August 29th, 2019 | Updated on June 29th, 2022
Peru is one of the premier backpacking destinations in South America. Along the western coast of the continent, Peru boasts an interesting history and contemporary culture.
The well-known manmade and natural wonders that fill the country, including one of the seven wonders of the world Machu Picchu, are all at your fingertips once you arrive.
If Peru is on your travel plans in the near future, then getting online travel insurance can allow you to maximise your fun and safety while you are in the country.
Knowing some essential safety advice as well as general travel tips and planning a little in advance for your trip can give you a head start on being prepared for anything.
Let’s look at some of these specific tips and advice in more detail.
Peru Travel Tips
Weather And Climate
Weather and climate are the main things you should worry about when traveling to Peru. The weather in Peru is mostly dry, with a small chance of rain in the Amazon jungle. The Andes mountain range can experience snowfall during the winter. The best time to travel to Peru is during the summer, from December to March.
If you are planning to travel to Peru during this time, make sure you pack clothes that will help you resist the heat. If you plan on visiting the Andes or Amazon rainforest, bring a rain jacket or umbrella with you. Additionally, take sunscreen with an appropriate protection level (higher than 30) and sunglasses because it is bright outside.
You May Like To Read: 80 Places You Should Visit For Life-Changing Experience
Tips On Luggage And Packing
When you pack for your trip to Peru, it is important that you bring many things with you. You need to make sure that your luggage is not too heavy or too big. The airline will take away your luggage if it is too heavy and the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu does not have a lot of room. Try packing one medium sized piece of baggage and one carry-on per person, or less if possible.
Peru is an amazing country with an interesting culture and a lot to see and do. When you’re planning your trip, make sure to pack a comfortable and practical backpack or bag that will allow you to carry whatever you need for the day. This will be important for hiking, sightseeing, and shopping among other things.
Tips On Clothing
When visiting Peru, it is important to be prepared for changing weather conditions. Peru has a range of climates, from hot and humid in the jungle regions, to cold and dry in the Andes. It is best to bring a variety of clothing so you can be comfortable in both warm and cold weather. T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, pants, and sweaters are all essential items. Additionally, it is important to bring a coat that will keep you warm in colder temperatures.
Safety Steps When Packing For Peru Trip
1. Get Your Shots
Although Peru is beautiful, it is plagued by many viruses and ailments that can put a quick end to your travel plans if you are not prepared.
Make sure to visit a travel clinic well in advance of your travels to ensure that you get all of the necessary vaccinations and immunisations that you need.
This includes routine vaccines like Hepatitis A and B, typhoid.
Although Yellow Fever is not a required vaccination to enter the country, the risk of infection still exists in Peru, especially at altitudes below 2,300 metres.
Depending on where you plan to go in the country, make sure to have all your bases covered when it comes to your health. Since medical care is of uneven quality throughout the country, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
2. Avoid Trouble Spots
Peru can be a relatively safe country to visit if you stick to well-known tourist routes and attractions.
However, given the beauty of the country and its people you may be tempted to go off the beaten path and see some of the more authentic areas of Peru.
In these cases, it is vital that you check and keep up to date with the travel advice of the Australian government and avoid areas that are known for being dangerous.
In recent years, the border areas near Colombia and Ecuador have been problematic due to drug trafficking and the threat of violence.
Be cautious and use your common sense. When in doubt, stick to well-known and established routes and tourist trails.
You May Like To Read: 20 Most Beautiful Travel Destinations On Earth
3. Ensure That You Are Covered
Don’t leave home without travel insurance to protect yourself against any international contingency.
Not only is it a wise decision to get the best travel insurance you can before you arrive in Peru but it might also be required depending on what you plan to do in the country.
Most travel insurance providers require that you be in Australia while you are purchasing your policy, so make sure to take care of this step before taking off.
Ensure that you choose a policy that will cover the entire length of your stay in Peru.
If you are planning an extended backpacking holiday, ensure that you also have coverage if you need to cut your travels short due to an injury or illness, so if you meet one of several conditions, you can then be reimbursed your lost expenses for these cancellations.
4. Get Familiar With The Culture
As a final point, make sure that you learn a little bit about Peru and its people before you arrive. Not only is this a way to make your trip go much more smoothly, but it is respectful to those who live in the country as well.
Familiarise yourself with the local laws and be sure to act respectfully at historic sites, Peruvian authorities can impose fines for bad behaviour at these places.
You can even brush up, or start, on your Spanish before you arrive to make a good impression on any locals you encounter throughout your stay.
5. Enjoy Every Moment
All in all, exercise your common sense and treat all those you encounter with respect. With a little planning and preparation, your time in Peru is sure to be a life-changing experience.
