Planning a trip to the Andes requires more logistics than a standard holiday. From securing tickets for ancient archaeological sites to managing the physical effects of high elevation, these essential peru travel tips will help you navigate the country smoothly. Whether you are sorting out your entry requirements or figuring out how to get around, this guide covers what you need to know before you land in Lima. Our complete Peru guide and broader South America guide offer excellent starting points, but here we dive into the daily practicalities of navigating the country.
Essential Peru Travel Tips for First-Timers
Managing the Altitude
Altitude sickness, known locally as soroche, is the biggest physical challenge for visitors. Many travellers fly directly from sea level in Lima to Cusco, which sits at 3,399 metres. This rapid ascent often causes headaches, nausea and fatigue. The best approach is to descend immediately to the Sacred Valley (around 2,800 metres) for your first few nights to acclimatise before returning to Cusco.
Drink plenty of water, eat light meals and try coca tea, a local remedy offered in most hotel lobbies. Pharmacies across the country sell altitude medication like Sorojchi Pills, but consult your doctor before you travel to get a prescription for preventative medication if you are concerned.
| Destination | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Lima | Sea level |
| Arequipa | 2,328 metres |
| Machu Picchu | 2,430 metres |
| Cusco | 3,399 metres |
| Puno (Lake Titicaca) | 3,827 metres |
| Rainbow Mountain | 5,200 metres |
Weather and Packing
Peru has distinct microclimates. The coast is a dry desert, the Andes are alpine and the Amazon is tropical. Temperatures in the mountains fluctuate wildly throughout the day. A daytime high in Cusco might be 20°C (68°F) in direct sunlight, but it can drop to 2°C (35°F) at night. Packing layers is non-negotiable.
A good packing list includes a moisture-wicking base layer, a thermal mid-layer and a windproof outer shell. Bring sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support, as the cobblestone streets in Cusco and ancient steps at archaeological sites are notoriously uneven. For a detailed breakdown of the dry and wet seasons, read our guide on the Best Time to Visit Peru: Weather and Seasons by Region.
Safety and Health
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Peru. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and use it when brushing your teeth. Traveller’s diarrhoea is common, so to minimise the risk, avoid ice in your drinks unless you are in a high-end establishment that uses purified water. Peel all fruit yourself.
If you do get sick, local pharmacies are well-stocked with rehydration salts and basic medications. In terms of security, petty theft is the main concern in cities like Lima and Arequipa. Keep your phone out of sight on busy streets and use registered transport. We cover neighbourhood specifics in our guide: Is Peru Safe to Visit? Safety Tips for Travellers.
Entry Requirements
Most international tourists do not need a visa for short stays, but you must have a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Immigration officers usually grant 30 to 90 days upon arrival. Check the exact rules for your nationality in our Peru Visa and Entry Requirements guide.
Make sure you keep the digital Andean Migration Card (TAM) receipt if you are issued one at the airport. Hotels require this document alongside your passport to waive the 18% national sales tax for foreign tourists. Without it, you will be charged the extra tax on your room rate.
Booking Machu Picchu and Treks
Navigating Machu Picchu Tickets
You cannot simply turn up at the gates of Machu Picchu. The site operates on a strict circuit system to manage crowd flow and protect the ruins. You must choose a specific circuit and entry time when booking, and you cannot backtrack once inside. Tickets for the high season (May to September) often sell out months in advance.
The rules and routes have been updated recently to preserve the site, meaning some tickets allow access to the upper terraces for classic photos, while others focus on the lower ruins. Understand the differences between the routes by reading our guide on Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits Explained.
Choosing Your Trek
If you want to hike to the citadel, planning is even more crucial. The classic Inca Trail requires permits that go on sale in October for the following year and sell out almost instantly for peak months. You will need to hire a licensed operator; independent trekking is strictly prohibited on this route.
If you miss out on permits, or prefer a different experience, there are excellent alternatives that do not require the same advance booking. The Salkantay Trek offers dramatic glacial scenery, while the Lares Trek focuses on cultural interactions in remote Andean communities. Compare your options in Inca Trail vs Alternative Treks.
High-Altitude Day Trips
Day trips to extreme altitudes should be left for the very end of your itinerary. A Rainbow Mountain Day Trip takes you up to 5,200 metres. Even if you have spent a week acclimatising in Cusco, this elevation is physically demanding. Book these tours locally once you know how your body is handling the altitude.
Money, SIM Cards and Apps
Currency and Cash
The local currency is the Sol (PEN). While high-end hotels and restaurants in Lima or Cusco accept credit cards (Visa is the most widely used), cash is essential for taxis, small markets, public toilets and rural areas. ATMs are widely available; BCP and Scotiabank are reliable options, though most charge withdrawal fees.
