Internet in Peru 2026: Complete Connectivity Guide for Travelers & Nomads

Peru offers a tale of two internets: reliable connectivity in Lima and major cities, and unpredictable-to-nonexistent service once you head into the Andes or Amazon. With average mobile speeds of 15-50 Mbps depending on location, four carriers competing on price, and prepaid SIMs as cheap as $3, staying connected in Peru’s urban centers is affordable and straightforward. But if your travel plans include Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or the Amazon rainforest, you’ll need to plan your connectivity carefully.

We spent six weeks working and traveling across Peru — from coworking spaces in Lima’s Miraflores district to cafes in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, and off-grid in the Sacred Valley — testing SIM cards, eSIMs, WiFi networks, and mobile coverage at altitude. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting online in Peru in 2026.

Peru Internet at a Glance

Detail	Info
Average Mobile Speed	15-50 Mbps (4G)
5G Available	Limited — Lima only (Claro, Movistar pilots)
Main Carriers	Claro, Movistar, Entel, Bitel
eSIM Supported	Yes (via international providers)
WiFi Quality	Good in Lima, variable elsewhere
VPN Needed	Optional (no censorship, useful for public WiFi)
Nomad Score	6/10
Monthly Cost (Data)	$3-15 USD

Peru ranks in the middle of South American countries for internet quality. Lima punches above its weight with solid fiber infrastructure and expanding 5G pilots, but the country’s mountainous geography and vast Amazon region create enormous coverage gaps. The government’s Pronatel program continues to expand rural broadband, but progress is slow — most investment still flows to the capital.

Best eSIM Options for Peru

An eSIM is the smartest way to get connected in Peru without hunting for a SIM shop after a long international flight. Activate your plan before departure, and you’ll have data the moment you land at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima.

Here’s how the top eSIM providers compare for Peru coverage:

Saily — Best Overall Value

Saily (by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN) is our top pick for Peru. Their Peru-specific eSIM plans start at just $3.99 for 1GB over 7 days, with the 10GB/30-day plan at $13.99 being the best value for most travelers. That’s more than enough for maps, messaging, ride-hailing apps, and regular video calls.

Saily connects through the Claro network in Peru, which is the country’s most extensive carrier — critical when you’re heading to the Andes. We measured 25-45 Mbps download speeds in Lima and 15-25 Mbps in Cusco on Saily’s connection. Setup takes about two minutes through the app, and the experience is straightforward even if you’ve never used an eSIM before.

Get Saily Peru eSIM

Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data

If you don’t want to worry about data limits while navigating unfamiliar cities or streaming offline content for long bus rides, Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Peru. Their plans start at $19 for 5 days, $27 for 10 days, or $47 for 30 days — no data caps, no throttling surprises.

The tradeoffs: Holafly doesn’t support hotspot/tethering on most plans, and their Peru connection runs on the Movistar network, which has slightly weaker rural coverage than Claro. In Lima, speeds averaged 20-40 Mbps in our tests — perfectly usable for most tasks. For the full details, see our Holafly review.

Get Holafly Peru Unlimited eSIM

Airalo — Flexible Alternative

Airalo is a well-established eSIM marketplace with competitive Peru plans. They connect through Claro and offer a range of data packages from 1GB to 20GB. Airalo’s app makes it easy to browse plans, top up mid-trip, and manage multiple eSIMs if you’re traveling through several South American countries. Pricing is slightly higher than Saily but the broader plan selection gives you more flexibility.

Which eSIM Should You Choose?

• Short trip (under 7 days): Saily 1-3GB plan — affordable and sufficient for basics.
• Medium trip (1-4 weeks): Saily 5-10GB plan — best balance of price and data.
• Remote workers / heavy users: Holafly unlimited — no data anxiety, especially important in Peru where WiFi can be unreliable.
• Multi-country South America trip: Airalo — easy to add plans for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and more from the same app.

For a complete comparison of all eSIM providers with our testing methodology, check our Best eSIM for Peru guide and our broader Best eSIM Providers 2026 roundup.

Local SIM Cards: Claro, Movistar, Entel, and Bitel

For longer stays in Peru, a local prepaid SIM card offers the best value. Peru has four carriers, each with distinct strengths.

