How to Prepare for Altitude in Cusco and Other Cities
- 25 April, 2026
- by Konsti Sobon


Peru announced a peru emergency state on October 22nd for 30 days focused on Lima and the port area of Callao due to a rise in crime. The measures target security hotspots in the capital, not the country’s main visitor sites. Daily tourism continues, and flights, hotels, and tours remain open.
You can expect more police or military presence in some parts of Lima, which is meant to keep people safe. Popular visitor districts like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro feel normal for travelers. Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu operate as usual. In short, your trip should go ahead with a few smart adjustments.
Below you’ll find practical tips and short answers to common questions so you can plan with confidence. If you want tailored advice for your dates, talk to our team and get a free custom plan.
Talk to a Peru travel expert at Exploor Peru to fine-tune your itinerary.
Think of this as a short-term security boost in parts of Lima. It targets crime prevention in specific zones, mostly away from tourist districts. You might pass more checkpoints on airport roads or see patrols in busy areas. For most travelers, this means small adjustments, not big disruptions.
Most visitors land in Lima, then fly onward to Cusco for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. All of that runs on regular schedules. Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, the three traveler-friendly districts, remain lively and safe-feeling. You can plan city strolls, seaside walks, and dinners with normal care.
If you are connecting through Lima, keep your layover plan simple. Pre-book an airport transfer, or use your hotel’s driver service. Build a little buffer for traffic stops, then relax. Your hotel and guides will have the most accurate local updates.
If you are still shaping your itinerary, see our detailed planning resources and tours:
Contact us for a free quote and custom route recommendations based on your travel dates.

The measures apply in parts of Lima and the port zone of Callao, the capital’s coastal neighbor and home to the international airport. Most travelers only transit here before flying to Cusco. That second flight takes you to the Andes, where Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley sit far from the capital.
Daily life in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro continues. You can picture the route like this: arrive at Lima Airport in Callao, transfer to your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro, then take a short flight to Cusco for your Andean adventures. Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 ft (2,430 m), while Cusco is at 11,152 ft (3,400 m), so plan altitude steps. Our Machu Picchu travel planning guide explains routes and timing that reduce altitude shock.
You may see increased patrols, random checks, and traffic stops, especially on busy city streets and routes to the airport. Authorities can limit large gatherings in select areas to lower crime risk. This is about public safety, not stopping tourism.
Carry a copy of your passport during city outings. Keep the original stored at your hotel, except when flying or checking into hotels. Store emergency contacts in your phone. If you want a local briefing on the day’s conditions, ask your hotel concierge or your guide. For extra clarity, our Lima city tour options include pickup and drop-off so you feel supported door to door.

Airports, airlines, hotels, and museums stay open. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and key Lima sights operate on regular schedules. Tour pickups, private transfers, and trains run as planned unless your provider tells you otherwise.
Keep confirmation emails handy and watch your operator messages. If you like practical logistics support, our team handles timing, pickups, and tickets for you. See our Machu Picchu tours, Sacred Valley cultural experiences, and Humantay Lake hikes with options to avoid the busiest hours.
This is a good time to keep your plans clear and simple. Choose the right neighborhoods, use trusted transport, keep your valuables organized, and follow updates from your hotel and guide. These habits work in any big city, and they help you enjoy your trip without stress.
For a deeper planning checklist, browse our Peru packing list. If you want a custom route that fits your pace, our travel experts can map that out for you.
Get a free trip plan with secure transfers, handpicked hotels, and timed entries to reduce waiting.
Base yourself in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro when in Lima. Visit popular sites during the day and choose well-lit, busy streets after dark. Dine and shop in established spots with solid reviews.
Hotel staff know the day’s conditions. Ask where to walk, where to ride, and the best time to visit the clifftop parks.

Book airport transfers in advance or ask your hotel to arrange a driver. If using rideshare, wait inside the lobby, match the license plate, and sit in the back seat. Traffic checks can add time, so leave earlier for flights and train stations.
Keep driver details and pickup points in your phone. For trips beyond Lima, private transport gives you flexibility and less waiting. All of our tours include vetted drivers and English-speaking guides.
For official travel guidance and alerts, bookmark:
Use a crossbody bag and keep your phone away from the curb side of the street. Carry only the cash you need for the day. Keep your passport copy and a card separate from your phone.
Store your passport, spare cards, and backup cash in the hotel safe. Save digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, and tickets in secure cloud storage.
Follow updates from your hotel, tour operator, and airline alerts. Check your embassy’s travel page for Peru before you fly and once you land. Travel insurance with trip support can help if a schedule shifts. Keep emergency contacts saved, including your hotel front desk and local tour manager.
If you want a direct line to help while traveling, our team provides on-trip support with all Peru tours.

Yes. Major sites and routes remain open. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and museums continue to operate. Confirm train times and tour start times the day before, since schedules can change for normal reasons.
Authorities can limit large gatherings when needed. Most tourist businesses, restaurants, and bars keep normal hours, but rules can vary by district. Check with your hotel or guide for that night’s advice if you plan to stay out late.
No special permits for tourists are expected. Carry your passport or a clear copy when needed for flights, trains, or hotel check-in. Keep travel confirmations ready on your phone.
Follow direction from your hotel, guide, or airline. Build buffer time on travel days. If an activity shifts, ask your operator for a new time or a nearby option. Stay polite and patient at checkpoints.
The peru emergency state centers on public safety in parts of Lima and Callao, while tourism across Peru continues. Keep your plans, choose safe districts, use trusted transport and follow local advice. If you have questions, ask early so we can fine-tune your route and timing. You will still enjoy Peru’s history, food, and landscapes with peace of mind.
Ready to travel with confidence? Contact us for more information or get a free quote today.

No. These destinations operate as usual. The measures focus on parts of Lima and Callao, while flights, trains, hotels, and tours to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu continue on regular schedules.
It applies in parts of Lima and the port area of Callao, where the international airport is located. You may see more patrols, random checks, and traffic stops, especially on airport routes. Authorities can limit large gatherings in select areas. Tourist districts like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro remain active.
No special permits are expected for tourists. Carry your passport or a clear copy when needed for flights, trains, or hotel check-in. Keep booking confirmations on your phone.
Plan extra time for possible traffic stops. For daytime flights, leave at least 3 hours before departure. For late-night flights, 2.5 to 3 hours is usually enough. Confirm timing with your hotel based on live conditions.
Follow updates from your hotel, guide, and airline, and build buffer time on travel days. If plans shift, ask your operator for a new time or a nearby alternative. Save emergency contacts, including your hotel front desk and tour manager.
