Not sure who to tip in Peru, or when? Many first-time visitors freeze at the bill. Some restaurants already add a service charge. Guides and drivers often get a separate thank-you. This guide explains tipping in Peru in simple, practical situations. There are no fixed rules.
This is an independent travel guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the official peru.travel portal, and it is not the official peru.travel site.
Planning a bigger trip? See traveling to Peru, Cusco Machu Picchu tour packages and a travel agency in Peru on Fullviajes. Ask what is already included, so you know what a tip is for.
Tipping in Peru: who to tip and when
Think about each situation, not one magic number:
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | Check the bill first. A service charge (servicio) may already be there. |
| Guides and drivers | A cash tip at the end of the day or trip is common if you were happy. |
| Hotel porters and housekeeping | A small cash tip is a common thank-you when someone helps you directly. |
| Taxis | Fares are usually agreed in advance. A tip is not customary. |
| Ride-hail apps | Rounding up is optional. |
| Markets and shops | You do not need to tip for shopping. |
Tipping in Peru is a custom, not a law. It is a thank-you for good service. If you are not sure, ask your hotel or guide what is usual for that service.
Restaurants and cafés
- Read the bill. If a service charge is already added, an extra tip is optional. Spare change or a small extra is enough.
- No service charge? Leave a small tip if the service was good.
- Casual spots and juice bars: rounding up or leaving coins is often enough.
- Card or cash? Some places cannot add a tip to the card slip. Keep small coins and notes for cash tips.
A service charge (servicio / recargo por consumo) is not always passed to the waiter. If you want to reward the server directly, leave a small extra in cash.
Guides, drivers and day tours
This applies to city tours, Sacred Valley trips, hiking support and private drivers:
- Tip at the end of the day or trip if you were happy with the pace, safety and information.
- On shared tours, many people tip each day in cash. Private guides may get more, because you spend the whole day with one person.
- If the company says guide and driver tips are already included, you do not need to pay twice.
- For treks, porters and cooks often have their own tipping custom. Ask the operator before the trek, so you carry enough cash.
Always ask, in writing, what «all-inclusive» covers. It may mean meals and tickets only, not tips.
Hotels, airports and small services
- Bellhop or luggage help: a small cash tip for carrying your bags is appreciated.
- Housekeeping: leave a small amount each day, clearly for the room attendant, on stays of several nights.
- Spa or special hotel services: follow the posted note, or ask at reception.
- Airport porters (where they work): agree the price first.
Keep small bills and coins in soles for these moments. Large notes are hard to change.
When you do not need to tip
- Shops and most supermarket checkouts.
- Ticket windows at museums and sites. Pay the ticket. Tip a guide separately, only if you hire one.
- When someone offers «help» you did not ask for. You do not have to pay for it.
A polite «no, gracias» is fine. Tip for the service you asked for and liked.
Cash and small money
- Carry enough small soles for tips. Many cafés cannot change large notes.
- Keep extra cash in the hotel safe, and carry only what you need for the day.
- If your package includes meals and transfers, ask which moments usually involve a tip. Then you can plan ahead.
Good to know
Hospitality in Peru is about respect and a simple thank-you. A tip is a bonus for good service. It does not replace basic courtesy. You never need to pay to enter a site. If someone asks for more than seems fair, say no politely and use services arranged by your hotel or agency next time.
Closing: tip with context
Tipping in Peru is easier if you check the bill for a service charge, keep small cash for guides and hotel staff, and ask your operator what is already included. Then check the local custom for your exact route. When you are ready to book, Fullviajes can help you compare written proposals.
