I can lastly say I’ve been to Peru. I’ve seen the wonderful Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, I’ve scaled the steep stairs within the metropolis of Cusco, and I’ve eaten myself right into a potato-induced-coma in Lima (Peru has over 3,000 various kinds of potatoes). However I didn’t do my analysis earlier than I arrived, as a result of all of the pondering was achieved for me by reserving a tour with Trafalgar.
Nevertheless for those who’re doing it by yourself or need to analysis earlier than your tour departs, right here’s all the pieces it is advisable know!
Visiting Peru for the First Time
When to Go
Although travellers go to Peru year-round, one of the best (and hottest) time of yr to go to is the dry season, which runs from Could-October. In the event you plan to go to Peru throughout this time and want to hike (there are some nice day hikes except for the 4 day Inca Trek), make sure to ebook upfront as permits ebook out 6 months upfront.
The place to Go: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
You may need heard from different travellers that Lima isn’t price visiting. Certain, Lima is just not as spectacular as Rio de Janeiro or as charming because the European streets of Buenos Aires, however it definitely has sufficient appeal to maintain you busy for a few days. The meals alone is cause sufficient to go to as Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America! Regardless, you’ll be passing by way of Lima in transit so why not keep a pair nights to relaxation earlier than your journey within the Andes.
After Lima, you’ll catch a flight to Cusco, the area through which you’ll find the famend Machu Picchu – Peru’s greatest draw card for worldwide tourism. Whereas most travellers select to remain right here in a single day upon arrival (as it’s cheaper to remain in Cusco than the inns nearer to Machu Picchu), it’s a lengthy day for those who select to go to Machu Picchu by prepare in simply at some point. Apart from, you’ll have to go away Machu Picchu to return to Cusco on the prepare earlier than 4pm, of which is the proper time to take pictures as a result of many of the vacationers have gone (remember that Machu Picchu closes at 5pm – so you’ve gotten an hour to your self for pictures).
Then there’s the Sacred Valley to contemplate, which has many nice factors of curiosity to cease alongside the path to Machu Picchu. In the event you determine to journey by bus (as I did with the tour group) or by automobile, there are a lot of nice locations to cease to view Llamas, conventional handicrafts, and distinctive views.
A be aware on Altitude
In the event you’re anxious about altitude — don’t be. Most individuals are nice and don’t really feel the results of altitude in any respect, particularly for those who drink loads of water. In the event you do begin to really feel dizzy or in need of breath, a fantastic resolution is to sip coca tea all through the day (it’s served in every single place).
To alleviate signs additional, eat lights meals, keep away from cigarettes and alcohol, and eat just a few hours earlier than mattress to permit for digestion.
A be aware on Well being (water, bugs, and so forth.)
The obvious tip: drink loads of water. How a lot is a lot? At the very least 2-3 bottles per day.
By no means drink the faucet water – don’t even threat brushing your tooth, particularly within the Andes.
Carry sunblock, the UV rays are sturdy – particularly up at Machu Picchu!
Carry bug spray – you’ll thank me later. Machu Picchu is crawling with little flies.
Keep away from road meals and as an alternative go for respectable eating places – the place you possibly can nonetheless pattern nice regional delicacies.
A be aware on Meals
Again to the meals – what do you have to attempt in Peru!?
Being a vegetarian, I couldn’t attempt a whole lot of the native delicacies. I may nonetheless pattern a bit of potato right here and there (there are over 3,000+ differing kinds in Peru), in addition to sampling chicha, a regional drink in cusco fabricated from corn. You may also wish to attempt Pisco Sours in Peru, and if in case you have a candy tooth seize an alfajor on-the-go.
For the meat lovers, native delicacies embrace ceviche and cuy (aka guinea pig).
A be aware on Security
Security is hit or miss in Peru – however similar to anyplace else on this planet, you need to at all times take precautions. To be protected, do the next:
Go away your valuables in your resort protected
Watch out for overly pleasant locals – particularly in Miraflores, Lima and Cusco.
Ask your concierge the place to trade cash or which ATMs to look out for.
Cash & Tipping
Individuals usually ask what forex you might use in Peru, to which there are two solutions. The native forex is Peruvian sol, which is accepted in every single place. You need to use US {dollars} at many distributors’ stalls, however solely in small ($1, $5, $10) denominations in good situation. It’s higher to get some native forex out firstly or earlier than your journey. Bank cards accepted: Mastercard and Visa, although many is not going to. Safer to seize some money.
Because of Trafalgar Journey for arranging my go to to Peru – I took the 8 day Highlights of Peru Tour.
