31 Peru Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Know

Looking for the best Peru travel tips to be well-prepared for your trip?

You will need to bring ibuprofen, wipes, sunscreen, insect repellant, a thick jacket, and comfortable shoes, download the Spanish language on the Google translation app, research the weather forecast, pack appropriate clothes, book your tours/tickets in advance, and many more!

Honestly, I thought I was prepared before I traveled to Peru as I did all these and did my research as well, but unfortunately, there are still some things I had to personally learn on my own during my Peru trip that I wish I had known before going to Peru.

I learned these Peru travel tips I will be sharing with you from my own travel experiences and from the locals I met who helped my Peru Trip be more enjoyable.

This post is all about Peru travel tips that every traveler should know about.

I will share these experiences and tips with you to save you from bad experiences, to help you be better prepared, and to have the best time in Peru.

These are tips you need to know. 

Best Peru Travel Tips

1. Always have some ibuprofen with you

If there’s a country where I used the most ibuprofen and ended up running out for the first time (because I was sharing them with other travelers), it’s Peru!

The high-altitude sickness is inevitable and an absolute struggle, especially when first arriving in Cusco and while hiking!

Despite, asking my doctor to prescribe me acetazolamide for high-altitude sickness before going to Peru and taking the prophylactic dose the day before arriving at Cusco, I still experienced the symptoms of high-altitude sickness (headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite). However, when I took ibuprofen, it helped a lot to make me feel better.

It’s hard to enjoy traveling with altitude sickness. Be sure to be prepared and bring medicines with you.

2. Bring medicine for motion sickness

Want to enjoy seeing the beautiful landscape you will drive through while traveling in Peru?

Then, pack motion sickness pills with you.  Remember to take it 1 hour to 30 minutes before getting in the car, especially if you know you suffer easily from motion sickness.

Based on my experience, almost all the roads we traveled in Peru were winding and bumpy. Please keep this in mind as it can be uncomfortable and hard to sleep in the car.

Fortunately, as a frequent traveler and pharmacist, I always made sure I always had all the medicines I needed with me.

Taking motion sickness medicine before every tour has always helped prevent me from feeling nauseated and vomiting in the car and importantly allowed me to enjoy seeing the incredible sceneries of Peru.

You may consider wearing motion sickness wristbands or topical oils if they work for you or if you do not want to take medicine.

3. Bring anti-diarrheal medication

Be careful eating buffet places. As much as I want to experience local cuisine because Peruvian food is amazing, stomachache and diarrhea are inevitable no matter how careful and picky I can be with what I eat. There’s always the possibility.

Just like any international travel, if you have a weak or sensitive stomach, you must have medicine with you at all times.

You must prepare yourself and have over-the-counter medicine anti-diarrheal in your everyday travel bag.

It would be unfortunate to deal with common travel illnesses such as upset stomach, motion sickness, or headache while traveling in Peru as it’s harder to enjoy your travel activities and tour that day.

So, if you want to be prepared and keep enjoying your time while in Peru, make sure you have helpful medicines with you at all times in your bag, especially when going to smaller towns and hiking tours because there might not be any pharmacy nearby or may take a very long time to find one.

If you are traveling from the United States and want my recommendation as a pharmacist and frequent traveler on what specific over-the-counter medicines I recommend you must bring in Peru or any countries I’ve traveled to. Send me a message, and I’d be happy to help.

4. Protect your skin! Bring sunscreen and insect repellants!

Pack sunscreen, hats, long sleeves, long pants

Have you heard as you increase in elevation, it’s recommended to increase the SPF?

 

It’s important to apply an appropriate amount and SPF sunscreen every day and while traveling, especially in high-elevated places like Peru.

Please note that UV exposure at higher altitudes is significantly stronger and higher than at sea level. So besides applying sunscreen, consider wearing a hat and long sleeves as it’s very important to protect your skin.

In addition, protect your skin by applying insect repellants and using them appropriately as needed, especially before hiking and going to Machu Picchu.

