Good planning makes a student trip run smoothly. These Peru travel tips focus on the practical side of group travel: documents, health, money, phones, and daily routines. They come from the questions teachers and parents ask most often before a Peru trip for students.
This guide covers what to prepare at home, what to expect on arrival, and how to keep a group organized in Lima and Cusco. It also answers a common question: is Peru safe for students? For a detailed safety checklist, see our post on Peru travel safety tips. Here, we focus on logistics that help group leaders plan with confidence.
Before You Go: Documents and Paperwork
Passports and entry rules
The U.S. State Department says passports must be valid for six months at entry into Peru. Travelers also need one blank page for the entry stamp. U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays under 90 days. Canadian travelers should check the Government of Canada travel page for Peru. Entry rules can change, so confirm them a few weeks before departure.
Permission and consent forms
Schools usually need signed permission forms, medical information, and emergency contacts for every student. Our parent permission form guide explains what to include. The Government of Canada recommends a consent letter for children traveling abroad without both parents. U.S. families should ask their airline about any document needs for minors.
Insurance and health records
Review travel insurance coverage for every traveler. Collect allergy and medication information before departure. Ask families to consult a doctor or travel clinic about vaccines and altitude, especially for Cusco.
Practical Peru Travel Tips on the Ground
Health and altitude
Cusco sits at about 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). The CDC notes that travelers above 2,500 meters are at risk of altitude illness. Plan a slow first day, drink water, and watch students for headaches or fatigue. Lima is at sea level, so altitude is not a concern there.
Food and water
The CDC advises travelers in Peru to avoid tap water and ice. Students should drink bottled or treated water and wash or sanitize hands before meals. Remind students to tell staff about food allergies at every meal.
Money and payments
Peru’s currency is the sol (PEN). Cards are accepted in many shops and restaurants, but small vendors and markets often prefer cash. Students should carry a small amount of soles for snacks and souvenirs. Keep larger amounts in a hotel safe.
Phones and communication
Ask families to check international plans with their carriers before the trip. Many hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi. Set up a group chat for leaders and a clear plan for daily check-ins. Make sure every student carries the hotel address and the group leader’s phone number on paper.
Getting around
The CDC recommends avoiding street taxis and using transport arranged through a hotel or a trusted app. On a group program, all transport is arranged in advance. Students should stay with the group and follow the buddy system in crowded areas.
Is Peru Safe for Students?
Safety on a student trip depends on planning, supervision, and current information. The U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Peru due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. It also lists some regions as do not travel. Check the latest advisory before you book and again before you leave.
Practical steps help reduce risk:
- Keep valuables out of sight and use anti-theft day bags.
- Walk in groups, especially at night.
- Follow the group leader’s instructions on where to go and when.
- Hold a clear chaperone plan with defined roles. Our chaperone guide for trips abroad can help.
How Our Peru Programs Handle Logistics
Our programs are designed to take the logistics load off teachers.
Language Immersion in Lima (8 days). A group leader meets students at the airport. Day 1 includes an orientation and safety overview. The program includes an expert tour conductor and transportation, 7 nights of hotel accommodation, entrance fees for listed activities, and medical emergencies insurance. Students take Spanish lessons, visit markets and museums, join an Afro-Peruvian music workshop, and visit MEDLIFE partner communities.
Language Immersion in Cusco (8 days). A group leader meets students at the airport, and Day 2 begins with an orientation and safety meeting. The program includes an expert tour conductor and transportation, local guides, entrance fees, and train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu. Students take Spanish lessons and explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Travel insurance is not listed among this program’s inclusions, so confirm coverage for every traveler.
FAQ
Do U.S. students need a visa to visit Peru?
No. According to the U.S. State Department, U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays under 90 days. Passports must be valid for six months at entry.
Is Peru safe for a high school trip?
Peru can be a good fit for a high school trip with careful planning. The U.S. State Department advises increased caution, so groups should use organized transport, follow a supervision plan, and check current advisories.
What is the most important tip for a Peru trip with students?
Plan for altitude if you visit Cusco. Build in a slow first day, keep students hydrated, and talk with a doctor before the trip.
Plan a Well-Organized Peru Trip for Your Students
Clear logistics let students focus on learning Spanish and exploring Peru’s culture. Our Language Immersion in Lima and Language Immersion in Cusco programs are built for high school groups and include on-the-ground support from an expert tour conductor. Fill out our form to learn more.
Start your journey by downloading the Engaged Education Brochure and learn more about our immersive programs in Peru, Spain, and beyond. Interested in creating lasting impact around the world? You can directly assist communities in need by becoming a monthly donor through MEDLIFE’s Moving Mountains initiative.
