If you are planning to visit Peru, you will have a lot of opportunities to create amazing drone content as Peru has it all: mountains, jungle, desert and the sea. More than that, Peru is home to the world famous Machu Picchu, which will be a guarantee for an amazing photo.
Flying your drone in Peru will allow you to view many sites from a different perspective and to get memorable photos and videos.
However, before bringing and using your drone you should consider local drone laws in Peru and also the airport regulations. This short blog post focuses on all you need to know if you plan to take your drone to Peru.
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What Are the Local Drone Laws in Peru?
Years ago, it was only possible to import a drone with a special approval of the Peruvian Transport and Communications Ministry. Fortunately, regulations were changed and this does not apply anymore.
In order to get a clear understanding of what the situation is like nowadays, we talked to Peruvian customs on the phone and also via email. Officially, you have to indicate your drone on the customs-form that you are given on your international flight before entering the country.
If you fail to do so and officials will notice that you carry a drone during a random control, according to General Customs Law 1053 (Ley General de Aduanas 1053) you will have to pay a penalty of 50% of the drone’s value.
However, I myself have entered Peru with a used drone (DJ Mavic Air) without having filled out the customs form and nothing happened.
In fact, my drone was in my backpack and I passed the security check without being controlled so I could just walk out.
Drone shot of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
This isn’t a rare case as I have heard this story from many of our clients as well. In case you have a bigger drone with its own suitcase, you’ll be on the safe side declaring it.
If you have a small drone as I do, you should be fine carrying it in your backpack as they are hardly ever control backpacks. But be aware of the potential penalty, the payment, in case they do check.
Apart from that, you have to go to custom’s office (SUNAT) at the airport to get a declaration of temporary import (declaración de ingreso temporal) for your drone.
This is done via a security deposit payment, which you will be returned when leaving the country. At this point, you will also be given instructions on how to get the payment back.
This security deposit serves as a VAT, in case the drone should stay in the country. The government does this in order to avoid that people import drones cheaper than they are offered here and then sell them on the Peruvian market.
Sounds crazy, and it kind of is, but don’t worry because you will get your money back. Anyway, if you have to pay this security deposit, make sure you get to the airport early on your day of travel so you won’t have any problems.
You’ll see plenty of alpacas during our Machu Picchu tour.
8 Rules to Follow for Flying Drones in Peru
Apart from the specified distance of 4 km (2.5 miles) to the airport, the other points aren’t official laws but rather rules to follow for flying drones in Peru.
Most of them are intuitive, but it’s always good to review them once in a while. Especially if you are just getting started. Let’s take a closer look:
- Only use your drone during daylight hours and only when the weather conditions are appropriate.
- Do not let your drone fly beyond your line of sight.
- Do not fly your drone where you might disturb animals (especially not without permission).
- Do not use your drone within 4 kilometres (or 2.5 miles) of the airport.
- Do not fly with your drone over large crowds of people.
- Do not fly with your drone at archaeological or religious sites where it is not allowed.
- Do not fly with your drone in military or government areas.
- Respect the privacy of other people when flying your drone.
Couple in front of terraces of Moray.
If you aren’t sure of whether you can fly your drone or not, it’s always best to ask the travel agency or your guide before. Normally, you shouldn’t have a problem flying your drone in most of Peru.
However, there are some spots where flying is prohibited or where you need a special permit.
Where Is It Not Allowed to Fly Your Drone in Peru?
At some archaeological sites, such as Machu Picchu, it is not allowed to use your drone. In general, it’s always best to ask a person with authority first before flying just so that you are on the safe side.
Recently, more and more communities have become stricter about drones as their animals have been irritated by the flying objects. Due to security reasons, we at Exploor don’t allow drones during group tours, only during private tours.
That’s why many of them, such as the Palccoyo community, either require you to pay for the usage (S/ 50 at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain or to get their permission before or on-site, such as the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. For the Humantay Lake you’ll need a special permit before flying your drone.
The good news, however, is that our guides are great photographers that know some off the beaten path spots where you will be able to get amazing pictures without other tourists on it.
View over Moray.
Using Drones in Cusco
| Sites | Is it allowed to fly my drone here? |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu | Not allowed. |
| Humantay Lake | You need a special permit before flying your drone. |
| Palccoyo Mountain | You have to pay S/50 ($15; 13€) to the local community. |
| Vinicunca Mountain | You have to pay a donation to the locals. |
| Sacred Valley | Either it’s not allowed or you need a special permit. |
Tips and Recommendations
- It’s always best to ask your guide before starting your drone.
