Peru Uruguay Tours & Trip Packages

Peru Uruguay Tours & Trips

817 Peru trips. Tours from 200 tour companies. 1,484 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Uruguay
Best of South America
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Buenos Aires, Copacabana, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, Ilha Grande, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Montevideo, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Paraty, Plaza Mayor , Puno, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Sucre, Uyuni

Highlights

  • Explore elegant colonial architecture, political history in spades and hilly neighbourhoods dotted with terracotta roofs – Sucre might be Bolivia’s most beautiful city.
  • Take an unforgettable 4WD adventure across the Salar de Uyuni – some of the largest salt lakes in the world. Pass cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with flamingos.
  • The giant desert inscriptions of the Nazca Lines are one of Peru's great unsolved mysteries, and so is the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. You’ll experience both your own way, with a range of options to choose from.
  • Enjoy delicious home-cooking and warm hospitality during your three-day estancia stay, and learn about Uruguay’s gauchos – legendary cowboys – while on the ranch.
  • After seeing its virgin rainforests, blue lagoons and splendid beaches, you’d never imagine that Ilha Grande had such a treacherous pirate history. This is true natural beauty, Brazilian style.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Epic South America
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, Ilha Grande, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Montevideo, Ollantaytambo, Puno

Highlights

  • Head to a local community and rub shoulders with the inhabitants of the Sacred Valley – if you’re lucky, your travel day might even fall on market day where you can pick up some hand-painted beads or a warm poncho.
  • Roam the Amazon Jungle by boat at night (with an expert local) and float down the river, keeping an eye out for the glaring eyes of jaguars, anacondas and caimans.
  • Embark on a three-day adventure by 4WD across the rocky Atacama Desert in Salar de Uyuni and the largest salt lakes in the world. Pass cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with birdlife.
  • Spend two nights at a working estancia (farm) in Uruguay, where you can spend your time getting involved in farm work, learning about gauchos, riding horses or simply relaxing in the sun.
  • The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll cross the border to see its incredible cascades from both sides.

Themes

18 - 30's

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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South America Highlights
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Montevideo, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Palermo, Plaza Mayor , Puno, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Sucre, Uyuni

Highlights

  • Whether you trek the classic Inca Trail, the Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu are a majestic destination, no matter how you get there.
  • The floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are a marvel of concept, construction and history. Take a boat tour on the lake and spend the night with a local family in a traditional island community.
  • Salar de Uyuni's desert landscapes are so unique they’re almost extra-terrestrial. Embark on a three-day adventure via 4WD passing cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with flamingos.
  • Harness your inner gaucho during a three-day stay at a working estancia in Uruguay. Whether it’s getting involved in daily farm chores, working with livestock or simply relaxing, experience a unique way of life and Uruguayan hospitality at its best.
  • The mighty Iguazu Falls straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll be able to see it from both sides with your small group.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arequipa, Atacama Desert, Buenos Aires, Colon, Cusco, Ilha Grande, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Montevideo, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Paraty, Puno, Rio de Janeiro, Sacred Valley, Sao Paulo, Sucre, Urubamba, Uyuni

Highlights

  • Go sandboarding at sunset in huacachina
  • Spot condors at colca canyon
  • Conquer the inca trail on the way to machu picchu
  • Experience traditional life on lake titicaca
  • Cross the salar de uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arequipa, Atacama Desert, Buenos Aires, Colon, Cuenca, Cusco, Ilha Grande, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Montevideo, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Paraty, Puno, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Sacred Valley, Sao Paulo, Sucre, Urubamba, Uyuni

Highlights

  • Mingle with the locals of a small community in the amazon
  • Go sandboarding on the dunes of huacachina
  • Spot condors at colca canyon
  • Conquer the inca trail on the way to machu picchu
  • Experience traditional life on lake titicaca
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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South America Discovery
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Buenos Aires, Copacabana, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Rio de Janeiro, Urubamba

Highlights

  • This itinerary introduces you to some of the highlights of South America in just 18 days, starting in Peru’s capital and finishing in Argentina’s capital.
  • You will explore both modern and colonial Lima, the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro and the cosmopolitan and historic city of Buenos Aires.
  • You will be introduced to the fascinating history of the Incas as you travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, returning to the old Inca capital of Cusco.
  • You will learn more of the culture of Peru as you visit Puno and take a day trip on Lake Titicaca to the Uros reed islands and Taquile Island.
  • The itinerary also includes the incredible and mighty Iguazu Falls that straddle the border of Brazil and Argentina.

