* Inca Bar — A tourist-friendly place on the main restaurant strip, with a good lunchtime menú. À la carte options include sandwiches, curry, orange Titicaca trout and vegetable stir fry. There’s also a happy hour for drinks. Lima 348.
- Loving Hut Vegan — The best place in Puno for vegetarians and vegans. Pasaje Jose Domingo Choquehuanca 188. [www.lovinghut.com/pe/](http://www.lovinghut.com/pe/)
### Nightlife in Puno
Honestly, I have no idea what people do for nightlife in Puno. I’ve been to a few bars in Puno, but found nothing memorable apart from Pacha Mixology, which was kind of interesting.
I decided to ask a Puno resident, Florent Derym, for some more nightlife recommendations. Florent is the owner and manager of La Table del' Inca (see restaurants above) and will soon be opening The Inca Sauna (Jr. Moquegua 411, Puno), a luxury spa with sauna, jacuzzi, hydrotherapy showers, professional massages and more. Here’s what Florent says about bars and clubs in Puno:
“Well, in Puno tourists only go out in bars and local people only go out in nightclubs — it’s a bit weird. The best nightclub in Puno — on a long list of only two — is named Domino \[Jr. Libertad 443]; it’s one block from the pedestrian-only Jr. Lima. It plays mostly cumbia and traditional songs from the Puno region.
"For bars, there’s Ecco's \[Pasaje Graú 137], which has concerts on weekends and two pool tables. Just in front is Kamizaraky \[Grau 158], a kind of lounge bar. Positive Bar on Jr. Lima has a reggae atmosphere. And close to that is Pacha Mixology, a bar with a modern ambiance and molecular cocktails.
"My favorite bar is the Cafe Bar de la Casa del Corregidor \[[website](http://cafebar.casadelcorregidor.pe/)], which has a nice "ranch atmosphere" and they do tapas from 4 p.m. It’s a new addition \[to the colonial Casa de Corregidor building] and they’ve already had some great parties with a mix of people from everywhere”
## Getting to and Around Puno
**Puno By Air**\
Flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to Puno, although you have to land in Juliaca, a fairly uninspiring city about 24 miles (39 km) north of Puno. You’ll find colectivo vans at the airport, which can take you straight to Puno; it takes about 50 minutes and costs around S/ 15. A regular taxi from Juliaca Airport to Puno can cost S/60 to S/ 70 or more.
Juliaca Airport, and by extension Puno, has direct flights to Lima and [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) (LAN seems to have the most consistent schedule, but beware of its increased prices for foreigners).
**Puno By Bus**\
The bus from Cusco to Puno and vice versa takes between six and seven hours, with departures normally in the morning (at about 8 a.m.) and at night (at about 10 p.m.). Not all of Peru’s major bus companies run along this route, but Cruz del Sur does, which is a good option. A regular ticket with Cruz del Sur costs about S/ 65 (US$20).
Regular buses between Puno and Arequipa take about five to six hours and cost anywhere between S/ 30 and S/ 60. Cruz del Sur and Civa are good options along this route.
A bus all the way from Lima to Puno takes more than 20 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a tourist bus service such as [Inka Express](https://www.inkaexpress.com/) or 4M Express between Puno and Cusco, and Puno and Arequipa. They cost more, but stop off in various places along the route for a few photo opportunities (Inka Express includes a buffet lunch too, and its recent reviews have been consistently strong). There’s also [Peru Hop](https://bushop.com/peru/), the hop-on hop-off service, which runs along both routes out of Puno and picks up and drops off at hotels rather than the bus terminal.
**Puno By Train**\
If you’re a train fan with some cash to spare — or you just like the finer things in life — then take PeruRail’s Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Puno or vice versa. It’s a luxury experience including gourmet meals in elegant dining cars and glasses of wine from the open-air observatory car. Add to this the amazing scenery, and it’s no surprise that the Andean Explorer is considered one of the finest train journeys in the world.
It costs about US$350 and takes 10 and a half hours. The Andean Explorer runs between Cusco and Puno three or four times each week.
**Getting Around in Puno**\
Central Puno is easy enough to explore on foot, and you won’t have many reasons to stroll further afield unless you want to walk up to the mirador or down to the dock, both of which are doable on foot.
Alternatively, you can get around faster in a small taxi or mototaxi. Or, just for fun more than anything else, hop on one of the odd-looking pedal-power tricycle contraptions that scoot around town.
_Puno can be a drab city, but the local people — and their tricycle transport — always add a welcome dash of color. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Safety in Puno
Puno is a fairly safe city. Exercise normal safety precautions and you should be fine. Puno is prone to strikes and protests, so be a little more cautious if you see any large-scale demonstrations taking place, as they have been known to get tense and occasionally combative.
## Internet in Puno
The internet in Puno seems about average by [Peruvian internet standards](https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/) — not too fast but not unbearably slow, either. Most good hostels and hotels have Wi-Fi.
## Weather in Puno
Puno’s climate is highly influenced by its high altitude. It rarely gets particularly warm, and can get bitterly cold: nighttime temperatures in the winter months (June to August) usually drop well below 0°C. These months tend to be very dry, with the most rainfall in January and February.
Due to the high altitude, the sun’s rays are particular fierce in this region. Always protect yourself against sunburn, especially if you’re out on the lake (you should carry sunglasses when you’re out on the water, to protect against the glare).
## Festivals and Events in Puno
Puno is known as the Folkloric Capital of Peru due to its rich cultural traditions and seemingly endless festivals and parades. Some of the most notable annual festivals and events in Puno include:
- Bajada de los Reyes Magos — January 6: The Christian festival of Epiphany is celebrated with the _bajada de los reyes_, in which the nativity scenes from the previous [Christmas](https://newperuvian.com/christmas-in-peru/) are dismantled and stored away for next year. Street parades, processions and _alasitas_ markets also take place in Puno on January 6 and 7.
* Pago a la Tierra (Pachamama) Festival — January 18, Isla Amantaní: A “payment to the earth” on Amantaní Island in honor of Pachamama, the Earth Mother.
- Virgen de la Candelaria Festival — first half of February: This 18-day festival is the largest and most colorful celebration in Puno, and one of the biggest in Peru.
* Fiesta Patronal de San Juan de Dios — March 8: A day in honor of San Juan, the patron saint of Puno. The image of the saint is carried through the streets of the city, with live music, fireworks and gastronomic fairs throughout the day.
- Semana Santa — movable feast, March and/or April: Holy Week is big in Puno.
* All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos and Día de los Difuntos) — November 1 and 2: Another national event that’s particularly important in Puno.
- Anniversary of Puno — November 4: Parties, parades, fireworks and gastronomic fairs, with the festivities continuing for at least a week. Normally includes a reenactment of the Inca origin myth, with actors portraying Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo as they rise up from Lake Titicaca.
## Help Expand This Puno Travel Guide
If you have additional information or extra recommendations to help expand and improve this Puno travel guide, then don't hesitate to leave a comment below. All opinions and points of view are more than welcome. Thanks!
---
# A One-Way Ticket to Peru: Problems and Solutions
URL: https://newperuvian.com/one-way-ticket-to-peru-problems-solutions/
Published: 2017-03-29
Updated: 2018-11-23
Topic: one-way ticket to peru
If you buy a one-way ticket to Peru, you could have problems entering the country. And it’s not the Peruvian border official or immigrations officer that will give you problems: If you are denied entry due to having no proof of onward travel, it will probably be your airline that does the dirty deed.
So what’s the deal with proof of onward travel? In theory, Peruvian immigrations could deny you entry into Peru for a number of reasons. If it then turned out you had no money to return to your place of departure, your airline could be liable for your safe return (and potentially face hefty fees for letting you arrive like this in the first place). That’s why the whole “proof of onward travel” thing becomes an issue, and why one-way tickets into Peru and other countries with similar regulations can, potentially, be problematic.
Realistically, however, the chances of anyone taking issue with your one-way ticket to Peru and then asking for proof of onward travel are slim.
Slim, but not impossible…
## Solutions to the One-Way Ticket to Peru Problem
For your own peace of mind, it’s best to have some kind of proof of onward travel before you fly to Peru on a one-way ticket. Your airline doesn’t care if your onward ticket takes you back from where you just came — they just want to know you’ll be getting the hell out of Peru and that you have some kind of proof.
Remember, for immigrations purposes your ticket out of Peru should be within the maximum time allowed on the [tarjeta andina tourist card](https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/), which is 183 days (for more on this read [How Long Can You Stay in Peru as a Tourist?](https://newperuvian.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-peru-as-a-tourist/)). It’s also possible that a border official will give you 90 days. So consider reserving your “disposable” proof of onward travel for a date no more than 60 days after entering Peru.
So, what kind of proof of onward travel can you use to get around the one-way ticket problem? Here are a few solutions:
**Solution One**
Don’t bother with any proof of onward travel, but get to the airport nice and early with enough time to sort out any potential problems. If your airline demands proof of onward travel, you’ll at least have time to sort something out (purchase a cheap flight of bus ticket, see options below). If it doesn't, great: Continue on your merry way.
**Solution Two**
Buy an additional plane ticket out of Peru (to wherever) with an airline that offers 100% flight cancellation refunds, then cancel the flight and receive your refund once you’ve entered Peru. Some airlines, including U.S. airline JetBlue, offer refundable tickets like these, but you normally need to cancel the flight within 24 hours to receive the refund — so plan accordingly and don’t forget!
You can also do this with some [domestic airlines in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/). For example, buy a ticket from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) to Santiago, Chile with LAN, and either ditch the ticket entirely or try to get a full refund (check the ticket refund policies of the various domestic airlines to see what options you have). Again, in order to get a refund you'll probably have to cancel the ticket within 24 or 48 hours of purchase.
**Solution Three**
Use a service like [FlyOnward](https://flyonward.com/en/) or [Best Onward Ticket](https://bestonwardticket.com/). FlyOnward lets you “rent” an onward ticket for as little as US$9.99, and Best Onward Ticket for $7.99, with the sole purpose of providing legitimate proof of onward travel. They basically buy refundable tickets on behalf of their customers, and then cancel the ticket purchase after a maximum period of 48 hours. I’ve never tried it myself, but it’s supposed to work well. I've read a few bad reviews of FlyOnward recently, so do a little research before you use the service, and consider using Best Onward instead.
**Solution Four**
Before you fly to Peru, buy a cheap bus ticket from Peru to a neighboring country. A bus reservation out of Peru is just as good as a flight, and obviously cheaper. You should be able to find bus tickets online from Lima to Guayaquil (Ecuador), Lima to Santiago (Chile) and Lima to La Paz (Bolivia).
The ticket price will obviously be cheaper if it’s from a city near the border — for example, Tacna (Peru) to Arica (Chile), but you might find it hard to buy such a ticket online.
Look for tickets on websites like [redBus](https://www.redbus.pe/en/) (formerly Busportal), the [Cruz del Sur bus company website](http://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/), and [Peru Hop](https://www.peruhop.com/) (Peru Hop has a $50 ticket from [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) to La Paz, Bolivia). Just make sure any bus ticket you buy online provides an official receipt and itinerary that clearly shows a ticket purchase that takes you out of Peru.
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
## A One-Way Ticket to Peru: The Bottom Line
Unless you're happy taking a slight risk, it makes sense to get some kind of proof of onward travel if you’re flying to Peru on a one-way ticket.
Flying to Peru can be stressful. You have to deal with unfamiliar processes like [passing through Peruvian customs](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-customs-regulations-can-cant-bring-into-peru/), figuring out [how to get from Lima Airport to Miraflores](https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/) (or any other district), dealing with the language barrier etc. etc. So having a plan in place to deal with any one-way plane ticket problems will take a weight of your shoulders.
Any of the above solutions will help. If you can find a cheap bus ticket from to Peru to a neighboring country for let’s say S/ 100 or less, then I think that’s a pretty good option.
But whatever you decide, just make sure you have the onward flight or bus details with you before you try to board your flight to Peru. Print them out, or at least have them stored on a mobile device to show to anyone that asks.
As ever, if you have questions about the above information, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
---
# Traditional Peruvian Food for Vegetarians
URL: https://newperuvian.com/traditional-peruvian-food-for-vegetarians/
Published: 2017-03-28
Updated: 2018-03-24
Topic: peruvian food for vegetarians
It’s hard to find traditional Peruvian food for vegetarians. Most of the classic dishes are meat or fish based, so it’s not easy for a vegetarian to explore the world of authentic Peruvian cuisine.
But there are a few options. I’m not a vegetarian, but I’ve tried my best to compile a list of authentic, unadulterated Peruvian dishes that are suitable for vegetarians, without simply being vegetarian spins on classic dishes (i.e. tofu ceviche or seitan saltado).
Quite a few of the options below are typically served as starters or side dishes. Potatoes also feature heavily; Peru is king when it comes to potatoes, so that’s no great surprise. As a vegetarian, you might well get sick of spuds by the time you leave Peru.
Be careful with some of the dishes mentioned here, particularly the soups, as they might have, for example, chicken broth bases. It’s always best to ask before you order. This list is also **based on a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet**, so eggs and dairy products have been included.
If you can think of any more traditional vegetarian dishes in Peru, please let me know in the comments section and I’ll add them to the list.
## Authentic Peruvian Food for Vegetarians
- **Papas a la ocopa** — Papas a la ocopa is a traditional potato dish from Arequipa. Normally served as a starter, it’s a simple dish of sliced boiled potatoes covered in a creamy sauce of queso fresco, garlic, ají amarillo, peanuts and the wonderful huacatay (Peruvian black mint).
* **Ensalada de chonta** — Chonta, known more commonly outside Peru as heart of palm, is a textural wonder with a smooth subtle taste that makes it perfect for salads. It can shine in a green salad, or equally well in a quinoa salad.
- **Ensalada de pallares** — A clean, quite zesty salad made with pallares, otherwise known as Lima beans (a good source of protein and molybdenum, among other things). The salad often contains tomato, onion, parsley and key lime juice.
* **Papa a la huancaína** — Papa a la huancaína, like papas a la ocopa, is a dish of boiled yellow potatoes covered in a [mildly spicy](https://newperuvian.com/is-peruvian-food-spicy-hot/) and creamy cheese sauce made from queso fresco, ají amarillo and evaporated milk. It’s often served on lettuce leaves with some black olives and a slice of hard-boiled egg. It’s extremely common across Peru, typically as a starter.
- **Sopa de habas (chupe de habas)** — Sopa de habas, or chupe de habas, is a simple but satisfying bean soup. Various versions exist, normally using onion, garlic and maybe tomato and yellow potatoes. Be careful, as some cooks might use chicken stock instead of water, so ask in advance.
_Sopa de quinua, a tasty, healthy and vegetarian dish from Peru. [Photo by Robert Luna](https://www.flickr.com/photos/robertluna3/5541499011/), flickr.com._
- **Choclo (choclo con queso)** — Choclo is basically regular corn, although the kernels are probably larger and less sweet than you’re used to. In the street, vendors sell choclo on the cob (corn on the cob), sometimes accompanied by cheese. It’s a great combination and especially handy when you’re on the move.
* **Solterito arequipeño** — A classic Arequipa salad dish of diced and mixed up bits and pieces, typically including beans, choclo (corn), onion, carrot, queso fresco, green olives, rocoto chili pepper, tomato and a touch of anise.
- **Pastel de papas** — Another dish from Arequipa, the pastel de papas (potato pie) is a simple but filling dish similar to the French _potatoes au gratin_. It’s built up with layers of white potatoes, cheese, eggs, milk and butter, before being cooked in the oven. Pastel de papas is often served as an accompaniment to dishes in restaurants and homes in the Arequipa region, or sometimes as a stand-alone dish.
* **Tallarines a la huancaína** — This spaghetti or noodle dish uses the same mildly spicy and creamy huancaína cheese sauce as used in papa a la huancaína. It’s normally served alongside chicken or beef (on one plate, e.g. tallarines a la huancaína con pollo), but you might find it as a side dish. Or you can try asking for it without the meat, ideally at a reduced price.
- **Ensalada rusa** — Enslada rusa is a Spanish potato salad that’s also popular throughout Peru, where it’s sometimes served as a starter. Peruvian ensalada rusa tends to be heavy on the beetroot, which gives it great flavor and a deep purple-red color. Along with potatoes and beetroot, other ingredients may include boiled and diced up carrots, green beans, mayonnaise and boiled eggs.
* **Caldo Verde** — A popular dish in Cajamarca, caldo verde (literally "green broth") is a potato-based soup with a whole bunch of herbs that could include parsley, paico, huacatay, hierbabuena and/or ruda. Often contains beaten eggs. (Thanks to Brian Horsley of [Marañon Chocolate](http://www.maranonchocolate.com/) for this suggestion)
_For salty, crispy, meat-free goodness, you can't go wrong with patacones (unless they're fried in fat, of course). [Photo by stephen velasco](https://www.flickr.com/photos/svelasco/6648432637/), flickr.com._
- **Quinoa (in various forms)** — When I was a kid back in the United Kingdom, I never thought I’d end up cooking with quinoa (quinua) at least twice a week. Back then it was just an expensive health food store item bought by New Age yoga enthusiasts. But now I love it, both for its texture and the way it carries other flavors. It’s great in salads, can easily go in soups, and makes a good (but more expensive) substitute for rice. You can also make cakes out of quinoa, too. So always keep an eye open for quinoa-based dishes — but always ask if they contain meat.
* **Locro de zapallo** — Locro de zapallo is basically a pumpkin stew (or thick soup) with potatoes and ají amarillo chili peppers (or paste). Garlic, cheese and choclo can all be added. Although not traditionally meat-based, locro de zapallo can contain meat or meat stock, so ask in advance.
- **Patacones** — If you’re craving something hot and unhealthy, pick up some patacones. Patacones are basically twice-fried smashed-flat slices of green plantain, which ultimately form wonderful discs of golden crispiness. Popular in the Peruvian jungle (along with tacacho, another plantain side dish that normally contains pork rinds), patacones are vegetarian friendly unless they’re fried in some kind of animal fat.
* **Mushroom ceviche** — Ceviche is the classic Peruvian dish, especially along the lengthy Pacific coastline. But if you don’t eat fish, you won't find many [types of ceviche](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/) that you can eat. Unless, of course, you find a restaurant selling ceviche de champiñones, or mushroom ceviche. It’s not too common (and calling it “traditional” or “authentic” is a bit of a stretch, to be honest), but you should be able to find it in large cities like [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) and Arequipa, especially in vegetarian restaurants.
- **Ceviche de chochos** — A ceviche-like dish but with chochos (tarwi beans) instead of fish. Ceviche de cochos, sometimes known as cevichochos, is popular in Ecuador and some parts of Andean Peru, especially in the Ancash Region. (Thanks to Alan Pater of [El Buda Profano](http://elbudaprofano.com/) vegetarian restaurant in Arequipa for this suggestion)
* **Escribano (arequipeño)** — Escribano is a simple potato starter from Arequipa, which is why it’s often called escribano arequipeño. It’s basically a potato salad of mixed and mashed up potatoes, tomatoes, rocoto chili pepper, vinegar, oil, a bit of fresh parsley and salt and pepper. It’s actually pretty damn good — and incredibly easy to make if you want to cook your own vegetarian Peruvian dish.
- **Tallarines verdes** — This green pesto spaghetti is normally served with a chunk of beef or chicken, but it’s tasty enough to stand on its own (maybe with a fried egg). The pesto sauce is typically made with fresh spinach, basil, queso fresco, grated parmesan cheese, some chopped up pecans, evaporated milk, garlic, salt and pepper.
* **Tequeños** — These little beauties [are made using wonton dough sheets](http://perudelights.com/cheese-tequenos/), which are wrapped around cheese and deep fried to create crispy fingers. Tequeños are a classic bar food in Peru, and are also served as starters and side dishes in some restaurants. Be careful, as they're sometimes filled with ham, so ask in advance.
- **Tortilla de verduras** — A simple vegetable omelette that you'll find in quite a few restaurants. It's also something you can ask for even if it's not on the menu, as most chefs should be able to whip one up without much trouble.
### Do You Know More Vegetarian Dishes from Peru?
If you can think of more authentic Peruvian vegetarian dishes, please let us know in the comments section below. Thanks!
---
# The Peruvian Menú: A Blessing and a Blight
URL: https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/
Published: 2017-03-27
Updated: 2017-08-04
Topic: peruvian menú
For anyone traveling on a budget, the Peruvian _menú_ can be a wonderful thing.
To avoid confusion, you first need to know that the menú in this case refers to the _menú del día_, or menu of the day. If you want to see the actual à la carte menu in Peru, you ask for _la carta_.
The menú in Peru (as in Spain) is a set-lunch option offered by restaurants of all shapes and sizes across the country. It typically consists of two or three courses, with multiple options for the main course, and a drink, at prices often ranging between S/ 6 and S/ 13 (about $1.80 to $4).
Basically, it provides a cheap and filling way to eat lunch each day. And sometimes a menú is tasty as hell: a fine example of what Peruvian food can be.
Sometimes, but certainly not always.
Sometimes, the Peruvian menú is a bland, uninspired, depressing, unfulfilling thing of no discernible culinary art at all. So don’t go basing you’re entire opinion of Peruvian food on a week’s worth of S/ 8 menús, because you might well have missed out on all the great food that Peru has to offer…
## A Good Peruvian Menú is a Backpacker’s Best Friend
The typical Peruvian menú is served between midday up until 2 or 3 p.m., with the number of main course options often diminishing the later it gets.
What’s on offer varies between regions, but you’ll normally find a few classics like lomo saltado, ají de gallina and escabeche de pollo. The daily options are usually written on a blackboard outside most menú restaurants. The starter options include some kind of soup (often very good), a salad option (often very dull) and a random extra like papa a la huancaína or ceviche (if you’re on the coast). Dessert, when included, is normally a small wobbly thing that could be jello/jelly.
Vegetarians are unlikely to find many options, if any, on most menús. There are [some traditional Peruvian dishes that vegetarians can eat](https://newperuvian.com/traditional-peruvian-food-for-vegetarians/), but most of them are starters rather than main courses. That’s a shame for vegetarians, because a good menú is a wonderful thing. Take, for example, one of my favorite restaurants in Peru: Aventuras Marinas in Miraflores, [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/).
Aventuras Marinas is a small, slightly dark restaurant whose seafood aroma smacks you in the face when you walk through the door. For S/ 10 to S/ 12, you can eat a fresh, vibrant starter — perhaps ceviche or a chilcano de pescado (fish broth) — followed by one of many main course options, fishy and non-fishy. You also get a drink and a tiny dessert. The quality is the same as you’d find in many touristy restaurants, but for half the prices at least.
A menú at a place like Aventuras Marinas, or even somewhere not quite as memorable, is a boon for budget backpackers. It’s cheap, it fills you up, and it introduces you to a wide range of Peruvian dishes — including [some of the weirder Peruvian dishes](https://newperuvian.com/weird-foods-in-peru-for-adventurous-eaters/), like the dreaded mondongo, which you might want to avoid.
I try to include one good menú restaurant in all my city guides. Apart from cooking in you hostel or living on street food, you won’t find many cheaper options.
_A soup starter and main course at Aventuras Marinas in Miraflores, Lima, all for S/ 11. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## A Bad Peruvian Menú is the Worst Lunch Ever
I’ve been exposed to some truly awful menús in Peru. The kind that include an insipid “soup” of water and shards of bone, followed by a mound of poorly cooked white rice with a single, miserable chunk of meat no larger than a well-used human thumb.
Thankfully, you can largely avoid menús this bad by following a couple of rules.
Unless you’re really down to your last few soles, don’t go for the cheapest menú you see (the price is normally written on the blackboard outside the restaurant). I recommend S/ 8 as a minimum in cities, and maybe as low as S/ 6 in smaller towns. Much less than this and the quality can drop off completely. You’ll see menús for S/ 4 and S/ 5, but they’re normally substandard at best.
The second rule is to eat where the locals eat. If it’s between midday and 1 p.m. and a menú restaurant is busy, that’s a great sign. If it’s empty, then you should think about finding somewhere else.
## Make the Most of the Menú — But Treat Yourself, Too
While set-lunch menús are a great way to eat in Peru on a budget, you should treat yourself occasionally. You could easily spend a week or two eating for cheap in Peru and then go home wondering what all the fuss is about: wondering why Peruvian food is receiving such high acclaim.
You will find great food in some menú restaurants like Aventuras Marinas. But to consistently experience the best of Peruvian cuisine — and to understand why the culinary world is currently so obsessed with it — you have to treat yourself occasionally and go to a more expensive restaurant with high quality à la carte dishes (see my city guides for recommendations).
---
# Peruvian Customs Regulations: What You Can and Can’t Bring Into Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-customs-regulations-can-cant-bring-into-peru/
Published: 2017-03-27
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: peruvian customs regulations
_Inside Lima Airport. Photo by Tony Dunnell._\
Peruvian customs regulations make it reasonably clear what you can and can’t bring in to Peru.
The [Superintendencia Nacional de Administración Tributaria](http://www.sunat.gob.pe/), more commonly known as SUNAT, deals with all the fiddly tax stuff in Peru, including at customs. The information below is taken from its official regulations and is mostly straightforward.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
## What You Can Bring into Peru
**The Basics (clothing, toiletries etc):**
- Your own clothing and accessories for personal use
- Toiletries for personal use
- Medicines for personal use (there are some restrictions here, such as medicines containing narcotics or other prohibited ingredients. CBD oil is also a grey area, despite it being legal in Peru for medical use. I'm still trying to get a concrete answer about bringing CBD oil into Peru)
- Any necessary medical aid or equipment for disabled travelers (e.g. wheelchair or crutches)
- Books, magazines and printed documents
- Your suitcases, bags and other containers holding your belongings
**Electronics and Accessories:**
- Two portable electric appliances for your hair (e.g. a hair dryer or hair straighteners)
- One electric shaver
- One radio, or one CD player, or one stereo system (portable and not be for professional use)
- Up to 20 CDs
- One portable DVD player
- One videogame console
- Two external hard drives
- Four memory cards for a digital camera, camcorder and/or videogame console
- Two USB memory sticks
- 10 DVD or videogame discs
- One handheld electronic calendar/organizer
- One laptop with power source ([read more about bringing a laptop to Peru](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/))
- Two cell phones
- One portable electronic calculator
**Cameras and Film:**
- Two photo cameras
- One camcorder, not for professional use
- Up to 10 rolls of photographic film
- Up to 10 videocassettes for a portable camcorder
**Sports Gear and Musical Equipment:**
- One unit or set of sporting goods for personal use (I believe this includes everything from surfboards to golf clubs to hang gliders and fishing equipment; see article 20 of Supreme Decree 182-2013-EF, Spanish only)
- One portable musical instrument
**Cigarettes and Alcohol (and Vapes):**
- Up to 20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of rolling tobacco ([Read more about smoking and cigarettes in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/smoking-cigarettes-in-peru/))
- Up to three liters of liquor (with the exception of non-Peruvian pisco, see below)
- \[Vapes are not covered in the current regulations, but as far as I know you should have no problem bringing in your vape and accessories for personal use. But check your airline's policy, as they might have restrictions]
**Pets:**
- You can bring one pet into Peru, as long as it (and you) have all the appropriate papers etc.
**Money:**
- If you are carrying cash (in any currency) that exceeds US$10,000, you must declare it. It’s also “absolutely prohibited to enter or exit the country with amounts in excess of US$30,000 or its equivalent in another currency.”
**Other:**
- You can bring in other items for personal consumption or to be given as gifts up to a combined value not exceeding US$500. These items must not be used for commercial purposes.
## A Note About Peruvian Customs Tax
Anything not covered by the customs regulations above should officially be declared (I’ll leave you to debate the ethics of not declaring that extra camera and second wind instrument…).
You’ll then have to pay a customs tax, which is a fee of 12% on customs value. How a customs official determines the value of an item — unless you have proof of its cost — is a mystery to me. Maybe they just Google it while you’re not looking? If you have a receipt, bring it with you to present if the customs valuation is too high.
If you go all Han Solo and don’t declare something, you risk paying a 50% penalty on the customs value of the item — on top of the standard tax — if caught.
## Items Restricted by Peruvian Customs Regulations (Must Be Declared)
Items restricted by Peruvian customs require the appropriate permission(s) to bring into Peru. Without permission, they’ll be confiscated and you’ll probably be fined. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Cultural items (the kind of things Indiana Jones was always stealing from developing countries)
- Animals/wildlife
- Plants and plant products
- Agricultural pesticides
- Veterinary products
- Food for animals (I don’t know if this officially includes dog chews etc., but I always bring my dog a few treats from the U.K. when I fly back to Peru, and no problems so far)
- Parts or spare parts of motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds or ATVs, motor homes or trailers; boats of all kinds including jet skis and aircraft (importantly, "aircraft" also includes drones\*, see below)
### \*Bringing a Drone to Peru
Peru has eased up its drone laws, and now anyone can bring a drone into Peru as long as it weighs 2 kg or less. You also no longer need a special license from the MTC, Peru's Ministry of Transport and Communication. You do, however, have to declare your drone upon entering Peru, and pay 18% of its value as a deposit, which is refunded when you leave Peru (you'll be given a receipt, so don't lose it). Some people have successfully entered Peru without declaring their drone, as not everyone is checked. But if you are caught entering without declaring your drone, you will be slapped with a hefty fee (I think it's US$250, or 50% of the drone's value). By paying the customs fee you also get a temporary operations license to use your drone legally in Peru (but not for commercial purposes, this requires a special permit from the MTC).
## Items Prohibited by Peruvian Customs Regulations (Must Be Declared)
Three seemingly random things are completely prohibited by Peruvian customs. For the sake of all that is good, free and noble in Peru, you must not enter the country with any of these foul tools of Satan:
- Used clothing and footwear not considered part of your baggage
- Used spare parts
- Any beverages manufactured abroad that bear the name “Pisco”
Phew, that’s some dangerous stuff. If you’re caught bringing in used clothing, spare parts or non-Peruvian pisco (we’re watching you, Chile…), then the items will be seized and you’ll be banished to the Phantom Zone with General Zod.
## The Peruvian Customs Regulations Form
When you enter Peru, you'll be handed a Peruvian customs form to fill out if necessary. The current form is in two sections: Green and Red. The first (Green) is for people who have nothing to declare, in which case you simply exit through the green circuit gate.
The other (Red) section is for travelers who do have something to declare. In this case, you'll have to fill out some details on the customs form and proceed to the red circuit. If you need help, you can ask at the customs desk.
You can [print out this form in English or Spanish at the SUNAT website](http://www.sunat.gob.pe/orientacionaduanera/viajeros/equipaje_declaracion_jurada.html).
## Contacting SUNAT With Questions About Peruvian Customs Rules
If you still have questions about what you can and can't bring into Peru, you can always try contacting SUNAT, Peru's National Superintendence of Tax Administration. Getting a reply might be easier said than done, but you can try contacting them [by phone](http://www.sunat.gob.pe/institucional/contactenos/presencial_csc_servicios.html?fbclid=IwAR0ufBVkXn4X15o_5QDHuLsBmIafAvJ-MXkt7YfZ_-nbHgq9L1FUNFBbgV0), [by email](http://www.sunat.gob.pe/institucional/contactenos/presencial_csc_servicios_caduanera.html) or via their [chat system](http://sunatchat.sunat.gob.pe/wchat/?fbclid=IwAR00of3ftAMVfFcD3UWir9ptcn2zFgxEqSCGbWATL9Os2oDcl2ARmA8O2GY) (ideally in Spanish, as they might not speak English).
---
# Is Peruvian Food Spicy (Hot)?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/is-peruvian-food-spicy-hot/
Published: 2017-03-21
Updated: 2017-09-20
Topic: is peruvian food spicy
Is Peruvian food spicy? Yes it is, if we’re talking about the use of spices in general (Peruvian food is not normally bland, although there are exceptions).
Is Peruvian food hot, as in hot-hot, Scoville hot, makes-you-cry-and-drink-milk-hot? Most definitely not, apart from a handful of dishes.
So if you don’t like spicy food, you’ll be fine in Peru as long as you avoid a few piquant plates that can bring tears to your eyes.
## A Bit on the Side
Articles in travel magazines and on food websites often state that Peruvian food is hot. Respectable food websites like Eater, for example, call Peruvian food spicy, even including it on their list of the “[world's hottest cuisines](http://www.eater.com/2015/4/20/8447099/spicy-food-indian-chinese-thai).”
The Telegraph includes “papa a la hunciana” \[sic] among [its selection of the world’s spiciest foods](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/11294651/The-worlds-spiciest-foods.html), the most “fiery dishes” on the planet (it should be spelled “papa a la huancaína”).
The Food Network also includes papa a la huancaína in [its own list of the world’s spiciest foods](http://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/worlds-spiciest-foods/#!papa-a-la-huancaina), as it supposedly contains chili peppers that are “bound to set your mouth on fire.”
And why do these respectable publications say this? They say it because they’re wrong.
Peruvian food can be hot if you add chili-based sauces and salsas to your dish. But these are almost always accompaniments, just like mayonnaise or ketchup, placed on your table to add as you see fit.
Some of these _ají_ sauces, as they’re called, are quite potent. Rocoto sauces and salsas, and ají charapita sauces in the jungle, can have quite a kick. They’re not normally face-burningly hot (sometimes they are), but you’ll hate them if you don’t like spicy food. As a side note, the citrusy ají de cocona — which is particularly popular in Iquitos — is one of the finest sauces you’ll ever try in your life; it’s often so mild that it packs no heat at all, so give it a go even if you don’t normally like spicy-hot food.
_Most Peruvian salsas like this are zesty rather than hot. But if the red bits are ají rocoto, or the yellow bits are ají charapita, watch out. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Some Hot and Spicy Peruvian Dishes
You’ll need to avoid some Peruvian dishes if you really hate spicy food. Alternatively, you can ask beforehand if it’s hot (“_¿Es picante?_” or just “_¿Pica?_”) and then ask if the cook can make it without ají (“_Sin ají, por favor_”).
Classic Peruvian dishes to potentially avoid include:
- **Rocoto relleno** — An iconic dish from Arequipa, now sold all over Peru, rocoto relleno is made by stuffing a whole rocoto pepper. The pepper is normally boiled a couple of times in salt water to remove some of the heat, but it can still be quite fiery. It’s delicious, but best avoided if you don’t do heat.
* **Ceviche** — Yes, ceviche. There are [various types of ceviche](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/) and not all are spicy-hot, but they do typically contain finely chopped ají chili peppers (normally ají limo, which is certainly hot enough to notice). The good news is you can always ask for your ceviche _sin ají_ (without chili) — just don’t forget to let the waiter know when you order.
- **Leche de tigre** — Basically the left-over juices from ceviche, spooned out and drunk as a pick-me-up and hangover cure. I can be super spicy and eye-squintingly citrusy, enough to put hairs on your chest.
* **Ají de gallina** — This creamy ají amarillo-based chicken dish sometimes appears in articles about hot Peruvian food. In reality, and despite having “ají” in its name, ají de gallina is normally mild at most. But if you’re extra sensitive or happen to order an unusually hot ají de gallina, then you might not like it at all.
- **Picante de \[……..]** — You’ll often see picante de \[something] on a Peruvian menu. It could be picante de cuy, picante de langostinos, picante de mariscos (one of my favorites) etc. Most of the time, and despite the word “picante” (spicy), these dishes aren’t particularly hot — often not hot at all. But it’s worth asking before you order.
* **Papa a la huancaína** — OK, so The Telegraph, the Food Network, List 25, and others seem convinced that papa a la huancaína is a prime example of a hot, spicy, even fiery Peruvian dish. Well, I’ve eaten papa a la huancaína tens of times (it’s a common starter throughout Peru) and it’s never struck me as a particularly spicy dish. Yes, it contains ají amarillo, but that doesn’t make anything particularly hot (including ají de gallina) unless you really load up on the ají and maybe include some of the seeds. I know Peruvians who hate hot food and will always ask for ceviche without ají, but they happily eat papa a la huancaína. So generally speaking, it's one to avoid only if you're super sensitive or unless the chef says it's hot.
---
# The 25+ Best Restaurants in Cusco, Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/best-restaurants-in-cusco-peru/
Published: 2017-03-21
Updated: 2019-10-21
Topic: restaurants in cusco
_If you're looking for truly traditional food in Cusco, try Quinta Waly. Photo by Tony Dunnell._\
Cusco is a fantastic place to eat, whether you want authentic local classics or a taste of home. But you’ll also find plenty of restaurants that are overpriced and not worth the effort. So to steer you in the right direction, here are more than 25 of the best restaurants in Cusco, as compiled by me, after a whole lot of eating.
