Nobody likes finding out the special souvenir they bought was actually mass-produced and not even from the country they visited! Fortunately, you’ll have LOTS of options for souvenirs to buy in Peru. And it’s easy to make sure your purchase benefits someone local. You just need to follow a few simple tips.
The Market
Most importantly, know where to buy things! Everymajor city (and even small towns) has a tourist market.
Yes, these are touristy by definition. But they are actually great spots to buy authentic, locally-made stuff. And it’s easy to know if the product is local. Just ask the vendor- who is often the the maker too.
What to Buy
Definitely try out the woolen products like sweaters, scarves, and hats. If it’s made from alpaca, even better :)
So fuzzy. So warm.
Handmade bags are a great way to personalize your trip or gift too.
Not a fan of wool? Tourist markets also have artists who sell their paintings, ceramics, and traditional Peruvian gourds called burilados.
If you want to buy food, I recommend coffee or chocolate. That’s because artisan coffee and chocolate in Peru come from small-scale farmers in often remote areas of the country.
What to Avoid
Honestly, I just try to buy directly from the maker of the product. This is easy in Peru since so many wool, art, or coffee/chocolate products are artisanal and sold in local markets.
If it looks mass-produced or you can’t figure out who made it, then there’s a good chance the profits aren’t going to the local community.
And we don’t like that
Conclusion
You won’t break the bank finding souvenirs to buy in Peru. And by purchasing the right thing, you’ll help local economies and have a cool, useful conversation piece for the rest of your life!
Of course, the main purpose of visiting is something besides shopping for most of us. Make sure you’ve picked the right experiences so you don’t miss out! Check out our sample itineraries to get started on an adventure you can feel good about :)
“Transportation in Peru” is one of the most-Googled phrases by visitors to the country, and this is for a good reason. Traffic in the city is INSANE, and roads in the interior are generally not safe for foreign drivers.
Fortunately there are safe, sometimes even comfortable, public transportation options. These depend on your specific location in Peru, so I broke this down into two categories: transportation between cities, and transportation within cities.
How to Get Around in Peru
City-to-City Transportation
Bus
Buses are by far the most popular way to travel in Peru. The great thing is, most companies offer a 180-degree reclining option, or “buscama“. And the food and drink options (included) tend to be decent.
The obvious downside is trip length. For example, if you only have 2 weeks you probably won’t want to spend a full day to get to Cusco. And those long trips can cost almost as much as a plane ticket.
Safety is another issue. Narrow roads with no guardrail and bandits at night are common dangers, so use a reputable bus provider. Well-known companies for safety are Cruz del Sur, Movil and Peru Hop.
Your options narrow dramatically when off the tourist trail. Be prepared to travel in a small bus with no amenities (like the one pictured at the beginning of this article). This doesn’t mean the trip is dangerous or scary; ask locals for tips if you’re worried about a particular means of transportation.
Plane
This is the most-used form of transportation in Peru by tourists. Peru is like anywhere- plane rides are shorter, more expensive, and safer than other options. Most domestic plane rides are under 3 hours.
The good news is that you can find round-trip tickets for under $100. These prices are offered by cut-rate airlines, but Avianca and Latam offer good rates at times.
Train
There are not many trains in Peru but they provide cool, unique options:
Arica to Chile: Ride this for the experience! Arica isn’t very touristy, so this train is a quirky addition to any trip.
Cusco (or Sacred Valley) to Machu Picchu: Inca Rail and Peru Rail offer the most popular (and fastest) way to arrive to Machu Picchu. Peruvians can take the inexpensive local train. Peru Rail also offers a first-class service to Puno.
Huancavelica-Huancayo: The amazingly-named “Tren Macho” is an affordable option that Peruvians take through the Central Andes. Get a ticket that includes a lunch buffet!
Lima-Huancayo: This is a daylong ride to the Central Andes and one of the highest passenger train services in the world. It’s beautiful, and the ride is the attraction more than the destination. However the train only goes once a month and is pretty pricey.
Boat
Multi-day boat trip schedules depend on the weather and logistics, and are only for transportation in the jungle. The most popular is any variation of the trip to Iquitos.
