Peru

Peru is one of South America's most visited destinations, drawing travelers with Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, and a rich culinary scene. The country spans dramatic geography—from Pacific coastal desert to Andean peaks exceeding 6,000 meters to the Amazon basin—making domestic flights essential for efficient travel.

Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) serves as Peru's sole major international gateway, handling over 95% of international arrivals and serving as the hub for LATAM Peru, the country's dominant carrier. The domestic aviation market connects Lima to tourist destinations throughout the country, with Cusco (CUZ) being the most frequently served route due to its role as the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Peru's altitude variations present unique considerations for travelers. While Lima sits at sea level, Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), requiring acclimatization time before strenuous activity. Direct flights from Lima to Cusco take just over an hour, compared to 20+ hours by bus through winding mountain roads.

International Gateway

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
LIM	Lima	Primary international hub	LATAM Peru, Avianca, Copa, American, Delta

Domestic/Regional Airports

Airport	City	Role	Primary Use
CUZ	Cusco	Southern Andes gateway	Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley access
AQP	Arequipa	Southern hub	Colca Canyon, colonial city
IQT	Iquitos	Amazon gateway	Amazon rainforest, only air access
JUL	Juliaca	Lake Titicaca gateway	Puno, Lake Titicaca access
PIU	Piura	Northern coast	Northern beaches, Mancora
TRU	Trujillo	Northern archaeology	Chan Chan, Moche pyramids
TCQ	Tacna	Southern border	Chile border access

Primary Hub

Lima Jorge Chavez (LIM) — Peru's only major international airport and LATAM Peru's hub. Located 12km from central Lima in Callao district. New second terminal expansion underway to increase capacity. Handles all international flights and connects to every domestic destination. Connected to Miraflores and city center by taxi (45 min-1.5 hours depending on traffic), airport express bus, or rideshare (Uber operates in Lima).

Key Regional Airports

Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) — Peru's second-busiest airport and gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Inca heartland. Located 6km from central Cusco within the city limits. High-altitude airport at 3,310 meters—morning fog and afternoon clouds can cause delays. Flights primarily operate in early morning. Most international visitors connect through Lima, though limited international flights operate seasonally. A new international airport at Chinchero is under construction to replace the constrained current facility.

Arequipa Rodriguez Ballon (AQP) — Gateway to Peru's "White City" and the Colca Canyon. Located 8km from central Arequipa. At 2,520 meters altitude, lower than Cusco but still requiring some acclimatization. Popular alternative entry point for southern Peru circuit.

Iquitos Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta (IQT) — The largest city in the world inaccessible by road. Located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is reachable only by air or multi-day boat journey. Primary gateway for Amazon rainforest lodges and jungle expeditions. Hot and humid year-round.

Flag Carrier

LATAM Peru (LP) — Peru's dominant carrier and part of the LATAM Airlines Group. Member of oneworld alliance. Hub at LIM with extensive domestic network covering all major Peruvian destinations. International routes include Miami, Los Angeles, and connections throughout South America via Santiago and other LATAM hubs. Commands majority of Peru's domestic market share.

Domestic Carriers

Peru's domestic market has seen significant changes in recent years:

• Sky Peru — Low-cost carrier operating domestic routes from Lima to major destinations. Offers competitive fares with unbundled pricing model
• LATAM Peru — Full-service option with included baggage and better schedules. Dominates the critical Lima-Cusco route with multiple daily frequencies

Note on Viva Air: Viva Air Peru ceased operations in early 2023, reducing competition in the domestic market.

International Service

Major foreign carriers serving Peru:

• North America: American (Miami, Dallas), Delta (Atlanta), United (Houston, Newark), JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale)
• Latin America: Avianca (Bogota), Copa (Panama City), Aeromexico (Mexico City), LATAM (Santiago, Bogota, Buenos Aires)
• Europe: Iberia (Madrid), KLM (Amsterdam), Air France (Paris)

Most international flights connect through Lima. Limited seasonal international flights operate from Cusco, primarily to La Paz.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of many countries can enter Peru visa-free for tourism up to 183 days, including:

• United States, Canada
• European Union countries, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
• Most Latin American countries

Tarjeta Andina de Migracion

All visitors receive an entry stamp and immigration record. Digital immigration processing now used at LIM—no separate card to keep. Extensions possible through Migraciones office in Lima.