I’m always looking for new recommendations (and second opinions), so please feel free to leave a comment below about any of your favorite restaurants in Cusco, be they cheap, traditional, fusion or authentic, or anything in between. Thanks.
For a map of all the restaurant locations, see the end of this article.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
## Traditional Local Restaurants in Cusco
- **Gastronomic Fairs** — For a full frontal introduction to Peruvian food, you can’t do much better than a gastronomic fair. Food fairs take place on a fairly regular basis in Cusco, including on Plaza San Francisco (some Sundays). You’ll find traditional dishes from across the region, including cuy (guinea pig), chicharrón (chunks of pork) and chiriuchu (a huge mixed platter of all kinds of things). These fairs are good places to try [some of Peru’s weirder culinary classics](https://newperuvian.com/weird-foods-in-peru-for-adventurous-eaters/).
* **La Cusqueñita Picantería** — Popular for its traditional food, regional dance shows and chicha beer, La Cusqueñita escapes cheesiness by having a solid grounding in local culture. Not the best food of its type in Cusco, but the whole package makes it worth a visit. Centenario 800 (with a second location further out at Av. de la Cultura 3035).
- **Los Mundialistas** — If you want big chunks of tasty deep fried pork, head to the chicharronerías on Pampa del Castillo, a street leading toward the Qurikancha. Los Mundialistas, opened in 1977, is perhaps the best of the bunch. Pampa del Castillo 371.
* **Quinta Waly** — A quinta, like a picantería, is a traditional restaurant in Cusco (I was told that a quinta is an urban version of a picantería, but don’t quote me on that). Quinta Waly is rough around the edges (dogs on the floor, the occasional fly) but I love it. And so do the loyal locals who eat here every day. It’s not a touristy place at all, but the family-style cooking is authentic and full of old-school love. The daily menu typically includes chicharrón, guinea pig, pork chops, grilled heart, sarsa de patita (pork foot salad) and the chef’s recommendation (to me, at least): chancho al horno (oven roasted pork). Sublime. Av. Alta 506.
- **Quinta Eulalia** — A more tourist-friendly alternative to Quinta Waly (no dogs under tables). Choqechaka 384.
* **Antojitos** — A good, centrally located restaurant for a cheap [lunchtime _menú_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/) (about S/ 10 to S/ 12). Popular with the locals. I can’t vouch for any of the à la carte options, as I only tried the _menú_. Marquez 284.
_A classic chicharrón de chancho at Los Mundialistas in Cusco. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Contemporary Peruvian Restaurants in Cusco
These restaurants sell Peruvian food, often with a modern twist (words like “elevated” and “fusion” spring to mind). They tend to be more expensive than most other restaurants in Cusco.
- **Marcelo Batata** — Owned by Erick Paz Gallegos, one of the best chefs in Cusco, Marcelo Batata should not be missed. I sat alone on the rooftop terrace with a view across Cusco, where I ate a causa de trucha (smoked trout causa) followed by a charbroiled alpaca tenderloin with ají amarillo quinotto. Simply put, it was one of the finest dining experiences I’ve had in Peru. Palacio 121 (second floor). [www.cuzcodining.com/marcelo-batata.html](http://www.cuzcodining.com/marcelo-batata.html)
* **Uchu** — Another restaurant by Chef Erick Paz Gallegos, Uchu is a rustically stylish, playfully sophisticated Peruvian steakhouse. And the food is fantastic. The “Loco Carnes” dish, comprising 4-ounce chunks of alpaca, lamb and beef on a sizzling stone, is a dish I still have dreams about. Seriously, I actually dream about it. Is that weird? Palacio 135 (second floor). [www.cuzcodining.com/uchu.html](http://www.cuzcodining.com/uchu.html)
- **Pachapapa** — Kind of like an elevated quinta, but with classics from across Peru (lomo saltado, rocoto relleno etc.) and international options (calzones, pizzas) mixed in with all the local dishes. The patio is a great spot to sit and eat on a sunny day. Plaza San Blas 120, San Blas. [www.cuscorestaurants.com/pachapapa](http://www.cuscorestaurants.com/pachapapa/)
* **Morena Peruvian Kitchen** — A modern, bright and colorful restaurant serving contemporary spins on classic dishes from across Peru. Great sandwiches, too. Plateros 348-B. [morenaperuviankitchen.com](http://morenaperuviankitchen.com/)
## Indian Restaurants in Cusco
- **Korma Sutra** — As far as I know, this is the only Indian restaurant in Cusco. And there’s good news for all you curry-cravers out there: Korma Sutra does a respectable job. It’s a British-style curry house — the owner is English — with a few Peruvian twists (crispy tandoori guinea pig, anyone?). Connoisseurs of Indian cuisine will no doubt find fault with some of the dishes, but Korma Sutra is still one of the best Indian restaurants in Peru. Tandapata 909, San Blas.
## Mexican Restaurants in Cusco
- **Tacomania** — Owned by Nick Garrett, the same Englishman behind Korma Sutra, Tacomania is the best place for Mexican food in Cusco. Mexican restaurants in Peru are often disappointing, but the nachos, tacos, burritos and enchiladas at Tacomania will satisfy all but the most hardened critic. Teatro 394 (Tacomania used to be up in San Blas, in case you were wondering).
## Vegetarian Restaurants in Cusco
Full disclosure: I’m what you might call a committed carnivore and I’ve only eaten at one vegetarian restaurant in Cusco. So I’m particularly interested in your recommendations, which I’ll happily add to this section (contact me or leave a comment below). Thanks!
- **Green Point My Vegan Restaurant** — I went to Green Point with a group of friends and, despite some initial trepidation, I was pleasantly surprised by the food, the presentation and the overall atmosphere. And it’s apparently the only 100% vegan restaurant in Cusco. Carmen Bajo 235, San Blas (and there’s now a second location on Plaza San Francisco 310). [www.greenpointveganrestaurant.com](http://www.greenpointveganrestaurant.com/)
## Spanish and Italian Restaurants in Cusco
I kind of forced Spanish and Italian together (my apologies to Spaniards and Italians), partly because of Cicciolina, one of the best restaurants in Cusco.
- **Cicciolina** — Is it Italian? Is it Spanish? Is it something in between? Well, Cicciolina has an Italian name and has risotto, osso buco and tagliatelli on the varied menu. It also has excellent tapas, which is about as obviously Spanish as you can get. Throw in dishes like alpaca in a creamy four-pepper sauce and trout ceviche, and it’s safe to say that Cicciolina covers plenty of bases. But it doesn’t overstretch. In fact, it hits a home run. Whether you want tapas in the relaxed tapas bar or a fine dining experience in the formal dining room, Cicciolina’s charm and sophistication is easy to see. And it’s not even that expensive, with mains between S/ 35 and S/ 50. Triunfo 393 (second floor). [www.cicciolinacuzco.com](http://www.cicciolinacuzco.com/english/cicciolina_home.html)
* **La Bodega 138** — Need pizza? Need beer? Try La Bodega 138. It’s also good for salads, apparently. Herrajes 138.
## Sandwich and Burger Restaurants in Cusco
- **Papacho’s** — Peruvian celebrity chef and restaurateur Gastón Acurio turned his attention to gourmet burgers with Papacho’s, which now has four locations in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and one in Cusco. Decent burgers are hard to find in Peru, but the burgers at Papacho’s are way beyond just decent. Some are classic combinations, others have a Peruvian twist, and all are big, juicy and tasty. Good stuff on a cold Cusco night. Santa Catalina Angosta 115 (Plaza de Armas). [papachos.com](http://papachos.com/)
* **Juanito’s** — A popular sandwich restaurant up in San Blas, with fillings ranging from lomo saltado to Philly cheese steak. Tends to attract a backpacker crowd. Most sandwiches are between S/ 18 and S/ 25. Siete Angelitos 638, San Blas.
## Chinese Restaurants in Cusco
I struggled to find any really stand-out Chinese restaurants in Cusco. I tried a handful of chifas, but few made much of an impression. All recommendations are therefore more than welcome.
- **KION Peruvian Chinese** — This Peruvian-Cantonese restaurant opened just a few days after I last left Cusco, so I haven’t had the chance to check it out. But I’ve heard good things. Scott, a friend of mine who lives in Cusco and runs [EthnoCO](https://www.ethnoco.com/), says: “Damn good… Asian food, fancy… I went there after my wedding and dropped S/ 400.” He was with a few friends, I assume. KION is kind of like a high-brow chifa, so the prices are higher than normal. Triunfo 370.
* **Chifa Sipan** — Of the more standard chifas I’ve tried in Cusco, this is the only one that made any lasting impact. It’s a fairly average chifa by Peruvian standards, but good value for money. Quera 251.
- **UFO Asian Food** — Another new place I haven't been to yet, but one highly recommended by a friend. It serves affordable Chinese food (traditional Chinese rather than Peruvian chifa). Dishes include yaki chicken and udon curry. Prolongacion Recoleta 401.
## U. S. American Restaurants in Cusco
- **Cuse Smokehouse** — This smokehouse offers authentic American BBQ. The dry-rubbed smoked pork ribs are tender and rich, the burgers are great and there’s really nothing else like it in Cusco. Kudos to Cody Fisher, the restaurant’s Syracuse-born head chef. Don’t miss it. Open Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Calle Roberto Acosta A-108.
* **Papacho’s** — see sandwich and burger restaurants above
## Middle Eastern Restaurants in Cusco
Please note: I typically eat kebabs late at night when I’m drunk, which is a British tradition. Therefore any opinions I might have about kebab restaurants in Cusco are the opinions of a drunk man. When considering kebabs, I find this totally reasonable. Thank you.
- **El Durum** — Providing perfect late night kebabs for Cusco’s alcohol-sodden tourists. I even went here sober once, and it was still great, which was a most welcome surprise. Choquechaca 156.
* **La Casa Del Kebab** — There’s nothing better than a lamb shawarma when you’ve lucked out in Cusco’s bars and you need to soak up some excess alcohol before conceding defeat. Yummy. Plateros 320.
_For late-night kebab cravings in Cusco, try El Durum. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Cafés and Breakfast Restaurants in Cusco
This is a mixed bag, but you know the kind of place I mean, right? Café-restaurants that sell a bunch of mostly informal stuff, might have a good breakfast, do great sandwiches etc.
- **Jack’s Café** — A true icon of Cusco’s tourist scene, Jack’s Café is ground zero for the gringo apocalypse. Or something like that. Whatever, offer a great all-day breakfast, big toasted sandwiches, soups, Thai curry, a steak sandwich and a plethora of other dishes to keep foreign tourists happy. Friendly service, too. Choquechaka 509. [jackscafecusco.com](http://jackscafecusco.com/)
* **The Meeting Place Café** — _The_ place in San Blas for meeting up with people, hanging out with a coffee or hot chocolate, eating Belgian waffles and making new friends. It’s also a good place for finding out about upcoming events. And you can buy beautiful hand drawn antique-style maps by [King of Maps](http://kingofmaps.com/). Plazoleta San Blas 630, San Blas.
- **Creperia La Bo'M** — Hip, trendy, arty, comfortable. With killer crepes and unholy hot chocolate. Carmen Alto 283, San Blas. [www.labohemecusco.com](http://www.labohemecusco.com)
La Cusqueñita, Centenario 800\
Los Mundialistas, Pampa De Castillo 4\
Quinta Wal, Av Alta 506\
Quinta Eulalia, Choqechaka 384\
Antojito, Calle Marquez 284\
Marcelo Batata, Calle Palacio 121\
Uch, Calle Palacio 135\
Pachapap, Carmen Bajo 120\
Morena Peruvian Kitchen, Calle Plateros 348\
Korma Sutra, Calle Tandapata\
Tacomani, Calle Teatro 394\
Green Point, Carmen Bajo 235\
Cicciolin, Triunfo 393\
La Bodega 138\
Papacho’s, Sta Catalina Angosta 115\
Juanito’s, Siete Angelitos 243\
KIO, Triunfo 370\
Chifa Sipan, Quera 245\
Cuse Smokehouse, Carmen Alto 120\
El Durum, Choqechaka 156\
La Casa Del Kebab, Plateros 320\
Jack’s Café, Choquechaka 509\
Meeting Place Café, Plazoleta San Blas 630\
Creperia La Bo’M, Carmen Alto 283
---
# Drinking Coca Tea and Drug Test Results: What You Should Know
URL: https://newperuvian.com/drinking-coca-tea-drug-test-results/
Published: 2017-03-14
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: coca tea drug test results
Coca is a sacred plant in countries like Peru and Bolivia, and it’s easy to see why. Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea can give you an energy boost and is traditionally believed to help prevent altitude sickness. It also has a number of traditional medicinal uses, including as an anesthetic and analgesic.
If you’re traveling in Peru, you can freely try both forms of imbibing coca. It is, after all, completely legal. (Follow this link for more [info about illegal and legal drugs in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/drugs-in-peru-legal-and-illegal/).)
But if you might take a drug test when you get back home — as part of a job interview process or random workplace screening, for example — be careful ([in the USA, 40% to 50% of all employers perform some kind of drug screening](http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/cover_story/2015/12/workplace_drug_testing_is_widespread_but_ineffective.html)). Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea can both result in a positive drug test for cocaine.
## Drinking Coca Tea
Coca tea is the most common way of consuming coca, at least among tourists in Peru. It’s completely legal: many hotels freely supply coca tea bags, and trekking guides often prepare fresh coca tea by seeping the leaves in boiling water (an authentic _mate de coca_).
Coca tea is a mild stimulant. The alkaloids found in coca leaves are the same used to ultimately produce cocaine. But you won’t feel much from drinking one, two or even three cups of coca tea — maybe a slight buzz, but nothing more than drinking the same amount of strong coffee.
Coca tea bags can be decocainized (yes, that’s a real word), but you rarely find them in Peru or Bolivia.
## Coca Tea and Drug Tests: What the Studies Say
Before you start sipping coca tea at every opportunity, be aware that it can result in a positive drug test. If there’s any chance you might have a drug test when you get back home, then you should avoid coca tea (and coca leaves) altogether, just to be safe.
A number of studies have tested the levels of cocaine metabolites in urine tests, and the results are similar.
In “[Identification and quantitation of alkaloids in coca tea](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2705900/),” Jenkins, Llosa, Montoya and Cone concluded:
> “This study has shown that consumption of one cup of coca tea results in detectable concentrations of cocaine metabolites in the urine for at least 20 h. Therefore, coca tea drinkers may test positive in a urine drug test for cocaine.”
Mazor et al. in “[Coca tea consumption causes positive urine cocaine assay](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17091055),” found similar results. After drinking coca tea, three out of five of their study participants' samples remained positive for cocaine at 36 hours.
A [study for Problems of Forensic Sciences](http://www.forensicscience.pl/component/option,com_jbook/task,view/Itemid,2/catid,80/id,706/lang,en/) also found that participants who drank just one cup of coca tea screened positive for up to 36 hours (this being the limit of the test). Participants drinking two cups all remained positive at the 36 hour mark.
A [study conducted by the Jockey Club of Great Britain](http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/39/10/e37.full) and published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine also found that just a single tea bag of mate de coca contains “a significant amount of cocaine” and can result in a positive test for at least 24 hours following ingestion.
## Examples of Positive Drug Test Results After Drinking Coca Tea
It’s not hard to find real life examples of people testing positive for cocaine and then claiming (correctly of otherwise) that coca tea was to blame.
In 2001, a woman working at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois [tested positive for cocaine after a random drug test](http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2004/1stDistrict/June/Html/1031128.htm). The woman and her husband had previously been to Peru to adopt a baby. When the baby became ill, the doctor in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) gave them some coca tea bags for the baby to drink. The woman began drinking them too, and continued ordering them while back home. In this case, the drug test result was overturned and the woman was reinstated.
In 2010, a[ probationary cop was fired from the NYPD after testing positive for cocaine](http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/court-probationary-tested-positive-cocaine-job-back-article-1.134955). He claimed that his girlfriend's mother had given him mate de coca after he was in a car accident, which caused the positive result. He was not reinstated.
In 2013, Ashley Beardsley, 23, of Long Neck, Delaware [lost her job at the American Veterans Post](http://www.wboc.com/story/13479529/cocaine-tea). She tested positive for cocaine, but claimed her Peruvian coca tea was to blame. Her requests for a follow up test were denied.
Claiming that coca tea is the reason for a positive cocaine result seems to fall on deaf ears quite frequently. For the U.S. Department of Transportation, it’s officially no excuse at all. [As its drug policy clearly states](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40/40-151):
> “You also must not accept such an explanation related to consumption of coca teas as a basis for verifying a cocaine test result as negative. Consuming or using such a product is not a legitimate medical explanation.”
There's also the now infamous case of Peruvian footballer Paolo Guerrero, who was finally [given a 14 month suspension](https://www.eurosport.com/football/peru-captain-will-miss-world-cup_sto6755684/story.shtml) after testing positive for cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine in 2017. Guerrero claims he unknowingly drank coca tea in a hotel in Lima, and maintains his innocence. The suspension ruled him out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
_Bags of coca leaves — and coca toffees — on sale in San Pedro Market, [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
## Chewing Coca Leaves and Drug Test Results
While it’s relatively easy to find legitimate studies on coca tea and drug tests, less research seems to exist regarding chewing coca leaves.
Not so many tourists in Peru and Bolivia chew coca leaves — at least, not properly, like a true Andean local. A brief chew on a leaf or two does next to nothing, and would likely release far less cocaine metabolites than a cup of coca tea.
But when chewed “properly,” the effects of coca leaf are far more notable than three or even four cups of tea. With a good wodge of coca leaves tucked into your cheek, and using _llipta_ to activate the alkaloids, you can feel quite a buzz and the side of your head can start to go numb. Various types of _llipta_ (or _llipt’a_) exist in different regions of Peru. In the highlands it’s often made from the ashes of the quinoa plant. A tiny amount is added to the coca leaves, improving alkaloid extraction when chewing. You can normally buy _llipta_ at the same markets that sell fresh coca leaves.
I haven’t been able to find any studies to prove this assumption, but I imagine that chewing coca leaves in the traditional manner would easily trigger a positive drug test for cocaine. You have been warned…
## Are Coca Leaves and Coca Tea Bags Illegal Outside South America?
Coca tea is legal in Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador and Chile, but illegal in many countries outside South America.
You are not allowed to bring coca leaves into the USA. [According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection](https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/725/kw/coca), “It is illegal to bring coca leaves into the U.S. for any purpose, including to use for brewing tea or for chewing.”
While not so clearly stated, it is also illegal to bring coca tea into the USA. [A 2016 document by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration](http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=1308.12) states that coca leaves and any salt, compound, derivative or preparation of coca leaves is a controlled substance and is illegal in the United States. A “preparation of coca leaves” presumably includes coca tea as well as coca toffees and candies (also widely available in Peru).
Coca tea bags can be decocainized (yes, that’s a real word), and are therefore legal in the USA. You won’t find decocainized coca tea bags in Peru or Bolivia.
Coca leaves and tea bags are also banned in the United Kingdom. The [www.gov.uk entry for Peru](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru/local-laws-and-customs) clearly states: “Don’t take coca leaves or coca tea out of the country. It’s illegal to import these items into the UK.”
---
# How Many Days Do You Need in Peru? (Expert’s tips for 2026 and beyond)
URL: https://newperuvian.com/how-many-days-do-you-need-in-peru/
Published: 2017-03-13
Updated: 2026-06-13
Topic: how many days do you need in peru
_Tourists at the Saksaywaman archaeological site overlooking Cusco, Peru (photo by Tony Dunnell)_\
How many days do you need in Peru? Is a three-day holiday worth the effort? Is a week enough to see the main tourist attractions? Is a month too long?
It’s not always easy to answer questions like these, because it depends so much on your style of travel, your budget, what you want to see and how you want to see it. But it is possible to give you a rough idea of how much time you need in Peru: what you can and probably can’t do in any given amount of time.
Think of the following as a primer for planning your first trip to Peru. You won’t find detailed itineraries, but you will get a rough idea of how much you can see and do in Peru in (x) amount of days. Most of the following assumes you'll be going to Machu Picchu, just because pretty much everyone does.
And as this is just an intro to the topic, feel free to ask questions about your itinerary in the comments section below.
## How many days do you need in Peru anyways?
The number of days you should spend in Peru depends on your interests and the places you plan to visit. Typically a trip of 10 to 14 days is sufficient to explore attractions like Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. However, if you want to delve into Peru's cultural heritage or experience the Amazon rainforest or even trek the famous Inca Trail, it would be wise to extend your stay. Whether you're drawn to wonders, vibrant cities, or natural landscapes, giving yourself time will greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this diverse and captivating country.
## 3 Days in Peru
[Peru is a big place](https://newperuvian.com/how-big-is-peru/) — about twice the size of Texas — so traveling around the country can take some time. For that reason, three days in Peru is rarely enough. Some package tours pull off these whirlwind trips, but they typically concentrate on one attraction — normally Machu Picchu.
Doing three days in Peru independently, you could fly into [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and then fly directly to [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) for Machu Picchu and then back to Lima. Or you could do the Nazca Lines and maybe see Arequipa. Or fly to Juliaca and then take the bus to [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) to explore Lake Titicaca for a day and a half. But you’ll be rushed, you won’t have time to relax, and it will probably all be a bit of a blur.
## 4 to 7 Days in Peru
Now you’re beginning to get some wriggle room. Four days is still incredibly tight, but with five to seven days in Peru you can do one or two destinations in reasonably relaxed fashion (especially with seven days), or really focus on one region or city.
Five days is enough for exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu. You won’t have much time for trekking, but you could maybe fit in a two-day trek to Machu Picchu. If you don’t trek, then you’ll have about two and a half days for Cusco and the Sacred Valley (let’s say four or five attractions, including Saksaywaman, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo) and a day and a half for Machu Picchu.
Alternatively, you could fly over the Nazca Lines, do Arequipa for a day (or two with Colca Canyon), then head to Cusco for Machu Picchu (with no time for seeing over stuff in or around Cusco). Or ditch Nazca or Arequipa for a day in Puno and Lake Titicaca instead.
If you can stretch to a week in Peru, then you can do the above — what is generally considered the classic Gringo Trail in Peru — at a slightly more relaxed pace. You'll also have the option of taking a day to [acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco before Machu Picchu](https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-altitude-sickness-prevention/) (recommended). Arriving in Lima, you can head south to Nazca (or to Ica and Huacachina for sandboarding), then Arequipa, then possibly Lake Titicaca, finally arriving in Cusco for Machu Picchu.
It’s worth researching these destinations (and nearby alternatives) to figure out which interest you the most. You might find, for example, that you want to do just Arequipa (and Colca Canyon) and Cusco (Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu) in seven days, which is a more comfortable week-long itinerary in Peru.
**Number of Days Spent in Peru by US Tourists in 2018:**
1 to 3 days in Peru 4 to 7 days in Peru 8 to 14 days in Peru 15 to 29 days in Peru More than 29 days in Peru
_Statistics taken from [Perfil del Turista Extranjero 2018](https://www.promperu.gob.pe/TurismoIN/sitio/VisorDocumentos?titulo=Pa%C3%ADs%20de%20residencia%20-%20Estados%20Unidos\&url=~/Uploads/perfiles_extranjeros/41/tips/2594/PTE18EEUU.pdf\&nombObjeto=PerfTuristaExt\&back=/TurismoIN/sitio/PerfTuristaExt\&peso=81658), PromPerú_
## 8 Days to 2 Weeks in Peru
Now we’re talking. If you can save up your vacation time to get 8 or 10 days or maybe even two weeks in Peru, then you’ll have enough time to do the classic Gringo Trail without having to rush the whole time.
Ten days would also be enough to see a couple of other destinations — the Nazca Lines and Arequipa, for example — and have time to hike the classic four day/three night Inca Trail or do a multiday alternative trek (most of [the best Inca Trail operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/) offer classic and alternative routes). Or you could find some time to head into the Peruvian Amazon, perhaps into Manú National Park, which lies north of Cusco.
This 8-to-14-day range is also where a hop-on hop-off pass with [Peru Hop](https://bushop.com/peru/) earns its keep. Buses run daily along the whole Lima to Cusco route, so you can stay an extra night in the places you like without re-planning every bus leg.
Two weeks would give you even more options, and is enough time to do pretty much all of the main attractions in the southern half of Peru (which is where the Gringo Trail lies). Or you can skip some of the more touristy destinations in the south and [head to the far less visited northern half of Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/). You'll probably have to fly back to Lima first, from where you can fly or bus along the north coast, to cities like Trujillo and Chiclayo with their Moche archaeological sites (and great food). There’s also [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) (for Kuelap and Gocta Waterfall), and the deep jungle city of [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/).
All are worth considering if you have two weeks in Peru, especially if you’d like to get off the tourist trail.
## 2 Weeks to a Month in Peru
Ah, the sweet taste of freedom! If you have more than two weeks in Peru, maybe even a month, then you have the luxury of choice when it comes to where you go and how long you stay in each place.
You could stay in one place and get to know it well, maybe volunteering or doing a homestay for part of the trip. Or you could do a couple of weeks on the Gringo Trail — seeing the Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu, maybe even the jungle in Manú National Park — and then head up to the central highlands and [northern Peru](/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/) for a week or more.
One place I’m not mentioning much here is Lima, where most foreign tourists first arrive. Some tourists hate Lima — but, to be honest, many of them don’t ever get to know it well enough to judge. But if you have three weeks or a month in Peru, then it’s worth sticking around in Lima for at least two or three days before heading elsewhere.
## More Than a Month in Peru
Some people take a month or two to do all of South America, sometimes an entire world tour. If you’re that type of traveler — and there’s nothing wrong with that — then you might think a month in one country is excessive.
But if you want to know Peru well, then you’ll need at least a month. Peru is a country with three distinct geographic and cultural zones: the coast, the highlands, and the jungle. It’s kind of like visiting three different countries, each with differences in landscape, food and culture. Even the people change; for example, the more reserved but hard working highlanders are different from the more openly cheerful jungle Peruvians.
So if you think one or two or even three months in Peru is overkill, it might be worth thinking again. I’ve lived here since 2009 and there’s always another place to explore and another experience to discover.
And when you have the luxury of time, why make yourself rush by trying to do too much? Having no itinerary is far better than being a slave to a unforgiving schedule — it's a holiday, after all.
---
# Is Marijuana Legal in Peru?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/is-marijuana-legal-in-peru/
Published: 2017-03-12
Updated: 2018-05-23
Topic: is marijuana legal in peru
If you like to smoke an occasional joint or two, you might be wondering: Is marijuana legal in Peru?
The answer, at first glance, is straightforward. Officially, you are allowed to carry a certain amount of weed for personal use.
According to Article 299 of the Peruvian Penal Code, you can legally carry eight grams of marijuana or two grams of its derivatives (derivatives presumably including hashish), for “your own and immediate consumption.”
So, according to the written law, as long as you aren’t in possession of more than eight grams of marijuana — and you make it clear that it’s for personal use and not for sale — you cannot be arrested. If you prefer to think in ounces, then a quarter ounce of weed (7 grams) is fine, but a half ounce (14 grams) is not.
_Read [Drugs in Peru: The Laws of Legal and Illegal Possession](https://newperuvian.com/drugs-in-peru-legal-and-illegal/) for more info about possession of drugs for personal use._
## Things to Remember When You’re Smoking Marijuana in Peru
It’s important to note, however, that “the possession of two or more types of drugs" does constitute a crime. So if you’re caught with four grams of weed and a gram of cocaine, then you could be in some trouble (you can legally be in possession of two grams of coke for personal use in Peru — but, again, not if you’re carrying any other drug at the same time).
Police in Peru are also unpredictable. At best, they may not be fully aware of the ins and outs of the laws of possession. At worst, they might be corrupt. In the latter case, they might apply pressure even if you are in possession of a legal amount, with the intention of extracting some kind of bribe. If you’re sure that you’re carrying a legal amount, it’s best to stand your ground as calmly as possible in these kind of situations.
If you are detained unlawfully, which could last an hour or, in theory, up to 15 days, then seek legal help — and try calling Línea Verde (see below).
Generally speaking, you should:
- Avoid smoking marijuana in public spaces (which can piss off the locals, not just the police)
- Never carry more than eight grams or two grams of derivatives
- Never carry two different types of drug
- Be firm but as polite as possible if faced with police intimidation
- Be careful when buying marijuana (no back alley deals, not shady dealers, no oversized mustaches)
- Never sell marijuana in Peru (especially to minors, which is a serious offense)
### Línea Verde
Línea Verde is an NGO based in Barranco, Lima. They offer legal help to anyone detained for marijuana possession in Peru (for personal use). You can call Línea Verde on 01 444 1496 and follow them on Facebook at [www.facebook.com/lineaverdelima](https://www.facebook.com/lineaverdelima).
## Being Caught With Illegal Quantities of Marijuana in Peru
If you’re caught in possession of illegal quantities of marijuana (over eight grams), then your ultimate punishment, if any, depends on various factors. Realistically, possessing slightly more than eight grams — say 10 or 12 — is unlikely to result in any kind of conviction (but there’s no point pushing your luck).
If you’re caught with significant amounts of marijuana, and especially if you’re caught selling it, then you could be facing a charge of _tráfico ilícito de drogas_ (TIF), or illicit trafficking in drugs. If caught in possession of 100 grams or more, then it’s automatically assumed that you're trafficking. And the punishment for trafficking is eight to 15 years in prison.
## Will Marijuana Be Legalized in Peru in the Future?
While the complete legalization of marijuana in Peru is unlikely to happen any time soon, medical marijuana is now legal in Peru. In October 2017, Peru’s conservative Congress passed a bill to legalize medical marijuana with a 68-5 vote in favor of allowing cannabis oil to be produced, imported and commercialized.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski officially proposed the legalization of medical marijuana [following a police raid on a house in Lima](http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Peru-Proposes-to-Legalize-Medicinal-Marijuana-20170209-0030.html), where a parent group was growing marijuana to make oil to treat children suffering from epilepsy and other diseases.
---
# Lima Airport to Miraflores by Taxi, Bus, Shuttle and Uber
URL: https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/
Published: 2017-03-10
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: lima airport to miraflores
Getting from Lima Airport to Miraflores is one of the first travel conundrums faced by many new arrivals in Peru: Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport is the entry point for most travelers, and Miraflores is still the main tourist hub in the Peruvian capital.
So, what are your options? Up until recently, taking a taxi from inside the airport boundaries was just about the only safe way to get from Lima Airport to Miraflores (or any other district, including Central Lima and Barranco).
But a handful of options now exist, providing a much cheaper alternative to the taxis while maintaining good security standards.
(By the way, if you're heading to Lima for the first time, read my [Lima travel guide](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/).)
## Getting a Taxi From Lima Airport to Miraflores
Taking a taxi has always been the standard way of getting from Lima Airport to Miraflores, Barranco, Central Lima or any other district, but the new bus and shuttle services might change that. Taking a taxi is still the best way of getting to Central Lima, as the two bus services listed below only go to Miraflores (for now, at least).
Taxis operating officially within the airport include Taxi 365, Taxi Directo and Taxi Green. They have service desks inside the airport, at both international and domestic arrivals.
A taxi from inside Lima Airport to Miraflores normally costs between S/ 50 to S/ 60. Don't let the drivers con you into paying more than this — and tips aren't necessary unless they help you carry your bags into your hotel etc.
The taxis inside the airport are safe, comfortable and the fare isn’t too bad if you can split it between two or three people. The taxi ride from the airport to Miraflores takes about 30 to 45 minutes, more if the traffic is bad (which it frequently is, especially at rush hour when gridlock is common).
Alternatively, you can call a taxi company such as Taxi Satelital or Taxidatum, who'll then be waiting for you at the airport. The fare from Lima Airport to Miraflores with Taxi Satelital is S/ 50.
Another option — and one used and recommended by numerous expats in Lima — is **Gringo Taxi** (a.k.a. Transporte Fácil Perú. The service is operated and owned by Walter Clark, a driver with more than 20 years of professional driving experience in New York City. Walter is now serving customers in Lima, and his emphasis is on safety and impeccable service. You can arrange a ride with Walter and Gringo Taxi by email (transportefacilperu\@gmail.com), through [the website](https://www.gringotaxis.com/), or through the company [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/gringotaxis/). Rates depend on where you are going; from the airport to Miraflores costs $25 US.
## Airport Express Lima Bus Service
[Airport Express Lima](https://www.airportexpresslima.com/) is a direct bus service between Lima Airport and Miraflores, and these days it is the airport's official bus connection to the district. It has been running since 2017 and operates from the new Jorge Chávez terminal (all flights moved there in 2025). Its stops in central Miraflores put you close to most hotels and hostels; check the current stop list on the website.
As of mid-2026, buses run roughly every half hour, and if you book a ticket but arrive late you can simply jump on the next bus. One-way fares start at around S/ 15 (about US$4), which is cheaper than the service used to be, and the coaches are modern, with Wi-Fi, USB chargers, air conditioning and an onboard restroom. You can buy tickets online, inside the airport or pay the driver directly on the bus.
## Quick Llama Shuttle Service
The [Quick Llama](http://quickllama.com/en/index.htm) shuttle service is a particularly cheap way of getting between Lima Airport and Miraflores. It's a new service — it began in December 2016 — but hopefully it will be profitable and stand the test of time. At the moment, the shuttles only go to three locations in Miraflores, but you can always head there and then take a S/ 5 taxi ride to your hotel or hostel.
The Quick Llama service is just S/ 15 from Lima Airport to Miraflores and vice versa, making it the cheapest option listed here. For groups of three or more, the price per person is S/ 10. You can buy your ticket online at the Quick Llama website, or pay the driver in cash (if there are seats available).
Shuttles leave every one or two hours. The trip takes between 35 minutes to one hour, depending on the time of day. One caveat: Lima's airport transport scene has changed a lot since the new terminal opened, so double-check the Quick Llama website or reviews to confirm it's still running before you build your arrival plan around it.
## Uber From Lima Airport to Miraflores
You can use Uber to get from Lima Airport to Miraflores (or anywhere else). I’ve heard mixed things about using Uber in Lima, but typically swaying toward positive rather than negative.
Using the fare estimator on the Uber website, the fare from Lima Airport to Miraflores should be about S/ 60 for UberBLACK and S/ 50 for uberX.
## Public Transport Outside Lima Airport
While it’s totally possible to flag down a cab or jump in a cheap _combi_ (minivan) on the street outside the airport, it’s not recommended. The airport is located in Callao, a city that forms part of the larger Lima Metropolitan Area, and Callao isn’t too safe, especially at night.
It was never worth going outside the airport and risking all your luggage — or worse — just for the sake of saving S/ 30 or S/ 40. And with the cheaper bus and shuttle services now available, it's even harder to recommend using public transport outside the airport.
---
# Quiet Hostels in Cusco for Cheap and Noiseless Nights
URL: https://newperuvian.com/quiet-hostels-in-cusco-cheap/
Published: 2017-03-09
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: quiet hostels in cusco
If you’re looking for quiet hostels in [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) that are cheap enough for even the tightest backpacker budget, take a look at the following options.
The hostels featured below have dorms _and_ private rooms from as little as S/ 25 to S/ 50 (US$8 to $16) a night. None of them are party hostels (if you want a party hostel in Cusco, try Wild Rover or Loki ), so you’re more likely to meet chilled out travelers who want to chat and have a decent night’s sleep rather than rowdy young drinkers.
I’ve stayed at all of the hostels below for at least one night, and can personally vouch for all of them. Some gave me free accommodation, but, as always, that didn’t influence my final opinion (something I made clear to the owners beforehand).
One thing to keep in mind: I first put this list together several years ago. Cusco’s budget accommodation scene turns over quickly, so as of mid-2026 some of these places may have changed hands, changed names or closed, and the nightly rates below have almost certainly gone up. Treat the prices as a rough guide to relative cost rather than exact amounts, and check a current booking site to confirm a hostel is still running before you count on it.
## Quiet Hostels in Cusco, Peru
### Hospedaje Inti Quilla
A friend who lives in Cusco recommended Inti Quilla to me as one of the best cheap hostels in Cusco. And he wasn’t wrong. Located up in the narrow streets of San Blas, this hostel is effortlessly cool without even trying. The rooms are set around a small courtyard with a Tolkienesque tree at its center, where chilled out backpackers swap stories and drink cheap booze. The rooms are simple but clean and quite spacious, with private rooms (with shared bathroom) for just S/ 30 and triples for S/ 80. On the downside, the Wi-Fi is sketchy and the rooms can get quite cold on a chilly Cusco night — but you’ll have enough blankets to keep you warm in bed. Altogether, a charming spot in the hip San Blas district with backpacker-friendly prices. Atoqsaykuchi 281, San Blas.