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Everything organised by Karen at Chimu Went as planned which we were very grateful for. The only drama was the tight scheduling of some of our flights and having to run to get to next gate on time. Latam airline did very well and all our luggage arrived on time . The cruise on OceanEndeavour was truly amazing; the ice, the wildlife and the professional enthusiastic crew made our experience very memorable. Thanks Chimu"

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The Gringo Trail
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Amazon Rainforest, Buenos Aires, Copacabana, Cusco, El Calafate, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu National Park, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Sacred Valley, Torres del Paine National Park, Urubamba, Uyuni

Highlights

  • Experience Buenos Aires and the Iguazu Falls and follow the Gringo Trail from Salta to Cusco.
  • You will see the main sights of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and intriguing La Paz.
  • The itinerary takes you to the thunderous Iguazu Falls that you will visit from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.
  • You will experience spectacular scenery as you take a day trip from Salta to Cafayate and explore the Salar de Uyuni.
  • This itinerary includes an overnight stay in a salt hotel and a night on Lake Titicaca’s Island of the Sun.
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Everything organised by Karen at Chimu Went as planned which we were very grateful for. The only drama was the tight scheduling of some of our flights and having to run to get to next gate on time. Latam airline did very well and all our luggage arrived on time . The cruise on OceanEndeavour was truly amazing; the ice, the wildlife and the professional enthusiastic crew made our experience very memorable. Thanks Chimu"

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Peru: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu

Highlights

  • A Journey to Incan Citadels & Markets, Including Machu Picchu
  • A Flightseeing Tour Over Pre-Columbian Geoglyphs (Nazca Lines)
  • Dune Bashing & Sand Boarding Near to a Popular Oasis & Village
  • A Horseback Ride to a Rainbow Mountain
  • A Boat Ride to Scenic Islands Rich with Birdlife
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Thank you guys for setting up this trip. We spent 7 days in Palawan and Coron island and enjoyed every day. The remote coordinator worked very well for us through Whatsup, and the daily itineraries were exactly what we expected. Not too much and not too short. We recommend this tour for every one who wants to explore these locations"

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Majestic Peru
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • See the famed Machu Picchu – perched high in the Andes on a mountaintop, surrounded by mountain rainforest – and discover the secrets and history of this iconic Inca ruin.
  • Spend a full day exploring the floating islands of Uros (made entirely of reeds) on Lake Titicaca and make the most of the chance to meet the local Uru people who live here.
  • Witness the giant desert inscriptions of the Nazca Lines – one of Peru's greatest unsolved mysteries – from the viewing tower. Then, head to a local’s home in the middle of the desert for a traditional pachamanca dinner.
  • Visit the scenic Sacred Valley, where you’ll stop for lunch in the Huilloq community and participate in their ceremony blessing Pachamama. Listen to their life stories of the Andean highlands and learn more about their fascinating culture through a textile demonstration.
  • Choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail – an excellent option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru – and see the famed Wonder of the World twice.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Essential Peru
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca

Highlights

  • Discover Machu Picchu by train with guided tour
  • Enjoy a homestay on the traditional island of Amantani in Lake Titicaca
  • See Colca Canyon and its soaring condors
  • Wander through the colonial city of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Convent
  • Drive deep into the Andean highlands and the Apurimac Valley

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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Generous cancellation

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Classic Peru
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Bar, Cusco, Grand Canyon, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pacific Ocean, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Sacred Valley, San Cristobal, Sapa, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Discover the highlights of Peru on this great non-trekking adventure
  • Meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano
  • Explore majestic Machu Picchu and unwind in the Sacred Valley

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"The trip itinerary was well thought through with the right balance of challenging walks, rest time, cultural activities and time to socialise. Joao, our guide, was exceptional. He really took on board any feedback and made sure we had the best time. The scenery in Madeira surpassed my expectations. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting an active weeks’ holiday."

