Peru

No. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for tourist stays up to 183 days. You'll receive an entry stamp at immigration, typically granting 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from entry. Keep the stamp visible, as hotels and Machu Picchu ticket checks may request proof of legal entry.

Ten to 14 days lets you cover the highlights without exhausting yourself. A classic route spends two days in Lima, four to five in Cusco and the Sacred Valley including Machu Picchu, two in Arequipa or Colca Canyon, and three in the Amazon around Puerto Maldonado or Lake Titicaca.

Peru is affordable by U.S. standards. Budget travelers manage on $40-60 per day, midrange trips run $80-150, and comfortable hotels with private tours push $250+. A ceviche lunch costs $8-15, domestic flights from Lima to Cusco run $60-120, and Machu Picchu entry alone is $45-65 depending on the circuit.

Distances are long, so fly between major hubs like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa on LATAM or Sky Airline ($50-130 one-way). Cruz del Sur and Oltursa run comfortable overnight buses for $30-60. Within the Sacred Valley, colectivos and hired drivers work well. In cities, use Uber or Cabify rather than street taxis.

No, skip the tap water everywhere in Peru, including Lima and Cusco. Stick to bottled water, which costs about $1 for 1.5 liters, or bring a SteriPen or LifeStraw. Use bottled water for brushing teeth in budget lodgings. Ice and raw vegetables in reputable restaurants are generally fine in major tourist areas.

Start with ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina. In Cusco, try cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. Chifa restaurants serve Peruvian-Chinese fusion, and Lima's Barranco district hosts world-ranked spots like Central and Maido. Street anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) cost $2-3. Pair meals with pisco sour or Inca Kola.

Tipping is appreciated but modest. Leave 10% at sit-down restaurants if service isn't included, and round up taxi fares. Tour guides expect $10-15 per person per day, porters on the Inca Trail $50-80 total split among the team, and hotel housekeeping about 5 soles ($1.30) per night.

May–September is the sweet spot for Peru. The dry season (May–September) is best for the Andes and Machu Picchu. Lima’s coast is warm December–March. The Amazon is accessible year-round.

The US State Department lists Peru at Level 2 — "Exercise Increased Caution". Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism in remote areas. Cusco and Lima tourist areas are reasonably safe.