Peru is the valley of the gods. The feeling of the crisp yet humid air on your face. The vitality and joy of the local peoples. Their rich cultures and influences from afar.

It is the only country in South America with such a diverse climate. Peru has 28 of the 32 world climates between its borders. You can spend a morning in the arid desert and an afternoon in a tropical rain-forest.

If you are planning a trip, Peru is definitely one that you need to put on your bucket list. It is the home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Also, Peru has the only remaining desert oasis in South America in the village of Huacachina.

Planning

First of all, traveling to Peru when you suffer from any mental illness doesn’t have to be stressful. It is a fulfilling and life-changing experience. I suffer from multiple conditions, but still had a glorious and spiritual experience while traveling. The key to uncomplicated travel is to plan. As a result, I planed in detail months in advance. The more prepared you are the better. Most importantly, check out my Safety is #1 blog on safety measures to take while in Peru for a more stress-free experience.

To begin your travel planning I would suggest to pick up a Peru guide book. I purchased one on Amazon and hi-lited all of the important things I wanted to check out while there. Seems like some people think paper guide books are old fashioned, I think they are a great tool to use while planning your trip.

Once you receive your guide book and go over it, choose what locations and sights are a must-see while you are in Peru. Scan it over and write a list of destinations. Every person has a different budget for traveling, so I am not going to recommend an exact amount of time you should go for. The general rule is to allow about two days per destination point. If it is a larger city like Lima I would allow an extra day to take in the sights. After you go over all of that and do your calculations you will have a better idea of how long your trip should be.

Time of Year to Travel

First of all, when traveling to Peru keep in mind that it has a extremely diverse climate and this could affect your commuting around the country. The winter (May-October) is Peru’s dry season and the best time of year to travel. If you go in their summer season you may be rained out of some of your destinations and activities. If Machu Pichu is on your list to see, make sure you go during their winter. The trains are often canceled in summer due to flooding and mudslides.

Here are different things to see and do, depending on if you go during the dry or wet season.

Dry Season (May-October)

May

Corpus Christi – Cusco, religious festival

June

Qoyllur Rit’i – Cusco, religious festivalInti, Raymi – Sacsayhuaman, festival of the sun, Day of Saint John the Baptist – all of Peru, religious holiday, Chaccu Ceremony – Lucanas, Andean ceremony

July

Virgen del Carmen, Paucartambo, religious festival, Ecotourism and Coffee Festival – Oxapampa, local festival, Fiestas Patrias – all of Peru, independence celebration, Apurimac Tourist Week – Andahuaylas, Apurimac, and Abancay Provinces, outdoor festival

August

Pachamama Raymi – Cusco, the beginning of the Andean New Year, Yaku Raymi – Ayacucho, big water festival, Santa Rosa de Lima – Lima, religious festival

September

Ruraltur – Pasco Province, Mother Earth outdoor festival, Spring Festival – Trujillo, Spring festival

October

El Senor de los Milagros – Lima, religious festival, Bullfighting Season – Lima, bullfighting festival, Dia de la Cancion Criolla – all of Peru, music festival

Wet Season (November-April)

November

All Saints Day and Day of the Dead – Cajamarca, death festival, Founding of Puno – Puno, folk festival, Festival de la Orquidea – Moyobamba, flower festival

December

Homenaje a la Libertad Americana – Huamanga Province, athletic game celebration, Yawar Fiesta – Apurimac region, bull blood festival, Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Chivay, religious festival, Santurantikuy – Cusco, arts and crafts fair, Festival of the Negritos – Huanuco, freedom of black slaves festival

January

Founding of Iquitos – Iquitos, civic festival, Marinera Festival – Trujillo, dancing festival

February

Virgen de la Candelaria – Puno, religious festival and celebration, Carnaval – all of Peru, before Lent festival and celebration

March

Festival de la Vendimia – Ica, Afro-Peruvian festival, Fiesta de la Cruz – all of Peru, religious festival

April

Semana Santa – Ayacucho, Easter festival, Peruvian Paso Horse National Show – Lima, horse show and festival

What to Bring

Because of Peru’s diverse climate, you will need to pack the right clothing for all occasions and conditions. If you follow these tips for the season you travel you should be fine and have adequate clothing and gear for your adventures through Peru. Keep in mind this is only a suggestive list of items to bring. It will completely depend on where in Peru you are going and how long you will be visiting.

