Peru travel guide for Americans

US citizens do not need a visa for Peru for tourism. You can stay up to 183 days per entry, and you get a stamp on arrival. The main things to plan are altitude, flights, and cash: Lima is the gateway, Cusco and Machu Picchu sit above 3,000 m, and many smaller towns still work best with cash in soles.

US citizens enter Peru visa-free for tourism. At immigration you receive an entry stamp; keep it until you leave, as you may need it at exit. The allowed stay is up to 183 days per entry, though officers sometimes grant fewer; check the stamp before leaving the desk.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and you should have proof of onward travel and accommodation if asked. Overstaying can bring fines and delays at departure.

The US Embassy in Lima handles consular services for American citizens: passport renewals, notarials, and emergency assistance. If you lose your passport or face a crisis, contact them. The embassy is in the district of Magdalena del Mar, Lima.

For routine matters, check the embassy website for appointment procedures. For emergencies, call the embassy's emergency line; the local emergency numbers are 105 (police), 116 (fire), and 106 (ambulance).

Peru is moderate for US travellers. A budget backpacker can manage on $40–60 per day with hostels, local buses, and street food. A mid-range trip with private rooms, some flights, and tours runs $100–150 per day. Luxury lodges and Machu Picchu trains push it higher.

Machu Picchu is the big line item: entrance tickets, the train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, and a guide add up. Internal flights (Lima–Cusco) are often $80–150 each way. Carry soles for markets and small towns; credit cards work in cities but not everywhere.

Most US travellers fly into Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport). Direct flights from Miami, New York, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles take about 6–8 hours. From the West Coast, add a connection or longer flight.

From Lima, domestic flights go to Cusco, Arequipa, and Iquitos. The Lima–Cusco flight is about 1 hour 10 minutes. For time differences and flight planning, use the flight-time planner.

Peru uses 220 V, 60 Hz, with plug types A (US flat prongs) and C (European round). US devices with type A plugs work without an adapter, but check voltage: many US electronics are dual-voltage (100–240 V), so they work fine. If your device is 110 V only, you need a converter.

Power outages happen in rural areas; carry a power bank for phones and cameras.

Tipping is moderate. In sit-down restaurants, 10% is common if service is good. Tip guides, porters, and drivers on tours: for example, S/ 10–20 per day for a guide, and a few soles for porters. Taxis and street food usually don't require tips.

In an emergency, dial 105 for police, 116 for fire, and 106 for ambulance (SAMU). For tourist police in major cities, ask your hotel. For US citizens, the embassy in Lima is the main contact for consular emergencies.