Moving in the City
How you get around Peruvian cities depends greatly on the city. But these are the most common forms:
App: Uber, DiDi and Cabify are considered the best. Since the apps track where you are, it’s safer than hailing a random taxi from the street.
Bus: This is the cheapest way to get around. I always check with hotel staff or someone knowledgeable to make sure I get on the right bus beforehand. Also ask how long the trip will take (it can take a LOT longer than a taxi). If the bus is crowded be aware of your belongings. Lima and other cities have introduced electric buses, making this a cleaner form of travel.
“Moto”: Oh man. My favorite way to travel in town is by moto-taxi! These resemble the tuk-tuks of Southeast Asia. They are generally cheaper than a taxi but more expensive (and faster) than a bus.
Taxi: Of course, you can always just hail a taxi from the street. Make sure it and the driver pass the “eye test” for safety and be ready to haggle.
Transportation in Peru: Conclusion
Hopefully this article answered your questions on getting around in Peru. Please write any questions below!
If you’re ready to go to Peru check out a sample itineraryto get started :)
The ingredients for my perfect Chamis on a cold night!
Coziness doesn’t usually come in a plastic cup that a stranger hands you. But that was my introduction to Calientito.
Calientito is a warm drink made with Pisco, and it’s a tasty way to enjoy cold Andean nights. In this case it was prepared in a giant pot, and a señora poured it into plastic cups with a ladle. I gratefully sipped the steaming liquid and noticed lime and Pisco as the drink warmed me up.
In that part of Peru the drink is actually called Chamis. I imagine this is the Quechua name for Calientito. But what really matters is, Calientito is the perfect way to pass a cold evening. And if you want to sample it, you can find the ingredients at home!
Sad because it’s cold and you don’t know what to do with all this Pisco?
Have no fear! Calientitos are here!
Why Calientito is The Best Drink When It’s Cold
In that village on the side of a mountain, there were a few ways to avoid the worst of the cold. But nightly temperatures lowered to almost-freezing, and in the rainy season there seemed to be no escape.
The whole town was in bed by 8PM every day. And every bed had so many heavy blankets it was almost impossible to move under them.
Someone had also told me adobe was a good insulator, but I doubted this in the middle of freezing nights. I later recalled she moved to the warmer coast and had been there for years when she told me this.
Still, calientito is my favorite way to warm up on cold Peruvian nights. It’s a warm drink to begin with, and of course the alcohol gives a feeling of warmth too. Since it’s found in bars and shared in streets there is a social aspect. In the village this was a big plus because my Spanish skills were weak, making calientito a great way to connect with my new neighbors.
My Recipe
This is a simple drink to make. Make sure you have the following:
1 lime
1-2 shots of Pisco
1 tsp of honey
Hot tea (any kind works- I prefer green tea)
Once the tea is ready, add the honey and Pisco. Finally, cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into the drink. You have Calientito!
Conclusion
Definitely try this at home! It’s tasty and a cool cultural experience in a time when travel isn’t super realistic.
Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com Quarantine is a great chance to take advantage of extra time to plan your trip! So grab a cup of coffee and start your epic adventure
All You Need to Know on Peru Travel Restrictions and Reopening During Coronavirus
Latest News on Peru Reopening: Updated November 2, 2020
FREE ENTRANCE TO MUSEUMS THROUGH NOVEMBER 15!!
If you’re in Peru, definitely take advantage of this deal. With its history and archaeology, Peru has excellent museums (especially Lima and Cusco, but don’t miss the museum of Sipan up north, either!). Go for free through November 15. You have to wear a mask and take your temperature to enter.
The Covid-19 pandemic is lasting longer in many countries than we hoped. Because of this I’ll update this page regularly. In Peru travel restrictions may change so keep checking this and your embassy’s webpage.
**Peru Moves to Stage 4 Reopening**
This means limited international flights, specifically from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico. This may change quickly (and hopefully the list will grow!).
