Peru Tours: Planning and Prepping For Exploration

A group of tourists takes in the scenic views while enjoying Peru tours offered by Caravan.

Peru tours are an incredible way of experiencing one of the most beautiful and historically rich countries in the world. Between ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and the endless Amazon forest, Peru remains an incredible travel destination that offers something special for everyone. At the forefront of Peruvian culture is ancient history, where Incan culture intersects with Spanish influence, while ancient ruins leave behind stories of the past.

Today, many tour groups offer the ability to explore these ruins, with offerings that help guests experience exotic locations without ever having to worry about the details. Avoid the challenges that come with booking travel experiences and ground transportation, and instead, look to a tour group that can take care of these details, while you focus on the full enjoyment of your trip.

Use this guide to plan and prepare for your next vacation to Peru. Learn what to expect and use simple tips to ensure you have the best possible travel experience.

What To Expect On Your First Trip To Peru

Here are some of the things any traveler should be made aware of when visiting Peru for the first time:

  • Altitude Sickness is Highly Likely: Even travelers who are familiar with altitude sickness should prepare for this possibility. Destinations include Cusco and the Sacred Valley, which stand at incredibly high elevations, and altitude sickness is very common for travelers. Come prepared for this possibility, and speak with your doctor prior to arrival. Your doctor may suggest medication that you can bring along, or some guests may require a day or two to properly adjust to the altitude. Make preparations by limiting your alcohol consumption during the trip, and remaining incredibly hydrated as well. Some over-the-counter solutions may be available, but planning ahead is your key to ensuring you have the best possible travel experience.
  • Picky Eaters May Run Into Some Challenges: The food options found in Peru are quite diverse, taking influences from indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures. Those who love fine dining or unique food offerings will be surprised at the available cuisines. Seafood is generally plentiful, including ceviche and hearty stews. Generally, fresh coastal ingredients are used in just about every dish, but beef is also an option, especially for street food vendors. For those who do not eat seafood, your options may be limited. There are other offerings, and some destinations across the country have regional differences in their cuisines. Should you have strict dietary restrictions or simply have different preferences, it is also a great idea to speak to a travel guide prior to booking a trip to learn more about the types of food available on your tour of Peru. Do your research and plan ahead if you have specific dietary restrictions or concerns. Major cities often have modern options, while in more remote destinations, guests should expect fewer options.
  • Cash Remains the Most Flexible Form of Currency: Bringing cash along is strongly encouraged. While major hotels and tour operators accept credit cards, there are many limitations when guests explore beyond major cities. Instead, bring along a mix of USD and Carry Peruvian Soles (PEN). Make a point of gathering cash prior to departing for your trip, and look to avoid ATMs and currency exchange kiosks, as the rate of exchange is likely better back home. Small towns and rural communities are known to sell artisan crafts and other goods, and almost never accept credit cards. Come prepared and keep your cash in a secure compartment like a fanny pack or alongside your important travel documents. Consider bringing along very small bills only for your trip.
  • Tap Water Is Not Safe To Drink: Unless you are specifically told that it is safe to drink the tap water, avoid drinking it entirely. Even in modern cities like Lima, the tap water is generally not safe for consumption, and you will need to purchase bottled water on your own. The water is considered safe for bathing and teeth brushing, but not drinking. Keep this in mind when you are indulging in mixed drinks as well, as some ice cubes may not be suitable for consumption. Even the locals must navigate this hurdle, so prepare to rely on bottled water at all times.
  • Public Restrooms Have Different Standards Compared to North America: For those exploring beyond Lima, public bathrooms may not adhere to the same standards found back home. In some cases, public bathrooms charge extra for toilet paper or things like hand sanitizer. Consider bringing along these creature comforts for yourself.
  • Plan for Volatile Shifts in Weather: Peru is unique in that it houses many different climates, especially at high altitudes. Consider bringing along layers of clothing that can be removed depending on the weather. Weather can range from being incredibly hot and sunny to cool in a matter of minutes. Plan for this possibility and bring a range of clothing that can keep you comfortable and dry.
  • Sun Exposure: Even with cooler temperatures, the UV rays in Peru can cause you harm. Plan ahead for this with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • SIM Cards: While SIM cards are available upon landing in Peru, they are often overpriced. Instead, explore a digital SIM card that can be purchased online, offering you cellphone service as soon as you land. Cellphone service can still be limited, especially in off-the-beaten-path travel destinations across Peru.