Dry Season

Keep in mind the dry season is their winter season, so unless you will be going into the rain-forest I would recommend packing lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants. Lima this time of year is always cloudy and has a slightly chilly breeze whirling off the ocean. If you are traveling to Cusco, it can reach a low of 34 degrees Fahrenheit or 1 degree Celsius at night. When packing plan on having a full outfit (shirt, pants, undergarments, socks) for each day plus one additional for emergencies (mud, rain downpour, etc).

Wet Season

The wet season is a different story. It is perfect for short sleeve shirts and shorts. Don’t forget the sunblock and a hat. This is a perfect time of year to enjoy one of Peru’s beautiful beaches. Maybe try out surfing or a water sport. Lima’s average high is 84 degrees Fahrenheit or 28 degrees Celsius. If you head over to Cusco you are looking at an average of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius.

I have included links from Amazon for some of these items you may need to purchase. Please purchase through the links provided, it will not cost you anything additional, but it will keep our website and blog going, thanks so much!

Packing List Example

• Day backpack – I have this day bag from Osprey and LOVE it!
• Travel backpack – Another great item from Osprey and it is “carry on” approved!
• Hiking stick
• Travel money belt
• Portable battery pack charger
• Travel clinic preventative medication & personal medication
• Mosquito repellent – Clothing & Skin (for the Amazon)
• Sunblock (even in winter season sun UVB’s are strong)
• Long sleeve quick dry or microfiber shirts
• T-shirts short sleeve (depending or climate visited)
• Lightweight jacket
• Raincoat (Men, Women)
• Dressy outfit
• Long quick-dry pants
• Long jean pants
• Undergarments
• Socks
• Hiking or walking shoes
• Dress shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Items to help you sleep (check out my blog I Can’t Sleep! for ideas)

I hope these lists help you out while planning your upcoming trip to Peru. These lists are just an example of what you should bring. If you are hiking the 4 day Inca Trail you will need more items geared towards that intense hike. Or if you are going off the grid in the Amazon rain-forest in Iquitos you will need specialized gear as well.

How to Get Around

Once you arrive in Peru, you are going to need different options to get around. Peru is a huge country with 496,224 square miles (1,285,216 square kilometers). Luckily there are a lot of options to choose from. If you are traveling around Lima it is ALWAYS busy and there is ALWAYS traffic. No matter what time of day. The city has ten million people living in it. Plan accordingly when commuting and be prepared for it. If you hail a 3 wheel motocarro be prepared for a heart-racing, adrenaline rush while your life flashes before your eyes. They weave in and out of traffic, most do not follow any traffic laws. Here are a few ways that I tried and worked extremely well with little stress.

Taxi

A taxi is a safe and reliable service that you can take advantage of while traveling in Peru. Please keep in mind that there are some safety precautions that you should follow when taking a taxi. DO NOT hail a cab from a curbside. There are a lot of scammers and bad guys out there, it is not worth the risk.

Have your hotel order you a reputable cab from a service they trust. You should also have your hotel negotiate the cost to where you are going before the cab arrives so there are no surprises.

You can also plan like we talked about and order yourself a cab in advance. This is what I did when I arrived and departed from the different airports in Peru. It was reliable and easy. A cab driver is waiting for you at the exit of the airport holding a sign with your name on it, simple and fast. On average a cab ride from Lima’s airport to downtown Lima is about $20 US dollars or $60 soles. The company I used was Taxidatum. It was easy, I just put in my information online and had a cab waiting for me every time on time. They also offer rides from different cities in Peru.

Ride-Sharing Services

I used ride-sharing services while commuting around Lima. Overall I felt safe doing so. The only downside is sometimes the car is not the cleanest or safest. One of the Uber’s I ordered didn’t have any working seat belts. Another one took a 15-minute detour to get gas while I was in the car. The price is about half the price of a cab. So it is completely up to you if you want to take that gamble or not.

Bus

Short-Distance Bus

There are many bus services in and around all of the major cities in Peru. Some can be a little sketchy and confusing. If you are taking a public bus in Lima during the rush hour times good luck fitting into one. Keep in mind this will make you a larger target for pickpockets as well. The people inside are smashed like sardines and there are no available seats. So if you have a disability this might not be the best option for you.

