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 finished for me by reserving a tour with Trafalgar.
Nevertheless when you’re doing it by yourself or wish to analysis earlier than your tour departs, right here’s all the pieces you might want to know!
Visiting Peru for the First Time
When to Go
Although travellers go to Peru year-round, the very best (and hottest) time of yr to go to is the dry season, which runs from Might-October. For those who plan to go to Peru throughout this time and want to hike (there are some nice day hikes apart from the 4 day Inca Trek), make sure to e-book upfront as permits e-book out 6 months upfront.
The place to Go: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
You might need heard from different travellers that Lima isn’t value visiting. Certain, Lima just isn’t as spectacular as Rio de Janeiro or as charming because the European streets of Buenos Aires, however it actually has sufficient attraction to maintain you busy for a few days. The meals alone is motive 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 wherein you’ll discover the famend Machu Picchu – Peru’s largest 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 accommodations nearer to Machu Picchu), it’s a lengthy day when you select to go to Machu Picchu by practice in simply sooner or later. Moreover, you’ll have to depart Machu Picchu to return to Cusco on the practice earlier than 4pm, of which is the right time to take images as a result of many of the vacationers have gone (bear in mind that Machu Picchu closes at 5pm – so you could have an hour to your self for images).
Then there’s the Sacred Valley to think about, which has many nice factors of curiosity to cease alongside the path to Machu Picchu. For those who resolve to journey by bus (as I did with the tour group) or by automotive, there are a lot of nice locations to cease to view Llamas, conventional handicrafts, and distinctive views.
A be aware on Altitude
For those who’re fearful about altitude — don’t be. Most individuals are advantageous and don’t really feel the results of altitude in any respect, particularly when you drink loads of water. For those who do begin to really feel dizzy or wanting breath, an excellent resolution is to sip coca tea all through the day (it’s served all over the place).
To alleviate signs additional, eat lights meals, keep away from cigarettes and alcohol, and eat a number of hours earlier than mattress to permit for digestion.
A be aware on Well being (water, bugs, and so on.)
The obvious tip: drink loads of water. How a lot is loads? No less than 2-3 bottles per day.
By no means drink the faucet water – don’t even danger brushing your enamel, particularly within the Andes.
Convey sunblock, the UV rays are robust – particularly up at Machu Picchu!
Convey 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 first rate eating places – the place you may nonetheless pattern nice regional delicacies.
A be aware on Meals
Again to the meals – what do you have to strive in Peru!?
Being a vegetarian, I couldn’t strive numerous the native delicacies. I may nevertheless pattern somewhat potato right here and there (there are over 3,000+ differing types in Peru), in addition to sampling chicha, a regional drink in cusco manufactured from corn. You may also prefer to strive 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 embody 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 all the time take precautions. To be protected, do the next:
Go away your valuables in your lodge protected
Watch out for overly pleasant locals – particularly in Miraflores, Lima and Cusco.
Ask your concierge the place to change cash or which ATMs to look out for.
Cash & Tipping
Folks usually ask what foreign money you might use in Peru, to which there are two solutions. The native foreign money is Peruvian sol, which is accepted all over the 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 foreign money out initially or earlier than your journey. Bank cards accepted: Mastercard and Visa, although many won’t. 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.