Where to Buy

• Lima Airport (Jorge Chavez): Claro and Movistar both have small kiosks in the arrivals hall. Prices are slightly marked up compared to city shops, but the convenience is worth it after a long flight. Expect to pay $5-10 for a starter pack with data.
• Phone shops (agentes): Small phone accessory shops are everywhere in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Look for signs saying “Claro,” “Movistar,” or “Chips.” These shops often offer the cheapest SIM prices ($1-3 for the chip itself, data plans purchased separately).
• Carrier stores: Official Claro, Movistar, and Entel stores are found in major malls (Jockey Plaza, Larcomar, Real Plaza). Staff can help with activation and plan selection. Best for travelers who want guidance.
• Convenience stores and pharmacies: InkaFarma and some Tambo+ locations sell prepaid SIM cards and top-up vouchers.

Carrier Comparison

Feature	Claro	Movistar	Entel	Bitel
Network	América Móvil	Telefónica	Local (Chilean parent)	Viettel (Vietnamese)
SIM Cost	S/3-5 ($0.80-1.40)	S/3-5 ($0.80-1.40)	S/3-5 ($0.80-1.40)	S/1-3 ($0.30-0.80)
1GB Data Pack	S/5 ($1.40)	S/5 ($1.40)	S/4 ($1.10)	S/3 ($0.80)
10GB Monthly	S/30 ($8.30)	S/30 ($8.30)	S/25 ($6.90)	S/20 ($5.50)
4G Coverage	Best nationwide	Good urban, decent rural	Urban-focused	Limited
Andes Coverage	Strongest	Good on main routes	Patchy	Poor
Amazon Coverage	Limited (towns only)	Limited (towns only)	Very limited	Minimal
5G	Pilot in Lima	Pilot in Lima	No	No

What you need to buy a SIM: Your passport. Peruvian regulations require identity verification for all SIM card purchases. The seller will record your passport number and register the line in your name. This process takes 5-15 minutes depending on the shop.

Which Carrier is Best?

Claro is the clear winner for most travelers. It has the widest 4G coverage in Peru, including the best performance in mountainous areas along the Cusco-Sacred Valley corridor and major highland routes. If you’re doing the classic Peru itinerary (Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu), Claro gives you the most reliable coverage along the way.

Movistar is a solid second choice, especially in Lima and major cities. Its urban coverage is comparable to Claro’s, and it sometimes offers marginally faster speeds in Lima due to less network congestion.

Entel offers the most competitive pricing and is growing fast. Worth considering if you’re staying primarily in Lima and don’t need coverage in remote areas.

Bitel is the cheapest option but has the most limited coverage. Only recommend it for budget travelers staying exclusively in major cities.

Pro tip: For stays longer than 2 weeks, buy a Claro SIM at a phone shop and activate their “Plan Prepago” monthly package through the Mi Claro app. The 10GB monthly plan at S/30 ($8.30) is excellent value — better than any tourist-specific package.

WiFi and Broadband in Peru

Peru’s WiFi landscape mirrors its broader connectivity picture: excellent options in Lima, adequate in tourist cities, and unreliable everywhere else.

Apartment and Airbnb Broadband

If you’re renting an apartment for remote work in Lima, here’s what to expect:

• Miraflores/San Isidro apartments: 50-150 Mbps fiber is increasingly common in newer buildings. Providers include Claro (HFC), Movistar Fibra, and Win (fiber). Most short-term rentals include internet in the price. Always confirm the speed and provider before booking.
• Barranco apartments: 30-100 Mbps in most buildings. This neighborhood is slightly older, so some apartments still run on DSL or cable. Newer renovated units typically have fiber.
• Cusco rentals: 10-50 Mbps is typical. Fiber is available in the city center from Movistar and Claro but isn’t universal. Many guesthouses and Airbnbs rely on DSL connections that struggle with video calls.
• Arequipa rentals: 15-50 Mbps. Similar situation to Cusco — improving but inconsistent.

Cafe WiFi

Peru’s cafe culture is growing, especially in Lima, where specialty coffee shops have exploded in popularity:

• Lima specialty cafes (Miraflores/Barranco): 10-50 Mbps, generally reliable. Many cafes in these neighborhoods cater to remote workers and invest in decent routers. Popular spots include Tostaduría Bisetti, El Pan de la Chola, and Puku Puku.
• Cusco cafes: 5-20 Mbps, variable. Tourist-area cafes around Plaza de Armas and San Blas have usable WiFi, but speeds drop during peak afternoon hours. Jack’s Cafe and the Meeting Place are nomad favorites.
• Chain cafes (Starbucks, Juan Valdez): 5-15 Mbps. Consistent but often slow due to the number of users.
• Hostel/hotel WiFi: Ranges from barely functional to surprisingly good. Budget hostels often have one router serving an entire building. Mid-range hotels in Lima are generally fine for work.

