The Peruvian Sol or soles (PEN) is the national currency, although US dollars are generally accepted in most places in the big cities up to a certain amount.
This applies to hotels, tours and certain upscale stores. Smaller stores and shops usually do not except dollars.
There is now an official bus service connecting Miraflores to Lima Airport (Jorge Chavez). Airport Express Lima is much safer and cheaper than a taxi. Their luxury buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and have USB charging ports on every seat. Tickets are $8 one way and a return ticket costs $15.
A small backpack for day trips/treks is essential. A towel, suncream, sunglasses, camera, comfortable trainers, clothes for summer and winter weather (sun and rain!) etc… are all also recommended because of the variety of weather you will find in Peru!
If you’re planning to visit the jungle, also bring insect repellant and consult your local doctor for vaccinations.
We recommend bringing some Peruvian soles and some US Dollars with you, maybe a total 250 soles and $200 dollars. This will be enough to last you 4 to 5 days before you need to withdraw from an ATM.
Hostels average $9 a night and private room prices start at $20 depending on the quality of the hostel or hotel. 3 meals (breakfast / lunch / dinner) will average around $12-$20 a day. Large beers generally cost $3-4 and water around about $0.50. Tours are obviously an additional cost.
Yes. Your passport is required by Escape From Lima and by every hostel in Peru. It is also required at the airport so don´t forget it!
Vaccines are not necessary for any portion of the Escape From Lima trip. However if you plan on visiting the Amazon jungle, you may need some vaccines so please consult your local doctor. We recommend getting the Yellow Fever vaccine if you’re planning to travel to Bolivia. You cannot enter without it.
Generally it is recommended to give yourself a day or 2 to acclimatise before doing any treks at altitude. Arriving by bus is definitely more helpful than taking a plane as the arrival to altitude is much more gradual.
It is also recommended to take some altitude sickness pills, chew Coca leaves and drink Coca Tea.
Altitudes Peru and Bolivia:Arequipa - 2,350m (7,710ft)
Good place to acclimatise
Ollantaytambo - 2,792m (9,160ft)
Good place to acclimatise
Machu Picchu - 2,430m (7,970ft)
Getting there (treks) and going up Huayna or Machu Picchu can be tiring.
Cusco - 3,399m (11,152ft)
1 or 2 days acclimatisation recommended in Arequipa if doing outdoor activities.
La Paz - 3,640m (11, 942ft)
1 or 2 days acclimatisation recommended by travelling unless coming from Puno.
Chivay - 3,630m (11,910ft)
1 or 2 days acclimatisation recommended in Arequipa if doing any treks.
Puno + Copacabana (Lake Titicaca) - 3800m plus (12,500ft)
1 or 2 days acclimatisation recommended in Arequipa but most tours don't invole much physical exercise.
Highest point on Inca Trail (Warmiwañusqa pass) 4,200m (13,780ft)
1 or 2 days acclimatisation recommended in Arequipa and in Cusco.
