Peru's tipping norms vary by venue — tourist restaurants expect 10%, while local spots don't. Here's the full breakdown.
Tipping in Peru is expected at tourist-facing restaurants and appreciated at hotels and on tours — but not common at local Peruvian eateries or in non-tourist contexts. The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the currency, and cash is the most practical way to tip. Lima's world-class restaurant scene, Machu Picchu tour guides, and Amazon expedition staff all have clear tipping norms.
Lima is South America's finest food city — home to multiple world's-best restaurant alumni. At upscale Lima restaurants (Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro), check the bill for "servicio" or "servicio de cubierto" — if it's not there, 10% is a standard tip. At casual cevicherías and traditional local restaurants (menú del día spots), tipping is not expected. The bill is the bill. Carry PEN notes for tips — card machines in Peru often don't have tip prompts.
This is where tipping really matters in Peru. Inca Trail porters carry extraordinary loads at altitude for multi-day treks — tipping them is considered a moral obligation by the trekking community. USD $15–25 per porter for a full 4-day trek is the widely cited standard, though more is always welcomed. Your guide: USD $5–10 per person per day is appropriate. For day trips to Machu Picchu, USD $5–10 per person for the guide is standard.
Bring USD $1, $5, and $10 bills to Peru — USD is widely accepted for tips throughout the country and is preferred by many tourism professionals. PEN is fine for restaurants and smaller tips.
Do you tip in Peru?
At tourist restaurants, yes — 10% is standard. At local Peruvian eateries, no. For Inca Trail porters, tipping is considered essential.
How much do I tip Inca Trail porters?
USD $15–25 per porter for a full 4-day trek. This should be budgeted as part of the tour cost — porters earn very little in base wages.
Do Peruvian taxis expect tips?
No — taxi fares are negotiated in advance. No tip is expected. For Uber or InDriver, rounding up is a courtesy.
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