Peru Travel Tips

Peru Travel Tips- Best time to travel to Peru and Bolivia:

April to November is the best time of year for your Peru holiday. The real high season runs from June – October. The weather is ideal, but it’s also a lot busier in the highlands. If you’re planning on doing the Inca Trail in this period, bear in mind you won’t be the only one. April – May are also good months to travel, though there’s a slightly higher chance of the odd rain shower. Days are sunny and bright but it can cool off in the evenings, especially at higher altitude. November – March are the wettest months so we don’t recommend travelling to the rainforest or the Colca Canyon during this time. It is the best time of year to visit the coast; it’s sunny and the sea temperature is great for swimming. Click here for more information on the climate in Peru and Bolivia.

Pery travel tips- What to bring

Most importantly: comfortable, worn-in shoes and plenty of layered clothes. A windproof, preferably waterproof jacket or poncho and sturdy, sealable baggage. You’ll often travel to altitudes over 3000m where it can be warm and sunny during the day, but freezing at night. A sleeping bag is advisable but it does take up a lot of baggage space. Alternatively bring a sheet bag and use the extra blankets available.

Toilets aren’t as clean as you’re used to and paper should be thrown in the waste bucket instead of the toilet to avoid blockage. Your own roll of toilet paper or a pack of wet wipes can come in handy especially on the longer treks or bus or train rides. Bring ear plugs if you want to get some sleep on the noisy buses and trains, or if you’re staying on one of the larger cities. Also bring a torch in case you get caught in one of the frequent power cuts. A rucksack or suitcase doesn’t really make much difference, though a rucksack is usually easier to carry around.

Peru Travel Tips- Sun screen, altitude sickness, tap water

These are two factors you’ll need to reckon with on planning your trip to Peru and Bolivia. Because of the high altitude the sun is a lot stronger so you’ll need a good high factor sunscreen, something to cover your neck and ears, lip balm and good sunglasses. Sunscreen is hard to find in Peru, so bring your own. Click here for more information on altitude sickness.

Tapwater isn't safe to drink in Peru and Bolivia, but bottled water is widely available (make sure you check the seal). The more expensive hotels have water purification systems. Ice cubes are made from tap water, so avoid them. Instead ask for fresh fruit juice or soft drinks.

Peru Travel Tips: Mosquitoes

If you're heading into the jungle, make sure you bring good insect repellent with DEET. Malaria is common in the jungle, but never above 2500m. It's best to avoid being bitten in the first place, so cover arms and legs around sunset (when the mosquitoes are most active) and use inset repellent. For more information check out our health in Peru and Bolivia page.

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Peru Travel Tips: Showers...and haggling

In some places the water in the shower is heated by an electric shower head, a somewhat unusual way of generating hot water. It's not really dangerous, just make sure you don't touch anything.

It's quite common to haggle in shops and markets but do consider that many of the products sold by local craftsmen are a form of income for their family. If they're prepared to bargain it's fine but if they seem reluctant then don't go too far. As a rule of thumb, determine what you're willing to pay for the item before you start haggling. If you come to an agreement, everyone's happy.