South America Travels: How to Ensure a Great Peru Vacation

Peru is a top South American country with so many rich facets going for it-history, gastronomy, culture-that it can be overwhelming trying to take it all in. To take in a good sense of balance of the country’s many colorful sides and to take care of yourself on your trip to Peru, be sure to consider the following guidelines.

Prepare yourself for altitude

The Andean country has some of the highest cities in the world, many of which take some acclimating to in order to enjoy. Symptoms include lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, and headaches. Drink plenty of water, take it easy on the physical activities, and refrain from alcohol. If you experience more serious symptoms, look for an extra source of oxygen from your hotel, or take medication easily found in Peruvian pharmacies.

Go to Machu Picchu

The ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu in the depths of the Andes on top of a mountain ridge is the ultimate icon of Peru. Despite its heavy tourism focus these days, it truly remains an experience worth enjoying on a Peru holiday. Some have said that seeing the citadel in the early morning sunlight, perhaps through bouts of cloud, is a spiritual experience.

No long bus rides

Although the Andes make for breathtaking landscapes, it also makes getting around a hassle. Domestic long distance bus rides are very cheap, but the downside is that main destinations are usually at least 8-12 hours from each other. Therefore, to cut down on sedentary time for more time exploring, it is usually better to opt for a short domestic flight.

Learn about the history

Have you ever visited someplace, then read up on it later and realized you had completely overlooked its significance in history? To enjoy your Peru as much as possible, it is important to first read a little bit about its tumultuous history. From the origins of its most ancient civilizations to the era of the Incas until the Spaniards conquered them and the rest of the country, there are many layers to Peru’s heritage necessary to be understood for a true Peruvian experience.

Take the local transport

Peru is a developing country, and the majority of its people do not own their own vehicles. As such, public transportation is an integral part of daily life, whether it is the businessman going to and from work, or the service worker commuting multiple hours every day. Taking the local transportation allows you to get an unobstructed glimpse into the way common Peruvians live.