Peru
Peru is best known for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited every year by dozens of hikers who hike the Inca Trail to explore the ancient ruins. The country’s attractions extend far beyond this legendary location and include archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years, Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s delicious restaurants, beautiful architecture and vibrant nightlife; the mountainous waters of Lake Titicaca; and the bustling city of Cusco, also known as ‘the center of the world’ by the Incas.
Peru is going to be my first country in South America. In 2 weeks, we’ll visit the short trip of Peru’s highlights: Lima, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, and Cusco with Machu Picchu.
P.S. You can see more photos on my Instagram!
When you’re 100% prepared for your trip to Peru, check out these must do’s you wouldn’t want to miss out on!
But before you go, make sure to check out these tips and information!
So you got your bags packed? Here are my essential travel apps every traveler should have!
What things must you bring along? Here’s my Peru packing list to help you pack!
What is the best time to travel to Peru?
The weather in Peru varies depending on the area.
On the coast, winter lasts from June to September. The weather tends to be cloudy and slightly damp at this time, but rarely very cold. It hardly rains in Lima and most of the coast, except Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.
From June to September, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day, but cold at night. This is the high tourist season and the best time to visit most regions. The rainy season in the Andes starts in September and peaks between January and March, and this is a dangerous time for hiking.
Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It is rainy and warm for most of the year, but between March and September, there are occasional cold peaks that may require a sweater.
Altitude Sickness
When you’re travelling higher than 2.500 metres you might get altitude sickness. Per 1.000 meters that you’re climbing, you need first of all to drink 1L of water extra. So if you’re at 5.000 meters? Drink that day 6L of water.
You can also chew the coca leaves to help with the altitude. They are quite bitter so another option is to drink coca tea (and then you start already working on your first to-do: drinking water). You can sweeten your tea with the sugar of fruit. What you can also do is to eat coca candies.
A last solution is to inhale agua de Florida. Put a drop in your hand, and inhale 3 times (deep inhales). This will numb your lungs a bit so that you can take in more oxygen from the already low-oxygen air. Can’t explain it but it worked so well. It also made sleeping at high altitudes better for me. Woke up more rested and with more energy as I had a bad time sleeping in high altitudes. Ingredients are alcohol, eucalyptus, lime and lemon.
If you do get sick from the altitude, know that every hotel has an oxygen tank. The first 5 minutes are free, make sure that if you’re using longer ask for a receipt for your insurance to pay it back to you. you.
Money
Don’t forget that in Peru, you pay with Nuevo Sol (S/.) US dollars are also used and accepted for payment, especially in tourist areas. However, it is best to use local currency where possible. All major credit cards are accepted, but use may be restricted outside Lima and tourist areas. So it is best to pin at the airport before you start your trip. Also withdraw in big amounts as per withdraw you’ll pay a fee of +-€15. Exchanging dollars or euros is less profitable as well (and more dangerous).
ATMs can be found almost everywhere, including small towns, although when traveling in remote places it is best to have some cash in case the nearby ATMs are not working or have run out of money. In larger cities, use ATMs in banks for greater security, especially at night.
Exchange your larger bills in supermarkets to get smaller ones and coins. Coins are needed for toilets, tips, taking photos of locals, etc.
Food & Drinks
Drink only bottled water and take purification tablets in case bottled water is not available. Avoid dairy products that are likely made from unboiled milk. Eat only well-cooked meat and fish.
Read more about Peruvian food and drinks in this special blog post!
» Peruvian Food and Drinks you must try «
How to get around Peru and its surroundings?
When traveling Peru you have a decision to make: time or money? The bus from Lima to Cusco can take over 24 hours instead of a flight of about 1.30 hrs, but it will be a fraction of the price. If you’re taking a shorter trip to Peru, flights will leave you a lot more time at your destination.
You can book in advance from outside the country, or a few days in advance through local tour operators for not much more money. Some flights are only for Peruvians – if you buy them be prepared to pay a fine.
Taking the bus is the travel method of choice in Peru; buses go in almost all directions. Peruvian bus companies: Cruz de Sur, Flores, Linea and MovilTours. Otherwise, just show up at a bus station or ask around.
» Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go «
International car rental companies have offices in all major cities and major airports. You must be at least 25 to rent a car in Peru, and will need to show your passport, driver’s license from your country, credit card as a guarantee and sometimes a cash deposit.
Unlicensed taxi companies usually have a red and white taxi sign on the windshield. Licensed yellow taxis are the only taxis allowed in central Lima. Taxis are not metered and you must agree on fares before departure (they are relatively cheap). Taxi fares increase by 35 to 50% after midnight and on public holidays. Drivers don’t expect tips.
Chargers
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz. If you want to use a 110 volt appliance in Peru, you will need to purchase a voltage converter.
There are two types of electrical outlets in Peru. One accepts two plugs with flat, parallel blades, while the other accepts plugs with two round teeth. Many Peruvian electrical outlets are designed to accept both types. But I’m better safe than sorry and brought my adapter just in case. It helped to change a socket into multiple chargers for our group.
If you have any questions about my trip to Peru, don’t hesitate to ask them! I fell in love here ♥️
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