Peru

• Fake taxi drivers — use official taxi apps or have your hotel call one.
• Distraction theft in markets and bus stations.
• Fake tour operators in Cusco — book through reputable agencies.

• Altitude sickness is serious — spend 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before trekking.
• Drink coca tea (mate de coca) to help with altitude — it's legal and traditional.
• Drink only bottled water. Lima's ceviche scene is world-class but eat at reputable spots.

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended.
• Yellow Fever for Amazon region.
• Routine vaccines up to date.

• Try the food — Lima is a top culinary destination worldwide. Ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa are must-tries.
• Learn basic Spanish — English is limited outside tourist zones.
• Respect indigenous cultures and ask before photographing people.

• Don't rush to Machu Picchu — acclimatize to altitude first.
• Don't buy artifacts that might be genuine antiquities — it's illegal to export them.
• Don't drink tap water or eat unwashed fruit.

Tip 10% at restaurants. S/5–10 for guides per person per day. Small tips for hotel staff.

Layers are essential — highland temperatures swing wildly between day and night. Comfortable walking shoes for ruins. Casual in cities.

Predominantly Catholic with strong indigenous spiritual traditions. Respect Pachamama (Earth Mother) traditions in highlands. Churches welcome visitors.