When you say Peru, you say Machu Picchu, one of the new seven World Wonders. It is one of the many highlights the country has to offer.

Traveling to Peru is an exciting adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences. Here are some essential travel tips to make the most of your trip:

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May to September)
  Ideal for visiting the Andes and Machu Picchu. Expect clear skies and pleasant hiking conditions.

• Wet Season (October to April)
  It's the rainy season in the mountains and the Amazon, but a good time for fewer tourists and lower prices. Coastal cities like Lima have nice weather during this time.

Key Destinations

• Machu Picchu
  Book tickets in advance, especially for the Inca Trail (limited availability). Consider taking the train from Cusco or hiking the classic Inca Trail.

• Cusco & Sacred Valley
  Altitude adjustment is essential here; take it slow when you arrive. Explore ancient Incan ruins, colorful markets, and stunning landscapes.

• Lima
  Peru’s capital is famous for its culinary scene (don't miss ceviche!), museums, and historic colonial architecture.

• Arequipa
  Visit the beautiful "White City" and explore Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons.

• Lake Titicaca
  Visit the world's highest navigable lake, with floating islands inhabited by indigenous communities.

Altitude Sickness

• Peru's high-altitude destinations, like Cusco (3,400m) and Puno (Lake Titicaca), can cause altitude sickness. To avoid it:

• Acclimatize by spending a few days in lower-altitude areas first.

• Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and eat lightly.

• Coca tea or pills like Diamox can help alleviate symptoms.

Currency & Payment

• Currency
  Peruvian Sol (PEN). Carry small bills and coins, as change can be hard to come by, especially in rural areas.

• Credit Cards
  Widely accepted in cities but carry cash for smaller towns and markets.

• ATMs
  Available in cities, but fees can be high. Inform your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.

  Tip: find an ATM from ‘BCP’, it is the only bank that gives you more than 400 Sol (100 euro) and is free of additional fees. At BCP you can withdraw up to 700 Sol (170 euro) at once. You save a lot of money by withdrawing here.
  

Safety

• Pickpocketing
  Be cautious in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Use a money belt or concealed pouch for valuables. Leave your passport in a locker in your accommodation, make a copy of your passport and put it in your wallet.

• Taxis
  Use registered taxis or apps like Uber rather than hailing one off the street in major cities.

• Water Safety
  Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid illness. Be cautious with street food, especially in rural areas.

• Travel Insurance
  It's recommended for emergency health coverage and cancellations, especially if you plan on hiking or adventure activities.
  

Cultural Etiquette

• Language
  Spanish is the official language, but in many rural areas, Quechua and Aymara are spoken. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will be helpful.

• Dress Modestly
  Especially in rural or religious areas. Locals are generally conservative, so respect the dress code when visiting churches or indigenous communities.

• Tipping
  Tipping is not always expected but appreciated. 10% is common in restaurants, and small tips for guides and drivers are customary.

Packing Essentials

• Layered Clothing
  Weather can vary dramatically from coastal regions to high mountains. Pack for both warm days and cold nights.

• Sun Protection
  The sun at high altitudes is strong, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

• Comfortable Shoes
  Essential for hiking and walking, especially around archaeological sites like Machu Picchu.

• Rain Gear
  If traveling in the wet season, bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho.

Getting Around

• Domestic Flights
  The fastest way to travel long distances (e.g., Lima to Cusco). Latam Airlines is a common one.

• Buses
  Affordable, with companies like Cruz del Sur offering comfortable long-distance options. You can book this on Busbud.com.
  Cruz del Sur offers 3 different kinds of busses, normal to super luxury, called Superciva. They also have their own bus terminals, making it very pleasant to travel with. 
  Or, you can always take a look at Peru Hop. This is Peru’s number one traveling company covering all the highlights south from Lima. You pay only once and can use their luxury buses to travel from A to B. 

• Trains
  Used for trips to Machu Picchu or scenic journeys like the Andean Explorer.

• Taxis & Collectivos
  Taxis are cheap, but negotiate the fare beforehand or use ride apps. Collectivos (shared minivans) are an economical way to get around.
  

Respect Local Customs

• Photography
  Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities.

• Environmental Responsibility
  Peru's natural landscapes are fragile, so leave no trace and follow sustainable tourism practices.
  

Language

• While Spanish is the most spoken language, English is common in tourist areas. Learn basic Spanish phrases or the numbers to get around easily. 

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy Peru’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Travelling times from Lima to … by bus

• North: Huaraz 8 hours

• East: Cusco 23 hours

• South: Paracas 4 hours, Huacachina 5 hours and Arequipa 18 hours

Traveling times from Lima to … by plane

• East: Cusco 1 hour 25 minutes

• South: Arequipa 1 hour 30 minutes 

I travelled Peru for one month and this was my schedule, going from Arequipa in the South to the North:

• Arequipa and Colca Canyon: 5 days
  → Bus to Cusco - 11 hours

• Cusco with Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain,… : 10 days
  → Bus to Huacachina - 17 hours

• Huacachina 2 days
  → Bus to Paracas - 5 hours

• Paracas: 2 days
  → Bus to Lima - 4 hours

• Lima: 2 days
  → Bus to Huaraz - 8 hours

• Huaraz: 7 days
  → Bus to Lima - 8 Hours

Al busses are between 15 and 40 euro.