Planning Your First Trip to Peru
Focus your first 10-day trip on the 'Gringo Trail' loop: Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. Spend your first two days in Cusco resting to acclimate to the 11,000-foot altitude before heading to Machu Picchu.
- Acclimatize immediately. Fly from Lima directly to Cusco (1.5 hours) but do not plan heavy activities for the first 48 hours. Drink coca tea and stay hydrated to handle the altitude.
- Book the train and entry tickets early. Machu Picchu entry tickets and PeruRail/Inca Rail tickets often sell out 3 months in advance. Book these as soon as you confirm your flight dates.
- Build in buffer days. Domestic flights in Peru are frequently delayed or canceled due to weather in the Andes. Never schedule a tight international connection on the same day you fly out of Cusco.
- Secure your transport. Use official bus lines like Cruz del Sur for long-distance travel. For city travel, use apps like Uber or Cabify rather than hailing taxis on the street.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No. Drink only bottled or filtered water throughout the entire country.
- Do I need a tour guide for Machu Picchu?
- Yes. As of recent regulations, you are required to enter the citadel with an official guide.
- How do I deal with altitude sickness?
- Consult your doctor for Diamox before you go, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, and drink local coca tea.