Spending your vacations in Peru for the first time can be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. Its extraordinary sights and unique characteristics will provide you with an authentic perspective filled with unforgettable moments. However, this situation can be a bit confusing, especially if you’ve never visited this magnificent place before. Therefore, the best thing you can do is educate yourself and research the most useful tips before going to Peru to make the most of your adventure.
Even experienced travelers may face challenges related to altitude, weather, safety, or other issues. Hence, the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share this blog that will surely help you. Remember that every case is personal and specific, so you may need additional tips. For this reason, don’t hesitate to consult with our advisors; they will be happy to help you plan your dream trip.
Discover the best tips before visiting the Andean country
- Tour operator
- Documentation
- Currency exchange and economy
- Security
- Health
- Food and dining
- Electricity and connectivity
- Destinations
- Other precautions
Tour operator
The best advice before doing tourism in Peru is definitely to hire a specialized tour operator. Among the most useful tips for travelling in Peru is choosing the perfect partner, since this will determine the type of experience you want, based on your expectations and interests. Besides, working with exclusive advisors with many years of experience and a long track record will ensure your expertise. Consequently, contacting a travel agency can ensure detailed itineraries, transparent prices, and, above all, a completely personalized trip.
Documentation
First, you should have the necessary documentation depending on your country of origin. To do this, it’s best to consult with the relevant authorities depending on your special situation. Visiting the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website will provide you with what you need before coming. Furthermore, the most common recommendation is that your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Nevertheless, carrying multiple copies of your documentation will be optimal, and better if it´s stored in the cloud. Likewise, if you’re planning a trip to Peru, you’ll need to consider comprehensive travel insurance to avoid complications. Trip interruptions, lost luggage, or medical emergencies, while rare, are situations that can occur, so consider preventive measures.
Currency exchange and economy
One of the most challenging aspects is managing money, especially in a country that uses a different currency. Peru uses the sol (PEN) as its official currency, but many places widely accept the US dollar. Therefore, most travelers prefer to carry dollars and exchange them for soles only when necessary. The best exchange options are at exchange offices or banks, as they provide a secure and reliable service.
Additionally, maintaining a separate cash system will contribute to your financial security, which is essential in a foreign country. Among the best tips to make your trip to Peru unforgettable is managing your money wisely, so we recommend carrying cash in a money belt, extra bills in your luggage, and a separate credit card. Also, if you handle cash, make sure the bills are in perfect condition, especially high-denomination bills.
Security
While Peru is generally safe, particularly in popular tourist areas, it’s crucial to keep some safety tips in mind. Petty theft is the most common problem, particularly in crowded places and remote cities. Most trips are uneventful; nonetheless, it’s important to consider the following recommendations.
- Stay mindful of your phone, wallet, and personal items in busy areas. Keep them secure in your front pockets, avoiding the back pockets entirely.
- Try to visit places near historic centers and tourist attractions. Avoid being alone in secluded areas late at night.
- Using official taxis, app-based taxis, or pre-arranged rides will be the best way to get around. Although street taxis or public transportation are cheaper, they won’t offer the security offered by the previous options.
- Consult with locals; they will provide you with firsthand information based on your specific situation. Although many Peruvians only speak Spanish, they will be willing to provide the assistance you need.
You also might be interested in: How to plan a trip to Peru.
Health
One of the main travel considerations is taking care of your health during those long-awaited days. People know this country for its high altitude because Machu Picchu is at a considerable height above sea level. Hence, altitude sickness is one of the main complications for many tourists. Yet, it´s not something you should worry about because if you take it easy on the first day, you won´t experience issues.
You do not need any vaccinations to enter Peru, but some are highly recommended depending on your destination. For those who decide to visit rural or jungle areas, especially if it´s your first time visiting these places. Vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis, yellow fever, and malaria are the most common. Nevertheless, it is best to consult your doctor for recommendations based on your particular situation.
