Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Use bottled water or a high-quality filtered bottle throughout the entire country.

How do I deal with altitude sickness?

Consult your doctor about Diamox before you leave. Once there, stay hydrated, avoid heavy alcohol, and descend if your symptoms become severe.

Can I use credit cards everywhere?

Major cities and hotels take cards, but keep 200-300 Soles in cash for markets, small cafes, and rural transport.

Planning a Two-Week Peru Itinerary: From the Amazon to Machu Picchu

Spend your first 3 days in the Amazon basin to acclimate, then move to the Sacred Valley to adjust to altitude before finishing with Cusco and Machu Picchu. Use internal flights between Lima, Puerto Maldonado, and Cusco to save 20+ hours of bus travel.

Book domestic flights in advance. LATAM is the most reliable airline for domestic routes. Book the Lima-Puerto Maldonado-Cusco-Lima circuit as a multi-city ticket to minimize transit headaches.
Prioritize altitude acclimation. Start at sea level (Lima) or the Amazon (low elevation), then move to the Sacred Valley (2,800m) before heading to Cusco (3,400m). Do not fly directly to Cusco and head straight to high-exertion activities.
Secure Machu Picchu entry early. Book your circuit tickets at least 3 months in advance via the official government portal. You must choose a specific entry time; if you miss it, you will not get in.
Arrange Amazon lodges. Select a lodge in the Tambopata National Reserve. These are typically all-inclusive and provide a boat transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Use bottled water or a high-quality filtered bottle throughout the entire country.
How do I deal with altitude sickness?: Consult your doctor about Diamox before you leave. Once there, stay hydrated, avoid heavy alcohol, and descend if your symptoms become severe.
Can I use credit cards everywhere?: Major cities and hotels take cards, but keep 200-300 Soles in cash for markets, small cafes, and rural transport.