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Iconic Peru
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisa, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Spot wildlife in the amazon jungle at the g adventures exclusive lodge
  • Explore the cusco planetarium
  • Choose to hike the inca trail with our expert local guides or catch the comfortable train to machu picchu
  • Visit the luquina community and have lunch on lake titicaca

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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7 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Uruguay

Peru Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,484  Reviews
See all Peru tour reviews
Excellent
1,171
Great
262
Average
22
Disappointing
5
Terrible
4
P

Pam

Oct 2015

Written on

We saw so much and were told

We saw so much and were told much history and information about the country.

b

ben

Oct 2015

Written on

I really like the ethical and environmental

I really like the ethical and environmental policy

D

Dianne

Oct 2015

Written on

Our trip was well organised and took

Our trip was well organised and took us to a range of different places so that we got a good overview of what Peru was like. We were disappointed that the trip did n...

S

Shraddha

Sep 2015

Written on

Very well organized, trip leader very detail

Very well organized, trip leader very detail oriented to make the trip run as smooth as possible

S

Sarah

Sep 2015

Written on

I had a wonderful time, an excellent

I had a wonderful time, an excellent tour leader and a great group of people on my tour who really made my holiday a truly fantastic experience and the philosophy of...

Write a Review

Peru Tour Selection Trips

  • For getting to Machu Picchu, you have many tour options: hike the challenging Inca Trail, hike one of the sometimes even more challenging Inca Trail alternatives, or take a delightful train ride with magnificent vistas in its own right.
  • If possible, don’t limit yourself to Machu Picchu. Look for tours that visit other archaeological sites in the northern reaches of Peru, including the massive adobe city of Chan Chan or the fascinating Mochica tombs in Chiclayo.
  • In the Amazon, choose a travel supplier that uses indigenous tour guides, who are best suited to show you the culture and experience of the world’s largest rainforest.
  • Bring altitude medicine and sunscreen. The city of Cusco and Lake Titicaca may be situated at the highest altitude you’ve ever encountered. Peru is also quite close to the Equator, where the sun’s rays can be powerful. Outside of Lima, sunblock can be hard to find.
  • Pack clothes for many occasions. When it’s winter in North America, it’s summer in Peru. Bring a swimsuit for the immaculate beaches, bring a jacket for the high Andean peaks, and bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty for your Amazonian treks.
  • Practice a little Spanish before arriving in Peru. Although most tourist destinations are staffed with English-speakers, and your guide certainly will, knowing some basics will help you interact with Peruvians you meet in your travels.
Once you’re there…Always carry toilet paper and soap. Peru is an adventure, and although your hotel will always be well stocked, you can’t rely on destination bathrooms to have sufficient

  • Remember that hot water is a luxury in Peru. Don’t be surprised if you see light switches in your bathroom to provide you with a warm shower after a long day of sightseeing.
  • Prices are often negotiated in Peru so don’t be afraid to push for a better price or ask your guide about fair prices during your journey.
  • Also, cash in small bills is far more acceptable everywhere than credit cards, especially outside of the major cities.
 

Additional details

Peru Packing List

Peru’s diverse landscape makes for a great travel experience, but also makes it a nightmare to pack. From the hot beaches, to the humid rainforests, to the freezing highlands — you have to be ready for every climate and temperature.

Luckily, there are several ways you can avoid packing everything but the kitchen sink. In Cusco, there are several shops where you can buy gear. In some trekking shops, you can even rent gear like thick down jackets. 

Overall, packing lists for Peru vary depending on your tour itinerary. As a general rule of thumb, pack layers so that you can adapt to any climate. Make sure to pack light as well, as most tours have a bag allowance for treks.

