Do you need a visa for Peru in 2026? +
No for EU, Swiss, UK, Canadian and US nationals. Free entry up to 90 days per stay, passport valid 6 months. Since 2024, the Andean Migration card replaces the paper TAM: fill online at migraciones.gob.pe before arrival, present at Lima immigration.
How many days do you need in Peru? +
Minimum 10 days for Lima + Cuzco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu, keeping 2 acclimatization nights in Cuzco. 14 days is ideal to add Titicaca and Arequipa. 3 weeks lets you include the Amazon (Iquitos or Tambopata) and the coast (Paracas, Nazca, Huacachina). Less than 8 days is not advised due to altitude requiring a slow pace.
When to go to Peru? +
May to September for the Andes (Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Titicaca): dry season, blue skies, cool but stable temperatures. Tourist peak July-August, book Machu Picchu 2-3 months ahead. October to April is the rainy season at altitude (muddy trails, fog on Machu Picchu) and daily rain in the Amazon. For the coast (Lima), flip it: January-March gives the only real sun, the rest of the year is gray and misty.
How do you avoid altitude sickness (soroche)? +
Three rules: reach Cuzco in stages (Lima 0 m → Sacred Valley 2,800 m → Cuzco 3,400 m if possible, or 2 inactive nights in Cuzco), max hydration (3 L/day), no alcohol or effort for the first 48 hours. Diamox (acetazolamide) on prescription 48h before arrival cuts symptoms significantly. Coca leaf tea on site. Worrying symptoms (vomiting, breathlessness at rest, confusion): descend immediately.
How to book Machu Picchu tickets in 2026? +
Mandatory booking on tuboleto.cultura.pe (official Peruvian Ministry of Culture site) or via an accredited agency. Time-slot system since 2024: 9 possible circuits, 2h30 duration, fixed entry time. Official price 152 soles (~€38) for the classic circuit, 200 soles (~€50) with Huayna Picchu. Daily quota 4,500 visitors, book 2-3 months ahead in high season (June-September). Cuzco-Aguas Calientes train to book in parallel (PeruRail or IncaRail).
Inca Trail or Salkantay trek: which to pick? +
Inca Trail (4 days, 42 km, pass at 4,215 m): the legendary one, arrival at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. Quota 500 people/day including 300 porters, book 6 months ahead via accredited agency. Salkantay (5 days, 70 km, pass at 4,630 m): free alternative, wilder and cheaper (€550 vs €800 for Inca Trail), arrival at Aguas Calientes by train. Pick Inca Trail for the historical experience, Salkantay for nature and physical challenge.
Is Lima dangerous in 2026? +
Tourist neighborhoods (Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro) remain safe with standard big-city Latin American vigilance. Avoid: historic center after 8pm, San Juan de Lurigancho, Comas, Callao outside the airport zone. Always use Uber or official Taxi Verde / Easy Taxi, never flag a street taxi. Pickpocketing and phone theft frequent on public transport.
Is Peruvian ceviche really a must-try? +
Yes, it's the national dish, listed as UNESCO intangible heritage in 2023. Base recipe: white fish raw, marinated for minutes in lime, red onion, cilantro, ají chili, served with sweet potato and corn. Eat at lunch (in the evening, fish is no longer fresh-caught) in a Barranco cevicheria (Canta Rana, La Mar) or Surquillo. Budget €15-30 per dish at a good spot.
