Ultimate Travel Tips for Peru: Stay Safe & Avoid Llama Drama

Feeling nervous about scams, altitude sickness, or llama drama for your Peru adventure? With visitor numbers rising each year, Machu Picchu uses a new entry system to help manage the crowds.

Our ultimate travel tips for Peru give practical guides on safety, avoiding tourist scams and smart ways to beat the rush at popular spots like Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Keep reading and make your Peru trip stress-free.

Essential Travel Preparations for Peru

Before your adventure, confirm travel documents like passport and visa rules—and check that your vaccinations meet current Peru health advice. Pack smart for changing weather in Cusco, the Andes, or the Amazon jungle—you’ll thank yourself later.

Check passport validity and visa requirements

Your passport must have at least six months validity upon entry into Peru. Tourists from countries like the US, Canada, and Australia can enter without a visa and receive a 90-day stay permit on arrival.

If arriving from mosquito-borne disease regions—such as parts of Africa or Brazil—you must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Keep your travel documents safe to avoid issues with immigration officials or risk becoming targets for thefts and express kidnappings while abroad.

For seamless planning, consider checking out these Peru travel packages.

A valid passport is your ticket to trouble-free adventures.

To further protect yourself against common illnesses, be sure to schedule necessary shots before departure.

Get necessary vaccinations

Peru has some infectious diseases that can ruin your trip fast. Before leaving, visit a travel clinic to get vaccines for tetanus, polio, diphtheria, TB, hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies.

Yellow fever vaccine is vital if you plan on visiting high-risk jungle areas or low-lying regions like parts of the Sacred Valley of the Incas or near Ollantaytambo. Protect yourself against foodborne illnesses from eating tasty Peruvian cuisine by getting immunized against hepatitis A and typhoid too.

Once you’ve got vaccines covered; it’s time to Pack for varying climates before heading out.

Pack for varying climates

Packing for Peru means preparing for multiple climates. The steamy Amazon jungle demands lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes to prevent bug bites and mosquito-borne diseases. Cooler, higher-altitude spots like Cusco or areas along the Inca Trail require layered clothing, including breathable shirts, fleece jackets, and windproof coats.

Hiking shoes with solid grip are essential; pack trekking poles and a four-season sleeping bag if you’re headed on treks such as the Lares Trek or Choquequirao route. Check out these Machu Picchu travel packages to see what gear you’ll need next.

Money Tips for Travelers

Peruvian soles are your best friend—ATMs can save you, but watch out for card skimming. If local markets call your name, master bargaining to dodge counterfeit cash.

Carry Peruvian cash (soles)

Carry enough soles, the official Peruvian currency (PEN), while in Peru. Exchange rates sit around 3.80 soles per US dollar, making budgeting clear and simple. Small stores, taxis, local eateries serving ceviche or anticuchos often accept cash only; credit cards mainly work at bigger hotels or restaurants in Cusco or Lima Airport terminals.

Watch out for counterfeit notes and always inspect bills closely after each exchange.

Cash is king in Peru—especially away from tourist spots.

Use ATMs cautiously

Using cash in Peru is helpful, but you must be cautious with ATMs. Criminals frequently target tourist areas like Plaza de Armas in Cusco or Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. For safer withdrawals, always choose ATMs inside secure locations like banks or guarded shopping malls.

Trust reliable Peruvian banks such as BCP, Interbank, Scotiabank, and BBVA to lower the risk of pickpocketing or theft after getting your soles.

Learn to haggle in local markets

Limit ATM use; carry cash in good condition for Peru’s local markets. Keep Peruvian soles handy, since worn bills often get rejected by vendors. Start your offers at 40-50% below the marked price.

Vendors expect negotiation and set prices higher than they intend to sell for anyway. Bundle items like alpaca sweaters, daypacks, or packets of coca leaves to boost discounts by another 10-25%.

Stay confident but friendly; respect matters a lot with Peruvians during bargaining in Cusco or Lima.

Navigating Transportation in Peru

Getting around Peru is easy, if you plan ahead and pick the right options—here’s what you need to know.

Domestic flights for long distances

Domestic flights save travel time in Peru. Major airlines like LATAM Peru, Sky Airline, and JetSmart cover popular routes such as Lima to Cusco (1 hour 25 minutes) and Cusco to Arequipa (1 hour 5 minutes).

