I remember when I first decided to travel to South America, including Peru. It was a few years back now, and being a single guy at the time, there wasn’t really too much planning or even thought that went into it. I knew that I wanted to go scuba diving in Mexico, and hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but apart from that I was going to wing it.
Looking back a few years on, I know that I could have saved quite a lot of money with a bit of forward thinking, and that if I had done a little more research then I could have experienced a lot more in the time that I had.
Travelling to Peru for most can actually be a little daunting, as it is a long way from home, they speak another language and we all know that South America is a dangerous place, right? Read on for a few top ten tips to enhance your Peru vacation and help you enjoy Peru to the max!
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of any travel in South America, so making sure you are up to date with everything you need is vitally important. Many travellers (like myself) do not realise that some vaccinations can take several months to be properly administered. For example hepatitis A & B are administered as a course of injections over a period of 6-8 weeks, so it is really important to talk with your travel clinic or doctor far in advance of your planned travel date
Booking The Inca Trail Early
I think that I was in Panama at the time, and a passing traveller said to me “ah, you are going to do the Inca Trail eh! You do know that you need to book that months in advance don’t you?” So naturally I started to panic, and jumped straight on to the internet to find out what the score was.
The Peruvian Government was forced by UNESCO implement a system that controlled the Inca Trail, as uncontrolled hikers were damaging this historical trail. Therefore, now there are only 500 permits issued per day, including guides, porters and hikers. In peak season (May, June, July, Aug, Sept) permits are often sold out 2 or 3 months in advance. If you are including the Inca Trail on your Peru vacation then make sure to plan several months ahead to avoid disappointment.
Strikes
When I first arrived in Cusco, I was fascinated by the occasional strike or ‘huelga’ that would take place in the main plaza. The strikes, which are not violent, are well organised and usually initiated by a community of locals, who feel an unjust about something the Regional Government have done, or not done. I am glad to say that in the last year (2009), there were probably only 4 or 5 strikes in the whole of the year.
It was only later as a travel agent that I realised the impact that strikes have in Peru, and especially on tourism. It is rare that airports close, but it is common that blockades are made to cause the most amount of disruption possible. A blocked road can mean the difference between you getting to Machu Picchu, missing a plane or getting stuck without a booking at your desired hotel.
Therefore when planning your Peru vacation, consider what the impact would be if a strike occurred, and your itinerary was pushed out by one day. It might save you some hassle.
Staying Healthy
Look after yourself in Peru! Peru is a developing country, and doesn’t have the same food hygiene regulations as western countries. Pay the extra cash and eat in a good quality restaurant where it is obvious that standards are kept high. Asking local is not a great idea, as they are probably related to someone who owns a restaurant and will just tell you to go there; use your own judgement and common sense.
From someone who has had all possible varieties of upset stomachs, this is good advice, and could be the difference between a good and a bad Peru vacation!
Travel Insurance
I have travelled all over the world, and very rarely have I ever purchased any form of travel insurance. I have thought along the lines of it will never happen to me” or “I have never broken a bone, why am I going to do it now?” The reality is that travel insurance can cover a lot more than just that.
Travel insurance could also cover you, if there is a natural disaster in Peru, your flight is delayed, your travel agent goes out of business, you get a stomach bug or you have altitude sickness and you need a night in hospital! Unlikely, but quite common!
Whatever your Peru vacations plans are, please know that Peru is simply one of the best destinations in all of South America, and Machu Picchu is simply an jaw dropping sight to be seen that will leave you spellbound for years to come.
Enjoy!
