Peru Where Inca heritage, Andean peaks, ancient canyons and Amazonian wilderness come together

Cusco sits at roughly 3,400 metres, genuinely higher than Machu Picchu at around 2,430 metres, meaning the gateway city where most itineraries begin is actually the more demanding altitude to adjust to, not the ruins themselves. Spending a day or two acclimatising in Cusco before any strenuous activity, staying hydrated, and trying coca tea, a traditional local remedy for altitude discomfort, all help manage the adjustment before you head to Machu Picchu.

Considerably further ahead than almost any other booking in this region, since only around 500 trail permits are issued per day, including guides and porters, and dates during peak season can sell out four to six months in advance. Confirming your Inca Trail dates as soon as your trip is booked, rather than treating it as a detail to arrange later, is genuinely essential rather than simply advisable.

The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the local currency, though US dollars are widely accepted for larger tourist transactions alongside Soles. ATMs in Lima and Cusco are reliable for withdrawing Soles when needed.

Peru is notably strict about the condition of US dollar notes, and vendors, hotels and money changers frequently refuse bills that are torn, heavily marked, or an older design, even though the same notes would be accepted without question elsewhere. Bringing crisp, newer-style dollar notes specifically for Peru, rather than assuming any dollar bill will do, avoids a frustrating exchange at the counter.

Spanish is the official language, with Quechua and Aymara holding co-official status and remaining widely spoken, particularly in Cusco and the wider Andean region. English is used in tourist-facing roles in Lima and Cusco but becomes less reliable elsewhere.

Peru operates on Peru Time (PET, UTC-5) year-round, with no daylight saving changes. Given how much of a Peru itinerary revolves around early starts for altitude and trekking days, adjusting to local time promptly on arrival is worth prioritising.

Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Peru, including Lima and Cusco. Bottled or filtered water is provided as standard at hotels and should be your default throughout, particularly given how important hydration is for managing Cusco’s altitude.

Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants in Lima and Cusco, but markets, smaller establishments and Inca Trail-related purchases typically expect cash. A mix of Soles and clean, newer US dollar notes covers most situations more reliably than cards alone.

Yes, tipping porters, guides and cooks on the Inca Trail is both customary and genuinely important, since this income makes up a meaningful part of what has historically been demanding, physically taxing work. Your specialist or trekking operator will provide specific recommended amounts for each role, generally collected and distributed at the end of the trek.

Peru uses a mix of Type A, B and C sockets, combining both American and European styles more than neighbouring Ecuador or Colombia, which lean more consistently toward one standard. A universal adapter is worth packing given this genuine variation between properties.