Peru Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution due to  crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.  Do not travel to: The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to  crime .  The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to  crime  and threats of terrorism .    Some areas within the ...

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Peru safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-10pm; some 24-hour pharmacies in Lima; chains include Mifarma, Inkfarma, and BTL Prescription rules: A Peruvian prescription is technically required for many medications but enforcement varies. Antibiotics and common drugs are widely available OTC. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note. 💡 Tips Many medications available OTC that require prescriptions in the US (antibiotics, pain relievers). Pharmacists can be helpful. Bring a list of medications with generic names. Soroche (altitude sickness) medication is widely available — recommend it for Cusco and high-altitude destinations.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $25-50/week 💡 Tip Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, especially for trekking (Inca Trail, Salkantay) and remote areas. Hospital costs in private clinics: $200-1,000/day. Medical evacuation from Cusco to Lima can cost $10,000-30,000+. Ensure coverage includes trip interruption and adventure activities. 💡 Tip Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, especially for trekking (Inca Trail, Salkantay) and remote areas. Hospital costs in private clinics: $200-1,000/day. Medical evacuation from Cusco to Lima can cost $10,000-30,000+. Ensure coverage includes trip interruption and adventure activities.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Most common medications are available at Peruvian pharmacies (farmacias), often without a prescription, though quality can vary. Carry essential medications from home in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter in Spanish if possible. For altitude sickness in Cusco and other highland areas, acetazolamide is widely available locally. Drug trafficking penalties are severe — never carry medications for others or accept packages from strangers.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Legal with prescription under Peru's controlled substances regulations (DIGEMID oversight). Available at pharmacies with valid medical prescription.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are not approved in Peru. Not commercially available. Importing without authorization from DIGEMID is illegal and may result in criminal charges.
• Cannabis / CBD — RESTRICTED: Medical cannabis legalized in 2017 (Law 30681). Patients need DIGEMID registration. CBD oil available with medical authorization. Recreational use remains illegal; personal possession of small amounts (≤8g) decriminalized.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription for ADHD. Controlled psychotropic substance requiring special prescription. Carry original packaging and medical documentation.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine available by prescription. Stronger opioids require special controlled substance prescriptions. Peru has limited opioid availability compared to other countries.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: 10% at restaurants is standard (sometimes added as 'propina' but check the bill). Tip tour guides $10-20 USD/day for multi-day treks (Inca Trail porters also deserve tips — $20-30 USD/day is recommended). Taxi drivers: round up.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Disrespecting Inca/Quechua heritage sites — touching, climbing, or defacing ruins
• Taking photographs at Andean communities without permission
• Altitude sickness (soroche) — don't ignore symptoms; rest and acclimatize before exertion
• Drinking tap water
• Displaying expensive electronics in public, especially in Lima's Miraflores/Barranco

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Peru: