Peru is one of the world’s most magical and mystical places to experience as well as a must-visit destination on every curious traveler’s bucket list. From the spiritual Matchu Picchu to the spectacular Lake Titicaca, this South American country has a lot to offer. However, traveling there for the first time will require some preparations in advance, so you need to make sure you know what to expect.
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Best Destinations in Peru
There are lots of places to visit in Peru, so it is better to organise a long trip in order to see all the incredible destinations. Here are the most popular destinations:
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- Cusco – one of the most popular places in Peru, full with impressive archeological sites, such as the famous Machu Picchu. It is also a great place for hiking and mountain biking. The city is located at the foot of the Andes mountain range, which allows you to enjoy fresh mountain air, stunning views, and a perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Lima – this vibrant capital of Peru offers lots of interesting things to see and do, most notably the pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, and top-notch restaurants.
- Arequipa – a city of about one million residents located in the southern part of Peru. It’s known for its cultural heritage, natural hot springs, and artistic heritage.
- Trujillo – a coastal city that offers beach resorts, historical sites, and various tourist attractions. It has a good beach life and is a great place for surfing. Surfing is a great sport and not all are brave enough to handle big waves. At Ombe they will teach you how to manage fear while surfing.
And the list goes on. If you want to explore more breath-taking places to visit, click on the following link https://www.kandooadventures.com/destination-peru.
Planning Your Travel Budget
Traveling to Peru is not budget-friendly, but it certainly worth the money you’ll pay. However, if you want to keep your expenses to a minimum, make sure to book your accommodations in advance and keep an eye on the exchange rates.
When it comes to exchanging your money, you might consider using a credit card that charges no fees for currency conversion. This way, you can avoid paying a fee every time you purchase something from a local shop or restaurant.
Getting Around
Once you’ve chosen which destinations to visit, you need to plan how to get there. If you’re traveling by plane, make sure to check whether your flight will stop in Cusco before heading to your final destination. It’s recommended that you only book direct flights because connecting flights often leave from Lima and are pretty expensive compared to direct flights.
If you prefer to travel around by car or public transportation, it’s strongly recommended that you rent a car rather than taking taxis as they are very expensive and drivers rarely agree to follow the meter.
If you’ll be driving around Peru, obtaining an international driving license (IDP) online in advance is a smart idea as well. While it is legal for anyone with an English-language driver’s license to travel across Peru, certain automobile rental agencies demand an IDP with a current driver’s license.
IDPs are accepted as a legitimate form of identification in most nations. If you are stopped by the authorities, they will probably recognize your IDP as reliable identification. Your IDP can also be utilized to help determine culpability in the event that you are hurt.
If you prefer to travel by bus, make sure to book your ticket ahead of time.
Packing
When packing for your trip, remember that Peru has very high temperatures year-round, so make sure to pack light. It is also best advised that you bring a few sweaters and jackets as the weather may change rapidly, especially when traveling between elevations with different temperatures.
During the summer season (December through April), it is recommended that you bring a raincoat and an umbrella with you, as rainfall is frequent during that time, especially in the Andes regions.
In addition, be prepared for strong winds and cold temperatures when traveling in the northern regions of Peru. On the other hand, you should bring your swimsuit when planning to visit the beach during your stay.
Money Matters
Make sure you have enough cash on hand for your trip, but if possible try to use your credit card at a local ATM or with cash back rewards. It is better if you choose not to exchange money at hotels or airports because they often charge extra fees for the service. Instead, it is better if you exchange money at banks or at ATMs in major cities. Also, make sure to keep all your credit cards and cash in a safe place and don’t leave them unattended in public places, as it is easy to become a victim of theft in Peru.
Health and Safety
Health-wise, there is no need for vaccination before visiting Peru unless you plan on hiking into the Amazon jungle or other remote areas. However, if you plan on going there anyway, make sure to take proper anti-malarial medication in advance. Be aware of altitude sickness when planning to visit highland areas of Peru such as Cusco and Arequipa. Altitude sickness (also known as Acute Mountain Sickness) causes shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and even vomiting. You can minimize its symptoms by resting more often, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and eating more lightly during the first couple of days after settling in at a higher elevation. It is also recommended that you avoid physical activity until your body adjusts to the altitude.
Food
Peru has many traditional dishes which can be found more widely in Lima’s restaurants and food stalls. Some of these include ceviche (raw seafood), alpaca meat (alpaca is a highly prized animal in Peru), lomo saltado (a beef stir fry dish), anticucho (beef heart skewers), empanadas (meat pies), and pisco sour (a popular cocktail made with brandy and lime).
Avoid drinking the water
Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. The water sanitation infrastructure is not as developed as it is in other countries, so there is a higher risk of getting sick from drinking the water.
Additionally, the climate in Peru is very humid, which can also lead to illness if you’re not careful. Finally, there are also reports of pollutants in the water, so Becky Moore from Global Grasshopper suggests to just play it safe and drink bottled water instead.
What to Do When Traveling to Peru
When visiting Peru for the first time, it is advisable that you spend at least two weeks there because there are so many things worth seeing and doing there that you will never get bored even if you spend just a week there. There are loads of activities one can enjoy while traveling there such as hiking through Machu Picchu ruins or swimming in various natural hot springs located all over the country.
In addition, some people love shopping for traditional handicrafts, such as alpaca wool clothes or hand-painted ceramic pots decorated with colorful flowers. Moreover, Peru offers great opportunities for water sports fans who like scuba diving or surfing. And finally, watching Peruvian dance shows and learning about Latin American folklore are also popular attractions for those who are interested in cultural immersion while visiting this beautiful destination!
Conclusion
Peru is a great country for travelers looking to experience something new and unique. It has plenty of interesting things to see and do, especially if you’re a history or culture buff, but it offers lots of other activities for those who just want to relax on the beach and enjoy the sun. If you’re planning to visit Peru for the first time, we strongly advise that you prepare your visit in advance by checking out the tips above, so you will have an unforgettable travel experience there.
