How to Travel in Peru: A Beginner’s Guide to Culture and Adventure

The first time is often the best time to visit a place. You may encounter speedbumps along the way and have to adjust to a new location. Yet getting to witness all those breathtaking sites for the first time ever can’t be topped. Why not make the trip one you’ll remember forever?

Here’s a short and sweet guide to traveling in Peru, especially for beginners who haven’t explored this beauty yet!

The Best Time to Explore Popular Locations

When you think of Peru, Machu Picchu is definitely going to pop up in your mind first! This location as well as several others such as the beaches and places like Cusco are best explored between April and November where the weather isn’t too cold and you can avoid the rain.

Although the climate in Peru is generally pleasant throughout the year, no one wants to get caught in the monsoon rains and spend their holiday indoors. Want to time it perfectly? Reach out to an expert guide managing annual Machu Picchu tours for a perfect vacation!

Avoiding Altitude Sickness for a Pleasant Stay

Imagine walking through Peru taking in the beautiful sights when altitude sickness hits you and forces you to the ground. That is bound to put a damper on your trip.

As a first time visitor, if you are planning on visiting cities like Cusco which are located 3000 meters above sea level you need to plan for altitude sickness in advance. Try to acclimatize for a day or two before exerting yourself too much. Avoid packing your schedule with too many physical activities, stay away from alcohol, and try to get enough sleep.

Pro Tip: If you keep feeling nauseous try coca tea or chew on some coca leaves. They are considered a local “miracle medicine” and are known to cure altitude sickness immediately!

Check Your Vaccinations 

This goes without saying, but if you are planning to travel to Peru and stay there for a while, check up on the requirements. Are you missing any essential vaccinations?

Reach out to your travel guide or simply explore international travel advice on WHO specifically for Peru. According to the CDC and WHO, you may need the following vaccinations to stay safe throughout your journey;

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A and B
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chickengunya
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Covid-19
• Meningitis
• Tdap
• MMR
• Pneumonia
• Shingles
• Chickenpox

The Water in Peru

Unlike in the USA, tap water isn’t safe in Peru. It might be okay to drink in certain cities, but definitely not in rural areas. You may automatically reach for the tap, but be extremely mindful of the fact that it is definitely a coin toss and can cause a lot of stomach issues like extreme diarrhea and resultant dehydration.

Instead of leaving it all up to chance, we recommend buying bottled water and storing it in your hotel room, carrying small bottles around with you wherever you go!

Dress According to the Weather

You get to experience around 30 different types of climates within Peru. When travelling from one city to another, make sure you check the weather. You will come across hot and dry deserts, sandy beaches, tropical forests, and cold mountains. You must dress accordingly.

When packing for the trip, add an assortment of clothing to your suitcase. Pack comfortable clothes and footwear that is easily adaptable in different weather conditions. Choose shoes with great arch support as well as breathable cotton socks as you might have to walk a lot.

Places to Visit

Peru is truly an amazing location and there are so many places to visit. We could write an entire book on Machu Picchu itself! For now, we have a few tips for you that could help when you are planning your itinerary.

Do not miss out on historical marvels within Peru. If there is one word that should describe your trip it should be culture. Expose yourself to places and sites that give you an authentic cultural and historical account of Peru! Don’t forget to explore as many ecosystems as you can!

To Sum It Up

There’s a lot you can do within Peru if you plan it right. Lean on an expert guide and don’t shy away from assistance from the locals when you are planning your trip. After all, they know all the sites best and can easily guide you on how you can capture the essence of Peru during your first-time adventure.