1.- INTRODUCTION TO PERU
For many world travelers the First time Travel to Peru means more than just a vacation in fact it represents a crucial moment in their life as it is a moment that is remembered for a lifetime, this is mainly because Peru is one of the countries that has best preserved its culture, history and tradition making it one of the main destinations in South America having places and conical and emblematic that have become mandatory places to visit for any traveler. As a person goes Traveling to Peru for the first time can know unique places like the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on top of a mountain in the Andean region or the enigmatic geoglyphs found in the vast fields of Nazca near the Peruvian coast, there is no doubt that each destination is a special and unique experience in which you can enjoy a magical moment.
2.- Why visit Peru
One of the main reasons why travelers are motivated to visit a place as emblematic as Peru is undoubtedly not only because of the great cultural heritage it has but also because the people who live in this country have a kindness and affectionate quality towards people who seek to know more about their traditions, that is also represented through cultural expressions that have become an international recognition as gastronomy and biodiversity. All this has been inherited from ancient pre-Columbian civilizations to Andean communities that even today preserve their traditions intact.
As we have already mentioned, during the First time Travel to Peru is inevitable to fall in love with Peruvian gastronomy because thanks to its great diversity of flavors, textures and traditions in the preparation has gained international recognition being one of the main attractions for visitors from around the world, essentially recognized dishes such as ceviche, stews that use potatoes from the Andes or even exotic dishes with elements of the Peruvian Amazon, each of them is a reflection of the wide variety of ecosystems that exist within Peru, which also becomes a magnet for travelers is the wide variety of natural landscapes that can be appreciated through various activities such as hiking or mountain trekking.
3.- THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PERU
Due to the wide geographical diversity that Peru contains it is important to understand that there are different times of the year in which the weather plays a very important role when it comes to choosing it as a destination for your next trip, each region has a very particular and variable climate that can go from the warmest to the coldest so you should consider the following for your First time Travel to Peru.
3.1.- Seasonal Considerations
Throughout the damage there are two seasons that have been established and marked notoriously that directly relates to activities and tourist destinations, the first is considered as the dry season that occurs between May and October, this time of year is quite special because the weather is much more stable so outdoor activities can be performed without any complications. On the other hand there is also the rainy season that occurs between November and April, this time of the year on the other hand implies a considerable frequency in the presence of rains so many of the activities are affected. This variation in temperature and climate is also reflected in the influx of visitors that may exist in the various places of Peru, so it is a good idea to take this information into consideration.
3.2.- High season
The high season directly coincides with the dry season (May to October) and is the time of the damage where the tourist demand increases considerably, this is because many world travelers prefer to have a certainty of weather stability to organize activities they can do during their stay such as hiking and visits to natural sites, it is also related in a way with cultural festivities such as the festival of the sun in Cusco that takes place in June and Easter in April. During this season prices can rise a lot because the availability is easily exhausted so destinations like Machu Picchu become the favorite causing the crowd and number of visitors is greater which is reflected in some cases as discomfort because if you are Traveling to Peru for the first time you expect only the best, however thanks to the right climate becomes a great adventure.
3.3.- Low season
It occurs between November and April which is also directly linked to the rainy season, in regions such as the Andes and the jungle is like that during these months the frequency of rain is higher so many of the outdoor activities are directly affected or canceled however the good thing about this season is that having less flow of visitors tourist neighbors become unique and emblematic landscapes as the few tourists who recurrently go make the place more free both to transit and to visit it.
4.- PLANNING YOUR TRIP
To properly enjoy your First time Travel to Peru you should consider having a well organized planning because being a destination with cultural, geographical, climatic and natural diversity is better if you organize in detail each of the destinations you want to visit and of course with adequate anticipation, for this you should consider important security and health documentation.
4.1.- Necessary documents
The most important thing for the trip is undoubtedly to have the necessary documentation to avoid problems with the Peruvian government, for this you must understand that Peru has quite accessible policies with reference to the access of many countries, however it is important that you understand what documentation you will need to enter and to leave.
- Identity Card
This document is the one that identifies you as a citizen of your country, it can be used mainly by people living in Latin America, however not all countries have this option available.
- Passport
For the countries of the world it is mandatory to have a passport to enter Peru, you must make sure it is valid for at least six months after your travel date, otherwise you could have an observation and probably will not be allowed to travel.
- Visa
This is a requirement that I have requested for many world travelers mainly when it comes to European origin, however there are certain exceptions that the Peruvian consulate has issued for countries around the world can have the facility to visit this beautiful country, you can check the list of the Peruvian consulate if your country is one of those who need a visa to enter Peru.
- Andean Migration Card
It is a document given at the airport to all visitors of the world that must be completed with personal data. This document is very important because it contains the permission to travel within the country and must also be delivered at the time of departure.
- Travel insurance
It is not mandatory but it is highly recommended to have the support of a travel insurance that can cover any eventuality such as a medical emergency, flight cancellation and even loss of luggage, it is a very good form of support at least during your First time Travel to Peru.