In addition, medical care in its main cities is adequate because it has hospitals and clinics with proper medications. Yet, in isolated regions such as the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, or Aguas Calientes, it’s rare to encounter numerous choices. Despite this, finding medications is relatively easy because most cities have pharmacies. Additionally, many pharmacists sell common medications without a prescription, including some antibiotics.
Food and dining
If you ask yourself what Peru is famous for, many people will answer either Machu Picchu or its cuisine. The latter offers a wide variety of delicious options, but you should keep in mind some considerations before trying. Accordingly, it’s best to eat freshly cooked food and avoid raw products, unless you’re in a reliable place. Although street food costs less, many people do not recommend eating it more if it’s your first time.
Additionally, staying hydrated is ideal; hence, drink purified or bottled water. This is because tap water is not suitable for direct consumption throughout Peru. Some hotels and establishments also offer drinking water, so bringing a reusable bottle is also helpful. Nonetheless, tap water can be useful for washing fresh produce, such as local fruits.
Electricity and connectivity
Another question you may have is regarding connectivity and electronics in Peru. Although this will depend on your location, access will usually be difficult in remote destinations. Regarding electricity, it’s best to bring a universal adapter to charge your electronic devices. If you don’t have much access to power, a power bank is ideal.
In addition, for staying connected, one of the best options is to buy a local SIM card. Among the important things to know before going to Peru is how to stay connected during your trip. Claro or Movistar are some carriers that are optimal for urban areas, although speeds decrease in remote areas. Additionally, downloading apps that don’t require a connection will be excellent for those moments when you’re disconnected. Map apps will be essential for finding your way around this new destination.
You also might be interested in: Best time to visit Peru.
Destinations
While this element ties into your planning, you must decide on destinations to explore according to your interests. The Andean country is much more than Machu Picchu and offers a wide range of completely enjoyable alternatives. Those interested in the best things to do in Peru can consult multiple sources to see which one suits their needs.
Additionally, depending on the season, you could also complement your trip with less-visited destinations. For example, it’s ideal to visit Andean cities like Cusco or Arequipa during the Machu Picchu dry season. However, the panorama changes with the rainy season, when the Amazon and the Peruvian coast are excellent for enjoying.
Other precautions
In addition to the previous ones, there are some cultural and social tips that you have to consider. Peru is a friendly and welcoming country to visitors, but that doesn’t mean every act is socially acceptable. Its deep traditions, strong sense of community, and strict codes of respect are some examples of what to keep in mind. Therefore, we offer some recommendations that will help you integrate into Peru and its exciting people.
- In some major cities, people dress casually but not sloppily, so it’s best to wear comfortable and modest clothing. Modesty is important, particularly in rural areas or traditional communities. Hence, avoiding overly flashy or revealing clothing will be the best option.
- First-time visitors to Peru are probably not fluent in Spanish. Consequently, we recommend learning some basic Spanish phrases such as “gracias”, “por favor”, or “buenos días”. In Andean destinations, we recommend learning some Quechua words like “rimaykullayki”, which means “hello”.
- Wanting to capture your entire experience in a photograph is inevitable; nonetheless, it’s best to ask before taking one. For example, photographing ceremonies or figures without permission may affect their customs and traditions. Furthermore, in traditional communities, it can be somewhat offensive.
- Showing genuine interest in Andean culture without treating it as a spectacle is the best way to demonstrate respect. Listen and observe more than you photograph; the experience is real, not just from your phone. Moreover, showing interest in their culture will provide you with more opportunities to immerse yourself in it.
- Some sensitive topics can generate controversy among the people of Peru. Catholicism is the dominant religion in this country; if you don’t share its beliefs, remain respectful. Also, avoid making jokes about politics or economics; these are sensitive topics with people you don’t know well.
“EVEN A SMALL PIECE OF ADVICE WILL CHANGE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE”
Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a more elaborate stay, we’re sure these tips will help you better understand Peru. Likewise, the Machu Travel Peru team hopes you enjoyed our article on tips for traveling to the Andean country. Remember, this is just a small glimpse into what this country has to offer. Moreover, for more information, don´t hesitate to contact our advisors; they’ll be happy to provide you with information.
Peru has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
