Money in Peru: What Every Tourist Should Know Understanding Peruvian Currency Peru’s official currency is the Sol, symbol S/ and code PEN. Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles, while coins range from 10 céntimos to 5 soles. As of late 2025, 1 USD ≈ 3.7 PEN  but rates fluctuate, so always check before you travel or exchange. Should You Bring Cash or Cards? The best answer is: both. Cash is essential in small towns, markets, and for tips — but cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and tourist agencies. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each: Cash Pros Accepted everywhere, including small villages or stalls. Easier for bargaining in markets. No foreign transaction fees. Cons Risk of loss or theft. Counterfeit bills occasionally circulate, check for watermarks and raised printing. Exchanging large amounts at airports or hotels gives poor rates. Tip: Only change money at official exchange offices (casas de cambio) or banks, never on the street. Card...

How to Travel from Lima to Cusco: The Complete Transport Guide If you’re planning a trip to Peru, your journey will likely start in Lima, the country’s coastal capital — and lead you to Cusco, the ancient Inca city and gateway to Machu Picchu. But how do you get from Lima to Cusco? The distance between Lima and Cusco is around 1,100 km (680 miles), crossing the Andes mountains, so your choice of transport will greatly affect your time, comfort, and overall experience. Here’s a complete breakdown of all your options: plane, coach, and car hire. Flying from Lima to Cusco Fastest and most popular option Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Cost: From $40 to $150 USD, depending on airline and season Airlines : LATAM, SKY Airline, JetSMART, and occasionally Avianca Flying is by far the quickest and most convenient way to reach Cusco. With multiple flights departing daily from Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, you can land in Cusco before breakfast if you leave early in the morning. Pros: Fa...

 Chinchero, Peru - The Living Inca Village in the Sacred Valley Hidden high in the Andes, just 30 kilometers from Cusco, lies Chinchero — a place where time seems to stand still. Known as “The Land of the Rainbow”, Chinchero is one of the most authentic towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, blending breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient ruins, colorful markets, and centuries-old weaving traditions. If you want to experience true Andean culture beyond the typical tourist trail  Chinchero is the place to go. Where Is Chinchero? Chinchero sits at an altitude of about 3,762 meters (12,343 ft) above sea level, between Cusco and Urubamba. The air is crisp, and the views stretch across the snow-capped peaks of Veronica Mountain and the Sacred Valley below. It’s an easy 40-minute drive from Cusco and a convenient stop on the way to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, making it part of one of the most scenic day trips in the region. A Glimpse Into History Before the Spanish arrived, Ch...

Catching Coaches in Peru: Everything You Need to Know Before You Ride Traveling around Peru by coach (long-distance bus) isn’t just a way to get from A to B, it’s part of the adventure. From breathtaking Andean scenery out your window to surprisingly comfortable seats and tasty onboard snacks, taking the bus is one of the best ways to see Peru up close. Whether you’re heading from Lima to Cusco, Arequipa to Puno, or exploring hidden corners like Chachapoyas, here’s everything you need to know about catching coaches in Peru. Coach Terminals in Peru Most Peruvian cities have dedicated bus terminals (called terminal terrestre). In Lima, for example, you’ll find several, such as: Terminal Plaza Norte (serving north and central Peru) Javier Prado Terminal (serving Cusco, Arequipa, and southern destinations) In smaller towns, terminals may be more modest, or you might buy tickets directly from the company’s own office. Always arrive 30-45 minutes early for check-in and luggage tagging. How...

The Ultimate Guide to Peruvian Breakfasts: Start Your Day Like a Local  When you travel through Peru, every morning feels like a new adventur, and breakfast is where the journey begins. Peruvians take their mornings seriously, with comforting, flavorful, and sometimes unexpected dishes that tell the story of each region. From the misty Andes to the sunny coast and deep jungle, every breakfast table reveals a piece of Peru’s culture. So grab your coffee (or emoliente!). Here’s everything you need to know about Peruvian breakfasts, where to find them, and what makes them so special. A Morning Ritual Full of Flavor In Peru, breakfast isn’t just fuel, it’s tradition. Locals often start early, and whether they’re farmers in the Andes or office workers in Lima, a good breakfast is part of daily life. The meals vary by region, but you’ll always find warmth, carbs for energy, and a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Typical Peruvian Breakfast Staples No matter where you are in Peru, you’...

 What is Caral? The Sacred City of Caral-Supe (often simply “Caral”) is one of the oldest urban settlements in the Americas. It is part of the Norte Chico civilization, also called Caral-Supe, which flourished on Peru’s north-central coast between approximately 3000-2500 BC through to about 1800-2000 BC.  Caral is remarkable not just for its age, but for its complexity: monumental architecture (pyramidal platform mounds, plazas, sunken circular courts), urban planning, use of irrigation in arid coastal valleys, social stratification, ceremonial/religious structures, and evidence of symbolic thought (e.g. quipu-like devices, ritual offerings).  In 2009 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with about 626 hectares in the site + buffer zones.  History  Origins & Timeframe Caral appears in the Late Archaic Period of the Andes; large-scale construction and settlement are dated from ~3100-3000 BC onward. It started as settlements in fertile coastal valle...