• HOME
• FOOD
• RECIPES
• DINING
• DRINKS
• SHOP
• TRAVEL
• ABOUT

Travel and Vacations and seeing the world is a joy to many people. When traveling to Peru, sometimes people are amazed at how big this country in western South America is. Because of its size, tourists often take internal flights to see the many fascinating diverse sections of this country that is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. There are four large companies operating flights (Aero Continente, LanPeru (co-owned by LanChile), Taca and Tans), and a few small airlines flying to remote destinations via light aircraft. There's an 18% tax and a US $4 departure tax on domestic flights.

Transportation over long distances when traveling in Peru is usually done via public buses. Along major routes, busses stop frequently, are comfortable and cheap; three irresistible criteria for weary travelers. If you are traveling to Peru between towns, make sure you have your passport with you as you will need to show it to the police at various checkpoints. It is safer to travel by day as there are often armed robberies on the night busses. Taxi fares need to be haggled over; there are no metered cabs and when traveling in Peru, the best policy is to agree on the fare in advance.

 What are some tips when traveling to Peru?

1- Appropriate clothing

Due to the geographic diversity of the nation, when traveling in Peru, your choice of clothing depends on your destination. Bring warm clothes for the mountains, light clothes for the jungle and a combination for the coastal deserts, which are warm by day and cool at night. When traveling in Peru, you should also know that some items you might be used to at home cannot be purchased (or are very difficult to obtain) there; namely, personal medical supplies, toilet paper, a money belt, sunscreen, good books in your native language and electrical equipment.

2- When to visit

Peru's peak tourist season is from June to August, which is the dry season in the highlands. This is the ideal time for lovers of hiking. The wettest months of the year, from January to April, make trekking a muddy and arduous affair. For those not into hiking, however, the wettest months are fine for a visit as most of the nation’s major fiestas occur in those times and continue even in the face of the heaviest rainfall.

3- Health issues

Sunburn can be a problem when traveling to South America because many people forget that the sun is much stronger at tropical latitudes. Avoid the sun when it is overcast and take extra precautions; wear a hat and sunscreen. Do not spend too much time in the direct sun and be particularly careful about boat trips because the wind and reflection of sunlight from the water will increase the risk of sunburn.

The best precaution against stomach upsets when traveling to Peru is to avoid uncooked vegetables, salads and tap water. Eat only fruit that requires peeling. If you do get ill, rest and drink lots of liquids. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are available from pharmacists and can help you to replace the lost fluids. If you are affected for more than three days and/or you have a fever, you should visit a doctor.

Peru’s altitude can also cause some health problems. Symptoms include: headaches, dizziness and stomach upset. Managing this syndrome can be done by reducing alcohol intake, drinking fluids, eating very light meals and getting plenty of bed rest.

Traveling to South America and the land of the Incas can be a rewarding and unique adventure.

Be a boy scout and be prepared and you will have only fond memories of your Peruvian excursion.