- Ask your international airline about drone regulations regarding the transport.
- Avoid flying around military facilities, government buildings, archaeological/religious sites or over private property.
- Make sure to have your permit it on you in case you fly where it is needed.
- Check online for individual experiences and drone laws in Peru.
View over the second and third rainbow mountain palccoyo.
As drones are getting more attention on a global scale, it’s very important to be informed about the rules and regulations of the country you want to visit. Also, it’s always recommendable to double check the specific requirements of your airline.
We recommend you check their website or give them a quick call just to make sure that you won’t experience any problems when traveling.
In Peru, the usage of drones is still not as regulated as in the US or in Europe, which makes its usage easier. In case you carry a small drone in your backpack, you most likely don’t need to worry about declaring it and you can just pass through.
However, don’t take my word for granted here…if you do get checked, you will have to get a declaration of temporary import at Peruvian customs.
The general recommendations for flying your drone in Peru are the same as in other countries as well. However, we urge you not to fly at archaeological sites where it is forbidden.
Apart from the drone laws in Peru, we also recommend checking out the current Peru travel restrictions so you know what to expect.
Have you already taken your drone to Peru? Share your experience with us in the comment section below!
Cristhofer 10 October, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Hola
Estoy trayendo un Mini 4 pro desde USA, quisiera saber si a la fecha esta permitido el ingreso de este modelo en Perú o si está homologado? Es un dron de menos de 250 gr. El más pequeño de la marca DJI y también el último modelo que sacaron (lo lanzaron el 25 de septiembre del 2023)
No quisiera que cuando llegue al aeropuerto aduanas me lo retenga, me lo está trayendo un amigo en su maleta grande.
Espero alguna respuesta o información, gracias
Oliver from Exploor 11 October, 2023 at 2:18 pm
Hola Cristhofer, gracias por tu comentario. No creemos que debe haber problema por eso, pero para asegurarte puedes hacerles la consulta a Aduanas Peru.
Saludos.
Kevin Larco 29 November, 2023 at 8:50 pm
Hey Cristhofer alguna noticia si te hicieron algún problema en aduana ??? Yo tengo entendido que solo debes declararlo y no deberían hacer ningún inconveniente ya que es de uso recreativo y no llega al peso para registrarlo. DJI peru ya lo vende por ende ya debería estar homologado. Yo también quiero llevar el mio a Perú me gustaría saber si todo estuvo bien .
Gracias!!
Jorge 15 May, 2023 at 6:05 am
Buenos dias, por favor podrias indicar donde puedo ver tus productos y sus precios , gracias
Oliver from Exploor 15 May, 2023 at 8:01 pm
Hola Jorge, puedes revisar nuestra página https://www.exploorperu.com y navegas por los destinos para encontrar los tours o nos escribes un correo a info@exploor.pe y te ayudamos. 🙂
Kevin 9 May, 2023 at 4:51 am
Hola! Viajo en unos meses a Peru; y quisiera saber los requisitos o donde puedo escribir para poder obtener permiso de vuelo de Drone en lugares de Cusco que mencionan con este requisito
Diego 24 March, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Buen día, en Junio de este año tengo pensado visitar los sitios mas representativos de Perú como:
Cusco, el Valle Sagrado, La montaña de 7 colores, 7 Lagunas, Salkantay , laguna Parón, Laguna 69, el Cañón de los perdidos entre otros.
Las recomendaciones que indicas siguen vigente a la fecha para el uso de drones ? o que recomendación adicional
me podrías dar para volar en los sitios que te indico. Agradezco tu ayuda. Saludos
Oliver from Exploor 27 March, 2023 at 11:19 am
Hola Diego, gracias por tu mensaje! Si, efectivamente siguen vigentes. Igual te recomendaría que te pongas en contacto con la agencia que organice tus tours para que te brinden más información para los destinos mencionados que no se encuentran en nuestro articulo de blog. Saludos desde Peru 🙂
guadalupe castillejos hernandez 8 February, 2023 at 2:44 pm
Hola buenas tardes. disculpe requiero de su apoyo para indicar que requisitos debo de considerar para poder acceder con un drone al pais de Peru.
Le comento somos una empresa que trabaja en el sector eolico en la inspeccion de palas externas con Drone. El drone que manejamos es un DJI MATRICE 300 RTK CON UN PESO MAXIMO DE VUELO DE 9.000 KGS
Oliver from Exploor 9 February, 2023 at 1:34 pm
Hola, gracias por tu comentario 🙂 Para drones especiales, mejor sería comunicarse directamente con el aeropurto Jorge Chavez o Aduanas Peru para que tengan la información exacta. Nosotros solo tenemos experiencia con drones pequeños para el uso personal.
Saludos desde Peru,
Oliver
Santiago 4 January, 2023 at 6:23 pm
¿Donde puedo obtener el permiso para volar mi DJI Mavic Pro en Valle Sagrado?
Oliver from Exploor 5 January, 2023 at 5:29 pm
Hola Santiago! Depende de dónde en el Valle Sagrado quieras volar, normalmente siempre es en el mismo sitio turístico en la oficina municipal. Para poder volar en Maras sacamos un permiso en la misma entrada, pagando un fee adicional por eso.
gustavo 7 November, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Hola, tengo un vuelo programado en este mes, desde mexico puedo viaja con un DJI mini y volarlo en lima y cusco o se tiene que hacer algun tramite?
Oliver from Exploor 11 November, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Hola Gustavo, si puedes viajar con tu DJI mini. Si quieres volar aqui en Lima & CUsco depende de donde sea…siempre es mejor preguntar a los autoridades antes. En la mapa de DJI también puedes ver donde se puede volar.
daniel 24 October, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Hola, puedo viajar con mi mini 2 en vuelos nacionales? sin necesidad de hacer papeleos?
Oliver from Exploor 25 October, 2022 at 8:08 am
Hola Daniel, cómo estás? Si, no hay problema. Puedes volar con tu mini 2 en vuelos nacionales sin papeleos. Saludos 🙂
Luis 23 October, 2022 at 12:45 am
Hola, yo estoy regresando a Perú y llevo un DJI mini 3 pro, necesitaría declararlo y pagar algo?
También llevo mi Mac mini y monitor, no se si me podrán ayudar también con esta información 😅
Oliver from Exploor 24 October, 2022 at 8:31 am
Hola Luis, cómo estás? No creo que haya problema por tu drone, pero no sé como sería el tema de la Mac y tu monitor…creo mejor sería si te comunicas con Aduanas de frente. Saludos y buen viaje!🙂
Alfredo 6 September, 2022 at 11:51 pm
Donde se pide ese permiso temporal, tengo un viaje en el mes de Enero y me gustaria volarlo en Cuzco plaza y en la laguna humantay.
Oliver from Exploor 7 September, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Hola Alfredo, cómo estás? Depende en donde te gustaría volar, puede ser o en la municipalidad o con la misma gente de la comunidad 🙂
Maurice 16 August, 2022 at 8:49 am
Did any of you register the drone at the MTC? Or is that not necessary as a tourist?
Registaste el drone al MTC? O no es necesario por turistos?
Oliver from Exploor 22 August, 2022 at 9:25 am
Hey Maurice, I didn’t do it and other from our team/people we worked with (foreign tourists and content creators) also didn’t have to do so.
Rae 15 August, 2022 at 3:38 pm
I lived in Lima in 2021 for 6 months and flew my DJI Mavic Pro drone all over the country. What a beautiful place. I would typically launch the drone far away from people and when flying over a site I would keep it high enough to be out of earshot.
I didnt pay any tax deposit, because I had a huge computer case that took all the attention and I paid the Tax on that. I got it back when I left the country.
Oliver from Exploor 22 August, 2022 at 9:26 am
Hey Rae, that’s amazing! Happy to hear you had a great time in Peru. And thanks for sharing your experience with us! 🙂
Mark Tonnys 4 March, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Lleve a Peru un DJI Mavic mini (el mas pequeño de los drones) lo declare en aduana y no me hicieron pagar nada (valor en usa menos de $350). Lo trate de usar en el morro solar pero la app no me dejaba usarlo por que estabamos cerca delabase aerea las palmas.
Oliver from Exploor 6 March, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Hola Mark, genial que no hayas tenido problemas al entrar a Peru con tu drone! 🙂 Es muy cierto lo que dices, hay varias zonas donde la app no te deja volar por temas de seguridad. Saludos!
Juan 12 March, 2022 at 7:27 am
Si puedes volar previo permiso por medio de la página de dji.
Andy 13 December, 2023 at 2:09 pm
Hola Mark, necesito información ya que en enero haré lo mismo que tu, traeré un dron mini DJI mini II, lo llegaste a declarar en aduanas a penas llegaste a pERU? no tuviste que pagar nada? no te han dicho porq? el motivo? ya q estas ratas siempre te cobran algo.