Flights cost about $30 to $60 each way; booking early ensures better prices. For men planning Peru Luxury tours, flying helps avoid severe weather, volcanic activity zones like Ubinas Volcano, tough terrain in the high Andes, or road safety risks involving muggings or kidnappers.

Flying domestic keeps your trip safe, quick, and hassle-free—no llama drama involved.

Use buses for budget-friendly options

Buses offer cost-friendly rides around Peru, saving money for food or activities. Major companies include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Movil; they offer reliable service with fares starting at only S/10 for a two-hour trip between cities like Lima and Urubamba.

Bus trips let travelers adjust slowly to altitude changes, reducing risks of acute mountain sickness (AMS), known locally as soroche. Book tickets early through official websites to secure seats and avoid crowds at busy terminals in Cusco or Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.

Be cautious with taxis and rideshares

Avoid street taxis at night in cities like Lima or Cusco, Peru. Theft and robberies targeting travelers sometimes occur with unlicensed taxis. Verify the driver’s photo, vehicle details, and rider ratings through apps before entering vehicles from rideshare companies like Uber to reduce risks.

Confirm license plates match the information shown on your device before getting inside.

Staying Safe While Traveling

Stay alert and use common sense—Peru is safe if you take basic precautions, carry a copy of your passport for ID checks, and have travel insurance in case of medical emergencies.

For extra support, Peru’s Tourism Police can help you handle theft or safety issues quickly.

Avoid traveling alone at night

Avoid traveling alone at night to reduce your risk of theft, pickpocketing, or assaults. In cities like Lima and Cuzco, it’s safest to stay with a group after sunset. If you must go out late, always use official taxis or rideshare apps instead of random street cabs; unofficial drivers can sometimes target lone travelers for scams or robbery attempts.

Safety doesn’t happen by accident.

Be vigilant against theft and pickpocketing

Men traveling in Peru must stay alert to prevent pickpocketing and theft. Thieves often use tricks like a distraction or fake help offer, then grab wallets or phones unnoticed. Use RFID-blocking wallets and pickpocket-resistant clothing, such as jackets with hidden zippers or pants with secure pockets; these make stealing harder.

Crowded tourist spots—like Machu Picchu, Coricancha Temple in Cusco, local markets selling cacao products and tamales, buses around Lima city center or the neighborhoods of Cuzco—are prime locations for thieves targeting travelers.

Keep your passport safe at hotels whenever possible; carry just basic proof of identity such as your driver’s license while sightseeing on streets filled with locals speaking Quechuan dialects.

Contact the Tourism Police if needed

Peru has Tourism Police to keep travelers safe in popular areas like Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. If you face theft, scams, or health problems such as methanol poisoning from alcoholic drinks or waterborne sickness due to unsafe drinking water—call the Tourism Police at 0800-22221.

Regular police can also help; dial emergency number 105 for crimes, 116 for fires, and 117 for medical emergencies.

Tips for Exploring Machu Picchu

Reserve your Machu Picchu tickets and Huayna Picchu permits early, since spots fill up fast. Think about doing the classic Inca Trail hike or taking a comfy train ride from Cusco—both have their perks.

Book tickets and permits in advance

Machu Picchu entry tickets must be bought before arriving, as daily visitor limits apply. Permits to hike the famous Inca Trail also sell out fast; book these 3-4 months early if possible.

Huayna Picchu has strict access rules too, with limited permits per day that travelers often snap up well ahead of time. Travelers interested in alternative hikes like Huchuy Qosqo should confirm and reserve their tours at least a month before departure to secure spots.

You can find more details on how to visit Machu Picchu online or through official tourist offices.

After sorting out your tickets, choose between hiking or train travel options for getting there efficiently.

Consider the Inca Trail or train options

Book ahead for the Inca Trail, permits often sell out 4-6 months early. The popular route takes hikers through stunning Andean views before reaching Sun Gate above Machu Picchu. Short on time or want an easier option? Take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then hike just the final stretch of trail up to Sun Gate—about a 2-hour climb—for amazing sunrise scenery.

New site rules let visitors enter twice daily now, allowing one trip early for quiet pictures and another visit later to explore ruins fully. Bring a water-resistant backpack, plenty of hydration, and coca tea or leaves since altitude sickness can set in quickly at higher elevations along this trek route; stay healthy to enjoy it fully!