Our recommendation: Never rely solely on cafe WiFi for critical work in Peru. Always have a mobile data backup via an eSIM or local SIM with hotspot capability. This is doubly true outside Lima.

Free Public WiFi

Peru’s government has deployed free public WiFi in some plazas and public spaces through the “Internet para Todos” program. Coverage is spotty, speeds are slow (1-5 Mbps), and it requires registration. It’s fine for checking a quick message but not suitable for any real work. Avoid it for anything sensitive — use a VPN if you must connect.

Best Coworking Spaces in Peru

Peru’s coworking scene is concentrated in Lima, with a handful of options in Cusco and Arequipa.

Lima

Space	Day Pass	Monthly	WiFi Speed	Vibe
Comunal (Miraflores)	S/50 ($14)	S/500 ($139)	80-150 Mbps	Professional, modern
Comunal (San Isidro)	S/55 ($15)	S/550 ($153)	80-150 Mbps	Corporate, polished
Lima Coworking	S/40 ($11)	S/400 ($111)	50-100 Mbps	Friendly, community
WeWork (San Isidro)	S/80 ($22)	S/800 ($222)	100-200 Mbps	Premium, multinational
Selina (Miraflores)	S/35 ($10)	S/350 ($97)	40-80 Mbps	Social, traveler-oriented
Regus (multiple)	S/60 ($17)	S/600 ($167)	60-120 Mbps	Formal, business center

Lima’s coworking scene is centered in Miraflores and San Isidro, both well-connected neighborhoods with excellent walkability and abundant food options. Comunal is the standout local chain — their spaces are well-designed, the internet is fast, and the community is a mix of local entrepreneurs and international remote workers.

Selina in Miraflores deserves a mention for budget-conscious nomads. It doubles as a hostel/hotel, so you can stay and work in the same building. The coworking WiFi is separate from the guest WiFi and noticeably faster.

Cusco

Space	Day Pass	Monthly	WiFi Speed	Vibe
Selina (Cusco)	S/30 ($8)	S/300 ($83)	20-50 Mbps	Social, tourist hub
Cusco Cowork	S/25 ($7)	S/250 ($69)	15-40 Mbps	Small, local
InkaWork	S/20 ($6)	S/200 ($56)	15-35 Mbps	Budget, basic

Coworking in Cusco is functional but a step down from Lima’s infrastructure. Selina Cusco is the most reliable option, with a dedicated coworking floor and backup internet. Be aware that internet speeds in Cusco are generally 30-50% slower than Lima across the board.

Arequipa

Space	Day Pass	Monthly	WiFi Speed	Vibe
CoWork Arequipa	S/20 ($6)	S/200 ($56)	15-40 Mbps	Friendly, developing
Selina (Arequipa)	S/30 ($8)	S/300 ($83)	20-45 Mbps	Reliable, traveler vibe

Arequipa’s coworking scene is small but growing. The city’s internet infrastructure is improving, and its pleasant climate, low cost of living, and colonial architecture are attracting more remote workers.

VPN Recommendations for Peru

Do You Need a VPN in Peru?

It’s optional but recommended. Peru has no meaningful internet censorship — there are no government-mandated website blocks or content restrictions. You won’t encounter the kind of filtering you’d find in China, Iran, or even Thailand.

However, a VPN is still valuable in Peru for two reasons:

1. Public WiFi security. Peru’s hostels, cafes, and hotels rarely secure their WiFi networks properly. A VPN encrypts your traffic, protecting passwords, banking sessions, and work communications from anyone else on the same network.

2. Accessing home content. If you want to watch your home country’s Netflix library, access region-locked banking apps, or stream content that’s not available in Peru, a VPN lets you connect through a server in your home country.

Our Top VPN Picks for Peru

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work reliably in Peru with no blocking or throttling:

NordVPN is our top recommendation for Peru. While NordVPN doesn’t have servers inside Peru, it has extensive coverage in neighboring South American countries (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia), meaning you’ll get fast connections with minimal latency. Its Threat Protection feature blocks malware and phishing attempts even when browsing without the VPN tunnel active — particularly useful on sketchy hostel WiFi. We used NordVPN daily during our time in Peru with zero issues.

