Peru Homestays & Cultural Immersion Tours & Trip Packages

Peru Homestays & Cultural Immersion Tours & Trips

818 Peru trips. Tours from 200 tour companies. 1,498 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

109 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Homestays & Cultural Immersion
Southern Peru Highlands Trip (9 Days)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
36 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arequipa, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Visit awesome Machu Picchu
  • Explore Cusco
  • Visit city of Arequipa in Peru
  • See the wonderful Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"Absolutely superb trip. I would put this tour up there with the best I have ever done. The scenery is otherworldly and travelling in a small group (a driver, an English-speaking guide and 5 tourists) is perfect. Would recommend to everyone who considering doing this. Yes, the accommodation is basic, it gets very cold at night (I was there in early October) and there are a couple of very early starts, but it is all part of the adventure! I only have 2 negative comments: 1. Our guide was in a bad mood on the final day (we had our suspicions as to why this might be, but they were only suspicions, so it wouldn’t be right to mention them here) and was quite rude to the whole group – in particular to the 2 Swiss people, for no reason whatsoever. 2. Our guide insisted on taking the salt flats perspective photos with our phones – because “it is too complicated with cameras”, but this means we got rubbish photos, with either the foreground or the background out of focus. (My advice is to use your camera. Set it on aperture priority and use a high f-stop number – at least 9 – and set your focus to ‘wide’, not ‘centre’. Finally, don’t put the camera too close to whatever is in the foreground and don’t zoom. (OK, maybe he was right – that does sound a bit complicated, but if you do it right, you’ll get amazing photos!) Finally, I’m glad I’d spent 3 days in San Pedro to acclimatise before doing this tour, as the altitude didn’t affect me at all. Anyway, book this tour – you won’t regret it."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
10 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Exhilarating day hikes and charming hotels—no camping!
  • Hike to remote Inca sites, visit families in Quechua villages
  • Explore magnificent Machu Picchu, with an overnight right at the ruins
  • Enjoy a traditionalpachamanca, a Peruvian feast

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I have taken 13 trips with WT, most recently a marvelous adventure in Viet Nam and Cambodia. Always difficult to name a favorite since their trips offer such a great mix of culture, history and scenic wonders. Each trip is unique but all trips share their great attention to detail, incredible trip leaders and a single, professional point of contact. Our Viet Nam trip no exception, the opportunities for exposure to the history, and culture (and incredible cuisine) was outstanding! Looking forward to my 14th!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Lares trek to Machupicchu
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
6 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo

Highlights

  • Free airport tranfer to your hotel when you arrive and from hotel to the airport in your last day
  • Live history shows, yoga & meditation sessions, spiritual ceremonies, hot showers, buffet service in all our tours
  • Amazing views of the sacred valley and the Andean mountains where llamas and alpacas live
  • Meet the local villagers, visiting their house
  • Visit Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca city.
Show more

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness

What travelers are saying

"I did the 4 days Inca Trek with Trexperience and it was an amazing experience! Our guide, Charly, was very nice company and he told us many things on the way about different Inca sites, the nature and its animals and flowers und peruvian and Inca Culture in general. The night before the trip, Charly came to our place for a briefing about the upcoming hike and about all the things we should or shouldn't take, so we felt very well prepared. The next morning we were picked up at the Hotel and drove with a minivan to the starting point of the tour. On the way we visted a little school, that now can afford some computers with internet connection that because they are supported bei Trexperience, which was very nice to see! When the hike started it was a great journey. The breathtaking scenery during the hike was absolute worth the challenging walk. We were perfectly supported by the Trexperience crew of porters and a cook. They provided absolutey everything we needed and more. The food was absolutey stunning and I wouldn't have thought these were meals cooked on a mountain without a proper kitchen. The service of the porters, the cook and the guide was absolutely worth the price, the work they do really is incredible. For that reason I was very happy to see, that Trexperience is a company which cares for their porters and provided equipment for them and treats them well - unfortunately not every company we saw on the way did this... All in all I can absolutely recommend Trexperience for the Inca Trail in Peru and in general I can recommend the Inca Trail, it is an unforgettable amazing experience! Many thanks from Germany and many greetings to Charly and the whole crew:)"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
16 Days – Grand Tour Of South America
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Corcovado National Park, Cusco, El Calafate, Iguazu Falls, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Rio de Janeiro, Sacred Valley, Santiago, Urubamba, Valparaiso

