Peru is a bucket-list destination for many Australian tourists who are looking to tick off locations like the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and, of course, the incredible Machu Picchu. Peru is at the Northern end of South America, bordering Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.
In this article we’ll talk about everything from visas to travel vaccinations to help you plan a safe and fun trip to this beautiful country.
Ahead of Your Trip
Entry Requirements for Peru
Those who want to travel to Peru from Australia do not need to pre-arrange a tourist visa. You can get a permit to stay for up to 90 days when you enter Peru. You can also stay longer, extending to six months if you’d like. If you overstay the visa you will need to pay a fine before you leave Peru.
It’s also important to note that entry and exit restrictions can change at short notice, so you should keep an eye on these just before your trip/or while you are in Peru.
Vaccinations for Peru
Before you travel to Peru you should arrange an appointment at a travel clinic to talk about vaccinations for Peru.
Depending on your previous childhood vaccinations, you might need immunisations such as the rabies vaccination, typhoid and hepatitis A, hepatitis B or the yellow fever vaccination.
If you travel to Peru from Australia, you might be asked to show proof of the yellow fever vaccination before you can re-enter Australia.
Other Health Concerns
Mosquito-borne illnesses
There are also several mosquito-borne illnesses present in Peru, including malaria, Zika and dengue fever. These are particularly prevalent in sea level areas and those below 2000m in altitude.
To avoid these illnesses you should avoid mosquito bites wherever possible. Wear long clothing, use bug spray and sleep under a mosquito net to protect yourself.
For up-to-date advice on mosquito illnesses, check the Australian Government SmartTraveller page.
Altitude sickness
Peru has some incredible scenery and plenty of mountains for you to explore, including the Inca Trail which sits at 2600m above sea level. When exploring these trails and tracks, altitude sickness is a risk.
Travellers Diarrhea
You might get minor food poisoning or stomach irritations whilst in Peru. This is usually because of poor sanitation and unclean tap water. Stick to bottled water and try to eat at more hygienic restaurants, to avoid this.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for those heading to Peru. Make sure this covers you for overseas medical costs, any existing medical conditions you have and any extreme activities you plan on doing, like climbing, white water rafting and hiking Machu Picchu.
When to Travel
The best time to visit Peru depends on what you are looking for and the type of experience you want.
If you want to travel to Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, the dry season in the Andes highlands is between April and November. This is when you should have the most sunshine and the clearest skies.
If you’re travelling to coastal Peru, early December to late February will give you the best weather.
Staying Safe in Peru
At the moment, the Australian Government recommends a high degree of caution for those travelling to Peru, due to the threat of violent crime in the country.
Protests and Demonstrations
There are frequent political protests, demonstrations and strikes in Peru, and these can turn violent. Whilst in Peru, you should avoid protests and large crowds. Follow the advice of the local authorities to avoid getting caught up.
Sometimes, local travel and public transport can be disrupted by these, so you might need to work around this in your itinerary.
Card Fraud
There is a chance of credit card cloning/fraud in Peru, so you might want to arrange travellers checks to use in Peru. These are a safer alternative to exchanging cash and using cards as they’re protected against theft.
Petty Crime
Bag snatching and pickpocketing are common, especially on public transport. To protect yourself, try to withdraw money little and often, instead of taking large quantities at once. When travelling, keep your valuables on you at all times.
Violent Crime
Violent crime is also common in Peru, particularly in urban areas like Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Violent crime includes sexual assault, armed robberies and carjackings. Try to avoid taking taxis, being alone at night or travelling to high-risk areas.
If you experience violent crime whilst travelling in Peru, you should report it to the local authorities as soon as possible. You might also want to contact the Australian embassy. The embassy can help put you in contact with local doctors and lawyers, and they can also help you contact your family if your mobile phone has been stolen.
Where to Visit
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
These two destinations are at the top of our list and also at the top of most people who travel to Peru’s list. The Inca Trail is the hike that leads to Machu Picchu, the famous historical site of Inca civilisation. It’s widely thought of as one of the best hiking routes in the world.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest lake in the world. It’s positioned between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east. You can kayak, hike and birdwatch in the area.
Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a natural wonder in Cusco. It’s famous for its beautiful colours, making it a picture-perfect place to explore.
Final Thoughts…
To plan a safe and exciting trip to Peru, make sure you get your travel vaccinations at the Travel Vaccination Clinic ahead of your trip. You also need to arrange travel insurance. Plan your trip carefully to make sure you avoid getting caught out in the rainy season.
Whilst you’re in Peru, exercise a good degree of caution as violent and petty crimes are common. If you do get into trouble, report it to the local authorities and Australian embassy as soon as possible.
Whether you head to Machu Picchu, Cusco or Rainbow Mountain, we hope you have a beautiful trip in this South American country.