Get NordVPN

Surfshark is the best budget alternative, especially for couples or families with multiple devices. At $2.19/month on the 2-year plan with unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s hard to beat on value. Speed impact is slightly higher than NordVPN but still perfectly usable for streaming and video calls.

Get Surfshark

For a full breakdown, read our Best VPN for Peru guide, our Best VPN for Travel 2026 overview, or our detailed NordVPN review.

Starlink in Peru

Starlink has been available in Peru since late 2023, and its adoption has been growing steadily — particularly in areas where traditional internet infrastructure doesn’t reach.

Current Status (March 2026)

• Availability: Active across most of Peru, with coverage improving in the Amazon basin
• Hardware cost: Approximately $599 USD for the Standard kit (imported, may include customs fees)
• Monthly service: Residential plans from around S/220 ($61/month)
• Roaming: Available with the Roam plan at higher monthly rates
• Speeds: 30-120 Mbps download in our tests, with variability depending on location and time of day

Is Starlink Worth It in Peru?

For most travelers, no — but it matters more here than in better-connected countries. Peru’s geographic challenges (Andes mountains, dense Amazon jungle) mean that large swaths of the country simply don’t have traditional mobile coverage. Starlink fills a genuine gap.

Starlink makes sense in Peru if you:

• Are running a lodge or tourism operation in the Sacred Valley or Amazon — many remote lodges are now offering Starlink-powered WiFi as a selling point
• Plan to spend extended time in rural highland areas like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, or Colca Canyon where cell coverage is minimal
• Are overlanding or van-lifing through Peru’s remote highways
• Need a failover connection for mission-critical remote work in Cusco or other secondary cities

For digital nomads based in Lima, a local fiber connection or eSIM provides far better value. Starlink’s primary value in Peru is as a lifeline for connectivity in areas that would otherwise be completely off-grid.

City-by-City Internet Guide

Lima — 7.5/10

Lima is Peru’s connectivity hub, and it’s the only city where internet reliability approaches international standards. Fiber broadband (50-150 Mbps) is available in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. 4G coverage blankets the city, with Claro and Movistar both offering consistent 30-50 Mbps mobile speeds. Early 5G pilots are underway in San Isidro and Miraflores but coverage is still limited.

Best neighborhoods for nomads:

• Miraflores — The default nomad neighborhood. Safe, walkable, abundant cafes and restaurants, best coworking options. Malecón (coastal cliffs) for sunset walks after work. Most Airbnbs have fiber internet included. Budget: $600-1200/month for a furnished apartment.
• Barranco — Lima’s artsy, bohemian district. Slightly cheaper than Miraflores, more character, excellent food scene. Internet is good but slightly less consistent in older buildings. Budget: $500-1000/month.
• San Isidro — Lima’s financial district. More corporate, less charming, but excellent internet infrastructure and several WeWork/Regus locations. Budget: $700-1400/month.

Power and internet reliability: Lima experiences occasional brownouts, particularly in older neighborhoods. Miraflores and San Isidro have the most reliable power. Consider a small UPS if you’re working on deadline-sensitive projects.

Cusco — 5.5/10

Cusco is Peru’s most-visited city and an increasingly popular nomad base, but its internet lags behind Lima significantly. 4G coverage is decent in the city center (15-30 Mbps on Claro), but fiber broadband isn’t universal. Many apartments and guesthouses still rely on DSL connections that top out at 10-20 Mbps. The city sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) elevation, which doesn’t directly affect internet but does affect your device’s battery life and your ability to think clearly during the first few days.

Best areas for nomads:

• San Blas — The classic nomad neighborhood. Cobblestone streets, artisan shops, small cafes. Internet is adequate but not fast. Budget: $400-800/month.
• Centro Historico — Close to everything, louder, more tourist-oriented. Best WiFi options at larger hotels and Selina. Budget: $350-700/month.
• Newer districts (Wanchaq, Santiago) — Less charming but newer buildings with better internet infrastructure. Budget: $300-600/month.

The altitude factor: At 3,400 meters, Cusco’s altitude is a real consideration. Most people need 2-3 days to acclimatize. During this period, you won’t be productive regardless of internet speed. Plan accordingly — don’t schedule critical meetings for your first 48 hours in Cusco.

