Plan Your Peru Trip

Book accommodation, tours, and travel insurance. Prepare for your Peru adventure with these essential tips.

Peru Travel Tips: Essential Advice for First-Time Visitors 2025

Complete Peru travel tips guide. Essential advice for first-time visitors including safety, money, packing, altitude, transportation, and helpful tips for a successful trip.

Planning your first trip to Peru? These essential travel tips will help you prepare, stay safe, save money, and make the most of your adventure. From altitude preparation to money matters, safety tips to packing advice, this guide covers everything you need to know for a successful Peru trip.

Essential Pre-Trip Tips

Book Machu Picchu Tickets Early

Machu Picchu tickets sell out, especially during peak season (June to August). Book your tickets as far in advance as possible, ideally 2 to 3 months ahead or more.

Book tickets through the official website
Peak season tickets sell out months ahead
Train tickets to Machu Picchu also need advance booking
Consider booking a tour that includes tickets

Read our complete Machu Picchu guide

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for Peru, especially if you plan to do activities like trekking, visit high-altitude destinations, or have health concerns. Make sure your insurance covers altitude sickness, adventure activities, and medical evacuation.

Coverage for altitude sickness
Adventure activity coverage
Medical evacuation
Trip cancellation protection

Prepare for Altitude

Many of Peru's destinations are at high altitude. If you are visiting Cusco, Lake Titicaca, or other high-altitude places, prepare for altitude sickness.

Give yourself 2 to 3 days to adjust
Drink lots of water
Avoid alcohol the first 24 to 48 hours
Take it easy the first day
Consider altitude medication (talk to a doctor)

Read our complete altitude sickness guide

Learn Basic Spanish

You do not need to be fluent, but learning basic Spanish phrases will make your trip much easier and more enjoyable.

Greetings: Hola, Buenos días, Gracias
Asking for help: ¿Dónde está...? (Where is...?)
Ordering: Quisiera... (I would like...)
Numbers: uno, dos, tres, etc.
Basic phrases: Por favor, Lo siento, No entiendo

Safety Tips for Peru

General Safety

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places
Do not display expensive jewelry, cameras, or phones
Use hotel safes for valuables
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance)
Use reputable transportation companies
Stay in safe neighborhoods
Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
Be careful with street food (choose busy vendors)
Drink only bottled or filtered water
Follow local advice and travel advisories

Safe neighborhoods in Lima:

Read our guide to safe neighborhoods in Lima

Money and Budget Tips

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the official currency
US dollars widely accepted in tourist areas
Carry small bills for tips and small purchases
ATMs available in cities and tourist areas
Credit cards accepted in hotels and restaurants
Cash needed for markets and smaller places

Read our complete currency guide

Budget Tips

Eat at local markets and small restaurants
Use buses for long-distance travel
Stay in hostels or budget hotels
Book tours locally (often cheaper)
Travel during shoulder season
Bargain at markets (be respectful)
Bring a reusable water bottle

Read our complete budget travel guide

Packing Tips

Essential Items

Clothing

Layers (temperatures vary)
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket (wet season)
Warm layers for high altitude
Sun hat and sunglasses

Other Essentials

Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent (Amazon)
Sunscreen (high altitude = stronger sun)
Altitude sickness medication (if needed)
First aid kit
Copies of documents

Tip: Pack light! You will likely be moving between destinations, and lighter luggage makes travel easier.

Health Tips

Water and Food

Drink only bottled or filtered water
Avoid ice in drinks (unless from filtered water)
Be careful with street food (choose busy vendors)
Wash fruits and vegetables
Eat cooked food when possible

Altitude Sickness

Give yourself time to adjust (2 to 3 days)
Drink lots of water
Avoid alcohol the first 24 to 48 hours
Take it easy the first day
Know the symptoms
Go down if symptoms are severe

Vaccinations

Yellow fever (recommended for Amazon)
Routine vaccinations up to date
Talk to a travel health clinic before your trip
Malaria medication may be recommended for Amazon

Transportation Tips

Getting Around

Use reputable bus companies for long distances
Book train tickets to Machu Picchu in advance
Domestic flights can save time
Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Be careful with unlicensed taxis
Local buses are cheap but can be crowded

Read our complete transportation guide

Cultural Tips

Be respectful of local customs and traditions
Ask before taking photos of people
Dress modestly, especially in churches
Learn basic Spanish phrases
Be patient (things may move slower)
Bargain respectfully at markets
Tip appropriately (10% in restaurants is standard)
Support local businesses and communities

Start Planning Your Peru Trip

Book accommodation, tours, and travel insurance. Use these tips to plan your perfect adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important travel tips for Peru?

The most important tips include: prepare for altitude sickness if visiting high-altitude destinations, drink only bottled or filtered water, be careful with street food, get travel insurance, learn basic Spanish phrases, be aware of your surroundings, and book Machu Picchu tickets well in advance.

Is Peru safe for tourists?

Peru is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, you should take common precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, use reputable transportation, stay in safe neighborhoods, and follow local advice. Most tourists have safe, enjoyable trips.

What should I pack for Peru?

Pack layers for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear for wet season, sun protection, altitude sickness medication if needed, insect repellent for Amazon, copies of important documents, and a reusable water bottle. Pack light as you may be moving between destinations.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in Peru?

You do not need to be fluent, but learning basic Spanish phrases will help a lot. In tourist areas, some English is spoken, but outside major cities, Spanish is essential. Learn phrases for greetings, asking directions, ordering food, and numbers.

How much money should I bring to Peru?

Budget depends on your travel style. Budget travelers can get by on $30 to $50 USD per day, mid-range travelers $50 to $100 USD per day, and luxury travelers $150+ USD per day. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Machu Picchu and tours add significant costs.