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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO PERU? THE BEST TRAVEL TIPS

TIPS FOR EXCHANGING MONEY

You can exchange money in your home country or in Peru , it’s best to take care of this before your trip officially begins so you don’t have to worry about exchanging money while you immerse yourself in the travel experience. ATMs, banks, and currency converters are usually found within the main tourist spots, but are not easily accessible in many remote areas and ancient sites. It’s a good idea to always carry some cash for meals, attractions, or any incidental items, but it’s not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash.

Major credit cards are widely accepted. You can also use traveler’s checks in some places, however the exchange rate is quite high so you may want to avoid them.

When you change to Peruvian currency; Please make sure your Peruvian banknotes are clean and free from rips or damage, as stores or vendors may not accept them. 

WEATHER AND CLIMATE TIPS

Peru has three very distinct geographical zones, each with its own climatic seasons:

  1. The coast , which is a desert all the time, in addition to the Pacific Ocean. The main cities are Lima, Nazca, Ica and we can find great tourist destinations such as the center of the city of Lima, the Ica desert, the Nazca lines, among others. From April to mid-September is the cold season (autumn and winter), which is moderately low in temperature. From mid-September to the end of March is the hot season (spring and summer), with temperatures that can reach 30°C. However, as we move further north, the weather tends to be warmer throughout the year. The rains are quite scarce.
  2. The Andes mountain range  has a different climate. The dry season runs from early April to late October and is mostly cool to very cold, with little to no rain. Now the rainy season runs from November to March, with strong falls, although brief and not daily. The main cities are Cusco, Puno, Arequipa and some outstanding tourist spots are Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon in Arequipa.
  3. Our Amazon jungle,  a tropical paradise with high temperatures all year round (many days can be 104°F or 40°C) but also heavy rains every month. Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are the largest cities, while there are incredible destinations such as the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and the Iquitos Wildlife Reserve.

Additionally, it is mandatory to carry sunscreen anywhere and at any time in Peru, as well as a sun hat and sunglasses.

TIPS ON LUGGAGE AND PACKING

When packing for your trip to Peru , while it’s important to come well-prepared, both airlines and trains have restrictions on suitcase size and weight. Regardless of the weight allowed on your international flight, it is better that the weight of your luggage reflects what is allowed on domestic flights in Peru, since their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person. The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu has little space for luggage. The typical limit is one medium-sized piece of luggage and one carry-on per person.

In some places you will have to carry your own luggage, so the less you carry, the easier it will be to travel.

Next, keep in mind that you’ll be out and about all day on most dates . Therefore, the most important thing is to have a safe, comfortable and practical backpack or bag, in which you can carry what you need for the day of walking, shopping, tourism or other activities.

It is always advisable to keep your luggage locked  up during your stay in Peru and to have a proper identification tag on all bags.

TIPS ON CLOTHING

Depending on what time of year you visit Peru , expect anything from heavy rain to dry heat. Because Peru also has drastic altitude differences, large temperature variations can be experienced within the same region, and between day and night. Therefore, it is better to be prepared for both hot and cold weather. Bringing some t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, comfortable pants, thicker sweaters, and a suitable coat is the best idea.

It’s always best to dress in layers  to account for drastic temperature changes throughout the day and your level of physical activity during hikes and sight-seeing. Depending on the amenities of your hotel, or if you wish to visit a swimming pool, thermal medicinal waters or spa facilities, be sure to also bring a bathing suit.

TIPS ON SHOES FOR THE WALK

Many of the ancient sacred sites, and also the different treks on the way to Machu Picchu,  are located in areas that vary from mild to challenging trekking terrain, therefore proper trekking shoes are a must for your personal safety and an enjoyable experience. pleasant trip. Shoes should be comfortable and have a good sole. Closed-toe shoes are best for keeping your feet warm, safe, and secure, but a pair of sandals can be enjoyed on excursions around town, especially if you’re staying in the coastal regions of Peru.

TIPS ON DOCUMENTS AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

A valid passport is required for all international travel, and must be valid for 6 months after the date of entry into Peru. Depending on the country of your citizenship, you may need to obtain a visa to come to Peru. (Citizens of the US, Canada and the European Union do not need a visa.) Check with your tour operator for more details, or simply search online at the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the same in your country of citizenship.

By Peruvian law, you should always carry your passport  in case of random document checks in cities, hotels or other areas. It is also advisable to make some photocopies of your passport and keep them in different bags, since it is the main identification to travel in our country. See our article on Visa and passport requirements to Peru.

If you are taking any medication or have any health problems , be sure to also bring a copy of your most up-to-date medical records.

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Wherever you buy travel insurance, make sure the minimum coverage includes: trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and travel documents, medical expenses, emergency assistance.

Also, don’t forget  to have a copy of your insurance policy easily accessible throughout your trip.

TIPS ON SNACKS FOR ANY ACTIVITY IN PERU.

