Peru is one of South America's most captivating destinations. From the coastal capital of Lima to the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, from the floating islands of Lake Titicaca to the Amazon rainforest—Peru offers an incredible journey through history and nature.
Staying connected throughout your Peruvian adventure makes everything easier. Here's your complete guide to using an eSIM in Peru.
Why eSIM is Perfect for Peru
Peru's terrain is incredibly diverse. You might start at sea level in Lima, fly to Cusco at 11,000 feet altitude, trek to Machu Picchu, then head to the Amazon. Traditional SIM cards mean dealing with stores, paperwork, and potential language barriers when you'd rather be exploring.
With an eSIM, you install it before leaving home and arrive in Peru with connectivity ready to go. No hunting for tiendas de celular, no wasting vacation time in lines.
💡 Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before your trip while connected to WiFi. It won't activate until you land in Peru, so you'll arrive with everything configured and ready.
How Our Peru eSIMs Work
We've made the process as simple as possible—no Spanish required, no technical skills needed.
Before You Fly
- Browse our Peru eSIM plans and choose your data amount
- Complete purchase in under 2 minutes
- Receive your QR code via email with installation instructions
- Scan the QR code while on WiFi to install your eSIM
The eSIM installs but stays dormant until you arrive in Peru and enable Data Roaming.
When You Arrive in Peru
- Turn on your phone
- Enable Data Roaming for your eSIM
- You're connected—that's it
What You Can Do With Your Peru eSIM
Our Peru eSIMs are data-only plans. You won't get a Peruvian phone number, but you'll have full internet access for everything important:
Primary communication in Peru—essential for tour bookings
Critical for navigating Cusco's winding streets and finding sites
Helpful for sharing location with tour groups and guides
Upload those Machu Picchu sunrise photos in real-time
WhatsApp is everywhere in Peru. Tour companies, hotels, restaurants—everyone uses it. Your eSIM keeps you connected.
Coverage Across Peru
Peru's major cities and tourist areas have good coverage. You'll stay connected in:
Important note about altitude: Cusco sits at 11,000 feet. Your phone will work fine, but you might feel the altitude! The network coverage in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is solid.
🏔️ Inca Trail Note: The actual Inca Trail trek has limited to no coverage. Download offline maps before you start. Coverage returns when you reach Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Choosing Your Data Plan
How much data do you need for Peru? It depends on your itinerary:
📱 Lima Weekend: 1-2GB covers city exploration
⛰️ Classic Peru Tour (7-10 days): 5GB gives you comfortable room for navigation, messaging, and sharing photos
🌎 Extended Adventure (2+ weeks): 10GB or larger if you're covering multiple regions
🏔️ Trek-Focused Trip: Smaller plans work since you'll be offline during multi-day treks
Most travelers use about 1GB per week with typical usage. Browse all our Peru eSIM plans here.
Important Things to Know
📱 Device Compatibility: Confirm your phone supports eSIM. Most iPhones (XR and later), Google Pixels (4 and later), and Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 and later) work well. Your phone must be unlocked.
⚠️ One-Time Installation: eSIMs can only be installed once. If you delete it or switch phones during your trip, you'll need a new plan. Label it clearly like "Peru Trip" to avoid accidental removal.
Dual SIM Setup: You don't need to remove your regular SIM. Keep it active for your home number, and use the eSIM for data in Peru.
Peru Travel Tips
A few things to keep in mind when using your eSIM in Peru:
You can also use Meili, our free AI travel planner, to build a custom day-by-day itinerary for Peru.
- Altitude in Cusco: Take it easy your first day at altitude. Having connectivity means you can rest at your hotel and still book tours or check restaurant options
- Tour Coordination: Most tour operators use WhatsApp for pickup times and coordination. Your eSIM keeps you connected
- Offline Maps: Download Google Maps offline for areas like the Inca Trail where coverage is limited
- Amazon Lodges: Deep in the rainforest, coverage may be limited. Many lodges offer WiFi
Quick Troubleshooting
Connection issues after landing? Try these:
- Verify Data Roaming is enabled for your eSIM
- Restart your phone—sometimes needed at high altitude
- Manually select a network in settings
- Confirm your eSIM is set as the data line
Still need help? Contact us at support@latamtravellers.com or message us on Instagram. We're here to assist.
Planning Your Peru Trip?
Use Meili, our free AI travel planner, to build a personalised day-by-day itinerary. Tell it your dates, travel style, and priorities — it handles the rest.
Plan My TripFinal Thoughts
Peru is magical—from exploring the mysteries of Machu Picchu to savoring ceviche in Lima, from spotting condors at Colca Canyon to learning about Incan history in Cusco. It's a journey that stays with you forever.
Having reliable internet means you can coordinate with tour operators, navigate unfamiliar cities, stay in touch with home, and share your incredible experiences as they happen. An eSIM makes it seamless.
Install before you fly, land in Peru connected, and focus on the adventure instead of connectivity logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eSIM work in Machu Picchu?
No, not on the trail or at the citadel itself. Coverage is available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes (the gateway town), but the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins have no cell signal. Download offline maps before heading out.
How much data do I need for Peru?
Most travellers use 3-7 GB for a two-week trip. This covers navigation in Lima, messaging, ride-hailing, and social media. Budget more if you plan to video call or work remotely from cafes.
Can I buy an eSIM after arriving in Peru?
Yes, but it is easier to set up before you fly. You can purchase and install an eSIM from anywhere with internet. Setting it up at home means you land in Lima already connected.
Is eSIM available on all phones in Peru?
eSIM works on most modern smartphones regardless of location. If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3a+), it will work in Peru. The eSIM connects to local Peruvian networks automatically.