Here are staple items you will need to pack for your trip to Peru:

  • Good athletic shoes for hiking: When hiking in Peru, you want to make sure that your shoes have good treading and have good ankle support. You may opt to buy hiking boots, but most travelers say that athletic shoes are good enough to trek in. Make sure you break in your shoes before traveling so that you don’t end up with blisters!
  • Thick wool socks: The highlands of Peru are quite frigid, so warm socks will be a lifesaver. These will save your feet during the cold weather treks and freezing nights.
  • Thermal leggings/pants
  • Thermal long-sleeve shirts
  • Hoodie
  • Down jacket
  • Rain jacket: The weather can be very unpredictable, so a rain jacket or poncho will help you stay protected from unforeseen rain.
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent: In higher altitudes, bugs are less common. As Machu Picchu’s elevation is lower, you should pack insect repellent. The same goes for when visiting the Amazon.
  • Sunscreen 
Is Peru safe?

Peru’s diverse landscape, itinerary, history attracts millions of tourists annually. Although it’s a popular destination, tourists may encounter issues in Peru.

For starters, tourists may be targeted, as they are seen as wealthy. Therefore, theft, pickpocketing, mugging is common. 

Be careful when trekking in Peru as well. Some routes are notorious for being dangerous, in terms of crime and lethal insects. Traveling with a reputable guided tour in Peru can protect you from these situations.

Although there are several rumors about the dangers of traveling in Peru due to drug trafficking, the threat has declined in recent years. There hasn’t been an attack on tourist areas for almost two decades. More concern is raised in the northern areas of Peru, especially along the Colombian border. This area has had plenty of “Do Not Travel” notices due to drug trafficking and insurgent activities.

With all this being said, you might be thinking twice about visiting Peru. However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid this beautiful country! It has a lot more to offer than bandits, crime, and dangerous insects. 

To protect yourself from these dangers, there are some precautions you can take to ensure you travel safety. As with visiting any foreign country, it pays to be vigilant and be safe rather than sorry. With good judgement, research, and caution, you can avoid bad situations. 

Here are some tips to keep you secure when traveling in Peru:

  • Don’t wear flashy clothes and jewelry.
  • Don’t wander around at night, especially in cities.
  • Travel in groups.
  • Learn a little Spanish to help you get by.
  • Watch your drink to prevent spiking.
  • Keep your valuables at home/locked away in your hostel.
  • Avoid dodgy/deserted areas.
  • Avoid withdrawing from ATMs late at night, or from sketchy places to prevent fraud
  • Keep your credit card in sight when making purchases to prevent credit card fraud.
  • Exchange money at reputable agencies (eg. banks or money exchanges within hotels). This decreases the chance of receiving counterfeit bills, and being the target of crime.
  • Choose a reputable tour group.
  • Be vaccinated. Scroll down to learn more about vaccinations for Peru.
  • Get insured! You never know what misfortunes could happen during your trip.
Tips for Adjusting to High Altitude

Unfortunately, altitude sickness (known as soroche in Peru) can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, fitness level. However, those with lung or heart conditions are more likely to experience symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, difficulty breathing, and heart racing).

Typically, people experience altitude sickness at 8,000ft. As a result, some may experience discomfort in Machu Picchu, where the elevation is 7,972ft. The more concerning location is Cusco, where the altitude is 11,152ft.

Here are some tips to adjust to high altitude:

  • Chill out for the first few days: Let your body adjust to the lower amount of oxygen intake.
  • Take deep breaths.
  • Avoid substances, such as alcohol: Drinking alcohol may increase your symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • Ascend slowly: Many flights land in Cusco. Some travelers recommend taking a trip to a lower region as soon as you land, and working your way back up to Cusco, so that your body can get used to the shift.
  • Eat well, especially high-carb foods.
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take a chill pill: Diamox can be taken 24 hours prior to your ascent to help prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.
What Vaccines Do I Need for Peru?

Vaccinations are probably the last thing you want to think about before traveling, but for Peru, preparations should be made well in advance. 

Recommended vaccinations vary depending on your itinerary, so it’s best to consult your doctor beforehand. However, here are required and recommended vaccinations according to the Center for Disease Control.

Routine/Required Vaccinations for Peru:

For these vaccines, you may need a booster shot before you leave.

  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Polio 
  • Flu shot
Recommended Vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies
  • Yellow fever
Other precautions:

Since illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are spread through mosquito bites, make sure to protect yourself with repellent. There are no vaccinations for malaria and dengue, however you can take antimalarial pills. 

This is a good choice, especially if you are planning to explore the jungles of Peru in the summer.

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