Peru

Travelers must bring their original passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the trip. A Passport Card is not valid for international air travel.

Entry requirements for Peru may vary depending on nationality, residency status, and current government regulations. U.S. citizens are generally allowed to enter Peru for tourism without a visa for short stays, but travelers should always follow the latest guidance from Carnival US and official sources before departure.

Green Card holders and travelers who are not U.S. citizens may have different entry requirements depending on the passport they hold. A U.S. Green Card does not automatically replace a visa if the traveler’s passport requires one.

Travelers should take photos of their passport, visa or residency documents if applicable, flight itinerary, travel insurance, hotel list, and emergency contact information. Save copies on the phone/cloud and share one copy with a trusted family member.

Do not place passports, cash, bank cards, medication, or important documents in checked luggage.

Important: If missing documents prevent a traveler from departing or entering Peru, Carnival US is not responsible, and the standard tour cancellation policy will still apply.

Each traveler is generally allowed to bring:

One (1) checked bag

One (1) carry-on bag

One (1) personal item

Specific baggage rules may vary depending on the airline listed on the ticket.

Checked baggage should include clothing, shoes, toiletries, liquids, and items not needed during the flight. Travelers should pack light and neatly because Peru may include domestic flights, hotel changes, bus transfers, train rides, cobblestone streets, high-altitude cities, archaeological sites, and outdoor walking areas.

Do not place important documents, passports, cash, bank cards, jewelry, or valuable items in checked baggage. These items should always be kept with the traveler.

Carry-on baggage should include passport, flight information, travel insurance, money, bank cards, phone, charger, medication, one extra set of clothing, and essential toiletries in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Power banks must always be packed in carry-on baggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Travelers should bring enough personal medication for the full journey, including prescription medication and common medicine such as headache medicine, digestive medicine, allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, bandages, and personal health items.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Peru may include stone streets, stairs, uneven paths, archaeological sites, train stations, and highland terrain. Travelers should avoid brand-new shoes.

For high-altitude destinations such as Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Machu Picchu, travelers should bring layers, a light jacket, sun protection, water bottle, and any medication recommended by their doctor.

Hotels used by Carnival US during the journey are arranged according to the itinerary and travel route. Hotels in major cities such as Lima and Cusco may be comfortable and convenient, while hotels in smaller towns or mountain areas may be simpler and focused more on comfort, location, and practicality.

Hotel check-in is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Hotels will try to accommodate early check-in when possible. However, if rooms are not ready, travelers may store their luggage at the hotel and continue with the program.

Hotel check-out is usually between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, depending on the hotel and itinerary.

Before leaving the room, travelers should carefully check the safe, drawers, nightstands, outlets, bathroom, closet, and luggage area. Please make sure no passport, cash, jewelry, medicine, charger, or personal item is left behind.

Do not leave passports, money, jewelry, or valuable items in visible places inside the room.

Many hotels use keycards to open room doors, activate electricity, or access elevators. In some hotels, the keycard must be inserted into a slot near the door to turn on the lights and power outlets.

Hotel bathrooms may include bathtubs with high sides or showers with different layouts from what travelers are used to. Travelers should be careful to avoid slipping.

If travelers need daily room cleaning, fresh towels, toiletries, or assistance, they may contact housekeeping, the front desk, or the tour guide.

Travelers should prepare personal toiletries, medication, tissues, sunscreen, lip balm, bandages, ointment, vitamins, and a pen for filling out forms.

In high-altitude cities such as Cusco, travelers should rest when possible and avoid rushing immediately after arrival.

Peru’s main international gateway is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. Depending on the itinerary, travelers may also take domestic flights to cities such as Cusco.

Carnival US will send travelers the flight itinerary and meeting information by email before departure. This document includes flight details and ticket information, but it is not a boarding pass.

Travelers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. For domestic flights within Peru, travelers should follow the guide’s instructions and arrive early because airport procedures, baggage rules, and check-in timing may vary.

If the ticket includes a codeshare flight, travelers should check in with the airline listed as the operating carrier or as instructed in the final flight email.

If seat assignments or flight segments are missing from the electronic ticket, the airline may update the information closer to departure.

If travelers need special meals, child meals, wheelchair assistance, or other airline services, please contact Carnival US as early as possible. Requests are subject to airline availability and approval.

When the airplane lands in Peru, travelers should check all personal belongings before leaving the aircraft. After exiting the plane, proceed through immigration, collect checked luggage, and follow the tour guide’s flag or meeting instructions to avoid getting separated from the group.

If travelers do not see the tour guide, driver, or group at the airport or meeting point, they should not leave the area on their own. Please call the phone number provided in the final confirmation email from Carnival US.

