Peru Tours & Trips

748 Peru trips. Tours from 200 tour companies. 1,412 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

748 Trips match your criteria (81 - 100 shown)

Ecuador, Galapagos & Peru Explorer
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cotopaxi, Cusco, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pailon del Diablo, Quito, Ronda, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • This trip gives both trekkers and non-trekkers the chance to visit Machu Picchu with Inca Trail*, Quarry Trail and train options.
  • Admire the ingenuity of Inca engineering in the Sacred Valley and contemplate how stone was excavated to build the structures still standing there.
  • Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. The city has ancient foundations, an interesting blend of Incan and international influences, and seemingly endless things to do and see.
  • Snorkel the incredible marine life-filled waters of Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido, one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos and an absolute highlight for many travellers.
  • Encounter the wildlife wonders of the Galapagos Islands up close. Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and more await.
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Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Peru & Galapagos Explorer
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Cotopaxi, Cusco, Darwin, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Otavalo, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Quito, Ronda, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz

Highlights

  • Choose the classic Inca Trail, the quieter Quarry Trail or the scenic train route to reach Machu Picchu. It will be unforgettable, no matter how you get there.
  • Take a boat tour around the floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca and spend the night with a local family in a traditional island community.
  • Spend two nights deep in the Amazon Jungle, trekking with local flora and fauna experts through the ‘Lungs of the World’.
  • Huge giant tortoises, colourful marine iguanas and the puppies of the sea (AKA sea lions) – come face-to-face with these creatures and more on the Galapagos Islands.
  • Stay in locally-owned hotels in the Galapagos with daily island-hopping adventures by speedboat. The perfect way to see the best of the archipelago while supporting home-grown businesses.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puerto Maldonado, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. The city has ancient foundations, an interesting blend of Incan and colonial influences, and seemingly endless things to do and see.
  • Adjust to the altitude with a pisco sour and some ceviche to get to know Peruvian cuisine.
  • Travel through the Sacred Valley – known for its steep and soaring scenery, its mystical significance for the Inca and the indigenous cultures that still reside here.
  • Explore the greatest icon of ancient South America and one of the Seven Wonders of the world – Machu Picchu – on a guided tour.
  • Experience the untouched, evergreen splendour of the Amazon Jungle. Explore rainforest trails with a local guide, looking out for monkeys, parrots and medicinal plants, then fall asleep in a lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Galapagos & Peru Adventure
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cotopaxi, Cusco, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Otavalo, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Quito, Sacred Valley, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Go snorkelling on multiple days throughout different islands, looking out for sea turtles and the harmless Galapagos shark.
  • Get up close and personal with giant tortoises as they shuffle along the Galapagos Islands and watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death-defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air.
  • Choose you own adventure on your way to the mother of all Inca cities – magical Machu Picchu. Test yourself on the challenging Classic Inca or Inca Quarry trails, or take the train for a more leisurely experience.
  • Marvel at the evergreen splendour of the untouched Amazon. Explore rainforest trails with a local guide, looking out for wildlife and medicinal plants, and stay in a tranquil jungle lodge overnight.
  • Whether you trek the Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Premium Highlights of South America
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Bar, Buenos Aires, Casablanca, Casablanca Valley, Copacabana, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, Lima, Machu Picchu, Mendoza, Ollantaytambo, Rio de Janeiro, Sacred Valley, Santiago, Valparaiso

Highlights

  • Elevate your adventure with memorable Exclusive Experiences including a tango lesson and asado dinner in Buenos Aires, rooftop pisco sours in Valparaiso and an insider’s day tour of the El Tigre Delta
  • Take your taste buds on a trip with Exclusive Experiences, including bodega tastings in Santiago, an expert-lead winery tour in Mendoza, lunch at the Gastromotiva social enterprise in Rio and home-cooked pachamanca lunch in the Sacred Valley.
  • Get to know local culture during Exclusive Experiences, including interactions with the Ese Eja and Chichubamba communities, and explore with expert guides in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.
  • Soak in unbeatable views of the Andes as you travel towards Machu Picchu on a 360 train. With high domed windows and an open-air observation carriage, this Exclusive Experience allows you to immerse yourself in the incredible landscape.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Inca Trail Express from Lima
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Whether you trek the Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.  
  • Discover Lima’s colonial architecture and centuries of local and global cultures coming together that makes this city one of the most fun to explore in Latin America – all with a local leader who has all the best insights.
  • Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. This foodie hub has ancient foundations and an interesting blend of Incan and colonial influences – kick back or take on some fun optional activities.
  • Set your sights on Machu Picchu, nestled within an Andean rainforest high in the mountains. This trip gives both trekkers and non-trekkers the chance to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World with the Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or train option.
  • Travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its steep and soaring scenery and Indigenous cultures that still reside here. Enjoy lunch at a local community and then visit an organic café providing support to local women.

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $200 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, 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.
  • 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.
  • Look for rainbows in the mist from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides as you marvel at the power of Iguazu Falls which are higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls.
  • Visit a local Guarani community to meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people and learn how the falls were created when the serpent god M’Boy split the river in half.
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Machu Picchu by Train Short Break
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu with a local guide – this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an absolute must-see!
  • Immerse yourself in the culture of Cusco while you adjust to the high altitude – see the local sights with a local guide, then sample a hot chocolate from the Chocolate Museum.
  • Experience traditional Andean life in the Sacred Valley – known as Wilcamayo by the Incas.
  • Visit the Pisac ruins in the Pisac Valley and get a great view of the town below.
  • Wander around the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo – one of the few living examples of a city plan that has remained the same for centuries.

Themes

Cultural, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Peru Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,412  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...

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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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