### Hostal Royal Frankenstein
With its Halloween-like decorations and all-round quirkiness, Hostal Royal Frankenstein might not be to everyone’s taste. But for me, it’s probably the best budget hostel in Cusco. Some of the private rooms are tiny, but at just S/ 25 (shared bathroom) they are a real bargain right in the historic center — and cheaper than many dorms in Cusco. And then there’s Ludwig, the hostel’s eccentric German owner. Some people might find his Bavarian tone a little blunt, but he looks after his guests and is always available for information. If you like cheap and quirky and aren’t too bothered about flat screen TVs and hostel bars, then you may well love Hostal Frankenstein. San Juan de Dios 260. [www.hostal-frankenstein.net](http://www.hostal-frankenstein.net/)
### Pantástico
Another San Blas hostel, Pantástico (Pan…tástico) is the self-styled “best Bed and Bakery in Cusco.” The name of the hostel derives from the onsite bakery, which provides guests with freshly baked bread every morning (the hostel owners also operate two Pantástico café-bakeries in Cusco). It’s a warm and colorful place with a happy, friendly vibe. The rooms are small but perfectly comfortable, with four-bed dorms for S/ 35 per person and private rooms ranging from S/ 50 to S/ 120 (single or double, shared or private bathroom). Great for new arrivals in Cusco with a penchant for bread. Carmen Bajo 226, San Blas. [www.pan-tastico.com](http://www.pan-tastico.com)
### The Grasshopper Hostel
The Grasshopper is a relatively new addition to the Cusco hostel scene, having opened in the second half of 2015. But, despite a few teething problems, it looks set to have a bright future. The friendly owners have cultivated a positive atmosphere, with plenty of color, a few comfortable communal nooks and an inviting bar.
The location sets The Grasshopper apart from other hostels featured here. It’s about 10 blocks west-southwest of the Plaza de Armas, tucked down a small alleyway off Calle Hospital. This part of Cusco isn’t nearly as trendy or pretty as San Blas or the historic center, but it’s far less touristy and close to San Pedro Market. The Grasshopper has 12-, eight- and four-bed dorms ranging from about S/ 25 to S/ 45 per person. Calle Hospital 842 (head a few steps down the alleyway and you'll see the sign)
### Sunset Hostel
Manu, the young and endlessly enthusiastic owner of Sunset Hostel, has done a great job with this hostel in San Blas. The multilevel building is full of communal areas, including a hip café area and a rooftop terrace with spectacular views across Cusco. The two-, four- and eight-bed rooms are reasonably priced at around S/ 30 to S/ 40 per person (less in the low season). There’s a communal kitchen downstairs and everyone gets a locker for storing valuables. The shared bathrooms are tiny but the water is hot. The overall vibe is positive in a New Age kind of way. Altogether, it makes for a great base in San Blas. Tandapata 353-B, San Blas. [sunsethousehostel.com](http://sunsethousehostel.com)
### Ecopackers Cusco
Ecopackers is an extremely popular hostel in Cusco, and has ranked among the best hostels in Cusco on TripAdvisor for years. It’s the most commercial, large scale, “typical” kind of international backpacker hostel on this list, with plenty of rooms of all shapes and sizes, a large staff and all the amenities backpackers now expect: table tennis, bar, foosball, computer access, sun loungers, nightly events, movie area etc. etc.
In other words, it’s kind of on obvious choice for backpackers in Cusco, especially if you’re traveling alone and want to meet people (without it being a noisy party hostel). The building was once a colonial mansion, too, so that gives the place plenty of charm to offset the cheese.
The cheapest bed at Ecopackers — in an 18-person dorm — will cost you S/ 36 ($11), or S/ 46 ($14) in high season (June and July). A bed in a four-person dorm at Ecopackers is about S/ 62 ($19). Even the largest dorms, therefore, are more expensive than a private room in some other hostels listed here. But if you want to mix with a larger crowd and have all the extra features and services of a big, modern backpacker hostel, then Ecopackers is a good option. It’s also only two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Calle Santa Teresa 375. [www.ecopackersperu.com/hostel-cusco/](http://www.ecopackersperu.com/hostel-cusco/)
### Intro Hostel Cusco
Intro Hostel is a stylish place with plenty of colonial charm. Located in a renovated colonial mansion, it manages to mix old and new in a chic — almost boutique — way, and at hostel prices. The largest 14-bed mixed dorm is S/ 26 ($8) per person. Prices rise fairly steeply after that, with the six-bed dorm costing S/ 40 ($12) per person and private matrimonial rooms (shared bathroom) for S/ 105 ($32). But still, considering the location in the historic center (about five blocks from the Plaza de Armas), the colonial building, and the friendly staff, it's good value for money. The small bar and courtyard communal areas — complete with fire pit — are also great places for socializing at night. Cuesta Santa Ana 515. [www.introhostels.com/cusco.php](http://www.introhostels.com/cusco.php)
### Casa Sihuar
Casa Sihuar is a family-run guesthouse rather than a hostel, but I’m including it here because it’s great value for money if you’re looking for a private room in San Blas. Run by the affable and somewhat old-school Señor Luis Herbert and his family, this is a traditional Peruvian-style _hospedaje_ with comfortable rooms looking out over a plant-strewn lower patio. It’s very much a place to relax, and I’m sure Señor Luis would frown upon loud partying.
Single, matrimonial and triple rooms are about S/ 70, S/ 90 and S/ 120 respectively (prices may vary depending on the season), which is significantly more than the dorm rooms — and many private rooms — listed here. But if you’re looking for a quiet private room in Cusco — especially as a couple — then it’s certainly worth having a look at Casa Sihuar. It might also work well for longer stays of a week or more, especially if you can get a discount. Calle Tandapata 351, San Blas.
Hostal Royal Frankenstein
Hospedaje Inti Quilla
Pantástico
The Grasshopper Hostel, Calle Hospital 842
Sunset House, Tandapata 353-B
Ecopackers Cusco, Santa Teresa 375
Intro Hostel
Hospedaje Familiar Sihuar, Calle Tandapata 351
---
# Quotes About Peru, From Che Guevara to Superman
URL: https://newperuvian.com/quotes-about-peru/
Published: 2017-03-08
Updated: 2018-04-30
Topic: quotes about peru
The following quotes about Peru come from a wide range of sources, from acclaimed literary figures to famous fashion photographers and even a few fictional characters.
These quotes aren’t the insipid kind of shtick you’ll find on inspirational images stuck up on Facebook. Most are positive, but don’t expect a procession of glowing reviews of Peru or Peruvian food or Machu Picchu.
And some people quoted here, including Charles Darwin, didn't seem to like Peru much at all…
## Quotes About Peru
“Of course, tourists traveling in their comfortable rail coaches could only glean the vaguest idea of the conditions in which the Indians live, from the fast glimpses they catch as they speed past our train, which has stopped to let them pass. The fact that it was the U.S. archaeologist Bingham who discovered the ruins and expounded his findings in easily accessible articles for the general public, means that Machu Picchu is by now very famous in that country to the north and the majority of North Americans visiting Peru come here. (In general they fly direct to [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), tour [Cuzco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), visit the ruins and return straight home, not believing that anything else is worth seeing.”
— Che Guevara, _The Motorcycle Diaries_
“Few romances can ever surpass that of the granite citadel on top of the beetling precipices of Machu Picchu, the crown of Inca Land.”
— Hiram Bingham
"A prophet once said 'Don't tell me what a man says, don't tell me what a man knows. Tell me where he's traveled?' I wonder about that, do we get smarter, more enlightenment as we travel? Does travel bring wisdom? I think there is probably no better place to find out than Peru."
— Anthony Bourdain
“After seeing the ruins at Machu Picchu, the fabulous cultures of antiquity seemed to be made of cardboard, Papier-mâché…”
— Pablo Neruda, 1954
“I cannot say I enjoyed the very little I saw of Peru: in summer, however, it is said that the climate is much pleasanter.”
— Charles Darwin, _Journal 1832–6_ (Darwin was in Lima at the time)
“The only way to handle a Peruvian is to agree with his pessimism.”
— Paul Theroux, _The Old Patagonian Express__,_ 1979
“For more than half the year Lima has a peculiar climate. It is never cold enough to have a fire, but usually cold enough to make you wish for one. It never rains, but is never dry; that is to say, it is not wet enough to make one hold up an umbrella, yet wet enough to soak one’s clothes.”
— James Bryce, _South America: Observations and Impressions_, 1912
“Going to Peru is, well, if you ever have an opportunity in your life to go there, you should do it because it is absolutely mind boggling.”
– Dean Stockwell, actor
“Calica keeps cursing the filth and, whenever he treads on one of the innumerable turds lining the streets, he looks at his dirty shoes instead of at the sky or a cathedral outlined in space. He does not smell the intangible and evocative matter of which Cuzco is made, but only the odor of stew and excrement. It's a question of temperament.”
— Che Guevara, in a letter to his mother from [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) in 1953
“I had the right amount of detachment to go back and really appreciate what I had grown up with. There’s a particular style that is very Peru that you don’t see anywhere else; it’s got so many different imprints. When you mix Incan minimalism with the heavy, ornate Spanish Baroque, it is very interesting.”
— Mario Testino, Peruvian fashion and portrait photographer
“Am going to cross Pacific on a wooden raft to support a theory that the South Sea Islands were peopled from Peru. Will you come? I guarantee nothing but a free trip to Peru and the South Sea Islands and back, but you will find good use for your technical abilities on the voyage. Reply at once”
— Thor Heyerdahl, from an advert placed by Heyerdahl looking for people to join him on his voyage
“Each crisis seems final, simply because it is new. We are told that the oldest inhabitants in Peru do not cease to be agitated by the earthquakes, but they probably see beyond each shock, and reflect that there are plenty more to come.”
— George Eliot, _Middlemarch_
“I can never see fashion models,\
lean angular cheeks, strutting hips\
and blooming hair, without thinking of\
the skulls at the catacombs in Lima, Peru.”
— Naomi Shihab Nye, from her poem _Morning Paper, Society Page_
“It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description. Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu, for instance, seem to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about. For a while after, you fumble for words, trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame where you’ve been and what’s happened. In the end, you’re just happy you were there — with your eyes open — and lived to see it.”
— Anthony Bourdain, _The Nasty Bits_
“Separating fact and fiction in Inca history is impossible, because virtually all the sources available are Spanish accounts of stories that had already been vetted by the Inca emperors to highlight their own heroic roles. Imagine a history of modern Iraq written by Dick Cheney and based on authorized biographies of Sadam Hussein published in Arabic, and you'll get some idea of what historians face.”
— Mark Adams, _Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time_
“Being Peruvian means to come from the farthest place possible to get to Europe. Peru is the land of the Incas. It was the capital of South America; it was where the Spanish founded their empire and took over the Inca Empire and made it into a colony of Spain.”
— Mario Testino, fashion photographer
"I am humbled beyond belief by the reception here in Lima, Peru, and also by the ongoing welcome. For me, it is incredible – once more. If Chile, Argentina and Brazil are as giving, I shall ask no more and die happy. Peru, Peru – my heart's lighthouse."
— Morrissey (just days before being struck down with severe food poisoning in Lima, forcing him to cancel his South American tour)
“The world of cuisine was looking for diversity and they discovered Peru as the country with the most diversity. People wanted to taste what we have in Peru and it was then we decided to become a movement for this change and after a couple of years we came up with a strategy. We decided we will cook as Peruvians to put a value on our own ingredients, culture, traditions.”
— Gastón Acurio, Peruvian celebrity chef and ambassador, in an interview with _The Daily Meal_.
"You have such a wonderful country to travel through… Be proud to be Peruvians and of your culture.”
— German film director Werner Herzog, speaking to young Peruvian filmmakers in April 2018.
“Have you ever been to Mexico City and haggled with the locals over souvenirs? Well, in Peru, you had to negotiate like that to get the freshest fish at the market.”
— Nobu Matsuhisa, celebrity chef and restaurateur known for his Japanese-Peruvian fusions.
"There aren't many of us left where I come from."\
"And where is that?" asked Mrs. Brown.\
The bear looked round carefully before replying.\
"Darkest Peru."
— Paddington Bear
"Since it is impossible to know what's really happening, we Peruvians lie, invent, dream and take refuge in illusion. Because of these strange circumstances, Peruvian life, a life in which so few actually do read, has become literary."
— Mario Vargas Llosa
“Machu Picchu – A relic of a civilization long gone. But humanity survived, and grew. Was this what Arion had in mind for Metropolis? Paris? Tokyo?”
– Superman, _Superman_ Vol 1 667 (November 2007)
## Do you know any other famous quotes about Peru?
If you do, please share them in the comments section below. Thanks!
---
# Emergency Phone Numbers in Peru: Police, Ambulance and Fire
URL: https://newperuvian.com/emergency-phone-numbers-in-peru-police-ambulance-fire/
Published: 2017-03-08
Updated: 2017-08-04
Topic: emergency phone numbers in peru
You’ll probably never need to use any of these emergency phone numbers in Peru, but it’s a good idea to know who to call if something does come up. Below you’ll find numbers for the national police and other police services, as well as the fire brigade, medical services and a handful of other emergency numbers.
Here are the three most important emergency numbers in Peru (more details follow):
**105** for the police **116** for the fire brigade **106** for an ambulance
## Police Phone Numbers in Peru
Dial 105 for the National Police emergency number nationwide.
Or dial 911, which also puts you through to the police.
Calling 105 is the traditional way of contacting the Peruvian national police in the event of an emergency. Due to the use of 911 in various other countries, particularly in North America, the 911 number has also been adopted in Peru and will put you through to the emergency switchboard.
Both numbers are free to call.
If you need some help but it’s not necessarily an emergency, you can try contacting the **Peruvian Tourist Police** (Dirección de Policía de Turismo y Ecología, or DIRTURE) on 460 1060.
Then there’s the **Serenazgo**, a type of municipal police force (watchmen) who act as a backup to the police and local security. They are often quite useless — and as such don’t have a great reputation in many parts of Peru — but they can be useful for things like noise complaints, neighborly disputes and the like. You can see a list of Serenazgo phone numbers for Lima districts here; outside [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), you’ll need to look online for a local contact number or the address of the relevant office.
_Volunteer fire fighters battle a blaze in [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/), Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Fire Brigade Phone Number in Peru
Dial 116 for the fire brigade.
This puts you through to the Cuerpo General de Bomberos Voluntarios Del Perú. Peru’s fire service is entirely voluntary, so you’ve got to give these guys extra respect when they throw themselves into dangerous situations. As well as fires, they respond to vehicle accidents and medical emergencies.
## Medical Emergency Phone Numbers in Peru
Dial 106 for the Ministry of Health emergency number.
Dialing 106 puts you through to the Sistema de Atención Móvil de Urgencia (SAMU), the emergency response service of the Ministerio de Salud del Perú. For most medical emergencies, this is what you need to call (free of charge).
For large scale emergencies and disasters — for example, a natural disaster such as an earthquake — you can call the **Peruvian Red Cross** (Cruz Roja) by dialing 115 for emergencies or (01) 2660481.
Another option for natural disasters is to call Peru’s **Civil Defense** (Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil de Perú, or INDECI) on 110.
---
# Iquitos Travel Guide
URL: https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/
Published: 2017-03-07
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: iquitos travel guide
_Nearing sunset at the floating restaurant Al Frío y Al Fuego in Iquitos, Peru (photo by Tony Dunnell)_ Iquitos is not like any other city in Peru.
It’s hot and humid like a typical jungle town. And it’s full of motorbikes and mototaxis, another classic attribute of a city in the Peruvian Amazon. The locals are happy despite the heat; they like cold beer and they like to laugh loudly. Classic Peruvian jungle.
But its geographical isolation has given rise to a unique feel and function, a sense of being in a large and established outpost on the extreme edge of regular life.
Iquitos is the largest city in the world that can’t be reached by road, only by river and air. It’s a three- or four-day boat ride to the rest of Peru, either southwest to Yurimaguas or south to Pucallpa. Further east, meanwhile, lie 900 miles of dense jungle until Manaus in Brazil, and a further 800 miles thereafter to the city of Belém at the mouth of the Amazon River.
A quick word on freshness before we go any further: I first researched this guide several years ago, and as of mid-2026 prices in particular will have risen since then. So treat the soles and dollar figures below as a rough indication of relative cost, cheap versus midrange versus splurge, rather than exact amounts. The character of the places themselves tends to change more slowly than the prices.
Before the Old World came crashing into the New, the region where Iquitos now sits was home to nomadic Amerindian hunter-gatherers, people whose lives were tied inextricably to the jungle and its rivers. Then, in the mid-1600s, Jesuit missionaries began to arrive, bringing their brand of Christianity and foisting it upon the native population, who they placed in _reducciones_ or Missions. By the 1730s, these Missions spread along the Marañon, Napo and Amazon rivers, including what were known as the Iquitos Missions.
In 1864, the Peruvian government chose the village of Iquitos as the site for a strategic river port. Then the rubber boom hit, and the small port settlement underwent an incredible expansion. People and companies began to pour in from across the world, from poor young workers to wealthy European industrialists and entrepreneurs. It took an Englishman to bust the boom: In 1876, [Sir Henry Alexander Wickham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wickham_\(explorer\)) took 70,000 seeds from rubber trees in Brazil to the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew in London. These same seeds then traveled to plantations in Ceylon, Malaya and other tropical destinations, bringing an end to the Amazonian rubber boom.
That’s a lot of history in a short space of time. And Iquitos is all the more interesting for it. European mansions, faded but far from dilapidated, dot the streets, rubbing shoulders with traditional jungle markets. Modern cafes and restaurants have sprung up along the pretty riverside boulevard, not far from the simple stilted wooden homes of the largely poor Belén district, known, somewhat ironically, as the Venice of Iquitos.
Indigenous and colonial have mixed and metamorphosed in Iquitos. And now modern tourism brings in the international crowd, from carefully guided lines of package tourists who come to cruise the Amazon, to adventurous backpackers who want to explore Iquitos and maybe sign up for a budget expedition into the surrounding jungle.
It’s a big old mix, that’s for sure, and there’s rarely a dull day in Iquitos, capital of the Loreto Region of Peru.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
## Things to Do in Iquitos
Apart from going on riverboat cruises and other jungle excursions, you'll find a reasonable amount of things to do in Iquitos and the surrounding area. Some of them can be done together, such as the Manatee Rescue Center, Quistacocha and maybe even the Amazon Golf Course, as they are all quite close to each other.
- Belén Market – Perhaps the most interesting market in Peru (and a great place to try [some weird Peruvian foods](https://newperuvian.com/weird-foods-in-peru-for-adventurous-eaters/)), Belén Market is a sprawling maze of fish stalls and vegetable stands, with local merchants selling all kinds of produce from across this isolated jungle region. You'll hear it's dangerous to venture in alone, and it's probably best to go with a friend, but don't be afraid of going solo – just keep a firm grip on your camera.
* [Amazon Rescue Center](https://newperuvian.com/orphaned-manatees-at-the-amazon-rescue-center-in-iquitos-peru/) – Feeding a fat little baby manatee is a wonderful thing, especially when you know that your very presence is helping these orphans to survive. Carretera Iquitos-Nauta Km 4.5. Entrance S/ 20.
- Quistacocha Zoo and Lake – Quistacocha is a popular spot for families, who come to eat lunch and swim in the lagoon. The zoo itself is underfunded and depressing. Carretera Iquitos-Nauta Km 6.5. Entrance S/ 3.
* [Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Animal Orphanage](https://newperuvian.com/pilpintuwasi-butterfly-farm-animal-orphanage-iquitos/) – Beautiful butterflies and other rescued animals make this a fine day trip (and a scenic boat ride to get there when the river is high). The volunteers who help run Pilpintuwasi seem quite knowledgeable, too. Padre Cocha, Iquitos. Entrance $5 (S/ 15).
- The Amazon Golf Course – A round of golf in the Amazon Jungle? Hard to say no, really. Just check in advance if the course is in playable condition – as you can imagine, it can become overgrown quite quickly.
* Iquitos General Cemetery – One of the most interesting cemeteries I've seen in Peru, thanks in part to the colorful tombs, the intriguing Jewish section and the presence of the grave of [Carlos Fermín Fitzcarrald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Fitzcarrald) (a rubber baron whose exploits inspired the movie _Fitzcarraldo_). The Peruvian horror film, _Cementario General_, was also shot here.
- [The Casa Fitzcarraldo](https://newperuvian.com/mick-jagger-miniature-leopards-la-casa-fitzcarraldo-iquitos/) – The Casa Fitzcarraldo housed the cast of the epic film _Fitzcarraldo_ and is now a hotel of sorts (see below). If the heat of Iquitos is getting you down, take the short ride to Casa Fitzcarraldo where you can use the picturesque pool, climb the tree house, and have a beer or two.
* Museo de Barcos Historicos Ayapua – A small museum inside the riverboat Ayapua, which was built in Hamburg, Germany, in 1906. The artifacts on display are limited, but it’s fun just to explore the boat for half an hour. Plaza Ramón Castilla. S/ 10.
- Museo de Culturas Indígenas Amazónicas – Full of information and artifacts pertaining to different Amazonian cultures, this museum is worth a visit. But beware of pushy guides: I was followed around by a museum guide who became quite annoying, and who asked for a ridiculously large tip at the end of the “tour.” Malecón Tarapacá 332. S/ 15.
* Museo Amazónico – Located in a historic building along the riverside malecón, this museum is most notable for its 80 or so life-size fiberglass statues (painted to resemble bronze) representing members of various tribal groups from the Peruvian, Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon region. Tarapacá 386; entrance S/.3.
- Museo de Iquitos (MI) – The newest museum in Iquitos presents a fairly well-rounded view of the history of the city and the rubber boom, including old photos, models of riverboats, and various chronological diagrams. Good if you're interested in the history of Iquitos. Inside the Parque Zonal, block 12 of Jr. Yavarí. Free.
## Where to Stay in Iquitos
Iquitos has hostels and hotels to suit all budgets, but the hostel scene seems slightly lacking, not in numbers – you'll find plenty – but in general quality.
- Green Track Hostel – Green Track Hostel stands out for its dorms, which are good value at S/ 25. The private rooms, on the other hand, aren't such good value for money, and you might be better off elsewhere. It's also important to note that Green Track has rules and regulations (no smoking, noise to a minimum etc.) that are stringently enforced – good if you want to relax in a smoke-free environment, but not a place for partying. Ricardo Palma 516.
* Hostal El Colibri – Hostal El Colibri is great for small groups and couples. There are no dorms, but the four-bed rooms are excellent value at S/ 80 (total, not per person). A spacious single room with Wi-Fi, private bathroom, fan and cable TV is a very reasonable S/ 50. Raymondi 200.
- La Casa Fitzcarraldo – If the idea of an urban jungle oasis with ties to Mick Jagger, Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski sounds like your kind of thing, then treat yourself to a stay at La Casa Fitzcarraldo. Or just pay a visit during the day to use the pool. You can read more about La Casa Fitzcarraldo here. Avenida La Marina 2153.
* Samiria Jungle Hotel – This is not a hotel in the jungle, as the name suggests, but rather a large hotel about four blocks from the Plaza de Armas and a stone's throw from the riverfront boulevard. It's a modern hotel by Iquitos standards (reflected in the higher than normal price), with contemporary rooms and efficient service. The real highlight is the pool. Ricardo Palma 159.
- Emperador Terraza Hotel – Perhaps the best value for money in Iquitos, especially if you get a balcony room (and you don't mind the traffic noise). With single and matrimonial rooms starting at S/ 100 and S/ 120 respectively (less out of season), it's hard to argue with the prices – and you can even upgrade and have a hot tub in your room. The staff is friendly and efficient, the rooms modern and comfortable, and it's just a block from the Plaza de Armas. Fitzcarrald 191.
_Relaxing in the Amazon Bistro in Iquitos, Peru. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## The Best Restaurants in Iquitos
Some of my friends disagree with me on this, but I think Iquitos is a great city for food. Being such an isolated place, there's extra reliance on local produce from the jungle and the river, making the culinary scene particularly interesting. And it seems like most restaurants buy the bulk of their [ingredients](https://newperuvian.com/essential-ingredients-in-peruvian-cuisine/) from Belén Market each morning.
- La Mishquina – The young chefs at La Mishquina study at the nearby Emilio Romero ISTER Institute, the first school of gastronomy and culinary arts in Iquitos. The restaurant gives them firsthand experience, and their passion is displayed in the food. At around S/ 10, the [lunchtime _menú_](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/) is excellent value. Próspero 507.
* Restaurant Paulina – A simple, family-run restaurant with a great S/. 10 _menú_. Tacna 585.
- Cebicheria El Rincon de Panchito – A tiny cevicheria with excellent food. Moore 257.
* Amazon Bistro – Hip but not pretentious, warmly elegant without being stuffy, the Amazon Bistro is the perfect spot to relax along the riverfront boulevard with a frappucino or beef bourguignon. Malecón Tarapacá 268.
- Dawn on the Amazon Cafe – Dawn on the Amazon was struck by tragedy when its owner, the popular and ever-welcoming Bill Grimes, died during torrential rains and heavy winds that struck Iquitos in September 2016. But the landmark cafe-restaurant still stands strong, and continues to serve excellent food. Malecón Maldonado 185.
* Huasaí Restaurant – A good spot for lunch just half a block from the Plaza de Armas. Fitzcarrald 131.
- Pizzería Chez Maggy Iquitos – It's not always easy to find decent pizza in Peru, but the Chez Maggy chain at least makes a respectable attempt with its authentic pizza oven. Raymondi 158.
* Chef Paz – A great option for ceviche, tiraditos, pastas, Peruvian classics and even Japanese makis. Putumayo 468.
- Ari’s Burger — I don’t recommend the food at this popular place on the square, but I do _highly_ recommend it for its asaí (açaí) smoothies (S/ 5), which are damned addictive. Spend the extra S/ 2 for asaí with camu camu or guaraná. Próspero 127.
* Chato’s Burger – Chato's is my go-to place for late-night hunger pangs after one too many beers. It's not sophisticated in any possible way, but it does perfect food for drunken fools. Samanez Ocampo 140.
- Al Frío y Al Fuego Restaurant – Few restaurants in Peru have such a charming location as Al Frío y Al Fuego, a floating restaurant reachable only by boat (from Avenida La Marina 134-B). It's expensive, but it's a proper dining experience.
_A statue of Eliseo Reátegui Vásquez on the riverfront boulevard in Iquitos. Eliseo, who died in 2001, is known in Iquitos for two reasons: He was a proponent of Amazonian folk music with his band Los Solteritos. He also founded the Shambo ice cream and chupete company, a famous brand from the Peruvian Amazon. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Nightlife in Iquitos
I mainly stuck to the bars in Iquitos rather than nightclubs, but there are some trendy clubs like Noa (Calle Fitzcarrald 298) if you feel like dancing. Also keep an eye open for outdoor musical events, which can attract a large crowd.
- Bodega Bar Judith (CLOSED: I'm fairly sure this place is now closed, which is no great surprise to be honest) — This place is a true dive bar, not some hipster idea of a dive bar. It’s a shithole, basically, but the beer’s cheap and cold, it’s centrally located, and it’s frequented by weirdos. The service is terrible and you might well hate it. I kind of love it. Raymondi 262.
* Harvard Bar — A great spot overlooking the river, with a dark but non unfriendly atmosphere. Great if you want a change from the bars along the boulevard. Down some steps at the river-facing end of Pevas (I think that's right; probably best to ask someone first).
- The Yellow Rose of Texas — The American owner of this bar-restaurant is a controversial figure and seems to be roundly lambasted in Iquitos. But the bar itself is one of the most visually impressive in Peru, with every inch of wall space and ceiling covered in memorabilia, much of it US-oriented. It’s well worth popping in for a beer, although the food is nothing special. Putumayo 174.
* Various bars along the boulevard — The riverfront _bulevar_ (boulevard) along Malecón Tarapacá is full of bars and restaurants. It gets pretty lively at night, especially at the weekend, with a mix of locals, tourists and Chilean hippies. The bars blur into one, especially after five beers, so just pick a table wherever you find one.
## Getting to and Around Iquitos
As mentioned above, getting to Iquitos is by boat or by plane, with no overland options.
You can fly directly to Iquitos from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) and Pucallpa. Several of [Peru's domestic airlines](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/), including LATAM and Star Perú, fly from Lima to Iquitos, sometimes landing in Tarapoto en route. Tickets normally cost between US$80 and $120.
You can catch a large and slow passenger boat to Iquitos from [Yurimaguas](https://newperuvian.com/yurimaguas-travel-guide/) or Pucallpa. The trip takes three to four days, with hammock space costing anywhere between S/ 60 to S/ 100, or S/ 150 to S/ 300 for a tiny cabin. Basic meals are included.
You can also take a _lancha rápida_ — a smaller, faster boat — from Yurimaguas to Nauta (from where you take a bus to Iquitos) or vice versa. It takes about a day and costs between S/ 140 and S/ 200 (about $45 to $60). It's not comfortable, but it is quicker.
Getting around in Iquitos is by mototaxi or minibus. The buses are old and can be hot and cramped, but they get you to most of the attractions listed above. Passenger boats for short trips from the city can be found at the Bellavista Nanay Port about three miles north of the city center.
_I took this photo when I went into the Belén district of Iquitos with a friend who was installing free water filters in poor households. Acrid smoke from an open fire drifted through the stilted home. The kid was friendly but shy._
## Safety in Iquitos
The center of Iquitos is safe during the day and fairly secure at night, although it’s best to walk around at night with a friend or two. Things can get sketchy further away from the center, especially at night, so best to take a taxi.
People will tell you not to walk around without a guide in the Belén district and Belén Market. I walked around Belén Market alone, with my camera, and didn’t feel unsafe at all — apart from when I walked out of the extreme lower end of the market, where a couple of locals approached me and told me to be careful. As for the Belén district, you’ll get much more out of it if you go with a guide who grew up there — and you’ll be safer.
## Internet in Iquitos
Slow, slow, slow. The internet in Iquitos is way better than it used to be, but it’s still aggravatingly slow even by [Peruvian internet standards](https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/). That’s understandable, being a city in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest. Connections aren’t entirely useless, but you’ll find yourself cursing quite a lot of you’re trying to get work done online.
## Weather in Iquitos
The weather in Iquitos is hot, humid and hot. It’s a tropical wet climate with an average temperature of about 27 °C (80.5 °F). The rainy season runs from November and ends in May, with March and April typically having the heaviest rains and highest humidity (the Amazon River reaches its highest levels in May). Less rain falls in July and August, although downpours are still common.
## Major Festivals and Events in Iquitos
- Anniversary of Iquitos — January 5: Plenty of parties and events, normally lasting a week.
- Festival of San Juan — June 24: Always a big deal in the Peruvian jungle.
## Help Expand this Iquitos Travel Guide
If you have any information or recommendations to add to this Iquitos travel guide, feel free to leave a comment below. All opinions are more than welcome. Thanks!
---
# Cusco Travel Guide
URL: https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/
Published: 2017-03-04
Updated: 2026-06-13
Topic: cusco travel guide
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. A city of siege and the clash of civilizations, where Spanish colonial mansions and Catholic monasteries sit atop the impeccable foundations of Inca temples to the sun and the moon. Cusco, modern Peru’s main tourist hub, a mix of every nationality and every walk of life, where the Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas walk among the North Face-wearing throngs of foreign tourists.
To call Cusco a city of contrasts would be a huge understatement. Beautifully preserved, restored and renovated, the entire historic downtown area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose streets and walls, roofs and gardens, ditches and drains reveal the work of pre-Incas, Incas, and Spanish colonial power.
It’s an enchanting city, from the narrow streets of the San Blas district down to the regal Plaza de Armas with its cathedrals and colorful processions. Traditional markets sell everything from touristy trinkets to fresh chickens to bags of coca leaves. Old women in traditional Andean dress wander the streets leading llamas and alpacas, posing for tourists, a picture worth a thousand words and at least a couple of soles.
Tourists pour in and pour out, leave early and return weary from Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and myriad sights and activities in the wider Cusco Region. They eat well in the city; they can sleep well, too, unless they choose a party hostel where lively nights take precedence over rest and recuperation.
Cusco is what you make of it. For many tourists, it’s a picturesque two-day stop-off before and after Machu Picchu. But if you have the luxury of time, it’s a fascinating window into Andean culture, Inca history and the pushes and pulls of a city built by legends and sustained by tourism. And it’s a place that has enough to keep you occupied for, at the very least, a couple of weeks.
Due to the huge amount of sights and attractions in Cusco, around Cusco, and reachable as daytrips from Cusco, this Cusco travel guide will focus only on the city itself. Places reachable from Cusco, including towns and attractions in the Sacred Valley, will be covered in separate articles.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
## Things to Do in Cusco
It’s hard to know where to start with all the things to see and do in Cusco, so I’ll just lay down a list of the most interesting attractions within the city boundaries (well, as far out as Saksaywaman and Qenqo).
- Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor de Cusco) — Cusco’s main square is a fine place to hang out, take photos and watch colorful parades. Notable buildings surrounding the square are Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, both dating back to the 1600s.
* Qurikancha (Coricancha) — This structure was one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire, its walls covered in gold. The gold was stripped to pay the ransom of Atahualpa, and then the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo on top of the site. It’s a spectacular place and well worth a visit.
- Saksaywaman (various other spellings) — This huge archaeologically complex sits above Cusco, providing spectacular views of the city. The Inca stonework here is arguably more impressive than at Machu Picchu, with vast blocks joined together with incredible precision. This site is included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
* Qenqo — Located just north of Cusco and easy to reach, this megalithic temple was probably used for ritual offerings, perhaps even sacrifices. Also included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Museo Inka — Possibly the best museum in Cusco. Small, but good for getting a better idea of the Inca civilization.
* Museo Histórico Regional — Another small museum, but better than most in Cusco, with a wide chronological span. And it’s included on the full Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Monumento a Pachacuteq (Pachacuteq Statue) — Located on a roundabout about 1.25 miles southeast of the Plaza de Armas, this towering statue of the Inca ruler Pachacuteq is quite an impressive sight. You’ll find some displays and info inside the building that forms the base of the statue, but the real highlight is looking across Cusco from the oversized feet of Pachacuteq. Entrance included on full Cusco Tourist Ticket.
* Planetarium Cusco ([www.planetariumcusco.com](http://www.planetariumcusco.com/en/)) — I haven't been to Cusco’s planetarium yet, but I’ve heard good things about it. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for something to do in Cusco at night.
- San Pedro Market — A traditional market located just six blocks southwest of the Plaza de Armas. If you’ve never been to a Peruvian market, this is a good place to start.
* El Baratillo — This sprawling flea market is an absolute treasure trove of total randomness — and I love it. Held every Saturday from 5 a.m. onwards, the market spreads out across numerous streets in an area about four blocks directly south of San Pedro Market. It’s not touristy in any way, and people are always warning about pickpockets and snatch theft. I strolled around the stalls for at least a couple of hours, admiring everything from knuckle dusters to ships in bottles, and it seemed pretty safe to me.
- Just explore — Cusco is a great place to just go walking, be it in the picturesque San Blas district or through the impressive streets of the historic center. The obvious hot spots for touristy strolls are the Plaza de Armas and Hatunrumiyoc Street, the latter being home to the famous 12-angled stone (where you’ll encounter an almost constant choke-point due to lingering tourists).
* Day trips — Cusco is also the base for the region’s big-ticket sights beyond the city: the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu itself. For Rainbow Mountain, pick an operator that leaves early; specialists like [Rainbow Mountain Travels](https://www.rainbowmountaintravels.com/) time their departures to reach the summit ahead of the mid-morning crowds, which makes a real difference up there. For the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train or the Inca Trail, Cusco-based [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/) covers the full range with local guides.
_Looking up a busy Calle Marquez to the Arco de Santa Clara (Santa Clara Arch). Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Where to Stay in Cusco
Whether you’re looking for a double room in a restored colonial mansion or the top bunk in a dirt-cheap but safe and sociable hostel, Cusco pretty much has it all.
But first you need to decide where in Cusco you want to stay. There are hostels and hotel a stone’s throw from the Plaza de Armas, right in the action. It might be noisier, but at least you won’t have to walk too far. And Cusco is a high altitude city, where even a shallow uphill ascent can be a lung-bursting experience.
The San Blas district of Cusco, on the other hand, is a solid slog uphill along cobbled streets. For the unaccustomed, it’s a royal pain in the lungs. That said, San Blas is just about the prettiest part of Cusco, its narrow streets full of hip cafes, great restaurants and shops owned by some of the city’s best artisans.
Alternatively, head six or seven blocks west-southwest from the main square, past Plaza San Francisco, and you’ll come to a part of town that’s not quite so pretty, but cheaper and far less clogged with tourists. Here you’ll find plenty of affordable hostels and midrange hotels.