Passport Requirements

• Valid passport required (valid for duration of stay)
• Six months validity recommended
• Return or onward ticket may be requested
• Proof of accommodation or sufficient funds may be requested

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (not mandatory for entry) for travelers visiting jungle regions including Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Some countries require proof of vaccination if arriving from Peru.

Official information: Migraciones Peru

Domestic Flights

Flying is essential for covering Peru's challenging terrain efficiently:

Route	Flight Time	Daily Flights
LIM ↔ CUZ (Cusco)	1h 20min	15-20
LIM ↔ AQP (Arequipa)	1h 30min	8-10
LIM ↔ IQT (Iquitos)	2 hours	5-6
LIM ↔ JUL (Juliaca/Puno)	1h 45min	3-4
LIM ↔ PIU (Piura)	1h 30min	4-5
CUZ ↔ IQT (Cusco-Iquitos)	1h 30min	1-2

Booking tips:

• Lima-Cusco is Peru's most competitive route—book early in peak season
• Cusco flights often delayed by weather—avoid tight connections
• Morning flights to/from Cusco most reliable
• Consider open-jaw itineraries (fly into Cusco, out of Arequipa)
• LATAM offers better schedules; Sky Peru offers lower base fares

Buses

Peru has extensive long-distance bus networks:

• Bus-cama/VIP: Full reclining seats, meals, direct service
• Semi-cama: Reclining seats, standard service
• Economico: Basic service, budget option

Major operators include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Movil Tours, and Peru Hop (tourist-focused hop-on service). Overnight buses popular but note:

• Lima-Cusco by bus takes 20-22 hours on winding mountain roads
• Lima-Arequipa takes 15-16 hours
• Altitude changes can cause discomfort

For distances over 6-8 hours, flying saves significant time.

Trains

Peru's tourist trains are attractions in themselves:

• PeruRail/Inca Rail — Cusco to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). The only way to reach Machu Picchu without hiking. Book well ahead
• PeruRail Titicaca — Luxury train Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca). Full-day scenic journey across the Altiplano

Car Rental

Limited usefulness for most tourists:

• Driving conditions challenging—mountain roads, local driving styles
• Not recommended for Cusco-Lima or mountain routes
• Useful for: Sacred Valley exploration (from Cusco), northern coast
• Drive on the right; international license recommended

Dry Season (May-October)

Peak tourist season and best weather for most destinations:

• Ideal for Machu Picchu, trekking, and Andean travel
• Cusco sunny and cold (near freezing at night)
• Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead for this period
• Highest prices and busiest sites
• Amazon: slightly less rain, wildlife congregates near water

Wet Season (November-April)

Green season with afternoon rains:

• Machu Picchu still accessible but expect clouds and rain
• Inca Trail closes for maintenance in February
• Lower prices, fewer crowds
• Amazon: More rain but lush vegetation, good for bird watching
• Lima: Summer on the coast (December-March)—beach weather

Regional Timing

Region	Best Time	Notes
Cusco/Machu Picchu	May-Sep	Dry season, cold nights
Amazon (Iquitos)	Jun-Nov	Lower water, wildlife visible
Lake Titicaca	May-Oct	Dry but cold
Arequipa/Colca	Year-round	Mostly dry climate
Lima	Dec-Mar	Summer, beach weather
Northern beaches	Dec-Apr	Warm Pacific waters

Altitude Considerations

Cusco at 3,400m (11,150 ft) requires acclimatization:

• Plan 1-2 rest days before strenuous activity
• Avoid flying directly to Cusco then doing Inca Trail next day
• Consider arriving via Arequipa (2,335m) to acclimatize gradually
• Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol first day, eat light meals
• Coca tea (mate de coca) traditionally used for altitude symptoms

