When preparing for a trip to Peru, there are several essential factors to consider ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Peru offers diverse landscapes, cultural treasures, and varying climates, so packing and planning accordingly is key.

1. Documents and Visa Requirements

• Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.

• Visa: Most tourists, including Australian, U.S., Canadian, and EU citizens, do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, always check specific visa requirements based on your nationality.

• Entry/Exit Fees: Some airlines include a tourist tax in the airfare, but if not, be prepared to pay an airport departure tax (usually around $30) for international flights.

• Travel Insurance: It's wise to have travel insurance that covers health, accidents, cancellations, and theft.

2. Vaccinations and Health Precautions

• Vaccines: You’ll need standard vaccinations such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A and B. A yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon region.

• Altitude Sickness: If you’re visiting Cusco or Machu Picchu (both at high altitudes), acclimatization is essential. Consider arriving a few days early to adjust. Medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) can help.

• Water and Food Safety: Avoid drinking tap water and be cautious about eating raw vegetables or unpeeled fruits. Opt for bottled or filtered water.

3. Currency and Budgeting

• Currency: The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the official currency. It’s best to exchange money at official currency exchange offices or withdraw from ATMs for better rates. Expected rates include: 1USD=3.70 PEN, 1AUD=2.5 PEN, 1EUR= 4 PEN (rates as September 2024)

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but always carry some cash, especially in remote areas.

• Tipping: It is customary to tip about 10% at restaurants and a small amount for guides, porters, and drivers during tours.

4. What to Pack

• Clothing:

  • For Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Bring layers. During the day, temperatures can reach 20-25°C (68-77°F), but it can drop significantly at night. A fleece jacket and a rain jacket are essential, as it can rain unexpectedly.

  • For the Amazon: Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect against mosquitoes, waterproof boots, and a hat.

  • For Lima: Summer months (December to March) are warm, but the rest of the year can be cooler, so pack light sweaters.

• Footwear: Comfortable, durable walking shoes for hiking and city tours, and sandals for warmer regions or casual outings.

• Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, insect repellent (especially for the jungle), a reusable water bottle, and a travel adaptor (Peru uses 220V outlets).

• Backpack: A daypack for excursions to carry essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.

5. Weather and Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May to September): Ideal for visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, and trekking the Inca Trail. It’s dry and sunny, with cold nights.

• Wet Season (October to April): Great for visiting the Amazon and coastal areas but expect rain in the Andean regions. Avoid trekking in this season due to muddy trails.

• Lima and the Coast: The best time is during the dry, sunny summer months from December to March.

6. Transportation

• Domestic Flights: Peru is a large country, and flights between cities (such as Lima to Cusco or Iquitos) are often the most convenient option.

• Buses: Long-distance buses are an affordable and scenic way to travel. Companies like Cruz del Sur offer comfortable services. However, travel times can be long, and some routes involve winding mountain roads.

• Trains: Trains are a popular way to reach Machu Picchu, and tickets should be booked in advance.

• Taxis and Ridesharing: Use reputable taxi companies, or download a ridesharing app like Uber, particularly in urban areas.

7. Accommodation Options

• Lodging: Peru offers a range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury hotels. In cities like Cusco, you can find charming boutique hotels or homestays with local families, while in the Amazon, eco-lodges provide an immersive experience.

• Booking: It’s recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during high tourist season (June to August). Look for places with good reviews and amenities like Wi-Fi and heating (important in Cusco).

8. Key Destinations to Plan For

• Cusco and Machu Picchu: High on every traveller’s list, this area is the heart of Incan culture. You can visit the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley, and embark on the Inca Trail.

• Amazon Rainforest: Head to Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado for a jungle adventure with opportunities to see exotic wildlife.

• Lima: Peru’s capital city offers vibrant neighbourhoods like Miraflores and Barranco, great museums, and renowned restaurants.

• Arequipa and Colca Canyon: Explore colonial architecture and see one of the world’s deepest canyons, home to the majestic Andean condors.

• Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world offers cultural encounters with the Uros people, who live on floating reed islands.

9. Cultural Etiquette

• Greetings: A handshake is the standard greeting, but among friends, a single cheek kiss is common. Address people as Señor or Señora.

• Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities.

• Language: While Spanish is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English. In rural Andean communities, Quechua is widely spoken. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will be appreciated.

10. Safety Tips

• Pickpocketing: Like in most tourist destinations, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

• Emergency Numbers: The national emergency number is 105 for the police and 116 for the fire department.

• Altitude Precautions: Take it easy when first arriving at high altitudes. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Coca tea, which is common in Peru, can help with symptoms.

11. Electricity and Connectivity

• Plugs and Voltage: Peru uses 220V electricity and Type C and Type A plugs. Bring a universal adapter if necessary.

• Wi-Fi and SIM Cards: Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and cafés in larger cities, but it may be limited in remote areas. You can also buy a local SIM card for data and calls.

12. Language

• Spanish is the primary language, though Quechua is spoken in many Andean regions. While many people in tourism services speak English, it helps to know some basic Spanish phrases.

13. Zero Tolerance for Drug Usage

• Strict Laws: Peru has strict anti-drug laws, and drug-related offenses are taken very seriously. Even small amounts of illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or ecstasy can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences.

• Avoid Any Association with Drugs: Drug use and possession are illegal, and travellers should not engage in drug-related activities under any circumstances. Peruvian authorities are vigilant, especially in tourist areas, and the penalties for involvement in drug trafficking can be harsh. You may also encounter scams where someone may try to involve you in illegal activities, so remain cautious.

• Coca Leaves and Cocaine: While chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea are traditional and legal practices in Peru (particularly for altitude sickness), it's important to know that coca leaves are illegal to take out of the country. Cocaine, derived from coca leaves, is illegal and subject to the same zero-tolerance laws.

• Be Mindful in Social Settings: Even if drugs are offered in casual or party environments, avoid any involvement. Travelers should be aware that Peru's drug enforcement agencies conduct routine checks in airports and transportation hubs, so it’s vital to stay clear of any suspicious situations.

14. Differences in Basic Standards

• Infrastructure Variations: While Peru is rapidly modernizing, it is still a developing country, and the level of infrastructure may not always meet the expectations of travellers from first-world nations. Roads in rural or remote areas can be bumpy, and transportation services, while generally safe, may not always be punctual or adhere to international standards of comfort.

• Accommodation: While cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa offer high-quality hotels and lodges, more rural areas may have basic accommodations with fewer amenities. Hot water and heating might not always be available, especially in budget hotels or in mountainous areas.

• Toilets: Public restrooms may not always provide toilet paper or soap, so it’s a good idea to carry your own. In remote areas, squat toilets may be the norm, and access to clean, modern facilities can be limited.

• Water and Food Safety: While cities offer a wide range of restaurants with high standards of hygiene, in rural areas, sanitation may not always be on par with what you are used to. It’s recommended to avoid drinking tap water and to be careful when eating street food to avoid foodborne illnesses.

• Healthcare: Medical facilities in major cities like Lima are generally of good quality, with private clinics providing international standards of care. However, in rural areas, healthcare can be basic, and the availability of medical services might be limited. Always have comprehensive travel insurance and carry a personal first-aid kit for minor injuries or illnesses.

By planning ahead and considering these details, your trip to Peru can be filled with unforgettable experiences.