Welcome
to Peru
Get ready to uncover the marvels of Peru, a land of captivating history, diverse landscapes, and rich traditions. Imagine standing atop the mystical Machu Picchu or strolling through the vibrant streets of Cusco.
Before you dive into this adventure, let's talk about something crucial: staying safe while enjoying all that Peru offers. Just as you pack your essentials for exploration, having the right safety knowledge is essential. In this guide crafted exclusively for Peru, we'll provide you with essential insights. Whether you're curious about health and well-being, safety tips, getting around, or even encountering unique wildlife, we're here to make sure your journey is nothing less than extraordinary!
What Is Peru Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance for Peru offers crucial protection against unexpected events that can disrupt your journey.
There are two primary types of travel insurance: trip insurance and travel medical insurance. Trip insurance helps cover expenses related to cancellations, delays, or interruptions, while travel medical insurance provides temporary health coverage for medical emergencies and healthcare needs during your time abroad.
Travel Medical Insurance for Peru
Travel medical insurance for Peru offers essential coverage for unexpected health problems that may arise while you're traveling.
If you become sick or injured during your time in Peru, this insurance can help pay for medical care, easing the impact of potentially expensive healthcare bills.
Typically, travel medical insurance for Peru includes coverage for:
- Emergency medical costs
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Prescription drugs
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
Trip Insurance for Peru
Trip insurance for Peru helps safeguard your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
This type of insurance can cover costs associated with flights, accommodations, tours, and other activities. Should you need to cancel or end your trip early for a covered reason, you may be eligible for reimbursement of these expenses.
Peru trip insurance can cover:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip delay
- Trip interruption
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Accidents and medical emergencies
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Rental car damage
Frequently Asked Questions About Peru Travel Insurance
Q: Do I need travel insurance to travel to Peru?
It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for Peru to protect against unexpected medical bills and other travel-related hiccups such as trip cancellation or interruption.
Q: How much is travel insurance to Peru?
The cost of travel insurance for Peru will depend upon a few factors, including the type of plan you choose. Get a quote in seconds with your specific trip details to compare travel insurance costs.
Q: Is Peru travel insurance worth it?
Peru travel insurance can act as a vital safeguard against unexpected medical bills or out-of-pocket costs for travelers if they get sick or injured during their trip or their trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason.
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory for Peru?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Peru, but is highly recommended.
Peru Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel insurance is not required for travelers to Peru for tourism or business.
However, visitors to Peru should consider getting travel insurance for their trip to have health coverage in the event of a medical emergency overseas. Without insurance, covering your medical costs completely out-of-pocket can be financially devastating. With travel insurance, visitors to Peru can have peace of mind that they'll have security in the event of the unexpected.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Peru?
Whether or not you will need a visa to travel to Peru will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.
Citizens from many countries are not required to get a visa to visit Peru for tourism or business for short stays of up to 90 days, including the United States, Canada, the EU, Australia, and most South American nations.
Citizens traveling from countries that are not visa-exempt, including nationals from India, China, and some African and Asians countries will need a visa for Peru for tourism and business.
What Do US Citizens Need to Travel to Peru?
US citizens need a passport that is valid for six months to enter Peru along with evidence of their onward ticket to depart Peru.
Once you arrive in Peru, you will receive a card from Peruvian Immigration with your approved length of stay, which is usually up to 90 days.
Is It Safe to Travel to Peru?
Peru is generally safe for travelers, but as with all international destinations, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams, is common in tourist areas, public transportation, and crowded markets, especially in cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
Avoid showing flashy jewelry or signs of wealth while exploring and avoid exploring alone, especially at night. Exercise increased caution in Peru, just as you would in most international destinations.
How Strenuous Is a Trip to Machu Picchu?
Depending on how you decide to visit Machu Picchu, trips to the area can range from moderate to highly challenging.
Many travelers opt to visit Machu Picchu by train or bus, which requires minimal physical effort to get there. However, once there, you still have to walk among the ruins which can include steep steps, uneven terrain, and some inclines. This mode of exploring Machu Picchu is manageable for most people.
