Peru Travel Tips: Altitude, Money, Safety, and Machu Picchu
Peru Travel Tips: What You Should Know Before Your Trip
Altitude, cash, Machu Picchu, night buses, drinking water, Amazon, cuisine, and safety: These tips will help you plan a realistic and well-prepared trip to Peru.
ImportantPeru is large, diverse, and requires good planning.
AltitudeCusco, Lake Titicaca, and many trekking routes are well above 3,000 meters.
MoneyThe Peruvian Sol is the national currency. Cash remains important.
TicketsPlan Machu Picchu and Inca Trail early and officially.
WaterIt's best not to drink tap water. Use filtered or treated water.
SafetyCurrent information, reputable providers, and common sense are key.
Peru is not a destination that can be understood in three bullet points. The country combines the Andes, Amazon, Pacific, desert, colonial cities, indigenous cultures, long distances, and some of South America's most famous attractions.
Those traveling to Peru should not only think of Machu Picchu. Lima, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, and the Amazon region also heavily shape a trip.
This page summarizes the most important travel tips and updates the old post with a clear structure, realistic advice, and relevant internal links.
Take altitude sickness seriously
Many classic Peruvian destinations are at high altitudes. Cusco is around 3,400 meters, Lake Titicaca about 3,800 meters, and some trekking passes reach more than 4,500 meters.
Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, sleep problems, or shortness of breath. It is not a sign of weakness but a reaction of the body to the altitude.
Plan the first few days slowly. After arriving in Cusco or Puno, light walks are more sensible than immediate forced marches. Acclimatization should be firmly planned before trekking tours, the Inca Trail, or high-altitude excursions.
If symptoms are severe, do not ascend further. Rest, fluids, and, if necessary, medical help are more important than a daily schedule.
Coca Tea: Culture, Altitude, and Caution
Coca tea, often called Mate de Coca in Peru, is widespread in the Andes. Many people drink it for altitude sickness or as part of their daily routine.
The coca plant has a long cultural significance in the Andean region. Nevertheless, travelers should be cautious: Coca products can be legally problematic outside of Peru and should not simply be taken to other countries.
Caution is also advisable before drug tests, as coca products can leave traces. If unsure, it is best to avoid them.
Money in Peru: Cash Remains Important
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol. Card payments are common in larger cities, hotels, restaurants, and tourist establishments, but cash remains important.
In smaller towns, markets, with taxis, local tours, or simple accommodations, cash is often more practical or necessary. At the same time, one should not openly carry unnecessarily large sums.
Before traveling, it's worth checking fees, foreign transaction charges, withdrawal limits, and exchange rates. Further basics can be found under Currency in Peru and Payment Methods in Peru.
Toilet Paper, Drinking Water, and Daily Life
In many accommodations, restaurants, and public restrooms in Peru, toilet paper is not flushed down the toilet but placed in a bin next to it. This is due to plumbing and sewage systems that are not designed for it everywhere.
Regarding drinking water: travelers should generally not drink tap water. Use boiled water, filtered water, safe water stations, or suitable filter bottles. This is not only cheaper but also reduces plastic waste.
When it comes to street food, panic is not required, but attention is. Freshly prepared dishes, well-frequented stalls, and clean preparation are better signs than a pretty sign.
Night Buses and Transportation
Peru is vast. Many routes between the coast, Andes, and Amazon take many hours. Night buses are therefore a practical solution to save time and cover long distances.
Choose reputable bus companies, book in advance, and check departure locations carefully. Good providers offer more comfortable seats, luggage checks, and better safety standards.
In cities, traffic can seem chaotic. Taxis, apps, minibuses, and shared taxis are part of everyday life, but not every option is equally reliable. More on this can be found at Transportation in Peru.
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Peruvian Cuisine: Cuy, Ceviche, and More
Peru is incredibly diverse culinarily. On the coast, fish and seafood play a big role; in the Andes, potatoes, corn, quinoa, herbs, and meat dishes are common. In the Amazon region, different ingredients are used.
