If Peru is your main travel destination for your next vacation trip, make sure to follow these tips and make the most of your experience. Don’t be a typical tourist and get to know our country and culture in-depth. Let us teach you how to Peru in a real way!
Before coming to Peru, some travelers think Machu Picchu is the only attraction in the country, but that is not the case. This Andean gem is known for its culture and natural diversity, so we can assure you there’s so much to do you would consider visiting our country again.
For those looking for a unique and unforgettable experience through the country of the Incas, here we have gathered some Peru travel advice that will surely optimize your adventure through our country.
1. Travel Off the Beaten Path
Planning a trip to Peru could be quite difficult, not because of the logistics it may imply but the different destinations it has to visit that you end up wondering how to decide what’s worth seeing and what’s better to leave behind. Therefore, we advise you to do proper research, think about the things you’d like to do, and compare your options.
There’s a well-known route that gathers Peru’s main attractions, but why stick to what everybody already knows if there are more unique places full of history and natural wonders ready to be shared with the world? Get off the beaten path and meet outstanding places like Trujillo or Huaraz and make the most of your trip.
2. Check the Weather
The climate conditions in Peru may vary according to its regions. Therefore, we recommend you learn everything about it before your experience. We are aware that the weather in Peru can be unpredictable, but as long as you organize your packing list according to the season you’re traveling in, everything should be fine. To put you in context, there are two marked seasons in Peru:
- The Dry Season: Takes place between May and October. It’s considered to be the coldest season in the Andes, and chances of rain are nearly nil.
- The Rainy Season: It transitions between October and December, but it’s predominant from January and April.
To help you understand these distinctive weather conditions, we have come up with a detailed section about when’s a good time to travel to Peru, learn everything about it while you’re here.
3. Be Prepared
We, as travelers, know there are some important details to keep in mind while planning a trip. Certain things may have gone unnoticed, but we won’t let you miss anything, so make sure to know everything before coming to Peru.
If you wish to learn more, please check our guides, where you’ll find information about Peru’s entry requirements, the voltage in Peru, when to travel, what to pack, and more.
4. Learn a Few Spanish Phrases
We know, Spanish is even difficult for us (Spanish speakers), but it’s not so hard to understand. Keep in mind that not everyone speaks English in Peru. Although you could get your way by doing some signs and pointing at things, learning a few Spanish words could help you even better. Besides, locals will really appreciate the effort.
5. Shop Like a Local
Don’t miss the opportunity of visiting local markets, where you’ll surely be amazed by the hidden treasures found in these places. By shopping like a local we mean to negotiate! Although in some places you will find good, reasonable prices, in others you’ll realize that things could go out of hand, so don’t be afraid of asking for a cheaper deal, especially with taxi rides.
6. Try the Peruvian Gastronomy
Peruvian cuisine is recognized worldwide for comprehending over 2,500 typical dishes, where exotic and authentic flavors will leave you wanting more. If you'd like to try the local gastronomy, we advise you to visit the local markets and the renowned restaurants in the area.
If you're looking for an authentic gastronomic experience, Lima is the best option for you since it gathers the most renowned restaurants worldwide. Likewise, three of them have maintained their positions within the World’s 50 Best Restaurants rating.
7. Know Your Transport Options
There are different ways to travel through the country, whether it is by bus, flight or train, you’ll surely have an exciting adventure. Here are some recommendations to help you organize your trip through Peru:
- By Bus: If you have a flexible itinerary with lots of time in between, we recommend you take a bus ride to the destinations you’d like to visit. This way, you’ll be able to appreciate the outstanding scenery of Peru’s different regions and explore the country like a real traveler.
If you don’t know where to go by bus or how to organize a bus trip through Peru, don’t worry, we got you covered! Discover Southern Peru with this special package and just worry about having fun.
- By Flight: If your goal is to experience the best of Peru in the shortest time possible then this is the right option for you. We know how important it is to optimize time during holidays, which is why we advise you to check this express package.
- By Train: Although you can’t travel all of Peru by train at the moment, there are certain routes in the Peruvian Andes, where you can explore Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco aboard one of the world’s most luxurious trains, the Belmond Andean Explorer.
However, this is not the only train route there is since you can visit Machu Picchu by train, either it is from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. A visually striking scenery that you definitely can’t miss!
We know how tedious organizing a trip can be, so leave it to us! Dare to discover Peru with these special packages and make the most of your time in this South American gem.
8. Explore the Cities with a Local Expert
We highly recommend you take Free Walking Tours, this way, you’ll get to know the cities and their history. Most of these tip-based tours start from the cities’ main square, you just have to show up, sign up, and have fun!
By taking advantage of the Free Walking Tours, you’ll get to know the touristic side of the cities, while at the same time, getting acquainted with the streets and the surroundings.
9. Learn How to Deal with Altitude Sickness
It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived your whole life over 2,500 meters of elevation since altitude sickness can hit anyone at any time so make sure to prevent it and learn how to deal with it to avoid stress at all costs
According to specialists, the recommended way to approach altitude is by ascending gradually and slowly while taking a 24h break every 600-900 meters of elevation. But let’s be real, not everyone has time to do that, so here are a few recommendations to help you prevent altitude sickness:
- Drink enough water! That is the first step to avoid any altitude sickness symptoms.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- If flying to high-altitude places, make sure to take some time to acclimate your body before committing to any physically demanding activity.
- Eat a light but high-calorie diet.
If you’re experiencing any altitude sickness symptoms, make sure to follow these tips:
- Stop and rest wherever you are.
- Don’t go any higher during the next 24 to 48 hours.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise.
- Drink Coca tea, known for helping with acclimation.
It is worth mentioning that altitude sickness is very common in Peru’s highlands. Therefore, some medicines help to fight it such as Diamox and Soroche pills. Please, consult your doctor before taking any of these medications.
10. Take Your Time
Unquestionably, Peru has become everyone’s favorite destination while traveling through South America since it gathers attractions, activities, and fascinating destinations for all tastes and ages. Therefore, most travelers stress out wanting to know everything during their vacations.
To avoid this, we highly recommend you do your own research, think about the things you’d like to do and your favorite attractions. Once you’ve got an idea, organize your trip according to your interests.
We want you to have a unique, stress-free experience throughout our country, which is why we encourage you to read about the most exciting travel destinations in Peru while you’re here. It doesn’t matter where you go, what you visit Peru will always provide a unique experience, it’s up to you if you take it or not.