Visit during early mornings for fewer crowds

After choosing between the Inca Trail and train, plan your visit to Machu Picchu early in the morning. The site’s busiest hours are from 10 AM until 1 PM; early visits around sunrise offer clearer skies and less fog, great for views and photos.

Traveling with fewer people also means better air quality and a more relaxed hike without dealing with crowds or long lines. Wake up before dawn if you want crisp photos of landmarks like Inti Watana stone or breathtaking vistas of Cuzco’s nearby peaks illuminated by first sunlight.

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Altitude sickness can ruin your Peru trip—learn simple ways to stay healthy and enjoy your travels.

Acclimatize before visiting high-altitude areas

High-altitude spots in Peru, like Cusco and Machu Picchu, sit at elevations above 7,900 feet. Acclimatize by spending at least 24 to 48 hours resting in a lower-elevation city such as Lima, Peru before heading higher.

This gradual ascent helps your body adjust slowly and prevents altitude sickness symptoms like headaches, insomnia, dizziness or nausea. Even experienced trekkers and climbers know that well-planned acclimatization is key for safe adventures in these mountain regions.

Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals

Drink 3 to 4 liters of bottled or filtered water daily to avoid dehydration at high altitudes. Avoid heavy meals like large servings of lomo saltado or big plates of anticuchos before heading upwards; stick with lighter snacks instead.

Heavy dishes can slow digestion and cause discomfort, making altitude sickness worse. Fuel up smartly by eating small portions more often throughout the day, paired with sips of coca tea for added relief from symptoms.

Use coca tea or leaves as a remedy

To ease altitude sickness, coca tea or fresh coca leaves are popular in high-altitude areas like Cusco and Machu Picchu. Coca naturally reduces headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness that happen at elevations over 8,000 feet.

Visitors safely drink up to 3 or 4 cups of coca tea per day; locals often chew fresh leaves to feel energized and well-adjusted during long hikes or tramping adventures. Coca tea is easy to find in cafes, hotels, markets around Lima and the Cuzco area.

Food and Drink Advice

Taste fresh ceviche from a trusted spot and stay clear of Peru’s tap water—stick to bottled or filtered. Get familiar with local favorites like grilled anticuchos, hearty lomo saltado, and refreshing Cusqueño beer for an authentic taste of Lima, Peru.

Try ceviche in the morning for freshness

Ceviche tastes best fresh, so have it in Lima, Peru early in the morning. Fishermen bring in seafood daily at dawn; by 10 AM restaurants already serve bowls filled with ceviche’s spicy kick and juicy flavor.

Eating later risks bacteria growth or spoiling of raw seafood ingredients like fish and shrimp. Eat ceviche first thing to avoid getting sick or poisoned during your travels due to spoiled seafood meals.

Avoid tap water; drink bottled or filtered water

Tap water in Peru is unsafe. Drinking unclean water can expose you to harmful germs and parasites, raising the risk for general health issues during your trip. Protect yourself by only drinking bottled or filtered water purchased from reliable sources; if needed, boil local water vigorously for at least 3 full minutes before use to kill bacteria and viruses.

For brushing teeth and rinsing food items like fruits or vegetables, always use clean containerized supplies instead of tap sources. Taking these simple steps lowers your chance of illness, making it easier to enjoy local Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado or anticuchos without worry.

Explore local dishes like lomo saltado and anticuchos

Peru offers tasty local dishes like lomo saltado and anticuchos. Lomo saltado is stir-fried beef cooked with soy sauce, onions, and tomatoes served over rice and fries; it blends Peruvian flavors with Asian cooking styles.

For a bold taste, order anticuchos de corazón: skewers of marinated grilled heart meat popular among locals available in street stalls throughout Lima, Peru. These hearty meals fill you up after hiking or canyoning adventures while exploring the country’s landscapes.

Cultural Etiquette in Peru

Knowing a few polite Spanish phrases helps you connect easily with locals, especially in rural areas. Pay close attention to local customs—like greetings with a cheek kiss in Lima, Peru—for smooth interactions.

Learn basic Spanish phrases

To avoid llama drama and confusion in Peru, learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Simple greetings like “Hola” (Hello) or “Mucho gusto” (Nice to meet you) can ease introductions with locals.

Useful questions such as “¿Dónde está el baño??” (Where is the bathroom?) and statements like “Estoy perdido” (I am lost), help solve common issues easily, without stress or misunderstandings.

Respect local customs and traditions

Greet locals properly, with one air kiss on the cheek in big cities like Lima, Peru and a firm handshake in rural towns. Always ask before taking photographs of Quechuans or other community members to show respect and avoid conflict.

Dress modestly outside urban areas; wear long pants rather than shorts to blend better into village life. Knowing basic Spanish phrases such as “gracias,” “por favor,” and simple greetings will improve your interactions with local people.

Being polite earns goodwill from communities you visit, helps prevent misunderstandings that could lead to trouble, or situations requiring police or consular assistance.

Dress modestly in rural areas

In Peru’s rural areas, men should wear modest clothing to respect local customs and traditions. Choose shirts that cover shoulders, and select pants or shorts that reach below the knees.

Avoid overly revealing items like sleeveless tops or very short shorts; locals may find these disrespectful. Dressing appropriately helps build trust with residents while exploring regions outside Lima, Peru.

Next up are details about the best times to visit Peru for ideal weather and fewer tourists.

Best Times to Visit Peru

Visit Peru May to September for dry weather—or November to March if you want fewer tourists—read on to choose the best time for your trip.

Dry season (May to September) for outdoor activities

The dry season from May to October offers Peru’s best weather for outdoor trips, hikes, and adventure sports. Clear skies and little rain make these months great for trekking trails like the famous Inca Trail or exploring landmarks such as Machu Picchu.

Major cultural events during this time include Inti Raymi in June, a lively Incan celebration in Cusco, and honoring Santa Rosa de Lima on August 30 in Lima, Peru. Plan your visit early; activities fill up fast due to high demand from travelers around the world.

Wet season (November to March) for fewer crowds

Peru’s wet season runs from November through March. This period means less-crowded sites, shorter lines at Machu Picchu, and better hotel prices in Lima, Peru. January and February bring the heaviest rains; pack a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and layers that dry fast.

Heavy rain can cause flooding or landslides in remote mountain areas; check for natural disaster alerts before travel. Flights sometimes get delayed due to weather disruptions like heavy rainfall or volcanic ash affecting air safety standards set by Peru’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Keep extra prescription medications on hand during these months to stay prepared in case of delays or sudden route changes due to states of emergency warnings around active volcanoes.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Choose eco-friendly tour services and limit plastic use to protect cultural sites and Peru’s wildlife—read on to learn how your travel can make a difference.

Support eco-friendly tour operators

Support eco-friendly tour operators during your stay in Peru. Operators like Kuoda Travel and Amazonas Explorer protect nature, support local economies, and respect cultural heritage.

These companies help reduce plastic waste, minimize damage to wildlife habitats, and hire local guides for fair wages. Select accommodations run by local families; buy locally-made goods instead of cheap imports to keep money within communities.

Sustainable tourism benefits you—and the beautiful places you visit—for years ahead.

Minimize plastic use

Carry a zero-waste travel kit for Peru trips to cut plastic use. Pack reusable items like water bottles, solid shampoo bars, bamboo utensils, and cloth shopping bags for daily needs.

Plastic waste pollutes stunning cultural sites like Machu Picchu and Lima’s beaches; choosing eco-friendly gear helps keep these places clean and safe.

Respect natural and cultural heritage sites

Stay on marked trails while exploring Machu Picchu and other Peruvian landmarks. Damaging ancient ruins can get you jailed or fined. Peru takes responsible tourism seriously; always recycle, avoid plastic waste, and respect wildlife habitats.

In rural towns outside Lima, Peru, follow local customs closely by dressing modestly and asking before taking photos of people or religious sites. Be cautious not to touch cultural treasures without clear permission from guides or officials; these small actions protect heritage for future visits.

How Will Traveling to Peru Evolve in 2025?

Peru will offer new hiking trails, cultural festivals, and community-based tourism options in 2025. Sustainable travel and cultural immersion trips will grow popular among travelers who want unique experiences.

Peak tourist season runs from June to August; expect greater crowds at famous locations like Machu Picchu. Travelers with Australian passports or dual nationals must stay updated on Peru’s visa rules, general health advice (like Zika virus or snow blindness), and emergencies such as natural disasters or tsunami warnings.

For men looking to plan exciting adventures in Peru, check out more ideas about adventures in Peru.

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