Highlights

  • Guided City tour, Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, The Cathedral, Gold Museum, Osambela house
  • Guided City Tour, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
  • City Tour, Concha y Toro Winery, Viña del Mar
  • Guided City Tour, Corcovado Mountain statue of Christ, the Redeemer, Cascatinha, Tijuca Forest, Visit golden beaches
  • Visit the Sugar Loaf, drive to “Praia Vermelha” (Red beach), to take the two stage car up to the top of Sugar Loaf

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"My group of 23 patrons arranged an 11 day trip to Hawaii which also included a stay in San Francisco and Grand Canyon. Of those 11 days, 3 of them were arranged in such a way that our airline flights were booked in afternoon and nothing was arranged for the morning. When we inquired about these gaps in the schedule, we were informed that we should “just relax on those days”. We were never informed of check in times so we were often rushed in the afternoons. We arranged several excursions through your company at great expense but none of them were arranged correctly. Most days comprised of a Burger King lunch or preordered tacos. What happened to the “delicious cuisine” we were promised? We requested a trip to the Shiv temple. All we got was to see the outside because your company didn’t bother checking to see if appointments were needed to tour the inside. We were told there would be whale watching but no arrangements were made and when we inquired about that, we were given a ridiculous amount of excuses. We arranged for a trip to Napa valley. Once again your company failed to check on your requirements and didn’t make reservations, therefore we couldn’t tour any winery and just spent 20 minutes walking around outside. I am absolutely disgusted with your company and after spending thousands of dollars with you, I expected an elaborate vacation. I would have been better off arranging my own flights and hotel and having the hotel concierge arrange our excursions. We will never use your company again and we will be sure to publish this exact email on social media."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Explore The Inka Trail
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Explore Cusco and Inca Trail
  • Hike through the Llulluchapampa Valley
  • Discover Machu Picchu
  • Visit historic Wiñayhuayna ruins

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Takes a huge amount of coordinating trips with outside organizations so not without some problems. Being a solo tourist in a foreign country sometimes those problems were quite scary. Overall, I believe this group did their best to ensure I had a safe and wondrous adventure."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Around the World: The Ultimate Journey
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bali, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Iguazu Falls, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Los Angeles, Machu Picchu, Table Mountain, Urubamba

Highlights

  • You’ll enjoy more intimate glimpses and a more rewarding journey
  • Indulge in the amenities of a luxury lodge in Kruger National Park, South Africa, featuring private game drives with expert driver-guides
  • Take a train excursion to magnificent Machu Picchu, the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas”
  • Marvel at sweeping views of Cape Town and the sea
  • View the stunning spectacle of thundering Iguassu Falls from both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides
Show more

Themes

Around the World, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Arches And Moab Weekend Hiking
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
1 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Moab

Highlights

  • Experience 4 days of hiking Explorer Chick’s favorite desert trails in two iconic National Parks – Arches and Canyonlands.
  • Witness the power of wind as you hike among iconic formations in Arches National Park where over 2,000 arches have been documented.
  • Wander through slot canyons, among sandstone hoodoos, and across wind-eroded plains in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
  • Wake early to watch the sunrise over the canyon in Dead Horse Point State Park while munching on breakfast and sipping on hot coffee.
  • Hike in secluded areas of the desert where you’ll hear nothing but the rustle of the wind and scruff of your hiking boots.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Women Only

