5 Tips for Traveling in Peru

They boast some of the world's most beautiful destinations, but you have to prepare for a handful of things in different parts of Perú: the shy people and weak Wi-Fi, under-budgeting and potent coca leaves, and the good and bad of all the cuisine.

Well, there you have it, my five tips for traveling in Perú. Thanks for reading. Just kidding. Let's talk about them.

1. Third-world Wi-Fi

This is the first thing that got my attention. Working online, you notice this kind of stuff immediately. It's hard to get work done when your connection drops more often than you are used to, depending on where you live.

I live in Medellín, Colombia, a very modern city. The Miraflores district of Lima is comparable, and the Wi-Fi there was pretty good.

But even in Cusco, a tourist trap, I had problems—so bad. One good thing came out of it: it forced me to enjoy my vacation more.

2. A Bigger Budget is Better

The title probably makes you say, “Duh!” I bet it makes you wonder why I would include something obvious among my five tips for traveling in Perú. But what I mean is, expect to pay more than you think.

Cusco and Lima are no longer cheap. They're affordable, but I spent more than expected, probably $800 more.

There is so much to do, so much to see. A big part of that is…

3. Food (Pros and Cons)

Of all the countries in Latin America, Perú has the best food. There is so much variety. I have already told you about my favorite dishes and many others.

The downside is the third-world aspect of Perú becomes apparent after the first time you get sick.

“Everyone does,” my roommates in Medellín told me. “You will, too.”

I almost made it there the whole month without getting sick, but on my last night, I ate a plate of fried seafood that didn't agree with my stomach. I was sick my entire first week back in Medellín.

4. The People Are Shy

Peruvians, like other people from places where the indigenous culture thrives, can be very shy.

This means they might not want their picture taken. All you have to do is ask politely; everything should be fine.

Sometimes, they want you to take their picture because they are wearing traditional garb and have an alpaca with them. I think I paid two soles (about 66 cents) to take the picture above.

5. Coca Helps Nausea

Cusco and Puno are high in the mountains, Cusco at 11,200 feet and Puno at 12,468. There is a way to cure altitude sickness: drink coca leaf tea. From what I've heard, you can chew on the leaves, too, but I prefer the tea.

I would drink two cups in the morning with breakfast, then another two in the afternoon. After a day or two, I was acclimated.

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Dave's 160-page, all-original Lima Travel Guide is now available for Kindle.