Tips For Visiting Peru

Use these simple tips for enjoying your next trip to Peru:

  • Plan and Book Ahead As Much As Possible: Well-known destinations including Machu Picchu book up several months in advance, and guests should look to book the entirety of their trip at least 3 months ahead of time. Certain travel activities require guests to book ahead of time, pre-purchased entirely online. Further, some trains have strict limitations, causing endless headaches once you arrive. Never assume that your next activity or transportation service will welcome you without pre-purchased tickets. This also includes transportation, as spaces are likely limited. Book this in advance to avoid challenging travel delays.
  • Avoid Public Taxis Entirely: Instead of hailing a public cab, always use a well-known ride-sharing application when needed. Stick to highly-rated ride-share drivers and avoid the use of public transportation when possible. Another alternative is to partner with a travel or tour company who can facilitate ground transportation on your behalf.
  • Keep Your Valuables Close: Keep all your valuables close to you at all times, and never flash around large amounts of cash or other valuables. Visiting Peru is the perfect time to leave high-end accessories like purses or watches at home, and instead stick to the basics. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are a real possibility in any country across South America, and guests are encouraged to hold onto their valuables and travel documents closely at all times.
  • Strength In Numbers: Solo travel in South America doesn’t come without its challenges, and guests can experience additional peace of mind by traveling as a group. Even small groups can lessen the chance of crimes of opportunity, where your travel buddies will look out for each other during your trip.
  • Consider Taking Part in a Fully-Booked Group Tour of Peru: For travelers who are unsure of how to properly manage the logistics of an elaborate trip to Peru, a tour company like Caravan can help! Caravan offers a fully-booked tour of Peru that includes many of the highlights of this remarkable destination. Never worry about booking hotels, activities, or even ground transportation, and instead, lean on a tour company to handle the details while you enjoy the experience.

Solo Versus Group Travel To Peru

Learn the pros and cons of travel to Peru either solo or alongside a group:

  • Solo Travel Pros: Complete flexibility to explore the country of Peru as you please, moving as quickly or as slowly as you wish.
  • Solo Travel Cons: Potential safety risks can arise while traveling solo, and the experience can be lonely at times.
  • Group Travel Pros: Experience enhanced safety while traveling as a group, with qualified guides who can ensure your safety but also offer deep insight and information regarding the destination. Have a guide available at all times to answer questions while they handle the details of your trip.
  • Group Travel Cons: Less flexibility and a stricter schedule that must be followed.

Your Packing Checklist For Peru

Use this checklist to ensure you have an incredible experience while visiting Peru:

  • Light, breathable clothing suitable for both warm and cool temperatures.
  • A wide-brimmed hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Smartphone.
  • A powerbank.
  • A comfortable pair of shoes suitable for long walks outdoors.
  • A refillable water bottle.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Medication for altitude sickness.
  • Traditional medications.
  • Pre-purchased SIM card.
  • Rainjacket.
  • Small amounts of bug spray.
  • A roll of toilet paper.
  • Hand sanitizer.

Peru Travel and Accessibility

The major cities of Peru that act as hubs for international travel remain generally accessible. Lima, in particular, is well equipped to assist those with accessibility concerns, while historic sites and cities are considered less accessible. Cusco, in particular, still maintains flat and paved areas, while Machu Picchu can still be enjoyed via its viewing platforms that are quite flat and easy to navigate. Anyone with accessibility concerns should consider partnering with a qualified tour provider who can answer any questions you may have and work to facilitate safe travel opportunities.

Further, Peru remains a country suitable for family travel, offering exceptional educational experiences and unique outdoor adventures that are perfect for anyone, young and old.

Experience The Caravan Difference

Travel to anywhere in South America can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you have never been before. While Peru is considered generally safe, the easiest way to avoid complications and ensure a successful trip is to book alongside Caravan.

Caravan’s private group tour of Peru includes a multi-day trip throughout this country, taking in the incredible sights and sounds at some of the most iconic destinations. Learn about the incredible history of this country and interact with indigenous communities to learn about their ways of life prior to modern influence.

Explore ancient ruins and take in the incredible natural beauty of this country that continues to attract visitors from around the world. More importantly, never worry about the details, and instead, look to our qualified guides to facilitate ground transportation and ensure your complete satisfaction.

Explore The Many Tours From Caravan

Caravan remains a trusted provider of fully booked travel experiences around the world. Click the links below to learn more about our available tours:

Call us directly to learn more at 1-800-CARAVAN.

Have Caravan Lead The Way

Caravan has built a reputation for providing incredibly safe and enjoyable tours of some of the most exotic destinations in the world. Now anyone can get closer to destinations like Peru without ever having to worry about things like ground transportation, as every detail is pre-booked. This includes pre-booked tickets to destinations like world-famous attractions such as Machu Picchu, along with hotels and ground transportation.

Group travel is a powerful way of exploring destinations like Peru, helping you enjoy exotic travel offerings without ever having to worry about safety or missing out on important information. Our guides remain highly familiar with Peru and can even provide important educational context.

Ready to book the vacation of a lifetime?

Learn more about Caravan’s Peru tour and see why so many of our guests choose Caravan as their trusted provider of fully-booked travel experiences. Connect with us today and book now by calling us directly at 1-800-CARAVAN. Our operators are standing by, ready to answer any questions you may have about this tour, and so many more.

Spaces are limited, so don’t delay. Reach out now and travel the world with confidence alongside Caravan!

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