Peru’s towering Andes, mysterious Inca ruins, and vibrant culture draw millions of backpackers each year. But the country’s extreme altitude changes, complex transportation system, and unique challenges can turn dream trips into nightmarish experiences for the unprepared.
Here are 18 critical mistakes that can derail your Peruvian adventure — and how to avoid making them yourself.
Flying straight to Cusco
Most people arrive in Lima and immediately catch a flight to Cusco at 11,152 feet, jumping from sea level to serious altitude in hours. Your body needs time to adjust.
Smart travelers spend their first nights in the Sacred Valley at 9,000 feet, or visit lower-elevation destinations like Arequipa first. And yes, that means reshuffling your carefully planned itinerary. But it beats spending three days in bed with a splitting headache.
Skipping altitude sickness preparation
You think you’re tough. Age, fitness level, and health don’t predict who gets altitude sickness — ultra-marathon runners can be destroyed while chain-smoking party animals feel fine.
Start cardiovascular training weeks before your trip, and consider discussing Diamox with your doctor. Pack pain relievers and a blood oxygen monitor. Most importantly, listen to your body when it screams for rest.
Drinking the tap water
Never drink tap water in Peru — this includes using it to brush your teeth. Even locals often drink bottled water.
Bring water purification tablets or a quality filter. It’s embarrassingly easy to forget and rinse your toothbrush with tap water on your first groggy morning. Keep a second toothbrush handy just in case.
Eating without caution
— Photo by jkraft5
Street food looks amazing. Sometimes it tastes amazing too. But food poisoning from E. coli and giardia can destroy entire trips, forcing travelers to spend days in bed instead of exploring Machu Picchu.
Stick to hot, freshly cooked meals from busy restaurants. Avoid raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits, and anything that’s been sitting out. At high altitude, your digestive system works slower anyway, so heavy meals become even more problematic.
Overpacking for the climate
Peru has three distinct climate zones that you’ll likely encounter. The coast stays mild, the mountains get freezing at night, and the jungle remains hot and humid.
Weather changes rapidly in the mountains — pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day. A lightweight down jacket saves space and provides serious warmth when temperatures drop. Don’t forget that thin mountain air means intense UV rays even in winter.
Booking accommodation for arrival night only
After a long overnight bus journey, you’ll arrive exhausted at 5 a.m. with nowhere to rest until afternoon check-in. This rookie mistake hits hard when you’re sleep-deprived and altitude-sick.
Book accommodation for both the night before arrival and your first night. Most hostels will store luggage, but having a bed waiting feels like luxury when you’re running on fumes.
Trusting unlicensed transportation
Robberies occur frequently on buses, especially when passengers sleep. Unlicensed taxi drivers have been involved in assaults and robberies.
Use only reputable bus companies for long-distance travel. In cities, book taxis through apps like Uber or inDriver rather than flagging them down. Always agree on taxi fares before getting in — meters are rare outside Lima.
Neglecting travel insurance
Peru’s popular destinations are often remote with limited medical facilities. A twisted ankle during a trek could mean hours or days waiting for rescue.
Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude activities and emergency evacuation. Many policies specifically exclude altitude-related illnesses, so read the fine print carefully.
Underestimating bus journey times
Peru is huge and travel can be painfully slow. Mountain roads wind endlessly, and demonstrations frequently shut down highways without warning.
Build extra days into your itinerary for delayed transport. Buses alternate between blazing hot and freezing cold, so pack accordingly. And never put valuables in overhead racks — theft happens even on “safe” routes.
Ignoring safety in tourist areas
Violent crime occurs even in daylight with witnesses around, including in popular tourist destinations like Lima and Cusco.
Travel in groups, especially at night. Keep phones secure and avoid using them on the street. Well-dressed thieves target tourists specifically. Flash jewelry or expensive electronics at your own risk.
Changing money on the street
Street money changers offer tempting rates but frequently use counterfeit bills or shortchange distracted tourists.
Use official exchange houses or withdraw from ATMs. In the main districts of Lima and Cusco, dollars work at hotels and restaurants, but you’ll need soles everywhere else. Carry small bills — breaking large notes can be problematic outside major cities.
Planning an impossible itinerary
You want to see everything. But attempting to dart around in a mad rush won’t let you experience Peru in any rewarding way. First-timers often try cramming Machu Picchu, Amazon, and the coast into one week.
Start low and end high — plan your route to gradually increase elevation. Spend extra time in fewer places rather than rushing between dozens of destinations. Your Instagram might have fewer locations, but your memories will be richer.
Skipping travel vaccinations
Malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid, and other diseases are present in different regions. The jungle especially requires specific preparations.
Consult a travel medicine clinic weeks before departure. If an animal bites or scratches you, seek immediate medical help — rabies is present throughout Peru.
Forgetting backup power
Long bus journeys often lack USB ports, and hostel rooms frequently have fewer outlets than people.
Pack a substantial power bank and charging cables. In remote areas, electricity can be unreliable or nonexistent for days. There’s no electricity during multi-day treks, so charge everything beforehand.
Not learning basic Spanish
English is more common in Peru than in neighboring countries, but it’s still challenging to navigate without Spanish basics. Many indigenous people speak Quechua as their first language.
Learn essential phrases for food, directions, emergencies, and polite conversation. Translation apps work when you have internet, but offline preparation proves invaluable. And attempting Spanish, however broken, earns genuine smiles from locals.
Avoiding coca products unnecessarily
Coca tea and leaves are traditional remedies for altitude sickness used by locals for generations. Many tourists skip them due to drug concerns.
Coca products are legal and helpful in Peru, but remember — never try bringing any home as they’re completely illegal in the US and other countries. Pack them somewhere you’ll remember so you don’t accidentally travel with them.
Underestimating tipping culture
Tipping varies significantly between establishment types — you never need to tip taxi drivers or at cheap restaurants, but mid-tier places expect one or two soles.
Higher-end restaurants expect standard tips. Tour guides and porters rely heavily on tips for income. Research appropriate amounts beforehand rather than awkwardly fumbling with currency at crucial moments.
Missing the details that matter
The smell of eucalyptus trees near Cusco. Flying around on a mototaxi through narrow streets. The strange bubblegum taste of Inca Kola. These unexpected moments often become the most treasured memories.
- Pack earplugs for noisy hostels
- Bring toilet paper everywhere
- Keep passport copies separate from originals
- Download offline maps before leaving Wi-Fi
The bottom line
Peru offers life-changing experiences for those who prepare properly. Most mistakes stem from inadequate research and rushed planning. Take time to understand the country’s unique challenges, respect its altitude and culture, and maintain flexible expectations. Your reward will be one of South America’s most spectacular adventures.
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