Traveling is a great way to take a break from the daily grind. But for some travelers, the idea of cutting the internet out of their daily routine on a trip isn’t a happy thought. If you are one of these travelers on the search for WiFi in Peru, don’t worry! Peru is online. With some helpful internet know-how, you can find a healthy balance between the time you spend online and off the grid while visiting Peru.
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Last updated by Melissa Dreffs in November 2020.
Speed of WiFi in Peru
The question is not whether there’s internet in Peru, but more so what speeds you’ll encounter while traveling. In most cases, travelers that connect to the internet in cities throughout Peru won’t have trouble checking their email, social media, online news or sports updates. But difficulties may arise if data-chewing applications are used.
If you’re talking with a friend back home, for example, you may need to disable the video feature to adjust to the slower internet connection.
Travelers who want to download new music or stream videos online should plan ahead. Sometimes internet connections in Peru are unable to support live-stream music or videos. To avoid frustrating inefficiencies, download all the entertainment onto your portable electronic device before leaving home.
Connect to WiFi on your laptop at hotels, restaurants, and cafes across Peru. Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash.
Connectivity Options in Peru
Travelers have several connectivity options for the internet in Peru, but speeds will vary. Learn more about the best options to stay connected below.
Option 1: Connect to a WiFi Hotspot
Where WiFi is available, travelers can connect to the internet using their electronic devices. This is one of the best and cheapest options for internet access in Peru.
Using WiFi on your smartphone is a great way to avoid international roaming fees and stay connected during your trip. Just remember to double-check the settings on your phone so that you don’t unintentionally incur data costs. Disabling data roaming prevents the applications on your smartphone – maps, email, internet browser, etc. – from using your data plan while abroad.
It’s up to the discretion of every traveler what devices they decide to bring to Peru, may that be their smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc. As with any travel destination, opportunistic theft does exist and it’s important to carefully watch over your valuables. Keep your electronics packing list as simple as possible.
Hotels across the country offer WiFi for their guests. However, the speed depends on the hotel and location. If the internet doesn’t work in your room, try the hotel lobby for a better signal.
Many modern cafes and restaurants also offer free wireless internet. An establishment usually has a sign in their storefront to market available WiFi, so be on the lookout while wandering the streets of a new destination. Order a beverage or something small to eat, and then ask for la clave (the password) to connect to the Internet.
Keep your eyes peeled for “Free WiFi” signs throughout Peru. Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash.
Option 2: Use an International Phone Plan or Local SIM Card
Many wireless carriers around the world offer some sort of international coverage in Peru. For many, this is the simplest solution to staying connected while traveling. However, depending on your provider, this can be expensive.
As an alternative, most cell phone companies in Peru, like Claro and Movistar, offer a local Peruvian SIM card for tourists to use. While this can be a bit complicated, it may save you from astronomical international charges on your next bill. For information about using your smartphone in Peru, read our blog post about Peru SIM cards.
Your mobile phone may work in Peru with an international phone plan, local SIM card, or by connecting to WiFi. Photo by JESHOOTS-com on Pixabay.
WiFi by Destination
Internet connections in most Peruvian cities are reliable and comparably faster than those in remote Andean and jungle destinations. Below, we go into detail about internet connections in major destinations around Peru.
If you are interested in learning more about WiFi in a different destination, browse our hotel guide to find hotels with free WiFi in our top destinations across the country.
WiFi in Lima
Peru’s capital city, Lima, enjoys the fastest internet Peru has to offer. Particularly, its Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco districts boast a quick, stable connection. In other cities frequented by travelers, including Arequipa and Puno, you can find similar stable connections.
Moreover, Lima airport WiFi is free for 30 minutes on each device. A stronger connection for longer durations is available for purchase.
Lima Tours:
16 Days / from $3869
11 Days / from $2769
WiFi in Cusco
Cusco, like other cities in Peru, has a stable connection and free WiFi at many hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
Cusco airport does not offer free WiFi. Certain cafes in the airport may provide their WiFi password with a purchase, though.
WiFi in the Sacred Valley
WiFi in the Sacred Valley, the rural area just outside of Cusco, is a bit less reliable. However, while you may not have the best connection driving on the rural roads or visiting remote archaeological sites, our top hotel picks offer free WiFi for their guests. Most restaurants and cafes in towns like Pisac and Ollantaytambo can also provide a connection to their customers.
WiFi on the Inca Trail
Hikers on the 4-day Inca Trail should not expect WiFi or a data connection for most of the trek. Guides and trekking teams carry configured radios and satellite phones to communicate in case of emergency.
You will lose signal quickly on the first day and you will not have a strong connection until you are in Machu Picchu. At the third and last campsite, Wiñay Wayna, you may have limited access to data on your mobile device. Nevertheless, the signal is usually weak and quite slow.
WiFi in Machu Picchu
There is no WiFi connection available at the Machu Picchu archaeological site itself. To upload photos or videos during your tour, you would need to use data on an international phone plan or Peruvian SIM card.
Most restaurants and hotels in Machu Picchu offer free WiFi for their guests. As the location is rather remote, the signal may not be the strongest for data-heavy uses like video calls or streaming.
Machu Picchu Tours:
6 Days / from $1249
9 Days / from $2069
WiFi in the Amazon Rainforest
Deep in the Amazon Rainforest, even if WiFi is available, it is not always reliable. Connections tend to be spotty and slow compared to other locations in Peru. As the Amazon is more of an “off-the-grid” destination, it is best to head there without expectations of being online the whole time.
You can find WiFi in a handful of Puerto Maldonado jungle lodges and Iquitos jungle lodges. However, there tend to be some restrictions. Many only offer connections in the lobby or common areas. Others only during hours when the electric generators are running. If you have specific internet needs while visiting the Amazon, it is best to connect with a Travel Advisor to book the best option for you.
Plan Your Peruvian Tour
Use this helpful know-how about WiFi in Peru to stay connected during your trip. Just remember that the greatest Peruvian adventures and travel memories are created from experience, not online!
Our expert Travel Advisors are ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime to Peru. Contact us to customize your dream vacation.
Britt is a California native who now calls Peru home. She is a traveler with a passion for all things outdoors, scuba diving, and capturing memories with her camera.
