From the glacial lakes of the Andes to the dense rainforest of the Amazon, Peru hosts some of the most enthralling eco-tourism adventures on Earth. But it’s not all about outdoor escapades, because throughout these wild lands reside a colorful array of captivating indigenous communities, each one as intriguing as the next.
Planning a visit? Here’s everything you need to know about travel adapters to keep your devices fully charged during your journey through Peru.
Peru uses three different power outlet types. Expect to find Type A/B, which is common in North America, as well as Type C, which is the standard in most of Europe. The vast majority of Peruvian power outlets will accept either of these three types. However, a rare few outlets only take inputs from a specific region, either Type A/B or Type C.
Generally speaking, Type C is more common in the south, while type A/B is more common in the center and the north. Peru is a developing country, so it’s common to come across poor quality power outlets. Some may have noticeable burn marks or be peeling away from the wall. If so, it’s better to find an alternative power source for your safety and also for your device.
If you’re visiting Peru for the first time you’ll be asking yourself “What plug do I need for Peru?” As a traveler from the United States, you’ll find your American Type A/B plugs work in the vast majority of Peruvian power outlets. However, some hotels in the south only accept Type C plugs, which means you’ll need an adapter. Search for one with a European style Type C input (two round poles) and an American style Type A/B output (two vertical slits).
This Power Adapter is a great option if you want to make sure your charging devices will be compatible throughout the country of Peru. It’s also compatible in dozens of countries around the world and has a built-in fuse that will protect your valuable electronics during the relatively frequent power surges experienced in Peru.
In addition to your US to Peru power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Peru packing list for more inspiration and ideas.
Although Peru is an enchanting country to visit, unfortunately, it does have a bit of a reputation for petty theft and violent crime. Skilled pickpockets ply the popular touristic sites, while muggers may lurk around remote areas such as trekking trails and poorly lit alleys at night. And unfortunately for the traveler, they tend to target tourists who carry excess amounts of cash.
Gracefully, you can keep your cash reserves, credit cards, and passports safe by strapping them securely to your person with a neck wallet. This lightweight accessory easily slides under your shirt and out of sight, meaning the bad guys won’t even know you’ve got one.
Packing and unpacking quickly becomes a chore as you have to constantly dig through piles of clothing to find that one particular item you want. There is a simple solution, however: packing cubes. These affordable and lightweight little boxes allow you to organize your stuff separately to keep everything nice and tidy. This particular set even comes with a card slot that allows you to label the contents of each cube, making it even easier to keep track of all your belongings.
Cybercrime is on the rise around the world, and South America is no exception. If you plan to access a public Wi-Fi network at any point during your time in Peru, you should be aware that your sensitive data is vulnerable to attack. Eliminate the chance of becoming a victim by investing in a Virtual Private Network, which encrypts your web traffic to shield you from prying eyes.
These TSA-friendly luggage straps make your bags easily identifiable as it comes down the arrivals conveyor belt which saves time not having to check every bag that looks vaguely like yours. I see them more and more each year and didn’t know what they were for a while. But they have a ton of uses and even if someone has the same color as me.
You can also strap two suitcases together after landing for the ease of rolling multiple cases with one hand, and their heavy-duty construction makes it easier to lift bags and carry things when on-the-go. These are our favorites since they can withstand 700+ lbs of force tension, will pass any random inspection, and fit on most carry-ons or checked bags. The built-in ID tag is a nice touch in case anything gets lost.
Whether you’re snapping a selfie at Machu Picchu or searching for the tastiest Japanese fusion restaurant in Lima, your cell phone will be your lifeblood on your upcoming trip to Peru. Consequently, it’s imperative to keep it fully charged at all times.
Thankfully, that’s now all too easy with the invention of the portable power bank. These lipstick-sized chargers can easily slip into your pocket or purse, allowing you to charge up your gear on the road.
Although the lipstick-sized charger is incredibly useful, it’s easy to forget to charge it each night. One effective solution is to carry an extra charging cable with you and make a point of recharging your power bank and your devices. Some of the more modern Peruvian buses have USB ports these days, which allows you to recharge while in transit.
Be prepared to get caught in the rain, especially from December to April and in the rainforest areas year-round. We recommend a compact travel umbrella with a convenient automatic open/close function and a zip case that will store your umbrella while keeping your other belongings dry.
Having an accident or losing valuables in Peru could throw off even the most finely-tuned travel plans. Protect yourself from unforeseen mishaps by taking out a suitable travel insurance policy. It’s affordable and will give you peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Particularly since your domestic provider does not cover you while abroad and trying to cover international bills out-of-pocket could get very expensive. It’s also completely unnecessary since insurance will cover you for common travel issues like baggage loss, theft, medical care, evacuations, rentals, and more.