Flight & Border Restrictions
International Flights: You must show evidence of a negative Covid test, taken no longer than 48 hours before departure
Domestic flights: You will get your temperature taken upon boarding and must have a mask and shield. Also, you must sign a declaration that you are not knowingly sick.
Bus transportation will also follow these safety measures.
ONLY TICKETED INDIVIDUALS are allowed to travel. Because of this, no standing is allowed on buses
Embassies are providing information on repatriation flights Callao. See links to embassies below.
All foreign visas extend until end of crisis
Border status: Borders are ONLY open to leave and go back to country. But contact your embassy before buying a ticket to avoid any mistakes.
If you are Peruvian: You must self quarantine for 14 days after arriving to Peru. There are additional restrictions if you come from a high impacted area. These are Brazil, Iran, China, and some European countries as of July 27th.
Tips & Info for Making Reservations
If you book a flight, hotel, or tour, make sure it is fully refundable. At least make sure you can postpone your reservation.
Links and Resources
The best way to stay informed is to read your country’s embassy page. These update regularly. Plus you can sign up for notifications:
Northern Peru is the most difficult part of the country for crafting an itinerary. This region is huge (Peru is at its widest in its northern part), and you can’t easily access major cities. So it took some creativity to create this 10-day Northern Peru sample itinerary.
This itinerary can be used to mix-and-match with others. It’s a great way to see the jungle, mountains, and coast of Northern Peru. And you won’t feel you’re inside a bus the whole time. Finally, it’s perfect if you want to visit nearby Ecuador afterwards.
If you have more than 10 days, then check out additional options for Mancora, Iquitos, and Chachapoyas, too!
Don’t Miss The Top Experiences
Days 1-3: The Waters & Jungle of Tarapoto
Hop on the 1 hour, 20 minute flight from Lima to the jungle town of Tarapoto. Northern Peru is gigantic. So it’s hard to fit in a jungle trip if you just have 10 days. Because of this Tarapoto is an excellent option. It offers great adventure experiences and is relatively close to your next stop.
top experiences in tarapoto
Partying hard during happy hour at the Street of Stones (Calle de las Piedras)
Rafting the Mayo River
Having your choice of hikes to waterfalls: Huacamaillo (12 km/7.5 miles from town); Ahuashiyacu (15 km/9.3 miles out); Pucayaquillo (22 km/13.7 miles); or Carpishuyacu (34 km/21 miles).
Hiking the Alto Shilcayo route in the Cordillera Escalera Regional Conservation Area. This starts only 600 meters (1,969 feet) from the town’s main plaza
Checking out the medieval style castle of Lamas.
where to stay in tarapoto
To get a better appreciation of the jungle, check out Cordillera Escalera Ecolodge.
Days 4-7: Chacha Chillin’
Restored building at Kuelap
Catch a van or bus (they start leaving at 6:30AM) to arrive to Chachapoyas early afternoon. “Chacha” is a charming, walkable, cobblestoned town. It’s surrounded by excellent history and adventure opportunities.
Close to Chacha are Peru’s tallest waterfalls and pre-Incan cities located above the clouds (Chachapoyas translates to “warriors of the clouds”). Also there are famous, mysterious mummies. And that’s all just the start.
The city is 2,335 meters above sea level (7,661). So I recommend taking it easy on your first day.
top experiences in chachapoyas
Day hike to some of the highest falls in Peru, Gocta or Yumbilla
Take the cable car to the Chachapoyas’ culture’s main citadel, Kuelap
Hike to the mysterious sarcophagi of Karajia
Visit the museum and mummies of Leymebamba
Walk around the canyon of Huanca next door to Chachapoyas
Eat a classic local snack from the market- popcorn with ants!
Take the Coffee Route (Ruta de Café) and explore specialty coffee shops in town
Sarcophagi of Karajia
A delicious stop along Chachapoyas’ Coffee Route!
There are a TON of exotic fruits to try in Chacha and Tarapoto
where to chill in chacha
When we visited Chachapoyas we loved Casa Hospedaje Teresita. That’s because the location was great, the rooms were comfy, and the people were warm.
