Things to Know Before Your Trip to Peru

Planning a trip to Peru? Here are a few simple tips to help you plan ahead and prepare for your trip.

1. Altitude sickness. At over 11,000 feet above sea level, when you step off the plane in Cusco, you may feel as though you’re floating. You might experience a headache or even nausea. If you’ve never been this high before, you don’t yet know how altitude will affect you. Just in case, bring altitude sickness pills with you—they could come in very handy. Also, as a preventive measure, drink water regularly; over time, your body will naturally adjust.

2. Plenty of (eco-friendly) sunscreen and insect repellent

If you’re planning to hike Machu Picchu, be aware that the weather there is extremely unpredictable—right up until you reach the summit. Even during the rainy season, you might have bright sunshine throughout your entire adventure. You won’t always be able to buy sunscreen and insect repellent locally. So bring your own, because no matter the weather, you’ll need it!

3. In Peru, be prepared for rain and sunshine

The weather can change at breakneck speed in Peru; it’s truly unpredictable. You might walk into a restaurant in the sunshine, step outside an hour later, and find yourself in the middle of a rainstorm! While this is more likely during the rainy season, it’s always best to carry something to cover up in case of heavy rain and be prepared for hot, sunny days.

4. Always carry cash

Peru is known worldwide for its handicrafts, including hand-woven alpaca sweaters, socks, blankets, and much more. If you love markets, you’ll be in for a treat. So remember to bring cash with you, as ATMs aren’t always easy to find.

5. Drink plenty of water

Stay hydrated—OFTEN! This is key, as you’ll likely be traveling a lot—by car, bus, plane, and train—not to mention trekking. To keep going in the long run, given the conditions and altitude, it’s essential to drink regularly; you’ll need to almost double your usual water intake. Always keep your stainless steel water bottle with you and refill it as soon as possible, since you can’t drink tap water in Peru.

6. Note down restaurant addresses in Peru

Lima is one of the world’s culinary capitals, and of course, you’ll find delicious dishes scattered throughout the country. If, like us, you love food, it’s always nice to have a list of recommended restaurants so you don’t spend too much time searching for the right spot once you’re there. And to avoid chains that won’t serve you food worthy of the local culture. And for the most passionate foodies, you can discover the world’s fifth-best restaurant, Central, but you’ll need to book at least two months in advance.

7. Don’t forget to charge your camera every night

Expect to use your camera very frequently. The whole country will take your breath away, and you’ll want to photograph the beautiful landscapes and sunsets over Lake Titicaca. You’ll always find a stunning view or a charming village to capture. Even during a train ride to Machu Picchu and a seven-hour bus ride to Puno, you won’t want to close your eyes for a second so you don’t miss any of the breathtaking mountain scenery.