5. Bring over-the-counter allergy medicines

Allergy triggers can happen especially when traveling as we’re being exposed to so many different things.

Important to know – must avoid this!

While touring Peru, I met a traveler with countless insect bites on his legs.

I’ve never seen that many and scary-looking insect bites ever before!

They looked painful, very itchy and horrible. I felt so bad so I offered Benadryl and Calmoseptine ointment sachets.

He accepted them and was very appreciative. It’s helpful to keep in mind what he shared — how he got them was when he went to Machu Picchu from the previous day.  He said he forgot to apply insect repellants and he took off his trousers since it got hot in the afternoon and ended up wearing just shorts.

We should all learn something from him.

So, before going to forest areas and hiking, apply insect repellant, wear layers to cover your skin, and pack over-the-counter allergy medicines (Loratadine or Benadryl) and anti-itching topicals to help with insect bites (just in case).

I have seen a lot of tourists still getting insect bites likely because they are not well covered up or some things are just inevitable.

So, I made sure when I went to Machu Picchu even if I was wearing a light long dress, I didn’t forget to apply insect repellants and most importantly, I chose to wear thin thermal black pants underneath to protect my legs.

Consider wearing socks or stockings to cover your entire legs and feet.

Thankfully, while in Peru I never had problems with sunburns and insect bites because of these tips.

6. Always have these with you – tissue, wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, and cash Peruvian money

Just like having your medicines with you at all times, I also recommend having these with you everywhere you go while traveling to Peru.

Not all restrooms have available toilet paper and soap.  So always have them on hand with you and easily accessible.

Every travel, I  always bring a travel-sized spray soap and 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol spray that are attachable in your bags for easy access, and can refill them as needed. Then, I put my travel on-the-go tissues and wet wipes in my bag’s front compartment all the time.

Also, be prepared to have cash coins with you at all times when using public restrooms as some places may require you to pay.

Remember toilet paper and tissue are NOT to be flushed in the toilet. Always place it in the trash

7. Expect and prepare for different climates in different regions and seasons in Peru

Peru’s seasons are different depending on where you are traveling from.

So, please research the season and weather before planning your itinerary and before packing for your trip.

Depending on the season you are traveling, it could rain, get very cold or sunny so make sure you schedule the most important activity when it’s NOT cloudy or raining and prepare appropriate clothes depending on the season and location

Tip: Wear layers especially when going to the mountains

8. Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes appropriate to the weather and season

Just like any travel, having comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes will help you to enjoy traveling even more. If you’re hiking, bring shoes specifically for hiking to protect your feet.

Don’t forget to bring a raincoat, especially a thick and long jacket!

 I experienced a drastic change of weather after staying in Lima and then arriving in Cusco because of elevation, it was so cold as soon as I arrived.

Another helpful tip is to bring layers of clothing so you can be prepared to dress according to the weather.

9. Learn common phrases in Spanish and download the Spanish language on Google Translate App

Know some common phrases and basic Spanish and save them on notes on your phone as not many people can speak English, especially in smaller towns.

I  also personally downloaded the Spanish language onto my phone, which allowed me to translate English to Spanish without an internet connection.

Funny how as soon as I was on the plane traveling from the USA to Peru. I sat next to a lady from South America and already had to use some basic Spanish words as she was very chatty even if she could not speak English she kept talking to me in Spanish. I had to use Google Translate right away when I hadn’t even arrived in Peru.

10. Schedule your hiking activities at the very end of your trip

Make sure the most elevated and difficult hike will be the last one!

Avoid starting your trip at high elevated locations right away.

Consider starting your trip in Lima first.

It’s important to let your body get acclimated to the high altitude first before going on hikes, especially in high elevations.

You don’t want to deplete most of your energy and be tired already the first few days you’re in Peru as you will not enjoy other activities.

 Start light travel activities first, then save the action-packed travel last.

