Traveling through Peru is not only about breathtaking landscapes, ancient civilizations, and unforgettable flavors it’s also about human connection. From expert guides in the Andes to dedicated staff in remote Amazon lodges, many people work behind the scenes to transform a trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
One of the most common questions we receive at Andean Travel Experience is simple, yet important:
“How much should I tip in Peru?”
The answer depends on where you are, what you’re doing, and most importantly how you wish to travel responsibly and respectfully.
This guide will help you understand tipping etiquette in Peru, offering clear recommendations while respecting cultural nuance. Tipping is never mandatory, but when done thoughtfully, it becomes a meaningful way to recognize exceptional service and support local communities.
Is Tipping Customary in Peru?
Yes tipping (propina in Spanish) is customary but voluntary in Peru.
Unlike countries where service charges are built into wages, many professionals in Peru’s tourism industry rely on tips as a meaningful supplement to their income. This is particularly true for porters, trekking staff, housekeeping teams, and workers in rural or remote regions.
That said:
- Tipping is never an obligation.
- It is a personal gesture of appreciation for good service not an expectation or demand.
Understanding Peru’s Tipping Culture
Peru’s tipping culture is best described as appreciative rather than transactional. A small tip can carry significant value, especially in regions where tourism directly supports local livelihoods.
Thoughtful travelers often:
- Tip based on service quality
- Carry small bills for flexibility
- Avoid tipping out of pressure
Luxury travel is not about excess it’s about intention.
Should You Tip in Soles or US Dollars?
The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is always the preferred currency.
While US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, tipping in Soles ensures recipients can use the money immediately without needing to exchange it.
Best practice:
- Carry small Soles notes
- Avoid damaged bills
- Use USD only if necessary
Tipping in Restaurants & Cafés
Restaurants
- Gratuity is not automatically included in most bills
- 10% is standard for good service
- 10–15% for exceptional service
- Cash tips are preferred and best handed directly to your server
- In small, local restaurants, tipping is not expected but a few Soles are always appreciated.
Cafés & Bars
- Tips are optional
- 1–2 Soles per drink is a polite gesture
- Tip jars are discretionary, not expected
Tipping Tour Guides & Drivers
Guides are central to immersive travel in Peru offering insight, safety, and cultural depth.
Day Tours
- Group tours
- Half-day: 15–20 Soles per person
- Full-day: 20–25 Soles per person
- Private tours
- Half-day: 30–35 Soles per person
- Full-day: 50–60 Soles per person
- Drivers
- 10–20 Soles per day (from the group, not per person)
Exceptional guides don’t just explain Peru they bring it to life.
Tipping on the Inca Trail & Multi-Day Treks
Multi-day treks involve a full support team: guides, cooks, porters, and assistants.
Recommended Total (4-day trek)
- USD 45–50 per person, pooled and shared fairly
Typical distribution (group totals):
- Guide
- Cook
- Porters
- Personal porter (if hired)
Pooled tipping helps maintain fairness and team harmony.
Tipping in the Amazon Rainforest
- Amazon lodges operate with dedicated teams working both visibly and behind the scenes.
- Amazon guide: 35–50 Soles per person per day
- Lodge staff (pooled): 20 Soles per person per day
Hotels, Lodges & Spa Services
Tipping depends on service level and location.
- Porters: 3–5 Soles per bag
- Housekeeping: 5–10 Soles per night (leave daily)
- Breakfast staff: 4–10 Soles per person
- Spa treatments:
- Luxury hotels: ~10 Soles per service
- Smaller spas: ~5 Soles per service
Taxis, Transfers & Airports
- Taxis: No tip expected; rounding up is sufficient
- Private transfers: 10–35 Soles per day (group total)
- Airport or bus porters: 2–5 Soles per bag
Always agree on taxi fares before entering the vehicle.
Street Performers, Photos & Informal Encounters
Peru’s streets are vibrant and expressive.
- Street performers: Tip a few Soles if you stop to watch
- Photos with locals: Always ask first a small tip is customary
- Unsolicited help: Politely decline if unwanted
Common Tipping Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeling pressured to tip
- Giving large individual tips that disrupt team balance
- Forgetting small bills
- Assuming tipping rules are the same everywhere
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is tipping mandatory in Peru?
No. Tipping is always optional.
Should I tip on luxury tours?
Yes, if service exceeds expectations luxury does not remove appreciation.
Do Peruvians tip each other?
Generally no, tipping is more common in tourism contexts.
Travel Peru with confidence, elegance, and intention. At Andean Travel Experience, every journey is carefully crafted from expert guides to seamless logistics so you can focus on meaningful moments, not details.