The quick verdict
An eSIM is the easy option and avoids buying a local SIM before the Machu Picchu trip.
Get an eSIM for Peru ↗
Airalo sells a local Peru eSIM — pick it on their store. Some links here are partner links: if you buy through them, Diaries of Travels may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only point to a service when it matches the advice on the page, and a commission never changes what we recommend. Disclosure →
What to expect
- Coverage
- Peru has good coverage in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa, and patchier signal in the Sacred Valley and mountains.
- Networks
- Runs on Claro, Movistar or Entel.
- Data for a week
- 5 GB for a week suits a Lima-plus-Cusco itinerary.
- Good to know
- Expect gaps on the Inca Trail, in the Sacred Valley and around Machu Picchu — download offline maps and tickets in advance.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming?
For most trips to Peru, an eSIM is the simplest choice: you buy and install it before you fly, then land already online. A local SIM can be cheaper for very long stays, but means queuing at the airport and sometimes registering ID. Your home carrier's roaming is the most expensive option and worth avoiding unless your plan already includes Peru.
How to set up your Peru eSIM
- Check your phone. It needs to be eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. Most phones from the last few years qualify.
- Buy the Peru eSIM before you fly, while you still have Wi-Fi at home.
- Install it over Wi-Fi. A one-tap install or a QR code adds it as a second line — your home SIM stays in place.
- Land and switch on. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only. It connects to a local network automatically.
- Keep your number. Leave your home SIM active for calls and texts, and use the eSIM for data.
One honest caveat
Coverage, plans and prices change, and networks vary by region within Peru. Always download offline maps for anywhere remote, and check your phone supports eSIM before you buy.