We like to use Faye Travel Insurance because they are the best provider we’ve found. You can track your flights and handle claims through their easy-to-use mobile app. We were reimbursed quickly and found them to be more ‘human’ to work with than most providers. It will be a relief to have if anything unforeseen happens.
The electrical network in Peru varies widely throughout the country. The upscale suburb of Miraflores, for example, will likely only suffer from one or two power cuts in a year.
Venture out into a rural region, however, and the power becomes significantly more sporadic. Regardless of the outlet type, the entire country runs on 220V and 50Hz. Note that this is different to North America, which uses the 110V and 60Hz system.
If you were to plug an American 110V device into a Peruvian 220Hz power socket, you’d get a few flying sparks, a whole lot of smoke, and a fried circuit board. Therefore, a voltage converter must be an obligatory accessory on a trip to Peru, right?
Not so, actually. In reality, almost all personal electronic devices are dual voltage, which means you can safely use them on either network. One common exception to consider is the portable hairdryer, which often requires a fixed 110V. If in doubt, check the fine print on the charger of your device. Should it say ‘INPUT: 100-240V / 50-60 Hz,’ then you’re all set.
In most cases, the best time to visit Peru is during the winter (June to August) when there is less rain. This time of year enables adventurous travelers to make the most of the country’s incredible natural splendor, although it does get pretty chilly in the highlands.
The shoulder seasons (March to April / September to November) offer warmer weather and more moderate rainfall. The wet season (December to February), on the other hand, is known for its torrential downpours which write many outdoor activities off altogether.
Note that the famed Inca trail closes completely in February for maintenance. Be sure to check current Peru travel advisories before you go.
Peru has three distinct climatic zones: the Amazon, the Andes, and the Pacific Coast. The Andes is famed for its chilly nights, which become more frigid the higher up you go. Peru’s coast enjoys bright sunny days from December until March but is dreary and overcast for pretty much the rest of the year. As for the Amazon, you probably won’t be surprised to hear it’s hot and humid year-round. Heavy rainfall makes travel challenging during the wet season.
A mega-metropolis of some 9 million people and counting, Lima’s expansive urban sprawl encapsulates every aspect of Peru.
One thing travelers often comment on is the food, which many proclaim to be the best on the continent. Head to the upscale neighborhoods of Miraflores or San Ignacio for divine fine dining or the humble street stalls of the historic center to sample tasty delicacies such as ceviche.
Arty types tend to make a beeline for Barranco, a hipster playground packed full of cool coffee shops, groovy galleries, and oodles of vibrant street art. Downtown hosts a number of historic buildings that tell the tale of Peru’s checkered colonial past. The Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, for example, is particularly worthwhile.
Active travelers may wish to explore the shimmering shorefront on a bicycle or by taking to the skies on a paragliding tour. Impressive surf breaks abound on various beaches outside the city center.
The obvious bucket-list attraction is Machu Picchu, a magnificent Inca citadel that’s perched precariously atop dramatic Andean mountain peaks. The most memorable way to experience this ancient wonder is by hiking the Inca Trail, a demanding three-day trek that ascends to dizzying heights. The ancient Inca enclave and colonial capital of Cusco attracts hordes of travelers for its elegant Renaissance architecture that’s framed by a backdrop of imposing snow-capped peaks. Just outside town, the lush rolling hills of the sacred valley are bursting with exotic Inca sites to explore.
The colonial gem of Arequipa showcases the country’s finest old-world architecture, while the nearby condor filled Colca Canyon is a true trekker’s delight. Serious alpine enthusiasts, however, would rather relish in the hills around the hiking hub of Huaraz, which boasts some of the most jaw-dropping high altitude trails in the world. Beach bums could soak up some rays on the palm tree-fringed playas of Mancora or perhaps enjoy a unique aquatic experience at the lush desert oasis of Huacachina.
Most get their culture fix by interacting with the poncho clad indigenous tribes who reside around the high altitude Lake Titicaca.
The ideal mode of transport in Peru depends on your budget and time constraints.
The country is vast, so hopping on a domestic flight or two is the best way to see it quickly. LATAM has the most extensive network, although low-cost carriers such as Viva Air Peru, LC Peru, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines tend to offer cheaper fares.
Although the railway network is limited, there are a few services for the leisure traveler to enjoy. The lines that run between Puno and Cusco, as well as Cusco and Machu Picchu, are famed for their spectacular views. Nevertheless, the primary mode of transportation in Peru is the bus. A wide network covers the entire country, ranging from rough and tumble chicken buses to luxury coaches with lie flatbeds. Search aggregate websites that allow for online reservations on most routes.
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