Days 8-9: Sipán & Surf in Chiclayo
Finish your trip enjoying delicious seafood, popular beaches, and archaeological wonders! If you can, take the night bus from Chachapoyas to save a day of travel.
top experiences in chiclayo
Surfing at the beaches of Pimentel and Puerto Eten
Exploring the Valley of Pyramids at Túcume
Visiting one of the top-ranked museums in the world to see the Señor de Sipan
Eating, souvenir shopping, and seeing a cultural show at nearby Monsefú
Puerto Eten
Tomb at the Señor de Sipan musem
where to stay in chiclayo
Most of the options in Chiclayo are standard hotels. I found well-run ecolodges hard to find. So we stayed at Casa Andina. It has a pool and an UNBEATABLE Peruvian breakfast buffet.
Day 10: Back to Lima
Fly or bus to Lima. Alternatively, take a bus or plane to the hotspot of Máncora or Cuenca, Ecuador. (See “add ons: if you have more time” below)
Northern Peru Sample Itinerary Add-ons: If You Have More Time
Local have used these reed boats at Huanchaco for centuries! They fish and surf with these “caballitos de totora”. And you’ll spot these at the beaches near Chiclayo, too.
There are some great adventure options near each of these locations if you have a few extra days. For this reason, add one of these to your trip if you have more time:
Iquitos: Boat it Up
Instead of flying to Tarapoto, boat to Iquitos from Pucallpa. Spend some days in the world’s largest non-road accessible city. Also check out the pink dolphins and Amazonian rivers at Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
To arrive to Tarapoto from Iquitos take a 12 hr ferry from Nauta to Yurimaguas. From Yurimaguas, Tarapoto is a 2-3 hour car ride.
Condor Lake: Combine Cool & Creepy Near Chachapoyas
Take a multiday hike from Chachapoyas. The Laguna de los Condores trek takes you to tombs abandoned over 500 years ago. This hike is based around a beautiful lake. And you’ll explore 18 ancient gravesites.
Máncora Option
Take the 5hr bus ride from Chiclayo to Mancora or nearby beaches. Máncora is a party and surf capital in the Northern coast. Check out quieter spots just north or south of the town if party towns aren’t your vibe.
Beach It Up!
If you return to Lima from Chiclayo, break up the 14.5 hour bus ride with multiple stops along the coast. Consider Huanchaco (get off at Trujillo, a 15 minute taxi ride away) or Casma. Just outside of Lima are the amazing beaches and hot springs of Norte Chico, too.
Best Time to Visit Northern Peru
Try to avoid the rainy season from November through April. Especially avoid the rainiest months, January and February. Transportation can be dangerous, and towns in general shut down in these months.
Since the coast is a desert, this only applies to the Andes and jungle.
Conclusion
I hope this Northern Peru sample itinerary helps you in trip planning!
Message me at GringoInca@gmail.com if you have questions.
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.
You probably know that you need a high-quality backpack to get the most out of your adventures in Peru. This is especially true if you plan on visiting archaeological sites or doing do a multi-day hike such as the Inca Trail. But with so many options today, how do you know what are the top backpacks for your travels?
5 Top Backpacks for Peru
There are backpacks for every type of traveler and trip. To narrow down what you should buy for Peru, consider the following:
Features
Most backpacks have rain covers and a sleeve for a hydration reservoir. Both of these are useful for Peru. Between the two, the rain cover is more essential. A freak rainstorm can ruin a day if your stuff isn’t protected, while there are other ways to carry your water supply. If you buy a backpack with a hydration reservoir sleeve, be sure to buy a bladder and hose as well.
In addition, my recommendations are to buy a backpack with the following features:
“Shovel” side pockets for easy access to snacks, maps, water, or your camera.
A well-ventilated back area to avoid unnecessary back sweats
Sustainably-minded brands. Fortunately most companies that cater to backpackers fit this label.
