Peru draws huge numbers of visitors for Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and the rich culture of Cusco and Lima. Tipping here is generally more relaxed than in the Caribbean or US, but trekking guides and porters have their own well-established customs that every visitor should know.
The Peruvian sol is the local currency. USD has limited acceptance outside of high-end hotels and tour operators — carry soles for most everyday tipping.
Tipping at Restaurants
10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants if a service charge isn’t already included. Many restaurants in Lima and Cusco add a 10% service charge automatically — check your bill first. If it’s included, additional tipping is optional but rounding up is common for good service.
At casual local spots and markets, tipping is not expected.
Tipping Inca Trail and Trekking Crews
This is the most important tipping situation for visitors doing the Inca Trail or other multi-day treks. Crews typically include a guide, cook, and porters — and porters in particular are often overlooked despite carrying the bulk of the gear:
- Trekking guide — $10–15 USD per day, per guest
- Cook — $8–10 USD per day, per guest
- Porters — $8–10 USD per day, each (often collected as a group tip)
Porter tips are frequently collected as a pooled amount from the whole group and given to the lead porter to distribute. Many tour operators provide a tipping guideline before departure — if yours doesn’t, ask, and bring enough small bills (soles preferred) for the full crew.
Tipping Taxis and Transportation
Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Peru. Agree on a fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used. For private drivers booked through your hotel, rounding up is a nice gesture but not required.
Tipping Hotel Staff
- Housekeeping — 5–10 soles per night (~$1.50–2.50 USD), left daily
- Porter / bellhop — 5 soles per bag
- Concierge — 10–20 soles for meaningful assistance
Cultural Notes
Tipping in Peru’s cities is relaxed and not deeply ingrained the way it is in the US or Caribbean. However, for Machu Picchu and Inca Trail treks specifically, tipping the crew — especially porters — is considered an essential and expected part of the experience, even though it’s not formally required.
Carry Peruvian soles in small denominations for everyday tipping. USD is accepted at some hotels and tour operators but isn’t reliable for general use.
Peru Tipping — Quick Reference
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Trekking guide | $10–15 USD per day, per guest |
| Trekking cook | $8–10 USD per day, per guest |
| Trekking porter (each) | $8–10 USD per day |
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% |
| Hotel housekeeping | 5–10 soles per night |
| Hotel porter / bellhop | 5 soles per bag |
| Taxi | Not expected |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip my Inca Trail porters?
$8–10 USD per day, per porter is the standard guideline, often collected as a group tip and given to the lead porter to distribute. Many trekking groups budget this as a pooled amount.
Is tipping expected at restaurants in Lima and Cusco?
It’s appreciated but not strictly required — 10% if a service charge isn’t already included. Many restaurants add one automatically, so check your bill first.
Should I tip in USD or Peruvian soles?
Peruvian soles are preferred for everyday tipping — taxis, restaurants, hotel staff. USD is useful for trekking guide and porter tips but isn’t reliable for general use outside tourist-focused businesses.
Do taxi drivers in Peru expect a tip?
No. Agree on a fare before getting in, as meters aren’t commonly used. Rounding up is a nice gesture but not expected.
More Latin America Tipping Guides
Traveling elsewhere in Latin America? Check out our other tipping guides: