Discover lesser-known tips to make your trip to Peru smoother and more meaningful:
- Acclimate in Cusco: Spend your first day resting and hydrating to prevent altitude sickness. It’s common and can disrupt your plans if ignored.
- Try alternative treks: The Inca Trail is popular, but routes like Salkantay, Lares, or Ausangate offer breathtaking scenery and fewer crowds.
- Choose authentic stays: Stay in local guesthouses, eco-lodges, or homestays to connect with Peruvian culture and support small communities.
- Experience Sacred Valley culture: Visit communities like Viacha or Chinchero to learn about traditional farming, weaving, and Andean customs. Markets like San Pedro in Cusco offer vibrant, local flavors.
- Be food safe: Enjoy local cuisine, but avoid tap water, ice, and raw foods. Stick to well-cooked meals from busy market stalls or trusted restaurants to avoid stomach issues.