u/koevet

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the tourist visa requirements for entering Peru as a EU passport holder.

According to the official Peruvian government website, as well as several other sources, EU passport holders do not need a tourist visa to enter Peru.

However, I’ve also come across a list of requirements that has left me a bit confused:

• A valid machine-readable passport (with barcode)
• A completed and signed visa application form
• One digital colour photo (maximum 16 KB)
• A return ticket or reservation showing the dates of arrival and departure
• Hotel reservation and/or confirmation of a tourism package
• Proof of sufficient funds (the last 3 months of bank statements showing at least £1,000, plus an ATM mini-statement from the day the visa is requested)

For anyone with an EU passport who has recently travelled to Peru:

• Were you actually asked to provide any of these documents (aside from Passport and application form)
• Is there any visa application form that needs to be completed, or is that only for people who require a visa?
• If there is a form, should it be completed before travelling, or is it done on arrival?

Thanks in advance for any clarification!

Hello,

I'll be spending 2 days in Ollantaytambo before starting a 5-day Choquequirao trek. I'd like to make the most of my time without overdoing it. I know the Sacred Valley really deserves weeks rather than days, but I'll work with what I have.

Does this plan make sense?

• Day 1 morning: Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
• Day 1 afternoon: Pinkuylluna granaries
• Day 2 morning: Moray and the Maras salt mines
• Day 2 afternoon: Chinchero Archaeological Park

Note: on Day 2, I also need to be back in Cusco in time for my trekking company's briefing.

My main worry is Day 2: Ollantaytambo → Moray → Maras → Chinchero → Cusco is a lot of driving and sites for one afternoon, especially with a hard deadline for the briefing. Is this realistic, or should I drop/swap something? Would it make more sense to do Chinchero on the way back from Maras and save Pisac for later, rather than doing Chinchero on Day 2 and Pisac after the trek?

After the trek, I'll have one full day in Cusco, which I was planning to use for Pisac - but open to suggestions if that's not the best use of the day.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Hi, I messed up and didn't book Machu Picchu entrance tickets for end of July, and now, at least online, there is no availability.

I already have a vistadome train ticket booked, so I will arrive in Aguas Calientes at around 12.30 PM on July 26. How realistic it is to get a ticket for 4 persons on site for the following day?

Aside from queuing up at the ministry of culture office, are there other options?

Thanks!

I'm planning a trip to Peru and will be in Arequipa in mid-July. I have exactly 2 full days to visit Colca Canyon, starting and ending in Arequipa.

I've found two main options:

Option 1 – Classic 2-day Sangalle trek

• Arequipa → Cabanaconde → hike down to Sangalle oasis (overnight in basic bungalow)
• Day 2: hike back up to Cabanaconde → hot springs → back to Arequipa
• Hard trek: ~10–15 hours total, steep descent + brutal ascent inside the canyon

Option 2 – 2-day Colca Valley scenic tour

• Day 1: Arequipa → Pampa Cañahuas (vicuñas) → Chivay → hot springs → overnight in Chivay
• Day 2: Early to Cruz del Cóndor for condor watching (8–10am) → short rim walk → back to Arequipa
• Light hiking, mostly driving and sightseeing, more comfortable accommodation

My context:

• Traveling in mid-July (dry season)
• Only 2 full days available for Colca
• I'm traveling with two kids: ages 11 and 15, both with good fitness level
• I'm an active hiker (regular gym training, multi-day trails)

1. With only 2 days and kids (11 & 15), which option is more worth it for most families?
2. Is the 2-day Sangalle trek too rushed/brutal for an 11-year-old, even with good fitness?
3. On the scenic tour, can you still get good views and condors, or is it mostly for people who don't want to hike?
4. Any specific tour operators you'd recommend for either option in mid-July, especially for families with kids?

Thanks in advance!