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The jewels in Peru’s tourist crown are, of course, legendary Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail (Camino Inca). Travelers with their sights set on either should realistically seek to make travel plans and reservations at least six months in advance, especially if planning to travel any time in high season (June to October). The train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (at the base of Machu Picchu) is too popular to be arranged upon arrival in Cusco, and the Inca Trail has a government-enforced limit of 500 trekkers daily (including porters and guides). |
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Because of Peru’s incredible geographical diversity, there is no time during the year when one cannot or should not travel. High season is June to October, while the rainy season (which principally affects highland areas) lasts in its greatest intensity from January to March; heavy rains during these months only really impede adventure travel in the jungle and trekking in the Andes. Light rains at other times of the year should not have a negative impact on travelers’ ability to get to and enjoy any destination in Peru. In general, we recommend traveling on the margins of high season, when travelers are likely to have an easier time making travel plans and reservations in popular Peruvian destinations. |
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Many of Peru’s most popular destinations are located in mountain highlands of considerable altitude (from Cusco’s 11,000 ft./3,400 m. elevation to Puno’s and Lake Tititcaca’s 12.500 ft./3,800 m. to Colca’s 11,800 ft./3,600 m.). Travelers going to these areas should take adequate precautions to allow themselves to adjust to the altitude (some travelers suffer from acute mountain sickness, which causes nausea, headaches and more). For many, an excellent option is to spend some time first in lower-altitude Arequipa before visiting Colca Canyon, or a couple of nights in the Sacred Valley before tackling Cusco City. Puno and Lake Titicaca are best visited after first spending some time in either of those destinations. |
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Because of the country’s immense richness in landscapes, towns and indigenous cultures, traveling around Peru is best undertaken by land – despite the geographical barriers, considerable distances, and highways that are in some respects lacking in services. Depending on the amount of time one has to travel in the country, we recommend visiting certain destinations (such as the coastal desert south of Lima) by rental vehicle (in many cases, an all-wheel-drive (4x4) is preferable; cost per day approximately $80-$100). |
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In most Peruvian cities, public transportation is still not greatly reliable; it is preferable to get around by private taxis, which are abundant and inexpensive. |
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Peruvian cuisine is diverse, creative and extraordinary, and sampling its rich variety is one of the great highlights of a trip to Peru, especially in the capital. The cuisine tends to be highly seasoned and rich, however. Especially in high-altitude areas, it’s best to be careful about one’s intake of both rich foods and alcohol. |
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Peru is a country with diverse climates; be sure to bring varied as well as specialized attire (for rain, cold, sun, and especially for trekking and other outdoor pursuits). |
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A yellow-fever vaccine is strongly recommended for trips into the Amazon rainforest, but no other advance health precautions are necessary. |
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Always drink bottled water, which is widely available throughout the country. |
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Peru’s electrical current is 220. |
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More than 15 years of publications, including 220 books and guides about Peru and its environment. |
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More than 15 years of publications, including 220 books and guides about Peru and its environment, five encyclopedias and more than 1,000 articles in magazines in Peru and abroad. He is considered the most prolific publisher on ecological topics in the country in the last decade. Forest engineer, journalist, publisher, professional photographer and analyst of environmental topics, Wust is the only Peruvian to publish five articles in National Geographic magazine. Currently he is the director of Wust Ediciones. |
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Ten years crisscrossing Peru, producing 240 TV programs on diverse topics. |
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Ten years crisscrossing Peru, producing 240 TV programs on diverse topics. A journalist and writer, for nearly a decade he has directed and hosted the TV program Tiempo de Viaje, in which he travels throughout Peru (and occasionally other countries), documenting natural, historical and human scenes infrequently visited by conventional tourism. His perspective is not that of a tourist, but of a traveler, who immerses himself in what he finds and shies away from nothing in his reporting. He is also the author and/or publisher of an extensive series of books about Peruvian culture. |
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The author of 15 travel guides to cities and countries around the world, including 4 editions of Frommer’s Peru. |
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The author of 15 travel guides to cities and countries around the world, including 4 editions of Frommer’s Peru, and articles on subjects ranging from the travel industry to food and wine. A travel writer, journalist and photographer, Schlecht first traveled to Peru and trekked to Machu Picchu as a student in 1983, and he has returned repeatedly to Peru over the last two decades. He has also been a consultant on international development projects for the European Union and USAID, as well as a correspondent for a Spanish art magazine. |
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With nearly 15 years of travel experience, and having lived in different places in Peru. |
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With nearly 15 years of travel experience, and having lived in different places in Peru. Agronomist, theologist, and holding an M.A in Amazonian anthropology. He’s lived 7 years with the Aguarunan people of Alto Marañon; also in Huanchaco (Trujillo), Urubamba (Cusco), and Madre de Dios. Consultant in tourism, collaborator for several media resources and professor of Sustainable Tourism Diploma at Ruiz de Montoya University. |
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