PERU
Peru is iconic! You have certainly heard of Machu Picchu, you are likely familiar with Lima, and maybe you’ve even heard of the lesser known beauties of Huacachina and the Ballestas Islands. What you probably are unaware of though is Peru’s complex past. Like every country, there was a dark period oftentimes glossed over. El Sendero Luminoso, or The Shining Path, plagued Peru in the 1980s and 90s. I highly recommend reading “Blood of the Dawn” (by Claudia Salazar) and “Death in the Andes” (by Peru’s most famous author - Mario Vargas Llosa). Both historical fiction novels are packed with incredible stories, but on the other hand, there’s nothing like hearing it from the mouth of a local!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PER)
$1 USD = 3.6 PER
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = 220-275 PER/Night ($60-$75 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 75-130 PER/Day ($20-$35 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = 30-65 PER/Night ($8-$18 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 35-70 PER/Day ($9-$19 USD/Day)
Communication:
The national language of Peru is Spanish. All three cities I visited didn’t require the ability to speak Spanish although it was helpful at times.
Transportation:
Bus: The most reputable bus company is Cruz Del Sur. They run routes all across Peru. While this is a good option for getting to Paracas, Nazca, or even Arequipa, I would fly if you are looking to go to Cusco (90 minute flight vs. 20+ hour bus).
Airplane: 99% of the time, international air travel will go through Lima. In other words, if you plan to solely visit Cusco/Machu Picchu, expect a transfer at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). The three airlines with most flights in and out of Peru are LATAM, Viva Air, and Peruvian Airlines. When booked in advance, all three are quite affordable.
Taxi/Uber: Uber is neither legal nor illegal in Peru. That said, I would avoid using it. Below are a list of reputable taxi companies throughout the country you can use instead.
Lima: Taxi365, Taxi Green, and Taxi Directo
Cusco: Llama Taxi
Paracas: Taxis en Paracas
Private Transportation: Peru Adventure Tours can offer ground transit options throughout the entire country for groups of any size - business or leisure.
Miscellaneous:
Peru’s national drink is a Pisco Sour and is served everywhere (pisco, lime juice, egg white, and bitters). My favorite though is a Chilcano, which is also quite popular (pisco, lime juice, ginger ale, and bitters). While you are drinking either of these, you can munch on cancha - a Peruvian favorite (bar food consisting of toasted corn). In addition to all of this, Inca Kola is a local mainstay!
