The idea of traveling to Perú, organized by yourself or with a group, is primarily based on personal interests and ideas, but also on the finances and travel destinations availability as well as your personal travel experience.
In an organized group tour, the most important sights are usually visited on a two to three week round trip.The accommodations are reserved, the tour guide is almost always English-speakers and the people don´t need to worry about anything. For those who have not yet collected any Latin American travel experience, don´t speak Spanish and are also willing to put down a corresponding sum (the perfect organization of such a trip with reserved rooms, train seats, etc. cannot be cheap!)
Certainly it is a good opportunity to get to know Peru. However, personal wishes or the length of stay won't be taken into account, it is hardly possible to "break out" of the group.
On the other hand, the different characters of the participants either contribute to enrichment of the travel experience or you must be put up by everyone.
Since the possible or usual travel routes for group and package travelers through Peru, are limited and almost always - in variations - the same; interesting remote destinations can only be reached "on your own".
Peru is a true El Dorado for individual travelers: lonely highland regions with rarely visited pre-Inca ruins, the untouched Amazon lowlands and endless coastal deserts - a vast area for explorers.
Self-organized travel with buses and local colectivos requires a relatively good knowledge of the Spanish language, however English is rarely understood outside of the tourist routes in Peru. It also requires a certain amount of experience - ahead and self-discipline. Unusual and lasting experiences in Peru are the reward.
But there are also limits to self-organized travel, especially when it is (for example) to go to the Amazon jungle. Most jungle camps are difficult or impossible to reach individually, and if so, then only for a lot of money or sometimes only with special Permission (e.g. Manu).
After all, it doesn't matter in terms of price whether there is only one person or ten in a motorized boat.
That is why there are special local agencies in Peru (e.g. in Arequipa, Cusco, Iquitos, Trujillo) that can offer organized tours in small groups at low cost (e.g. Inca Trail, Manu National Park, etc.).
Individual travelers should therefore also take advantage of these options; the advantage is also increased security and quick implementation without loss of time.
After arriving in Peru (Lima) travel agencies can put together a very individual travel program for travelers on their own. This has the advantage that, on the one hand you travel individually through the country, on the other hand at the respective destination, e.g. at the airport, picked up by a (partner) agent of the travel agency, who then brings you to your accommodation. E.g. only the framework of the trip is organized so that there are enough days left for free planning. For example Machu Picchu could be organized by train on your own, the subsequent excursion from Cusco to Manu Park will be organized by the travel agency.
Travel individually - alone or with a travel partner?
Pros & cons of traveling alone:
Anyone who thinks that traveling alone would not cause any problems can be mistaken. It is true that the solo traveler, especially in Andean villages or in remote areas or when trekking, is almost always treated with respect and alas, but at the same time such a loner is dependent on the goodwill of the people.
There are enough negative experiences in Peru. Walking a trail in lonely nature or a jungle excursion should never be undertaken alone in an emergency situation - weather change in the mountains, injuries, natural disasters, sudden illness - no one else could stand by or help.
Good knowledge of the national language Spanish and sociability are essential requirements for individual travelers.
Advantages and disadvantages of traveling in couples
The most unproblematic travel partner is of course the girlfriend or wife, the boyfriend or husband. Of course, two friends are also a good team, provided that you can rely on your travel partner even in problematic situations and that different travel requirements do not lead to constant differences of opinion, e.g. about the category of the hotel, the quality of the food or the choice of transport .
It should also be borne in mind that - with all good will - there will be situations that can be too demanding, e.g. in the burdens of the Andean heights or in the laundry room climate of the rainforest.
And several friends together? Only for those who like constant conflicts of interest and the stress that comes with them!
The different personalities will consistently cause excitement, and hopefully the collective travel budget will always be right.
There are often inexpensive three-bed rooms (mostly intended for families), but sometimes a travel partner has to take a room and then pays more.
In the main travel season, it can also be difficult to get enough free seats on a bus or plane for a larger group. One big disadvantage is also that a group almost always moves in isolation through the country and contacts with locals are extremely low.
Traveling with kids
The residents of the Andean countries are extremely child-friendly. Under certain health (all standard vaccinations) and hygienic conditions, even toddlers can be taken to Peru, especially if the Andean highlands are not looking for.
Small children tolerate the enormous climatic and altitude differences much worse than adults.
Due to they don´t fully developed paranasal sinuses, they have to cope with changes in pressure (chewing gum and drinking help). In addition, their stomachs are much more sensitive to over-regular or unclean eating.
The following applies: only mix milk powder for babies with boiled or mineral water, do not use open milk, disinfect fruit with a spoonful of Clorox in water for two minutes, drink plenty to prevent dehydration due to heat or possible diarrhea. The older the children are, the sooner they will be able to travel to the Andean highlands.
Primeval forest areas that are affected by malaria should be avoided with small children. Mosquito nets offer protection against the annoying mosquitoes, and Resochin juice is available to prevent malaria. It is essential to ensure that children do not go barefoot on wet or damp ground or in the mud (hookworms). You need sun creams with a high protection factor, cotton T-shirts, a hat and, if necessary, sunglasses. Before you travel, you should definitely seek advice from your pediatrician or tropical doctor.
Women traveling alone to Perú
This shouldn't be a problem. However, women traveling alone should consider it before Think about your position in this regard and your appearance in Peru and Bolivia - knowledge is self-protection.
Avoid intensive eye contact. In South America in particular, this can be understood as an invitation to speak to women. As Advise, have a few words of defense in response to attempts at pick-up (go away: vete! Please leave me alone: podría dejarme en paz por favor. Don't bother me: No me moleste!
In general, good Spanish skills, self-confidence and adaptability are important for women traveling alone. Maintain a healthy dose of suspicion, no matter how friendly the men are, but please don't overreact and don't forget that women in Latin America have a lot more male courtesy, helpfulness and attention than they get in Northern Europe or the United States.
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