Peru is one of the most popular nations to travel around in South America, especially in appreciation of its iconic Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. From the popular Lake Titicaca to the coasts in the north to the vibrant indigenous society, Peru is bursting with things to watch and do irrespective of your interests.
While many visitors just come for a week to see the highlights, you can easily spend a month or further here and not get tired. Home to 28 of the 32 climatic zones, Peru is one of the greatly diverse nations on the planet to tour. Below mentioned are the 12 crucial Peru travel tips that you should consider before traveling to the destination.
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Is Peru a safe country?
Peru is regarded as a safe country for tourists but there are just a few stuff to keep in mind while you travel to Peru:
- Safe for women: Arranging a solo journey to Peru is very popular and is a perfectly safe area for female visitors.
- Pickpockets: Petty crimes like pickpocketing are the most popular safety concerns so hold everything zipped up or padlocked and close to your someone, especially during overnight bus rides.
- Night time: Small cities and villages are very safe in the evening but prevent areas outside the neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco in Lima after night.
12 Tips to know before landing in Peru
Check all your Documents
A legal passport is mandated for all international journeys, and it must be so for 6 months after the date you arrive in Peru. Depending on the nation of your citizenship, you may be instructed to get a visa to enter Peru. However, the inhabitants of the U.S. Canada, and the European Union do not require a visa to enter Peru.
By Peruvian law, you must carry the passport in case of unexpected document checks in cities, hotels, or other regions. It is also advisable to make some photocopies of your passport and keep them in a different backpack.
Don’t Drink the Public Water
Peru is a developed region, and as you fly into Lima, you’ll see what a huge city it is. Unfortunately, the nation’s public drinking water has not caught up to its tourism enterprise in terms of modernity, so avoid drinking up tap water.
Take other similar precautions as well, like confirming that the ice in your drink was made with pure water and rinsing any fruit that you plan to consume. And don’t even imagine getting water in your mouth while in the shower.
Unfortunately, you’ve got to stick to stored water during your Peru journey.
Budget Extra Time and Money
Peru has a huge range of options for visitors of all budgets. You can even get a room for as low as USD10 per night in Cusco. The low-budget automobile is also available in abundance with tickets around USD20 to main destinations. The lowest taxes in Peru are from October to April.
The mid-range trip is perhaps a decent means to schedule a journey to Peru. Stay in lodges that offer great value for capital and dine a mix of local food and more classical cuisine. You can experience the best of the country with a bit of luxury for around USD20– 40 per day.
There are plenty of luxury experiences for tourists seeking better things. Making your allowance upwards of USD310 per evening would afford you lodges on the banks of Lake Titicaca and luxury train tickets
Go to Machu Picchu Before Cusco
Many famous guidebooks propose acclimating to the high altitude of the Peruvian Andes in Cusco before leading the way to Machu Picchu. Since you have to fly into Cusco anyhow, you’re better off going straight to Machu Picchu.
Cusco is 3,400 meters above sea level, while Machu Picchu is about 2,400 meters. Therefore, you’ll have a much simpler time there before heading back up to Cusco.
Try the Coca Tea — But Don’t Bring It Back
Peruvians and their ancestors have used coca leaves to neutralize altitude illness for centuries, if not millennia. Citizens chew the leaves or prepare tea from them, which you will surely be given several times while there.
It is worth attempting if only for the cultural importance the plant holds in this part of the planet. So have a mug and see if you like it — just don’t try it too close to sleep because it’s a stimulant and might keep you rouse.
By all means, try the coca tea… but don’t try to get it home. It is legal to bring home the coca tea bags or coca candies, but NOT the coca leaves.
Stock Up at the Pharmacy
One of the most popular incidents for visitors to Peru’s cliffs is altitude sickness. This can vary from a headache, brevity of breath, and suffering to insomnia, and heart palpitations.
- Give yourself at least 12 hours for acclimatization
- Ignore smoking and alcohol, as well as stimulants like coffee or energy beverages.
- In case you however need medications for headaches, slow digestion, etc, ask your physician beforehand.
- Moreover, there are altitude sickness tablets, but they are costly and based on raw herbs. Ask your physician first in this case too.
Keep Small Change on You
This is one of such Peru travel tips that will help you throughout your journey. Always keep some change with you! It is nice to have a few bills and cash in tiny denominations, just in case you need to purchase souvenirs here or there. But, you will always need some change to use the washroom.
Public washrooms in historical areas and even Machu Picchu require payment, usually one or two soles, to use. Often that includes a ration of toilet paper and paper towel to wipe your hands.
Ask Before Photographing People
This is one of the important Peru travel tips to keep in mind if you are traveling for content or photography.
In major tourist sights like the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, you’ll see women and kids dressed in ancestral attire and posing with llamas or alpacas. These people make their living by charging tourists for pictures. And if you intend to click any then make sure to take their permission. It is both polite and will save you from being harangued into giving money.
Tips are Always Welcome
Tipping is normal in Peru, though perhaps not quite up to US objectives. But, while visiting a restaurant or cafe in Peru, make sure to dole out about 10% of your ultimate tab in tips. You may also put in a few additional bucks if the service is excellent.
The Voltage Is Higher Here
Unlike many western countries, the electric volt in Peru is as high as 220 volts. However, that shouldn’t make a difference for most electronics. It is also recommended to keep an eye on your electronics at all times.
On the plus side, your iPhone will charge faster. But, you might also notice it heating up while doing so. Be cautious and ensure to unplug when you’re done so that you do not stress the circuitry.
Ensure That You’re Insured
As with any big international journey, you might need to consider travel insurance for a tour to Peru.
The country is quite safe in general, but you will need a visa if you intend to go to any remote destinations or partake in adventure activities.
It will come in handy in the case of an accident, where you might need medical care or an expensive transfer to Lima. Additionally, browse the fine print of any policy you buy so you understand what factors are and aren’t covered.
Using Credit Cards Is Easy
Earlier in Peru, various places used to charge a few points in fees each time you utilized your credit card. However, that doesn’t seem to be the issue any longer in many areas. You don’t need to pay a single tax at resorts or restaurants during your trip.
Of course, be sure to carry a credit card with no foreign transaction taxes. By that, you will receive bonus points for your investments, that range from 3x points per dollar at diners to 2x points on entertainment.
Peru is an incredible territory to trip with awe-inspiring scenery, vibrant cities, and friendly folk. But to make the travel a bit more hassle-free ensure to keep these Peru travel tips in mind.
And we are sure that your Peru travel will surely be a journey to remember!
FAQs
Is Peru cheap to travel to?
Not only is Peru a great destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, but it is also one of the most economical0 ones in South America.
The regular price of a 7-day journey to Peru is $1,361 for a solo tourist, $2,444 for a duo, and $4,582 for a family of 4. Peru hotels range from $54 to $247 per night with an average of $95, while most vacation rentals will amount to $140 to $640 per night for the whole home.
Is Peru good to visit in December?
December to February can be the best duration of year to travel to Peru if you are touring the seaside areas, particularly in the north. You can predict temperatures to be hot and sunny at over a pleasant 29˚C. There will be very slight rainfall in coastal regions.
During the December to February duration, you can expect the rainy season in the Amazon Basin and the Andes. Water levels are high during this period, and flora and fauna are sufficient.
During this duration of the year, the Inca Trail often shuts down during February due to possible landslides and maintenance. Machu Picchu itself remains open during this moment.
