Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for most travelers visiting Peru. Hepatitis B and Rabies are advised if you plan on doing certain activities like hiking or animal interactions. Consider Yellow Fever vaccination if visiting the Amazon Basin. Make sure your routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.) are up to date. Always check with a healthcare provider for the latest recommendations.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Peru, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for PeruCulture & Customs
In Peru, greet with a handshake or a cheek kiss among friends, using ”Señor” or ”Señora” for elders. Dress modestly, especially in churches or rural areas. Don’t flush toilet paper; bins are provided. Bargaining is common in markets, but keep it respectful. Avoid discussing politics, particularly regarding the president or coca leaves, unless you’re familiar with local views.
LGBTQ+ travelers may face some conservative views, especially in rural areas, so discretion is advised. Women should be prepared for occasional catcalling but it’s generally harmless—ignore and move on. Always show respect to indigenous traditions and ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in traditional attire.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Peru.
- Ceviche: A refreshing dish made with fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices, usually lime, and spiced with chili peppers. It’s a cornerstone of Peruvian cuisine and reflects the country’s rich coastal resources.
- Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries, served with rice. This dish showcases the fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors, known as ’chifa’ cuisine.
- Aji de Gallina: A creamy chicken stew made with aji amarillo (yellow chili peppers), walnuts, and cheese, served with rice and boiled potatoes. It’s a comfort food that highlights the use of native Peruvian flavors.
- Pachamanca: A traditional Andean dish cooked underground using hot stones. It typically includes marinated meats, potatoes, corn, and fava beans. This dish is a celebration of ancient cooking techniques and communal feasting.
- Causa Rellena: Layered potato dish, often filled with tuna, chicken, or avocado, and seasoned with lime and aji amarillo. It represents the versatility of the potato, a staple in Peruvian agriculture.
Tap water in Peru isn’t safe to drink for travelers, and most locals avoid it too. Stick to bottled or filtered water to be on the safe side. Bring a portable water filter if you’re heading off the beaten path.
The main language in Peru is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Peru includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Peru,
English proficiency varies significantly depending on the region and the setting. In major cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, especially in tourist areas, many people in the hospitality industry—such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant workers—speak English to varying degrees. However, outside these areas, particularly in rural regions, English is less commonly spoken.
In tourist hotspots, you can generally find English speakers who can assist with basic communication. Nonetheless, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals. Many Peruvians appreciate the effort and may be more willing to help if you attempt to speak their language.
Overall, while you can navigate many parts of Peru with English, having some knowledge of Spanish will enrich your travel experience and help you connect more deeply with the culture.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Peru is PEN (S/. ).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs in most major cities and tourist areas like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. They usually dispense both soles and dollars, but watch out for fees. Stick to ATMs inside banks for security.
Cash: Cash is still king in rural areas. Always have some soles on hand, especially for markets or small towns. Avoid carrying huge amounts though; pickpockets are a thing.
Dollars or Euros? Dollars are widely accepted and easy to exchange. Euros, not so much. If you have euros, swap them for dollars before arriving or use them at major banks or exchange offices in bigger cities.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger cities. Always ask first, especially in smaller establishments. Visa is more commonly accepted than Mastercard.
Exchanging Money: Exchange offices (casas de cambio) offer decent rates, especially in tourist zones. Avoid airport exchanges if you can; they tend to have lousy rates. Always check for counterfeit bills; look for watermarks and feel the texture.
Tipping in Peru isn’t obligatory but appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 10% is common if the service fee isn’t included. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest sol is a nice gesture, but not expected.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.