Of course, you can always look for a place well outside the historic center of Cusco. Speaking very generally, however, the quality, comfort and security of hostels and hotels does decline the further you are from the center. There are exceptions, but do some extra research before choosing accommodation in less popular neighborhoods.
In terms of the price of accommodation in Cusco, you can find dorms for S/ 20 per person (about $6) and even small private rooms for as little as S/ 30 to S/ 40 ($9 to $12). If you actually want to sleep, then avoid the party hostels. You can see [my recommendations for cheap and quiet hostels in Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/quiet-hostels-in-cusco-cheap/) here.
Beyond the hostels, you’ll find nondescript, minimal-frills hotels with private rooms from S/ 100 to S/ 200 a night ($30 to $60). Stepping up into the more luxurious three- and four-star range, you can still find a pretty and well-appointed matrimonial room for as little as S/ 300 ($90). Try Illa Hotel in San Blas for the colonial experience at affordable prices.
If you’ve got cash to burn, then go for one of Cusco’s very best hotels, such as [Inkaterra La Casona](https://newperuvian.com/inkaterra-la-casona-hotel-conquistadors-kings/) or the Belmond Hotel Monasterio. A night in one of these famous colonial mansions will set you back in excess of US$400.
_Carmen Alto street in the San Blas neighborhood of Cusco. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
## Restaurants in Cusco
Cusco is a great city for food.
If you’ve been on the road for a while and you’re craving food from home, then there’s a chance you’ll find it in Cusco. Head up to San Blas for Indian food at Korma Sutra, Mexican at Tacomania, and ribs in Cuse Smokehouse. Near the center you’ll find tapas at Cicciolina, epic burgers at Papacho’s and a bunch of kebab places scattered around for soaking up late-night beer.
For traditional Andean dishes, you’ll never be short of options. For _chicharron de chancho_ (lumps of fried pork), head to a street called Pampa del Castillo that leads to the Qurikancha, where you’ll find a handful of _chicharronerias_ including the excellent Los Mundialistas. For more local specialties, head to a quinta or picanteria, a traditional Andean-style restaurant. My favorite is the super-local and slightly rough around the edges Quinta Waly; for something a little more sophisticated, try Quinta Eulalia.
For elevated Peruvian cuisine, head to Marcelo Batata and Uchu, both owned by one of Cusco’s top chefs, Erick Paz Gallegos. Both restaurants are world-class without being pretensions.
Rather than pack this Cusco travel guide with details of all these restaurants and more, I've written a separate [guide to more than 25 of the best restaurants in Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/best-restaurants-in-cusco-peru/).
## Nightlife in Cusco
Cusco is a bar crawler’s Peruvian holiday paradise, apart from when it’s freezing cold at night — which just makes you stay in the bar for longer.
Paddy’s Irish Bar and Norton Rat’s Tavern are two of the most famous and most established bars, both located on the Plaza de Armas. Paddy’s is the more charming of the two, but Norton Rat’s is cheaper, more spacious and, from my experience, has a better mix of locals and tourists.
For craft beer ([and maybe some cider](https://newperuvian.com/scott-jones-englishman-introducing-cider-to-peru/)), go to Cholos Tap Room, Nuevo Mundo Draft Bar or take a short cab ride to Zenith Brewery. For shots of all shapes and sizes — including in a tea pot and lined up on a ski — you can’t beat La Chupiteria Shot Bar. A totally non-touristy place I like to go is Té Macho II, which specializes in jugs of _té macho_, a traditional mix of black tea, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, lime juice and pisco brandy — perfect for a cold night.
When it comes to nightclubs in Cusco, I’ll humbly let you make your own minds up. Personally, I have a low tolerance for Cusco’s nightclubs, including popular central options like Temple and Mythology. Maybe I’m just getting old, but I’d rather avoid the tacky meat-markets and go find some live local music in a place like Ukukus or Roswell.
_Looking over at Paddy's (left) and Papacho's (right) from a balcony at Norton Rat's — with two pints of Zenith craft beer. Photo by Tony Dunnell._
### Getting to and Around Cusco
Getting to Cusco is a fairly straightforward process for most travelers, especially from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) or other major cities in the southern half of the country. You can fly direct from Lima in just over an hour, or take the bus (20+ hours). You can also fly from Arequipa direct to Lima.
There are currently no direct flights from the northern half of Peru to Cusco; you’ll have to fly to Lima for an onward flight to Cusco.
Heading on from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca, you can take a regular bus (six to seven hours), or do it the scenic way with a tourist service like [Inka Express](https://www.inkaexpress.com/), which breaks the ride up with stops at Andahuaylillas and Raqchi and includes a buffet lunch.
Getting around in Cusco is easy, unless you’re puffing and panting your way uphill. The city isn’t all that big — the population is about 430,000, making it [the seventh largest city in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/) — so you can get to most places fairly quickly by taxi.
The biggest taxi rip-off in Cusco is at the airport, where official taxis will take you to the historic center for about S/ 40. If you just step outside onto the street, you’ll pay S/ 10 for the same trip. It’s safe enough to this during the day, but you might want to take an official airport taxi at night.
## Safety in Cusco
Cusco is a fairly safe city, especially in the historic center. Tourist police roam around the Plaza de Armas and adjoining streets during the day and at night.
Always be more cautious after dark and ideally walk with at least one friend — or take a taxi. Very late at night, even tourist hubs like the San Blas district can be slightly edgy, especially if you find yourself walking in a deserted street. Be very careful at night up near the Saksaywaman archaeological complex, where female tourists have been robbed and raped.
## Withdrawing and Exchanging Money in Cusco
You’ll find plenty of ATMs on or near the main square, where you can withdraw soles and dollars ([read more about ATMs in Peru here](https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/)).
If you want to exchange dollars, you can do so inside the banks, at _casas de cambio_ (currency exchange offices/bureaux de change), or with street money changers. The street money changers normally offer the best rates (_tipo de cambio_). You can read more about [money changers and using US dollars in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/using-us-dollars-in-peru/) here.
## Internet in Cusco
The internet in Cusco is pretty good (read more about [internet access in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/)), so you should be able to find somewhere to get online at reasonable speeds. You’ll find internet cafes almost everywhere, but they are becoming more and more obsolete for travelers as almost all hostels and hotels now provide Wi-Fi. Many cafes, restaurants and bars in Cusco also offer free Wi-Fi.
## Weather in Cusco
Generally speaking, Cusco has a temperate climate with spring-like days for much of the year. Cusco is driest from May to September, which is also the high season for visitors to Machu Picchu (particularly June, July and August). This period also has the coldest nights, which can be chilly indeed, so pack some warm clothing.
Night temperatures are milder from November to March, but this is also the wettest period. January and February can be particularly wet.
## Festivals and Events in Cusco
- Carnival — throughout February: Takes place throughout the streets of Cusco, but with a focus on the Plaza de Armas. Here you’ll see dances, parades, and people throwing shit loads of water and paint all other each other. Keep your camera well covered or leave it in your room.
* Semana Santa (Holy Week) — movable feast, March/April
- Fiesta de la Cruz (Cruz Velacuy) — May 3
* Inti Raymi — June 24
- El Señor de Huanca — September 14: A huge religious procession from the city (and other locations) to the sanctuary of El Señor de Huanca, about 30 miles (48 km) from Cusco.
* Día de Todos los Santos — November 1: All Saint’s Day is celebrated throughout Peru, but is particularly vibrant in the Cusco Region.
- Santuranticuy — December 24: One of the largest arts and crafts fairs in Peru, held every year on the Plaza de Armas (main square).
## Help Expand This Cusco Travel Guide
If you have additional information or extra recommendations to help expand and improve this Cusco travel guide, then don't hesitate to leave a comment below. All opinions and points of view are more than welcome. Thanks!
---
# Cockfighting in Peru: The Merchant, the Careador, the Spectator
URL: https://newperuvian.com/cockfighting-in-peru-merchant-careador-spectator/
Published: 2017-02-27
Updated: 2017-06-27
Topic: cockfighting in peru
The man gently lifted his injured cockerel from the dirt of the arena, its body still and its head hanging from his thick hands. Around the arena, in sloping banks of wooden bleachers, other men stood shouting out bets and passing money to the bookmaker. They clutched bottles of beer as they chatted and bellowed and laughed.
The man cradled his stricken fighter as he walked up through the narrow aisle to the back of the small arena where he disappeared into the dark. It was his last fight of the day, and mine. I no longer had the stomach to watch these fighting cocks try to strip each other’s blood to the sand.
### The Merchant
A couple of hours earlier, a merchant stood behind a small wooden table laying out his wares on the flat ground above the cockpit. Above him a high corrugated metal roof covered the entire arena and its outskirts, casting a cool dark shade upon the dirt floor. The late-afternoon sun beat down on the ground outside the shade of the _coliseo de gallos_, a bright fringe of raw Amazonian heat.
A few locals had gathered, but there was still half an hour until the fighting began. Women were cooking strips of cecina and pieces of chicken on their grills, the smoke drifting in the still air, while children scurried around playing tag and kicking up dust.
The merchant unfurled a series of red leather cases. Inside were neat arrays of cockfighting spurs. Some glinted in the half-light; they were made of metal. Others were dull and made of plastic. The most expensive were made of fishbone. I asked the merchant how much they cost. “These are the best,” he said in his lilting jungle Spanish, pointing to the fishbone spurs, “Four hundred soles.” That’s serious money, I thought. More than $120 for a couple of foot-spears designed for aggressive chickens.
But this was my introduction to cockfighting in Peru, and I had no idea how much money was involved, even at a small neighborhood _coliseo_ like this one in the high-jungle city of [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/).
### The Careador
The _careadores_ — the owners, trainers and handlers of the fighting cocks — began to arrive as the sun slowly descended toward the jungle-coated hills of the horizon. They carried their cocks in neat carrying cases, especially designed for the purpose. They took their birds to the weighing station, where each cock was gently hung from a scale and weighed quite carefully. Like a professional boxing bout, the matchups would be determined by weight.
I’d seen fighting cocks like these tied up all across town. On soccer fields, on top of bare brick walls, down on flat banks by the river where the women scrub clothes on the smooth rocks. The cocks would be tied by one leg to a small stake in the ground, presumably so they could get out of their cages for a while. A loose _gallo de pelea_, a trained fighting cock, will typically go on the offensive at any opportunity, so they are not left to roam freely.
In most cases, a proven or promising fighting cock is well cared for. Not like a pet, but like a champion, like a tiny feathered boxer who can make a pretty penny for its owner. And the training is not cheap. A _careador_ will spend thousands of soles for each of his cocks, on medicine, food, care and training. And some won’t last long, making the investment a risky one.
The potential rewards, however, offset the risk, at least in the minds of the determined _careadores_. They eye the _pollón_, a prize awarded to any trainer whose cock defeats its opponent in a certain amount of time, usually between 30 and 45 seconds. That’s a rapid victory considering many fights have a total duration of about eight minutes.
The prize for the _pollón_ can be anywhere between S/ 1,000 and S/ 30,000 ($300 to $9,000), depending on the tournament. Throw in the other prizes for simply winning fights, and the overall pot can be impressive. The [monthly minimum wage in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/current-minimum-wage-in-peru-in-us-dollars-and-soles/), for scale, is S/ 850, or about $260.
### The Spectator
With the fighters weighed and the crowds assembled, all eyes shifted to the sunken cockpit at the heart of the _coliseo de gallos_. The sand at its center was freshly raked in a circular pattern.
It was a full house; the energy was growing as the sun set, casting the world outside into humid darkness. But the strip lighting above the arena poured light down on to the brown sand, attracting circling moths and other insects into the world of the coliseum.
I sat in the second row. I'd decided that if I was going to watch something that instinctively repelled me, I’d do so as close to the action as possible. Through the packed rows of ascending seats all around me, three narrow stairways ran down from the rear of the coliseum. Each ultimately descended to a small opening onto the arena sand: Two thigh-high white doors for the rival _careadores,_ and one for the _juez_, or judge. Once the judge was in position, the two trainers walked down, each carrying his fighting cock, both in the lowest weight category.
The bets immediately started to fly around, shouted to the front of the arena where a man stood with one hand full of banknotes and a notebook in the other.
Despite the bets, the beer and the soon-to-start blood sport, it was not a seedy event at all. No gangsters, no clandestine exchanges, no watchmen at the fringes looking out for the police or animal welfare agents. All legal, all above board, no police or protesters. In fact, it was one of the more organized events I’d seen in Peru, with people from all social classes. Children still scurried around at the back, seemingly uninterested in the cockfights, occasionally coming down into the crowd to ask dad for some money for chicha morada or a cooling raspadilla.
The two _careadores_ knelt on the sand at opposite sides of the arena, their hands placed firmly on their respective fighters. The men raised their birds and shook them at each other, agitating the cocks and stirring their aggression. Then they pushed the straining birds to the ground. A buzzer sounded and the _careadores_ released the fighters before leaping over the low arena wall into the crowd. In an instant, the two cocks were at each other, a frenzied confrontation of audible pecks and the strange sound of spur and beak on feather, like the rapid rasping of wood on wood.
No _pollón_ occurred between these two lightweights. The fight dragged on and the cocks tired, circling frequently with occasional flurries into the attack. It went the full distance and, as far as I could tell, the judge declared a stalemate, a tie.
I sat relieved, glad that neither bird had died or been maimed. Both looked fairly healthy when the fight ended and their trainers carried them away.
A second fight followed, much like the first. Lightweights, agile but seemingly lacking any quick killer blow. Feathers were plucked and the sand was scuffed and scattered, but the birds were carried away, again unscathed.
The third fight was a different experience. Two larger cocks — perhaps of the heaviest weight — were brought down by their _careadores_. They were impressive creatures, proud and sturdy, with red and black feathers, sleek and shiny.
The fight was brutal. The impacts now rang out with ripping and wet cleaving sounds, and the cocks frequently became interlocked. Occasionally one would fall flat, obviously stunned, until its owner jumped into the arena to prop it back up and send it wading into the fight like a wind-up toy. They clashed and entwined, split and tore feathers, and more and more it seemed like this one was to the death.
It was a sick sight, far more so than the previous two bouts. But the crowd was more energized than before, and the spectator numbers had swelled. Cries of fresh wagers flew through the air: “Fifty soles on El Negro!” “Thirty soles on Pelo Rojo!”
The red-feathered fighting cock fell in a heap following a vicious spur strike from its rival. Limp, it lay in the sand alongside a few spatters of blood. It was done, it was over, and his owner leaped into the arena once again, this time visibly concerned. He lifted his fighter in two hands, its head hanging, and left the arena while the bookmaker tried to manage the bets of the boisterous crowd.
For me, I’d seen enough. The warm night was still early and far from over, with perhaps 10 or more fights to go, and I had no intention of watching another.
On my way out, I passed the merchant at the back of the arena. He smiled and asked me what I thought of the cockfighting. I told him it wasn’t my kind of thing. I asked him if he saw what happened to the cock that lost the last fight. “It will be OK,” he said. “It won’t fight again, but they’ll keep it for breeding.” He smiled again.
I’m fairly sure he was lying.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
## How and Where to Watch Cockfighting in Peru
If you want to watch cockfighting in Peru, ask around for the nearest _coliseo de gallos_ (cockfighting arena, or “coliseum”). Most towns and cities have at least one. As mentioned above, it’s not a seedy event. Unlike in countries like the UK, the USA and Australia, cockfighting is completely legal in Peru. The crowd is usually mixed and unthreatening, although you’ll probably come across a few drunk men later in the day.
Cockfighting events in Peru are normally advertised with flyers and posters like the ones shown below.
_Have you watched cockfighting in Peru? What was the experience like for you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks!_
---
# 17 Weird Foods in Peru for Adventurous Eaters to Try
URL: https://newperuvian.com/weird-foods-in-peru-for-adventurous-eaters/
Published: 2017-02-23
Updated: 2018-05-31
Topic: weird foods in peru
If you’re an adventurous eater and like to try strange new things when you travel, you’ll find plenty of weird foods in Peru to keep your curiosity satisfied. From big-bottomed ants to roasted guinea pigs, from jungle grubs to highland clay, there’s rarely a dull culinary day when you’re traveling in Peru…
### Ants
The large leafcutter ant _Atta laevigata_ is a strange treat from the jungle regions of Peru. Pan roasted and sold by the scoop or the kilo, these crunchy little fellas — known as _mamacos_, _siqui sapa_ or _domblos_ in Peru — have an initial flavor similar to pork cracklings, followed by an earthy aftertaste. You can find mamacos in local markets, but they are seasonal; October and November seem like good months to find them. A kilo of mamacos will set you back about S/ 50, or you can buy a small scoop for a sol or two. You can find them in other South American countries, where they might be known as _hormigas culonas_: “big-bottomed ants.”
_Peruvian mamacos, or roasted ants (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
### Grubs
Probably one of the least appealing foods in Peru, _suri_ grubs are fat, wriggly things that should have no business near anyone’s mouth. The grubs are the larvae of the South American palm weevil (_Rhynchophorus palmarum_), known as the _cocotero_ in Peru. Another Amazonian delicacy, you’ll always find them squirming around in buckets in Belen Market in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/). And while you _can_ eat them alive, they are normally stuck on sticks and grilled. If you get one that’s been perfectly cooked — not too much and not too little — it can be quite palatable. Otherwise… well, it’s not a pleasant experience at all.
_Suri grubs on a grill in Belen Market, Iquitos (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
### Mondongo
Before you order mondongo because of its fun-sounding name (which is exactly what I did when I first arrived in Peru), ask yourself if you really want a plate of wobbly tripe. This dish of diced cow or pig stomach comes in various forms: as a soup, as a plate of unadorned white lumps, and as the more popular and far more presentable_ cau cau de mondongo_. However it comes, I’ve never had a mondongo that’s given me any pleasure whatsoever. It’s not even that weird, it’s just nasty.
### Cow Heart Anticuchos
The classic meat-on-a-stick staple in Peru, you’ll find anticuchos pretty much everywhere. Chicken anticuchos, beef anticuchos and various other anticuchos are prepared on street-carts and in restaurants known as _anticucheras_, but the most traditional and most common is the cow heart anticucho. For the offal-averse, cow heart may not be too appealing. But give it a go. Marinated in vinegar and spices and cooked to perfection, the cow heart anticucho deserves its street-food star status.
_Cow heart anticuchos ([photo by Kevin Tao](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ktao1/8096996242/), flickr.com)_
### Paiche
Paiche is an Amazonian fish that seems perfectly normal while you’re eating it, but gets weirder the more you know about it. Paiche, know scientifically as _Arapaima gigas_, is a monster of a fish; growing to over 6.5 feet (2 meters) in length, it’s one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. It’s also been around for a long, long time, not changing much from the Miocene epoch (that’s a whopping 5 million years ago). Being an evolutionary old-school wonder, this fish even has to come to the surface to breathe using its lung-like organs. So when you eat paiche — a sublime fish whether roasted, seared, grilled, steamed or in an Amazonian-style ceviche — give it the weird kind of respect it deserves.
\\\\\ style="display:block"\ data-ad-client="ca-pub-4038165087345825"\ data-ad-slot="6934623720"\ data-ad-format="auto">\\\
### Bull Testicles
Bull testicles, known as _criadillas de toro_ or _criadillas de res_, find their way into a handful of Peruvian dishes. Of all the [different types of ceviche](https://newperuvian.com/types-of-ceviche/) available in Peru, the strangest is definitely _ceviche de criadillas_, in which the frozen testicles are sliced and then added to the classic ceviche mix, where they thaw while cooking in lime juice. There's also _sarsa de criadilla_ (popular in Ayacucho), in which the testicles are boiled, chopped up and added to a mix that might contain beans, corn, onion, peppers, potatoes and vinegar. Enough stuff, at least, to maybe disguise the fact that you're eating balls.
### Chicken Feet
You might already have seen people snacking on chicken feet if you’ve been to China, Indonesia, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Romania, Italy, Jamaica, South Africa, and a few other countries. Apparently people also eat chicken feet in the Southern United States — pickled in vinegar, which sounds extra disgusting. But for the uninitiated in Peru, seeing a street grill covered in little chicken feet can be slightly surprising. I mean, how much meat can a chicken foot provide? The answer is none. It’s all bone, skin and tendon, which is why chicken feet are also found in many Peruvian soups and broths. I always spoon them out and put them as far away as possible, but plenty of Peruvians will happily gnaw away on the collagen-rich clawed appendages.
### Llama Jerky
If you’re a jerky fan (they must exist, right?), then don’t go to Peru without trying traditional llama jerky. The word "jerky" has its origins in the Quechua word ch'arki, meaning "dried, salted meat," the salted meat historically being that of the humble llama (one of South America’s indigenous domesticated animals). Make sure you get the good stuff, as less authentic versions are made from beef or — and the package might not tell you this — horse meat.
_Ch'arki, or Peruvian jerky ([photo by Gab](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Charqui.jpg), Wikimedia Commons)_
### Alpaca Steak
Alpaca is a delicious, lean meat that's low in cholesterol and low in fat. If you’re walking around Peru taking photos of these pretty camelids and buying textiles made from their soft, soft wool, you might not be thinking “Hmm, I’d love to eat one of those.” Adventurous carnivores would be missing out, however, as alpaca steaks are fine things indeed. As well as being relatively healthy compared to other steaks, they're also extremely tender with a subtle sweetness.
_Char-broiled alpaca steak at Marcelo Batata Restaurant in Cusco (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
### Chicken Hearts
Chicken hearts on a stick? Well, if you’re going to eat something’s feet, you might as well eat its heart too, I guess. Once you get your head around the visual image of tiny little hearts skewered on a stick like some kind of warped Valentine’s Day decoration, then you might actually enjoy an _anticucho de corazón de pollo_ (chicken heart anticucho). Just don’t give it to your girlfriend as some kind of romantic holiday gesture.
### Sangrecita
“What’s for lunch, mommy?” “Chicken blood, my dear!” Yummy. If you’re accustomed to eating blood sausage, black pudding or any other variation of blood-based products, then you won’t have any problems dealing with Peruvian _sangrecita_. Sangrecita is made from chicken blood mixed with potatoes or yucca and seasoned with garlic, onion, chili pepper and herbs. It’s either served loose on a plate or in sausage form; the sausage variety is sometimes called a _morcilla_. It’s actually not too bad if it’s well prepared. But if blood ain’t your thing, you’ll probably want to skip it.
### Goat’s Head Broth
It’s kind of hard to eat soup when there’s a head in it. But if you like a nice succulent jaw bone in your broth, you’ll love _caldo de cabeza de carnero_. Popular in highland regions like Juliaca, [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/), [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), Huánuco and Ancash, this goat’s or ram’s head broth is packed with vitamins and minerals, and a few other bits that might slightly diminish the dish’s undeniably excellent nutritional value.
_Eating caldo de cabeza with extra jaw bone. Her friend's expression says it all ([photo by lalo quiroz](https://www.flickr.com/photos/laloquiroz/8378355190/), flickr.com)_
### Guinea Pig
It’s an obvious entry, but this list of weird foods in Peru wouldn’t be complete without guinea pigs. Guinea pig, or _cuy_ as it’s known in Peru, is a tough one to swallow if you've ever had a guinea pig as a pet. Even if you didn’t, the very sight of a roasted guinea pig can send shivers down your spine. When cooked, guinea pigs tend to have an expression of either a) maniacal joy or b) blood-curdling terror. Either way, it’s not what you want looking back at you while you have your lunch. And guinea pig is often served with the head still on.
_Cooked guinea pigs at a food fair in Cusco. Should you order lunch or call an exorcist? (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
### Giant Amazonian River Snails
Another jungle delight, giant Amazonian river snails are an important source of protein among indigenous peoples in the Peruvian Amazon, and are also sold in markets in Iquitos and other jungle towns and cities. Known locally as _churos_, the snails are chopped up and thrown into stews with plantain, garlic and salt.
### Frog Smoothies
Generally speaking, you should avoid any Peruvian dish — or smoothie — that’s made using frogs. Not because they sound revolting, but because the frogs used in these creations might already be on [the list of critically endangered species in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/list-of-critically-endangered-species-in-peru/). About those smoothies: Yep, that’s a real thing. Matrons in markets blend frog flesh into smoothies for their apparent medicinal and performance enhancing benefits. Frogs are eaten in other ways, too, including the critically endangered Titicaca water frog, whose very existence is under threat partly due to human consumption. Best avoided.
### Clay
I first came across people eating clay in Peru when I last went to Puno. I was traveling across the windswept altiplano to the archaeological site of Sillustani when we stopped off for some food at a sturdy stone house by the roadside. Here, the family had a spread of potatoes, tubers and cheese, all of which they were dipping into _arcilla de chaco_, a yellow-brown sauce made from local clay. Apparently it helps with all manner of things, including indigestion and stomach ulcers. You can [read more about my encounter with the clay eaters](https://munchies.vice.com/en_uk/articles/why-perus-altiplano-farmers-eat-clay-with-their-potatoes) in an article I wrote for VICE.
_Arcilla de chaco, the edible clay of Peru (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
## Have You Come Across Other Weird Foods in Peru?
I’m sure I’m forgetting — or have yet to come across — many other strange foods in Peru. So if you’ve eaten something in Peru you’d consider strange, bizarre or otherwise notable, please share it with us in the comments section below. Thanks!
---
# A Sobering List of Critically Endangered Species in Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/list-of-critically-endangered-species-in-peru/
Published: 2017-02-21
Updated: 2018-08-25
Topic: endangered species in peru
It’s a sad and sobering thing to look at the list of critically endangered species in Peru, as it is for any country. As of February 2017, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists 51 species that are currently critically endangered in Peru (with a further 106 endangered).
IUCN defines critically endangered as follows:
> “A taxon \[a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms] is Critically Endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.”
To give you an idea of how fragile and immediate this status is, all too many species listed below have populations of less than 250, some with estimated population declines of 80% over the next ten years. Some are already considered to be probably extinct.
### Critically Endangered Mammals in Peru
- Rio Mayo Titi Monkey (_Callicebus oenanthe_) — The Rio Mayo titi, also known as the San Martín titi and Andean titi monkey, is found in the Andean foothills of Peru and in the northern part of the San Martín Region. Major habitat loss has made the Rio Mayo titi one of the most endangered primates in the world.
* Ecuadorian White-fronted Capuchin (_Cebus aequatorialis_) — Considered a subspecies of the white-fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons), the Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchin exists in less than 10 protected areas in Andean Peru and Ecuador.
- Zuniga's Dark Rice Rat (_Melanomys zunigae_) — A species of rodent known only from a small region of coastal Peru.
* Peruvian Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey (_Oreonax flavicauda_) — One of the largest neotropical primates and one of Peru's largest endemic mammals, the yellow-tailed woolly monkey lives in the Peruvian Andes, primarily in the departments of Amazonas and San Martín.
_An endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey (photo by [Platyrrhinus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cola_amarilla.jpg), Wikimedia Commons)_
### Critically Endangered Reptiles in Peru
- Brazilian Woodland Racer (_Drymoluber apurimacensis_) — Also known as the Apurímac woodland racer, this rare and critically endangered snake is known only from the Apurímac region of Peru.
* Lima Leaf-toed Gecko (_Phyllodactylus sentosus_) — Now found at only a handful of archaeological sites in the Lima Region.
### Critically Endangered Birds in Peru
- Royal Cinclodes (_Cinclodes aricomae_) — This critically endangered bird breeds in the Andes of south-east Peru and bordering areas in Bolivia. Its population is believed to be less than 250.
* White-bellied Cinclodes (_Cinclodes palliates_) — Inhabits high-altitude marshy grassland in the Junín Region of central Peru.
_Image shows a white-bellied cinclodes at the Ticlio Pass in central Peru (photo by [Dominic Sherony](https://www.flickr.com/photos/9765210@N03/4856328373/), flickr.com)_
- Chilean Woodstar (_Eulidia yarrellii_) — Normally found in the far north of Chile, but has also been reported in southern Peru.
* Galapagos Petrel (_Pterodroma phaeopygia_) — Endemic to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, the Galapagos petrel has also been spotted off the coast of Peru.
_Image shows two Galapagos petrels in flight ([photo by Lip Kee](https://www.flickr.com/photos/lipkee/20668221365/), flickr.com)_
- Marañón Spinetail (_Synallaxis maranonica_) — Found in subtropical or tropical forests and shrub lands of Peru and Ecuador.
* Junín Grebe (_Podiceps taczanowskii_) — This grebe, also known as the puna grebe, is found only on Lake Junín in the highlands of Junín in west-central Peru.
_Image shows a Junín grebe with its distinctive red eyes ([photo by Birdingperu](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Junin-Grebe-Podiceps-tacznowskii_Photo_-_Gunnar_Engblom,_Kolibri_Expeditions.jpg), Wikimedia Commons)_
- Sira Curassow (_Pauxi koepckeae_) — Found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests of central Peru, with a population of below 250 and decreasing.
* White-winged Guan (_Penelope albipennis_) — Found in the regions of Lambayeque, Cajamarca and Piura in northwest Peru.
- Waved Albatross (_Phoebastria irrorata_) — Also known as the Galapagos albatross, these medium-sized albatrosses breed in the Galápagos archipelago and head to the coast of Peru and Ecuador during non-breeding season.
_Waved albatrosses ([photo by putneymark](https://www.flickr.com/photos/putneymark/1352614906/), flickr.com)_
### Critically Endangered Fish in Peru
- _Anablepsoides speciosus_ — Currently known to exist only in and around the Quisto Cocha (Quistacocha) lagoon just outside [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/). Critically endangered and declining due to capture for the ornamental trade and declining habitat conditions.
* _Aposturisoma myriodon_ — A species of armored catfish, it is native to the Aguaytia River basin of the Upper Amazon River system.
- _Astroblepus formosus_ — A catfish found in the Ucayali River in Peru.
* Red Pencilfish (_Nannostomus mortenthaleri_) — Known for its bright coral-red coloration, the red pencilfish has only been recorded from a small tributary of the Nanay River, and possibly the Tigre River, in Peru.
- Largetooth Sawfish (_Pristis pristis_) — A sawfish found in various parts of the world. Its appearance in Peru may represented seasonal migration from the species’ core range in Central America.
* _Rhamdella Montana_ — Found in a small part of the Ucayali River basin in Peru.
- _Rhamdia xetequepeque_ — Found in a small part of the Jequetepeque River basin in Peru.
* _Sciaena callaensis_ — Found in the brackish water of Callao Bay near [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/). Due to continued pollution of this bay, and the fact that the fish hasn’t been seen since 1966, it is considered possibly extinct.
_The critically endangered red pencilfish ([photo by Brian Gratwicke](https://www.flickr.com/photos/briangratwicke/3320777617/), flickr.com)_
### Critically Endangered Amphibians in Peru
A large number of frogs and toads are currently listed as critically endangered species in Peru. I was wondering why, so I asked my friend Evan Twomey (see [dendrobates.org](http://www.dendrobates.org/)), a postdoctoral researcher studying color evolution in Ranitomeya (a genus of poison dart frog). According to Evan:
"The main reason so many frogs and toads are on the red list is that they are generally fragile, which makes them sensitive to a number of factors such as habitat loss/degradation, and various diseases (especially chytrid fungus). In a lot of cases chytrid fungus has really destroyed a lot of populations/species, especially in the highlands and throughout central America. There are some other factors — for example, in the Amazon, a lot of species are not well studied so their distributions aren't well known outside a few localities. This could cause some people to think the distribution is, or at least could be, small. Usually people err on the side of caution and assess conservation status based on the currently known distribution, which is often an underestimate of the real distribution. It's very common for frogs to have large range extensions, which would obviously affect the conservation assessment. For example, the species _Cochranella erminea_ (a glassfrog) was known originally only from its original description, from a couple localities in southern Peru. In 2010 we found this species way in the north of Peru, which was something like a 900 km range extension. So, a conservation assessment based on the original data would have severely underestimated its distribution and made the conservation assessment much more dire than reality."
- Oxapampa Poison Frog (_Ameerega planipaleae_) — A rare poison frog found in wetlands near Oxapampa, Peru.
* Andes stubfoot toad (_Atelopus andinus_) — This toad is found in small parts of San Martín and Loreto in [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/). It’s population is declining, possibly by 50% over the next 10 years.
- _Atelopus epikeisthos_ — A toad know from only one locality a few miles east of [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) in northern Peru.
* Carabaya Stubfoot Toad (_Atelopus erythropus_) — This toad lives in cloud forest in the Cordillera Carabaya in the Puno Region of southern Peru. Its population decline is estimated to be more than 80% over the next ten years.
- _Atelopus eusebiodiazi_ — A toad found in cloud forest near Ayabaca in the northern portion of the Cordillera de Huancabamba in the Piura Region.
* Schmidt's Stubfoot Toad (_Atelopus pachydermus_) — Found in parts of the Andes of northern Peru and southern Ecuador. Considered possibly extinct, probably due to [the effects of climate change in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/effects-of-climate-change-in-peru/) and chytridiomycosis (an infectious disease in amphibians).
- _Atelopus patazensis_ — A toad known from one locality, an inter-Andean valley of the northern portion of the Cordillera Central in the La Libertad Region of northwestern Peru.
* Peru Stubfoot Toad (_Atelopus peruensis_) — Primarily found in the Cajamarca Region, also in the regions of Ancash and Piura.
- _Atelopus podocarpus_ — Another possibly extinct toad, last seen in December 1994 in Parque Nacional Podocarpus, Ecuador. It is (was) also found in the Piura Region of northern Peru.
* _Atelopus pulcher_ — A toad found in the upper Río Huallaga drainage of San Martín and Loreto.
- _Atelopus pyrodactylus_ — A toad known from only one locality along a trail from Los Chilchos to Leymebamba in the San Martín Region.
* _Atelopus reticulatus_ — A toad known from a single location along the Tingo Mariá to Pucallpa road.
- Upper Amazon Stubfoot Toad (_Atelopus seminiferous_) — Found in a location between Balsa Puerto and Moyobamba in San Martín.
* _Gastrotheca zeugocystis_ — A toad found in the Cordillera de Carpish in the Huánuco Region.
- Cannatella's Andes Frog (_Hypodactylus lucida_) — Found at a high altitude location in the Cordillera Oriental west of the Río Apurimac, Ayacucho Region.
* Ayacucho Andes Frog (_Oreobates pereger_) — A critically endangered frog known from the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental and Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain ranges.
- _Phrynopus dagmarae_ — A frog known from only three mountain peaks: Chaglla, Maraypata and Palma Pampa in the Huánuco Region.
* _Phrynopus heimorum_ — A frog of the eastern Andean slopes of central Peru in the Huánuco Region.
- Junin Andes Frog (_Phrynopus juninensis_) — A frog known from two locations on the Andean slopes of central Peru, in the Junín and Pasco regions.
* _Phrynopus kauneorum_ — Another frog from the Huánuco Region, known only from Palma Pampa and the Cordillera de Carpish.
- Peters' Andes Frog (_Phrynopus peruanus_) — Frog found in the Vitoc Valley, Junín Region of Peru.
* _Phrynopus tautzorum_ — Frog found in only one locality in the Ambo Province, Huánuco.
- _Pristimantis pardalinus_ — Frog found in puna areas of the Tarma Province, Junín.
* Andes Paramo Frog (_Pristimantis simonsii_) — Found in puna grassland in the Cajamarca Region of northern Peru.
- _Rhinella chavin_ — A toad that lives in the cloud forests in the Huánuco Region.
* Titicaca Water Frog (_Telmatobius culeus_) — This large amphibian can weigh up to 1 kg. Multiple folds in its skin enable it to breathe underwater, without needing to surface for air. It is found only in Lake Titicaca, but its existence is threatened by pollution and over-collecting for human consumption.
- Huánaco Water Frog (_Telmatobius punctatus_) — A semi-aquatic frog that inhabits permanent streams in puna and cloud forests in the Huánuco Region.
* Tojologue Water Frog (_Telmatobius timens_) — Found at high altitudes in western Bolivia and southeastern Peru.
## More Endangered Species in Peru
As well as the 51 critically endangered species in Peru listed above, there are currently 106 endangered species in Peru (non-critical, for now). You can see all these on this [custom list at the IUCN Red List website](http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/link/58aa0665-ff3e05d1).
While all of the endangered species on the list are equally as important, some particularly notable entries include:
- white-bellied spider monkey (_Ateles belzebuth_)
- yellow-browed toucanet (_Aulacorhynchus huallagae_)
- short-tailed chinchilla (_Chinchilla chinchilla_)
- Andean mountain cat (_Leopardus jacobita_)
- marvellous spatuletail (_Loddigesia mirabilis_)
- grey-backed hawk (_Pseudastur occidentalis_)
- giant river otter (_Pteronura brasiliensis_)
- long-whiskered owlet (_Xenoglaux loweryi_)
There’s also the ash-breasted tit-tyrant, who is at the very least worth mentioning for his brilliant name.
