Peru

Peru is a truly bio-diverse country and offers its residents and visitors everything from a fabulous coastline to arid regions, mountains and everything in between. On top of all this, Peru also has a rich cultural history and offers visitors the rare opportunity to enjoy unique attractions like the world famous Nazca Lines and the ancient city known as Machu Picchu in the Andes.

Whether it’s nature or history that you’re after, Peru never ceases to amaze its visitors and keep them coming back for more. Our Peru Travel Blog will wet your appetite in preparation for all the fantastic sights and activities that are calling your name!

Peru Travel Blog and Travel Advice

  • Crime and safety: When in large cities, in particular, you should be vigilant at all times. Thefts and muggings do occur especially if you wear expensive jewellery and don’t mind your belongings. When travelling around, you should only use reputable taxi companies or opt for a rental car instead. Avoid using taxi drivers that approach you at such places as the airport or bus terminals. They might be thieves posing as taxi drivers.
  • Visiting attractions: If you are going on trails or hikes, it is best to go with a guided group. Professional and qualified guides will take you along the safer routes and they have an understanding of local conditions as well as how long it should take you to return to the starting point. If you wish to take any scenic flights, you should take care when selecting a tour operator. Some tour operators skimp on costs by neglecting to properly maintain their planes and there have been accidents in the past.
  • Local laws: Avoid any involvement with drugs. If you are caught, you will face imprisonment. Carry a copy of your passport and other relevant documents on you at all times. Leave the originals tucked away safely in your hotel room. It is illegal to take any kind of archaeological artefact and souvenirs made from any kind of animal material (including condor feathers) are illegal. Do not photograph buildings of military or national safety importance or you may face serious penalties.
  • Health and medical: Yellow fever is common in various areas and the consumption of contaminated food or water may cause diarrhoea. Contact your doctor 8 weeks before your set departure date in order to determine whether you will need any vaccines. Medical treatment is readily available in large cities but you may struggle to find adequate care in more rural parts. Make sure that you have full and comprehensive medical and travel insurance or your care could easily end up costing you a fortune. Take note of the altitude of the places you wish to visit. If you suffer from altitude sickness, you might want to avoid such places or ask your doctor for the best solution to suit your personal needs.
  • Money: Some businesses will accept your credit card but not all do. You should carry some cash on you at all times in case. You should also as if they accept your card before you place and order or try to make a purchase. Keep all receipts from all your credit card purchases during your trip. When withdrawing cash from an ATM, you should only do so from inside an actual bank and during bank hours. Do not make any withdrawals from ATMs on the street – especially at night.   If you need to exchange foreign currency, you should never use street vendors. Stick to the local banks or you may end up with counterfeit bills! If you are running low on cash, you can wire money to yourself via Western Union.
  • Natural disasters and weather: Peru is vulnerable to such natural disasters as earthquakes, tsunamis, high tides, floods and subsequent landslides. Take account of the weather and emergency procedures.