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| Your Peru Prep Guide 10 Crucial Traveler Insights |
With your trip to Peru rapidly approaching, the anticipation is growing! These ten Peru travel tips were inspired by the astute remarks of a tour guide in Peru Peru and will help you channel your excitement into practical preparation. What to bring, how to get around the nation, and how much money to use? To ensure that you have the best possible experience at your destination, think about all of these questions before you depart.
Here is all the information you need to plan a trip to Peru, from the Inca Trail to Rainbow Mountain, and from Lima's bohemian district to Cusco wonders.
Which season is ideal for traveling to Peru?
The area you want to visit and how long you want to spend there will determine how soon you travel to Peru.- The best time to go on a trek in the Andes is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This is also the best time to visit the Amazon and the renowned Machu Picchu.
- Nonetheless, the months of December through April are ideal if you want to take advantage of the mild climate along the Pacific coast. There are more pleasant temperatures and frequently clear skies.
- Lastly, November through March is the best time to explore the nation's cities, including Lima, the capital. The weather is usually mild and the temperatures are pleasant.
How should one get vaccinated before traveling to Peru?
It is advised that you update your vaccinations by your schedule before traveling to Peru. In addition to the typhoid vaccine, vaccination against hepatitis A and B is frequently advised. It is advised to get the yellow fever vaccination if you intend to travel to the Amazon region. Additionally, getting vaccinated against polio, tetanus, and diphtheria is a good idea.It is always preferable to get a personalized assessment from a medical professional before departure.
Are there any travel restrictions to Peru and is it safe to travel there right now?
Most people agree that Peru is a safe place to visit. But as always, it's a good idea to exercise some caution when it comes to your own safety.Although there are usually plenty of patrols in tourist areas, scams and pickpocketing can still happen, particularly in big cities like Lima. It's a good idea to conceal valuables from view and to keep your personal items secure. Additionally, it's a good idea to avoid using street vendors and to only use official taxis. Like most of South America, the borders of neighboring countries should be avoided as they can be more dangerous than the rest of Peru territory.
It's a good idea to check the Government of Canada travel.gc.ca portal before leaving to stay updated on travel advisories. Getting travel insurance for the length of your trip is also a smart move.
What should I pack for Peru and how should I dress?
Because of the great diversity of Peru climate, the items you should pack for a trip will depend on the time of year and the specific areas you will be visiting.Because of the mild and dry climate along the Pacific Ocean coast and in Lima, you should bring light clothing for the day and heavier clothing for the evenings. Conversely, you should anticipate colder weather in the Andes. Remember to pack layers for maximum comfort, good hiking boots, and durable, waterproof gear, particularly during the rainy season (November to April). Lastly, we advise packing light and long clothing for the Amazon due to its hot and muggy climate, which is ideal for mosquitoes.
Add the following items to your suitcase before leaving for Peru:
- Sunscreen: Even in overcast conditions, one should never underestimate the strength of the sun in the equatorial region. The altitude is the main cause of this. For the best protection, it is crucial to select a broad-spectrum sunscreen, ideally with an SPF of 50 or higher. Put on a hat, long sleeves, and high-quality sunglasses.
- Repelling mosquitoes is especially crucial if you intend to travel during the rainy season or visit the Amazon jungle.
- Reusable water bottle: Certain Peruvian protected areas prohibit the use of plastic bottled water.
- Plug type: Some plugs in Peru are type A, while others are type C. Use an adapter or electrical converter. Furthermore, Peru's voltage (220 V) is substantially higher than Canada's (120 V). Your equipment could sustain major damage if you don't have a converter. Verify that the equipment you have can handle this voltage, or purchase a converter.
- A small backpack: Any backpack or bag that weighs more than five kilograms is not permitted to be brought into the Machu Picicchu site.
In Peru, how can one recover from altitude sickness?
First and foremost, take altitude sickness medication before travel, as advised by a medical professional. Next, give your body a day to acclimate to the high altitude to prevent headaches and other discomforts. Try the local-recommended coca tea or muna tea, two plants that are consumed as tea or candies and which are said to help with the symptoms of altitude sickness. Eat sparingly and stay hydrated.Above all, ascend gradually! If Machu Picchu is on your itinerary, begin your exploration of lower-lying locations by visiting the Sacred Valley, and then move on to higher peaks.
Visa: What must I do to travel to Peru?
For visits lasting less than ninety days, visitors from Canada do not require a visa to enter Peru. After your return, your passport needs to remain valid for at least six months.How can I get around Peru whether I'm traveling by car, bus, train, or airplane?
- Bus transportation is a rather popular form of transportation by road. It's not the fastest, but it's reasonably priced and comfortable.
- Taxis and public transportation are very handy for short trips within cities.
- Even with its limitations and higher cost, the train provides excellent travel routes, particularly when combined with Peru Rail or Inca Rail.
- You can decide to rent a car if you'd like more independence and self-governance. But be mindful of the roads, which are often uneven and in poor condition.
- Taking an airplane is the best option if you want to travel large distances quickly. It's a good choice for getting between the more popular tourist destinations in Peru, which are spread out, like the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, archaeological sites, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
What is the Peruvian currency?
Our local experience strongly favors the Peruvian sol, despite some travel forums advocating for US dollars due to their purported universality.In Peru, the US dollar is not widely accepted by traders. On the one hand, prices are typically shown in Peruvian Sol, which makes conversion more difficult and increases the risk of errors or costly exchange fees. In any event, if US dollar bills are creased or damaged, they are typically turned down.
The simplest option is to use Peruvian Sol instead of foreign currencies.
Having said that, it's crucial to remember that credit cards are generally accepted in Peru, particularly at hotels, upscale dining establishments, and retail stores. For the most part, they offer a convenient and safe way to pay for the more costly bills. But the Peruvian Sol is still essential for advice, as well as for completely immersing yourself in the country and experiencing its rich cultural diversity through vibrant markets and street cuisine.