Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, there will always be tips you wish you'd known about your destination. Traveling Peru is no exception.
Updated 2026: Peru is an incredible country to explore, but a little preparation goes a long way. From altitude and transport logistics to safety, money, and local customs, these essential Peru travel tips will help you avoid common mistakes and travel more confidently. Here are 14 essential Peru travel tips and everything you need to know before coming!
Peru is famous for Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but there are other places you should visit. Peru is also home to other wonders, such as the Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon on earth, the mesmerizing Huacachina Oasis, and the unusual and colorful Rainbow Mountain.
Let’s not forget the hidden gems most travelers miss: the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets with the sea to create unbelievable scenery, or the infamous ancient Underground Slave Tunnels.
Peru Hop includes hidden-gem stops built into its routes — like traditional bakeries, desert oases, secret tunnels in Chincha, coastal viewpoints, and local food spots you’d never reach on public buses. You get the famous highlights plus authentic places most tourists don’t even know exist. Peru Hop turns the journey itself into part of the experience, not just the destination.
Peru is one of the best countries in the world for travelers. With an incredibly diverse variety of natural wonders and world-famous cultural and historical sights, there is something here for virtually everyone. Because it has so much to offer, many people who come to Peru can find themselves a bit overwhelmed with their options of things to do. It can be tempting to rush from place to place to see everything.
However, it is worth knowing that it’s impossible to see every fantastic thing this country offers in one short trip (an entire lifetime may not even be enough)! With that in mind, the best idea is to spend a reasonable amount of time in each destination and truly get to know it before moving on to the next.
Traveling with Peru Hop provides complete trip flexibility while visiting main attractions and exclusive tours to hidden gems like the Slave Tunnels. Specifically made for travelers, you’re guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Peru is a massive country, which is why there are a couple of ways to travel around.
Many destinations throughout the country, like Cusco and Puno, sit at altitudes above 3,000m (9,840ft). Travelers are likely to experience altitude sickness when they travel quickly from a lower altitude city to a higher one, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness kicking in.
Another advantage of traveling with Peru Hop is that many routes are designed with gradual altitude changes, rather than sudden jumps by flight. Moving overland allows your body more time to adapt naturally, which can significantly reduce altitude-related symptoms. Onboard hosts also regularly check in with travelers, share local tips for dealing with altitude, and can help adjust plans if someone needs extra time to acclimatize.
Other remedies when at higher altitudes are to take it easy, stay hydrated, avoid greasy foods and alcohol, and chew on coca leaves (local remedy). We also suggest speaking to your doctor before traveling to see if you can take Diamox (Soroche pills), which fights some symptoms.
Day trips are a great way to visit top destinations in a short amount of time. You can usually pack them into your itinerary without disrupting much of your travels.
Most tend to book day trips from Lima; for many, it’s their Peru trip’s start or end point. You can visit the wonderful Huacachina Oasis and the Ballestas Islands – known as the Peruvian Galapagos! Check out this top-rated full-day tour for the complete rundown!
It is one of our favorite ways for travelers to experience the authentic culture and feel the pulse of the city or town that you are in. Especially in smaller towns, you will likely find unique items, artisanal products, fresh Peruvian fruits, and more in the marketplaces.
Take the time to chat with the market stall owners and find out a little about their lives. We promise that you won’t regret it. It’s the perfect way to get to know the real Peru.
Most larger cities and a few smaller ones have great free walking tours available. The tours are a fantastic budget way to explore the cities with inside knowledge of every corner and a great way to meet other travelers.
Of all the cities, Lima is arguably the biggest that can be explored by walking. We suggest checking out Lima Walking Tour for a great way to explore the city like a real local.
They offer four free walking tours: Historic Center of Lima, Miraflores, Barranco, and a food tour to the Central Market. All tours depart daily from the Tourist Information Center (Avenida Jose Larco 799, Miraflores).
Knowing some Spanish is a game changer when traveling in Peru and a great way to connect with locals. While many Peruvians will do their best to communicate even if they don’t speak your language, it’s always appreciated when you make an effort.
If you need more confidence in your Spanish, no worries! Cities like Cusco or Lima are great places to practice, as the locals are friendly and often patient with travelers. But, without some basic Spanish, getting around—especially in more remote areas—might be challenging. Simple phrases like buenos días (good day), cómo estás (how are you), por favor (please), and gracias (thank you) will go a long way.
For booking treks in Peru, we highly recommend using Find Local Trips, a booking and tour comparison website designed to help you find the best tours and activities in South America.
A great way to get tips from more like-minded travelers is by checking out travel communities on Facebook. These groups can be a goldmine of information full of additional Peru travel tips. You’ll find posts and comments from people who have either already visited or are currently exploring Peru and have real-time advice, recommendations, and itinerary tips. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travelers, exchange stories, and even find travel buddies for your journey!
Start by checking out the Peru Hop Travel Community, where thousands of travelers have joined and are ready to help with all things related to travel in Peru!
Peru is known for having some of the best food in the world, with Lima being the Gastronomic Capital of South America. But it’s safe to say each city has its unique sazón (special flavor).
There are various food options, from seafood, different meats, vegetarian and vegan, to even Asian-fusion cuisine! Traveler favorites include the iconic Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Anticuchos.
While Peru has become more card-friendly, it’s still a good idea to keep some cash on you. Many small businesses, markets, and remote areas only accept cash, and ATMs can be scarce in certain regions. Having Peruvian soles on hand will make transactions smoother, whether grabbing a snack or tipping a guide. It’s always better to be prepared, just in case!
Peru overall is a safe destination for travelers. Still, as with all tourist hotspots worldwide, it’s essential to stay alert and use common sense.
Stick to well-lit areas at night, keep your belongings secure, and be cautious in crowded places where pickpocketing can occur. Trust your instincts, avoid flashing valuables, and be aware of your surroundings. By taking basic precautions, you’ll enjoy everything Peru offers without worry!
If you forgot or lost something, you’ll likely find it in a grocery store or one of the many bodegas (shops) around. Forgot a USB cable? Forgot to pack sandals? Forgot skincare products? They’re all sold everywhere!
As long as you have your passport, phone, wallet, and any necessary medicine, you’ll be ok.
Make sure that you get everything that you want to see! Peru has treks, hikes, archaeological sites, indigenous cultures, beaches, and food. There are more than a lifetime worth of things to do here, so make sure to make the most of your time in this beautiful country. Get off the beaten track or stay on the rails, whichever you prefer.
It’s up to you to make your trip the best it can be, whether it is eating some of the best cuisine in the world, exploring ancient civilizations, getting to know the local people, or admiring the wildlife of the mighty Amazon Rainforest. Adventure is waiting for you here in Peru.
And if you need help planning your perfect trip or more Peru travel tips, don’t hesitate to contact us!
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