Always carry small coins and notes (10 and 20 soles). Vendors rarely have change for a 100-sol note. Tipping in restaurants is usually 10% for good service, often left in cash even if you pay the main bill with a card. For budgeting, a mid-range daily spend is typically USD 60 to USD 120 per person. See our full breakdown in Peru Travel Cost: How Much Does a Trip Cost?.
Connectivity
Getting a local SIM card is straightforward and cheap. Claro and Movistar offer the best coverage across the Andean and coastal regions. You can buy prepaid SIMs at official stores in Lima (Miraflores or San Isidro) by presenting your passport. If your phone is unlocked and supports it, an eSIM from providers like Airalo is convenient, though you will be roaming on local networks and may lose signal in remote valleys.
Useful Apps
WhatsApp is ubiquitous in Peru. You will use it to communicate with tour guides, coordinate hotel pickups, book restaurant tables and even order food. Download Maps.me and offline Google Maps for navigating cities and trails without using data.
For transport in Lima, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify are much safer than hailing taxis off the street. They also remove the need to haggle over fares in Spanish.
Transport Tips for Getting Around
Domestic Flights
Flying is the most efficient way to cover Peru’s vast distances. LATAM and Sky Airline operate frequent flights between Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and Iquitos. When booking domestic flights, pay close attention to the baggage allowances. Basic fares often only include a small personal item that fits under the seat. You will need to purchase a higher fare tier to bring a cabin bag or check a suitcase.
Flights into Cusco are notoriously prone to delays or cancellations due to morning fog or afternoon winds in the Andes. Always leave a buffer day between a domestic flight and an important booked tour, especially before your international departure from Lima.
Long-Distance Buses
Bus travel in Peru is surprisingly comfortable if you book with premium companies like Cruz del Sur, Civa or Oltursa. Their long-distance coaches feature fully reclining seats (cama), blankets, meals and onboard entertainment. This is a great option for routes like Lima to Paracas or Arequipa to Puno.
If you suffer from motion sickness, the winding roads through the Andes can be brutal. Pack anti-nausea medication and try to book a seat on the lower level (VIP section) of double-decker buses, as there is significantly less sway. Always keep your valuables in your daypack on your lap, never in the overhead bins or checked luggage hold.
Trains to the Ruins and Lakes
Trains are primarily used for tourism rather than general transit. PeruRail and Inca Rail are the two operators running services from Cusco and the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. Book these tickets well in advance, as spaces are limited and align with ruin entry times.
There is also a luxury train service connecting Cusco to Puno. If you are heading that way, read our Lake Titicaca Guide for advice on navigating the high-altitude lake, visiting the Uros floating islands and deciding whether to cross the border into Bolivia.
Etiquette Dos and Don’ts
Photography and Tipping
In places like Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you will see locals in traditional dress, often accompanied by alpacas or llamas. If you want to take a photo, you must ask for permission first. It is expected that you give a small tip (usually 2 to 5 soles) in exchange. Do not take photos of people going about their daily lives without asking; it is considered highly disrespectful.
Bathroom Habits
Plumbing across most of South America is not designed to handle toilet paper. Whether you are in a budget hostel or a mid-range restaurant, you will usually see a small bin next to the toilet. Put all toilet paper in the bin, not in the bowl, to avoid causing severe blockages. Public toilets often charge 1 or 2 soles for entry and provide a small amount of paper at the door, so always carry your own tissues and hand sanitiser.
Haggling
Haggling is acceptable and expected in artisan markets, such as the San Pedro Market in Cusco or the Indian Market in Lima. However, keep it friendly and respectful. The goal is to reach a fair price for both parties, not to argue aggressively over the equivalent of USD 1. Do not try to haggle in supermarkets, restaurants or established boutiques.
Common Mistakes First-Timers Make
Rushing the Itinerary
Peru looks small on a world map, but the mountainous terrain makes travel slow. A common mistake is trying to squeeze Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca into a single week. This leaves you exhausted and vulnerable to altitude sickness. Focus on two regions maximum if you are short on time. For realistic pacing, check out our Peru Itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 Days.
Skipping Lima
Many travellers treat Lima simply as an airport hub and leave immediately. This is a mistake. Lima is the culinary capital of South America, home to world-renowned restaurants like Central and Maido, as well as incredible street food and ceviche spots. Spend at least two nights exploring the cliffside parks of Miraflores and the bohemian streets of Barranco.
Underestimating Distances
Looking at a map, a distance of 150 km might seem like a quick two-hour drive. In the Andes, a 150 km journey can take four to five hours due to winding, single-lane mountain roads, roaming livestock and slow-moving lorries. Always look at estimated travel times rather than physical distances when planning your routes.
Plan Your Trip
Your trip to Peru will be unforgettable if you prepare for the logistics. Double-check your passport validity, start walking to build your fitness for the altitude, and secure your Machu Picchu tickets as soon as your dates are locked in. Pack your layers, download your offline maps, and get ready to explore one of the most geographically diverse countries on earth.
