Vacations are difficult in the planning stage, and particularly if you are heading off on a Peru & Galapagos tour, you should expect the unexpected. That being said, there are some things you can do, depending on where you are going, to help ensure that you have the best experience possible. Here are a few things to consider and to keep in mind for travelling in Peru that can help to make your vacation go as smoothly as possible. Whatever you are doing within South America, whether it is a trip to Machu Picchu or a Galapagos cruise you need to research effectively.
Peru
Transportation is a key thing to consider when it comes to Lima. This is a large city and, as in any large city, you need to be cautious as to where you go on your own and not carrying expensive items. While Lima is not particularly dangerous, one of the main areas where people have experienced problems is taking taxis so it is a good idea to have your hotel call for secure ones for you.
When it comes to booking tours, consider booking private ones, especially the ones that are most important to you. It doesn't cost that much more and you will get a lot more out of the experience. You will be catered for better and enjoy the best guides that are provided for your specific needs and interests. Excursions to do this for, for example, are the Cusco City Tour and the nearby Sacred Valley Tour.
Be sure to leave some extra time both for enjoying the places you visit, such as Cusco, as well as for travelling between destinations. Although tourism has become far more streamlined here than it once was, there can still be delays, particularly with buses. You don't want to schedule yourself so tightly that you risk missing your next transport, especially when it comes to international travel.
When it comes to carrying money, be aware that there are ATMs in all cities as well as towns that are major tourist destinations. They will dispense either Peruvian soles or U.S. dollars. This is a much safer alternative to carrying a lot of cash around. Always remember that whether you are travelling to Peru or somewhere else in the world that a credit card is recommended in case of necessity. Try to use the largest bill you can wherever you are at because smaller shops rarely have change.
You are probably going to be heading to Machu Picchu so be sure to book your entrance tickets and your train tickets ahead of time, especially during the months of May through August when there are more tourists. The guide books from years gone by will tell you that the mountain next to Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu - can be hiked for free if you get there early enough. This is no longer the case. Now, you must purchase tickets for entering Huayna Picchu at the same time as you buy the entrance ticket for the archaeological site itself.
Peru
Transportation is a key thing to consider when it comes to Lima. This is a large city and, as in any large city, you need to be cautious as to where you go on your own and not carrying expensive items. While Lima is not particularly dangerous, one of the main areas where people have experienced problems is taking taxis so it is a good idea to have your hotel call for secure ones for you.
When it comes to booking tours, consider booking private ones, especially the ones that are most important to you. It doesn't cost that much more and you will get a lot more out of the experience. You will be catered for better and enjoy the best guides that are provided for your specific needs and interests. Excursions to do this for, for example, are the Cusco City Tour and the nearby Sacred Valley Tour.
Be sure to leave some extra time both for enjoying the places you visit, such as Cusco, as well as for travelling between destinations. Although tourism has become far more streamlined here than it once was, there can still be delays, particularly with buses. You don't want to schedule yourself so tightly that you risk missing your next transport, especially when it comes to international travel.
When it comes to carrying money, be aware that there are ATMs in all cities as well as towns that are major tourist destinations. They will dispense either Peruvian soles or U.S. dollars. This is a much safer alternative to carrying a lot of cash around. Always remember that whether you are travelling to Peru or somewhere else in the world that a credit card is recommended in case of necessity. Try to use the largest bill you can wherever you are at because smaller shops rarely have change.
You are probably going to be heading to Machu Picchu so be sure to book your entrance tickets and your train tickets ahead of time, especially during the months of May through August when there are more tourists. The guide books from years gone by will tell you that the mountain next to Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu - can be hiked for free if you get there early enough. This is no longer the case. Now, you must purchase tickets for entering Huayna Picchu at the same time as you buy the entrance ticket for the archaeological site itself.