Peru – The Inca Odyssey

Peru ready plans

Getting around

Peru is enormous, so while it's possible to explore all regions with full freedom of a rental car, it will require lots of unnecessary driving. We recommend a combination of air travel between major hubs and renting a car locally when needed. Most travelers don't drive at all and rely on a combination of guided tours and public transport.

Language

The official language of Peru is Spanish, with Quechua spoken in some indigenous regions, particularly in the Andes. In popular tourist destinations like Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, many people working in tourism speak English. Outside of major tourist hubs, in smaller towns or rural areas, English is less common. Here, some basic Spanish is useful, especially if you’re interacting with locals who may not speak English fluently. At airports and major bus terminals, there is usually enough English spoken to get by. However, in rural areas or on local buses, knowing Spanish will help with navigating and asking for directions. English is enough in main tourist areas, but we highly recommend learning some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your overall experience, especially if you’re visiting rural parts of Peru or interacting with locals outside of tourism settings.

Safety

Peru is generally a safe travel destination. Petty crime is common in crowded areas due to high poverty in the country, so take basic precautions. Solo female travelers should feel generally confident but should avoid isolated areas.