About Peru Travel Tips
Our editorial team still laughs about our first trip to Peru. We landed in Lima jet-lagged, armed with a generic guidebook, and discovered it said nothing about recovering from a 30-hour journey from Australia, avoiding altitude sickness in Cusco, or how far ahead to book a Machu Picchu permit. After a few hard lessons — including one night gasping at 3,400m — we built perutraveltips.org for Australian travellers.
Our Mission: Honest Peru Travel Advice for Australians
Our mission is simple: cut through generic advice and give Australians practical, up-to-date Peru travel tips. We cover what actually matters — from managing altitude in Cusco to securing Machu Picchu permits before they sell out — so you spend less time stressing and more time exploring Inca sites.
Why we focus on Australian travellers
Peru is a long-haul destination for us, and that changes everything. Flight routing, jet lag, travel insurance, budgeting in Australian dollars, and timing annual leave all shape how Aussies should plan. We also point readers to Smartraveller for current safety and entry guidance.
What sets our advice apart
We don’t recycle press releases. Every guide is written from first-hand experience and checked against conditions on the ground. If a trail closes or a permit system changes, we update our advice as soon as we can verify it.
What We Cover: From Lima to Machu Picchu and Beyond
We cover Peru’s highlights and the practical logistics that connect them, with a distinctly Australian lens.
Destination guides and itineraries
- Lima’s food scene, from ceviche to world-ranked tasting menus
- Cusco’s history, altitude tips, and acclimatisation strategies
- The Sacred Valley and its markets, ruins, and quiet villages
- Inca sites including Machu Picchu and the Choquequirao trek
- Sample itineraries ranging from 10 days to a full month
Practical tips for flights, visas, and budgeting
Qantas and LATAM offer direct flights from Sydney to Santiago, with connections to Lima — one of the most comfortable routings for Australians. We break down visa requirements, budgeting in AUD, and how to time your trip around the Inca Trail’s February closure for maintenance.
Our Team Approach: First-Hand Experience and Research
Our editorial team combines personal travel stories with thorough research. We’ve hiked the trails, eaten at the markets, and missed enough buses to know where the real pitfalls are. We also work with local operators and Australian travel agents to verify details before publishing.
Meet the team behind the tips
We’re a small group of Australian writers and travellers who’ve spent extended time in Peru. Between us, we’ve covered the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon — and we’re honest when something isn’t worth your time or money.
How we research and update our guides
We cross-check official sources, local operators, and reader feedback, then revisit guides regularly. Because Machu Picchu permits must be booked months in advance, we keep our booking timelines current so you never miss your window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for Peru?
Most Australian passport holders can enter Peru visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. Always confirm current requirements with Smartraveller and Peruvian authorities before you travel.
When should I book Machu Picchu permits?
As early as possible — ideally several months ahead, especially for the peak May to September season. Inca Trail permits sell out quickly and cannot be bought on arrival.
How do I handle altitude sickness in Cusco?
Altitude sickness affects many Australians in Cusco at 3,400m. Arrive early, take the first day slowly, stay hydrated, and consider acclimatising in the Sacred Valley first. Speak to your doctor about medication before you fly.
When is the Inca Trail closed?
The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance, so plan your trek around this annual closure if the classic route is on your list.
Whether you’re chasing Machu Picchu at sunrise or eating your way through Lima, our goal is to help Australians experience Peru safely and authentically. Explore our guides and start planning with confidence.