Technology & Connectivity

Peru is a land of ancient wonders, but staying connected in the modern world is surprisingly easy. Whether you’re navigating cobblestone streets, getting an Uber, or sharing your Machu Picchu photos, here’s what you need to know about tech on the road.

Staying Connected

• International Plans: Many U.S. carriers now include Latin America in their coverage. For us, AT&T (not an ad) includes 20 Latin American countries in our regular plan, so we had service the moment we landed in Peru. Check with your provider to see if you will already be covered.

• eSIMs: If your carrier doesn’t include Peru, an eSIM service like Airalo is a great backup option. You can set it up before you arrive and avoid the hassle of finding a SIM card.

• Wi-Fi: Most hotels, Airbnbs, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Lima is generally strong, but in the Sacred Valley and smaller towns, expect it to be hit-or-miss.

• VPN: Always protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi. We use Surfshark (VPN - virtual private network), which kept our data safe and gave us peace of mind when connecting in cafés, airports, and hotels.

👉 Our experience: Between AT&T’s Latin America coverage and our Surfshark VPN, we felt connected and secure everywhere we went.

Best Apps for Peru

• Google Maps: Apple Maps doesn’t work here, so stick to Google Maps in cities.

• Rideshares: Uber, Cabify, and InDrive work in major cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco. In smaller towns, you’ll need taxis.

• Translation: Google Translate (download Spanish + Quechua for offline use).

• Transportation: PeruHop app for bookings, RedBus for public buses.

• Payments: Some restaurants and shops accept Yape or Plin (local mobile payment apps), but tourists will mostly use cash or card.

Drones

• Can You Bring One? Yes, but rules vary. You will be asked to declare drones at customs, and may even have to pay a deposit of $200, which will be returned upon departure from Peru.

• Where You Can’t Fly: Machu Picchu, most archaeological sites, and many national parks ban drones. Fines can be steep if you ignore the rules. Always check before taking off.

• Where You Can Fly: Rural areas, remote hikes, and some private tours allow it. You can always ask first if it is unclear.

👉 Pro Tip: Most of the time with did not bring our drone around Peru because some of the best sites (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley ruins, etc.) don’t allow them anyway.

✨ Bottom Line: Staying connected in Peru doesn’t have to be complicated. Many U.S. carriers (like ours with AT&T) already include Peru in their coverage, and pairing that with a VPN like Surfshark makes public Wi-Fi much safer. If your carrier doesn’t include Peru, an eSIM is an easy backup. With the right setup, you’ll have service when you need it, without wasting time hunting for local SIM cards.