Home to the famous world wonder, Machu Picchu, Peru is on every traveler’s bucket list. Peru is full of marvelous adventures beyond Machu Picchu, and easily one of the most amazing countries I’ve ever visited. However, our recent trip to Peru was far from smooth; and there couldn’t have been enough preparation to get us through the absolute chaos we had in store. Luckily for you all, that misfortune brought me the wisdom you all will need in order to prepare for your very own trip to Peru! Listen closely as I present to you all…
The Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Peru
Do: Visit During Winter Months
South American winters occur from from June-August. Although the temperatures are cold, South American summer months tend to be rainy and humid, putting much more of a damper on your trip than some chilly weather would. You are much more likely to catch a gorgeous sunny day at Machu Picchu during a South American winter.
Don’t: Assume that the name “South America” means it’s going to be hot.
The temperatures in South American winter’s go much lower than most would assume. They generally range from 53-66 (°F), but tend to warm up around the afternoon when the sun comes out. The city of Cuzco, where we, (like most tourists) stayed for the longest duration of our vacation, is even colder than the capital city of Lima. Though Lima doesn’t necessarily have much to offer in terms of marvelous sights, it will most likely be necessary crossroad for you to take to get to Machu Picchu.
Do: Pack accordingly for cold weather and adventures.
The ideal Peruvian adventure suitcase would include each of the following:
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 1 pair of thermal undergarments (top and bottoms)
- 4-5 long-sleeve shirts
- 1 activewear jacket
- 2 activewear pants (leggings/ joggers)
- 1-2 good puffer/ windproof jackets
- 1 pair of dressy closed toed shoes
- 1 pair of hiking boots
- 1 pair of casual sneakers
- 2 pairs of thermal socks
- unlimited underwear
- unlimited masks! (Peru currently has a two mask mandate in order)
Pro Tip: Wait to buy the rest, (gloves, leg warmers, extra socks, ponchos, beanies etc. when you arrive in Peru). Not only will this save you a ton of money, but it will give back to a country that needs it, and keep you looking fresh and cultured.
Don’t: Check a bag.
Our luggage was lost on our way to Peru, and although we did end up getting it back, we found that arriving without your luggage is quite common in the Lima airport. Do your best to avoid this by finding a nice carry-on size case that’s been packed minimally. This will save you a serious headache, and give you more time to focus on getting to your final destinations (instead of your lack of hygiene). If you really truly find this tip too difficult because you’re a heavy packer, pack your carry on bag with as much as you can, and then purchase a cheap case from a local market and check a bag on the way back instead of both ways. Trust me, you’re much better off dealing with lost luggage back in your country of origin.
Do: Arrive at the Peruvian airports NO LATER than 3.5 hours before your flight.
Even for domestic flights from Lima to Cuzco, the airlines in Peru have a strict check in time that will leave you with an annulled and non-refundable ticket if you aren’t there on time. Little to no mercy will be shown to those who aren’t punctual.
Don’t: Book your flight with an unreliable airline.
I cannot stress this enough- it is VITAL to look up reviews from international airlines before deciding to book with them. We booked our original flight to Cuzco with an airline called SKY Airlines because it was more affordable than the only other option (Latam). During our experience booking with SKY airlines, we were subjected to incompetent and unprofessional service that caused us to miss not one, not two, but THREE flights. After all the distress, time and money this airline cost us, all they could offer to appease the situation was a voucher for a flight that would leave us stranded in Peru for days far longer than the voucher was worth.
If only we had done our research beforehand, we could have avoided this terrible experience. When we did, we found that we are far from the only unfortunate travelers that were subjected to SKY airlines deception, just take a gander here.
Do: Use Uber in Peru.
Uber is available in both Lima and Cuzco, and the prices are insanely cheap! A vast majority of our Ubers were under 4 USD!
Don’t: Take taxis, or the first price a merchant offers you.
Like many other foreign countries, locals will take advantage of tourists when they can. Avoid taxi’s altogether, they will rip you off in Peru. When it comes to haggling with merchants, Don’t ever accept the first price. Lowball, and find a median. Refer to my haggling article for more tips.
Do: Bring cash with you.
The USD goes a long way in Peru. You will save a ton by paying mostly with cash in this country, and most places will prefer (for your sake and their own) that you pay with soles. Having soles will save you much more trouble when it comes to change if you try to pay in USD, even though most merchants still except the USD.
You will run out of cash, so try to rack up as many soles as possible and avoid frequent ATM stops/ foreign exchange fees. To get an estimate of how much you’ll be spending, simply divide the charge in soles by $4 USD, however, ensure you keep track of the USD worth over the duration of time you’re there. It changes more frequently than most, but it’s never too significant of a change.
Don’t: Forget to brush up on your Spanish.
Peru has two primary languages. The first is Quechua, from the ancient Incans, (which most will probably never learn) one from the Spaniards (which you can guess I’m sure), and ZERO from the English. If you aren’t the least bit familiar with the Spanish language, download a translation app or purchase a pocket Spanish translation dictionary before your trip to Peru.
Do: Visit these incredible destinations around Cuzco.
Don’t: Jump straight into the high altitude adventures when you get to Cuzco.
Cuzco’s high altitude can challenge even the most young and fit people out there. When planning your trip, make sure you give yourself at least 48 hours in Cuzco to get acclimated before venturing off to higher altitudes like those on Rainbow Mountain and Lake Humantay. These beautiful must-see destinations should not be left off your bucket list, but they should be saved for the latter end of your Cuzco adventure. Without the right amount of preparation for your body, visiting these destinations is risky- even to the point of death for some.
Do: Take advantage of the delicious and cheap food Peru has to offer.
One of my favorite things about Peru was that you could have a five-course meal for two and keep the budget under 100 USD every single time. If you’re in Cuzco, I highly recommend stopping by Jack’s Cafe for breakfast, and Rucula for dinner/lunch.
Don’t: Drink the water!
Peru is just below Mexico on it’s tap water quality. Stock up on those water bottles and consider buying a portable filter for the trip.
Do: Try the Pisco Sours & Coca Tea.
Coca Tea is a special tea locals will brew you to help with altitude sickness and prevention. For herbal tea lovers like myself, it is a great way to please the tastebuds and keep yourself cozy. Pisco Sours are the local cocktail in Peru, and any good traveler knows they have to try the most authentic local drink at least once. If you enjoy refreshing/ fruity flavors mixed strong liquor (that you can barely taste) you simply must have some Piscos during your trip to Peru.
Don’t: Forget to take time for some R&R.
Peru is so full of adventure, it’s hard not to feel like you’re missing out if you don’t go somewhere grand every day. However, the altitude and physical activity can take a serious toll on you if you don’t give yourself some time to rest in between. Remember that were still dealing with global pandemic, and to take care of your body in the midst of all your exciting experiences!
