Are you heading to Peru for the holidays? I’ve got you!
Peru has been one of those countries that completely surprised me – and not just once.
On my first visit, I was stunned by the beauty of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the vibrant streets of Cusco, but what caught me off guard was the altitude sickness – something I didn’t fully prepare for. Luckily, after a few visits, I’ve learned and collected some travel tips that I wish I knew before setting foot here.
From exploring the Amazon jungle to the historical cities and the diverse culture, Peru offers so much, but there are some key things I learned that could make anyone’s trip smoother and more memorable.
Let’s dive into what you really need to know before travelling to Peru – all from my own experiences!
5 Best Tips For Visiting Peru
1. Weather In Peru
Peru’s weather can be a real mixed bag, especially in places like Cusco and the Sacred Valley. I’ve learned that dressing in layers is a must the hard way.
So my initial plan was to hike to Rainbow Mountain. I started the day with clear skies and warm sunshine, only to be caught in a sudden, chilly downpour halfway up. By the time I reached the top, the weather cleared again, and it was hot! Always pack a light jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and layers you can peel off or add depending on the unpredictable weather.
Now, I always pack a light jacket, sunscreen, and a hat, along with layers I can easily put on or take off depending on how the weather shifts. Trust me, you don’t want to be freezing at high altitudes or constantly sweating while exploring the vibrant markets in Cusco.
2. Safety Is Priority
If you’re like me, you’re probably anxious every time you travel to a new place.
I’ll be honest, the country has its challenges, especially in certain areas, but it’s not as daunting as some people might make it seem.
I spent several weeks in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. While I was cautious, I didn’t feel unsafe as long as I used common sense and kept a few tips in mind.
Here’s what helped me: Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night. Uber is your best friend, particularly in big cities like Cusco – it’s safe and reliable.
In smaller towns like Ollantaytambo, I walked around during the day without issues, especially in tourist-friendly areas. The locals are very friendly and welcoming.
Having an eSIM also helped me access maps and local information easily without the hassle of finding Wi-Fi or dealing with a physical SIM card.
Just be aware of your surroundings, avoid bringing and wearing expensive things, and just leave all your valuables at your accommodation.
3. Driving In Peru
Trust me when I say the best way to explore Peru is by car.
I actually rented a car every time I visited, and driving there was surprisingly easy. The roads are very well-maintained, especially in tourist areas, but you’ll need to be prepared for some winding mountain roads if you’re heading to places like the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu. Also, you’ll need to adjust to driving on the left side of the road (if you’re used to right-hand driving).
Something I didn’t expect to be an issue but ended up being super important: knowing how to restore headlights.
One night, when I was driving back from the Sacred Valley, I noticed my headlights were getting pretty dim, and that made me very nervous and uneasy. I took a quick stop at a local shop in Urubamba where they gave me a few tips on restoring headlights using toothpaste! Yes, a simple fix! But to be more cautious, you can also pick up a headlight restoration kit if you’re planning longer road trips.
Taking the time to restore your headlights can be a lifesaver especially at night, when there’s less street lights or where the wildlife might come out unexpectedly.
Also, be extra cautious when driving near national parks, particularly at dusk and dawn when animals are most active.
4. Best Way To Plan Your Trip To Peru
When I first arrived in Peru, I had this naive idea that I could quickly hop from one place to another. But I soon discovered how big and varied this nation is! A vacation to the Amazon, a city tour of Cusco, and a trek to Machu Picchu cannot be crammed into one week. Each trip requires quite some time and careful planning.
Trust me, I learned this the hard way. If you’re flying into Lima (which many people do), you’ll find it’s a long journey to some of the highlights. For instance, it’s a 1.5-hour flight to Cusco, and then another few hours to reach the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu from there.
Alternatively, you could drive from Lima to the Andes, but that would take about 20 hours, which isn’t practical if you want to enjoy your trip. That’s why I recommend choosing a few main regions to fully explore rather than trying to go to them all.
On one of my visits, I spent 10 days just exploring the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Those places alone could fill up a week, especially if you want to take your time hiking to the ruins, trying the local cuisine, or wandering through the vibrant markets.
5. It Helps To Learn Local Phrases
Although English is widely spoken, the country actually has many diverse languages. But picking up a few Zulu, Xhosa, or Afrikaans phrases can really make a difference in your experience. It’s an easy way to be respectful and establish a connection with the people there.
Before going on my first trip, I took the time to learn how to say “Ñukaka pichka” (thank you) in Quechua, and the smiles I got from people when I spoke those phrases really improved how I was greeted.
In Cusco, where many people also speak Spanish, my attempt to say a few Spanish phrases like “Gracias” (thank you) and “Por favor” (please) were never very good, but they were always appreciated. Small actions like these have a significant influence.
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Peru is simply one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. So take it from me – pack smart, plan your trip wisely, and get ready for the best trip to Peru!