Cuy, or guinea pig, is a traditional dish in the Andes. For many travelers, this is unusual, but for many families in Peru, it is part of regional food culture.
Besides this, Ceviche, Ají de Gallina, Lomo Saltado, Anticuchos, Chicha Morada, and Pisco Sour are among the country's well-known culinary delights.
Amazon Region in Peru
The Amazon region offers a completely different Peruvian experience than Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa. Places like Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, or reserves like Pacaya Samiria and Tambopata show the tropical side of the country.
If you're traveling to the rainforest, you should plan enough time. Three days are often the minimum, but a longer tour allows for much deeper impressions. Reputable providers, appropriate clothing, mosquito repellent, and realistic expectations are important.
More background on the region can be found at Amazon Peru.
Dry Season, Rainy Season, and Regional Differences
Peru does not have the same climate everywhere. The coast, Andes, and Amazon region differ significantly. A simple rule still helps: in the Andes, the dry season from approximately May to September is particularly popular for trekking and clear views.
The rainy season in the Andes is roughly between October and April, with heavier rainfall usually between December and March. However, landscapes can appear greener and some prices may be lower during this time.
On the coast, the climate is different. Lima is often gray and humid in winter but dry. In the north, it can be significantly warmer and sunnier. Therefore, plan according to the region, not just the calendar month. More can be found at Geography of Peru.
Proper Planning for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Machu Picchu is one of the most important travel destinations in Peru, but visiting it is not as spontaneous as a city walk. Tickets, time slots, and visiting routes are officially regulated.
For 2026, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture has officially regulated the sale of tickets for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Network. Entrance tickets should be planned through official channels or with reputable, authorized providers.
The Inca Trail is heavily restricted and must be booked early. Alternatives like Salkantay, Lares, or Choquequirao can also be impressive, but they also require preparation, fitness, and appropriate equipment.
For Machu Picchu, never rely solely on the statements of individual providers. Availability, route, date, time, and ticket type must match your own travel plans.
Safety in Peru
Peru is very manageable for many travelers, but safety should not be taken lightly. Pickpocketing, scams, unsafe taxis, protests, road closures, and regional risks can affect a trip.
Valuables should not be carried visibly. At night, one should not wander aimlessly through unknown neighborhoods. Accommodations, transport, and tours should be chosen from reputable sources.
Current information is important because situations can change. Before traveling, it's worth checking official travel and safety advisories. A concise overview can also be found at Safety in Peru.
Relevant PeruMagazin Topics
These pages will help you with further planning and are directly related to the most important travel topics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peru Travel Tips
Can you drink tap water in Peru?
As a traveler, you should generally not drink tap water in Peru. Boiled, filtered, or treated water is safer.
Is cash important in Peru?
Yes. Cards are more often accepted in cities, but cash is often necessary in small towns, markets, taxis, and with local vendors.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
For the Andes, the dry season from May to September is particularly popular. However, the best travel time can vary depending on the region.
How dangerous is altitude sickness?
It can start mildly but become serious. Slow acclimatization and cautious behavior with symptoms are important.
Do you have to book Machu Picchu early?
Yes. Tickets, time slots, and routes are limited and should be planned well in advance through official or reputable channels.
Is Peru safe for travelers?
Many trips go smoothly, but official advice should be checked, valuables protected, and reputable providers chosen.
Sources
Federal Foreign Office – Travel and Safety Advice Peru
Federal Foreign Office – Information on Altitude Sickness
Ministerio de Cultura del Perú – Information on Machu Picchu and Red de Caminos Inka 2026
Banco Central de Reserva del Perú – Information on the Sol currency
PromPerú – Tourist information on Peru, regions, and travel planning
General travel and specialist literature on Peru, altitude acclimatization, the Amazon region, and Andean travel
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