4.2.- Health aspects
You must take into consideration that due to the variety of geography that exists within the country there are special conditions that must be met by all travelers in the world to enjoy a healthy trip, for this you must first consider having the necessary vaccinations that in some ways are mandatory for all visitors and in other cases are conditional, vaccines against hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever and Rabies are the most common that all travelers are recommended to have. On the other hand, if a traveler seeks to visit the jungle region of the country, it is important to add vaccines against yellow fever and malaria, which are typical of this region. It is important to understand that these vaccines must be administered well in advance and should be ready at least two months before the date chosen for the trip.
| “There is so much to know about Peru, that time is short.” |
4.3.- Altitude sickness
Undoubtedly one of the main fears that exist among world travelers when planning the First time Travel to Peru, is to be directly affected by altitude sickness. For this you must understand that when you visit places above 2500 m above sea level the oxygen level drops considerably so it becomes a bigger challenge to breathe this directly causes symptoms that can affect your stay and of course the activities you have in mind, some of the main ailments are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in breathing
However, despite the fact that altitude sickness is always present, there are also many ways to combat it starting primarily with the consumption of water, keeping the body hydrated will help the body is also oxygenated so it will be easier for you to adapt to the altitude, also consider having enough time to rest and not directly perform the activities, finally you can complement all this with a balanced diet without heavy meals or condiments.
5.- MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS
But it is a destination that has unique destinations that can combine historical, cultural, natural and of course adventure elements, this is how we assure that during your next trip you will discover that there is an option for every traveler.
5.1.- Lima: the capital city
Considered as the capital of Peru, Lima is the first place to visit during a trip since most of the international flights arrive here. However, it is not only a place of passage since the city mixes colonial architecture with an impressive modernity and has a gastronomy recognized worldwide, there are many places that are frequently visited by world travelers since it also contains one of the greatest historical and cultural heritages of all Peru.
Among the main places to visit during your stay in Lima is undoubtedly the historic center where you can enjoy the main square where the main colonial buildings such as the cathedral and the government palace, it is also possible for travelers to reach destinations and conical and historical as in the convent of San Francisco where you can tour inside and visit the catacombs. Once away from the historic center you can visit nearby districts such as Miraflores and Barranco which are quite popular for visitors because they have a better tourist infrastructure and where you can perform various activities such as gastronomic tasting and even walks along the boardwalk.
5.2.- Cusco and Sacred Valley
Considered as the capital of the ancient Inca culture, the city of Cusco is one of the most visited places in Peru, it is also the starting point for those seeking to know also the sacred valley of the Incas where most of the traditional Andean populations that have inherited the culture in an innate way. During your visit you will know that there are multiple destinations to visit and enjoy, near the city of Cusco you can visit places like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
On the other hand, when you immerse yourself in the sacred valley you can visit and get to know handicraft villages where the textile tradition is one of the main cultural heritages, this is the case of towns like Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. However, the attraction is not only in the traditional part but also in the variety of activities that can be done such as hiking, horseback riding, adventure sports and many other options.
5.3.- Machu Picchu
Undoubtedly one of the most emblematic places in Peru and recognized worldwide, the Inca citadel that is on top of a mountain has a great historical and spiritual importance in the belief on fire. Travelers seeking to know this destination should start from the city of Cusco in the direction of the town of Ollantaytambo where the train station is located that allows them to reach the town of Aguas Calientes, a town that is located at the base of the same mountain and from where you can access a tourist bus to finally reach the Inca citadel.
Of course this is not the only way to get there is another that is even more traditional and it is the popular activity of the Inca Trail, a unique experience that allows travelers to travel a trail through the mountains to finally reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, is aimed primarily for the more adventurous. In both cases it allows you to enjoy a tour inside the Inca Citadel knowing the main enclosures and most important places but you must take into consideration that the entrance tickets are limited per day, for this reason it is important that you have a reservation well in advance.
5.4.- Titicaca Lake
Ranked as the highest navigable lake in the world, it is undoubtedly one of the most incredible natural destinations that you can visit during your trip to Peru, it is located on the border between Peru and Bolivia and has a cultural and spiritual meaning for the local people who live in this area. When visiting this beautiful destination you will discover that there are also several islands that have natural origin as Taquile and Amantani, however what really catches the attention of world travelers are the artificial islands that have been created based on local flora, Totora. This society is called Uros and has the particularity of staying away from the cities establishing its own order and unique lifestyle. This experience is directly related to a type of tourism associated with interacting with Andean and traditional communities to learn more about their culture.
6.- A DELICIOUS RECOGNITION
“The capital city is not only recognized for being the entry point to Peru, in fact it has the title of being the gastronomic capital of Latin America thanks to the immense culinary diversity it possesses. Each of the dishes fuse techniques that have been inherited for generations which result in unique dishes in flavor and texture.”
7.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is Peru safe for first-time travelers?
Yes, but it is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for visitors seeking to learn more about its culture and history. Naturally there are also certain risks that with proper planning can be irrelevant.
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
There are countries that only require a passport to enter Peru, however there are others that do require a visa, for this we provide a list issued by the Peruvian consulate so you can check if your country needs it.
- How many days do I need to visit Peru?
The most recommended is always a stay of at least 7 o 10 days, this allows you to visit mainly the most popular destinations in Peru without having to rush your visits.
- What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?
The high season is preferred by many world travelers as it has a more stable climate and allows activities to be carried out in a better way, this occurs mainly between May and October each year.
- How do I prevent altitude sickness in Cusco?
The best thing to do is always to be well hydrated, take time to rest and complement it with a balanced meal. If you comply with this you will not have problems with altitude sickness.
Now you know everything that is important when it comes to planning your First time Travel to Peru, the next step is to organize an adequate and personalized experience so that it can meet your expectations. Auri Peru is one of the few companies that meets the parameters when it comes to designing this kind of adventure, contact us now and we can get started with yours.
“Don’t put off until tomorrow the trip you can make today.”
