10 Things Not To Do In Peru
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by James Bustamante
The 10 things to not do in Peru include things like taking cheap taxis or buses, drinking tap water, being frugal with food, and not attempting to haggle with local merchants.
Typically we receive emails from clients asking us what they should pack to come to Peru, how much money they should exchange, and several other very important pieces of information. However, we seldom receive an email asking us what travelers should specifically not do over the vacation in Peru.
Let’s factor in a few items of what travelers should mostly avoid doing during their stay in the country.
Don’t Board Cheap Buses or Questionable Taxis
Transportation is inexpensive in Peru, from cabs to the famous “combis” or buses that drive carelessly through the busy Lima streets. That being, let’s first focus on long trips that go beyond Lima to the provinces. There are options for interprovincial travel ranging from the very affordable but not very safe buses to the more secure Cruz Del Sur or Ormeno bus line. We always recommend not being frugal when it comes to transportation. You can spend $10 to take an old bus with a questionable driver that might stop in every town to pick up more people or pay $15 for a direct drive on a double-decker bus with a view.
Taxis also fall into the category of not being overly frugal. There are taxis you can hail in the street, but they might only sometimes be safe. It is better to download a taxi app and ensure you have the driver’s information, car make, model, and license plate before entering an unknown vehicle. In Peru, Cabify is currently the most used App for taxi services.
Drinking The Tap Water
For local Peruvians drinking tap water is not OK, meaning it is not OK for foreigners. It is very easy to get sick from the high levels of metals in the Peruvian tap water. Travelers should only drink bottled water while in Peru. In some cases, boiled water is fine, but we recommend that the water be filtered first.
Water purification tablets, like the Salkantay trek, are sometimes used in long hikes to Machu Picchu. Guides do this when travelers want to try some of the glacial water that comes down through streams in the Andes. First, the guide will boil the water and then add a purification tablet.
So remember, use bottled water, and if you drink from the tap, make sure it has gone through a filter first.
Disregarding Local Customs
Peru, in general, is a very traditional country. When you arrive in Peru, try to Familiarize yourself with Peruvian customs and traditions to show respect for the local culture. For example, it’s polite to greet with a handshake while you look at each other in the eye. For women, it is common to kiss the right cheek when saying hello.
Greeting each other with “Buenos dias,” “Buenas Tardes,” or “Buenas Noches” is also the norm, so try to keep that in mind when visiting someone’s home.
Peru is also a rather religious country. Its primary religion is Catholicism, so maintain proper etiquette when visiting religious sites like cathedrals and churches.
Choosing The Wrong Street Food Stall
Peruvian gastronomy is out-of-this-world fantastic. People from all over the planet travel to Peru every year to taste the food and visit some of the top restaurants in the world. Some restaurants aren’t well known but have just as good dishes as Central or Maido. Street food is also a big deal in Peru. Dishes like Anticuchos or ceviche are typical quick dishes one can pick up while walking past a market, park, or street corner.
That being said, make sure to pick clean restaurants and food stalls with a proven track record of good food. If you choose from street food stalls, it is a good idea to go where the longest line is. Long lines at a booth usually mean well-priced and tasty food is available.
The last thing you want is to get an upset stomach from food poisoning during your vacation in Peru.
Don’t Underestimate the Power Of The Sun’s Rays
Most travelers underestimate how powerful the sun’s rays are in Peru. If you have ever been to Lima during the summer, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. It doesn’t get terribly hot, but the intense rays indeed leave a mark since Peru is located near the equator.
The sunlight and UV rays are even more potent in high-elevation areas like Cusco, Machu Picchu, or Lake Titicaca. Therefore, make sure always to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to avoid sunburn and potential health risks.
Do Not Disregard Altitude Sickness When You Visit Peru
So it’s no secret that there will be an acclimatization period when you visit Peru, specifically high-elevation tourist destinations like Cusco, Machu Picchu, or Lake Titicaca.
