Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always drink bottled or filtered water, even in major cities like Lima and Cusco.

Can I use credit cards everywhere?

Only in larger hotels and restaurants. Carry at least 300 soles in cash for markets, small shops, and tipping.

How to plan a two-week trip to Peru

To see the highlights of Peru in 14 days, focus on the 'Gringo Trail' route: Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. Plan your travel around altitude acclimatization and book your train and Machu Picchu tickets at least 3 months in advance.

Route strategy. Start in Lima to adjust to the timezone, then fly immediately to Cusco. Do not travel by bus between cities if you have a 14-day limit; domestic flights through LATAM or Sky will save you 12–15 hours of travel time per leg.
Manage altitude. Spend your first 3 nights in the Sacred Valley (lower altitude than Cusco) before moving to Cusco. Drink coca tea and consider asking your doctor for a prescription for Diamox before you leave home.
Secure permits. Book your Machu Picchu entry ticket and the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes months in advance. These slots sell out daily, especially for the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes.
Incorporate local transport. Use official taxi apps like Cabify in Lima instead of hailing street cabs. In Cusco, use licensed combis or organized tourist shuttles for day trips.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Always drink bottled or filtered water, even in major cities like Lima and Cusco.
Can I use credit cards everywhere?: Only in larger hotels and restaurants. Carry at least 300 soles in cash for markets, small shops, and tipping.