"Don't Be Afraid of Peru" Peru by richiecdisc

Peru Travel Guide: 9,304 reviews and 20,097 photos

The cloud forest of the Inca Trail - Peru

While Peru conjures images of lush cloud-enshrouded forest and mystical ancient ruins, it has also garnered its fair share of bad press regarding general safety with special emphasis on mass transit and petty theft. There are incidents of the latter and bus journeys are somewhat adventurous affairs due to the aggressive style of driving in South American countries. But it can be stated quite emphatically that with a reasonable degree of precaution, neither should be a problem and certainly not a deterrent to one’s choice of potential travel destinations. Peru offers a variety of terrains, fantastic colonial cities, remnants of its Indian past in ruins and an interesting thriving indigenous population all at a fraction of the cost of North American or European destinations. While there may be a few overly aggressive individuals after your tourist dollars, the population in general is refreshingly friendly and cannot seem to do enough to help you if you make even a minimal effort to speak Spanish. So, by all means, do not be afraid of Peru and all that it has to offer just because of exaggerated or outdated fears. Peru has changed with the times and is ready for your exploration now.

Last visit to Peru: Oct 2002
Intro Updated Nov 26, 2002
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Reviews (17)

Doreen sports a pack on the Santa Cruz Trek - Peru

Have backpack will travel.... What to Pack (1)

Backpacks offer not only the means to do multi-day hiking trips but also are the most practical for getting from the bus... more travel advice

Colca Canyon, deepest in the world - Peru

Colca Canyon Off The Beaten Path (1)

The Colca Canyon is reputed to be the deepest in the world, even deeper than the Grand Canyon in the US. Though not as... more travel advice

Machu Picchu Things to Do (5)

If you are in reasonably good health and have the desire to go to Machu Picchu, then by all means, don't take the train,... more travel advice

Cordillera Blanca looms behind market - Peru

Huaraz Things to Do (5)

Though ravaged by multiple earthquakes, Huaraz retains a air of friendliness that many other "tourist" towns seem to... more travel advice

Comments (47)

sim7396 Sep 14, 2008 at 6:59 PM Report Abuse

Shoe shine boys, restaurant touts, post card sellers, etc., can be a nuissance. But I disagree with your advice. Cusco center is beautiful and unique, and there;s history in every corner.
Bwana_Brown Apr 27, 2006 at 4:04 PM Report Abuse

I was trolling your 'oldies' and came across this excellent account of your adventures in Peru! Coincidental that it was Dee's first trip to SA with you! With any luck, in a few weeks the 2 of you will hopefully be climbing the Alps instead of the Andes!!
catalysta Jul 8, 2005 at 8:25 AM Report Abuse

Too funny! I assume your 'Incan Princess' has a highly developed olfactory sense as well? It's a curse.....Hasta la cerveza, W
visaline Dec 28, 2004 at 1:16 PM Report Abuse

Hello richie ,thanks for you email ,and great picture from peru.i never been there .but maybe some day. regaards visaline
karin_kamphuis Dec 14, 2004 at 2:27 PM Report Abuse

Hi, Really great info and pics from Peru. I wish I could go there sometime......... First save some money after my trip to Australia!!! Come back later to read more about it!!! Thanks, greetings Karin!
IoannaE Jun 22, 2004 at 1:32 AM Report Abuse

Hello Richie, very interesting page. Seeing your picture, I reckon I've found who was the inspiration for the VT generic travellers' portrait!
R.Dettmann Jan 18, 2004 at 8:29 PM Report Abuse

Seems like Peru is on in July. We'll have to talk about this! Ciao
kare_ab Dec 30, 2003 at 9:30 AM Report Abuse

Amazing page!! Your pics are just wonderful!!! I'm really looking forward to visit Southamerica and all those lovely places next March!
chrissyalex Apr 3, 2003 at 12:55 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page, Richie! Great info and gorgeous pics. I have been reading up on Peru and I am seriously considering visiting there. This page is very helpful and gave me some ideas I had not thought of before! Thanks :-)
sabsi Mar 25, 2003 at 11:10 PM Report Abuse

I read this....