Arequipa — 6/10

Peru’s second-largest city is an underrated nomad option. Internet speeds average 15-40 Mbps on 4G, and fiber is expanding in the city center. Arequipa’s lower altitude (2,328 meters) compared to Cusco, pleasant year-round climate, stunning colonial architecture, and significantly lower cost of living make it appealing for longer stays.

Best areas for nomads: The historic center (Cercado) and Yanahuara neighborhood offer the best combination of walkability, food options, and internet access. Budget: $350-700/month for a furnished apartment.

Why Arequipa over Cusco: Fewer tourists, cheaper living costs, less altitude sickness, and comparable internet. The tradeoff is fewer coworking options and a smaller international community.

Huaraz — 4/10

Huaraz is a base for trekking in the Cordillera Blanca and increasingly attracts adventurous nomads. Internet is basic — expect 5-15 Mbps on 4G in town, with Claro offering the best coverage. WiFi in hostels and cafes ranges from barely functional to adequate. There are no formal coworking spaces. At 3,052 meters elevation, altitude acclimatization applies here too.

Huaraz works for: Writers, designers, and anyone whose work doesn’t require high bandwidth or constant connectivity. Not recommended if your job depends on video calls.

Connectivity in Remote Peru: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon

This is where Peru’s internet story diverges sharply from countries like Thailand or Colombia. If your Peru itinerary includes the classic highlights — and it should — you need to plan for significant connectivity gaps.

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, dotted with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and an increasing number of boutique hotels. Connectivity varies dramatically by location:

• Ollantaytambo: Basic 3G/4G on Claro (5-15 Mbps). Most hotels have WiFi, but speeds are low. This is where the train to Machu Picchu departs, so you’ll likely spend at least a night here.
• Pisac: Similar to Ollantaytambo. Growing expat community means a few cafes have invested in decent WiFi (10-20 Mbps).
• Urubamba: Slightly better infrastructure than other Sacred Valley towns. Some newer hotels and lodges have Starlink or satellite internet.
• Smaller villages (Chinchero, Moray, Maras): Expect intermittent 3G at best. Download offline maps before visiting.

Pro tip: If you need to work during a Sacred Valley trip, base yourself in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and do day trips. Don’t plan on working from smaller villages.

Machu Picchu

Don’t count on having internet at Machu Picchu. Mobile coverage at the ruins themselves is essentially nonexistent — the site sits in a steep valley surrounded by mountains that block cell signals. This is actually a blessing: you should be experiencing one of the world’s great archaeological wonders, not checking Slack.

Aguas Calientes (the base town, officially named Machu Picchu Pueblo) has decent 3G/4G coverage from Claro and most hotels/restaurants offer WiFi. Speeds are modest (5-15 Mbps) and can slow to a crawl when the town is full of tourists. If you need to handle something urgent, do it from your hotel in Aguas Calientes before or after visiting the ruins.

Essential prep: Before heading to Machu Picchu, download:

• Google Maps offline map for the Cusco region
• Your train tickets and entry permits (save as PDF)
• Any entertainment for the train ride
• Work files you’ll need access to

The Amazon (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Manu)

Peru’s Amazon region covers over 60% of the country’s land area but has almost no mobile infrastructure outside major towns.

• Iquitos (the world’s largest city unreachable by road) has reasonable 4G coverage in the city center (10-25 Mbps on Claro). It’s possible to work from Iquitos, though internet can be inconsistent.
• Puerto Maldonado: Basic 3G/4G in town. Most jungle lodges along the Tambopata River have no mobile coverage and rely on satellite internet (slow, shared, and unreliable).
• Manu region: Essentially zero connectivity. Multi-day trips into Manu National Park mean going completely off-grid.

If you must stay connected in the Amazon: Choose a lodge that specifically advertises Starlink connectivity. A growing number of premium lodges in the Tambopata and Sacred Valley regions have installed Starlink dishes, offering 20-60 Mbps WiFi — a dramatic improvement over traditional satellite.

Travel Insurance for Peru

Peru’s combination of high altitude, remote trekking, and developing healthcare infrastructure makes travel insurance essential — not optional. Altitude sickness, trekking injuries, and food-borne illness are real risks.