Taking the necessary precautions to avoid any uncomfortable episodes of elevation sickness should be a priority for most travelers. Over the years, we’ve had plenty of groups filled with hikers who have prepared for the high altitude and others who thought it wouldn’t be a big deal. Unfortunately, the second travelers will usually take longer to get accustomed to the over 12,000 feet of Cusco.
Symptoms can vary from a slight headache to an upset stomach or migraine. Rarely is elevation sickness life-threatening. I’ve never run into anyone that was seriously ill. The problem is that you may need to feel better to join the day tours on your Peru tour package itinerary. Missing a day or two of activities can be a severe vacation bummer.
Ensure to acclimate properly by staying hydrated, eating light meals, staying active by taking short walks, and getting plenty of rest. Coca-tea and even caffeinated drinks like coffee (stay away from sugary energy drinks) will also help deal with the elevation. Follow the protocol, and you should be ready to go in at most 24-48 hours in most cases.
Don’t Take Photos Of The Locals Without Asking For Permission
This makes a lot of lists you’ll find on the internet, and for a good reason. Sometimes travelers might get the impression that locals in Cusco, wearing traditional garments, might be OK with having their picture taken. This is, on most occasions, not the case. A large portion of the population in Cusco dress as their ancestors did because they maintain a similar way of life. The colorful garments worn by local communities have deep cultural values. So before taking a picture of a man wearing a “Chullo” while walking with a couple of llamas down the street, ask if he would like his photo taken.
Some locals purposely walk the streets of Puno or Cusco wearing traditional garments precisely so travelers can take their pictures. However, this is not free; they will usually ask for a donation. Usually between $1-$5, but it will depend on what you can negotiate. Since it is difficult to tell who is just going on with their daily duties and who is there to take pictures with vacationers, it is easier to ask first.
Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle Prices In Peru
You should be bold in haggling prices with merchants in Peru. Haggling is not something you can do in a supermarket, but it is typically done with cabs, street markets, or alpaca product dealers in Cusco. You can usually haggle down a few Peruvian soles in certain circumstances, and if you can’t, then you at least have a chance to practice your Spanish.
Don’t Flash Valuables Around
Flashing your valuables around is next on the list of things not to do in Peru. This should go without saying, but just to be certain, it is never a good idea to show off expensive valuables in any country. Peru is generally a safe place to visit, but pickpockets are always walking around. You never really know if someone is there to quickly take your wallet, snatch a purse, or pick up a laptop without the owner noticing.
I have a story regarding this very issue. A few years ago, I met up with a buddy in a supermarket called Vivanda in Miraflores on the corner of Benavides and Alcanfores Avenue. My friend was doing some shopping, and I needed to get a few things as well. As we walked through the aisles, he put this nice leather backpack in the shopping cart. We’re still determining when it happened, but the bag disappeared in the blink of an eye. He had several valuables, including a company laptop which was still there. The story’s moral is that being robbed can happen to anyone anywhere. Remember, Miraflores is one of the safest parts of the city, but, just like in Rome or Paris, anyone can be the victim of a thief.
Don’t Wander Around in Unknown Neighborhoods
Next on the list of things not to do in Peru is to wander around in neighborhoods that you are not familiar with or that are not tourist-oriented areas of the city. Never wander to neighborhoods that you do not know. You can always check with a travel adviser to know where it is safe and where it is not.
Most travelers will stay in districts like Miraflores, San Isidro and visit the Lima city center. However, in provinces like Cusco, tourists will stay near the main square in the center and only leave on designated tours.
Additionally, never walk late at night through dark streets. It is not a good idea to walk alone at night either. All of this applies to anyone visiting any new country, not just Peru.
Conclusion
When visiting Peru, it’s essential to follow some fundamental guidelines. Avoid cheap transportation options and prioritize safety. Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or properly filtered water. Respect local customs and traditions, greet people politely, and be mindful of religious sites.
Choose clean food establishments and be cautious of the sun’s strength by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. Take precautions for altitude sickness. Always ask for permission before photographing locals, and be respectful of their culture. Finally, haggle prices respectfully, protect your valuables, and stick to safe areas. Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and enriching experience in Peru.
