Peru is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America, known for its mountains, deserts, history, culture, and incredible food. Many travellers visit Peru for adventure travel, hiking, and historic sites, but there are also beautiful cities, unique landscapes, and relaxing destinations to explore.

If you are planning a trip to Peru, it’s important to plan your itinerary, prepare for altitude, and prepare for travel health before you go.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Peru, along with what travellers should know before travelling.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous destination and one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations. This ancient Incan city sits high in the mountains and is known for its breathtaking views, hiking trails, and incredible history. Machu Picchu is one of the most popular bucket list destinations in the world. 

Machu Picchu is located at a high altitude, so travellers should plan time to acclimatize before visiting.

Ways to visit Machu Picchu:

• Hike the Inca Trail
• Take the train from Cusco
• Visit as a day trip or an overnight trip
• Explore nearby Aguas Calientes
• Visit the Sacred Valley on the way

Travel tips for Machu Picchu:

• Book tickets and train in advance
• Bring good walking shoes
• Bring water and snacks
• Bring sunscreen and a hat
• Weather can change quickly in the mountains

Tip: Arrive as early as possible (or later in the afternoon) to avoid peak crowds and get a more enjoyable, less congested experience.

Cusco

Cusco is a beautiful city full of cobblestone streets, markets, restaurants, and historic buildings. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire and is now the main starting point for trips to Machu Picchu.

Cusco sits at a high altitude, and altitude sickness is very common among travellers upon arrival.

To adjust to altitude in Cusco:

• Rest on your first day
• Drink lots of water
• Avoid alcohol on your first day
• Eat light meals
• Walk slowly
• Consider altitude medication if recommended

Things to do in Cusco:

• Visit the main square (Plaza de Armas)
• Explore markets and shops
• Try Peruvian food
• Visit museums
• Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley
• Visit Rainbow Mountain

Tip: Most travellers spend 2–3 days in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu to adjust to the altitude.

Huacachina

Huacachina is a desert oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes and is one of the most unique places to visit in Peru. It looks like a small village in the middle of the desert and is very different from the mountains and cities in Peru.

Huacachina is known for sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and amazing sunset views over the desert.

Things to do in Huacachina:

• Sandboarding

• Dune buggy tours

• Watch the sunset over the dunes

• Relax by the oasis

Tip: Huacachina is usually visited as a short stop between Lima and other destinations, but it is definitely worth adding to your Peru itinerary.

Travel Health Tips for Peru

When travelling to Peru, it’s important to prepare for travel health before your trip. Peru includes high-altitude areas, rural areas, jungle regions, and diverse climates, so preparation is important.

Travel health considerations for Peru may include:

• Altitude sickness
• Food and water safety
• Traveller’s diarrhea
• Mosquito bites in some regions
• Routine and travel vaccines
• Travel insurance
• Travel health kit
• Staying hydrated during travel days

Travel Health Consultation Before Travelling

Before travelling to Peru, it is important to prepare for potential health risks. A travel health consultation provides personalized guidance to help travellers stay safe and healthy throughout their trip.

During the consultation, travellers will receive tailored advice and recommendations based on itinerary, activities, and health. This can include possible vaccinations, managing high-altitude environments, safe food and water practices, and preventing common travel illnesses.

Planning ensures that travellers are well prepared to reduce health risks and enjoy a more comfortable travel experience. 

How to Book

Travellers across Canada can connect with a travel health professional online before their trip. During a travel health consultation, your destination, itinerary, vaccination history, and medical history are reviewed to provide personalized travel health recommendations.

If vaccines or medications are recommended, prescriptions can be arranged so travellers can pick them up from their local pharmacy before departure.

Travel consultations are ideally booked 2-4 weeks before travel, though appointments are also available for last-minute trips.

To learn more or book a consultation, visit: www.virtualtravelclinic.ca

FAQ’s