Long-Distance Bus

However, long-distance buses are great! I took a bus hop all down the coast of Peru starting at Lima and ending at Huacachina. It even went on to Cusco if you wanted to encounter some overnight bus rides. The 6-hour ride up and down the coast was fine for me. I ended up choosing to fly into Cusco instead of taking a bus. The company I used was wonderful and informative. They were very well organized and I was able to hop on and off the bus at each stop. There were even options for some free and paid tours along the way. They even scheduled your hotel for you to make your experience a more worry-free one. The company I used was Peru Hop.

Plane

Taking a plane around Peru is the most time effective method of travel. If you do book the budget airlines be prepared for cancellations, delays and schedule changes. I had two flights with VivaAir and both flights were either completely canceled or changed the departure time, which complicated my scheduled activities and tours. If you can afford it, go with a mid-range airline that is more reliable.

I would recommend choosing to fly if you decide to go to the following cities. Iquitos home of the Amazon rain-forest is 629 miles (1011 kilometers) from Lima. I also recommend flying to Cusco from Lima, which is 355 miles (571 kilometers) by air. If you are going to visit Lake Titicaca taking a plane is a real time saver. It is 582 miles (936 kilometers) from Lima.

Major Airports

Domestic flights fly out of the following airports in Peru.

• Lima – Jorge Chavez (only fully equipped international airport)
• Arequipa
• Cajamarca
• Chiclayo
• Cusco
• Iquitos
• Juliaca
• Piura
• Tacna
• Tarapoto
• Trujillo

Where to Go

Visiting Peru is a fulfilling experience. All that it has to offer and see could take years to observe. Choosing what to see on your trip is a daunting task. I am here to help. Here is a few places to go and things to see on your trip. Try to fit some of these in.

Lima

Central Lima

Miraflores & San Isidro

Another site to take in is Parque Kennedy. it is a tree-lined park nestled in a shopping area. They have a playground for younger ones and on the weekends they offer local artists displaying and selling their art. There is also a little amphitheater that is used as a dance area for couples on the weekend. It is a great place to people watch.

Barranco

A popular sight is the Puente de Los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). The story of this bridge is about a girl who fell in love with a poor street sweeper. Her father forbade her to see the boy and she spent the rest of her life looking out her window hoping to get a glimpse of him again. The story goes, people who cross the bridge can hear her sigh waiting for her lost love. Next to the bridge is a fence where lovers can leave a lock, some with their names or initials painted or engraved into them.

The Southern Coast

The southern coast is defiantly a must-see. I think people pass up on this often to see other popular locations. I would take the time to see and experience the southern coast. It was beautiful and I really felt at one with nature. If you book the Peru Hop bus it takes you through the southern coast for a stress-free experience.

Paracas

This cute little fishing town is jammed with lots of local restaurants and has the port to Islas Ballestas. Islas Ballestas is also called “the poor mans Galapagos Islands”. It offers diverse wildlife to see up close. There are sea lions, penguins and crabs. You just take a short boat ride from the port out to the islands. It is full of thousands and thousands of birds. The guano is a rich export from the islands so they are protected from humans walking or touching them.

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Huacachina

This location was one of my favorites during my trip to Peru. It pushed my limits and comfort zone. They offer dune bugging and sand-boarding. It is a total rush and adrenaline buzz. Huacachina is the only remaining desert oasis in South America. The town surrounds the oasis and offers a relaxing slow feel. You can also rent a paddleboat to paddle around the oasis on a lazy afternoon. Try climbing the dunes and make sure to bring plenty of water.

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You can also check out a Pisco tour while visiting Huacachina. Arrive there with a quick cab ride. Pisco is the national drink of Peru made from fermented grapes. Pick up some to take home or get some gelato after your tour.

Nazca Lines

Canyon Country

Lake Titicaca

This is also a must-see for people. It is a little out of the way but worth the extra time. Lake Titicaca is the highest lake of its size in the world. It covers 3210 square miles (8300 square kiloliters). The Uros are the local people and they focus on fishing, farming, and weaving. They commute from one island to another on straw boats.

Cusco

Cusco is a beautiful historic town. The excitement I felt while flying over this mountain town about to land was amazing. There are so much life and peace surrounding this town. When visiting Cusco I would allow for at least two days to take in all that it has to offer. They had some of the best restaurants that I tried while visiting Peru.

