Guide to tipping and gratuities in Peru

Peru: to tip or not to tip, that is the question?

If you’re not from a tipping culture, or simply want some advice on how much to tip and to whom, read our guide to travelling and tipping in Peru.

Background

Tipping is not mandatory in Peru and completely discretionary but it does form a strong part of the culture and people look to tips as a reward for good services.

As a tourist, a little generosity with ‘propinas’ will go a long way, especially if you’re happy with the service you received. If you are not happy though, then don’t leave a tip.

You will come into contact with many people from hotel porters to taxi drivers and you can tip in the local currency of Peruvian Soles or US dollars.

Keep hold of any small notes / loose change to give as tips because most people won’t have change.

Tipping guide

Airport porters:  2-5 Soles per bag.

This is not a tip, but payment – these people make their living by carrying your luggage.

Drivers

No tip expected for taxi drivers, but most people round up the fare.

If you have a driver for several days and good service was provided (drove safely, friendly etc.) then a pooled pot between all travellers of USD 5-10/ 16 – 30 Soles per day is sufficient.

Restaurants and bars

As with most places in the world it is normal to tip in restaurants if the service was reasonable and the food good. A tip of 10% would be adequate. Tipping is not expected in bars, but you may opt to leave small change.

Hotel staff

A friendly and helpful porter who carries your bag to your room are typically given 2-3 Soles per bag.

Breakfast waiting staff again, leave 2 – 3 Soles on the table per person, per breakfast.

And the same amount for cleaning staff – in many hotels this is not expected but the staff will be grateful.

Specialist guides – On many trips you will have a number of specialist guides eg jungle, rafting, biking, Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca guides. In most instances these guides have spent a number of years studying at Colleges or Universities to qualify as guides. Generally these guides will be with you for a few days but sometimes just for a day trip. As a general guideline it would be expected to tip each specialist guide US$20-60 (60 – 200 Soles)  a day in total from the group. Again the depth of knowledge of their area or specialist skill, command of English and friendliness should help determine the tip.

Inca Trail – The Inca Trail where you will be supported by a full crew of cooks, porters, waiters etc is far more complicated to organise in terms of tipping. We recommend that each client contributes US$ 30-90 (100-300 Soles) into a pot and following the advice of the guide divide it out between the crew of cooks, waiters and porters. For tipping the actual Inca Trail guides and assistants we recommend following the advice for specialist guides above.

Summary

It is a general guide and the only rule with tipping is that it is voluntary.

Airport porters                                  2-5 Soles per bag.

Hotel staff                                           USD 2-3 in total

Transfer drivers/ taxis                    Generally not expected, but can round up fare to nearest ten.

Drivers                                                  USD 5-10 (16 – 30 Soles) per day total from the group

Specialist guides                               USD20-60 (60 – 200 Soles) per day total from the group

Inca Trail                                              USD 30-90 (100-300 Soles) per day total from the group

Restaurants                                        10% for good service