Traveling to Peru? There’s a lot to see and experience, from ancient Inca ruins to the vibrant streets of Lima. But to make your travels easier, you’ll need some good travel apps. Below is a list of must-have apps and tools that will help you navigate, translate, book transportation, and find the best local experiences while traveling in Peru.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps (Free)
Google Maps is a go-to app for any traveler. In Peru, it’s indispensable for navigating through cities like Lima and Cusco. It has accurate maps that include walking and public transportation routes. You can also download maps for offline use, which is super helpful if you don’t have access to data in remote areas or while hiking.
Maps.me (Free)
Maps.me is another great option for offline navigation. It offers detailed offline maps, perfect for explorers heading to areas without reliable internet—like when you’re heading out on a trek to Machu Picchu. The app supports walking, driving, and cycling routes. It’s known for being quite accurate in less-developed parts of Peru.
Moovit (Free)
Moovit is perfect for navigating public transportation in Lima. It helps you find the quickest routes on the city’s buses and trains. This app is a game-changer for making your way through the sometimes confusing transportation systems, especially if you don’t speak much Spanish. It even tells you when to get off a bus, which is super useful.
Translation Apps
Google Translate (Free)
Peru’s official language is Spanish, and Google Translate is your fastest way to break down the language barrier. The app allows you to translate phrases and sentences by typing or using voice input. It also has a great offline mode, which you can download in advance. The conversation mode translates back and forth in real time, making it easy to communicate with locals.
iTranslate (Free & Paid)
If you need a more detailed translation tool, iTranslate is a solid choice. It supports voice translation and can handle more complex phrases. While the free version is good, upgrading to the paid version gives you offline access and more advanced features, which can be a lifesaver in rural areas of Peru with limited internet connectivity.
SpanishDict (Free)
For anyone planning to dive deeper into the language, SpanishDict is an excellent resource. It works both as a dictionary and translator but also offers learning tools like quizzes and grammar guides. This app is great if you’re spending a lot of time in Peru or want a more comprehensive language tool beyond basic translations.
Booking Apps
Booking.com (Free)
Booking.com is perfect for finding hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Peru. The platform offers a wide range of accommodation options and gives you the chance to filter by your needs—whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or more high-end. Plus, the app allows you to save your reservation details offline, which can be super handy if you’re on the move.
Airbnb (Free)
If you’re looking for a more local experience, Airbnb is great for finding homestays or unique apartments. In cities like Cusco and Lima, many locals rent out rooms or entire apartments on Airbnb, offering a more personalized experience. You can even book guided experiences like cooking classes or hiking trips through the platform.
Skyscanner (Free)
Skyscanner is one of the best flight search engines out there, and it works just as well for searching domestic flights in Peru. The app allows you to compare flight prices across different airlines and find the cheapest or most convenient options. If you’re planning to travel between cities like Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa by air, Skyscanner makes this process easy. Plus, you can set price alerts for when flights get cheaper.
Local Transportation Apps
Cabify (Free)
If you need to grab a ride, Cabify is similar to Uber but is more popular in Peru. It’s a rideshare app that works in most big cities, like Lima and Arequipa. The app allows you to pay by card or cash and is generally reliable. Cabify is also known for its safety features, which is a plus when traveling in unfamiliar areas.
InDriver (Free)
InDriver is another option to consider, especially if you want to negotiate the cost of your ride. Available in Peru, this app offers a unique feature: you can set the fare you’re willing to pay, and drivers will accept or propose something different. It’s a great way to save money while moving around, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Rome2Rio (Free & Paid)
Rome2Rio is perfect for figuring out how to get from point A to point B anywhere in Peru. The app shows you the various transportation options available—buses, trains, flights, and rental cars. It’s particularly helpful for planning multi-city trips. Although the app is free, some premium features are available for a small fee, like better planning tools and offline access.
Tools and Essential Apps
XE Currency (Free)
The XE Currency app helps you quickly convert exchange rates. This is crucial when visiting markets or tourist sites in Peru, where it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending. The app works offline, so you don’t need constant internet just to figure out how much you’re paying.
Trail Wallet (Paid)
Trail Wallet helps you track your travel expenses. If you’re on a budget in Peru, this app will make sure you don’t overspend. You can input all your expenses, categorize them, and get reminders if you’re getting close to your daily or trip spending limits. The app costs a few dollars but is worth it if you like budgeting during your travels.
TripIt (Free & Paid)
TripIt helps you organize all your travel plans in one place. You can automatically link your flight, bus, and hotel bookings, so you never have to search through your email for confirmation numbers. It’s especially helpful if you have a lot of different travel arrangements in Peru. There’s also a paid version that offers features like alerts for any changes in your flight schedules.
Useful Apps for Exploring Peru
Peru Travel Guide by Triposo (Free)
For discovering hidden gems and less touristy spots in Peru, Triposo’s Peru Travel Guide is fantastic. This app features offline maps, cultural highlights, and tips on what to see, do, and eat. It’s the perfect tool for finding quirky local markets, lesser-known archaeological sites, and even good hiking trails. All without needing the internet.
Couchsurfing (Free)
If you’re into meeting locals and don’t mind staying with someone, Couchsurfing is a great tool for making friends in Peru. Not only can you find free places to stay, but the app also connects you with local hosts who organize meetups or can show you around the city. It’s a great way to dive into the local culture without spending a lot of money.
HappyCow (Free & Paid)
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, finding food options can be a bit tricky in Peru. HappyCow helps by pointing you to nearby restaurants that serve vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The free version of the app gets the job done, but you can upgrade if you want more features like saving places to revisit.
Final Thoughts
Having the right apps on your phone can make all the difference when traveling through Peru. These apps cover everything—from navigating through the streets of Lima to translating Spanish on the fly. Download them, use them, and you’ll have a much smoother trip. Safe travels!
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