Major Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Lima	LIM	Gastronomy, colonial center, Pacific coast
Cusco	CUZ	Inca history, colonial architecture, base for Machu Picchu
Arequipa	AQP	White volcanic stone city, Colca Canyon access
Iquitos	IQT	Amazon jungle gateway, floating markets

UNESCO Sites & Natural Wonders

Destination	Airport	Known For
Machu Picchu	CUZ + train	Iconic Inca citadel, one of New Seven Wonders
Sacred Valley	CUZ	Ollantaytambo, Pisac ruins, Moray terraces
Colca Canyon	AQP (3hr)	World's deepest canyon, Andean condors
Lake Titicaca	JUL (Juliaca)	Highest navigable lake, Uros floating islands
Amazon Rainforest	IQT	Wildlife, jungle lodges, river expeditions
Nazca Lines	LIM + bus (7hr)	Ancient geoglyphs, scenic flights

Getting to Key Sites

• Machu Picchu — Fly to Cusco (CUZ), train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes (1.5-3.5 hours), bus up to ruins. Alternatively, multi-day Inca Trail trek
• Colca Canyon — Fly to Arequipa (AQP), 3-4 hour drive to canyon
• Lake Titicaca — Fly to Juliaca (JUL), 45 min transfer to Puno
• Amazon — Fly to Iquitos (IQT), boat to lodge. Alternative: Puerto Maldonado (PEM) from Cusco
• Nazca Lines — Fly to Lima, 7-hour bus or drive; scenic flights depart from Nazca and Pisco

Money

• Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN), symbol S/
• Cards: Widely accepted in Lima, Cusco, tourist areas; cash essential elsewhere
• ATMs: Available in cities—BCP, Interbank, Scotiabank. Dispense both soles and USD
• USD: Widely accepted in tourist areas; useful as backup
• Exchange: Better rates at casas de cambio than banks or airport
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants (not always included); S/5-10 for guides per day

Electrical

• Voltage: 220 V / 60 Hz
• Plug types: Type A and B (US-style flat pins) and Type C (European round pins)
• Adapters: US travelers may not need adapters; European/UK travelers need adapters
• Note: Outlets vary—some accept only flat pins, others only round. Bring universal adapter

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: Claro, Movistar, Entel, Bitel
• eSIM: Supported—Airalo, Holafly work well
• SIM cards: Available at airport and shopping malls; passport required
• WiFi: Free at airports, hotels, cafes, restaurants
• Data: 4G coverage in cities; limited or no coverage in remote areas, Amazon, mountain passes

Safety

Peru is generally safe for tourists with standard precautions:

• Petty theft reported in Lima (Miraflores, historic center), Cusco tourist areas
• Use registered taxis or Uber; avoid street hails at night
• Be aware of "express kidnappings" in Lima—use ATMs inside banks/malls
• Keep valuables secure; don't display expensive jewelry/electronics
• Emergency: 105 (police), 116 (ambulance)
• Protests occasionally block roads—check news before travel

Health

• Altitude sickness: Serious consideration for Cusco, Puno, high mountain passes
• Tap water: Not safe to drink—use bottled water everywhere
• Food safety: Street food popular but choose busy stalls; ceviche best at lunch when freshest
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever recommended for Amazon; routine vaccines up to date
• Medical facilities: Good private clinics in Lima, Cusco; limited in rural areas

Language

Spanish is Peru's primary language. Quechua and Aymara spoken in highlands:

• English widely spoken in tourist areas, upscale hotels, tour agencies
• Limited English outside major tourist destinations
• Basic Spanish highly useful, especially outside Cusco/Lima
• "Gringo" is not pejorative in Peru—simply means foreigner

• Tourism: Peru Travel
• Visa/Immigration: Migraciones Peru
• US Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov/peru
• UK Travel Advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru
• Machu Picchu Tickets: machupicchu.gob.pe
• Train to Machu Picchu: PeruRail | Inca Rail