---
# Yurimaguas Travel Guide
URL: https://newperuvian.com/yurimaguas-travel-guide/
Published: 2017-02-16
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: yurimaguas
Welcome to the end of the road! Yurimaguas is literally the end of the road in [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/), with no further highways heading east into the jungle, just the long and meandering waterways of the Amazon and its tributaries.
Few tourists stick around in Yurimaguas. Those that pass through are typically jumping on the next boat out for the three-day trip down the Río Huallaga to the Amazon and onto [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/). Others use Yurimaguas as a gateway to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru.
But if you do stick around for a day or two, you’ll find Yurimaguas to be a friendly, fairly relaxed place to visit. But don’t expect too much in the way of entertainment, fine dining or fantastic places to stay.
One thing to keep in mind: I first put this guide together several years ago, and as of mid-2026 prices in particular will have gone up since then. Treat the figures below as a rough sense of relative cost, cheap versus midrange, rather than exact amounts.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
## Things to Do in Yurimaguas
If, like me, you enjoy strolling around jungle port towns, then you’ll be happy exploring Yurimaguas for a day. Beyond that, you’ll be hard pressed to find many outstanding sights or activities in or near the city.
The small Plaza de Armas is a pretty spot to sit and watch the world go by. On the westernmost corner you’ll see the sky-blue Virgen de las Nieves Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic structure built between 1928 and 1931. It was boarded up for renovations in 2011, and the project ran into funding problems, bureaucratic black holes and a sprinkling of corruption. It was finally reopened in 2015.
Yurimaguas’ traditional street market spreads across a few blocks near the main square. And, like any jungle market, it’s an interesting place to explore — just be prepared for some uneasy spectacles, like piles of live turtles (for pets and for the pot) and the occasional (and illegal) tigrillo or jaguar skin. The market is a good place to stock up on supplies for your boat trip to Iquitos, including the requisite Tupperware container, knife and fork that you'll need for your onboard meals.
If you’re yearning for some jungle adventure, you can try to arrange a daytrip with a local agency to Lago Cuipari, a massive oxbow lake that’s great for wildlife spotting. Further afield and less accessible is the Piedra de Cumpanama, a massive rock decorated with beautiful deep-hewn petroglyphs of uncertain age. To get there, you first have to reach the isolated village of Balsapuerto, followed by a six-hour trek, round trip.
To enter the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (which can also be done from Iquitos), you first need to head downriver to Lagunas. You can arrange tours into the reserve in Lagunas, or organize the trip with a guide or agency in Yurimaguas.
## Where to Stay in Yurimaguas
Accommodation is limited in Yurimaguas. You’ll find a bunch of nondescript hospedajes (guesthouses), a spattering of dull hotels, and a handful of hostels that aren’t much like backpacker hostels at all.
If you’ve already booked a cabin or hammock space on the boat to Iquitos, then you can sleep there on the boat for free until the boat leaves (which could be the next day, or two days, or three days if you’re really unlucky).
Otherwise, head to what is by far the best hotel in Yurimaguas (and the best restaurant, see below). The Rio Huallaga Hotel (Calle Arica 111) is head and shoulders above anything else in Yurimaguas, but it’s not cheap by local standards. Rooms range from about S/ 180 to S/ 335 ($55 to $100), but it’s worth the cost if you want to make the most of your time in Yurimaguas — and if your budget can handle it.
## Restaurants in Yurimaguas
I asked a few locals for restaurant recommendations in Yurimaguas, and received no enthusiastic suggestions whatsoever. And while there are plenty of cheap restaurants dotted around, and street grills at night, the only two places of note I found were:
The Rio Huallaga Hotel Restaurant (Calle Arica 111) — Great food with inspiring views across the Río Huallaga and the jungle beyond. If you’re on a budget, go for the excellent set lunch _menú_ option for a very reasonable S/.10. À la carte includes local, national and international options. I ordered the picante de mariscos for S/ 25 ($8) and it was top notch.
Mil Sabores ([www.facebook.com/milsaborescafeyresto](https://www.facebook.com/milsaborescafeyresto)) — A solid café-restaurant offering good food at reasonable prices.
## Nightlife in Yurimaguas
Um, well, you could always have an early night. OK, that’s harsh, but there’s not much nightlife in Yurimaguas. There are small bars and bodegas selling cheap beer throughout town, including near the Plaza de Armas. There’s also a bar scene of sorts around Plaza Moralillos, about 10 blocks northwest of the main square.
One well-established drinking spot is Benito's Bar (Mariscal Castilla 227) about two blocks north of the Plaza de Armas, which has pool tables.
## Getting to and Around Yurimaguas
Not many options here. It’s either a trip northeast by boat down the Huallaga to the Amazon and onto Iquitos, or the paved road southwest to [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/). There are no regular scheduled flights to the small airport in Yurimaguas (Aeropuerto Moisés Benzaquen Rengifo).
### Yurimaguas to Iquitos by Boat
Large passenger boats — which also carry plenty of cargo — run between Yurimaguas and Iquitos on an almost daily basis, although the schedule is “flexible” rather than entirely fixed. The boat journey typically takes about three days, although it could end up closer to four (especially going up river from Iquitos to Yurimaguas). Hammock space normally costs between S/ 60 and S/ 100, while a cabin holds two and costs around S/ 150 per person. You can arrange boat passage with agencies in the center of Yurimaguas or just head down to the port and buy your ticket directly.
Smaller, faster boats (_lanchas_) are available between Yurimaguas and Iquitos, but cost significantly more. You can arrange a _lancha_ with boat companies in Yurimaguas.
If you just want to travel from Yurimaguas to Lagunas (for Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve), you can take a passenger boat and ask to get off at Lagunas. Or you can hire a private _lancha_.
### Yurimaguas to Tarapoto by Bus or Car
The bus or car ride between Yurimaguas and Tarapoto takes about two hours and costs between S/ 10 and S/ 20 per person. The first half is beautiful but full of twists and turns through the jungle-covered mountains. I’ve rarely been car sick in my life, but this trip always tests my stomach. Best to make this journey without a hangover. Things level out at around the half-way point and the drive is much smoother. If you're in the area during the rainy season (January to March, roughly), be prepared for the road to be temporarily blocked by landslides. Chances are you'll be fine, but most years the road is blocked for a day or two at some point.
### Getting Around Yurimaguas
It’s all motorbikes and mototaxis in Yurimaguas. You can get anywhere in the city for just a few soles by mototaxi.
---
# High Altitude Peru: Cities and Attractions in the Altitude Sickness Zone
URL: https://newperuvian.com/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/
Published: 2017-02-15
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: high altitude peru
_Looking out across Lake Titicaca at 12,500 feet above sea level (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
Most travelers in Peru will find themselves at high altitude at some point during their trip. You’ll experience the breathlessness of high altitude Peru in popular tourist destinations such as [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) and [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/), as well as in cities like Ayacucho, Huaraz and Huancayo.
High altitude, [as defined by the International Society for Mountain Medicine](http://www.ismm.org/index.php/normal-acclimatization.html), is the zone between 5,000 and 11,500 feet (1,500 to 3,500 meters) above sea level. Very high altitude, meanwhile, is defined as between 11,500 and 18,000 feet (3,500 to 5,500 m). Extreme altitude, which you won’t reach unless you climb [the highest mountains in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/highest-mountains-in-peru/) — is anywhere above 18,045 feet (5,500 m).
## High Altitude Peru and Altitude Sickness
Being in a high altitude location in Peru — Arequipa, for example, which sits at 7,661 feet (2,335 m) above sea level — doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re at risk from altitude sickness. You only really have to worry about altitude sickness when you rise up to 8,000 feet and beyond: elevations at which altitude sickness (known as soroche in Peru) can occur.
[According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS)](http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Altitude-sickness/Pages/Introduction.aspx):
> “In its mildest form, altitude sickness can occur at heights over about 2,500m (8,000 feet) above sea level, which is a common height for many ski resorts. However, the more severe symptoms of altitude sickness tend to occur at altitudes of 3,600m (about 12,000 feet) and above.”
To get a better idea of where in Peru you’ll likely be at risk of altitude sickness — both in its mild and more severe forms — have a look at the Peru elevation map and altitude chart below.
## Peru Elevation Map
In the elevation map of Peru below, you can clearly see the spine of the Andes mountain range running roughly north to south down the length of the country. To the west of the Andes is the dry desert coast and the Pacific Ocean. To the east begins the vast expanse of the Amazon Rainforest.
Marked on the map are Cusco and Puno, two of the highest of [all the major cities in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/). Mount Huascaran is the highest mountain — and therefore the highest point — in Peru. Cerro de Pasco and La Rinconada are the two highest cities in Peru. Both are mining towns and are rarely visited by tourists.
At 16,700 feet (5,100 m) above sea level, the bleak and remote La Rinconada is considered the highest city in the world.
## Chart of High Altitude Cities and Tourist Attractions in Peru
The chart below highlights notable high-altitude cities and tourist attractions in Peru. The horizontal 8,000 feet / 2,500 meter line represents the height at which altitude sickness can occur. The 12,000 feet / 3,600 meter line represents the elevation at which the more severe symptoms of altitude sickness can occur.
Note that the Inca Trail entry on the chart represents the highest point on the trek — Dead Woman's Pass — and not the average height for the entire trek. You can [read more about altitude sickness at Machu Picchu and along the Inca Trail](https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-altitude-sickness-prevention/) here.
One practical note before the chart. The most common altitude-sickness mistake is flying straight from sea-level [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) into Cusco at 11,152 feet and trying to hit the ground running. Your body copes far better with a gradual gain, so if your schedule allows it, consider working up through the south overland, taking in Arequipa and then Puno and Lake Titicaca before Cusco. Each stop nudges you a little higher and does some of the acclimatizing for you.
Also missing from the chart is [Rainbow Mountain](https://newperuvian.com/the-rise-of-rainbow-mountain-in-peru/) (Vinicunca), which at well over 16,000 feet (around 5,000 m) is now one of the highest places ordinary tourists visit in Peru, usually as a day trip from Cusco with operators like [Rainbow Mountain Travels](https://www.rainbowmountaintravels.com/). That kind of altitude jump in a single morning is exactly why acclimatizing in Cusco for a couple of days first matters so much.
_High altitude Peru chart and Lake Titicaca photo by Tony Dunnell._
---
# Using US Dollars in Peru: Your Questions Answered
URL: https://newperuvian.com/using-us-dollars-in-peru/
Published: 2017-02-14
Updated: 2020-03-06
Topic: using us dollars in peru
Thinking of using US dollars in Peru? Not sure who accepts them and how to change them to Peruvian soles? Read on for answers to these questions and more…
## Where is the US Dollar Accepted in Peru?
Most large businesses in Peru will accept the US dollar. These include [airlines](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/), some long-distance bus companies, supermarkets, large department stores, upscale restaurants and tour agencies. Many hotels will also take US dollars, as well as some backpacker hostels. Generally speaking, you’ll find US dollars are easier to use in [Peru’s larger cities and tourist hot spots](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/).
You’ll find it harder to use dollars in small stores, traditional markets and with street vendors. Dollars are also unlikely to be accepted for short-distance public transportation, including taxis, mototaxis and minibuses. Small bars and family-run restaurants might also be reluctant to accept dollars, but that will often depend on the owner or bar staff and how accustomed they are to receiving dollars from foreign travelers.
## Should I Take US Dollars to Peru?
You certainly can, but you don’t need to. If the dollar is your normal currency, then it might be worth taking a few hundred dollars to Peru to spend if and when necessary. But generally speaking, especially if you’re a backpacker, Peruvian soles will be more useful day to day.
## Withdrawing US Dollars in Peru
Most banks have ATMs that allow you to withdraw US dollars in Peru. If the ATM dispenses dollars, it will sometimes say so on the machine itself.
## Changing US Dollars in Peru
You’ll find street money-changers (_cambistas_) on main squares and outside many banks. The two _cambistas_ pictured here are standing outside a bank in [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/). They’ll normally be holding a calculator and wearing a fanny pack (bum bag if you’re English); some wear jackets/vests that clearly identify them as money changers. More importantly, they shout out “Cambio! Dolares!” to everyone who walks past — especially foreigners.
The money changers are normally a good option. It may seem counter-intuitive to be changing US dollars in Peru with some random guy in the street, but they tend to give the best exchange rates — better than banks and casas de cambio (currency exchange offices/bureaux de change).
You’ll find casas de cambio at Lima Airport, should you need to change dollars as soon as you arrive in Peru. Some hotels also offer money exchange services, but the exchange rates are typically poor.
Always check the latest exchange rate before exchanging your dollars in Peru, and carefully count the soles that you are given. Safety issues when changing dollars in the street are similar to those when [withdrawing money from an ATM in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/): check your surroundings, change dollars during the day and not at night, and watch for people following you immediately after changing your money.
## Can You Tip in US Dollars in Peru?
It’s OK to tip in US dollars in Peru, but in most cases people will prefer soles just because it's more practical. When you pay in soles, the tip recipient doesn't have to then go change a dollar or two in the street. For larger tips, dollars are fine. For example, [when you tip a guide on the Inca Trail after a four-day trek](https://newperuvian.com/how-much-to-tip-inca-trail/), it’s OK to tip in US dollars. But when you tip the porters, who might be returning directly to their villages (where there are no banks or money changers), a tip in Peruvian soles might be preferred.
## Are There Fake Dollars in Peru?
Peru is one of the world’s great producers of counterfeit US dollars. If you’re accustomed to using dollars, then you’ll have more chance of spotting fakes (you can read more about identifying fake US dollars at [www.uscurrency.gov](https://www.uscurrency.gov/)). ATMs should be reliable, and most street money changers too, but always keep an eye open for fake notes, especially when receiving your change (in dollars or soles).
## What About Using Canadian and Australian Dollars in Peru?
As far as I’m aware, it’s tricky to change Canadian and Australian dollars in Peru. You might find a casa de cambio in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) that’s willing to exchange them, but don’t bet on it and don’t expect a fair exchange rate if you do. And no business is likely to accept Canadian or Australian dollars. You’d be far better off exchanging your Canadian or Aussie dollars for US dollars [before traveling to Peru](https://newperuvian.com/things-to-do-before-traveling-to-peru/).
## Do You Have More Questions About Using Dollars in Peru?
If you do, feel free to ask in the comments section below and I’ll try to answer as soon as possible.
---
# From Mick Jagger to Miniature Leopards at La Casa Fitzcarraldo, Iquitos
URL: https://newperuvian.com/mick-jagger-miniature-leopards-la-casa-fitzcarraldo-iquitos/
Published: 2017-02-13
Updated: 2017-04-26
Topic: casa fitzcarraldo
I woke up in Mick Jagger’s bed, wide shafts of warm Amazonian light cutting across the room.
But, unlike the many thousands of people who have undoubtedly woken up in Mick Jagger’s bed — alongside Mick Jagger — I, thankfully, was alone…
Mick Jagger slept here in the Blue Room of La Casa Fitzcarraldo in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) back in the early 1980s. He was shooting an epic movie that would become a classic both for being a brilliant film [and an absolute nightmare of a shoot](http://www.nickthorpe.co.uk/journalism/arts/herzog-fitzcarraldo-sunday-herald/). The story of the production of Werner Herzog’s _Fitzcarraldo_ mirrors the story told in the film: one of high personal ambition, madness and chaos in the Peruvian Amazon.
Not even the immortal Mick made it to the end. The shoot overran and was almost canceled when lead actor Jason Robards contracted amoebic dysentery, forcing his particular take on the Fitzcarraldo role to disappear into the ether. Jagger himself couldn’t wait out the delays and was forced to fly home due to tour commitments with The Rolling Stones, never to appear in the final film.
Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the Casa Fitzcarraldo in Iquitos, Peru served as the base camp for the production of two Werner Herzog epics: _Aguirre, the Wrath of God_ (1972) and _Fitzcarraldo_ (1982). Working on both films was Swiss production manager Walter Saxer, who now owns and runs the Casa Fitzcarraldo alongside his daughter Micaela Helvecia Saxer Gonzalez.
Apart from Herzog and Jagger, the two other most famous stars to stay at Casa Fitzcarraldo were the wide-eyed Klaus Kinski (whose portrait you can see peeking out of the foliage above) and the beautiful Claudia Cardinale. Kinski, despite being the fourth choice to play Fitzcarraldo, proved ultimately to be perfect for the role, his manic energy taking the movie to a whole new level. I had the pleasure of an evening chat with Walter Saxer while staying at Casa Fitzcarraldo, and he clearly credits Kinski for much of the film’s success, despite the star’s notoriously difficult behavior.
Italian actress Claudia Cardinale stayed at the suite at Casa Fitzcarraldo during filming. The legendary cinematic beauty had previously starred in acclaimed Italian films such as _Rocco and His Brothers_ (1960) and Federico Fellini's _8½_ (1963), and Hollywood productions that included _The Pink Panther_ (1963), _The Professionals_ (1966) and the Sergio Leone epic _Once Upon a Time in the West_ (1968).
Today, anyone can stay at or visit Casa Fitzcarraldo, and you don’t need to be a movie buff to enjoy it. When the noise and heat of the city center become too much, there are few better nearby escapes than this colonial-style Amazonian oasis. Daytime visitors can swim in the pool, cooling off in the shade of tall trees, hanging bromeliads and orchids. Guests can also eat at the restaurant. And although Casa Fitzcarraldo is only a short ride from the center of Iquitos, it’s easy to forget that you’re still within the city’s urban sprawl.
As for staying at La Casa Fitzcarraldo, it’s certainly one of the best accommodation options in Iquitos, especially if you just want to kick back for a few days. The Blue Room (US$90) is the best choice for couples and is the most attractive room in general, with its mahogany parquet floor and Shipibo wall hangings. The Green Room ($80), where Kinski stayed, is perfect for families of four. The ground-floor suite, meanwhile, is light and airy, and this is where Claudia Cardinale stayed. The two apartments, bungalow and “Small Room” aren’t quite as attractive, but might suit your needs depending on group size, cost etc.
A mighty jungle breakfast is included for guests, which you can eat by the pool in anticipation of a monumentally relaxing day. Once you’ve eaten, you can head out to the numerous attractions located in and around Iquitos. Or you spend the day at Casa Fitzcarraldo, swimming, relaxing in the tree house and playing with the hotel’s resident ocelot…
The ocelot, known in Peru as a tigrillo, is basically a miniature leopard. And few things in life are more beautiful. I mean, just look at those yes. The tigrillo at La Casa Fitzcarraldo lives in a large enclosed space, but also gets out for a bit of exploration. If you’d like to be introduced, just ask a member of staff.
The tree house, built in what is supposedly the tallest cedro tree in Iquitos, is an impressive four-level construction that instantly brings out the adventurous kid in even the most jaded of adults. It’s there, beckoning, and you’ve simply got to climb to the top (from my experience, this is best done before you start drinking). Once you get there, you’ll be able to look out through gaps in the branches framing the outskirts of Iquitos and beyond.
## Hotel La Casa Fitzcarraldo in Iquitos, Peru
- Address: Avenida La Marina 2153, Iquitos, Peru (on the way to the Bellavista Nanay port)
- Phone: (+51-65) 601 138 / 601139 Cell: +51 942696552 / +51 956382220
- Email: info\@casafitzcarraldo.com
- Website: [www.casafitzcarraldo.com](http://www.casafitzcarraldo.com/en/index-html/)
You can visit La Casa Fitzcarraldo from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., entrance S/ 10.
Rooms, suites and apartments are available from between US$55 to $100 per night.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
La Casa Fitzcarraldo, La Marina 2153
---
# Machu Picchu Altitude and Altitude Sickness Prevention
URL: https://newperuvian.com/machu-picchu-altitude-sickness-prevention/
Published: 2017-02-09
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: machu picchu altitude
When you travel to [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) and Machu Picchu, altitude sickness is a legitimate concern. And while the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is actually below the elevation at which altitude sickness typically occurs, surrounding areas — including the city for Cusco and certain points on the Inca Trail — are well above the risk zone.
## How High is Machu Picchu?
The center of the Machu Picchu archaeological site sits at an altitude of about 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. That puts it just below the generally accepted altitude at which altitude sickness (known as soroche in Peru) can occur, which is 8,000 feet (2,500 m).
Altitude sickness can occur below this level but the risk is very low. You will, however, feel the effects of altitude at this height. The saturation of oxyhemoglobin begins to decrease at around 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level, so you’ll likely notice a decrease in physical performance while you walk around Machu Picchu (particularly when walking uphill), including shortness of breath.
## Higher Altitude Locations Around Machu Picchu
If travelers could be magically taken straight to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, altitude sickness among visitors would be very rare indeed. But nearly everyone stays at higher altitudes before or after visiting the site itself, and this is when the risk of altitude sickness increases.
Cusco is the traditional tourist hub for the majority of visitors to Machu Picchu. And Cusco lies at 11,152 feet (3,399m) above sea level, well above Machu Picchu and above the point at which altitude sickness can occur.
The highest point along the classic Inca Trail trek — Dead Woman’s Pass — reaches an altitude of 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). You can see an [Inca Trail elevation profile here](https://newperuvian.com/inca-trail-map-elevation-profile/). Alternative treks to Machu Picchu also rise up well into the altitude sickness zone. The [Salkantay trek](https://newperuvian.com/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/), for example, reaches its highest point at the Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet (4,638 meters). Mount Salkantay, at 20,574 feet (6,271 m) above sea level, is one of the [highest mountains in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/highest-mountains-in-peru/).
Then there are the two mountains that rise up above Machu Picchu, both of which are open to the public with the correct permits. Huayna Picchu rises to a height of 8,920 feet (2,720 meters) above sea level. Machu Picchu Mountain, meanwhile, towers above the archaeological site, its peak reaching up above the 10,000 feet (3,048 meter) mark.
The examples above, most notably Cusco, make it clear that it’s not necessarily the Machu Picchu altitude that’s the real risk to travelers. Rather, it’s the time they spend at higher altitudes before and after visiting Machu Picchu.
### How to Acclimatize for Machu Picchu
It’s easy to be nonchalant about the risk of altitude sickness while visiting Machu Picchu. But you really should try to acclimatize for at least a day — ideally two — when you first arrive at altitude, be it in Cusco or any other town or city in the Cusco Region that sits around, or more importantly above, the 8,000 feet (2,500 m) mark.
This is particularly important if you are flying straight to Cusco from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) or any other low-lying city. If you take the bus from Lima to Cusco, you’ll be slowing climbing for 20 hours or so, giving your body some time to adapt. Flying in from near sea-level, however, can be a real shock to the system.
In a perfect world, you should adapt your travel itinerary to include at least 24 hours in Cusco before going to Machu Picchu or doing any other strenuous treks or tours in the region. Take it easy on the first day; drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and maybe chew a bunch of coca leaves or drink a few cups of coca tea (but [avoid coca if you might have a drug test](https://newperuvian.com/drinking-coca-tea-drug-test-results/) when you get back home.
Also, hire a reputable and responsible tour operator for your tours to MAchu Picchu. You have a list of our hand-picked [best inca trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru) here. The most responsible tour operators will ensure that your health is at the top of their list when you go to Machu Picchu.
If you are feeling the effects of altitude and begin to feel nauseous, dizzy or start having headaches, you can head to a local pharmacy and buy some altitude medication. This is normally Acetazolamide (diamox), which is the most common type of “soroche pill.” Also consider dropping down a couple of thousand feet to a lower altitude, perhaps to a nearby town like Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft/2,792 m) or Pisac (8,907 ft/2,715 m).
If your symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately.
## Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness Deaths
Deaths caused by altitude sickness during trips to Machu Picchu are rare, so I’m not highlighting any of these to make you worried. You shouldn’t be worried, but you should take at least some time to acclimatize — and you should take potential altitude sickness symptoms with the seriousness that they deserve.
A handful of deaths caused by altitude sickness have occurred in the last few years among travelers visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu.
In January 2013, Adam Savory, a 25-year-old backpacker from the UK, [died from altitude sickness after taking a bus from Ica on Peru’s coast to Cusco](http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/eastbourne-adventurer-died-from-altitude-sickness-during-trip-to-the-andes-1-4718707). According to the Eastbourne Herald, “Adam complained of feeling tired and unwell and said he was ‘feeling the altitude’ but did not think it was anything serious. But within two days his condition has drastically worsened.” Despite receiving medical attention, he died days later.
In August 2013, Steve Mortimer, a 68-year-old British man, [died while waiting for a bus in Aguas Calientes to take him up to Machu Picchu](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2398798/British-father-68-dies-altitude-sickness-dream-Machu-Picchu-wife.html). Mr. Mortimer had been suffering from breathlessness for a few days; he died from a heart attack linked to problems caused by altitude sickness.
The same year, in November, a 46-year-old US citizen, William Thomas Hunt, [was found dead in his hotel room in Cusco](http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-s-citizen-found-dead-in-cusco-peru-101569). It is believed he died from fatal altitude sickness.
More recently, in December 2016, 60-year-old [Andrew Wainright died of altitude sickness within hours of climbing Machu Picchu](http://travel.aol.co.uk/2016/12/14/altitude-sickness-machu-picchu-death/).
## Machu Picchu, Altitude Sickness and Staying Safe
Again, I’m not highlighting these tragic fatalities to make you paranoid. But you should always treat the symptoms of altitude sickness with respect. Seek medical attention if you start feeling ill. If you’re traveling alone and feel too sick to get out of bed, call someone — shout if you have to — and ask them to get a doctor.
I suffered from altitude sickness in Potosí, Bolivia — at 13,420 feet (4,090 meters), it’s one of the highest cities in the world. Like many stories of altitude sickness among backpackers, I was on a long-distance bus trip to the high-altitude city when I started feeling ill. When I arrived, I disappeared into a hostel room and went straight to bed, feeling truly rotten.
Looking back, I should have asked someone to call a doctor. Thankfully, I recovered a day later. Others, tragically, are not so lucky.
---
# 27 Tips for Traveling in Peru on a Budget
URL: https://newperuvian.com/tips-for-traveling-in-peru-on-a-budget/
Published: 2017-02-04
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: traveling in peru on a budget
Despite a surge in luxury tourism over the last decade or so, it’s still entirely possible to go traveling in Peru on a budget. Peru remains backpacker-friendly, with cheap places to eat, cheap places to sleep, and public transport that — while not the cheapest in the world — allows you to travel around without breaking the bank.
To help you on your way, here are all my budget travel tips for Peru, assembled over eight years of traveling throughout the country. If you have any tips you’d like to add, go ahead and leave a comment at the end of the article.
### Make the Most of Cheap Food in Peru
You can always eat for cheap in Peru. [Lunchtime menús](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/) are a budget traveler’s best friend in Peru, while cheap and tasty street food is never far away. Chifas — Peruvian-Cantonese restaurants — sell heaped plates of food that will keep you going all day. And you can always cook your own food in your hostel kitchen (or live off ham and cheese sandwiches). Then there’s the free breakfast included at most hotels and hostels. Sometimes it’s just bread and jam, but better hostels will also have fruit, cereal, fresh fruit juices and coffee — worth waking up for.
### Get to Know the Local Currency and Avoid Counterfeit Cash
Get comfortable with the Peruvian sol (S/) as soon as you can. Know how much you’re spending and get to know the look and feel of the notes and coins. Peru is one of the world’s leading producers of counterfeit money — soles and dollars — so fake cash is a problem, especially in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and other [major cities in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/).
### Don’t Be Suckered By Scams or Sob Stories
Distraction scams, splatter scams, fake police, money switches, getting short changed… there are plenty of scams to avoid in Peru. You don’t need to be paranoid as that can be counter-productive, but keep your awareness levels up. And don’t place too much trust in fellow backpackers or expats either. If you meet a tourist or expat asking for money and claiming he or she has been robbed, your alarm bells should be ringing like crazy.
### Don’t Get Left with the Bar Bill
Before you get all drunk and happy-holiday-care-free with the world, ask yourself if you can afford paying for the drinks, the snacks, for everything. Because, believe me, that can happen on a regular basis if you don’t make things clear from the outset. Locals and other tourists will happily join in with all the revelry, but they might disappear before the bill arrives. If you’re a guy, it’s worth knowing that men are expected to pay for the drinks of Peruvian women — and that can include not just your date (or potential date), but all her female friends, too.
### Don’t Tip Too Much or Too Often
Peru isn’t a big tipping culture, so don’t feel the need to tip taxi drivers, delivery boys, or even every waitress. [Read more about tipping in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/tipping-in-peru/) to avoid unnecessary tips and over tipping.
### Always Agree on the Price in Advance
Whenever possible, always set the price in advance. This is particularly important with taxi drivers, but can also apply to private drivers, guides and many other services. If you don’t agree in advance, you lose a lot of negotiating power when you have to argue for a lower price after the event.
### Protect Your Bags and Valuables with Ninja-Like Awareness
I repeat: ninja-like awareness. Opportunistic theft is rife in Peru. Leave something unattended and it will disappear. Don’t leave [your laptop](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/), camera or smartphone lying around for even a second, especially not in a public place like a café, bar or restaurant. This isn’t a uniquely Peruvian thing by any stretch of the imagination, but don’t give potential thieves an inch. Watch out for pickpockets too, especially in crowded streets or at festivals — anywhere with lots of people. Any type of theft can quickly put a dent in your Peru travel budget.
### Lay Off the Booze (Occasionally)
Drinking every night gets expensive, fast. If you're coming from the USA, then you might be making the most of the lower [legal drinking age in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/legal-drinking-age-in-peru/). But if you’re traveling in Peru on a budget and you just can’t stop overspending, there’s a good chance the bars are to blame. If that’s the case, try to have a few nights off each week and do something else instead. Like, I don’t know, eat ice-cream? Go see a play?
### Pay a Fair Price for Beer
If you’re going to drink, and let’s face it you probably are, then get to know the prices. Some bars, typically the ones trying to be all sophisticated, will charge S/ 8 for a 330 ml bottle of Pilsen, Cusqueña or Cristal. That, quite frankly, is daily robbery, especially when a less flashy but probably way more fun bar down the street will sell a 630 ml bottle of the same beer for S/ 6. If you want to drink and have fun for the night, shop around.
### Haggle Like a King (But Not Like a Miser)
Feel free to haggle in Peru, especially in traditional markets. If you’re buying more than one item, ask for a deal. This works particularly well in clothes stores and souvenir markets, where you can normally get a small discount if you buy two or more items. But don’t push too hard with the negotiating, especially in provincial markets. These stall owners often make little on their wares as it is, so it’s not good to force them to accept even less of a profit.
### Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket
If you’ll be in [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) for a while, buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco). For just S/ 130 ($40), this ticket grants access to about 15 archaeological sites and museums in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Most of the museums are average at best, but the sites — including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray and Saqsaywaman — are stunning. The ticket only lasts 10 days, which is a little short in my opinion, but you can see everything within that time.
### Get a Student Discount
If you’re a student, it’s always worth asking tour and trekking companies if they offer a student discount. Many Inca Trail tour operators, for example, offer a $30 to $40 discount for holders of a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC). You can apply for one at [www.isic.org](https://www.isic.org/).
### Buy Fake Clothes (?)
I’m not sure if this is good advice or not, but I’ve bought fake trekking gear in Peru and it’s lasted me for ages. There’s plenty of fake North Face stuff, as well as cheap and secondhand trekking gear, in small shops in Cusco, some of which you'll find in Calle Procuradores (pictured). The owners will often readily admit that it’s knockoff merchandise: “At these prices? Of course it’s fake!”.
On the other hand, I’ve bought fake sneakers/trainers in Peru and they lasted about a week. So avoid the footwear, but maybe pick up some fake trekking clothing for bargain prices.
### Keep an Eye Out for Budget Airlines in Peru
Peru now has proper budget airlines: Sky Airline and JetSMART both fly the main domestic routes, with one-way fares that can dip below US$30 if you book well ahead (Viva Air, the budget pioneer here, collapsed in 2023 and never returned). Check our guide to [the best domestic airlines in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/) before you book, and watch the baggage fees, which is where the low-cost carriers claw their money back. Small regional carriers like SAETA have also historically offered cheap subsidized flights between [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) and [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/), though foreigners pay a higher fare than residents.
### Compare Bus Passes Against Point-to-Point Tickets
If your route follows the classic southern loop between Lima and Cusco, price up a hop-on hop-off pass with [Peru Hop](https://bushop.com/peru/) against buying each leg separately. Once you count the taxis to and from out-of-town bus terminals and the side trips (Paracas, Huacachina) that a pass already includes, the pass often works out cheaper than it first looks. If you're heading off that loop, the regular [long-distance bus companies](https://newperuvian.com/best-bus-companies-in-peru-safest-reliable/) remain the budget workhorses.
### Always Check Your Change
Always count your change in Peru. Whether by accident, poor math or on purpose, being short-changed is fairly common. Be especially cautious when you’re out drinking in bars and clubs, as bar staff sometimes try to pocket your change in the hope that your alcohol-addled brain will forget all about it.
### Learn Spanish to Save Money in Peru
Having a basic command of Spanish is a real plus for anyone traveling in Peru on a budget. You’ll be able to haggle more, negotiate better prices, ask locals for cheap places to eat, the list goes on. Also, taxi drivers etc. are less likely to try to rip you off if you speak Spanish, as they know you’re in a stronger position than someone who can’t clearly argue back.
### Realize That Hostels Aren’t Always the Cheapest Option
Hostels in Peru typically target international travelers rather than homegrown backpackers, and the prices are often elevated to match that audience. Dorms are still just about the cheapest options available, but if you want a private room, whether for one person or a group of four, you might be better looking elsewhere. Midrange non-touristy hotels are sometimes comparable in price, while hospedajes and alojamientos — guesthouses, often family-run — are very affordable alternatives. You can sometimes find bargains on Airbnb, too.
### Contact Hostels and Hotels Directly for Cheaper Rates
This isn't always the case, but you can often get cheaper room rates by calling or emailing a hostel or hotel directly. Don't always make reservations through booking websites, as you might be paying more than necessary (it's best to compare the two). And if you reserve a room directly with a hostel, you might not need to pay anything up front.
### Consider Couchsurfing
With more than 22,000 local hosts in Lima alone, Couchsurfing is a fun way to keep costs low in Peru while meeting the locals. You won’t find too many options outside the big cities, but it’s always worth a look.
### Ask for a Discount for Longer Hotel or Hostel Stays
It’s always, always, always worth asking for a discount for longer stays at a hotel or hostel. This works really well for stays of five days or more, but even give it a go for two or three nights, especially in low season.
### Group Up for Better Savings
I’ve always been a solo traveler by choice, but there are definite financial advantages to traveling as a pair or in a larger group. Being in a group often provides better prices for tours and treks. You can spilt the cost of supplies if you want to cook in your hostel. And a three- or four-bed room works out a lot cheaper than paying for a private single room. Couples also benefit from sharing matrimonial rooms, which really keeps costs down.
### Visit Sites and Attractions Independently
When it comes to visiting local attractions, always find out if you actually need to go with a tour group. I see people arranging tours to places all the time, when it’s actually really, really simple to go independently. The main archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, for example, are easy to get to by public transport and a bit of walking. Ask a few locals and do some research online; if it sounds tricky, go with a tour group. Otherwise, try going it alone: it’s all part of the adventure (and it should be cheaper).
You can easily travel independently to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, Cusco Region (photo by Tony Dunnell)
### Make Use of Long Distance Buses in Peru (If You Have the Time)
If you have enough time in Peru, you can make use of the country’s respectable system of long distance buses. For reasons of safety and comfort, avoid the cheapest options and always use one of the better companies. You’ll certainly save money if you go by bus rather than fly (unless you can find a cheap ticket with the new budget airline; see above), but you will lose time. That’s the trade-off: Save money with a 12- to 24-hour bus ride, or save time with a more expensive one-hour flight. If you’re one of those people who can sleep pretty much anywhere, then you can save even more money by taking overnight buses in Peru, saving a night’s accommodation.
### Avoid Inflated Taxi Fares at Airports
Official taxi fares from [airports in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/main-airports-in-peru-map/) are often inflated. This is particularly true in Lima and Cusco. In Lima, a taxi from the airport to Miraflores can cost at least S/ 50 to S/ 60 (more if you don’t haggle). It is possible to walk outside the main gates of the airport to find a cheaper taxi or even jump in a minibus, but it’s not a good idea for safety reasons. A better alternative is to take one of the [cheap bus or shuttle services from Lima Airport to Miraflores](https://newperuvian.com/lima-airport-to-miraflores-taxi-bus-shuttle-uber/), which cost between S/ 15 and S/ 33.
