Peru has it all: mountains, coast, desert, rainforest and astonishingly good food. Add to this Machu Picchu; and it surely tops most travellers’ bucket list destinations.
We love Peru, but with frequent political turmoil and some areas of the country remaining no go zones. It pays to be savvy when visiting. Here are our pros and cons.
Pros:
Number one is Machu Picchu. Say no more… Yes, it’s busy, but it more than lives up to the hype. Even if it didn’t exist, the nearby archeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray would probably be listed as Wonders of The World.
The Amazon – Peru shares the Amazon basin with Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia and Ecuador. It provides unmissable tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife like primates, giant otters, capybara and multiple types of bird.
The Desert. South Peru is home to the intriguing Nazca lines created at some point between 500BC and 500AD. Plus, you can sandboard on the dunes at the Huacachina Oasis an easy day trip from Lima.
Lake Titicaca – this spectacular lake, dotted with reed islands is the highest navigable lake in the world. It sits at an altitude of 3800 metres on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
The cities are fascinating: from the cosmopolitan, cuisine filled capital of Lima to Spanish colonial marvels such as Cusco and Arequipa.
Plus, Peru is cheap and if you buy in local markets, it’s even cheaper.
It has some of the best food in the world with fresh ingredients from the sea, jungle and mountains.
The people are welcoming and friendly.
Peru is surrounded by interesting neighbours for trips or onward travel. Take your pick from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia and Ecuador.
Cons:
Peru has no go areas – see FCO for updated advice. In addition, States of Emergency are common in Lima. Keep your eyes on the news, obey the officials and check the latest situation with your embassy.
English is not widely spoken outside the tourist areas, learning basic Spanish is a good idea.
Medical care is basic outside of Lima.
Altitude sickness is a serious issue in the Andes and three of Peru’s big draws – Cusco, Rainbow Mountain and Lake Titicaca. Our advice, work up to altitude slowly – eg if you’re aiming for Machu Picchu spend a few days in the Sacred Valley at lower altitude first. Drink 2 cups of coca tea a day and take it slow. Be aware of the symptoms of severe altitude sickness and see a doctor is you get it badly.
Peru has frequent political instability – avoid protests and keep across the news.
There is organised crime in some of the border areas – do your research and avoid.
Muggings, theft and pick pockets are common is Lima – be very careful in busy areas and around ATMs.
Beware fake taxi drivers at Lima airport.
Kidnapping can occur – with tourists being taken to ATMs to withdraw cash.
Peru is home to many adventure companies – but do check safety records. Peru’s tourist information service IPeru is a good place to start.
Beware of Shamanic or Ayahuasca ceremonies. Tourists have died and been sexually assaulted. The ceremonies involve taking a hallucinogenic drug that is a Class A substance in the UK, it is also not clear what interactions can occur with other medicines and existing conditions.
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