A warning to the wise, Cusco has an extremely high elevation. Make sure not to push yourself too much the first day when arriving. Also, eat light easy to digest meals. I was winded walking about two-blocks. It might be a good idea to pick up from a travel doctor some medication to bring with you for the elevation sickness.

Machu Picchu

The breeze blowing across your face. The awe and power you feel while standing and looking over the valley. Touching the stones, feeling the texture and imagining the lives of all who came before you. Machu Picchu is truly a sacred lost city. All the amazing history right before your eyes. My breath was truly taken away when I looked over the valley. It was the one place that I have traveled which brought tears to my eyes because of an overwhelming feeling of emotion. A feeling of one with nature and all who have been before.

Machu Picchu is a must-see in Peru. Take the time to plan on an early start in the day. When you finally arrive, take in all the glory and build memories of Machu Picchu you will never forget. It is truly a spiritual experience no matter what your religious belief is. Machu Picchu is a little piece of heaven on earth.

Inca Trail

Some people have the goal of mastering the Inca Trail and hiking up to the summit of Machu Picchu. This hike is 26 miles (43 km) long. It has been said to be one of the top 5 hikes in the world. If you plan on taking the Inca Trail you need to be prepared for a 4-5 day hike. Before the hike you should plan on spending 2 days minimum in Cusco to become acclimated to the high altitude. The hike is a moderate one and can bring some challenges even to the fittest person. The key to an enjoyable hike is your mindset while accomplishing this challenge. Expect and be prepared for different weather conditions. If you take precautions for your mental health and physical health you will have a fulfilling and healthy hike to your goal of Machu Picchu.

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Train Ride

You also have the option of taking a bus from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo which will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes on the foot of Machu Picchu. Once in Machu Picchu, you will have to take a bus up the mountainside to the UNESCO site. I used a company that was great and stress-free. You just pay one price and all of the transportation and an educated tour guide are included. Booking each thing individually can get confusing because you have to choose a time for the train and to enter Machu Picchu. I booked online at ticketmachupicchu.com for an all-inclusive stress-free experience.

I wanted to mention an additional hike that is extremely regulated by the Peruvian government and only allows for 400 people a day. It is called Huayna Picchu. You must reserve a permit to climb the mountain in advance and there is about a 6-month minimum wait for a permit. The climb takes about 45 minutes and can be done either with or without the Inca Trail hike.

The Amazon Basin

Iquitos (Amazon Jungle)

Iquitos City

Amazon Rain-forest

I booked an all-inclusive 3 day 2 night Amazon jungle eco-camp. This is a great option for people who want a stress free experience. It had all of my meals and daily activities included and planned out for me. All I had to do was enjoy and take in all nature had to give. It included activities like pink freshwater dolphin spotting, piranha fishing, night and day hike into the rain-forest, canoeing, visiting a local Amazon tribe and seeing a monkey sanctuary. The company I found and used was great. They are called Maniti Expeditions. They took care of everything, including transportation, food, lodging, and activities.

For an even more in-depth guide to the Amazon, check out The Amazon Rainforest Travel Guide.

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There are a few precautions when going into the Amazon. Make sure before your trip you visit a travel clinic. Get preventative vaccinations for yellow fever and anti-malaria tablets. The Amazon is swarming with mosquitoes so plan accordingly. Bring specialized mosquito repellent for the deep woods. I would advise bringing long sleeve quick-dry tops and long pants in a light natural color. The mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so leave that black shirt at home.

Here are some great suggestions for protective insect repellent for both your clothes and skin.

There are two different types. There is one for the clothes that you spray on and let dry overnight. It will kill the insects on contact and is a must-have for the Amazon jungle.

The second repellent is for your skin to keep them off what skin is exposed.

To Conclude

Peru is a beautiful country with so much to offer when visiting. I hope this list of how to travel Peru helps your future journey. It is filled with wonder and fills your heart with joy. The local people are extremely welcoming and friendly. The cuisine is exotic and full of flavor. The beautiful sites are full of new experiences and will excite all your senses. Just because you suffer from a mental illness does not mean that you can not experience the world and all it has to offer. Don’t be afraid, plan out your trip, take some risks and you will be handsomely rewarded with a lifetime of beautiful memories and walk away being a stronger more rounded person. Just remember my fellow travel friends, we are in this together.