Expert advice to make your Peruvian adventure unforgettable
Planning a trip to Peru? From navigating high altitudes to discovering hidden local gems, we've compiled essential tips based on years of experience guiding travelers through this incredible country. Let our expertise help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Cusco sits at 3,400m (11,150ft), and many treks go even higher. The key to enjoying your trip? Take it slow. Spend 2-3 days in Cusco before attempting high-altitude treks. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol the first days, and don't be shy about asking for oxygen if needed.
Peru has two main seasons. Dry season (May-September) offers clear skies and perfect trekking conditions but more crowds. Wet season (November-March) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but trails can be muddy. April and October are sweet spots with good weather and smaller crowds.
Layers are your best friend in Peru! Mornings are cold, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly again. Bring a warm jacket, rain gear, sun protection (SPF 50+), good hiking boots, and a daypack. Don't forget altitude sickness medication, hand sanitizer, and a reusable water bottle.
Peru's food scene is world-renowned! Don't miss ceviche (fresh fish in lime juice), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), cuy (guinea pig - yes, really!), and anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers). Visit local markets like San Pedro in Cusco for authentic experiences. Pro tip: Take a cooking class to bring Peru home with you!
The Classic Inca Trail has a strict limit of 500 permits per day (including guides and porters). Permits sell out months in advance, especially for June-August. Book 6 months early or consider alternatives like the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Inca Quarry Trail which don't require permits and are equally stunning.
Peruvians are warm and welcoming! Always ask permission before photographing locals (especially in traditional dress). Learn basic Spanish phrases - even attempts are appreciated. Tipping is customary: 10% at restaurants, $5-10/day for guides, $3-5/day for porters. Support local businesses and artisans rather than buying mass-produced souvenirs.
For that iconic Machu Picchu shot, arrive early for sunrise (first bus at 5:30am). The classic postcard view is from the Guard House. Bring extra batteries - cold drains them fast. Use a polarizing filter to cut glare from clouds. For Rainbow Mountain, golden hour (sunrise) offers incredible colors and fewer crowds.
Peru is generally safe for tourists! Use ATMs during the day in busy areas. Carry small bills (soles) - many places can't break large notes. Keep valuables secure and be aware in crowded markets. Use official taxis or Uber/Cabify. Most restaurants accept cards, but markets and street vendors are cash-only.
From alpacas and llamas grazing in the Andes to condors soaring over Colca Canyon, Peru's wildlife is spectacular. Don't feed wild animals - it disrupts their natural behavior. Keep a respectful distance. On the Inca Trail, you might spot spectacled bears, vizcachas, and over 400 bird species. Bring binoculars!
This is non-negotiable! Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m), medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Standard policies often exclude activities above 3,000m. Specialized adventure insurance is worth every penny when trekking in remote areas. Better safe than sorry at altitude!