11. Be aware and be prepared for the long required travel time to get to popular attractions

Expect a lot of travel time before getting to big and popular attractions

There are two options to get to Machu Picchu

• Hiking
• Train and bus

What to know before going to Machu Picchu

Based on my experiences:

• Lima to Cusco requires one in-country flight (1.5 hours)
• Cusco to Machu Pichu would require traveling:
  • From Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car/van
  • Then, from Ollantaytambo must ride the 90 mins train to get to Aguascalientes (you have to travel here before arriving in Machu Picchu)
  • Finally, from Aguascalientes to the entrance of Machu Pichu requires a bus ride

Consider staying one night in Aguascalientes because of the required travel time.

I arrived in Aguascalientes around 6 pm. Then the next day, I went to Machu Pichu from 9 am until 1 pm, then had lunch in Aguascaliente at Chef House. I took the train around 3 pm and  arrived in Cusco the same day.

I felt less rushed and less tired than if going to Machu Picchu all the same day.

12. Ensure when you pick a tour it includes what you need and what

• Be careful before paying for your tours. Double-check the details!
• Check if the tour includes  transportation specifically hotel pick up and drop off or sometimes would only say hotel pick up
• Check if the tours include entrance fees to places you’re going to
• Make sure you have a plan and cash for entrance fees and transportation back to your hotel

13. Don’t just see Machu Pichu, explore other beautiful places, there’s plenty!

Be prepared to see MANY incredible places in Peru that will leave you in awe!

I thought I was prepared for this, but oh boy, I found myself always in awe of seeing places I’ve never seen before that are not typically shown on the internet.

It’s even amazing seeing them in person.

I could honestly say that I appreciated the nature and mountains even more when I went to Peru.

If you are a nature lover and love the mountains, definitely Peru is for you. It’s one of the best places to spend time with nature and do some reflection.

Tip: I recommend staying in Cusco longer if you can because there are many available tours from Cusco.

14. Only drink bottled water. Consider NO ice in your drinks

Don’t drink the tap water. All the hotels I stayed in while in Peru had signs in the bathroom to NOT drink water in the sink and shower. Not safe to drink.

Be aware and avoid being exposed to and touching contaminated water.

15. Credit cards are accepted, choose to pay in local currency when using your card, and always have cash (Peruvian soles) with you

Travel smart!

Ensure to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and when the person or credit card device at a restaurant, store, or shop asks, “Would you be paying in ( Peruvian soles) /local currency or USD/the currency of where your card is from?”

Always choose local currency when running your card through the device.

I have done this a lot in my travels, and it always saved me money.

How to SAVE MONEY WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD

When using a credit card to pay for meals and purchases:

You should always choose/accept to pay in local currency

When withdrawing money from your debit card:

Never accept the conversion rates in ATMs prompt to convert it for you. Be cautious and notice the markup!

When I traveled to Peru, credit cards were accepted, but it’s always a good idea just like any travel to have cash on hand.

You will likely use Peruvian soles when going to non-tourist areas, small towns, and local/small markets.

16. Pay at the restaurant cash register, never place your credit card on the table, and never give it to the server

I always forget this when I travel abroad because in the United States, normally the server will place the bill on the table or give it to me directly, then I would put my credit card on the table together with the bill or I’d give it directly to the server when he/she returns to the table. Then, the server takes both the bill and card to complete the transaction. Lastly, the server returns to give back my card and the receipt.

However, in Peru, per my local guides, you must NEVER give your card to the server. They said that, normally, depending on the restaurant you go to, you must go directly to the restaurant cash register or wait for the server to come to you with a credit card device to pay for your bill

17. Sleep early before your Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain tours and prepare for a long day

It’s important to keep in mind that tours from Cusco usually start very early before or around 4:00 am and would typically take 14 hours long before arriving back at your hotel.

Based on my experience, I was picked up at 3:55 am. I wish I didn’t forget this because I wish I slept early at the beginning of my Peru trip so I have had enough energy I needed.