  • Natural whole food  bars like Vega, Lara, Raw Organic Food Bars, Salba and other similar natural fruit and nut bars. It is best to avoid granola, chocolate, and similar sugar-based bars that are nutrient-poor and cause blood sugar imbalances.
  • Whole-grain meal replacement shakes  that can be easily mixed in a travel mug with a little bottled water to deliver a rich array of beneficial nutrients. Examples include: Vega, Living Fuel, or Garden of Life and similar products that can be found in individual or travel-size packets.
  • Dried Fruits and Nuts – Be sure to purchase sealed travel-size packages if you are bringing them from your own country.
  • To feel your best, especially at high altitudes , it’s best not to get too stuffed at mealtimes and not to go to bed with a full stomach.

Tips on toiletries and personal items

Although most hotels provide soap and shampoo, it’s a good idea to have travel-size versions of your own personal care items. Typical personal care items to consider bringing include:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • floss
  • Deodorant
  • Razor and shaving equipment
  • comb and/or brush
  • feminine hygiene products

During various times of the year, and in different places , you can find mosquitoes and other insects, especially in Machu Picchu, these little animals are attracted to smells. For your personal safety, as well as the comfort of other travelers, it is best to use fragrance-free products and also not to bring perfumes.

A natural insect repellent is mandatory. Products like tea tree oil, citronella, musk oil, or peppermint oil may also help.

HEALTH TIPS, SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICINES

One of the most common occurrences for newcomers to the highlands of Peru is altitude sickness . This can range from headache, shortness of breath and fatigue to insomnia, heart palpitations. In rare cases, more serious symptoms may require medical attention. The basic idea is that oxygen decreases in the air as you rise, which can trigger discomfort. Therefore, all measures must be aimed at compensating for this decrease in oxygen in the body.

1.  Take the first day of rest  (for example, stay in the city of Cusco, which is located at 11,154 feet -3,400 meters- above sea level). The body will start to adapt automatically, avoid any strenuous physical activity until you feel ready.

2.  Avoid tobacco and alcohol, as well as stimulants such as coffee or energy drinks. Drink plenty of bottled water, staying hydrated is highly recommended. Also, coca leaf tea is an ancient Andean secret: it gives you a great mental and physical boost, it also helps digestion. Another good measure is to eat as lightly as possible, especially skipping fatty foods.

3.  In case you still need pills for headaches, slow digestions, etc. , consult your doctor first. Also, there are pills for altitude sickness, but they are expensive and based on natural herbs (so it is better to try them before), ask your doctor first in this case too.

For more information, read our blog post on how to treat altitude sickness, its prevention and symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization, some vaccinations are required  to visit Peru, and also some are specific to the Amazon jungle. 

TIPS ON POWER OUTLETS IN PERU

The electrical supply in Peru is 220 volts AC at 60 Hz. A double flat blade (as used in North America) and double round plugs (as used in continental Europe) are standard. If you are traveling to Peru with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 60 Hz, then you will need a voltage converter or transformer.

WHAT TO EAT AND FOOD SAFETY

Although Peru has exquisite cuisine that brings together a mix of delicious dishes , you should be careful when eating during your trip for at least the first day or two. The food is totally safe and we can also recommend you good restaurants. Tap water in Peru is not recommended for drinking. Purified bottled water is readily available everywhere, and most hotels provide it for your convenience as well. Luxury hotels have water purification systems.

It is highly recommended to bring your own healthy snacks. These will come in very handy during day trips, specifically when it comes to hiking. Meals can be eaten at different times each day depending on the itinerary, so it is always best to have personal snacks with you to easily refuel and feel comfortable.

TIPS FOR PERSONAL PREPARATION

Finally, the most important thing to take on your trip is a positive attitude and an optimistic mindset . As beautiful and magical as Peru is, and as much care as our tour leaders and guides take to make sure you have a fantastic experience, the most important deciding factor in the quality of your experience is you. Especially for the Inca Trails, there may be times when you will need a bit of patience, strong will and, as we said, an optimistic, sometimes demanding approach to adventure. But hey, this is part of a challenge that will allow you to brag about it for the rest of your life!

Other tips to be well prepared for your trip to Peru

Other items you can bring for the trip:

  • Antibacterial hand gel
  • Ziploc bags: you will find many reasons to use them
  • A small flashlight – This is a good idea in case of power outages and for personal safety.
  • A notebook or journal and a pen to record any thoughts, ideas, names, or even addresses.
  • A cell phone or other small device that acts as a travel alarm.
  • Some Band-Aids or a small first aid kit.
  • And of course a photo and/or video camera with adequate battery or charging equipment

There are also some items you should not bring along for the trip:

  • Valuables, such as jewelry.
  • unnecessary electronic devices
  • Pocket knives or any item similar to a weapon
  • Any illegal substance.

We hope this information helps you prepare for the perfect trip!