Important Note: Travelers should not say words related to aviation security threats, such as “bomb” or “explosive,” in any language while at the airport, during baggage check-in, security screening, or on the airplane. Such words may cause serious delays, security questioning, or legal consequences.

When returning to the United States, travelers will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection at the first U.S. airport of entry.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been abroad for more than two days may generally return to the United States with up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompany the traveler upon return.

For travelers who bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case U.S. Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

Travelers must declare food, plants, seeds, medicine, large amounts of cash, and valuable items when required. Certain fresh fruits, meats, plants, seeds, coca leaves, agricultural products, and animal products may be restricted or prohibited when returning to the United States.

Peru uses the Peruvian Sol, written as PEN or shown with the symbol S/.

Exchange rates may change depending on the time of travel. As a general reference, 1 USD is approximately equal to 3.40 PEN. This means $10 USD is about 34 PEN, $50 USD is about 170 PEN, and $100 USD is about 340 PEN.

Travelers should remember that the U.S. Dollar is stronger than the Peruvian Sol in value. If an item costs 100 PEN, it is approximately $29–$30 USD, depending on the exchange rate.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, tourist shops, and major service locations. American Express and Discover may be less commonly accepted.

Travelers should still carry some cash in Peruvian Soles, especially in smaller denominations, for bottled water, tips, restrooms, local markets, small souvenirs, churches, small shops, or places that may not accept cards.

Before departure, travelers should notify their bank and credit card companies that they will be traveling to Peru. This helps prevent cards from being blocked or temporarily suspended due to international transactions.

ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but fees may apply depending on the traveler’s bank and card type.

Do not exchange money with strangers on the street. If travelers need to exchange money or withdraw cash, they should use reputable exchange offices, banks, ATMs, hotel guidance, or instructions from the tour guide.

Cash should be divided and stored in more than one safe place. Do not keep all cash, passport, and credit cards in the same bag or wallet.

For this section, the better term is Tax Refund / Tax-Free Shopping.

Peru may offer tax refund options for eligible foreign tourists on certain purchases from participating stores, depending on current government rules and store participation.

To request a tax refund, travelers should ask the store at the time of purchase if the item qualifies for tax-free shopping or tourist tax refund. Travelers should keep the original receipt, invoice, passport, tax refund form, and purchased items easily accessible.

At departure, travelers may need to present the tax refund form, receipts, passport, and purchased items at the airport or official refund counter before leaving Peru.

Refund eligibility, minimum purchase amounts, refund methods, and processing procedures may vary. Travelers should confirm details directly at the store or tax refund counter before making large purchases.

Please note that the refund amount may not equal the full tax amount because processing or service fees may apply.

Travelers should not accept or carry luggage, packages, or goods for anyone outside the group.

Travelers should also check items carefully to avoid counterfeit goods or poor-quality imitations of famous brands. Purchase from reputable stores whenever possible.

When visiting churches, monasteries, cathedrals, sacred sites, or cultural heritage places in Peru, travelers should dress modestly, neatly, and respectfully.

Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting churches and religious places. Avoid clothing that is too short, too sheer, too tight, or too revealing.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended because many areas in Peru include cobblestone streets, stone steps, archaeological paths, uneven ground, and highland terrain.

For Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, travelers should dress in layers. Mornings and evenings can be cold, while midday can feel warm under the sun. A light jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small backpack are helpful.

For high-altitude areas, travelers should avoid rushing, drink water, eat lightly when needed, and inform the tour guide if they feel dizzy, short of breath, or unusually tired.

For Lima, lighter clothing may be suitable, but travelers should still bring a jacket because coastal weather can feel cool and humid, especially in the evening.

Hotel phone calls can be expensive. Travelers are encouraged to use an eSIM, local SIM card, or international roaming plan from the United States.

International roaming plans from U.S. carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile often cost around $10–$12 per day, depending on the carrier and plan.

An eSIM can be a convenient option if the traveler’s phone supports it. Travelers are encouraged to install and set up the eSIM before leaving the United States or immediately after arrival.

Hotel Wi-Fi is usually available, but travelers should not depend on it completely, especially in mountain areas or remote routes. It is recommended to save hotel addresses, tour leader contact numbers, guide phone numbers, and meeting points offline.

Travelers may use iMessage, Viber, WhatsApp, or other internet-based apps to contact family and friends when Wi-Fi or mobile data is available.

For group travel, travelers should make sure their phone is charged each morning and should carry a small power bank in their personal bag.

In case of an emergency in Peru, travelers may call:

105 – Police emergency

106 – Ambulance / medical emergency

116 – Fire department

911 – Emergency number available in some areas and mobile networks

For a real emergency, travelers should contact the tour guide immediately if possible and follow local emergency instructions.