In Cusco, the official rate for a taxi from the airport into the historic center if S/ 40. That, in my opinion, is a rip-off. Better to book a taxi with a company like [Taxidatum.com](http://taxidatum.com/), which will cost $7 (S/ 23), and they’ll be waiting for you at the airport. You can also walk out of the airport and flag down a cab on the street, which should cost about S/ 5 to S/ 10. This is safe during the day, but probably best avoided at night.
### Buy Souvenirs From the Source, Not From Touristy Souvenir Stores
Whenever possible, try to buy souvenirs from the source. Not only will you save money, you’ll also more directly help the local artisans. You can, for example, buy all kinds of souvenirs and Peruvian products from across the nation in stores in Lima. But if you’ll be traveling around the country, buy your knitwear in Cusco, your devil mask in [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/), and get your jungle beads in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/).
### Take an Alternative Route to Machu Picchu
Even if you’re traveling in Peru on a budget, you’ll probably spend a bunch of money on one thing: visiting Machu Picchu and/or trekking the Inca Trail. But before you book the classic 4 day/3 night Inca Trail trek (which [typically costs in excess of $600](https://newperuvian.com/how-much-does-hiking-the-inca-trail-cost/)), consider an alternative hike to Machu Picchu. The spectacular Lares and [Salkantay treks](https://newperuvian.com/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/) are often at least $100 cheaper than the classic Inca Trail, saving you a nice chunk of money. Many of [the best Inca Trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/) also run treks along these alternative routes. Or, of course, forego the trekking altogether and take the train to Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu). You can always trek in other parts of Peru, including Colca Canyon, Huaraz, the Amazon Jungle, and many, many more.
### Find Attractions with Free Admission
Government-run tourist attractions in Peru tend to be quite cheap to enter, and some are even free. In Lima, for example, you can stroll into the Museum of the Inquisition without paying a sol _(note: the Museum of the Inquisition is currently closed for_ _renovations_)_._ Then there are plenty of parks, markets and colorful colonial districts that you can easily explore on foot.
## Share Your Tips for Traveling in Peru on a Budget
_If you have more tips for traveling in Peru on a budget, please share them in the comments section below. Thanks, and happy travels!_
---
# Tipping in Peru: How Much to Tip Guides, Waiters, Taxi Drivers and More
URL: https://newperuvian.com/tipping-in-peru/
Published: 2017-02-02
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: tipping in peru
No fixed etiquette exists for tipping in Peru. It’s not a tipping culture, so you won’t be leaving a tip, or _propina_, on a regular basis, unless you’re staying at the most expensive hotels, eating at upscale restaurants, and generally sticking firmly in the tourist scene. Oh, and those llamas don’t pose for free.
## Tipping in Restaurants in Peru
You don’t always have to tip in restaurants in Peru, at least not nearly to the same extent as in tip-focused countries like the USA. Upscale restaurants in Peru might include a service charge (between 10% and 15%), so always check your bill. If the tip isn’t included, then it’s expected that you’ll leave a tip of up to 10% for your waiter if the service was good. If it wasn’t, then you don’t have to leave anything. The service in Peru can be terrible, even in expensive restaurants; but the waiter probably hasn’t had much training, so keep that in mind before withholding a tip.
Many Peruvians won’t leave a tip in cheaper restaurants, including, for example, family-run restaurants selling [lunchtime menús](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/), pollerías (chicken restaurants) and chifas. But the waiters in these restaurants are often paid very little — often less than the [minimum wage in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/current-minimum-wage-in-peru-in-us-dollars-and-soles/) — so a tip of two or three soles is always appreciated.
As a general rule, a 10% tip is a welcome gesture for good service in any restaurant in Peru. But if you’re on a really tight budget, don’t feel you have to tip in the cheaper restaurants, especially if the service is subpar.
## Tipping Hotel Bellhops and Other Staff
If you’re staying in a four- or five-star hotel, then you should probably tip the bellhop about S/ 3 to S/ 6 ($1 to $2) per bag. If the doorman helps you unload your bags from the taxi, consider tipping him S/ 2 to S/ 5. A small tip for housekeeping is a nice gesture at the end of your stay; you can leave a few soles on the nightstand or table in your room.
In cheaper hotels, tip the bellhop (if there is one) a sol or two per bag.
No tips are expected in backpacker hostels, but you might want to tip individual staff members if they are particularly helpful.
## Tipping Taxi Drivers in Peru
You don’t need to tip taxi drivers in Peru. If they are particularly helpful, or if they carry your bags for you, then you could give them an extra sol or two. But it is not expected in any way, so if a taxi driver does ask for a tip, feel free to say no. If he demands a tip, which happens sometimes with taxi drivers in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), then tell him to get stuffed. He’s probably overcharging you anyway.
Tips aren’t necessary for mototaxis either. Mototaxis are common in the Peruvian jungle and their drivers rarely, if ever, ask for tips, unless you make them wait for a while in a particular spot (which is really just an extra charge).\
A taxi driver waits for a passenger in Miraflores, Lima\
(photo by Tony Dunnell)
## Tipping Bus Drivers and Baggage Handlers
You never need to tip a bus driver in Peru, no matter how big or small, old or modern the bus. A couple of bus baggage handlers have asked me for a tip in the past, just for putting my backpack in the hold. That’s a scam, so don’t give them anything.
## Tipping Tour Guides in Peru
You should always tip your tour guide in Peru, be it a two-hour tour of a museum or cathedral, or a four-day tour of the jungle. It’s always tricky to know how much to tip, so just go with your gut.
For a short tour of an hour or two, S/ 10 soles per person is often enough — but again, it depends on the complexity of the tour and the amount of information being offered by the guide.
For a day-long tour, S/ 30 to S/ 50 is enough, again depending on the type of tour. And if you’re in a group of five or six people, for example, you don’t all need to give S/ 50 (not that the guide would complain). S/ 100 to S/ 150 given from the group as a whole would probably be fine.
For tipping Inca Trail guides, see the link in the section below.
## How Much to Tip Peruvian Porters and Other Trekking Staff
This is a tricky one, so I’ve written a separate article all about [tipping guides, porters, chefs and drivers on the Inca Trail](https://newperuvian.com/how-much-to-tip-inca-trail/). The tipping rates discussed in the article apply to many other treks and tours in Peru.
_Porters take a break on the Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu (photo Tony Dunnell)_
## When Tipping in Peru Becomes a Request
Sometimes, tipping in Peru creeps up on you like a llama in the dark. And sometimes, it spits.
For example: You’re in a colorful market, taking photos of the aisles of multihued knitwear. All of a sudden, an elderly lady, who may have been accidentally caught in the corner of a photo, sticks out a hand and asks for a tip or _propina_. You can mumble and pretend you don’t understand while quickly shuffling away, or you can give her 50 céntimos. Or, make sure you ask permission for the photograph beforehand, just so you know where you stand.
The same applies with llamas. In tourist hotspots like Cusco, you’ll often see a traditionally-dressed Andean woman standing or walking in the street with a beautifully ornamented llama. But they are not just standing there for fun. If you take a photo, expect to pay. This will often be in the form of a tip, in which case one or two soles should do.
Another random tipping request can occur when you innocently ask someone for directions. You might receive a swift and possibly unreliable answer, after which the local (normally a young man or precocious kid) asks for a tip. Or they’ll insist on showing you the way, and then they’ll ask for a larger tip. If they're actually helpful, then maybe a small tip (50 céntimos or one sol) is OK. But otherwise, this isn’t a situation in which you need to be tipping in Peru.
---
# Major Imports and Exports of Peru: Products and Trade Partners
URL: https://newperuvian.com/major-imports-exports-of-peru/
Published: 2017-01-31
Updated: 2018-05-30
Topic: exports of peru
The seaport of Callao, the largest port in the country and the origin and destination for many imports and exports of Peru (photo by Quado678, Wikimedia Commons)
Peru was among the top 10 fastest growing economies in 2015. It dropped out of the top 10 in 2016, but the major imports and exports of Peru still drive a healthy economy, thanks largely to a wealth of natural resources.
Both the major imports of Peru and the major exports of Peru listed below are taken from [Trading Economics](http://www.tradingeconomics.com), which updates its information on a regular basis. Less important but nonetheless significant imports and exports have been compiled from Trading Economics and a variety of other sources, including [World’s Richest Countries](http://www.worldsrichestcountries.com) and [The Observatory of Economic Complexity](http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/per/).
## Major Exports of Peru
Peru is a resource-rich nation, which is both a source of economic stability and social and environmental instability. Mining operations and oil drilling are a threat to the natural environment, including within the Amazon Rainforest. The push and pull of multinational operations inside Peru, and the level to which successive governments provide access to resources, will likely remain a source of controversy and protest for many years to come.
Peru shipped an estimated US$33 billion to US$38 billion worth of goods around the globe in 2016, placing it in [about 50th position in the list of countries by exports](https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2078rank.html). The top exports of Peru (approximate % of total exports) going into 2017 are:
Other important exports of Peru include:
- Lead ore
- Fruits and nuts (including grapes, mangoes, avocados, bananas and citrus fruits)
- Animal fodder and animal pellets
- Coffee (Peru is one of the world’s major coffee-producing countries)
- Fish
- Vegetables (including asparagus, artichokes, paprika peppers and onions)
Peru’s main export partners are China (34 % of total exports), the United States (11%), Switzerland (7%), South Korea (6%) and India (6%). India, Chile and Canada are also significant export partners with Peru.
Notable illegal exports of Peru include cocaine and counterfeit money. [Peru is the world’s largest producer of cocaine alongside Colombia](http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/colombia-again-world-top-cocaine-producer) (the two countries keep on overtaking each other). It is also considered one of [the world’s most sophisticated producers of counterfeit money](http://www.businessinsider.com/r-us-peru-seize-30-million-in-fake-dollars-biggest-bust-ever-2016-11), including dollars that end up in the USA.
The Yanacocha gold mine — one of the largest in the world — near Cajamarca, Peru (photo by Euyasik, Wikimedia Commons)
## Major Imports of Peru
In 2015, Peru bought in about US$38 billion worth of imported products. Peru’s major imports are:
Other important imports of Peru include:
- Electronic equipment (including computers, TVs, telephones and telecommunications equipment)
- Plastics
- Iron and steel
- Cereals (wheat and corn)
- Pharmaceuticals (vaccines and medicines)
- Rubber
Peru’s main import partners are China (23% of total imports), the United States (17%), Brazil (6%), Mexico (5.3%) and South Korea (5%).
---
# Is Machu Picchu Closing Down?! For Good? Forever!?? Oh My…
URL: https://newperuvian.com/is-machu-picchu-closing-down/
Published: 2017-01-30
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: machu picchu closing
Sorry about the exaggerated headline, but the rumor of Machu Picchu closing down, either temporarily or for good, is a strangely persistent one.
But rest assured, Peru’s most famous — and most lucrative — tourist attraction is not closing to the public. Machu Picchu is open for business, and it will stay that way.
That said, the rules for visiting have tightened considerably in recent years. Since June 2024, entry runs on a system of three fixed circuits, timed entry slots and daily visitor caps, all of which I'll explain below.
## Is Machu Picchu Closing Temporarily?
Machu Picchu welcomes visitors 365 days a year. As of mid-2026, entry is by timed hourly slots, with the first admissions at 6:00 am and the last entry slot at 3:00 pm. Arrive more than 30 minutes after your allotted time and you risk being turned away.
Some confusion about access to the site stems from the annual Inca Trail closure. Each year, the Inca Trail closes for maintenance during the month of February, reopening on March 1. This does not mean that Machu Picchu is closed. It remains open, but you won’t be able to hike there along the classic Inca Trail during February. Alternative routes such as the [Salkantay trek](https://newperuvian.com/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/) and Lares trek stay open in February, and many of [the best Inca Trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/) offer treks along these routes.
Despite being open throughout the year, unforeseen circumstances can force Machu Picchu to close temporarily. In January 2010, for example, extreme rainfall and mudslides damaged the railway between Aguas Calientes and [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), blocking the train route to Machu Picchu. The site was closed for about two months, at a loss of about US$185 million in tourism revenue.
Another more recent event caused plenty of confusion. In April 2016, Peruvian authorities announced the temporary closure of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain — the two peaks that loom over the archaeological site, both of which can be climbed with the right permits. Many travelers took the announcement to mean that the Machu Picchu archaeological site was closing, which was not the case. The closure was for the two mountain trails only — again for maintenance — and not for the site itself.
## Machu Picchu and its closure in early 2023 due to political turmoil
Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel in Peru's Cusco region, stands as an incredible testament to the architectural and cultural brilliance of the 15th century. It was built then and unfortunately abandoned after the Spanish conquest of Peru. This enigmatic marvel gained attention when American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Today Machu Picchu is one of the tourist destinations worldwide.
The integrity and charm of this site faced a real challenge in early 2023, when it had to close its doors. Protests cut the train line to Aguas Calientes in December 2022, stranding hundreds of visitors, and on January 21, 2023, the authorities closed the site itself. The closure was prompted by unrest in Peru as protests erupted due to long-standing issues like corruption, poverty, and inadequate access to essential services nationwide. In response to escalating tensions, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in regions including Cusco—deployed military intervention to restore stability.
This temporary closure impacted the economy since tourism plays a crucial role there. The immediate financial consequences were deeply felt; however, the Peruvian government asserted that these drastic measures were necessary to protect both tourists and residents.
With triumph and accompanied by safety improvements, Machu Picchu reopened its gates to visitors on February 15th, 2023.\
The government's strong dedication to providing a safe experience for tourists is evident in the implementation of security measures and the establishment of a specialized tourism police force.
Although the temporary closure of Machu Picchu was an event in its history, there remains a sense of optimism that this captivating site will maintain its appeal and continue to attract visitors from all over the world for many generations to come. This incident serves as a reminder of the need to strike a balance between preserving our heritage and addressing present-day socio-political challenges.
If Machu Picchu is affected by any other situation I will update this article.
## Machu Picchu Isn’t Closing, But it is Changing.
What has changed is the way the public explores the site. It started gently, with park staff ushering the crowds through certain sections, especially notable chokepoints where selfie stick-waving tourists can cause major hold ups.
Then came the drastic changes. In June 2024, the plans to limit the freedom of visitors became reality: every visit now follows a fixed, controlled circuit through the site, as opposed to the free-roaming exploration of years past.
For visitors to Machu Picchu, there are undoubtedly positives and negatives now that such plans have been implemented. But for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, it means a vital step towards guaranteeing the health of the site and its future preservation.
Which, long term, guards against the actual threat of Machu Picchu closing for extended periods.
## **Machu Picchu's Circuits and Visiting Rules for 2026**
The circuit system has been through several reshuffles since it was first introduced. The current version came into force on June 1, 2024, when Peru's Ministry of Culture reorganized the site into three main circuits containing 10 route variants between them. As of mid-2026, this is still the system in use. Each circuit offers a different perspective and a different experience:
### Circuit 1: Panoramic
This one is all about the view. It keeps to the upper terraces for that classic postcard photo of the citadel from near the Guardian's House, but it does not descend into the main ruins. Depending on the route you pick, it can also include the hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (route 1-A), the Sun Gate (route 1-C) or the Inca Bridge (route 1-D). Some of these routes only operate in high season.
### Circuit 2: Classic
The most complete tour of Machu Picchu, and comfortably the most popular ticket, which means it sells out first. You get the famous upper viewpoint and then head down into the heart of the site, passing landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple and the Sacred Rock. If it's your first visit, this is almost certainly the circuit you want.
### Circuit 3: Royalty
This circuit explores the lower part of the citadel, but be warned: it does not go up to the platform for the classic panoramic photo. It is, however, the circuit that includes the celebrated add-on hikes, with routes covering Huayna Picchu (route 3-A), the Great Cavern and Huchuy Picchu. Again, some of those routes run only in high season.
### Visitor Limits and Timed Entry
At the time of writing (mid-2026), the daily cap stands at 4,500 visitors in the low season, rising to 5,600 on designated high season dates. For 2026, that larger allocation applies from June 19 to November 2, plus a handful of holiday dates.
Entry works on timed hourly slots, with the first at 6:00 am and the last at 3:00 pm. You have a 30 minute grace period after your printed entry time, and once you leave the site you cannot re-enter on the same ticket. The free-roaming, linger-all-day visit is a thing of the past.
### Where to Buy Tickets
The only official online sales channel is the Ministry of Culture platform, [tuboleto.cultura.pe](https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/). A limited number of tickets are also sold in person in Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). Anyone else selling entry tickets is a reseller, so check exactly what you're paying for.
### Other Ways to Explore Machu Picchu in 2026
Don't miss out on climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views of this awe-inspiring citadel. Just remember that these climbs are now tied to specific tickets: Huayna Picchu goes through Circuit 3 and Machu Picchu Mountain through Circuit 1, and both need to be booked well in advance.
If you're interested in hiking to Machu Picchu, you can take the Inca Trail, a 4-day trek that leads directly to the citadel.
Another option is to take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. You can take a bus or hike up to the citadel from there.
I hope this summary gives you an understanding of the opportunities at Machu Picchu in 2026! If you have any questions feel free to ask.
_Photos by Tony Dunnell._
---
# Major Cities in Peru: The Largest and the Most Popular
URL: https://newperuvian.com/major-cities-in-peru/
Published: 2017-01-30
Updated: 2017-12-21
Topic: cities in peru
Cities in Peru account for a huge percentage of the Peruvian population. Of the country’s 31.5 million inhabitants, about 76% live in urban areas.
The wider metropolitan area of [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), meanwhile, is home to a huge 31.7% of the population, clearly making the capital the most dominant and important city in Peru.
## The Largest Cities in Peru
Here are the 12 largest cities in Peru according to official estimations by Peru’s [Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática](https://www.inei.gob.pe/estadisticas/indice-tematico/poblacion-y-vivienda/) (INEI). The last census in Peru was in 2007, so these current estimates are closer to the real numbers.
pop. 9,886,647
pop. 869,351
pop. 799,550
pop. 600,440
pop. 437,376
pop. 436,440
pop. 427,218
pop. 371,012
pop. 364,725
pop. 293,119
pop. 273,882
pop. 244,390
**Lima** — population 9,886,647 (wider metropolitan area including Callao) — At around 10 million inhabitants, the wider Lima Metropolitan Area, which includes the port city of Callao (pop. 1 million), is the second largest city in South America. Only São Paulo in Brazil is larger, while Bogotá and Rio de Janeiro come in third and fourth place respectively.
**Arequipa** — population 869,351 — Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, but it comes nowhere near to rivaling Lima. It has 9 million fewer inhabitants, serving to emphasize the hugely dominant nature of the Peruvian capital.
**Trujillo** — population 799,550 — Trujillo is the largest city in [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/).
**Chiclayo** — population 600,440
**Iquitos** — population 437,376
**Piura** — population 436,440
**Cusco** — population 427,218
**Chimbote** — population 371,012
**Huancayo** — population 364,725
**Tacna** — population 293,119
**Juliaca** — population 273,882
**Ica** — population 244,390
As you can see from the map above, most of the biggest cities in Peru are located on the coast or in coastal regions. These cities are all connected by the Panamericana, or Pan-American Highway, a network of roads that, in its international entirety, links almost all of the mainland countries of the Americas.
By far the most isolated of all the major cities in Peru is [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/), which is the largest city in the world unreachable by road. You can fly or take a river boat to Iquitos, but you can’t drive there.
## The Most Popular Cities in Peru
Below are the 12 most popular cities in Peru in terms of foreign visitors. The figures are from the Observatorio Turístico del Peru by way of the Base de Datos Turísticos del Perú (BADATUR). Rather than total visitor numbers, these represent the percentage of tourists that visit each of these cities in Peru during their time in the country. The percentages below are for visitors from the United States, which tend to reflect trends from other nations, too ([you can see percentages for other nations here](http://www.observatorioturisticodelperu.com/mapas/visita.pdf)).
Lima Cusco Puno Arequipa Ica Trujillo Paracas Huaraz Puerto Maldonado Iquitos Chiclayo Cajamarca
According to the [Global Destination Cities Index](https://newsroom.mastercard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/FINAL-Global-Destination-Cities-Index-Report.pdf), Lima was the most visited city in Latin America in 2016. With a total of 4.3 million visitors, Lima outranked cities such as Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.
Four of the six largest cities in Peru are in the north of the country, but only one city in northern Peru — Trujillo — makes it onto the list of the most popular cities in Peru among foreign visitors. And at only 7%, it lags far behind the five most visited cities.
Most tourists in Peru go to Lima and then travel in the southern half of the country, never venturing to the north. This reflects the popularity — and the tourism infrastructure — of southern Peru, home to destinations and attractions located on the well-trodden Peruvian “Gringo Trail.” This route includes all of the four most visited cities in Peru: Lima, [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) and Arequipa.
Lima, being both the capital and the most common point of entry for foreign travelers (not including tourists coming from bordering nations), naturally receives a large percentage of all visitors. Cusco is the access point for Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous tourist attraction. Arequipa is a beautiful colonial city and the access point for Colca Canyon, while Puno sits on the banks of Lake Titicaca (at a lung-bursting 12,500 feet above sea level, making it one of [the highest cities in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/high-altitude-peru-cities-attractions-altitude-sickness/)). Ica, the fifth most visited city in Peru, sits near to the popular Huacachina oasis (for sandboarding and dune buggy rides) and is within easy reach of the Nazca Lines. These cities, and these attractions, form the classic Gringo Trail.
If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, head north of Lima to cities like Trujillo, Chiclayo, [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/), [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) and Iquitos.
_Photo of Cusco by Tony Dunnell._
---
# Can You Hike the Inca Trail Without a Guide?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/can-you-hike-inca-trail-without-a-guide/
Published: 2017-01-28
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: inca trail without a guide
View from the Inca Trail, Day 3 (photo by karlnorling, [flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/karlnorling/7426320546/))\
If you’re an independent trekker, you’d probably like to hike the Inca Trail without a guide. Maybe you’d like to trek the Inca Trail without porters and a cook, too. And, well, I don’t blame you.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible, unless you’re prepared to break the law and invest in some kind of cloaking device.
## It’s Official: You Can't Hike the Classic Inca Trail Without a Guide
The official Inca Trail regulations, as laid down by Peru’s Ministry of Tourism (MINCETUR), state that anyone walking the trail must be accompanied by an officially registered tour guide in an organized group. This has been the case since 2001.
Guides will normally be working for or with an officially registered Inca Trail tour operator, of which there are almost 200 (you can see [my recommended Inca Trail tour operators here](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/)). Scheduled group departures are the norm, with groups of at most 16 trekkers (not including porters, cooks etc.).
Many operators also offer private Inca Trail treks. This is one way to ensure a smaller group size and greater personalized attention, but it’s significantly more expensive. If you do end up going the organized route, an operator like [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/) runs both scheduled group departures and private versions of the classic trail with all-inclusive pricing, which at least makes quotes easy to compare.
Alternatively, you can try to bypass the tour agencies altogether and organize a trip directly with an authorized guide based in [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/). This is arguably the closest you’ll get to an independent hike in a small group: You could organize a hike along the Inca Trail with just you and the guide. It’s certainly more independent, but you’ll have to carry your own gear, including your share of the food and camping equipment. You’ll also have to place a great deal of trust in the guide, as you won’t be dealing with a larger tour agency (and it’s far easier to research a tour agency than to research the merits of a single guide).
These independent authorized guides can take no more than six trekkers in their group, and the guide is entirely responsible for the group and all services.
## Ways to Hike to Machu Picchu Without a Guide
All of the information above refers to the classic Inca Trail. There are, of course, numerous Inca trails — and regular trails — that spreads across Cusco and Peru. You can, therefore, trek to Machu Picchu without a guide along alternative trails.
For example, you can hike the Lares and Salkantay trails without a guide, both of which lead to Machu Picchu. But you’ll need to be a fairly experienced trekker, and you’ll need to take into account things like the time of year (for weather conditions), your ability to communicate with locals along the route (so brush up on your Spanish — or Quechua), and the availability of maps.
Read here about the [best time to visit Machu Picchu](https://newperuvian.com/the-best-time-to-visit-machu-picchu)
Guides known these alternative routes like the backs of their hands, but first-timers can get lost. Signposts are rare, as are decent maps. You’ll also be far better off going with at least one or two trekking companions, mainly for safety reasons. While not inherently dangerous, these routes can pose a few potential risks, natural and man-made. Solo female trekkers need to be particularly cautious.
The [Salkantay trek](https://newperuvian.com/12-reasons-to-hike-the-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu/) seems to be the most popular route for trekking to Machu Picchu without a guide. You can read some descriptions of hiking Salkantay without a guide [here](http://www.thriftydrifter.com/salkantay-questions-answered/), [here](http://www.sayonarapushek.com/2015/05/12/salkantay-trek-without-a-guide/) and [here](https://rediscoveringpassions.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/salkantay-trek-solo-without-group-or-guide/).
If all of the above doesn’t faze you and you feel sufficiently experienced to hike Salkantay or Lares without a guide, then go for it! It will certainly be a rewarding way to reach Machu Picchu — and significantly cheaper than going with a guide.
---
# 6 Reasons Why Trujillo Toy Museum is a Scary Place to Spend the Night
URL: https://newperuvian.com/trujillo-toy-museum-scary-place-spend-night/
Published: 2017-01-19
Updated: 2017-05-10
Topic: trujillo toy museum
By day, the Museo del Juguete in Trujillo, Peru is a perfectly sedate place. The wooden floorboards of the toy museum creek unthreateningly, the listless eyes of ashen dolls look around with antique apathy. Toy soldiers stand in rank and file, frozen in silent, endless battle.
But if you were to ask me to spend the night at the Museo del Juguete, I’d answer in no uncertain terms: "Screw. That." Seriously, I’ve seen _Night at the Museum_ and _The Conjuring_, so there’s no way you’d get me to spend a night at Trujillo Toy Museum. At least not without Ed and Lorraine Warren —_ _and an in-form [Father Merrin](http://exorcist.wikia.com/wiki/Lankester_Merrin) — at my side.
Not convinced? Here are some of my photos, taken during the day when everything was calm. Now just imagine staying here at night, alone, and then tell me it wouldn’t be creepy…
_If an image is too large for your screen, click to open in a lightbox. All photos by Tony Dunnell._
1. Dolls hang from the wooden skylight of the toy museum, motionless. Motionless, until you avert your eyes. Turn your back and you'll sense the slightest movement, and the strange subtle sound of twisting, tautening string.
2\. The pianist plays her tune at night, while the others dance or watch. But please don't interrupt her. Interrupt her, and she'll tear your tongue out through your eyes.
3\. Do not trust the Andean dolls: they are not what they seem. When the night is at its blackest black, they'll scurry down and stick a dagger in your back.
4\. Behold Despair, the strands of death within her hair. (But seriously, who would ever give this doll to a child? She's absolutely terrifying. It's like giving a five-year-old _The Ring_ on DVD for Christmas.)
5\. The static rank and file stare death in the face all day long, locked in the final moment before the bullets fly. At night, when no-one's watching, the order to fire is given. They are doomed to die again and again, every night, without end.
6\. She sees you. Yes, she sees you. And once the sun goes down, she'll bring Angry Baby and Barefooted Clown and together they'll feast on your cheeks. (Or something like that. Whatever it is, it won't be good)
### Trujillo Toy Museum
All creepiness aside, the Museo del Juguete in Trujillo, Peru is well worth a visit (and it's perfectly safe during the day). The museum was opened in 2001 by Peruvian artist Gerardo Chávez, a descendant of the artistic and intellectual community known as the Grupo Norte (North Group) that emerged in Trujillo in 1915. Chávez, who also founded Trujillo's Museum of Modern Art, traveled extensively in Europe, and many of the toys on display were collected by him during his travels.
- Address: Jirón Independencia 705, Historic Center of Trujillo, [Northern Peru](/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/)
- Telephone: (044) 208181
- Facebook: [facebook.com/Museodeljuguetedetrujillo](https://www.facebook.com/Museodeljuguetedetrujillo)
- Hours: Monday (closed Tuesday) and Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Entrance: Adults S/ 7; children S/ 3
---
# Bringing a Laptop to Peru: Questions and Answers
URL: https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/
Published: 2017-01-19
Updated: 2018-05-25
Topic: bringing a laptop to peru
If you’re thinking about bringing a laptop to Peru, you might have some questions and maybe a few doubts. That’s understandable, so I’ll try to answer as many potential questions as possible.
### Do I Actually Need to Bring a Laptop to Peru?
First things first, and only you can answer this: Do you really need to bring a laptop to Peru? We’re increasingly becoming slaves to our keyboards and keypads and touchscreens and whatever, but maybe we’d be far better off leaving them all at home when we travel? There's also weight to consider [when you're packing for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/packing-for-peru/): if you want to travel light, is the laptop really necessary.
If you do ditch the devices, you can rely on internet cafes and communal computers in hotels and hostels. Consider it: it might just give you that extra freedom you’ve been looking for. But if you can’t live with a laptop, read on…
### Should I Bring a Laptop, Tablet or Smartphone to Peru?
Being a travel writer, I nearly always travel with my laptop — [a 15.6 inch Asus](http://amzn.to/2joqydO) — and I’ve never had any problems. Still, there’s always a risk of damage or theft. But I need the capabilities of a laptop to publish articles, edit photos etc.
If your reasons for taking a laptop to Peru are more along the lines of communicating with people back home, uploading photos to Facebook and watching movies, then you might be better off taking a tablet or a smartphone. These smaller devices are certainly more practical when traveling. They save space and reduce weight in your backpack (read my [guide to buying a backpack for Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-backpack-for-peru-south-america/)), are less susceptible to damage (simply because they are smaller and can be better protected), and are less likely to attract attention when you carry them around.
But if you need the capabilities of a laptop, then go ahead and take it to Peru. And that’s what we’ll be focusing on here.
### Will I Have Problems Passing Through Peruvian Customs With a Laptop?
According to [Peruvian customs regulations](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-customs-regulations-can-cant-bring-into-peru/) as laid out by SUNAT (Peru’s administrative body in charge of taxation and customs), you can enter Peru with one laptop. Any additional laptops will be subject to a customs charge, which is currently 20% of the minimum value of the item as determined by the customs official. Along with a laptop, you can also bring one tablet, two cellphones/smartphones, two external hard drives, and four USB pen drives/flash drives.
### How Good is the Internet in Peru?
If the internet is awful in any given country, then there’s less reason to take a laptop. But [internet access in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/) has progressed a lot in the last 10 years, and you might be quite surprised at some of the connection speeds. At the same time, you will come across frustratingly slow connections, even in some major cities ([Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) is one notable city with bad internet, which is understandable given its isolated location in the middle of a vast jungle).
Overall, don’t let the idea of slow internet speeds sway you against bringing a laptop to Peru. It will be slow at times, and non-existent in small isolated villages, but you’ll never be too far from a decent connection unless you're in a remote area.
### Where Can I Get Online in Peru?
Nearly all hotels and hostels in Peru have Wi-Fi, as well as many cafes and some restaurants and bars. You can also take your laptop into an internet café and connect wirelessly.
### Will I Need an Adapter or Voltage Converter to Use My Laptop in Peru?
In almost all cases, you won’t need a voltage converter to use your laptop in Peru. The battery chargers of modern laptops, as well as tablets and smartphones, normally have dual/worldwide voltage (rated 100-250V), which is fine for Peru. Depending on where you bought your laptop, you might need a simple plug adapter. You can [read more about electricity and plugs in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/electricity-in-peru-voltage-plugs-outlets-adapters/) here.
The cabins on Peruvian river boats, seen on the left side of this photo, are tiny, but good for keeping valuable equipment safe, including laptops (photo by Tony Dunnell)
### Will My Laptop Be Damaged in Peru?
Wherever you travel with a laptop, there’s always a risk of damaging it. Peru is no exception. Buy a good laptop case and make sure you protect your laptop when in transit.
I always take my laptop with me as hand luggage on airplanes and buses, because some baggage handlers chuck bags around with no care for what might be inside. [Baggage allowances for domestic flights within Peru](https://newperuvian.com/baggage-allowance-in-peru-limits-and-restrictions-for-domestic-airlines/) typically allow one carry-on item and one "personal item" as hand luggage (as well as one item of checked baggage). Most of the [major airlines in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/) consider a laptop to be a personal item, so you can carry it as additional hand luggage if you need more room in your carry-on bag.
If you’re traveling by cargo boat, say from [Yurimaguas](https://newperuvian.com/yurimaguas-travel-guide/) or Pucallpa to Iquitos, it’s worth paying extra for a cabin so you can securely store your laptop and other valuable items.
### Will My Laptop Be Stolen in Peru?
Opportunistic theft is rife in Peru, so always keep your laptop close and never leave it anywhere unattended, not even for a millisecond (and that’s only a slight exaggeration: Peruvian thieves are quick). Avoid using your laptop in exposed public places, such as bus terminals, where thieves can easily snatch your laptop — while you're using it — and run off into the crowds outside.
If you’re sitting with your laptop in a café, choose a table away from the street. If you’re using your laptop in the communal area of your hotel or hostel, never leave it unattended. If you’re staying in a dorm, make use of your locker or the hostel storage room (if you think it’s secure). Ideally, don’t walk around in the streets with your laptop; if you have to, don’t carry it openly, but tuck it in to your daypack.
It’s a good idea to take an external hard drive to back up all your valuable files, including your holiday photos. You can always buy a new laptop if it gets stolen, but you can never replace those photos. You can also use cloud storage.
### Where Can I Get My Laptop Fixed or Upgraded in Peru?
It’s easy enough to find computer stores in Peru’s cities, most of which have technicians for repairs and upgrades. But before you choose a store or technical service, try to ask around for some recommendations.
In Tarapoto, where I live, I only go to one computer store (Amidata), as the others I’ve tried have either been incompetent or downright cheats (refusing to return something that they originally recommended, despite it being the wrong piece; suggesting upgrades that are actually downgrades; stuff like that). So be careful before handing over your valuable laptop to a technician, as you can’t always be sure they’ll do a good job (or even the right job).
### And If I Want to Buy a Laptop in Peru…?
Go ahead. But if you buy a laptop in Peru, it will probably have a Spanish or Latin American keyboard layout (complete with ñ and ¿, for example). Also, the system language will be in Spanish by default, but you can ask about having this changed. Installed programs like Microsoft Office might also be in Spanish, and this can sometimes be tricky to change.
Apart from language/regional issues, you should be fine buying a laptop in Peru. You’ll find the best prices and the most options in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/).
### I Have More Questions About Bringing a Laptop to Peru!
No problem. Go ahead and leave your question in the comments section below and I’ll answer as soon as possible.
---
# How Much to Tip on the Inca Trail
URL: https://newperuvian.com/how-much-to-tip-inca-trail/
Published: 2017-01-17
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: how much to tip on the inca trail
Porters and guide from Valencia Travel Cusco (photo by Tony Dunnell)\
How much to tip on the Inca Trail has always been a tricky topic, for trekkers as well as for the guides and porters working along the trail. It is, after all, a slightly uncomfortable cross-cultural non-conversation between people who have formed a bond by walking together for three or four days.
Awkward? Yes, it can be.
## Inca Trail Tipping Etiquette for Porters, Guides and Cooks
First of all, as an Inca Trail tour operator’s FAQ page will often tell you, tipping is not mandatory on the Inca Trail. But while it’s not mandatory, tipping has become such a tradition that it would be strange not to tip. If the service is really bad — if you feel robbed or ill-treated — then consider withholding the tip. In all other situations, tipping is a widely accepted — and largely expected — part of Inca Trail etiquette.
Tips are not included in [the overall cost of your Inca Trail trek](https://newperuvian.com/how-much-does-hiking-the-inca-trail-cost/), so you need to take enough cash, in Peruvian soles or US dollars, to cover this additional expense. Who exactly you are tipping can depend on the size of your trekking group, but you’ll generally need to tip the lead guide, porters and cook (and sometimes a driver). A larger trekking group might also include an assistant guide and assistant cook.
## Tipping Advice from Inca Trail Tour Operators
The tipping scenario can be complicated. To make things clearer, let’s have a look at what some of [the best Inca Trail tour operators](https://newperuvian.com/best-inca-trail-tour-operators-in-peru/) have to say:
**SAS Travel Peru**
At the time this article was researched, [SAS Travel](http://www.sastravelperu.com/) recommended that each person in the group contributes between S/ 80 and S/ 110 ($30 to $40) to a pot which is then distributed among the cook, assistant cook, general assistant and porters. This is given to the staff after dinner on Day 3 (a standard tipping schedule for many Inca Trail tour operators).