What travelers are saying

"WOW, Explorer Chicks….just wow! What can I say? Where do I start? This trip to Moab was absolutely amazing. I was not sure what exactly to expect but our two guides, Savannah and Lindsey, superseded expectations beyond my imagination. It seemed like the entire trip, I was being catered to, from the beautiful condo we stayed at, to the deliciously healthy meals they prepared down to the plethora of snack options they had for the group. All we had to do is wake up, get ready and the entire day was thoughtfully planned and arranged for us. I have a gluten allergy also and our guides made certain that part was taken care of, without issue (Thanks a million) because that meant a lot to me. I went alone but met some wonderful women and left with some likeminded new friends. What an amazing experience, Savannah and Lindsey were the perfect blend of adventure, hospitality, experience, consideration and humor. I wasn't sure if I would like Explorer Chicks….now I am convinced this is the type of tribe I belong with. Looking forward to another adventure with Explorer Chicks, thank you for such a memorable and absolutely perfect adventure! Kimberly Moab UT trip 3/31/22"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Best of South America
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, Inca Trail, Lake District, Lima, Machu Picchu, Puerto Varas, Rio de Janeiro, San Cristobal, Santiago, Sugar Loaf

Highlights

  • 3 Nights Cuzco–Capitol of the Inca Empire
  • 1 Night Machu Picchu–Explore the Mysteries of the Incas
  • 2 Nights Santiago–Art, restaurants & theaters
  • 2 Nights Chilean Lakes Region–Breathtaking scenery & quaint fishing villages
  • 2 Nights Bariloche–One of the most scenic spots in the world
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card
Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Peru: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu

Highlights

  • A Journey to Incan Citadels & Markets, Including Machu Picchu
  • A Flightseeing Tour Over Pre-Columbian Geoglyphs (Nazca Lines)
  • Dune Bashing & Sand Boarding Near to a Popular Oasis & Village
  • A Horseback Ride to a Rainbow Mountain
  • A Boat Ride to Scenic Islands Rich with Birdlife
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"CharlieTheTraveler far exceeded our expectations. You took care of our every need and I feel spoiled. We did not have to worry about anything. We will definitely use CharlieTheTraveler again on a future trip. Thank you so much for your attention to detail."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Majestic Peru
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • See the famed Machu Picchu – perched high in the Andes on a mountaintop, surrounded by mountain rainforest – and discover the secrets and history of this iconic Inca ruin.
  • Spend a full day exploring the floating islands of Uros (made entirely of reeds) on Lake Titicaca and make the most of the chance to meet the local Uru people who live here.
  • Witness the giant desert inscriptions of the Nazca Lines – one of Peru's greatest unsolved mysteries – from the viewing tower. Then, head to a local’s home in the middle of the desert for a traditional pachamanca dinner.
  • Visit the scenic Sacred Valley, where you’ll stop for lunch in the Huilloq community and participate in their ceremony blessing Pachamama. Listen to their life stories of the Andean highlands and learn more about their fascinating culture through a textile demonstration.
  • Choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail – an excellent option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru – and see the famed Wonder of the World twice.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Essential Peru
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca

Highlights

  • Discover Machu Picchu by train with guided tour
  • Enjoy a homestay on the traditional island of Amantani in Lake Titicaca
  • See Colca Canyon and its soaring condors
  • Wander through the colonial city of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Convent
  • Drive deep into the Andean highlands and the Apurimac Valley

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
Classic Peru
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Bar, Cusco, Grand Canyon, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pacific Ocean, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Sacred Valley, San Cristobal, Sapa, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Discover the highlights of Peru on this great non-trekking adventure
  • Meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano
  • Explore majestic Machu Picchu and unwind in the Sacred Valley

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Iconic Peru
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisa, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Spot wildlife in the amazon jungle at the g adventures exclusive lodge
  • Explore the cusco planetarium
  • Choose to hike the inca trail with our expert local guides or catch the comfortable train to machu picchu
  • Visit the luquina community and have lunch on lake titicaca

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
109 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Homestays & Cultural Immersion
...

2

3

4

5

6

...