It’s important to note, that I found it hard to have a good nap in the car while getting to these popular attractions due to bumpy and winding roads.

So make sure to get your good quality sleep by sleeping early!

No need to post your travels on social media while traveling, the world can wait! Sleep is more important!

18. Uber is usually preferred. If taking a taxi, ensure the driver knows the location first and ask the price before getting on the taxi

Uber is available, especially in Lima, and is a lot cheaper than taking the Taxi. However, if you have to take a taxi, be very careful and ask first if the taxi driver knows where you want to go and negotiate and agree on the price before taking the taxi

Important: Don’t just get in the taxi and assume the driver knows the location you want to go.

ASK FIRST if the taxi driver knows the directions and the address you want to go

 

When I took a taxi in Cusco, two of the taxi drivers I asked for a ride didn’t know where I was asking to go. I’m thankful they were HONEST. I felt bad because I could tell they wanted to make a living, but they couldn’t understand much English and had no access to the internet to search the direction of where I wanted to go.

I felt really bad because they wanted to take me to the place, but I could tell they were from smaller towns with not much knowledge of technology and GPS. Politely, I apologized and chose not to get in the taxi because it worried me that even if I had GPS we might still get lost as I was not familiar with the area and I was traveling solo that night.

Important: In smaller towns in Peru, taxis only take cash.

19. Avoid getting scammed when taking baby alpaca photos

Ask and negotiate the price FIRST before taking photos with baby alpacas.

Make sure you ask specifically how much per person if you are a couple or in a group

Unfortunately, I got scammed. It was very disappointing, even after I gave a tip, they asked for more. Then even after giving them more, they said there were three (3) of them with the baby alpaca, so they asked to give each one of them money even if one lady was talking on the phone, and didn’t seem to care while photo was being taken, they insisted for more money.

I politely said I had no more cash. So be careful!

20. At Rainbow Mountain, no photo retake is allowed without paying again

Based on my experience here, you pay first to take pictures with alpacas. Again, ask first for the price and expect to pay per photo session.

Know that if you didn’t like your pictures the first time you took them and want to retake them, then you must pay again.

So, be sure you’re ready to take photos and videos and take as much as you can with a clear and sunny background at Rainbow Mountain because they will charge you again when you ask to re-take even if it’s just 1-2 minutes after.

This was the case for me because it was cloudy that day.

Issue: Cloudy morning

I arrived at Rainbow Mountain early in the morning and it was very misty with nothing to see. Even if I waited to be a bit sunny, it was hard to get the timing right with the rainbow mountain seen in the background with the alpacas as it remained cloudy and other people were also in the way of taking photos. I got a bit shy too!

So, I had to repeat it twice, and I had to pay twice.

So, be patient when you go in the morning. Depending on the weather you may have to wait to see the rainbow mountain.

Tip: You can choose to go in the afternoon instead. I heard there are fewer people so likely no people in your background/pictures. However, there might not be any alpacas to take photos with.

21. Consider riding horses when going to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain to enjoy the sceneries even more instead of trying to catch your breath

Be aware:

• Make sure to let your tour guide know in advance.
• Ask for the price first.
• No helmets were offered/included.

My experience: I stayed safe and healthy throughout the ride though as I rode the horse on the way to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. For me, I loved my experiences and was very happy!

Choose at your own risk.

I chose to ride the horse round trip at Humantay Lake and it’s just the best experience I had in Peru!

The out-of-this-world experience like being in paradise is incredible!

There was so much peace and joy that I still remember how it made me feel so so so good to be alive.

Trying something new when traveling

How was I convinced to try something new?

I have ridden horses before and I like hiking, but my Machu Picchu tour guide recommended riding the horse if I want to experience something unique and new.

He mentioned how I can always have the typical hiking experience back home but will not always have the opportunity to try something different like here in Peru.

He said he was certain I would like the experience. I trusted him as I am all about experiences and trying something new and different.