SafetyWing offers Nomad Insurance starting at $45.08/month with coverage that includes:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Medical evacuation (critical for altitude emergencies and remote Amazon locations)
• Trip interruption coverage
• Coverage in 180+ countries (useful if Peru is part of a longer South America trip)
• No fixed end date — renews monthly as long as you need it

Peru’s public hospitals (ESSALUD) can handle basic care, but for anything serious, you’ll want access to Lima’s private clinics (Clínica Ricardo Palma, Clínica Anglo Americana). SafetyWing’s coverage helps bridge that gap.

Get SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

For a detailed breakdown, read our SafetyWing review, our Best Travel Insurance for South America guide, or compare all options in our Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads guide.

Digital Nomad Tips for Peru

Visa Situation

Peru does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most visitors enter on a tourist visa that allows stays of up to 183 days (6 months) — granted at immigration upon arrival. No advance application needed for citizens of most Western countries.

Key details:

• Duration: Up to 183 days, granted at the immigration officer’s discretion (they may grant 90 days initially)
• Extensions: Can request extension at Migraciones in Lima up to the 183-day maximum
• Cost: Free for most nationalities
• Work legality: Technically, working remotely on a tourist visa is a gray area (as in most countries). There’s no enforcement or precedent of tourists being questioned about remote work.

Cost of Staying Connected

Here’s what you can expect to spend monthly on connectivity in Peru:

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Premium
Mobile data (eSIM/SIM)	$3 (Claro 3GB)	$8 (Saily 5GB)	$14 (Saily 10GB)
Coworking	Free (cafes)	$56 (InkaWork Cusco)	$139 (Comunal Lima)
VPN	—	$3 (NordVPN/yr plan)	$3 (NordVPN/yr plan)
Apartment broadband	Included in rent	Included in rent	Included in rent
Total	$3/month	$67/month	$156/month

Peru is one of the cheapest countries in South America for connectivity. Even at the premium tier with a quality coworking space and ample mobile data, you’re spending a fraction of what you’d pay in most Western cities.

Practical Tips

1. Choose Claro for Andes travel. If you’re buying a local SIM and plan to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or any highland areas, Claro’s network coverage in mountainous terrain is noticeably better than competitors.

2. Download everything before leaving Lima. Maps, entertainment, work files, language apps — download it all while you have fast, reliable internet. Peru’s connectivity outside Lima is too unpredictable to assume you’ll be able to grab files on the go.

3. Carry a portable WiFi hotspot or enable tethering. Cafe WiFi in Cusco and smaller cities is unreliable for work. Having your own mobile data connection as a primary or backup is essential. Make sure your eSIM plan supports hotspot/tethering (Saily does, Holafly doesn’t).

4. Acclimatize before planning work. If you’re heading to Cusco (3,400m) or any highland city, give yourself 2-3 days of light activity before trying to work. Altitude sickness affects cognitive function — you won’t produce good work while your brain is starved of oxygen.

5. Use a VPN on public WiFi. Peru’s hostels, cafes, and coworking spaces rarely implement proper network security. NordVPN or Surfshark will protect your data on shared networks.

6. Power bank is essential. Power outages happen outside Lima, and many cafes have limited outlets. A 20,000 mAh power bank keeps your phone and tablet running all day. In the Andes, cold temperatures also drain batteries faster than expected.

7. Get travel insurance before arrival. SafetyWing covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip interruptions — all real risks when trekking at altitude in Peru.

8. Learn basic Spanish. English is not widely spoken outside Lima’s tourist districts. Knowing enough Spanish to ask about WiFi passwords, SIM card plans, and directions will save you significant frustration.

Peru Internet: Pros and Cons

Our Testing Methodology

The data in this guide is based on real-world testing during our team’s six weeks in Peru (January-February 2026). We measured internet speeds across all four carriers using Speedtest by Ookla, tested in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes. Each eSIM provider was used for at least one full billing cycle. Coworking and cafe speeds were tested during peak hours (10 AM - 2 PM local time) for accuracy. Pricing was verified directly from carrier websites and eSIM provider apps in March 2026.

All speed figures represent averages across multiple tests at various times of day. Your actual experience may vary based on location, elevation, time of day, device, and network congestion. Peru’s connectivity can fluctuate more than countries with mature infrastructure — treat our speed figures as realistic expectations, not guarantees. We update this guide quarterly to reflect the latest pricing and infrastructure changes.