Quick Facts About Peru
General Information
- Capital: Lima
- Population: 33.7 million
- Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
- Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
- Time Zone: PET (UTC-5)
Connectivity Overview
- Network Coverage: 4G LTE in cities & tourist areas
- Main Operators: Movistar, Claro, Entel, Bitel
- eSIM Availability: Widely supported
- Average Speed: 15-40 Mbps
- Best Coverage: Coastal cities & tourist routes
Benefits of eSIM for Peru Travel
eSIM vs Traditional SIM Comparison
✅ eSIM Advantages
- • Instant activation at Jorge Chávez Airport
- • No need to find shops in Lima
- • Works immediately for Uber/taxi apps
- • Perfect for multi-destination trips
- • Keep home number for banking
- • Easy Machu Picchu ticket bookings
❌ Traditional SIM Issues
- • Long queues at airport kiosks
- • Spanish-only instructions
- • Passport registration required
- • Limited high-altitude coverage info
- • Lose home number access
- • Tourist pricing markups
Key Benefits for Peru
Machu Picchu Ready
Book tickets and navigate Sacred Valley
High Altitude Coverage
Stay connected from coast to Andes peaks
Amazon Adventures
Coverage in Iquitos and major lodges
Culinary Navigation
Find Lima's best restaurants instantly
Safety First
Emergency connectivity on treks
Cultural Bridge
Translate Quechua and Spanish easily
Peru eSIM Pricing & Plans
💰 Loading Current Peru eSIM Prices...
Installation Guide
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before arriving in Peru or while at Jorge Chávez Airport WiFi. This ensures you can immediately book transportation to Miraflores and start exploring!
📱 iPhone Installation
- 1.Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan
- 2.Scan the QR code from your eSIM purchase
- 3.Label your plan (e.g., "Peru Adventure")
- 4.Set as your default data line
- 5.Turn on Data Roaming (required for eSIM)
🤖 Android Installation
- 1.Go to Settings → Network & Internet
- 2.Tap "+" next to Mobile Network
- 3.Select "Download a SIM instead?"
- 4.Scan QR code and follow prompts
- 5.Enable the new eSIM profile
Network Coverage Details
Coverage Areas
Excellent 4G Coverage
- • Lima & coastal cities
- • Cusco & Sacred Valley
- • Arequipa & surroundings
- • Machu Picchu pueblo
- • Major highways
- • Tourist corridors
Limited Coverage
- • Remote Inca Trail sections
- • Deep Amazon areas
- • High mountain peaks
- • Remote archaeological sites
- • Isolated villages
- • Desert regions
Network Quality
Peru has excellent 4G LTE infrastructure along the coast and in major tourist destinations. Coverage is strong in Cusco despite the altitude. The Inca Trail has intermittent coverage at certain points. Amazon lodges often have satellite internet. Download offline maps for trekking. Most hotels and restaurants offer WiFi as backup.
Travel Recommendations
Choose your travel style below to see personalized eSIM recommendations for your Peru visit:
Machu Picchu Trekker
Hiking the Inca Trail, visiting Sacred Valley, and exploring ancient ruins
Data Needs
Moderate (5-10GB)
Recommendation
Essential for booking tickets, navigation, and emergency contact. Download offline maps before treks.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Book Machu Picchu tickets online
- ✓Download trail maps offline
- ✓Share trekking updates with family
- ✓Research altitude sickness remedies
- ✓Find accommodation in Cusco
Culinary Explorer
Discovering Lima's world-class restaurants and local food markets
Data Needs
Moderate (8-12GB)
Recommendation
Perfect for finding restaurants, making reservations, and translating menus. Essential in Lima's food scene.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Book top restaurants in advance
- ✓Find local food markets
- ✓Translate menu items
- ✓Share food photos instantly
- ✓Navigate between districts
Amazon Adventurer
Exploring the rainforest from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado
Data Needs
Low-Moderate (3-8GB)
Recommendation
Coverage in main towns, limited in jungle. Download content before entering remote areas.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Download wildlife identification apps
- ✓Save jungle lodge information
- ✓Book river tours online
- ✓Share jungle experiences when in town
- ✓Research weather conditions
Photography Enthusiast
Capturing Peru's diverse landscapes from coast to mountains to jungle
Data Needs
High (15-25GB)
Recommendation
Upload photos from cities, backup to cloud. Essential for location scouting and sharing content.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Research sunrise/sunset times
- ✓Find best photography spots
- ✓Backup photos to cloud daily
- ✓Share with photography groups
- ✓Book photo tours online
Budget Backpacker
Traveling on a budget through hostels and local transportation
Data Needs
Low-Moderate (5-10GB)
Recommendation
Essential for finding hostels, booking buses, and connecting with other travelers.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Book hostels last-minute
- ✓Find local bus schedules
- ✓Use rideshare apps safely
- ✓Connect with travel groups
- ✓Find budget food options
Business Traveler
Conducting business in Lima's financial districts and industrial zones
Data Needs
High (15-20GB)
Recommendation
Essential for productivity and video calls. Excellent coverage in Lima business areas.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Navigate Lima traffic efficiently
- ✓Video conference reliably
- ✓Access cloud documents
- ✓Find business lunch venues
- ✓Book reliable airport transfers
💡 Pro Tip for Peru
Peru's diverse geography means varying coverage levels. Cities and tourist areas have excellent 4G, but remote archaeological sites and trekking routes may have limited signal. Always download offline maps and important information before heading to remote areas. Consider getting extra data for the amazing photo opportunities you'll want to share!