 In my mind, I also thought that I wanted to focus on appreciating the beautiful landscapes I see in front of me instead of worrying. I do not want to have to worry and think about having shortness of breath.

Furthermore, I want to be able to enjoy the scenery without any worries of experiencing out of breath. Simply  seeing and feeling the peace of being in nature makes me happy.

I had no regrets, and I was so happy I did it because I felt like I was in paradise.

Riding the horse at Humantay Lake is out of this world! No words to truly describe that experience!

You’ll get to appreciate the serenity and joy of nature. It’s really like being in paradise! At least that’s how I felt while riding the horse and seeing the beautiful mountains, trees, and streams along the way.

There’s nothing more peaceful than hearing the sounds of nature and the peace that comes along with it.

For me, the experience is SO much better, I got to appreciate the view, scenery, fresh air, and breeze  A LOT more than if I’m trying to catch my breath and wiping my sweating.

Getting exercise from hiking, losing calories, and hiking experiences in different countries are all great reasons to hike instead!  However, I would always choose to try something new and focus on appreciating the surroundings around me more.

Please note if planning to ride a horse to Humanity Lake:

• You still have to walk for about 20-30 minutes to get to where the horses are at.
• Know that there’s still a 15-20 minutes hike up and down to  and from the lake after riding the horse (that hike can be a struggle)

When hiking to Rainbow Mountain…

• I chose to ride the horse in the beginning only.
• After I rode the horse, there’s still a 30-40 minutes hike up with a lot of stairs going up
• There were kids selling passport stamps including Machu Picchu stamps
• I enjoyed seeing, touching, hugging, and taking photos with the soft alpacas here
• Then, when going back, I chose to walk as my tour guide recommended since the path would not be difficult as it’s just a long walk.  No steep hike.
• There are mini stores along the way to buy snacks and drinks.

22. Consider riding the PeruRail with the view

It would cost you extra, but I’d say go for it because it’s worth it.

The experience of seeing beautiful landscapes while riding the train will make your trip to Peru more memorable.

When I went during my trip to Peru, it included snacks and tea and there was a live fashion show for entertainment.

Decide early and book in advance to get a window seat!

Try not to take a nap and make sure to enjoy the scenery as you head to Aguas Calientes.

I took a nap on my way there because I was so tired, but I made sure on my way back to Cusco I stayed awake and took pictures.

23. Prepare your visit to Machu Pichu in advance. Consider staying one night at Aguas Calientes

What to know before going to Machu Picchu

If you’re NOT short on time, one night at Aguas Calientes would be great. As previously mentioned, the required travel time from Cusco to Machu is long and will be exhausting.

Before getting to Machu Picchu, I had three tickets (train, bus, and entrance ticket)

All trains stop at Aguas Calientes and busses stop at the entrance of Machu Picchu.

It’s important to buy your tickets in advance, Machu Picchu only lets a certain number of people in each day. You don’t want to have to re-schedule your visit.

Again, make sure to check the weather when scheduling your visit to Machu Picchu. It can get cloudy early in the morning. You don’t want cloudy weather when you want to take the best picture. It’d be unfortunate not to be able to see anything while up there.

I had to wait 1-2 hours until the sun was out to see a clear view, but it’s so worth it.

24. Buy Peruvian clothing, chocolate, salt, dried potatoes, and corn

Consider buying Peruvian clothing and at least one piece made of the softest baby alpaca wool. Don’t forget to bargain and negotiate.

I bought a unique style of gloves, hat, and scarf that I  know I could use in my future travel and can use for a long time.

The Peruvian cocoa chocolates with Peruvian salts are a perfect match. I bought a lot to give away back home.

Don’t miss tasteinf the best potatoes in Peru! Another must-try Peruvian snacks are dry potato chips.

I enjoyed my experience of eating dried potato chips to dip with different flavors of Peruvian salt or maybe I was just hungry that day.

I still remember the flavorful taste of those salts — I was sold that fast THAT I ended up buying several chocolates, potato chips, corn snacks, and packaged salts to take back to the States because the samples were so good.

