The “Don’ts” of Peru: Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Greetings from Cusco, Pero! Most travel blogs tell you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do. With these Peru travel tips, you will be better prepared for your South America vacation. Whether you’re visiting Peru to fly over the Nazca lines, or to hike the Inca Trail, keep these “don’ts” in mind when you visit Peru.
Peru Travel Tip #1: Don’t Drink the Water
Whether you are in big cities of Peru, or small towns, the tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water, or you’re likely to end up with some tummy troubles. If you are hiking in Peru, it’s best to carry a water purification method, whether it’s the tablets or a filter.
Peru Travel Tip #2: Don’t Take Your Health for Granted
In addition to avoiding the water, you also have to take care with the sun in Peru. You’re at a much higher altitude, so the sun is much stronger. Bring plenty of sun block, as well as a hat and long sleeve shirts. Altitude sickness can also quickly ruin a vacation. It doesn’t affect everyone, but is a common ailment for travelers in Peru. Cusco is over 3000 meters above sea level, which is almost 10,000 feet. Some hotels in Cusco even provide oxygen, so if you see it, don’t be afraid to use it. If you find you have dizziness, headaches or nausea, just take it easy. Don’t plan too much for your first day.
Watch: How to Deal with Altitude Sickness in Peru
Peru Travel Tip #3: Don’t Freak Out About Coca Leaves
A common Peruvian remedy for altitude sickness is the coca leaf. Yes, it’s the same coca leaf used to make cocaine, however it’s not illegal here in Peru and it’s not quite the same thing as cocaine. To help with altitude sickness, you might have coca leaves in tea, chew on the leaves, or find coca gum or candy. Locals will recommend 4-5 cups per day of the coca leaves to get rid of altitude sickness. Your guide may also have altitude sickness remedies for you.
Peru Travel Tip #4: Don’t Take Coca Leaves Out of Peru
Coca leaves are illegal pretty much everywhere but Peru, so make sure you don’t accidentally (or intentionally) bring any coca leaves home with you, or you might have some dogs take interest in you when you land at the airport. This goes for any coca leaf product that you may have purchased in Peru. Dump it out before you head through security at the airport.
Peru Travel Tip #5: Inca Trail Don’ts
- Don’t expect to just hop on the Inca Trail. Hiking the Inca Trail to Peru is a quintessential Machu Picchu experience, but it’s something that requires advance planning. Permits are required, and can be hard to obtain, especially in the busy months of July and August. If you are planning to visit during this time, book your Inca Trail plans as soon as possible.
- Don’t expect the Inca Trail to be easy. Just because lots of tourists complete it every year, doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s a difficult hike, and the altitude makes it doubly hard. (Not a hiker? You can still visit Machu Picchu by train)
- Don’t forget to tip the porters and cooks who accompany you on the Inca Trail. They work really hard to make sure you have a good experience, so be sure to recognize that with a tip.
- Don’t expect to hike the Inca Trail in February; it’s closed each year for maintenance.
- Don’t forget a backup battery; there isn’t any place along the trail to recharge your electronics.
Watch: Tipping in Peru
Peru Travel Tip #6: Don’t Get Freaked Out by the Cuy
Cuy is a common dish in Peru, and many travelers are freaked out to eat guinea pig. It’s a very traditional dish in Peru; so traditional that you’ll see it depicted in “The Last Supper” paintings throughout the country. They often serve it sprawled on a plate, with the face and all. But don’t be freaked out; it’s a great chance to try something new. The food in Peru is really great, including seafood and alpaca.
Watch: What Does Guinea Pig Taste Like?
Peru Travel Tip #7: Don’t Think Peru is Just Cusco and Machu Picchu
There are so many places to visit in Peru; from the Amazon in the north to the beaches and the Nazca Lines, plus so much more. If you’re going to come all the way to Peru, take some time and explore other areas of the country. Likewise, don’t think everyone here is Inca; there are many indigenous tribes in Peru, so not every temple or pyramid has Inca roots.
Peru Travel Tip #8: Don’t Put Toilet Paper in the Toilet
Like many South American countries, the plumbing in Peru cannot handle toilet paper. You will find a small wastebasket next to the toilet; that is where your used toilet paper should go. Not every public toilet has paper, so it’s not a bad idea to always carry a few tissues with you.
Peru Travel Tip #9: Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle in the Markets
In many of the markets in Peru, it’s expected to haggle over the price. (This does not apply to food markets.) Many items will not even have a price, so you have to ask for the price, and that’s where the negotiation begins. You might also notice two prices on items; one for locals and one for tourists.
Peru Travel Tip #10: Don’t Forget to Bring Cash
Peru has a great tourist infrastructure, and a lot of places take credit cards, but not every place will take a card. It’s always a good idea to have some of the local currency (soles) on hand, and some places may even take U.S. dollars.
Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Peru is an amazing country, with fantastic culture, people, scenery and cuisine. If you’ve been to Peru, feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: