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Peru is enormous, so while it's possible to explore all regions with full freedom of a rental car, it will require lots of unnecessary driving. We recommend a combination of air travel between major hubs and renting a car locally when needed. Most travelers don't drive at all and rely on a combination of guided tours and public transport.

Visa

No visa is required for US citizens for up to 183 days. A valid passport required. More information

COVID

Fully open. All COVID-related restrictions have been lifted in October 2022. More information

The official language of Peru is Spanish, with Quechua spoken in some indigenous regions, particularly in the Andes. In popular tourist destinations like Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, many people working in tourism speak English. Outside of major tourist hubs, in smaller towns or rural areas, English is less common. Here, some basic Spanish is useful, especially if you’re interacting with locals who may not speak English fluently. At airports and major bus terminals, there is usually enough English spoken to get by. However, in rural areas or on local buses, knowing Spanish will help with navigating and asking for directions. English is enough in main tourist areas, but we highly recommend learning some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your overall experience, especially if you’re visiting rural parts of Peru or interacting with locals outside of tourism settings.