Peru Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,498  Reviews
See all Peru tour reviews
Excellent
1,171
Great
262
Average
22
Disappointing
5
Terrible
4
P

Pam

Oct 2015

Written on

We saw so much and were told

We saw so much and were told much history and information about the country.

b

ben

Oct 2015

Written on

I really like the ethical and environmental

I really like the ethical and environmental policy

D

Dianne

Oct 2015

Written on

Our trip was well organised and took

Our trip was well organised and took us to a range of different places so that we got a good overview of what Peru was like. We were disappointed that the trip did n...

S

Shraddha

Sep 2015

Written on

Very well organized, trip leader very detail

Very well organized, trip leader very detail oriented to make the trip run as smooth as possible

S

Sarah

Sep 2015

Written on

I had a wonderful time, an excellent

I had a wonderful time, an excellent tour leader and a great group of people on my tour who really made my holiday a truly fantastic experience and the philosophy of...

Write a Review

Peru Tour Selection Trips

  • For getting to Machu Picchu, you have many tour options: hike the challenging Inca Trail, hike one of the sometimes even more challenging Inca Trail alternatives, or take a delightful train ride with magnificent vistas in its own right.
  • If possible, don’t limit yourself to Machu Picchu. Look for tours that visit other archaeological sites in the northern reaches of Peru, including the massive adobe city of Chan Chan or the fascinating Mochica tombs in Chiclayo.
  • In the Amazon, choose a travel supplier that uses indigenous tour guides, who are best suited to show you the culture and experience of the world’s largest rainforest.
  • Bring altitude medicine and sunscreen. The city of Cusco and Lake Titicaca may be situated at the highest altitude you’ve ever encountered. Peru is also quite close to the Equator, where the sun’s rays can be powerful. Outside of Lima, sunblock can be hard to find.
  • Pack clothes for many occasions. When it’s winter in North America, it’s summer in Peru. Bring a swimsuit for the immaculate beaches, bring a jacket for the high Andean peaks, and bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty for your Amazonian treks.
  • Practice a little Spanish before arriving in Peru. Although most tourist destinations are staffed with English-speakers, and your guide certainly will, knowing some basics will help you interact with Peruvians you meet in your travels.
Once you’re there…Always carry toilet paper and soap. Peru is an adventure, and although your hotel will always be well stocked, you can’t rely on destination bathrooms to have sufficient

  • Remember that hot water is a luxury in Peru. Don’t be surprised if you see light switches in your bathroom to provide you with a warm shower after a long day of sightseeing.
  • Prices are often negotiated in Peru so don’t be afraid to push for a better price or ask your guide about fair prices during your journey.
  • Also, cash in small bills is far more acceptable everywhere than credit cards, especially outside of the major cities.
 

Additional details

Peru Packing List

Peru’s diverse landscape makes for a great travel experience, but also makes it a nightmare to pack. From the hot beaches, to the humid rainforests, to the freezing highlands — you have to be ready for every climate and temperature.

Luckily, there are several ways you can avoid packing everything but the kitchen sink. In Cusco, there are several shops where you can buy gear. In some trekking shops, you can even rent gear like thick down jackets. 

Overall, packing lists for Peru vary depending on your tour itinerary. As a general rule of thumb, pack layers so that you can adapt to any climate. Make sure to pack light as well, as most tours have a bag allowance for treks.

Here are staple items you will need to pack for your trip to Peru:

  • Good athletic shoes for hiking: When hiking in Peru, you want to make sure that your shoes have good treading and have good ankle support. You may opt to buy hiking boots, but most travelers say that athletic shoes are good enough to trek in. Make sure you break in your shoes before traveling so that you don’t end up with blisters!
  • Thick wool socks: The highlands of Peru are quite frigid, so warm socks will be a lifesaver. These will save your feet during the cold weather treks and freezing nights.
  • Thermal leggings/pants
  • Thermal long-sleeve shirts
  • Hoodie
  • Down jacket
  • Rain jacket: The weather can be very unpredictable, so a rain jacket or poncho will help you stay protected from unforeseen rain.
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent: In higher altitudes, bugs are less common. As Machu Picchu’s elevation is lower, you should pack insect repellent. The same goes for when visiting the Amazon.
  • Sunscreen 
Is Peru safe?

Peru’s diverse landscape, itinerary, history attracts millions of tourists annually. Although it’s a popular destination, tourists may encounter issues in Peru.

For starters, tourists may be targeted, as they are seen as wealthy. Therefore, theft, pickpocketing, mugging is common. 

Be careful when trekking in Peru as well. Some routes are notorious for being dangerous, in terms of crime and lethal insects. Traveling with a reputable guided tour in Peru can protect you from these situations.

Although there are several rumors about the dangers of traveling in Peru due to drug trafficking, the threat has declined in recent years. There hasn’t been an attack on tourist areas for almost two decades. More concern is raised in the northern areas of Peru, especially along the Colombian border. This area has had plenty of “Do Not Travel” notices due to drug trafficking and insurgent activities.

With all this being said, you might be thinking twice about visiting Peru. However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid this beautiful country! It has a lot more to offer than bandits, crime, and dangerous insects. 

To protect yourself from these dangers, there are some precautions you can take to ensure you travel safety. As with visiting any foreign country, it pays to be vigilant and be safe rather than sorry. With good judgement, research, and caution, you can avoid bad situations. 

Here are some tips to keep you secure when traveling in Peru:

  • Don’t wear flashy clothes and jewelry.
  • Don’t wander around at night, especially in cities.
  • Travel in groups.
  • Learn a little Spanish to help you get by.
  • Watch your drink to prevent spiking.
  • Keep your valuables at home/locked away in your hostel.
  • Avoid dodgy/deserted areas.
  • Avoid withdrawing from ATMs late at night, or from sketchy places to prevent fraud
  • Keep your credit card in sight when making purchases to prevent credit card fraud.
  • Exchange money at reputable agencies (eg. banks or money exchanges within hotels). This decreases the chance of receiving counterfeit bills, and being the target of crime.
  • Choose a reputable tour group.
  • Be vaccinated. Scroll down to learn more about vaccinations for Peru.
  • Get insured! You never know what misfortunes could happen during your trip.
Tips for Adjusting to High Altitude

Unfortunately, altitude sickness (known as soroche in Peru) can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, fitness level. However, those with lung or heart conditions are more likely to experience symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, difficulty breathing, and heart racing).

Typically, people experience altitude sickness at 8,000ft. As a result, some may experience discomfort in Machu Picchu, where the elevation is 7,972ft. The more concerning location is Cusco, where the altitude is 11,152ft.

Here are some tips to adjust to high altitude:

  • Chill out for the first few days: Let your body adjust to the lower amount of oxygen intake.
  • Take deep breaths.
  • Avoid substances, such as alcohol: Drinking alcohol may increase your symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • Ascend slowly: Many flights land in Cusco. Some travelers recommend taking a trip to a lower region as soon as you land, and working your way back up to Cusco, so that your body can get used to the shift.
  • Eat well, especially high-carb foods.
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take a chill pill: Diamox can be taken 24 hours prior to your ascent to help prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.
What Vaccines Do I Need for Peru?

Vaccinations are probably the last thing you want to think about before traveling, but for Peru, preparations should be made well in advance. 

Recommended vaccinations vary depending on your itinerary, so it’s best to consult your doctor beforehand. However, here are required and recommended vaccinations according to the Center for Disease Control.

Routine/Required Vaccinations for Peru:

For these vaccines, you may need a booster shot before you leave.

  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Polio 
  • Flu shot
Recommended Vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies
  • Yellow fever
Other precautions:

Since illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are spread through mosquito bites, make sure to protect yourself with repellent. There are no vaccinations for malaria and dengue, however you can take antimalarial pills. 

This is a good choice, especially if you are planning to explore the jungles of Peru in the summer.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 818 trips to Peru and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!