How to Plan a Trip to Peru: Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: September 15, 2021

Peru is open to American travelers. Fully vaccinated travelers over age 12 are welcome without further testing. Unvaccinated travelers must arrive with a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, or a negative antigen result taken within 24 hours. Children under the age of 12 can present a certificate of health instead of a negative Covid-19 test. All travelers may be subject to a rapid antigen test upon arrival.

Entry requirements are subject to change and your Zicasso travel specialist can provide updated information at the time of your inquiry.

Related: Countries Open to American Travelers | 3 Reasons to Visit Peru in 2021

The success of your trip to Peru depends on your ability to book your accommodations and tickets to popular attractions early, especially due to limited availability based on restricted access. Peru may see increased demand for accommodations and activities from international travelers for late 2021 and into 2022 because of postponed trips.

Peru is eager to see travelers again and visitors are just as eager to explore the Amazon or visit Machu Picchu. By booking sooner rather than later you can choose your preferred accommodations and experiences.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we advised travelers to Peru to book their trip between 6 and 12 months in advance, depending on their ultimate goals when visiting as some accommodations can book out quickly during high season. If you prefer to travel during the high season, we now recommend booking your trip between 14 and 16 months in advance.

Last-minute trip planning is possible and your Zicasso travel specialist can ensure an exceptional vacation experience.

A personalized Zicasso tour to Peru immerses you in a vacation designed for your goals, needs and preferences. Most travelers from the United States spend between 10 to 14 days in Peru, which is enough to highlight the natural splendor and diverse cultures found between the coastline, Andes, desert and rainforest. Our Peru travel experts have provided you with recommendations for any trip length.

Lima | Cusco | Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu | the Amazon | Puno | Nazca | Paracas

• Discover the historical grandeur of Cusco at celebrated sites like Koricancha, Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman
• Wander the narrow streets that climb the hills to find boutique shops. These showcase handmade alpaca sweaters and galleries that feature local artists
• Learn about Andean heritage at the Textile Museum for better insight into the history and importance of textile-making in the region
• Discover the steep ascents, dramatic views and feeling of accomplishment that is gained from the Inca Trail during a one-day excursion
• Experience the undulating paths, epic vistas and ruins that are scattered across the Sacred Valley during a challenging four-day trek
• Bask in the captivating panoramic view from above Machu Picchu when trekking to the summit of neighboring Huayna Picchu
• Witness the exceptional nature of the Amazon Rainforest in an authentic area that is known for its pristine ecosystem
• Experience the Amazon River with a boat ride in view of small villages, fishing communities and vibrant wildlife
• Bask in the adventure of trekking through the Amazon Rainforest with an experienced naturalist guide in search of wildlife and infamous insects
• Witness pre-Columbian Peru inside an 18th-century vice-royal building. The galleries reveal art and artifacts that span millennia, including jewelry and erotic pottery
• No matter your experience, you can trek to the Lost City of the Incas during a guided day trip or a multi-day trip for a thrilling way to discover the mighty ruins
• The steep and rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains offers trails for seasoned mountain bikers for more time immersed in the scenery instead of in the car
• The fishing village of Puerto Malabrigo in northwest Peru hosts the longest left-hand wave in the world, with great surf cast along barren cliffs
• Experience the native wonders on display in the Museo Inka, where metal and gold-work, jewelry, pottery and textiles depict images of the civilization

Related: New Ways to Visit Iconic Sites | Zicasso’s Trips of a Lifetime Series - Part 2

Peru has reopened to travelers, which means you can book your next trip through Zicasso for travel in 2021 or 2022. Any visit to a new country inspires plenty of questions, but the circumstances of traveling after Covid-19 may have changed earlier answers.

“Do I have to wear a mask on domestic flights?” “Is Machu Picchu open?” “Will I be able to trek the Inca Trail?” “How will I travel from the Amazon to Lima or reach Lake Titicaca?” “Are the beaches open?” “Do I need a negative Covid-19 test before returning home and how can I get one?” Your travel specialist can answer these questions and more before you book your trip. A travel expert can also help handle any emergency that may arise during your trip — from an activity adjustment to a schedule change.

If you are thinking about traveling to Peru, you can fill out Zicasso’s Trip Request to speak with a Peru travel expert.

Related: How to Plan Your Trip in 3 Easy Steps | How to Plan Your Trip Budget

The best time to visit Peru is between April and May and again from August to October. The combination of smaller crowds and better weather makes these months ideal for visiting the entire country.

The climate varies across the disparate regions, making Peru a wonderful year-round destination, but also requires specific times of the year for visiting places like Machu Picchu or the Amazon. November has nice, cool weather before the major rains in the Andes, while February has the most amount of rainfall. June is the busiest month, but has the best weather throughout Peru.

The weather varies dramatically across the country, with the Andes offering a different climate to Lima and the coast, as well as possessing sharp temperatures along the high-altitude plateau. The Amazon also has completely different weather, with extensive rainfall in summer, but it’s calmer in autumn, winter and spring. The weather conditions can change drastically, but the area remains accessible from April to May and August to October.

You can plan ahead for your next vacation through Zicasso for travel in 2021 or 2022. An international trip has always brought important questions and visiting a new country after Covid-19 could have inspired new answers.

“Do I have to wear a mask on domestic flights?” “Will I be able to trek the Machu Picchu Trail?” “Can I eat inside a Michelin-starred restaurant?” “How will I travel from Lima to Cuzco or reach the Amazon?” “Is Machu Picchu open?” “Do I need a negative Covid-19 test before returning home and how can I get one?” Your travel expert will be able to answer your specific questions and more before you book your trip. A travel specialist can handle any emergency that may come up in connection to your trip, as well — from changing your transportation option to a last-minute additional tour.

If you are thinking about traveling to Peru, you can fill out Zicasso’s Trip Request to speak with a Peru travel specialist.

Related: How to Plan Your Trip in 3 Easy Steps | How to Plan Your Trip Budget

Peru is very safe for travelers. Like in most countries around the world, you must remain vigilant in highly populated areas such as in Lima or Cusco, where petty theft can occur. Overall, your safety is not in jeopardy in Peru, especially when in the hands of a travel specialist.

Altitude sickness is a real possibility for visitors to the Andes, especially when traveling from low-altitude destinations like the Amazon or Lima. Symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue or dizziness can keep you from discovering the sites you want to visit and enjoy your trip. It does not affect everyone, but you should make sure you have time to acclimatize to your surroundings, drink plenty of water and coca tea.

For most travelers, the most convenient airport is Lima International Airport (LIM), but the busiest international airports in Peru include:

• Lima (LIM)
• Cusco (CUS)
• Arequipa (AQP)

Zicasso Flights is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation. By employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso, our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 service and support, and complimentary consultation of routing versus pricing with an expert flight specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.

You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.

Peru exudes natural wonder and cultural preservation that stretches from the Pacific to the Andes, the canyons to the Amazon basin. From the legend of Machu Picchu to the wildlife of the rainforest, the grandeur of soaring condors to myths of the Nazca Lines, you can find the best ideas for your perfect trip with Peru Tours & Vacation sample itineraries in addition to plenty of helpful tips for your next trip. Speak with a Peru travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.