Must-Visit Places in Peru
🏛️ Archaeological Wonders
- • Machu Picchu: Lost city of the Incas
- • Nazca Lines: Ancient geoglyphs mystery
- • Chan Chan: Largest adobe city
- • Kuelap: Cloud forest fortress
- • Sacsayhuamán: Megalithic fortress
- • Ollantaytambo: Living Inca town
🌄 Natural & Cultural Sites
- • Amazon Rainforest: Iquitos & Manu
- • Lake Titicaca: Highest navigable lake
- • Colca Canyon: Condor watching
- • Rainbow Mountain: Vinicunca colors
- • Huacachina: Desert oasis
- • Lima Historic Center: Colonial charm
Network Providers in Peru
Movistar
- • Largest network
- • Best coverage
- • Tourist areas
- • Mountain regions
Claro
- • Strong network
- • Urban focus
- • Good speeds
- • Competitive
Entel
- • Growing network
- • City coverage
- • 4G focus
- • Value plans
Bitel
- • Budget option
- • Expanding
- • Basic coverage
- • Affordable
Troubleshooting Common Issues
🏔️ High Altitude Connection
Coverage can be weaker at extreme altitudes. Cusco has good coverage despite being 3,400m high. On treks, expect intermittent signal. Download offline content before mountain expeditions.
🌳 Amazon Connectivity
Iquitos and major lodges have coverage, but deep jungle areas don't. Most eco-lodges provide satellite WiFi. Download guides and maps before jungle trips.
🎫 Machu Picchu Tickets
Book tickets online before losing signal on the trek. Aguas Calientes has good coverage for last-minute bookings. Save ticket QR codes offline.
Emergency Contacts in Peru
Emergency Numbers
- Police:105
- Fire Department:116
- Medical Emergency:117
- Tourist Police:0800-22221
Useful Contacts
- Tourist Info:01-574-8000
- Airport Info:01-517-3100
- Road Emergency:110
- Mountain Rescue:01-460-1020
Important: Save these numbers before trekking. For altitude sickness, descend immediately and seek medical help. Always inform someone of your trekking plans.
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do's
- Learn basic Spanish phrases
- Try coca tea for altitude
- Respect sacred Inca sites
- Ask before photographing locals
- Bargain politely at markets
Don'ts
- Don't touch ancient artifacts
- Avoid pointing at sacred mountains
- Don't give money to child beggars
- Never buy ancient artifacts
- Don't rush altitude acclimatization
Language Tips
Basic Spanish Phrases:
- • Hola - Hello
- • Por favor - Please
- • Gracias - Thank you
- • ¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much?
Basic Quechua Phrases:
- • Rimaykullayki - Hello
- • Sulpayki - Thank you
- • Ama - No
- • Arí - Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my eSIM work on the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail has intermittent coverage at certain points, especially near camps. You won't have consistent signal throughout the trek. Download offline maps and important information before starting. Most tour operators carry satellite phones for emergencies.
Can I use my Peru eSIM in Bolivia or Ecuador?
Standard Peru eSIMs only work within Peru. For multi-country trips including Lake Titicaca crossings to Bolivia or visits to Ecuador, consider a South America regional eSIM instead.
What's the best eSIM for Machu Picchu visits?
A 5-7 day plan with 5-10GB works well for most Sacred Valley trips. This covers booking tickets, navigation, sharing photos, and staying connected in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Does altitude affect connectivity?
Altitude itself doesn't affect your phone's connectivity, but remote high-altitude areas often have weaker infrastructure. Cusco (3,400m) has excellent coverage. Very high passes and remote mountain areas may have limited or no signal.
Is coverage good in the Amazon?
Iquitos and major lodges have coverage, but deep jungle areas don't. Most eco-lodges provide satellite WiFi. Download nature guides, maps, and entertainment before jungle trips.
Can I make local calls with a data-only eSIM?
Most tourist eSIMs are data-only. Use WhatsApp, Skype, or other VoIP services for calls. This works well as most Peruvian businesses use WhatsApp for customer communication.
What if I run out of data?
Most eSIM providers allow you to top up through their app or website. WiFi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes throughout tourist areas as a backup option.
Ready for Your Peru Adventure?
Whether you're trekking to Machu Picchu, exploring the Amazon, or discovering Lima's culinary scene, stay connected with reliable eSIM coverage throughout Peru.