Navigating the world of tipping can be tricky, especially in a new country. If you’re planning a trip to Peru and wondering “How Much To Tip Tour Guide In Peru,” this guide offers comprehensive advice on tipping etiquette across various situations, from restaurants and hotels to tours and transportation. Understanding these customs will help you avoid awkward situations and show appreciation for excellent service.
Is Tipping Expected in Peru?
Tipping is customary and generally encouraged in Peru, especially by travelers. You’ll find that tipping is expected in most establishments, including restaurants, bars, hotels, airports, and during tours. Exceptional service always warrants a tip.
Pro Tip: Always carry small change. The local minimum wage is relatively low (around $260 USD), so even a small tip can be significant. Aim to contribute enough in tips over a month to potentially double an employee’s regular wage. Guides and hotel managers may earn more, but this guideline provides a good benchmark.
Navigating Tipping Etiquette in Peru
Here’s a breakdown of how much to tip in different scenarios:
Airports
Upon arrival, you’ll likely encounter porters offering to assist with your luggage. A reasonable tip is around two soles per bag if you choose to use their services. If you have a pre-arranged tour with an airport pickup, the tour representative will likely have someone to assist with your bags, eliminating the need for an extra porter.
Restaurants and Bars
In most Peruvian restaurants and bars, gratuity is not included in the bill. High-end establishments might include a 10% service charge, which will be indicated on the bill.
The standard tip at restaurants, especially in tourist areas, is 10% of the total bill. Feel free to adjust the amount based on the quality of service. While some establishments allow you to tip with a credit card, cash is often preferred. Smaller, local restaurants generally don’t expect a tip, but leaving a couple of soles is a nice gesture.
At bars, tipping 1 or 2 soles per drink is common. If you order food, adhere to the 10% rule.
Insider Tip: Be prepared to answer “boleta” or “factura” when paying. Choose “boleta” unless you are a Peruvian company registered with SUNAT.
Tour Guides and Trekking Staff: The Heart of Your Peruvian Adventure
When considering how much to tip tour guide in Peru, remember that your guides, drivers, and trekking staff are crucial to a positive experience.
Day Tours
For a half-day group tour, a tip of 15-17 soles ($5-$6 USD) per person is recommended. For a full-day tour, tip around 20-25 soles ($7-$8 USD) per person.
For private guided tours, increase the tip amount. Aim for 30-35 soles ($10-$12 USD) per person for a half-day tour and 50-60 soles ($17-$20 USD) per person for a full-day tour.
For bus drivers on day tours, a tip of approximately 10 soles ($3.50 USD) for the day is appropriate.
Multi-Day Tours and Treks: Showing Gratitude for the Team Effort
Tipping dynamics change on multi-day treks, where you’ll be tipping the guide, cooks, porters, and horsemen.
Trekking Staff: This includes everyone except the guide. They play a vital role and are often undervalued. An average tip for the entire trekking staff is around 150 soles ($45 USD) per trekker, but this depends on the length of the trek (ranging from 3-8 days). A good guideline is 35-40 soles per day ($10-$12 USD). The tip is usually given to the guide for distribution among the team.
The Guide: Your guide provides round-the-clock attention, shares their knowledge of local history and culture, and ensures your safety. A fair tip for a guide on a multi-day trek is between 60-80 soles ($17-$23 USD) per person.
Hotels and Spas
Tipping in Peruvian hotels depends on the type of establishment. While budget hotels and hostels don’t always see tips, luxury hotels in larger cities do. However, excellent service should always be rewarded, regardless of the hotel’s price point.
In larger chain hotels, tipping housekeeping around 3 soles ($1 USD) per day is appreciated. For porters, tip between $1-$3 USD per day.
In the Sacred Valley’s luxury spa hotels, tipping around 10 soles is appropriate for each service. For smaller spas in Cusco, 5 soles per service is sufficient.
Gas Stations and Public Restrooms
At gas stations, attendants will fill your gas. Tipping 1 sol for extra services, such as checking tire pressure or cleaning windows (if you rent a car), is sufficient.
You may need to pay a small fee (around 20 cents) to use public restrooms. If there isn’t a fee, a small contribution to a provided basket or pot for maintenance is customary.
Taxis and Public Transport
Tipping taxi drivers and on public transport isn’t common practice. For taxis, negotiate a fare before starting your ride. While you might want to tip for exceptional service, most Peruvians wouldn’t expect it. If a driver helps with your bags, giving 2-3 soles is a nice gesture.
Handling Unexpected Tipping Requests
In tourist hubs like Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima, you might encounter unexpected requests for tips. For instance, women in traditional dress with alpacas may expect payment if you take their picture. Always ask before taking a photo to avoid this situation.
Similarly, someone offering unsolicited directions may expect a tip. If you don’t need assistance, politely decline.
Embrace Peruvian Tipping Customs
Remember the tipping etiquette when visiting Peru. It’s a fantastic way to express gratitude for services, and your tips are genuinely appreciated. Many Peruvian workers work hard and are often underpaid, so your small tip can make a significant difference. Always keep small coins and bills handy to tip appropriately when needed, ensuring you’re ready to reward excellent service and hard work.