A J or U-panel zipper for easy packing and access to contents
Size
The right size backpack for you depends on what you need. If you plan to do daily excursions but to return to a hotel every night, then a 35 liter capacity backpack is more than enough. For example, my 40-liter backpack is enough for a one-night hike for two people and can get me through 2-3 days. Backpacks with capacities under 70 liters are not recommended if you’re going on an extended (over 5 day) hike. When choosing between Small, Medium and Large, remember sizes are based on torso and not overall height. And if you can, buy a backpack that can go with you on the plane (no more than 62 linear inches).
Nomenclature
One thing I discovered when I was searching for backpacks was that there is a specific name for smaller packs that can get you through a day trip. “Day packs” (yes, that’s the name) are also considered backpacks. However, larger backpacks are designed to fit gear and supplies for multi-day treks. A day pack is wonderful for exploring the Sacred Valley or the coast. Large backpacks are needed for the Inca Trail or other long treks like Salkantay, Lares, Huayhuash, and Santa Cruz.
Your Gear and Supplies
Your backpack should be designed for the activities you’ve planned. Most larger models are meant to carry trekking poles and even climbing equipment. Some backpacks are designed for camera portability and access.
So, when companies are selecting a target audience, one strategy is to invent an avatar of the ideal consumer. The avatar is a complete (invented) character, with a name, age, and likes/dislikes. If Cotopaxi’s avatar is a Millennial returned Peace Corps volunteer named Brad who still travels throughout Peru, this would not be shocking. That’s because this brand TOTALLY speaks to me. Let me explain why:
First, Cotopaxi is a socially conscious company, demonstrated by its status as a Certified B Corporation. And the colorful designs, logo (who’s not a sucker for alpacas?) and name (Cotopaxi is a volcano in Ecuador) beautifully reflect Andean culture in a modern way.
But more practically speaking, this backpack is perfectly sized and designed for someone who likes to travel light. Its dimensions, 19x12x9 inches, make it able to fit under your seat on the plane. Plus the tuck-in straps help you to carry this as a suitcase when convenient.
This backpack is well-organized to maximize space. It’s got lots of sneaky pockets including a padded space for your tablet/ laptop. And I love that it opens up suitcase style, so you don’t have to dig your hand through the bag like other backpacks. And it’s got a rain cover, breathable back mesh, and theft proof zippers.
28 liters is enough space for day hikes, although some efficient reviewers say this backpack was enough for weeklong trips. Once you’re in Peru this is a great backpack for day excursions. This plus a suitcase or larger backpack, if needed, should be enough for the great majority of backpackers.
If the 28 liter size is too small, they have the same backpack in a 35 liter version too. Unlike other brands, Cotopaxi backpacks are unisex. The only downside I find is the lack of sleeve for a water reservoir. But with enough water bottles or even a LifeStraw water filter, this shouldn’t be an issue.
View from the Machu Picchu Mountain hike. Photo: Jani Goodman
Inca Trail and Other 4+ Day Treks: Gregory Baltoro 75L (Men) or Deva 60L (Women)
Ah, this backpack. I probably have spotted this brand more than any other among fellow travelers in Peru, and for good reason. Gregory is a well-recognized name in trekking. One of the coolest things about this company is their lifetime warranty (be sure to read the fine print though :)).
This pack has amazing reviews and is perfectly designed for hiking longer treks such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Huayhaush, and Santa Cruz.
If you don’t plan on doing such a trek, this backpack can still be a great option, as it may serve as the only piece of luggage you need. This is actually like buying two backpacks in one since the hydration sleeve alternatively serves as a day pack!
This backpack also has a compartment for your sleeping bag (sold separately). The U-shaped zipper panel provides for easy packing and access to your things. A cool feature unique to this backpack is a special storage space that will not scratch your sunglasses.
Most crucially for a backpack of this size, reviewers note that the Gregory Baltoro 75 and Deva 60 balance weight well. The Baltoro 75 is also available in 65-, 85- and 95-liter versions. The Deva is available 60- and 80-liter versions.
And since both models include a reservoir sleeve, I’d consider buying one of Gregory’s water reservoirs, too:
My Recommended Backpacks for Peru:
Backpack
Ideally Suited for
Standout Features
Allpa 28L Allpa 35L
Daypack- can complement a suitcase or be enough for a whole trip if you’re an extremely light packer.
