Peru Travel Tips For First-Timers: How to Eat, Trek & Travel Like a Local 🇵🇪
Peru isn’t just another destination, it’s an adventure waiting to throw you curveballs (and the occasional llama photo-bomb). On my first trip, I thought I was invincible at 3,400 metres in Cusco… five steps up a hill later and I was gasping like I’d run a marathon. Lesson learned: Peru has its own rules, and you’ve got to play along.
That’s the magic here. The crackle of frying anticuchos on a smoky street corner. The soft, sing-song lilt of Quechua echoing across a plaza. The thrill of stepping into a misty valley and realising ancient stone walls have been standing there longer than your entire family tree.
If you’re heading to Peru for the first time, this guide is your backpack full of Peru travel tips, the stuff I wish someone had told me before I ended up haggling for toilet paper in broken Spanish. Let’s get into it.
When to Go Peru: Timing is Everything ✈️
Peru has two main seasons: wet and dry. Forget neat four-season calendars—here it’s about timing your adventures to match the weather.
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Dry season (May–Sept): Best for trekking, clear skies, chilly nights in the Andes.
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Wet season (Nov–Mar): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, but heavy Andean rains.
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Summer in Lima (Dec–Apr): Sunny beach days, perfect for ceviche by the coast.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: For detailed month-by-month pointers, save our The Best Time To Visit Peru: A Seasonal Guide guide. 📅
💡 Pro Tip: Machu Picchu entry tickets and Inca Trail permits are like gold dust in the dry season—snag them months ahead or risk missing out.
Recommended Flights from Trip.com
Getting Around: Navigating Like a Pro 🚆 (Peru Edition)
Travelling Peru is a mix of comfortable buses, chaotic taxis, and the occasional scenic train ride. Intercity buses like Cruz del Sur are surprisingly comfy (think reclining seats and snacks). For shorter trips, colectivos (shared minibuses) are cheap but can feel like a game of human Tetris.
Trains are pricier but worth it for routes like Cusco to Aguas Calientes, where the jungle begins to swallow the tracks. In cities, stick to official taxis or rideshare apps. Trust me, haggling with unlicensed drivers after a long hike is a patience test you don’t want.
💡 Good to Know: Colectivos leave when full, not on schedule. Patience (and snacks) are essential.
🚗 Recommended Car Rental: Discover Cars
🚕 Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Our Google Maps Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Money Matters in Peru: Let’s Talk Soles 💶
The Peruvian sol (PEN) is your currency sidekick. ATMs are common in big cities, rare in small towns, and the bills can be surprisingly fragile. Seriously, hand over a note with a tiny tear and watch it get rejected like a bad Tinder opener.
Here’s a quick currency snapshot (approximate, check before you fly):
| Currency | ≈ 1 unit in PEN |
|---|---|
| USD | ≈ 3.7 PEN |
| EUR | ≈ 4.0 PEN |
| GBP | ≈ 4.8 PEN |
🗺️ More Guides: Top 10 Places to Visit in Mexico: Pyramids to Beaches
💡 Tip: Always carry some smaller notes, markets, colectivos, and rural shops won’t thank you for trying to pay with a 100 PEN bill.
Tipping Etiquette: Clearing Up the Confusion
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s good manners.
- Restaurants: Around 10% if not already included.
- Guides: A small thank-you goes a long way.
- Porters: Essential on treks, they carry the weight of your trip, literally.
🗺️ Recommended Read: Travel Cards vs Cash: Which One Should You Carry?
💡 Tinker’s Tip: Keep a stash of coins in your pocket. Perfect for tipping, buying churros, or dodging awkward bathroom situations.
Finding Your Perfect Peruvian Stay: Accommodation Tips 🏡
eru’s accommodation scene is as diverse as its landscapes. In Lima and Cusco, you’ll find boutique hostels that double as cocktail bars, while in rural areas, family-run guesthouses give you a true taste of local life.
For budget travellers, hostels are social hubs, just don’t expect much sleep if you pick the party variety. Mid-range hotels offer good comfort without breaking the bank, while high-end stays (like Sacred Valley retreats) deliver spa treatments and mountain views.
Break down:
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Budget: Social hostels with free walking tours, but expect late-night drum circles.
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Mid-range: Family-run guesthouses, warm welcomes, and fresh bread in the mornings.
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Splurge-worthy: Sacred Valley spa hotels, imagine soaking in a hot tub while llamas graze nearby.
Best Hostels: Hostelworld Peru
Best Hotels: TripAdvisor Hotels
💡 Good to know: Many hotels in Cusco and Puno keep oxygen tanks handy. Don’t be shy if altitude has you seeing stars.
Use Booking.com for your perfect stay in Peru!
Savouring Peru: A Foodie’s Paradise 😋
If you’re not eating your way through Peru, you’re doing it wrong.