25. Taste the amazing and special Peruvian food

The meals in Peru are affordable and delicious.

I didn’t realize how rich and flavorful Peruvian food was until I tasted it myself.

Here’s the list of Peruvian food I tried while in Peru:

I enjoyed most the Peruvian food I had except the guinea pig. Sorry, that one was special but has an unusual taste.

Peru travel tips

What to eat in Peru

•  Grilled Alpaca (my favorite, but I hugged some alpacas so not much guilt there)
•  Classic Lomo Saltado
•  Trout Ceviche (eat at lunch, not dinner)
•  Peruvian Chicharron
•  Peruvian Stuffed Peppers
•  Trout Tiradito (eat at lunch, not dinner)
•  Andean Chicken Soup (consider a light meal if your first day in Cusco)
•  Chiri Uchu
•  Carapulcra con sopa seca
•  Baked guinea pig (tasted very unusual)

I ate twice at buffet restaurants. I liked some of the dishes, but can’t remember the names.

 If eating buffet in Peru, eat at hotel buffets, or if not, make sure the food stays heated.

26. Try Peruvian delicious drinks, desserts, and snacks

I enjoyed…

• Lucuma ice cream
• Granadilla (similar to passion fruit)
• Organic fresh Peruvian potatoes and corn
• Inca Kola
• Chica morada (purple corn drink)

I don’t drink, but tried…

• Potato wine
• Milk wine

These tasted different and I can’t appreciate because I don’t drink. We went to a wine tasting as part of our tour and just tasted the particular flavor as I was curious.

27. Experience the thrill in Peru by going paragliding, sandboarding, and desert buggy ride

Explore more of Peru and feel the thrill.

Being able to see and tour new places and try something new will always make you excited during your trip

Spend a full day exploring the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina. Enjoy a desert buggy ride and go sandboarding.

Peru Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable clothes
• Before your desert buggy ride in Huacachina, make sure you have sunglasses on that fits you, a secured wind-proof neck gaiter face cover or scarf
• Do NOT wear a HAT or put anything on your hair that will easily fly

Paragliding in Peru

The best way to see and appreciate Lima’s Southern coast is by paragliding and it’s my personal favorite experience in Lima.

 Seeing the thrilling yet beautiful aerial view of the Peruvian capital while flying up in the air is such a unique and incredible experience.

Of course, it was scary, but I had fun! The view from above is amazing!

28. Take note of the advice of the locals. Eat light before arriving at Cusco and continue to eat light on your first day

Do not eat heavy meals the day before and on your first day arriving at Cusco. This tip is from locals who helped me feel better on my first day in Cusco.

Peru travel tips

Locals advised me to eat light meals like soup on my first day. They recommend Andean chicken soup. I didn’t know this. Thankfully, I did not end up vomiting even if I felt so nauseated.

The hotel and restaurant staff were very kind and did everything they could to help me feel better. When I say they did everything they could, I’m serious…from serving me unlimited hot coca tea to making me sniff some antiseptic/rubbing alcohol and agua florida to bringing some plants called ruda and shaking it off around my head and face.

Crazy as it sounds, but those all together were recommended and done by locals, which helped made me feel better, but not for long.

 I still had to take ibuprofen because it was my first day in Cusco.

 I clearly remember them telling me, if there’s someone you know coming to Cusco, tell him “Only eat light before and the day of their arrival at a high altitude location.”

29. Ask your tour guide where the best photo spots are

Tour guides help give you travel smoothly and can give you not just the history and information about the place, but also can give other helpful tips.

Don’t be shy to ask!

Just don’t forget to give reasonable (money) gratitude tip to your tour guide.

In addition, don’t be shy to ask your tour guide and/or even strangers to take your photos, especially if you’re a solo traveler.  I’m sure they understand and don’t mind as long as you ask kindly and politely.

Remember, at the end of the day, we all are travelers who want to make, record, and keep our travel memories. That fact alone, we already have something in common with those we see  and encounter while traveling

30. Read reviews and compare prices before booking! Give yourself time to research and decide

If you have time, please do NOT forget to read reviews and compare prices.

This will help you travel smart by being aware of what to expect, what to wear, and what to bring and give you an idea of what you want to see and experience.

Comparing prices will also help you save money. Comparing tours in Viator, Get Your Guide, or other tour companies will help you evaluate if something extra is worth paying for and if something is less or missing such as certain activities/tours/amenities/services.

You’d know which ones you will be willing to give up and not have.

You’d realize and become more aware of what’s important and not important to you.

31. Check CDC.gov for health and safety tips, required/recommended vaccination, and medicines before travel

The last, but the most important tip is to go on the CDC website and search Peru for travel health information. You will find helpful information about the country:

• Travel health notices
• Vaccines and medicines
• Non-vaccine-preventable diseases
• Staying healthy and safe
• Packing list
• After your trip

Bonus Peru Travel tips

• For US citizens,before going to Peru or outside U.S travel, enroll your trip at step.state.gov to get safety alerts. It will also help U.S Embassy, family and friends to contact you in case of an emergency
• Buy travel insurance
• Make sure you do NOT need a visa
• Consider spending more time in Cusco.There are many available tours from Cusco
• If you have more time, consider adding Lake Titicaca and Amazon Rainforest in your itinerary
• Make sure you have enough storage on your camera and phone as there are beautiful places worth capturing and recording

Summary

Based on my Peru travel experience, it’s safe to travel Peru. Just like any travel, always be careful and be mindful when traveling.

Take note of these Peru Travel Tips. May these tips be helpful for you so you can be well prepared and enjoy your travel even more. I hope you’ll have the best time in Peru!

How to prepare for a trip to Peru?

1. Always have some ibuprofen with you
2. Bring medicine for motion sickness
3. Bring anti-diarrheal medication
4. Protect your skin! Bring sunscreen and insect repellants!
5. Bring over-the-counter allergy medicines
6. Always have these with you – tissue, wipes, soap,  hand sanitizer, and cash Peruvian money
7. Expect and prepare for different climates in different regions and seasons in Peru
8. Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes appropriate to the weather and season
9. Learn common phrases in Spanish and download the Spanish language on Google Translate App
10. Schedule your hiking activities at the very end of your trip
11. Be aware and be prepared for the long required travel time to get to popular attractions
12. Ensure when you pick a tour it includes what you need and what
13. Don’t just see Machu Pichu, explore other beautiful places, there’s plenty!
14. Only drink bottled water. Consider NO ice in your drinks
15. Credit cards are accepted, choose to pay in local currency when using your card, and always have cash (Peruvian soles)
16. Pay at the restaurant cash register, never place your credit card on the table, and never give it to the server
17. Sleep early before your Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain tours and prepare for a long day
18. Uber is usually preferred. If taking a taxi, ensure the driver knows the location first and ask the price before getting on the taxi
19. Avoid getting scammed when taking baby alpaca photos
20. At Rainbow Mountain, no photo retake is allowed without paying again
21. Consider riding horses when going to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain to enjoy the sceneries even more instead of trying to catch your breath
22. Consider riding the PeruRail with the view
23. Prepare your visit to Machu Pichu in advance. Consider staying one night at Aguas Calientes
24. Buy Peruvian clothing, chocolate, salt, dried potatoes, and corn
25. Taste the amazing and special Peruvian food
26. Try Peruvian delicious drinks, desserts, and snack
27. Experience the  thrill in Peru by trying paragliding, sandboarding, and desert buggy ride
28. Eat light before arriving at Cusco and continue to eat light on your first day
29. Ask your tour guide where the best photo spots are
30. Read reviews and compare prices before booking! Give yourself time to research and decide
31. Check CDC.gov for health and safety tips, required/recommended vaccination, and medicines before travel