SIM, eSIM and internet in Cusco: how to stay connected in Peru

Having mobile data in Cusco makes travel much easier: ordering a ride-hailing taxi, using offline maps in streets that all look alike, translating, contacting your agency or accommodation and showing digital tickets. The good news is that getting connected in Peru is simple. You have three main options: an eSIM bought before you travel, a local SIM or your carrier's roaming. This guide compares them and explains what coverage to expect in the city, the valley and on treks.

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The three options

• Data eSIM: bought online before the trip, installed with a QR code and activated on landing. No queues or paperwork, and you keep your usual number for WhatsApp or verification texts. You need an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone.
• Local SIM: national carriers sell prepaid cards with data packs at official stores in central Cusco and some airport outlets. Usually cheapest per gigabyte, but you must show your passport for registration and spend some time buying it.
• Your carrier's roaming: the most convenient, often the most expensive. Check rates before you leave.

How an eSIM works

1. Check your phone supports eSIM and isn't carrier-locked.
2. Buy a Peru data plan with the days and gigabytes you need.
3. Install it at home on wi-fi (scan a QR or use the provider's app), but don't activate it until you land if the plan starts counting at installation; check the terms.
4. On landing, switch on the data line and data roaming for that eSIM.
5. Keep your physical SIM for calls or texts if needed, or disable it to avoid charges.

Buying a local SIM

• Bring your passport: it's required to register the line.
• Buy at carriers' official stores, not from street sellers.
• Ask them to activate the data pack on the spot and test it before leaving.
• Foreign phones used with a Peruvian SIM may be subject to device (IMEI) registration checks; ask in store if this applies.
• Top up at shops, pharmacies, supermarkets or in the carrier's app.

Coverage: city, valley and mountains

• Cusco city: generally good 4G, with weaker spots in some narrow streets or inside old buildings.
• Sacred Valley: good in Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo; patchier between towns and in rural areas.
• Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu: signal in town; variable inside the sanctuary depending on area and carrier.
• Treks (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao): little or no coverage for much of the route. Download maps and documents beforehand and tell family you'll be offline.
• Rainbow Mountain and Humantay: limited or no signal on many stretches.

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, best season and how to plan it
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version

Wi-fi

Most hotels, hostels, cafés and restaurants in Cusco have wi-fi, though speeds vary a lot. If you work remotely, ask about real speeds before booking and carry a data plan as backup. On public networks, avoid banking or use a VPN.

• Cusco for digital nomads: internet, neighbourhoods, coworking and daily life
• Hostels in Cusco: areas, what to check before booking and backpacker tips

Practical tips

• Download offline maps of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes.
• Keep digital copies of your passport, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets, offline too.
• Carry a power bank: cold and heavy GPS use drain batteries fast.
• Save the numbers of your accommodation and agency.
• Taxi apps work well in Cusco and are a safe way to get around at night.

• Getting around Cusco: taxis, ride apps, city buses and colectivos
• Cusco airport to the city centre: taxi, ride apps, transfers and approximate prices

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).