Your Peruvian adventure is fast approaching and you have everything you want to do and see mapped out. But before you embark on your once-in-a-lifetime journey, there are a few things you may want to consider doing!
Yes, we all know that huge sigh of relief when you get to the airport, are checked in and ready to go. You are on your way to your dream holiday – what could possibly go wrong? Well, the answer is that your trip may not yet be 100% fool proof, so here are some tips to keep your travels as problem-free as possible well in advance!
1. Double check your passport’s validity and get a visa (if you need one, that is!)
It is important to remember that in order to enter most countries, it is required that your passport is valid for six months after your exit date, and for the frequent flyers out there, you should have at least two blank pages left. Otherwise, it may be time for a new passport!
We recommend all nationals to check for any visa requirements for Peru and/or any other country they plan on visiting along the way.
2. Buy travel insurance
We strongly recommend all of our travelers to consider buying medical evacuation and emergency medical insurance, especially when your trip in Peru includes a lot of adventure! Also, if you book your holiday many months in advance, a trip interruption and cancellation insurance can provide valuable protection from the unexpected.
3. You may be ready to test international waters, but make sure that your credit card is, too!
There is no bigger disappointment than getting your credit card declined after (generously) sampling the local culinary delights in one of Peru’s top restaurants. Make sure to let your bank know that you will be using your credit card in Peru, as your bank will most likely freeze your credit card if they assume someone else is using it! With that in mind, it is also a good idea to make sure you have emergency cash (USD and local currency) with you at all times. Both the Peruvian Nuevo Sol and US Dollar are accepted in most outlets within Peru.
4. Confirm your mobile phone plan
Yes, your mobile phone might work in Peru, but it does not necessarily mean that it is covered under your mobile plan! We suggest that you take a look at what your current plan offers for international coverage. Otherwise, another tip to guarantee your phone bill doesn’t go through the roof is to leave your phone on airplane mode while in Peru and connect to WiFi whenever possible.
5. Get vaccinated and keep note of other health precautions
Not all countries require vaccinations, but it is always better to be safe than sorry! Be sure to prevent any illnesses from getting in the way of your travels by checking what vaccinations you may need beforehand. Please see a list of our recommendations for vaccines here.
6. Check the weather and make a packing list
Whether you have booked a culinary getaway to Lima or the 4-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, check the weather ahead of time so you can pack accordingly. Not only will you be more organized, but you will also be prepared for rain or shine. And on top of all that, don’t forget to pack a positive attitude!
7. Build up the excitement by looking up the local customs!
It is always a good idea to learn about the local customs, culture and etiquette so you are well prepared for what to expect during your travels. Learn the key Spanish phrases to use in Peru and don’t be shy! Even if you don’t sound like a native, locals will appreciate you trying. After all, traveling is all about experiencing new things and blending in with the thrill of it.
When traveling, some advanced planning and research goes a long way, especially when it comes to visiting a new country or continent. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, we at Enigma want to make sure that you have everything covered and we are more than happy to help if you have any questions about traveling to Peru.
Ready to start planning your custom journey to Peru? Contact us at journeys@enigmaperu.com and let’s make it happen!