Tuck-in straps. Opens like a suitcase. Fits under the seat.
REI Trail 40L (M) 40L (W) (discontinued)
Daypack and up to a 3-day hike.
U-shape zipper panel. Padded shoulder & hip straps.
Baltoro 75 (M) Deva 60 (W)
Multi-day treks over three days (such as Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Huayhuash and Santa Cruz).
Lifetime warranty.
So What’s Next?
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One of the few things I splurge on for visiting Peru is a pair of hiking boots. Few things can ruin an experience as much as a pair of shoes that comes apart on your hike. So as long as you’re planning on visiting archaeological sites, the Andes or the jungle, here are brands and models that I consider the best for hiking in Peru.
Don’t Miss the Best 4 Hiking Boots for Peru
I only consider boots that go past the ankle, are water-resistant (or water-proof), and have a good reputation among fellow hikers and online reviews. Below are several boots that I would buy (or have used) for visiting Peru. This is in reverse alphabetical order, because it’s fun to start lists with Z:
Zamberlan Trail Lite EVO GTX Hiking Boots: I like that these are lightweight, waterproof and can be resoled. Since the sole is often the first part of the shoe to fall apart, resoling lengthens the boots’ lifespan and results in less waste. For hiking boots these are super fancy-looking and can be worn in non-hiking scenarios. The Gore-Tex lining makes them breathable as well.
Oboz Sawtooth II Mid BDry Hiking Boots: These are the boots my wife currently uses. In our home we love Oboz!!! This particular product features a duel-density EVA midsole. In English, that means the boots have extra cushioning and stability.
La Sportiva Blade GTX Hiking Boots: This vegan option has a GoreTex mesh, making them waterproof. Relatedly, today I learned vegan clothing is made from zero animal products and only from cruelty-free sources. If you buy these, know that some reviews mention that they run a tad small.
KEEN Targhee Vent Mid Hiking Boots: KEEN is another well-recognized name in hiking. These boots are noted for being very breathable and so are recommended for jungle treks or hikes that have a large change in altitude. They also contain Cleansport NXT, which provides natural odor control, which will be very important to your fellow hikers.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Yours:
Weather: Most of the treks in Peru involve huge changes in altitude and maybe rainfall. So boots that are at least water resistant are recommended. If you’re going to the Andes or jungle during rainy season (generally November through April), get waterproof boots. I avoid insulated boots since temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day. And nobody likes sweaty boots.
Quality: Yes, it’s obvious, but you want high-quality boots to get you through the tons of walking that you’ll do in Peru. While I like to try new brands and to support start-ups, this is a case when I stick to what are generally recognized as high quality brands.
Height: I only use boots that go past the ankle when in Peru. It’s easier to twist your ankle when you’re tired from hiking or aren’t familiar with the terrain, so protect yourself! There is no good place to twist your ankle, but there are many bad places. Peru is one of those bad places.
Weight: I don’t have a rule of thumb for how heavy/light a boot should be, but I try to opt for lighter boots when all else is equal. After days of traveling, one starts to notice a difference if their boots are heavy.
Why it’s Worth Investing in Hiking Boots for Peru
I cannot emphasize this enough: Unless you’re just going to hang out in the cities or the beach for the whole trip, get solid hiking boots for Peru. It doesn’t have to be any product recommended by me, but if you’re going to invest so much time and money into visiting this fascinating country, make sure your feet are prepared for it!!!!
So once more, here are brands and models that I recommend for your trip to Peru:
Boot
Unique Features
KEEN Targhee Vent Mid
Cleansport NXT helps provide natural odor control. Water resistant. Breathable design.
La Sportiva Blade GTX
Waterproof mesh made with GoreTex. Runs a tad small. Vegan.
Oboz Sawtooth II Mid BDry
EVA midsole designed for extra cushioning and stability. At least water resistant.
Zamberlan Trail Lite EVO GTX
Can be resoled. Waterproof. Italian-made.
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And if you have other recommendations or have a question, leave a comment below!
