Peru Travel Tips: 20 Things to Know Before You Go (2026)
Peru rewards a little preparation. Between the altitude, the distances, the cash economy and the timed tickets for Machu Picchu, the travelers who plan ahead have a far smoother trip. Here are the tips we give our own guests before they arrive.
Quick Answer
The essentials: acclimatize to the altitude before big activities, carry cash in small soles, book Machu Picchu and train tickets in advance, drink bottled water, pack layers, and build in buffer time between regions. Get those right and the rest falls into place.
Before You Go
- Acclimatize first. Cusco sits at ~3,400 m. Spend your first days gently and sleep lower in the Sacred Valley if you can — see our altitude sickness in Cusco guide.
- Book Machu Picchu early. Entries are timed and capacity-limited, and trains and treks sell out in high season — see Machu Picchu tickets & circuits.
- Check entry requirements. Confirm passport validity and any current entry rules for your nationality before travel.
- Time your trip. Dry season (roughly May–September) is best for trekking; see the best time to visit.
- Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude activities and trekking.
Money & Costs
- Carry cash in small bills. Much of Peru runs on cash — see our full guide to money in Peru.
- Pay in soles, declining card/ATM currency conversion for better rates.
- Budget for the big items — Machu Picchu, trains and tours add up; see how much Machu Picchu costs.
Health & Safety
- Drink bottled or purified water — avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources.
- Ease into rich food at altitude; eat ceviche at busy, reputable places at lunchtime.
- Carry coca tea or candies for mild altitude symptoms; see a doctor about altitude medication before you travel.
- Use registered taxis or ride apps in Lima and Cusco, and keep valuables discreet — see is Peru safe?.
- Protect against the sun. The high-altitude sun is intense — sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
Packing & Weather
- Pack layers. Andean days are warm and nights are cold; weather shifts fast — see what to pack for Machu Picchu & Cusco.
- Bring broken-in walking shoes and a light rain layer year-round.
- Carry a small daypack with water, snacks, cash and your passport (needed to enter Machu Picchu).
Getting Around & Etiquette
- Build in buffer time. Peru is big and mountain travel is slow — don’t over-schedule.
- Learn a few Spanish phrases. A little goes a long way; English is limited outside tourist areas.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in traditional dress or at markets — a small tip is polite.
- Carry small change for restrooms, tips and small purchases.
How It Fits Your Trip
These tips come together in your itinerary — see how the pieces slot into a 7 & 10-day Peru itinerary, how long to spend acclimatizing in how many days to spend in Cusco, and what to actually do in our top things to do in Cusco guide.
How to Book
At Viajes Peru Tour we handle the tricky logistics — timed tickets, trains, acclimatization-friendly sequencing and transfers — so your trip runs smoothly from day one. Tell us your dates and we’ll build it around you.
[Plan your Peru trip with us →]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before traveling to Peru?
Above all: acclimatize to the altitude, carry cash in small soles, book Machu Picchu and train tickets in advance, drink bottled water, pack layers, and allow buffer time between regions.
Do I need to worry about altitude in Peru?
Yes — Cusco and much of the highlands are high. Arrive a few days early, take it easy at first, stay hydrated, and consider sleeping in the lower Sacred Valley to adjust.
Is English widely spoken in Peru?
In tourist areas and with guides, yes; elsewhere it’s limited. A few Spanish phrases help a lot.
How much cash should I carry in Peru?
Enough for a day or two of taxis, meals, tips and entrance fees, in small denominations — cards don’t work everywhere, especially outside the cities.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is best for trekking and Machu Picchu, though it’s also the busiest. The shoulder months can offer a good balance.
*Last updated: October 2026 | Written by the Viajes Peru Tour team*