Picture this: a bowl of ceviche so tangy it makes your eyes water, chased with crispy cancha (toasted corn). Or smoky anticuchos (beef heart skewers) grilled streetside, while salsa music blares in the background.
Other must-tries:
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Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef and chips yes, inside the stir-fry.
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Aji de Gallina: Creamy chicken stew, comfort food at its finest.
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Picarones: Sweet, sticky doughnuts made from pumpkin and sweet potato.
🔹 Pro Tip: Locals eat ceviche before lunch, never at dinner. Fish waits for no one.
✨ Further guides to all things FOOD: A Foodie’s Bucket List: 10 Places to Visit
Recommended Tours and Tickets across Peru
Our Google Maps Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Speaking the Lingo in Peru: Your Secret Superpower 💬
A smile and a “gracias” will take you far, but learning a little Quechua? That’s next-level. Try a simple “sulpayki” (thank you) in the Andes and watch people beam.
In cities like Lima, English is common in hotels and tour offices. In small villages, not so much. Even basic Spanish helps you dodge tourist prices and connect more deeply.
🔹 A quick heads-up: Don’t just learn phrases for shopping, practice greetings. Starting with “Buenos días” changes the whole tone of an interaction.
Cultural Know-How: The Little Things ❤️
Peruvians are warm, but respectful. Remember:
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Always ask before snapping photos, especially of people in traditional clothing.
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Greet with a handshake, or a cheek kiss if introduced.
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Politics can be sensitive, keep chats light unless invited deeper.
💡 Good to know: Markets and bus stations usually charge a small fee for toilets. Always keep a few coins handy.
✋🏼 Be a culture master: Travel Etiquette: Your Guide to Being a Charming Globe-Trotter
Beyond the Obvious: Discovering Peru's Hidden Gems ✨
Yes, Machu Picchu is life-changing, but Peru’s magic doesn’t stop there. Trek to Choquequirao, Machu Picchu’s quieter sibling, where you’ll likely have the ruins to yourself. Visit Huacachina, a desert oasis where you can sandboard down golden dunes before sunset.
Northern Peru is criminally underrated: Kuelap (a fortress older than Machu Picchu) and Gocta Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls in the world) rarely make tourist itineraries.
💡 Good to Know: Peru’s distances are vast. Don’t cram too much into one trip, better to savour fewer places than sprint through dozens.
Safety First: Stay Smart & Secure
Peru’s dangers are more about altitude than crime. Petty theft exists (especially in busy markets), but staying alert keeps you safe.
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Use a cross-body bag and keep zips shut.
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Stick to well-lit areas in Lima; Miraflores and Barranco are safest at night.
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Give your body time to adapt to altitude, rushing will ruin your trip faster than a pickpocket.
💡 Good to know: Coca tea helps, but hydration and slow acclimatisation are the real altitude hacks.
🚨 We like to help out at The Travel Tinker: Don’t Get Done! 20 Crafty Travel Scams and How to Dodge Them
Entry Requirements: Navigating Peru’s Visa & Documents ✈️
Most travellers (UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ) can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity.
You’ll get stamped at the border, sometimes with a little slip of paper that hotels ask for. Guard it like your boarding pass.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Use our Entry Requirement Checker before you book big pieces. It saves time and stress.
💡 Fact: Passport validity rules can vary by nationality. Double-check before you book.
Why Travel Insurance is a Must 💸
Think white-water rafting in the Amazon, mountain biking down the Andes, or trekking through high-altitude passes. It’s brilliant, but it’s risky. Without insurance, one slip could wipe out your savings.
Peace of mind = priceless. Don’t skip it! 🩹
Recommended Travel Insurers:
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Peru isn’t the kind of trip you can box up neatly, it gets under your skin in the best way. Have a great time lovelies! 🇵🇪🌍
Now, over to you…
Been to Peru already? Drop your best tips, funny mishaps, or hidden gems in the comments, I’d love to swap stories and maybe learn about a new ceviche spot for next time.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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FAQs about Peru
Do I need vaccinations before visiting Peru?
Yes. Yellow fever is recommended for Amazon trips, and Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines should be up to date.
What’s the best way to avoid tourist traps in Peru?
Eat where locals eat, avoid English-only menus, and ask your guesthouse for honest recommendations.
Is tap water safe to drink in Peru?
No. Always stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice is generally safe in big cities, less so in rural towns.
How much should I budget per day in Peru?
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Backpackers: £25–£35 / €30–€40 / $32–$45
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Mid-range: £50–£70 / €58–€82 / $65–$90
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Luxury: £100+ / €118+ / $130+
Peru really does cater to every wallet—from £2 street food feasts to high-end jungle lodges that cost more than a week’s budget trip.
Can I hike Machu Picchu without a guide?
No. Independent treks aren’t allowed anymore—you’ll need a guide and booked ticket in advance.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Author
Alexandra Graves
I’m Alexandra, a dedicated traveler and cultural enthusiast with a passion for exploring the world’s hidden gems. Let's explore together!
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