They also suggested that each person contributes S/ 18 to S/ 28 for the lead guide, and S/ 15 to S/ 20 for the assistant guide. This worked out as between S/ 113 to S/ 158 per trekker in total.
**Alpaca Expeditions**
I contacted [Alpaca Expeditions](https://www.alpacaexpeditions.com/) and they told me what they normally tell their clients about tipping on the Inca Trail:
“As for the tipping, this is something that many people ask about. It is customary in Peru to tip your crew at the end of the trek. Please know that Alpaca makes sure to give our entire team a good salary and they do not survive off only their tips. We do want to share some advice on how to do this, since different cultures have different preferences about tipping. Porters and chefs do prefer tips in soles. Often the entire team of trekkers will pool money together for the Green Machine \[the name given to Alpaca Expedition’s trekking staff] and each porter will receive between 60 – 80 soles and the chef usually receives double. For your guide, this is often a personal decision and done by each separate group.”
**Guiding Peru**
I asked John Dzurka, owner of Guiding Peru (an operator that has since closed down), for his opinion regarding tipping on the Inca Trail, including the general process and the amounts:
“Tipping is always a difficult topic on the Inca Trail. All guests realize they should tip, but they are typically confused on the appropriate amounts and process. Most trekking companies, including Guiding Peru, allow for the guests to thank the entire team after the last dinner on Night 3 of the classic 4 Day/3 Night Inca Trail trek. The lead porter will accept the porter tips and distribute these as he sees appropriate, in privacy; the chef and assistant chef will accept their tip following the gift to the porters. Guiding Peru provides our guests with a celebratory lunch in Aguas Calientes following the private guided tour of Machu Picchu on Day 4. After the meal the group will present their tip to the assistant guide and lead guide. All tips are provided as a group tip and not individually. Most trekking companies suggest strongly against tipping individual workers as it typically leads to problems within the team.”
John and Guiding Peru recommended the following tips for the classic 4 Day/3 Night Inca Trail trek. These amounts are to be given by the trekking group as a whole, not per person (and the cook and porters prefer to receive their tips in Peruvian soles rather than US dollars):
- Lead guide: S/ 400 total (about $120)
- Assistant guide(s) (if required based upon group size): S/ 300 (about $90)
- Chef: S/ 200 (about $60)
- Assistant chef(s) (if required based upon groups size): S/ 120 soles (about $36)
- Porters: S/ 80 per porter (about $24)
- Driver (if applicable): S/ 120 (about $36) per day/drive
Bringing that all together, Guiding Peru recommended — based on the level of service received and the size of the trekking team — that each member of a group should prepare for a tip of about S/ 250 to S/ 335 ($75 to $100) for the classic 4 Day/3 Night Inca Trail trek.
**Valencia Travel Cusco**
At the time this article was researched, [Valencia Travel Cusco](http://www.valenciatravelcusco.com) recommended that “each porter in your group take home an extra 30 to 35 soles (a combined tip from everyone in the group).” In contrast to Guiding Peru, Valencia believed that it’s better to give the tips individually to each porter, as giving all the money to the guide or cook to distribute later can lead to the money being “unfairly distributed.”
## How Much to Tip on the Inca Trail: The Bottom Line
So… there’s some agreement among this small selection of popular Inca Trail tour operators. Tips have risen since this article was first researched, along with wages and prices, and current operator guidance as of mid-2026 tends to suggest between S/ 200 and S/ 300 per trekker for the classic Inca Trail. SAS Travel’s current trek pages list tips for porters, cooks and guides at around $50 to $60, [Tour Leaders Peru](https://tourleadersperu.com/inca-trail-tipping-guide/) suggests each trekker contribute roughly S/ 100 to S/ 150 to the shared pot for the porters and cook plus another S/ 100 to S/ 150 for the guide, and [Action Peru Treks](https://actionperutreks.com/tips-for-tipping/) recommends similar figures. Alpaca Expeditions, for its part, still publishes the same per-porter amounts quoted above. And when you see how hard the porters work, you’ll probably want to tip them more than you initially expected.
One thing has changed for the better since this article was first written: Peru’s [porter welfare law](https://newperuvian.com/new-porters-2023-law-everything-you-need-to-know/) raised the baseline pay and conditions for porters. With operators that follow the rules (companies like Alpaca Expeditions and [Yapa Explorers](https://www.yapaexplorers.com/) make porter welfare a visible part of their pitch), your tip is now genuinely a bonus on top of a fair wage rather than a wage substitute.
It’s a good idea to take the cash for tips in smaller denominations so it can be more easily divided up between the porters, cooks, guides etc.
And whether you pool all the money and hand it to one person (normally the guide or head cook), or hand it out individually to each staff member, seems to differ between companies. Your guide will be able to tell you what is standard for your particular tour operator, so just follow his or her advice.
Finally, don’t forget that the guides, porters and cooks will have seen all kinds of tips offered — or not — so don’t worry too much about under tipping or over tipping — although excessive over tipping can cause problems, so it’s best avoided. Give what you feel is correct, and be happy with it. And if you want to show some extra appreciation in a different way, you can ask your guide if your tour operator supports any local initiatives (many do), and maybe donate some extra money to a worthy local cause.
---
# Inkaterra La Casona, A Place of Conquistadors and Kings (and Cake)
URL: https://newperuvian.com/inkaterra-la-casona-hotel-conquistadors-kings/
Published: 2017-01-17
Updated: 2017-08-04
Topic: inkaterra la casona
Tired and not altogether clean after a day exploring the Sacred Valley, I lugged my backpack through the heavy wooden doorway into Inkaterra La Casona, one of Peru’s finest, most historic and most elegant hotels.
I gently placed my worn pack onto the reception area rug, scared of dislodging an antique vase or fraying the fine fabrics on what looked like a centuries-old chaise longue.
“Buenas tardes” I said to the doorman, slightly short of breath in the high altitude. “¡Buenas tardes, señor!” he replied in a welcoming tone. I was sure he could tell straight away that I’m not the kind of person who’s naturally at ease with luxury: Not the kind of man who typically stays in $400-a-night hotels.
But when I do receive free accommodation — one of the perks of being a travel writer — I’m more than happy to at least try to look respectable for a night or two, to pretend that I actually belong in the former home of a famed conquistador like Diego de Almagro.
### Of the Old World and the New
I glanced around the lobby of La Casona, where a wooden chest with thick hinges bore the weight of a heavy bronze candelabra. Fresh-cut flowers spilled out proudly from graceful vases. Bundles of eucalyptus branches, their minty pine perfume sitting subtly in the air, lay beneath large-framed paintings and tapestries.
My room wasn’t quite ready, so I was invited to sit in the regal living room with a teapot and a teacup and a plate of biscuits. The delicate china reminded me of the fragile teacups once used by my grandmother in England. A fine lady with a penchant for gin and tonic, she was a daughter of colonialism, albeit of the British Raj.
Delicacy and colonialism have rarely gone hand in hand, neither in the Indian subcontinent nor in the New World. And here in this colonial _salón_, sipping coca tea from a dainty teacup, it was both strange and fitting to think of Diego de Almagro, El Adelantado, the man who once called this house his home.
Five hundred years ago, little delicacy followed Almagro or his fellow conquistadors, men who sat in this same room. Almagro, who lost an eye fighting natives in the New World, was once a companion of Francisco Pizarro. Later, having divvied up the treasure of the fallen Inca emperor Atahualpa, the relationship between the two men began to sour. They finally fought over the control of [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/), which Almagro had occupied, but Pizarro and his brothers proved too strong. Pizarro threw Almagro into a dungeon before having him garroted and decapitated on July 8, 1538, his corpse then set out for public display in the Plaza Mayor of Cusco. Little delicacy indeed.
Having pondered the garroting if Almagro while sipping tea, I stepped out into La Casona’s intimate colonial courtyard. A bright blue square of sky looked down upon the peaceful patch of green grass, surrounded on all sides by two levels of stone arches, with wooden doors and banisters bearing intricately carved details. Along the surrounding corridors, old wooden tables bore bowls of fresh fruit. Religious frescos hung on the stone walls. The attention to detail — the capturing of the essence of a sixteenth-century Spanish mansion — was impressive, stimulating.
It was easy to see why La Casona had played host to so many famous guests over the years. Prior to the hotel's modern incarnation, La Casona had housed the South American liberator Simón Bolívar following his victory at the Battle of Ayacucho. It was a decisive encounter in Peru’s War of Independence against Spain. What would Diego de Almagro have thought had he known his home would be used by this scourge of the Spanish Crown?
Since Inkaterra restorated La Casona and turned it into a modern hotel, guests have included King Willem-Alexander and the Dutch royal family. Antonio Banderas and Bono stopped by, too. Mick Jagger also stayed at La Casona, which is no surprise: At every notable hotel I visit in Peru, be it the Hotel Bolivar in [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) or the [Casa Fitzcarraldo](https://newperuvian.com/mick-jagger-miniature-leopards-la-casa-fitzcarraldo-iquitos/) in [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/), it seems as if Mick has always been there before me.
### A Bathtub Fit for Kings
“Your room is ready, sir” said the smiling receptionist after my short wait and a quick stroll around the courtyard. She led me to my room, opened the wide wooden door, and handed me a large iron key.
Beautiful. The room was beautiful. A perfect balance of heavy wood and soft cushions, of sturdy golden-framed mirrors and modern lighting. A small ceramic bull — a traditional Torito de Pucará — sat on the bed, a thoughtful welcome gift with a hand-signed note:
> “Dear Mr. Dunnell,
>
> Welcome to Inkaterra La Casona. Your memorable experience at Inkaterra is our quest. It is a pleasure to have you with us. Please enjoy this gift, and let the fusion of two grand cultures inspire you.”
The colonial charm of my room was undeniable, but the designers hadn’t ignored the requirements of modern travelers. Hidden inside a wooden cupboard were all the room’s modern devices: a large flat-screen TV, iPod speakers, and a small fridge.
Behind another wooden door was the bathroom, which was significantly larger and far more comfortable than many hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. Along the right-hand wall lay a bright white bathtub set into the stone floor; to the left, two sinks in a marble pedestal below a massive mirror, decorated with more fresh eucalyptus leaves and an array of fancy soaps.
The bathtub called to me as a siren to a filthy sailor. I ran a bath and soaked away the residue of a day spent trekking and traveling by cramped public transport.
### Croissants, Cakes and Crispy Duck
With only 11 suites, Inkaterra La Casona has a discreet and relaxing atmosphere. I met my first fellow guests at breakfast, a wealthy American couple who immediately started asking me too many questions about my work. I answered politely while eyeing the breakfast buffet just out of reach.
Finally wriggling free from the barrage of inquiries, I came face to face with a truly wonderful sight: croissants, quality cheeses, ham and olives, nuts and oats and cereals. I tried not to overload my plate for fear of appearing gluttonously uncouth, and then chose a quiet table in the elegant dining room. A staff member came over offering bacon and eggs. “Um, yes, please” I replied, reminding myself that it was, after all, my job to try every breakfast item available.
I told myself that very same thing later in the day when I overloaded my plate at the teatime buffet. Cakes, biscuits, hot chocolate, coffee, coca tea. I’d been kayaking and trekking a lot in the previous few days, so the gluttony was fairly easy to justify.
As was spending S/ 60 just a few hours later in the same dining room, which takes on a whole new level of charm and elegance at night. I’d invited a friend over and we sat at a candlelit table covered with Andean textiles and shining cutlery. I ordered the _magret de pato_, a crispy-skinned duck breast with pear, radicchio, tarwi, basil and passion fruit sauce.
It was small but delicious, and, like La Casona itself, a perfect combination of colonial luxury and Andean charm — and an altogether fulfilling experience. And as the welcome note said, and as Inkaterra La Casona so ably achieves: “Let the fusion of two grand cultures inspire you.”
## Inkaterra La Casona Hotel Details and Rates
- Address: Plaza Nazarenas 113, Cusco, Peru
- Wesbite: [www.inkaterra.com](http://www.inkaterra.com/)
- Prices: $418 for a first-floor patio room; $539 for a balcony room; $649 for a room overlooking the Plaza Nazarenas
---
# Using ATMs in Peru: Withdrawal Fees, Safety and More
URL: https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/
Published: 2017-01-16
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: atms in peru
You’ll find plenty of ATMs in Peru, especially in larger towns and cities. So if you rely on withdrawing money from ATMs (cash machines) to fund your day-to-day travels, you should be fine — although you’ll sometimes need to plan ahead so you don’t get stuck penniless in the middle of nowhere…
### Where Can I Find ATMs in Peru?
It’s normally easy to find an ATM in any large city in Peru, especially if you’re in the city center. The city’s main square, or Plaza de Armas, is normally a good place to start. If you don’t find an ATM around the square itself, then there should be one on an adjacent street. Also keep an eye out for any banks, as most have ATMs inside (such as shown in the main image above). If your Spanish is up to it, then of course you can always ask a local for directions to the nearest _cajero automático_.
While most mid-sized towns will have an ATM or two, some smaller towns — and especially villages — might not have any at all. Before heading out to any village or rural community, always make sure you’ve got enough cash on you for the trip (and some extra for emergencies).
Large shopping malls and some pharmacies also contain ATMs. If you’re flying into [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), you’ll find ATMs inside Lima Airport.
Most ATMs are open 24 hours a day.
### What Cards do Peruvian ATMs Accept?
ATMs in Peru typically accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Visa, however, still seems to be the most common in Peru.
Make sure you clear your card(s) for use abroad or you may find they don’t work or quickly become blocked due to anti-fraud measures or other protective services used by your bank. If your card does become blocked, you should be able to unblock it fairly quickly by calling your bank back home.
Some ATMs will refuse to give you money for other reasons, so don’t panic if your withdrawal is refused. The machine might be out of money or the local network could be down temporarily. Try again later; if the problem persists, call your bank.
### Is There a Daily or Monthly Withdrawal Limit?
Peruvian ATMs place a limit on the amount of cash you can withdraw in one go. This limit is sometimes frustratingly low: as of mid-2026, roughly S/ 400 per withdrawal is standard at most machines (including BBVA, Interbank, Scotiabank and Banco de la Nación), while BCP and BanBif machines typically allow around S/ 700 in one go. These limits also apply when withdrawing dollars. Some banks decrease the withdrawal amount at night, typically from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Daily total withdrawal limits are also in place, so while you should be able to make a few withdrawals in one day, don't be surprised if you hit a wall eventually. Exact daily caps vary by bank and seem to change often, so check the machine (or ask in the branch) if you need to take out a larger amount.
Back in 2017, BCP really started messing with foreign card holders by introducing a _monthly_ withdrawal limit of S/700. That, quite frankly, was ridiculous. Thankfully, the restriction has long since lapsed: these days BCP machines typically allow around S/ 700 per withdrawal, with no monthly cap that I'm aware of.
Other daily withdrawal limits might be in place with your bank back home, so check with them before traveling.
### Are There ATM Fees in Peru?
ATM fees in Peru used to be minimal, but they have been substantial for years now. Banks in Peru seem to be changing their policies all the time, which doesn't help when it comes to giving precise info about these fees (see comments section below to get an idea of the confusion this causes everyone). As of mid-2026, most of the big banks charge foreign cards somewhere between S/ 18 and S/ 36 (roughly $5 to $10 US) per withdrawal: BBVA and Interbank typically charge around S/ 18 to S/ 25, Scotiabank roughly S/ 18 to S/ 28, and the standalone GlobalNet machines (the big multi-bank network run by Interbank) anywhere from about S/ 19 to S/ 36. Reports on BCP are mixed: some travelers pay no fee at all with certain foreign cards, while others report fees of roughly S/ 15 to S/ 36.
The one reliable exception is Banco de la Nación, whose MultiRed ATMs are generally still fee-free for foreign cards (although with a lowish limit of around S/ 400 per withdrawal). And if your bank back home belongs to the Global ATM Alliance, you may avoid the local fee at Scotiabank machines, as Scotiabank is the Peruvian member of that network.
Whichever machine you use, the fee should appear on screen before you confirm the withdrawal, so always check it there: these numbers change often, and the screen is the only figure you can really trust.
### Using Xoom to Send Money to Peru
One alternative is to avoid the ATMs altogether and use a money transfer service like [Xoom](https://www.xoom.com/). (Azimo, which I used to recommend for readers in Europe, shut down its transfer service back in 2023.) This way, you can transfer money directly from your bank account to your nearest Interbank in Peru, where you can collect it in dollars (which you can either exchange for soles in the bank, or with street money changers, who normally offer better exchange rates). You'll probably find that this is a cheaper and more transparent method of getting your money in Peru, and it's a fairly straightforward process, too.
### ATM Fees from Your Bank Back Home
You also need to take your own bank into consideration, as it might well charge you for using an ATM abroad, and this can be in excess of $10 for each withdrawal. For example, my bank in the UK, Barclays, does charge a fee for withdrawing money abroad:
"You can use your debit card abroad to buy things or withdraw cash from ATMs wherever you see the VISA sign. There are fees for withdrawing cash abroad but there is no cash withdrawal fee for withdrawing funds from cash machines belonging to one of our Global ATM Alliance partners."
So if you are being charged withdrawal fees in Peru, they might be coming from your bank and the bank in Peru (another reason to use a service like Xoom). Check this with your bank before you travel, and double check the fees after your first withdrawal. It’s always handy to have online banking set up so you can easily check your balance, and any fees you may be incurring, from Peru.
### What Currencies Can I Withdraw and in What Denominations?
Some ATMs will let you withdraw both Peruvian soles and US dollars. If they are capable of dispensing dollars, it should say so somewhere on the machine.
When you withdraw Peruvian soles, you’ll normally received S/ 100 notes, which can be annoying considering the occasional problems with using large notes in Peru. If you’re lucky, the machine will sometimes give you S/ 50 notes, sometimes even a few S/ 20 notes.
When you withdraw US$, you’ll typically receive $20 notes.
### Are Peruvian ATMs Hard to Use if I Don’t Speak Spanish?
In a word: no. As far as I’m aware, every ATM in Peru — or at least the vast majority — has an English-language option. This option should appear once you’ve entered your card and pin.
### Is it Safe to Use ATMs in Peru?
Whenever possible, use an ATM located inside a bank to greatly reduce the risk of snatch theft. You should be fine withdrawing money from an ATM outside on the street, but you do need to be more cautious, especially at night. It’s always best to withdraw money during the day when there are a few people around (not too many, ideally, but neither should you be totally alone).
Once you’ve received your money, make sure to place it in a secure pocket with a zip or other fastener — somewhere that pickpockets won’t easily invade.
As is now common across the globe, you also need to watch out for any suspicious-looking devices placed on or around the ATM, especially on the card slot. If you see anything dubious, it’s always best to use a different machine.
### The ATM Gave Me Fake Money! What the Hell??
I’ve heard stories of people receiving fake money from legitimate ATMs in Peru. Whether this is true, and whether it still happens, I cannot say for sure. But I’ve withdraw money from ATMs all across the country over the last eight or so years, and I’ve never received a fake note. The likelihood of receiving counterfeit money from a Peruvian ATM is therefore very, very low — if even possible.
_All photos by Tony Dunnell._
---
# How Big is Peru?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/how-big-is-peru/
Published: 2017-01-14
Updated: 2017-04-28
Topic: how big is peru
So just how big is Peru? It’s a good question, especially if you’re about to go traveling in Peru. Knowing what kind of scale you’re looking at, especially compared with your home country, gives you a better idea of how long you might need to explore the country, and how long it will take you to get from A to B.
## How Big is Peru in Miles and Kilometers?
Peru has a total area of 496,225 square miles, or 1,285,216 square kilometers. That puts Peru at number 20 in the list of the world’s countries by area, just below Iran and Mongolia and just above Chad and Niger.
Peru’s coastline, running roughly north to south, stretches for 1,500 miles (2,414 km).
## Size of Peru Compared to Other Countries and US States
Peru is the third largest country in South America, behind Brazil (3,287,956 square miles) and Argentina (1,073,500 square miles). The United States — the world’s third or fourth largest country depending on the numbers you use — is about 7.1 times larger than Peru.
When compared to US states, Peru is slightly smaller than Alaska but almost twice as big as Texas. Peru is about three times the size of California, while the state of New York would fit into Peru at least nine times.
In Europe, major nations such as Germany, France, Spain and the UK are all smaller than Peru, but all have significantly larger populations. The Loreto Region of northeastern Peru (capital [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/)) is the largest region in Peru. With a total area of 142,414 square miles, Loreto is slightly larger than Germany. This sparsely populated Amazonian region, however, has a population of about one million, compared to Germany’s 82 million.
You can see visual Peru size comparisons in the gallery below. Click on any image to expand it.
---
# The Main Airports in Peru, With Map
URL: https://newperuvian.com/main-airports-in-peru-map/
Published: 2017-01-13
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: airports in peru
Andahuaylas Airport, Andahuaylas
Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport, Anta
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport, Arequipa
Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport, Ayacucho
Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport, Cajamarca
Aeropuerto de Chachapoyas, Chachapoyas
Capitán FAP José A. Quiñones Gonzáles International Airport, Chiclayo
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Cusco
Alférez FAP David Figueroa Fernandini Airport, Huánuco
Aeropuerto de Ilo, Ilo
Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport, Iquitos
Aeropuerto de Jaén, Jaén
Francisco Carle Airport, Jauja
Inca Manco Cápac International Airport, Juliaca
Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima
Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport, Piura
Capitán FAP David Abenzur Rengifo International Airport, Pucallpa
Padre Aldamiz International Airport, Puerto Maldonado
Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport, Tacna
Capitán FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport, Talara
Cadete FAP Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport, Tarapoto
Aeropuerto de Tingo María, Tingo María
Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport, Trujillo
Capitán FAP Pedro Canga Rodríguez Airport, Tumbes
There are 234 airports in Peru, but only 24 of those (at most) have regular scheduled flights by [Peru's main domestic airlines](https://newperuvian.com/best-domestic-airlines-in-peru/). The rest are small airports without scheduled flights, and are not included on the map above.
With the exception of Lima Airport, which is run by Lima Airport Partners, the rest of Peru’s main airports are managed by [Corporación Peruana de Aeropuertos y Aviación Comercial](http://www.corpac.gob.pe/) (CORPAC), [Aeropuertos Andinos](http://www.aap.com.pe/) or [Aeropuertos del Perú](http://www.adp.com.pe/portal/es/), the latter operating primarily in the [northern half of Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/).
## A to Z of Major Airports in Peru
Quite a few airports in Peru have the words “International Airport” in their official title, but in most cases this is misleading. At time of writing, only two Peruvian airports actually have regular scheduled international flights (Cusco and Lima).
- **Andahuaylas:** Andahuaylas Airport (ANS) — Andahuaylas Airport is located about nine miles (15 km) from the center of Andahuaylas, one of the two main cities in the Apurímac region of Peru. Peruvian airline LC Perú has flights between Lima and Andahuaylas.
* **Anta:** Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (ATA) — This small airport serves the city of Huaraz in the Ancash region of Peru. The airport itself is located in the village of Anta, about 14 miles (23 km) to the north of Huaraz. LC Perú flies between Anta and Lima.
- **Arequipa:** Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) — Rodríguez Ballón International Airport serves the city of Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru. It is the second busiest airport in southern Peru after Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Peru’s main airlines all have regular flights between Arequipa and Lima. There are also regular scheduled flights between Arequipa and Cusco, Tacna and Juliaca.
* **Ayacucho**: Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport (AYP) — Located two miles (3.4 km) from the center of Ayacucho in the south-central Andes. LC Perú has daily flights between Ayacucho and Lima.
- **Cajamarca**: Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport (CJA) — Cajamarca’s airport is located about two and a half miles (4 km) from the city center. LATAM (LAN) and LC Perú have daily flights to Lima.
* **Chachapoyas**: Aeropuerto de Chachapoyas (CHH) — Chachapoyas started receiving flights from Tarapoto in 2016, thanks to a subsidized initiative by the Peruvian government and the small [SAETA airline](http://www.saetaperu.com/). The tickets are cheap for Peruvians and other legal residents of Peru, at just S/ 60. Foreign tourists have to pay S/ 220. [ATSA Airlines](https://atsaairlines.com/) now also flies direct from Lima to Chachapoyas, with one-way tickets for around $65. (Read my [Chachapoyas Travel Guide](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) here).
- **Chiclayo**: Capitán FAP José A. Quiñones Gonzáles International Airport (CIX) — Located just outside the city of Chiclayo. LATAM and LC Perú have regular flights between Chiclayo and Lima, with some connections in Trujillo.
* **Cusco**: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) — Cusco’s airport is the second busiest airport in Peru after Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. Due to the airport’s close proximity to the city and its difficult geographical location, a new airport — both controversial and continually delayed — will be operational in the future. As well as regular domestic flights to Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Juliaca and Arequipa, Cusco’s airport also has international flights to La Paz, Bolivia (with Peruvian Airlines and Bolivian airline [Amaszonas](https://www.amaszonas.com/es-pe/)) and Bogota, Colombia (with Avianca). (Read my [Cusco Travel Guide](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) here)
- **Huánuco**: Alférez FAP David Figueroa Fernandini Airport (HUU) — Regular scheduled services to and from Lima with Star Perú and LC Perú.
Panoramic photo of Cusco Airport (photo by Aleks Clark, [flickr.com](https://www.flickr.com/photos/sweeperpix/3497207244/))
- **Ilo**: Aeropuerto de Ilo (ILQ) — This airport makes the list — for now at least — thanks to Star Perú, which has flights once or twice each week between Ilo and Lima.
* **Iquitos**: Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT) — [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) is the largest city in the world not accessible by road, making the city’s airport a particularly vital connection between it and the rest of Peru (along with river transportation). LATAM (LAN), Star Perú and Peruvian Airlines have regular flights between Lima and Iquitos, some of which stop in Tarapoto. Flights also connect Iquitos with Pucallpa.
- **Jaén**: Aeropuerto de Jaén (JAE) — LATAM has daily flights between Lima and the small city of Jaén in [Northern Peru](/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/).
* **Jauja**: Francisco Carle Airport (JAU) — This small airport serves Jauja as well as other nearby cities in the Junin Region, including Huancayo and Tarma. Currently, only LC Perú flies between Lima and Jauja.
- **Juliaca**: Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (JUL) — Located about 3 miles (5 km) from the city of Juliaca, Inca Manco Cápac International Airport also serves the city of [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) (which has no airport of its own) further south on the banks of Lake Titicaca and about one hour from Juliaca by bus. LATAM and Avianca fly between Lima and Juliaca; some flights go via Arequipa or Cusco.
* **Lima**: Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) — Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport is the busiest airport in Peru and the main hub for all major domestic airlines. A brand-new, much larger terminal opened in 2025, and all flights now use it (the old terminal is closed to passengers), so double-check directions if you're using older guides. International airlines flying to and from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) include Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. The airport is located in Callao, part of the wider Lima Metropolitan Area, about seven miles from Lima’s historic center.
- **Piura**: Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport (PIU) — Piura Airport is the main airport in the Piura region of northern Peru. TACA, LAN and Peruvian Airlines all have regular flights between Piura and Lima, with additional connections to Chiclayo and Trujillo.
* **Pucallpa**: Capitán FAP David Abenzur Rengifo International Airport (PCL) — Also known as Capitán Rolden International Airport, Pucallpa’s airport is one of the most important airports in the Peruvian Amazon. LATAM, Star Perú, LC Perú and Peruvian all fly between Pucallpa and Lima.
- **Puerto Maldonado**: Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM) — This airport is located about 4.3 miles (7 km) to the west of Puerto Maldonado, capital of the Madre de Dios Region. LATAM, Star Perú and Avianca fly between Lima and Puerto Maldonado, with connections in Cusco.
* **Tacna**: Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (TCQ) — Located just 20 miles from the Chilean border, this is the southernmost of all the airports in Peru. LATAM and Peruvian Airlines have regular flights between Tacna and Lima, with some connections in Arequipa.
- **Talara**: Capitán FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport (TYL) — The closest airport to the popular beach town of Máncora, which is about a 35-minute drive north of Talara. Only LATAM currently flies between Talara and Lima.
* **Tarapoto**: Cadete FAP Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport (TPP) — [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/)’s airport is a short drive from the city center. It also provides access to nearby cities such as Moyobamba and Yurimaguas, both of which are about two hours from Tarapoto by bus or car. LATAM, Peruvian and Star Perú have daily flights between Tarapoto and Lima; Star Perú has additional connections with Iquitos and Pucallpa. Regional airline SAETA has flights to Chachapoyas.
- **Tingo Maria**: Aeropuerto de Tingo María (TGI) — For a long time, Tingo Maria had no scheduled flights. But LC Perú changed all that, and now has regular flights between Tingo Maria and Lima. ATSA Airlines also has flights between the two cities.
* **Trujillo**: Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU) — Trujillo’s airport is located about 6.8 miles (11 km) from the center of Trujillo, the third largest city in Peru. LATAM, Avianca and LC Perú have daily flights to and from Lima, with some connections between Trujillo, Chiclayo and Piura.
- **Tumbes**: Capitán FAP Pedro Canga Rodríguez Airport (TBP) — Pedro Canga Rodríguez Airport is the northernmost airport in Peru, located about five miles (8.5 km) from the center of Tumbes. Only LATAM currently flies between Tumbes and Lima.
_Tarapoto Airport (photo by Tony Dunnell)_
---
# Tarapoto Travel Guide
URL: https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/
Published: 2017-01-11
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: tarapoto
Located on the eastern slope of a wide river valley, the high-jungle city of Tarapoto was a sleepy backwater town until the completion of the Carretera Marginal de la Selva (Jungle Highway) in the late-1960s. By the mid-1970s, this overland connection through Moyobamba and onto the coast had turned Tarapoto into a thriving settlement, and one that would soon become one of the key agricultural regions in Peru.
Tarapoto is now the dominant city in the San Martín Region of [northern Peru](https://newperuvian.com/reasons-to-explore-northern-peru/), both economically and in terms of tourism. But don’t expect the jungle to be right on top of you in this sweltering city: Decades of agricultural development have seen rice fields and other plantations dominate the areas immediately surrounding the city. That said, it doesn’t take long at all to get away from the concrete walls, tin roofs and mototaxi buzz of Tarapoto and into beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and jungle-covered mountains spilling out their silvery waterfalls.
Note: I’ve been living in Tarapoto since 2009.
Another note, this one on freshness: much of this guide was first researched several years ago, and as of mid-2026 prices in particular will have risen since then. Read the figures below as a guide to relative cost, what counts as cheap and what counts as midrange, rather than exact amounts.
## Things to Do in Tarapoto
Despite its position as the main tourist hub in San Martín, Tarapoto is still well off the typical tourist radar. And, to be honest, local authorities have done a lazy job — at best — of promoting all that Tarapoto has to offer. That, however, has its benefits for more adventurous travelers, who can come to Tarapoto and explore attractions independently (or with small local tour operators) without the annoyances — and crowds — associated with far more well-trodden attractions in more popular cities.
The city itself harbors few tourist attractions, apart from restaurants and a nationally-renowned nightlife. There’s the tiny **Museo Regional de la Universidad Nacional de San Martín**, which houses a few oddities both natural and manmade. But for me, Tarapoto’s most interesting urban attraction is the **Tabacalera del Oriente**, quite possibly the finest cigar “factory” in Peru. It’s all hand-rolled, and watching the process — and inhaling the sometimes overpowering vapors spilling off the tobacco — is fascinating. If you like cigars, the Tabacalera is a must-see; and if you don’t, it’s still an interesting one-hour tour.
Heading out of town is where Tarapoto really shines as a tourist destination. Numerous **waterfalls** tumble down through the surrounding jungle landscapes, most famously Ahuashiyacu Waterfall, a short ride out of town. Other waterfalls include Huacamaillo, Pucayaquillo and Pishurayacu, a bit further away from the city and sometimes requiring hour-long hikes through beautiful scenery.
For more hiking, head to the **Cordillera Escalera Conservation Area**, which sits right on Tarapoto’s doorstep. The entrance to this lush jungle park is just a 15-minute mototaxi ride from the city center. Pay the S/10 entrance fee and head on in to explore miles of different trails, enchanting swimming spots and numerous waterfalls. Go early so you don't run out of daylight and be careful if the river is high. One of the main trails involves crossing the river more than 15 times, and the trail itself is hard to follow. Alternatively, take a few beers and just swim in the first major pool — a great way to pass a few hours.
On the way to the park you'll pass **Centro URKU** ([facebook.com/CentroURKU](https://www.facebook.com/CentroURKU/)), an excellent animal rescue center that's well worth a visit. The S/10 entrance fee includes a guided walk to see the various birds and animals, all of which will eventually be released back into the wild.
Another popular natural attraction typically visited as a day-trip from Tarapoto is **Laguna Azul**. This extensive lake (roughly three miles in length) is a popular spot for boating, and the lakeside village of Sauce is easy to explore on foot. Accommodation options range from cheap and rustic to the more upscale El Sauce Resort. Allow an hour and a half to two hours for the trip from Tarapoto to Sauce, depending on your mode of transportation (car or combi/minibus) and the vehicle ferry to cross the Río Huallaga.
For a far closer natural swimming spot, head out to **Laguna Venecia**, a short ride outside of the city. This lagoon is a popular spot for families, with boats for the kids and a decent restaurant. Some weekends you can also watch motocross competitions at the nearby dirt track (as a side note, and if you’re interested in motorsports, try to catch a motokar cross competition near Tarapoto, in which a pilot and copilot race around dirt tracks driving modified mototaxis, the three-wheel rickshaws you see all around town).
If you’re interested in archaeology and the history of the region, head out to the **Petroglyphs of Polish**, about five miles from Tarapoto. It’s not an extensive site by any means, and there’s really no tourism infrastructure; sometimes you’ll find a man at the site to show you around, sometimes you’ll find a man at the site who seems incredibly hung over and totally uninterested. Either way, the petroglyphs remain something of a mystery — are they maps of the local area, or portals to the underworld? — and the whole site has a certain enigmatic vibe of long-lost history.
Nearby villages worth visiting include **Lamas**, a historically-significant hilltop settlement with its own indigenous community. Oh, and a massive replica castle built 10 or so years ago by an Italian expat (whether you love it or hate it, the views from the top are stunning). A small archaeological site lies out in **Pamashto** near Lamas; it’s a beautiful spot with a round stone structure that aligns with the winter solstice. As a side note, the fields around the site are a prime harvesting area for magic mushrooms.
Then there’s **Chazuta**, a small town to the south east of Tarapoto (about 18 miles as the crow flies, significantly further by road). Chazuta is known for its ceramics and old funerary urns, as well as more waterfalls.
Tarapoto is also a popular base for wildlife spotters and biologists. Researchers and amateur enthusiasts come to watch and study birds, butterflies and [a huge variety of beautiful frogs](https://newperuvian.com/frogs-you-wont-find-tarapoto-peru/).
## Where to Stay in Tarapoto
The hostel scene is still slightly stunted in Tarapoto, at least in terms of modern hostels for international backpackers. There are, however, plenty of affordable guest-house-style _hospedajes_ and _alojamientos_ dotted around. The city’s hotels have improved in recent years, but not spectacularly so. Nondescript hotels still dominate, many of which are OK but nothing special.
**Tambo Andina** ([www.tamboandinahostel.com](http://www.tamboandinahostel.com/)) — This is probably the best cheap hostel in Tarapoto I've seen so far. Pretty communal areas, clean rooms and friendly owners. Good location, too. Rooms start at S/ 15 per person in the three-bed dorm with shared bathroom. Private rooms for around S/ 45.
**El Mural** ([www.elmuralhostel.com](https://www.elmuralhostel.com)) — I've met a lot of people who've stayed here, including friends, and they generally seem to love the place. It's a sociable place to stay but without being a party hostel. It's located in a quiet street about a mile from the Plaza de Armas.
**Sol de Selva** ([www.soldeselvaperu.com](http://www.soldeselvaperu.com/)) — A family-run hotel/guest house with a friendly atmosphere, comfortable rooms and central location.
**La Patarashca** ([www.lapatarashca.com](http://www.lapatarashca.com/)) — Room rates at La Patarashca have gone up in recent years, but it’s still a good option in the center of town with pretty communal spaces, plenty of greenery and a pool. Single S/ 90; matrimonial/double S/ 140.
**Tucan Suites Aparthotel** ([www.tucansuites.com](http://www.tucansuites.com/)) — The first four-star accommodation in Tarapoto, Tucan Suites is a bright, modern and sophisticated hotel surrounding a central swimming pool. Located in the less hectic La Banda de Shilcayo district — but still just five minutes from the center — Tucan Suites is, quite probably, the best hotel in Tarapoto. And one of the most expensive. Standard suites S/ 329; panoramic suite S/ 499.
## Restaurants in Tarapoto
The number of good restaurants in Tarapoto has increased greatly in the last few years, and visitors have a good amount of options to choose from.
**Chifa Canton** — My favorite chifa in Tarapoto. Try the _tay pa especial con chaufa_ from the daytime [menú](https://newperuvian.com/peruvian-menu-blessing-blight/) (S/ 15.50 with wanton soup starter). Jr. Ramon Castilla 140.
**Caja Criolla** — Chunks of perfectly cooked crispy-crackling pork roasted in a caja china. Jr. Rioja 328.
**Kiru Sushi** — If you're craving makis, then give this place a go. Sushi snobs might find it not quite up to standard, but I thought it was pretty good. Jr. San Martin 937.
**Primer Puerto** — This cevicheria singlehandedly changed my opinion about generally not eating ceviche so far from the coast. Plenty of non-fishy options, too. Jr. Ramirez Hurtado 461.
**Pescados & Ajíes** — Smaller than Primer Puerto, but quite possibly better. Right now, this is perhaps my favorite cevicheria in Tarapoto. Prices are pretty good, too. Jr. San Martin 624.
**El Rincón Sureño** — The best place in Tarapoto for steaks and other slabs of meat. Jr. Augusto B. Leguia 458.
**El Norteño** — Good all round, especially for dishes from the north coast of Peru. But I go to El Norteño for just one dish: the _pollo cantones con arroz chaufa_ (Cantonese chicken with fried rice). Seriously, it’s sublime. Jr. Santa María 246, La Banda de Shilcayo.
**Street grills** — Tarapoto is a great city for street grills, most of which open when the sun goes down. Typical options include large pieces of on-the-bone marinated chicken and Tarapoto classics such as chorizo, cecina (Peruvian-style smoked pork) and tacacho (a tasty ball of mashed-up green plantain).
## Nightlife in Tarapoto
When I’m traveling around Peru and I say to a Peruvian guy that I live in Tarapoto, the ensuing conversation unfolds like this: 1) “Ah, I hear the women are beautiful in Tarapoto!” 2) “It’s a great city for a party, yeah?” 3) “But it’s really hot, right?” To all of these I respond in the affirmative.
Due to the sometimes oppressive heat, there’s never a bad time for a cold bottle of beer in Tarapoto, Peru. It’s a fun place for a night out, whether you stay in the bars or head out to the discotecas or, more likely, both.
The main bar strip in downtown Tarapoto is on and around block two of Jr. Lamas, just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas (main square). This street is known as the Calle de las Piedras. Here you’ll find popular bars like Stonewasi, La Montañita, Warmi (good for live music, just round the corner from Montañita) and [Huascar Bar](https://www.facebook.com/huascarbar/). Huascar is where my friends and I hang out, so feel free to join us at the weekend (ask for Tony). It's a more affordable option than Stonewasi and La Montañita, so good for backpackers and locals who want to drink without blowing the weekly budget. For a more romantic drinking experience, try nearby El Artesano (Manco Capac 532) which has great views across La Banda de Shilcayo (the district below Tarapoto).
At around 11 p.m., people who want to dance start heading down to the Morales district where nearly all of Tarapoto’s big discotecas are located. Anaconda is arguably the most popular these days, and it's safe and reasonably fun. One spot that gets lively and has a nice atmosphere is [Bechilinos](https://www.facebook.com/bechilinostarapoto/), which is a short walk from Anaconda. If you're looking for something a bit more rough and ready, try Mega Estación, which gets very lively but attracts a few dodgy characters, so be a little more careful. These places are normally free to enter unless there's a special event taking place. It takes about 10 minutes by mototaxi to get from the center of Tarapoto to the nightclub strip.
The vibe within the discotecas is normally welcoming, fun and safe — although the music sometimes sucks. Be careful when choosing a mototaxi to return to your hostel or hotel after exiting a club, especially if you’re on your own and coming back from somewhere like Mega. Mototaxi drivers sometimes pray on drunk revelers leaving the clubs in Morales, taking them a short distance before turning down a side road to meet up with awaiting accomplices. Then you get robbed. Best tactic: when you leave a club, don’t let a mototaxi driver choose you (some can be very enthusiastic); instead, always select a driver who isn’t trying too hard to get your attention.
## Getting to and Around Tarapoto
** Travel to Tarapoto by air:**
Tarapoto’s Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport has multiple daily flights to and from [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) (LATAM and Star Perú both fly this route), as well as flights to [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/), both starting at around $100. A mototaxi from Tarapoto’s airport to the city center costs S/ 7 or S/ 8.
In 2016, the regional SAETA airline began subsidized flights between Tarapoto and [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/), which is excellent news for travelers. Peruvians and legal residents of Peru can fly between Tarapoto and Chachapoyas (home to Kuelap Fortress, Gocta Waterfall and more) for just S/ 60. Foreign tourists, however, have to pay S/ 220, which is quite expensive for a 25-minute flight. You might have to book a few days in advance as the seats fill up quickly; there are daily departures, but the Piper Cheyenne III prop planes used by SAETA only hold nine passengers.
**Travel to Tarapoto by bus or car:**
It’s a long ride from Lima to Tarapoto, with two options available. You can take a bus up the north coast of Peru to Chiclayo and then cut inland through to Moyobamba and then to Tarapoto. This is the standard route currently used by most of the major bus companies, including Movil Tours and Civa. This route takes about 28 hours.
Alternatively, you can head directly from Lima to Tingo Maria (passing through Huánuco), avoiding the north coast altogether. From Tingo Maria, you can take a shared car (I recommend Pizana Express) north to Tarapoto, taking about eight hours if the road is in good condition. In theory, this route should be quicker, let’s say 22 hours. But you’ll probably have to do it in at least two stages, which could slow things down. The TEPSA bus company was running nonstop along this route — all the way from Lima to Tarapoto via Tingo Maria — advertised at 24 hours duration. Always check to see if this is available, as it’s a great alternative option.
Other overland destinations near Tarapoto include Moyobamba (about two hours by colectivo taxi or bus) and [Yurimaguas](https://newperuvian.com/yurimaguas-travel-guide/). Yurimaguas is the embarkation point for boats to Iquitos. The road from Tarapoto to Yurimaguas is spectacular in parts, but the twists and turns through the mountains can easily make you queasy. The trip takes about an hour and a half and costs between S/ 10 and S/ 20 (minibus or colectivo taxi).
**Getting around in Tarapoto:**
You’ll see mototaxis buzzing around everywhere in Tarapoto — you’ll hear them, too, as they account for much of the city’s noise pollution. Like them or loathe them, they’ll take you anywhere in the city for between S/ 2 to S/ 6 (more at night).
For places further away, such as Lamas or Sauce, you can hop in to a colectivo taxi. You’ll need to find the correct paradero, or taxi terminal, that serves each destination — locals, especially, mototaxi drivers, can tell you where these are.
**Car rental in Tarapoto:**
I've never rented a car in Tarapoto, but a friend of mine recommends Amazon Car Rental. You can contact them through their Facebook page.
### Safety in Tarapoto
Tarapoto is a safe city. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that it’s one of the safest [cities in Peru](/major-cities-in-peru/).
Snatch theft is a problem as it is anywhere in Peru, so never leave your stuff lying around on table tops or bar tops, especially bags, wallets, laptops, smart phones etc.
And, as mentioned above in the nightlife section, be a little careful when exiting clubs in the Morales district, especially if you’re alone. Dodgy mototaxi drivers can easily take a drunk passenger down a side street to be robbed by awaiting accomplices. This isn’t common, but it does occur occasionally.
### Internet
Internet connections in Tarapoto are surprisingly good, especially for what is quite a geographically isolated city. Internet cafes are dotted all over the place, and many cafes, bars and restaurants have free WiFi. You can read more about [internet access in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/internet-access-in-peru-connection-speeds-isps/) here.
### Money
You’ll find banks and [ATMs](https://newperuvian.com/atms-in-peru/) dotted around the Plaza de Armas and immediately surrounding streets. Reliable money changers sit outside the BCP just off the square on Jr. Maynas.
### Weather
Hot. Sweaty. And hot. The annual average high is around 32 °C with an average low of 19 °C, with a mean average temperature of 25 °C. Moderate precipitation occurs on an annual basis, with a rainy season running from February through May, although this can sway from year to year.
### Festivals and Events
June through August is the liveliest period of year in Tarapoto. The biggest event of the year is the Festival of San Juan, a huge party celebrated throughout most of the Peruvian jungle on June 24. Tarapoto celebrates its Fiestas Patronales and tourist week in the first half of July. More parties take place on and around August 20 to mark the foundation of the city.
_All photos in this post belong to Tony Dunnell and New Peruvian._
---
# The Top 11 Frogs You Won’t Find in Tarapoto, Peru
URL: https://newperuvian.com/frogs-you-wont-find-tarapoto-peru/
Published: 2017-01-07
Updated: 2017-12-28
Topic: frogs in peru
The following is a guest post by Evan Twomey, a postdoctoral researcher studying color evolution in _Ranitomeya _(a genus of poison dart frog). Evan, originally from Maine, has been coming to Tarapoto, Peru for more years than anyone cares to remember. You can read more about poison frogs at Evan’s website, [dendrobates.org](http://www.dendrobates.org/).
[Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) is a popular destination for froggers, and rightly so — roughly 100 species of frogs can be found in the mountains and lowland forests just to the north of the city. I could provide a list of species easily encountered around Tarapoto, but that is kind of boring. After all, those will be the species easily found in field guides and no one will think you’re special if you find one. Here, then, is an alternative list, pretty useless, but definitely more interesting:
## The Top 11 Frogs You Aren’t Going to Find on Your Trip to Tarapoto
### 11. Hyloxalus azureiventris – Sky-Blue Poison Frog
This small, brightly colored poison frog was named after its brilliant blue belly. Strangely, this species is actually quite common in the mountains near Tarapoto, but it leads such a secretive lifestyle that it is practically never seen. These frogs tend to dwell at the bottoms of large rock piles, inside small caves, underneath treefalls… basically, anywhere impossible to access. During several months in 2004-2005, I was working in a site where this species appeared to be common (tadpoles could be found all over the place). After 7 months of day-in, day-out fieldwork, only a single adult was found, and even this required a headfirst crawl into a pile of rocks. _(photo by Evan Twomey)_
### 10. Ameerega yoshina — Evil-Spirited Poison Frog
In 2006, my colleague Jason Brown and I discovered this striking red frog from an isolated mountain range near the town of Contamana. In 2007, another population of this species was found just west of Tarapoto, which was surprising given that this was a well-studied area and it had never been found there before. In both sites, frogs appeared to be abundant — their piercing shrill-call cannot be missed — but actually finding the frogs proved to be nearly impossible. Not only were the frogs mostly calling from underneath rocks and logs, but the slightest movement toward any of the calling males abruptly stopped them calling. After hours and days of being haunted by their calls, we decided the Panoan word Yoshin (meaning ‘devil or evil spirit’) would be an appropriate name to bestow upon this new species. _(photo by Evan Twomey)_
### 9. Agalychnis hulli — Hull’s Monkey Frog
Until recently, this frog was only known from a handful of sites near the Peru-Ecuador border. In 2005, a herpetologist stumbled across a thriving population of this species in a small pond along the Tarapoto-Yurimaguas road, over 200 miles south from where the distribution of this species was thought to end. An act of God (the road-paving project) destroyed this pond in 2008, and the species has never again been found in the vicinity of Tarapoto. _(photo by Evan Twomey)_
### 8. Ceratophrys cornuta — Amazon Horned Frog
This species is widely distributed throughout the Amazon but rarely found due to its relentless inactivity and tendency for burying everything but its mouth in the mud. During the rainy season, when the mud becomes a little too wet for comfort, the species will emerge and, having nothing better to do, reproduce for a few days a year. If you’re lucky, you can find one then. But I doubt it. _(photo by Maarten Sepp, [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceratophrys_cornuta_-_1.jpg))_
### 7. Ranitomeya benedicta — Blessed Poison Frog
This recently discovered poison frog has the distinction of being known from one of the worst towns in Peru, a village known as Shucushyacu. Aside from the swarms of mosquitoes that infest the area, the only hotel in town is full of rats. Just ask my friend Mark, who fell asleep while eating crackers in bed only to wake up with two rats on his chest eating the crumbs. And most of the rooms have large holes in the roof (which is actually a good thing if you like astronomy). Even if you do decide to visit Shucushyacu, you won’t see this thing — it is rare, and if you do happen to see it, you won’t catch it — it is one of the fastest frogs I’ve ever seen. _(photo by Evan Twomey)_
### 6. Atelopus pulcher — Harlequin Toad
About 20 years ago, this would be an easy frog to find. Sadly, due to a fungal disease known as chytridiomycosis, nearly all the species of Atelopus (around 149 species) are threatened with extinction. This species used to be very common in Ahuashiyacu waterfalls in the mid-90s, but does not occur there anymore. All the juane wrappers that appear in this site every year around San Juan probably don’t help either. _(photo by Evan Twomey)_
### 5. Hemiphractus scutatus — Spix’s Horned Frog
This species employs the sit-and-wait hunting style, a style elegant in its simplicity and certainly among the least demanding of the hunting methods currently used by frogs. Among the features desirable in a sit-and-wait hunter include a large mouth, tiny body, and a degree of patience rivaled only by baseball fans. This species is considered a “marsupial frog”, which means that females incubate eggs on their backs. These guys skip the tadpole stage and hatch from their egg as tiny frogs. _(photo by Santiago Ron, [flickr.com](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tiagoron/7326665484/))_
### 4. Phyllomedusa bicolor — Giant Monkey Frog
This is definitely one of the most impressive treefrogs around. It’s also a species you aren’t likely to find on your trip to Tarapoto, unless you find a nice lowland swamp and happen to be there at the right time of year. One cool thing about this frog is that it has wildly bioactive skin secretions that are used by Matses Indians to improve endurance and hunting ability. Just catch a frog, slowly roast it over a fire, collect the skin secretions, and introduce them into your bloodstream\* (applying the skin secretions on self-inflicted burns is apparently the preferred method). After a couple hours of explosive diarrhea and vomiting, you’ll be rewarded with enhanced endurance and sharpened senses, not to mention major jungle cred. _(photo by Vassil, [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Serpentarium_Blankenberge_Phyllomedusa_bicolor_30042015_1.jpg))_
_(\*Editor's note: These secretions, known as kambo, are also [harvested without killing or roasting the frog](https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/gqkxa9/kambo-ceremony-alcoholism-purging-uk).)_
### 3. Cochranella resplendens — Resplendent Cochran Frog
Before 2004, this frog was not thought to occur anywhere near Tarapoto, being known only from a couple of sites in Colombia and Ecuador. Then, one day, I saw a tiny green frog jumping around on my boot when I was in the forest. Turns out it was this guy, representing a new country record and a few-hundred mile range extension for the species. That remains the only record of this species in Peru – it hasn’t been found again since. _(photo by Evan Twomey)_
### 2. Cruziohyla craspedopus — Fringed Leaf Frog
Most people that study frogs in South America agree — this species is the Holy Grail. This frog spends almost its entire life in the highest parts of the canopy of pristine rainforest. Once a year they come down to the ground to breed in things like hollow tree stumps or small pools on the forest floor. _(photo by Santiago Ron, [flickr.com](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tiagoron/8005566165))_
### 1. Allophryne resplendens — Resplendent Hill Frog
All the frogs on this list so far I would consider “extremely difficult to find”. This species is probably better described as “impossible to find”. There have been a grand total of four individuals of this species encountered, anywhere, ever. Two of the specimens made it into museums, which is good, because museum specimens are needed for any species to be formally described (this species was described in 2012). The other two specimens weren’t so lucky — one was simply lost, while the other specimen decomposed when the seal broke on the storage jar and all the alcohol evaporated away. _(Unfortunately, the Resplendent Hill Frog is so rare that photos are hard to come by. You can, however, [read more about Allophryne resplendens in the 2012 report](http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/bitstream/handle/2246/6165/N3739.pdf), which does contain some images)_
_This post was first published on [TarapotoLife](http://tarapotolife.com/2012/10/30/top-11-frogs-you-wont-find-in-tarapoto-peru/) and has been republished here with permission._
---
# Demonyms of Peru, or “What Do You Call a Man From Moquegua?”
URL: https://newperuvian.com/demonyms-of-peru/
Published: 2016-12-28
Updated: 2017-10-20
Topic: demonyms of peru
We call people from Peru “Peruvian(s)” or, in Spanish, _peruano(s)_ (male) or _peruana(s)_ (female). This is the demonym of Peru (also known as the gentilic): the word used for the people or inhabitants of a particular place. In the same way, people from England are English and people from Canada are Canadians.
Once you start traveling in Peru, you’ll often hear less familiar demonyms: those referring to people — and sometimes products — from a specific geographical area, administrative region or city within Peru.
Head to Tingo Maria, for example, and you’ll be among beautiful _tingalésas_; travel south to Arequipa and you can hang out with friendly _arequipeños_ (note that while names of countries and cities are capitalized in Spanish, words derived from them are not).
### The Geographic Demonyms of Peru
Peru is a country with three distinct geographical regions — the coast, the highlands and the jungle — each with its own cultural identity and customs (one of the things that makes Peru such an interesting country). Each region has its respective demonym:
If you’re from **coastal Peru**, you’re a _costeño_ (m) or _costeña_ (f).
If you’re from the **Peruvian jungle**, you’re a _selvático_ or _selvática_ (from the word _selva_, or jungle). Peruvians from the jungle, male and female, are also known as _charapas_, after the charapa turtle that lives in the Amazon. _Charapa_ is used in a friendly way among jungle-born Peruvians, but some might take offense if called _charapa_ by someone from outside the jungle (especially someone from Lima!).
This is particularly true when a Peruvian man from the coast or highlands refers to a woman from the jungle as a _charapa_ — the word can carry a sexual connotation connected with the stereotype of the Amazonian woman (more sexually liberated, more sexual etc., which can suggest that the woman is in some way “easy”).
If you’re from the **highlands/mountains of Peru**, you’re a _serrano_ or _serrana_ (from the word _sierra_). At least, you are in the original sense of the word. Unfortunately, _serrano_ has become more of an insult than a demonym. [According to Wilfredo Ardito](http://puntoedu.pucp.edu.pe/opinion/por-que-serrano-es-un-insulto-en-el-peru/), a professor of law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru:
> “In Peru, they associate the sierra \[highlands] with poverty and backwardness… Its use as an insult reflects the racism existing in our society.”
It’s therefore best to avoid using the word _serrano_ unless you’re sure it won't cause offense."
### Peruvian Demonyms for Cities and Administrative Regions
Here are the demonyms for all the administrative regions (departments) in Peru and many of the country’s cities. Only the male version (singular) is included for readability’s sake; simply replace the final ‘o’ with an ‘a’ for the female demonym (unless otherwise stated).
- Abancay — _abanquino_
- Amazonas — _amazonense_ (male and female)
- Ancash — _ancashino_
- Andahuaylas — _andahuaylino_
- Arequipa — _arequipeño_
- Ayacucho — _ayacuchano_
- Cajamarca — _cajamarquino_
- Callao — _chalaco_
- Camaná — _camaneño_ (also _camanejo_)
- [Chachapoyas](https://newperuvian.com/chachapoyas-travel-guide/) — _chachapoyano_
- Chiclayo — _chiclayano_
- Chimbote — _chimbotano_ (also _chimbotero_, an older demonym)
- Chincha — _chinchano_
- [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) — _cusqueño_ (hence the name of the popular Peruvian beer)
- Huacachina — _huacachino_
- Huancavelica — _huancavelicano_
- Huancayo — _huancaíno_
- Huánuco — _huanuqueño_
- Huaral — _huaralino_
- Huaráz — _huaracino_
- Ica — _iqueño_
- Ilo — _ileño_
- [Iquitos](https://newperuvian.com/iquitos-travel-guide/) — _iquiteño_
* Juliaca — _juliaqueño_
* Junín — _juninense_
* Lambayeque — _lambayecano_
* [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) — _limeño_
* Loreto — _loretano_
* Moquegua — _moqueguano_
* Moyobamba — _moyabambino_
* Pacasmayo — _pacasmayino_
* Paita — _paiteño_
* Pasco — _pasqueño_
* Pisco — _pisqueño_
* Piura — _piurano_
* Pucallpa — _pucallpino_ and _pucallpeño_ (both are used)
* Puerto Maldonado — _materdeitano_ or _portomaldonadino_
* [Puno](https://newperuvian.com/puno-travel-guide/) — _puneño_
* San Martín — _sanmartinense_
* Sullana — _sullanero_
* Tacna — _tacneño_
* [Tarapoto](https://newperuvian.com/tarapoto-travel-guide/) — _tarapotino_
* Tingo Maria — _tingalés_ (_tingalésa_ for females)
* Trujillo — _trujillano_
* Tumbes — _tumbesino_
* Ucayali — _ucayalino_
* Urubamba — _urubambino_
* [Yurimaguas](https://newperuvian.com/yurimaguas-travel-guide/) — _yurimaguino_
If you know any more demonyms from Peru (Mancora, anyone?), please leave them in the comments section below and I'll add them to the list. Thanks!
---
# About the Tarjeta Andina Tourist Card and TAM Virtual
URL: https://newperuvian.com/tarjeta-andina-peru-tourist-card/
Published: 2016-12-27
Updated: 2020-03-09
Topic: tam virtual
The Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM or Andean Migration Card) is a simple tourist "card" that allows most tourists (see tab below for nationality requirements) to enter Peru without the need for an actual tourist visa. I say "card" because the traditional paper version of the TAM has been replaced by the TAM Virtual, a digital version that requires no form-filling or physical paper.
I won't yet be removing the instructions for filling out the old paper form (see below) as it's possible that tourists entering Peru via smaller overland border crossings might still be given the paper version. But since November 2016, Peru — as well as Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia — began rolling out the new digital system, alongside the installation of new biometric gates at their principal airports. So most tourists, including anyone entering Peru through Lima Airport, will be automatically assigned a TAM Virtual.
Passport holders from the following countries can enter Peru as a tourist with just a valid passport and a Tarjeta Andina:
- From North America: All (USA, Canada and Mexico).
- From Europe: All European countries, with the exception of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Georgia and Turkey.
- From Oceania: All.
- From South America: All.
- From Central America and the Caribbean: All except Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.
- From Africa: Only South Africa (all other African citizens must apply for a tourist visa for Peru).
- From Asia: Only Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand (all other Asian citizens must apply for a tourist visa for Peru).
## The TAM Virtual, or Digital Tarjeta Andina
The TAM Virtual is a digital version of the old Tarjeta Andina form that tourists once had to fill in when entering Peru. It's mainly used for statistical purposes. When someone enters Peru, information from their passport and flight tickets is used to generate the TAM Virtual. You do not need to fill out any forms and you do not need to get a printed TAM. The border official might ask you about your purpose of travel.
If for some reason you need a physical copy of your TAM Virtual, or you need to check the status of your TAM, you can do so [by visiting this page at the Migraciones website](https://cel.migraciones.gob.pe/ConsultaTAMVirtual/VerificarTAM). You'll need to enter your passport number, nationality and either your date of entry or exit into/out of Peru (you can check your passport stamp for this). If you have any problems finding your TAM Virtual, which is quite common, you can contact Migraciones by email at consultastamvirtual\@migraciones.gob.pe.
Some hostels or hotels in Peru might still ask to see your TAM so that you can avoid paying the 18% IGV tax that Peruvians and residents of Peru pay at the time of purchasing any kind of product or service. You can either show them your TAM Virtual at the webpage above, or print it out and give it to them.
## The Old Paper Version of the Tarjeta Andina
For posterity's sake, and in case some small border crossings are still using it, here is the old Tarjeta Andina, the paper form that everyone used to have to fill in and keep until they exited Peru.
## How Long Can I Legally Stay in Peru?
When you enter Peru with a Tarjeta Andina (TAM Virtual), you can legally stay for a maximum of 183 days (six months) in any 365-day period (for more about this, read [How Long Can You Stay in Peru as a Tourist?](https://newperuvian.com/how-long-can-you-stay-in-peru-as-a-tourist/)). The border official, however, will probably give you 90 days, which seems to be standard at the moment, although they sometimes go as low as 30 days.
Be sure to ask for enough days to cover your travel plans; ask politely, and the border official will normally give you 90 days. If you later want more time in Peru, you can do the [online visa extension](https://newperuvian.com/tourist-visa-extension-in-peru/) to extend your stay up to the maximum of 183 days. If you have problems with the online extension, you can go to one of the [immigration offices in Peru](https://newperuvian.com/immigration-offices-in-peru/) and ask for help.
Some people also end up staying in Peru beyond their officially alloted time. If this happens, you'll have to pay the [Peru overstay fine](https://newperuvian.com/peru-overstay-fine/) when you leave the country.
---
# Music Concerts in Peru: How to Find Gigs, Festivals and Tickets
URL: https://newperuvian.com/music-concerts-in-peru/
Published: 2016-12-26
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: concerts in peru
For years, this page was a running list of upcoming music concerts in Peru, updated whenever a new gig was confirmed. Then 2020 happened, and the list turned into a graveyard of cancellations almost overnight (my condolences, once again, to everyone who had tickets for Kiss). Rather than maintain a museum of concerts that never were, I've turned this into something more durable: a guide to how live music works in Peru, where the big shows happen, and how to buy tickets without getting ripped off.
## Where Concerts Happen in Peru
First, the slightly annoying truth: most big international acts play [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/) and only Lima. Every so often an artist ventures out to Arequipa or Trujillo, and it still feels like a minor miracle when they do.
Within Lima, a handful of venues host most of the major shows. As of mid-2026, these are the names you'll see again and again on concert posters:
**Estadio Nacional**: Peru's national stadium in central Lima, used for the truly massive shows. If a global superstar is coming to Peru, there's a good chance it's here.
**Estadio San Marcos**: the stadium of San Marcos university, another stadium-scale option for big international tours and festivals.
**Costa 21**: an open-air venue down on the Circuito de Playas in San Miguel, right by the ocean. It has become a regular stop for major rock and pop tours.
**Arena 1**: also on the Costa Verde in San Miguel, hosting arena-sized concerts a notch below stadium level.
**Anfiteatro del Parque de la Exposición**: an open-air amphitheater in a park in central Lima, popular for mid-size rock and metal shows.
**Gran Teatro Nacional**: a modern seated theater in San Borja, the place for jazz, classical, folk and anything where the audience prefers chairs to mosh pits.
For smaller gigs, head to Barranco, Lima's bohemian district. Long-running spots like **Sargento Pimienta** and **La Noche de Barranco** still host local rock, reggae, cumbia and touring bands most weeks, usually for the price of a couple of beers elsewhere.
## Music Festivals in Peru
Peru's festival scene is lively but changeable, so always check that an event is actually happening before you plan around it.
The big name is **Vivo X el Rock**, a Lima mega-festival that packs dozens of national and international rock bands into one very long day. It disappeared for about six years, returned in 2025 at a site in Lurín (south of Lima), and as of mid-2026 has a new edition confirmed. Other festivals, particularly of the Latin pop and reggaeton variety, tend to appear, sell out and vanish within a single season, so treat any festival name you haven't heard recently with mild suspicion until tickets are officially on sale.
## How to Buy Concert Tickets in Peru
As of mid-2026, three ticketing platforms handle most major concerts in Peru:
- **[Teleticket](https://teleticket.com.pe/)**: the veteran of the bunch, selling online and through physical booths inside Wong and Metro supermarkets across Lima.
- **[Joinnus](https://www.joinnus.com/)**: a Peruvian platform that sells online and handles everything from stadium shows to small independent gigs.
- **[Ticketmaster Peru](https://www.ticketmaster.pe/)**: the global giant's local operation, which now runs ticketing for some of the biggest international tours.
Each concert sells through whichever platform the promoter chose, so check the official announcement or poster to see which one applies. A few things worth knowing:
- **Presales are usually tied to specific bank cards.** It's common for a presale to be exclusive to customers of one Peruvian bank for a day or two before general sales open.
- **Big shows use virtual queues.** For in-demand concerts you'll be placed in an online waiting line with a limited window to complete your purchase. Log in early and have your payment details ready.
- **Buy only from the official platform.** Scalpers outside venues and resellers on social media are a reliable source of fake or duplicated tickets. If someone is selling below face value the day before a sold-out show, assume the worst.
## How to Find Out What's On
Since this page no longer lists individual concerts, here's how to build your own listings:
- **Browse the platforms.** Teleticket, Joinnus and Ticketmaster Peru all have concert sections showing everything currently on sale, which is the closest thing to a complete national calendar.
- **Follow the venues and festivals.** The venues above announce shows on their social media accounts, and Instagram is usually where promoters post news first.
- **Check the Peruvian press.** Outlets like El Comercio and La Republica publish yearly concert calendars and cover major on-sale dates.
Do all that and you'll know about the next big show in Lima before your Peruvian friends do, which is a small but genuinely satisfying victory.
---
# What Vaccinations Do You Need for Peru?
URL: https://newperuvian.com/what-vaccinations-do-you-need-for-peru/
Published: 2016-12-24
Updated: 2019-09-17
Topic: vaccinations for peru
Travel vaccinations for Peru can be placed into three categories: routine, highly recommended and optional (with optional here meaning “well, it kind of depends on what you want to do”). No vaccines are considered essential, and none are required for entry into Peru, but you’d be wise to at least ask a doctor about the routine and recommended vaccinations, and give thought to the optional shots depending on your travel plans.
Below is a guide to all the travel vaccinations you may or may not need for Peru. Consider this information as a starting point, not as a substitute for actually talking to your doctor. And remember that some of these vaccines require a series of shots and/or a certain amount of time to take effect (sometimes six months or more), so don’t leave it too late.
## Routine Travel Vaccinations for Peru
Routine vaccinations are things that you might have already had for, you know, life etc. But before you go traveling, you should make sure that you’re up to date on all these vaccines for Peru. They typically include:
- measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
- diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
- varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
- polio vaccine
- yearly flu shot
Have a chat with your doctor about these. He or she will be able to tell you which ones you’ve already had, which you might need to receive again, and which you do or don’t actually need for Peru. The chickenpox vaccine and yearly flu shot are two that you can probably do without.
## Highly Recommended Vaccinations for Peru
The [Centers for Disease Control](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru) (CDC) recommends the following two vaccines for most travelers to Peru:
- **Hepatitis A** — Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, which you can get from contaminated food and water. This is a definite concern in Peru, no matter how careful you are with food and drink, so consider this vaccine as highly recommended. The hepatitis A vaccine requires two shots for long-lasting protection, and the two shots should be taken six months apart.
* **Typhoid** — Typhoid is another nasty disease spread by contaminated food and water. Typhoid is quite common in Peru and most travelers should receive the vaccination. Travelers heading off the beaten path (such as hikers and trekkers) and anyone staying with Peruvian friends or relatives in areas with poor sanitation should definitely get the typhoid shot. If you’re a fan of street food and “adventurous eating” (as the CDC puts it), you’ll want to get it too.
## Optional Vaccinations for Peru
These optional vaccinations are shots you might need depending on what you’ll be doing in Peru. They include:
- **Hepatitis B** — Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, including semen. The risk is generally low, but travelers are at greater risk if they have unprotected sex; inject drugs; get tattoos or piercings; or receive a transfusion of unscreened blood. The vaccine requites three doses over a period of at least six months.
* **Yellow Fever** — Whether or not to get the yellow fever vaccine for Peru can be a tough choice, much like the shall-I-shan’t-I issue with antimalarials. But first: You do not need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Peru. You might, however, need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter other countries in South America (such as Bolivia) from Peru, so always check the individual yellow fever requirements for each country on your itinerary. If you’re traveling only in Peru, then the yellow fever vaccine is recommended for particular areas within the country. In general, the risk areas are located to the east of the Andes, in jungle locations below 2,300 m (7,545 feet) in elevation. If your itinerary is limited to [Lima](https://newperuvian.com/lima-travel-guide/), [Cusco](https://newperuvian.com/cusco-travel-guide/) and Machu Picchu, you won’t need a yellow fever vaccination. If needed, the vaccine should be received at least 10 days before you travel; it lasts for ten years.
- **Rabies** — Most travelers do not need a rabies vaccination for Peru. Travelers who may want to consider the vaccine include people who’ll be spending extended periods of time in remote areas; outdoor adventure travelers, in particular cavers/spelunkers; and anyone who’ll be working directly with or around animals (especially dogs, cats or bats).
## A Note on Dengue, Zika and Malaria in Peru
No vaccines currently exist for dengue, zika and malaria, all of which do occur in Peru. These are therefore best avoided by using preventative measures against insect bites. Anti-malarial medications are also available, but they are not a vaccine.
---
# Electricity in Peru: Voltage, Plugs, Outlets and Adapters
URL: https://newperuvian.com/electricity-in-peru-voltage-plugs-outlets-adapters/
Published: 2016-12-22
Updated: 2026-07-23
Topic: electricity in peru
The electricity in Peru, and the electrical system in general, is probably different from what you're used to back home. The voltage, electrical outlets and plugs in Peru all offer potential differences, none of which are difficult to get around if you want to use electrical appliances — laptops, cameras, cellphones etc. — bought in a different country.
## The Electrical Supply in Peru
The electrical current in Peru is 220 volts with a standard frequency of 60 hertz.
Before plugging anything in, you need to be sure that it can take 220 Volts, or you risk damaging your appliance.
If you’re coming from the USA, for example, you need to be careful, as the USA supplies electricity between 110 and 120 volts AC. Appliances that can only take 110 volts may well start to smoke if you plug them into a 220 volt outlet.
So before you take your curling iron to Peru, check to see if it only takes 110 volts; if that’s the case, you’ll need a step-down voltage converter to use it in Peru — or just leave your curling iron at home, which would seem like the sensible thing to do. If you do decide to buy a converter, you also need to take into account the wattage of your appliance. Another consideration is the size and weight of the converter, which can be a problem if you want to travel light. Have a look at these [travel voltage converters at Amazon.com](http://amzn.to/2hZUwpT) for some ideas.
Alternatively, ask your hotel if they have 110-volt outlets, a feature found in many of Peru’s more upscale hotels.
If you’re coming from a country with mains voltage rated at 250 volts (between 220 and 250 volts), then your appliances should work fine in Peru (check the appliance beforehand, just in case). These countries include the UK and much of Europe, India, Australia and many African nations.
Most of the time, you’ll find that modern electrical devices and travel appliances/gadgets are designed to work at both 110 and 220 volts, in which case there’s little to worry about. Many battery chargers have dual/worldwide voltage (rated 100-250V), including iPhone chargers. [If you’re bringing a laptop to Peru](https://newperuvian.com/bringing-a-laptop-to-peru/) (or an iPad, or modern digital camera), you should be able to plug it in to the wall socket without any problems (although you might need a basic plug adapter; see below).
## Electrical Outlets (Sockets) and Plugs in Peru
You'll come across two types of plugs in Peru, with corresponding electrical outlets:
The first is the Type A plug with two flat, parallel blades. Both blades/prongs are the same shape and size, unlike the Type A plug sometimes found in the USA, which has a slightly wider end on one blade (this type of plug will not work in Peru without an adapter).
The second plug used in Peru is the Type C, a two-pin plug used in much of Europe (but not the UK).
These two plugs only work in their corresponding outlets and are not interchangeable. Sometimes you’ll only have access to one outlet type, so it always handy to have an adapter that covers both. But you’ll often find outlets that are designed to accommodate both plugs in the same wall socket (as shown in the photo of a Peruvian plug outlet at the top of this page).
## Plug Adapters for Peru (and Elsewhere)
If your electrical appliance has a different plug (such as the UK or US three-prong plug), then you’ll need a plug adapter. Adapters are cheap and light, so there’s really no reason not to have one. You can buy individual plug adapters, or a universal travel adapter that will serve you well in multiple countries. You can pick these up in most airports and in major [cities in Peru](/major-cities-in-peru/), although it’s best to get one before you travel. Have a look at these [travel plug adapters on Amazon.com](http://amzn.to/2hZRyly) for some ideas.
## The Electrical Supply and Power Outages in Peru
The electrical supply in Peru is far from perfect, especially in smaller towns and cities (and there are still some rural settlements that have no electricity).
Power outages are common, which is frustrating if you’re using a laptop and downright depressing if you’re using a desktop computer without a battery pack. If you’re staying in Peru for a while and you want to use a desktop computer, buy a [UPS battery backup](https://amzn.to/2JbTTrd) (Uninterruptible Power Supply) so that you don’t lose your work — and potentially damage your computer — when the power goes out. I run my computer through a UPS battery pack and a surge protector, and I consider both vital. You can buy a UPS in many computer stores in Peru for between S/ 100 and S/ 200 (about $30 to $60).
---