If travelers are separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately.

If travelers lose an item at a hotel, airport, restaurant, church, pilgrimage site, archaeological site, or tourist area, they should report it to the nearest staff member, security point, or tour guide as soon as possible.

For minor health issues, especially altitude-related symptoms, inform the tour guide immediately so they can help contact the hotel, local guide, pharmacy, clinic, or emergency service if needed.

Peru uses electricity at approximately 220V / 60Hz.

Plug types in Peru may vary, and travelers may encounter Type A, Type B, and Type C outlets depending on the hotel or location. Because outlet types are not always consistent, travelers should bring a universal travel adapter.

Before using hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, chargers, or other electronic devices, please check that the device supports 100–240V. If a device only supports 110V, a voltage converter may be needed.

Power banks should always be packed in carry-on luggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Peru is a beautiful and meaningful destination with Catholic heritage, ancient civilizations, mountain landscapes, and rich local culture. However, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as airports, markets, train stations, plazas, churches, restaurants, tourist attractions, and archaeological sites.

Travelers should keep passports, cash, bank cards, phones, and important documents secure at all times. Do not keep all valuables in one bag, and avoid placing your wallet or phone in your back pocket. A crossbody bag or front-worn bag is recommended for daily sightseeing.

When visiting Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, churches, monasteries, or archaeological sites, please stay with the group and follow the tour guide’s instructions. Some areas may include stairs, narrow paths, uneven stone surfaces, steep slopes, crowds, or altitude changes.

Altitude can affect travelers in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu areas. Common symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, or shortness of breath. Travelers should walk slowly, drink water, avoid heavy meals at first, and inform the tour guide if symptoms become uncomfortable.

Drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid drinking tap water unless clearly advised by the hotel or guide. Be careful with raw foods, street food, and ice if you have a sensitive stomach.

Do not accept packages, luggage, food, drinks, or personal items from strangers. Travelers should only carry their own belongings and should not agree to transport anything for another person.

If travelers become separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately. Do not leave the area on your own unless instructed by the tour guide or Carnival US.

Carnival US is not responsible for lost personal belongings, accidents caused by personal negligence, altitude-related issues caused by failure to follow guidance, or problems resulting from failure to follow safety instructions.

The tour usually includes breakfast at the hotel. Included meals may vary between Peruvian local cuisine, international meals, Asian-style meals, and dishes suitable for Vietnamese travelers depending on the restaurant, schedule, and local conditions.

Peruvian cuisine is rich, colorful, and influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese traditions. Common ingredients include potatoes, corn, rice, quinoa, chicken, beef, seafood, beans, chili peppers, herbs, and tropical fruits.

Some meals in Peru may taste different from what Vietnamese travelers are used to. Dishes may include more potatoes, corn, cheese, grilled meats, seafood, sauces, or local spices. Carnival US will try its best to vary menus whenever possible, while also giving travelers the opportunity to experience local flavors.

Travelers may bring small personal food items such as instant noodles, dried shredded pork, chili, seasonings, snacks, or light food items to use when needed. However, bringing outside food into restaurants may not always be convenient. Many restaurants serve only the pre-arranged menu, and requests for hot water for instant noodles may not always be available.

Travelers should inform Carnival US in advance if they have food allergies, vegetarian needs, dietary restrictions, or special meal requests, so the team can assist within the limits of what is available.

Due to restaurant conditions, pre-arranged menus, and differences in food culture, not all special requests can be fully guaranteed.

At high altitude, travelers may feel more comfortable eating lighter meals at first. Drinking water and avoiding heavy meals immediately after arrival may help the body adjust.

The pilgrimage and cultural sites in Peru carry a special depth because they reflect both the Catholic faith brought through centuries of history and the older Indigenous civilizations that shaped the land long before. These places are not only tourist landmarks, but also spaces of memory, prayer, identity, and reflection.

In Lima, travelers may encounter churches, monasteries, plazas, and saints connected to the Catholic life of Peru. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the journey opens into a landscape where stone paths, ancient walls, mountains, and sacred traditions reveal the depth of Andean history. At Machu Picchu, travelers stand before one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, a place that invites awe, humility, and gratitude before human creativity and the beauty of creation.

As travelers visit these sacred, historical, and cultural places, they are encouraged to keep a respectful and thoughtful spirit. Some sites may require quiet prayer, while others may require patience, careful walking, and physical awareness due to altitude and uneven terrain.

These pilgrimage sites invite travelers not only to learn about Peru’s past, but also to reflect on their own journey of faith, gratitude, endurance, and trust in God.