Those who are looking to hike the Inca trail to visit Machu Picchu should prepare for a 26-mile hike before reaching the ruins. Shorter hikes are also available that differ in difficulty and duration, so it is important to do your research ahead of time if you plan on going the hiking route.
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Peru?
The best time to visit Peru will depend on what your itinerary is for your trip.
Generally, May through September is the best weather for exploring Machu Picchu, the Andes, and the Amazon as there is minimal rain during these months.
However, traveling during April, October, and November can give you better pricing options for accommodations and fewer crowds.
Is Peru Expensive to Visit?
Peru is relatively affordable to travel to, depending on your travel style and preferences.
Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels are plentiful in Peru. Dormitory beds in hostels typically cost between $8-$20 per night, while private rooms in budget hotels range from $25-$50 per night. A mid-range hotel or a boutique guesthouse will cost around $50-$150 per night, offering more comfort, better amenities, and convenient locations.
Eating at local markets, street food vendors, and traditional Peruvian eateries is very affordable. A simple meal costs between $2-$5, with set menus offering soup, a main course, and a drink for about $3-$7.
Entrance fees for Machu Picchu are around $50-$80, depending on the ticket type (basic entrance, with Huayna Picchu, etc.). Booking in advance is highly recommended due to limited availability.
What to Know Before Your Trip to Peru
Here are some important things to know before your trip to Peru:
- No vaccinations are required for entry, but it's recommended to have routine vaccines up-to-date, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, especially if traveling to jungle areas.
- If visiting high-altitude destinations like Cusco or Machu Picchu, be prepared for altitude sickness.
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice made from tap water.
- The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's best to have some local currency on hand for small purchases. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
- Spanish is the official language, but many people in tourist areas speak English.
- Peru has fragile ecosystems. Follow Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife, and support local businesses and communities.
Health and Safety
Before you start your Peruvian adventure, make sure you're feeling your best:
- Visit a healthcare professional for any needed vaccinations.
- Pack a first aid kit with essentials like bandages and medicine.
- Stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun.
- Be cautious when swimming or being around water.
- Enjoy local food while making sure it's prepared safely.
Crime
Peru is mostly safe, but it's smart to be cautious. Here's how to stay safe:
- Keep your valuable things, like phones, out of sight.
- Use ATMs in well-lit and crowded places.
- Choose accommodations in neighborhoods that feel safe.
- Know the emergency numbers in case you need help.
- Keep your important stuff in a safe place.
Transportation Security
Getting around Peru is part of the adventure. Here's how to travel safely:
- Watch your belongings when you're on buses or trains.
- Use reliable taxi services or rideshares.
- Check rental cars carefully before you start driving.
- Keep your important papers, like your passport, safe.
- Plan your routes ahead of time so you don't get lost.
Road Safety
If you're thinking of driving in Peru, be extra careful with these tips:
- Drive carefully and follow the traffic rules.
- Always wear your seatbelt and make sure others do too.
- Watch your speed and follow the road signs.
- Be careful on twisty or mountain roads.
- Have a spare tire and tools just in case.
Wildlife and Nature
Peru's amazing nature is waiting for you, but it's important to be safe:
- Watch animals from a distance so you don't bother them.
- Use bug spray to keep mosquitoes away.
- When you're doing outdoor stuff, take care of the environment.
- Stick to marked trails while hiking to keep nature safe.
- Give wild animals space and don't get too close.
Natural Disasters
Though rare, bad things like storms can happen. Here's how to be prepared:
- Know where to go if you need to leave and where to stay safe.
- Keep an eye on the weather using news and alerts.
- Pack an emergency kit with water, food, and a flashlight, just in case.
- Listen to people who know what to do during an emergency.
- Learn about the possible bad things that might happen before you go.
Travel Resources for Peru
Remember, the information provided here gives you a general idea. Stay updated with the latest info and follow local rules during your visit.
For more about places to visit, where to stay, and more tips, check out the official Peru travel website.This helpful resource will make your experience even better and help you make unforgettable memories of your journey through Peru's captivating landscapes.
As you rev up to explore the wonders of Peru, remember that safety is important for every great adventure. Whether you're excited about exploring Machu Picchu or wandering the lively streets of Cusco, Peru is just waiting for you. So pack your bags, remember the safety tips, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
