There is no question that Peru has so much to offer: culture, style, history and some of the best food you will find in the world. Having said that (especially about the food), why wouldn’t you come here? This beautiful country is full of many things to do such as amazing hikes, beach days, jungle excursions, party nights, mountain climbing, salsa dancing, exploring deserts, and much more. In fact, there will be some things that might give you a bit of a culture ‘shock’. This is completely normal and happens to all of us when traveling to other lands. But don’t worry, by recognizing these differences and immersing yourself in Peruvian culture, it becomes a way of life and you will begin to appreciate it. So that you can start your knowledge here are some things to know when traveling to Perú.
What do I need to travel to Peru?
Before getting involved with the documents, the magic ingredients that I always recommend carrying in your backpack to travel to Peru are patience and good humor.
In Peru everything is possible. And the unforeseen are, precisely, unpredictable.
Even if you plan your trip in detail, you should know that in Peru the most normal thing in the world is that something does not go as you planned. So open your mind, weave the route together and let yourself be surprised by what the country has for you.
Peruvians are super welcoming people and love to share their culture. So enjoy the trip and the experience that, without a doubt, will be very different from what you usually see in Europe.
Touring Peru is discovering endless mysterious places, with hidden stories in corners that you may have never seen before stepping on this country. We recommend you to visit another impressive destinations in Cusco like the tour to rainbow mountain peru or the humantay lake tour from cusco, which only takes one day. But if you are gonna to stay more days in Perú, other archaeological places you can know will be the choquequirao trek peru, the salkantay trek to machu picchu, and the classic inca trail 4 days 3 nights.
Vaccines
Vaccinations are one more personal procedure. Nobody asks you about them or stops you at the border if you don’t carry them, so don’t be overwhelmed.
Those that are recommended are:
- Yellow fever: mandatory, lasts forever.
- Typhoid fever or typhus: recommended.
- Hepatitis A: recommended.
- Hepatitis B: recommended.
- Malaria: recommended if you plan to sleep in the jungle.
The currency: the Peruvian Sol
In Peru, the official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). However, US dollars (USD) are also legal tender. The sun is written like this: S /.
One dollar is S /. 3.27 and one euro are S /. 3.78.
How to get around Peru?
When you land, you will be in the Constitutional Province of Callao. From there, you will go to Lima, the capital. And, once in the provinces, you will see that there are many means of transport throughout the country.
Move around Peru
Transportation in Peru is quite scenic and even fun. You learn to be a traveler and a foreigner through their little battles, which are curious to burst.
If you like to immerse yourself in the local culture, you will go head first when you see the first combi.
And now you want to know how to move around the country between provinces, and within cities.
Gastronomy: cuisine of empires and mestizos
Peruvian cuisine is famous. That’s right.
It reinvents itself every day. Its variety is unclassifiable. And it drives those of us who know her crazy.
Climate: what clothes should I take to Peru?
In three words: bring everything.
In the mountains, the cold and rain ask for sweatshirts and a raincoat. Personal recommendation: Buff neck warmer. And two pairs of leggings underneath, just in case.
On the coast, the heat and the sea recommend short-sleeved shirts and a hat or cap (you can buy this directly there).
In the humid jungle, you will appreciate light, light clothes with long sleeves.
Good hiking shoes, beach sneakers and bathing shoes are enough.
Anyway, here is a post to know how to really fill the backpack for the essential-essentials, selecting the most important and useful.
Language and cultural nuances
In Peru a different Castilian is given. People talk about you, they don’t use so many swear words and directions are given differently.
Weather
Life goes a little slower here. If you are used to a faster lifestyle, Peru will definitely change you. If you are buying food in a restaurant or if you are working with other Peruvians, expect everything to be done at a slower speed. When you are in the big cities, life is relatively slow and when you go further into the jungle and further north, things get even slower.
Clothing
Again, you are getting a good range. You will find everything from malls, to shops, to boutiques, to mass markets. In fact, when you go to larger department stores and other stores in the malls, the prices will be relatively high. Especially since the shopping centers will have recognized stores. When you go to mass markets where people are selling clothes, the prices will be noticeably cheaper. Depending on the vendor, the quality will vary.
Plastic bags
More often than not; you will receive everything in plastic bag. Literally everything. Even drinks can be served in plastic bags!
Lifestyle
There is a notable difference between the rich and the poor. You will be able to notice it especially in Lima. Some of the municipalities (districts) are for the rich, while others are for the poor. This is reflected through medical care, police surveillance, education, etc. in each municipality.
Medical service
Medical service varies throughout Peru. There are good quality hospitals and clinics, and there are poor quality hospitals and clinics. If you are in one of the larger cities you can find a decent medical service. The standards may not be what you are used to, just be cautious and don’t be afraid to make yourself heard. Having said that, pharmacies will also provide whatever you need. Although it is always good to look for information about the medicine that they provide you is the correct one. Peruvian pharmacies will always try to sell you the most expensive product. Check more than one pharmacy if you are in doubt.
Bathroom label
Toilet paper goes in the trash, NOT the toilet. It will feel unsanitary and unsightly, but you’d rather remember to put it in the trash than have to clean the entire bathroom after the toilet fills up. The reason behind this is because the pipes in Peru are very small and therefore many things cannot happen there. Plus the combination of bad pressure doesn’t help at all.
