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 prepare for a realistic and well-planned trip to Peru.
ImportantPeru is vast, 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 better not to drink tap water. Use filtered or purified water.
SafetyCurrent advisories, reputable providers, and common sense are key.
Peru is not a travel 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 sights.
Anyone 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 appropriate internal links.
Take altitude sickness seriously
Many classic Peruvian destinations are at high altitudes. Cusco is around 3,400 meters, Lake Titicaca is 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, gentle walks are more sensible than immediate forced marches. Acclimatization should be firmly planned before trekking tours, the Inca Trail, or high-altitude excursions.
If you experience severe symptoms, do not ascend further. Rest, fluids, and, if in doubt, 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 daily life.
The coca plant has long cultural significance in the Andes. Nevertheless, travelers should be cautious: coca products can be problematic legally outside of Peru and should not simply be taken into 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 looking at 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 everyday life
In many accommodations, restaurants, and public restrooms in Peru, toilet paper is not flushed down the toilet but placed in a waste bin next to it. This is due to plumbing and sewage systems that are not always designed for it.
Regarding drinking water: travelers should generally not drink tap water. Boiled, filtered, or purified water, or suitable filter bottles, are safer. This is not only cheaper but also reduces plastic waste.
When it comes to street food, panic is not required, but attention. Freshly prepared dishes, well-attended stalls, and clean preparation are better signs than a pretty sign.
Night buses and transport
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.
Opt for reputable bus companies, book in advance, and check departure locations carefully. Good providers offer more comfortable seats, luggage control, and better safety standards.
In cities, traffic can seem chaotic. Taxis, apps, minibusses, and shared taxis are part of everyday life, but not every option is equally reliable. More on this can be found under Transport in Peru.
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Peruvian Cuisine: Cuy, Ceviche and more
Peru is enormously diverse culinarily. On the coast, fish and seafood play a major role; in the Andes, potatoes, corn, quinoa, herbs, and meat dishes. In the Amazon region, other ingredients are added.
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 the regional food culture.
In addition, Ceviche, Ají de Gallina, Lomo Saltado, Anticuchos, Chicha Morada, and Pisco Sour are among the country's well-known culinary themes.
Amazon Region in Peru
The Amazon region is 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.
Those traveling to the rainforest should plan enough time. Three days are often the minimum; a longer tour allows for significantly deeper impressions. Reputable providers, appropriate clothing, mosquito repellent, and realistic expectations are important.
More background on the region can be found under 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 information can be found under Geography of Peru.
Planning Machu Picchu and Inca Trail correctly
Machu Picchu is one of the most important travel destinations in Peru, but a visit is not as spontaneous as a city stroll. 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 limited and must be booked early. Alternatives such as Salkantay, Lares, or Choquequirao can also be impressive, but also require preparation, fitness, and appropriate equipment.
For Machu Picchu, never rely solely on statements from individual providers. Availability, route, date, time, and ticket type must match your own trip.
Safety in Peru
Peru is quite manageable for many travelers, but safety should not be an afterthought. Pickpocketing, fraud, unsafe taxis, protests, roadblocks, and regional risks can affect a trip.
Valuables should not be worn visibly. At night, one should not aimlessly walk through unfamiliar neighborhoods. Accommodation, transport, and tours should be chosen from reputable sources.
Current advisories are important because situations can change. Before traveling, it's worth checking official travel and safety warnings. A concise overview can also be found under Safety in Peru.
Relevant PeruMagazin Topics
These pages help 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 normally not drink tap water in Peru. Boiled, filtered, or purified water is safer.
Is cash important in Peru?
Yes. Cards work more often in cities, but cash is often necessary in small towns, markets, taxis, and with local providers.
When is the best time to travel to 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 I have to book Machu Picchu in advance?
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 it is advisable to check official warnings, protect valuables, and choose reputable providers.
Sources
German Federal Foreign Office – Travel and Security Advice Peru
German 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 currency Sol
PromPerú – tourist information on Peru, regions, and travel planning
General travel and specialized literature on Peru, altitude acclimatization, Amazon region, and Andes travel
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