You might not know this fellow traveler but there are few places in the world that offer both an impressive geography and 10,000 years of history. Peru also offers its world-renowned cuisine and the proverbial hospitality of their friendly people, always ready to help you out and offer you a smile… so many things to discover, are you ready?
Besides appropriate clothes for each city average temperature, we suggest keeping these articles in mind:
- Warm clothes for night time.
- Raincoat or poncho.
- Thin windbreaker.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Hat.
- Sun glasses.
- Small case or bag.
- Camera, batteries, memory cards or film.
- Repellent.
- Personal medication.
- Passport photocopy.
On trekking trips, camps or adventure tours:
- Walking stick
- Sleeping bag.
- Extra set of batteries for your camera.
- Sandals or flip flops.
- Swimsuit.
- Hiking boots or neoprene shoes for canoeing or kayaking.
Jungle trips:
Expert advice:
- Peruvian cuisine is extraordinary and diverse. Ask for the chef’s specials at the restaurants you visit and avoid eating heavily when staying at high altitude places. Bear in mind that some people consider Peruvian food to be hot and spicy.
- If you don’t feel like carrying around your purchases throughout your trip, it is a good idea to wait till the end to visit Lima’s artisans markets to shop for handcrafts.
- Peru´s voltage is 220. Most 4 and 5 star hotels also offer 110 outlets.
- Peru’s tap water might be treated differently so we suggest drinking bottled water.
- In some parts of the highlands (Cusco, Puno, Arequipa), weather may be quite extreme and unpredictable. Wearing layers of clothing can be a good idea to handle the wind and temperature changes according to the places you visit.
- If you plan to do the Inca Trail, keep in mind you are only allowed to bring 6 kilos in clothes and personal articles besides your sleeping bag. The rest of your luggage can be stored safely at your hotel.
- If you travel to Machu Picchu, you should know only carry-on luggage (about 8 k) is allowed on board in the train (no large and bulky luggage).
Tips to prevent altitude sickness
People react differently to altitude; however you may want to take these
Recommendations into consideration:
- Allow yourself time to rest for a few hours upon arrival.
- Hydrate constantly. Hydrating drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade are highly recommended.
- Traditional coca tea, which helps acclimatization, is offered as a complimentary drink at most hotels.
- Avoid eating heavily; prioritize carbohydrates intake.
- Walk slowly.
- Try to organize your trip so that there is a gradualand progressive increasein altitude
Recommended background reading
The Incas – Gordon Francis McEwan
El Otro Sendero – Hernando De Soto
Orquídeas en Inkaterra Machu Picchu – Asociación Inkaterra
The birds of Peru – John O´Neill
Where to watch birds in Peru – Thomas Valqui
Children of the Pachamama – Carol Cumes
Perú Mucho Gusto – PromPerú
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