Peru Travel Insurance Plans

In this article:

• Travel Insurance Plans for Peru
• Peru Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Peru FAQs

While a travel insurance plan isn’t required for entry to Peru, it can be very beneficial since many U.S. healthcare plans may not provide international coverage. Having a travel insurance plan provides you with certain medical expense coverage while you’re abroad, along with other coverages for a comprehensive travel insurance plan just for you. It’s good to know that while traveling in Peru, where even in larger cities medical care may be limited, your travel insurance plan can include medical evacuation coverage. Perhaps most importantly when navigating a new destination, you’ll have access to Travel Guard’s 24-hour travel emergency assistance to help you with certain unexpected events when you need it most.

Travel Guard’s Preferred Plan is a great place to start when traveling to Peru as it offers important coverages like trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage coverage, and more. For the most protection for your travel investment, our Deluxe Plan offers the highest benefit limits and most coverages included standard with your plan. All of our travel insurance plans come with access to Travel Guard’s 24-hour emergency travel assistance, so you’re not left to deal with certain travel mishaps alone. If you’re planning on enjoying popular outdoor activities in Peru, you may want to purchase Travel Guard’s Adventure Sports Bundle to help ensure you have the coverage you may need for your activities.

A travel insurance plan is usually priced between 5-7% of the total cost of your trip. Several factors come into play when it comes to pricing your plan, which may include the product you choose and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

To help ensure travelers to Peru are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard has compiled some popular questions asked by tourists visiting the country.

For the latest information related to COVID-19 travel requirements for Peru, please visit the official U.S. Embassy website for Peru.

Peru has a vibrant culture and history as well as numerous outdoor activities to explore. However, travelers should be aware of some prominent security issues in the country. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and more serious crimes such as armed robbery are concerns in major cities. Criminals operate in tourist areas and on public transportation. In some cases, travelers have been targeted for robbery by individuals posing as taxi drivers or tour operators. Express kidnapping, in which victims are held for a short time and forced to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs, also sometimes occur. Travelers should avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash, use ATMs inside secure locations such as banks and hotels and should arrange taxis in advance instead of hailing them on the street. It is also best to limit travel after dark, especially if solo.

Strikes and protests are also a concern in Peru, and demonstrations can escalate without warning. In addition to the potential for violence, protesters may disrupt travel by blocking roads. Strikes involving the transportation sector can also impact transportation to popular tourist sites. Visitors should avoid demonstrations and should stay informed of any planned protests or labor actions. 

If embarking on any outdoor adventures, it is important to carefully research planned activities and any associated risks. Criminals are known to operate in national parks and on the Amazon River, and tour buses have been targeted by bandits. Travelers should choose trusted, licensed local guides and tour operators for any excursions or activities. 

Flooding, landslides, earthquakes and volcanic activity can also impact travel in Peru. High altitudes may also lead to health issues in some locations. Visitors are advised to monitor weather reports and consider any personal health concerns associated with local climates and elevation.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travelers to Peru.

All U.S. travelers should consider enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy as well as helps the embassy contact you in an emergency.

The official currency of Peru is the Sol. You can exchange your currency for Sol at your local bank before your departure or at an exchange kiosk at the airport before or after arrival in Peru. Some vendors may accept USD as a form of payment, though it is still a good idea to have a small amount of Sol on your person just in case. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at larger stores and locations. If you’re planning to shop at smaller markets, be sure to carry cash. Finally, be sure to let your bank know of your travels to help ensure you don’t lose access to your finances while on vacation.

Spanish is the official language of Peru along with the native languages Quechua and Aymara. While English speakers can be found throughout Peru, it’s best practice to learn common sayings and phrases in Spanish to communicate. Download a translator app that works without Wi-Fi to best avoid confusion.

Yes, a tourist visa is required for travel to Peru and is available for free at the port of entry. Additionally, you will need a passport valid for six months after the date you enter Peru along with a blank page for your entry stamp.

The U.S. Embassy in Peru is located in Lima. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Peru’s climate ranges from mild to moderate depending on where you visit in the country. August typically has the lowest temperatures, around 65 °F, and February is typically the hottest month with high temperatures reaching up to 82°F. The Andes Mountains, which span the length of Peru, have a temperate climate with cold temperatures on the mountain peaks. The coast of Peru has a subtropical desert climate with warm temperatures throughout the year and the Amazon has a tropical climate with an abundant amount of rainfall.

The best, and most popular, time to visit Peru is between May and October when the dry season occurs, and temperatures are pleasant. For travelers who want to find a bargain on their trip to Peru, consider visiting in the off seasons which occur from late October to the middle of December and again from the middle of January to the end of April, though be prepared to see rainfall on your trip.

The dial code for Peru is +51 and can be used to connect to cell phones and landlines in the country. To call from the U.S., use the exit code of +011 followed by the Peru dial code, area code and seven-digit number of your contact. To call someone back home from Peru, use the U.S. entry code +1 followed by the 10-digit number you’re calling. Remember to let your phone provider know of your travel plans to help avoid unwanted fees and interruption.

Travelers visiting Peru will need to bring a transformer to convert the voltage to their U.S. electronics. Additionally, some outlets in Peru use circular prongs, so travelers will need an adaptor to connect and charge their electronics as normal. We recommend a universal adaptor that can be used again for trips in the future.

Peru is a great destination for travelers of all ages as there is no age limit for cultural sites like Machu Picchu and there are plenty of fun activities, like visiting llamas, that your children will enjoy.

Peru can be a safe destination for female travelers; just be sure to do research on your destination from other travelers like you and be sure to follow safety precautions for women travelers.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Peru. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!