We’ve all been there—we Google a place, write down the things we think are important to remember, pack to the best of our ability, then embark on an adventure. It usually all works out—as long as you’re willing to be flexible and take things in stride. While going with the flow can be great, the best way to learn exactly what you should know is from someone who’s been there. So, after three months of living in Peru, here are 7 of the most important things I wish I knew before visiting Peru.

1. Everything is pretty inexpensive, especially the food

If you’re about to pay U.S. prices for a meal, you have probably fallen into one of the many tourist-trap restaurants. When it comes to shopping for food or going out to eat in Peru, nearly everything is pretty cheap. You might feel odd at first paying $2 USD for a three-course meal or $4 for take-out Chinese food—I know I sure did—but you’ll quickly realize that price does not necessarily correlate with deliciousness.

Yes, there are certainly a number of places worth the splurge, like Central—the fourth best restaurant in the world located in the heart of Lima—but some of my favorite meals in Peru were under $5, eating authentic Peruvian cuisine in quaint hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

2. Things may be cheap, but Western goods aren’t always available

I’m not sure what it is about peanut butter, but it seems that once you’ve entered Peru, it is nearly impossible to find quality peanut butter. While everything is relatively inexpensive, especially food, not everything you are used to will be readily available. In Peru, you will be hard-pressed to find Western candies and chips, pre-packaged vegan foods, and, while avoiding gluten was not a problem for me, it was almost impossible to find the American gluten-free brands I had grown to love. Be sure to plan ahead if there is something you absolutely cannot live without. And yes, I have since packed at least three jars of my beloved peanut butter each time I go somewhere new for an extended period of time.

3. Get ready to do a LOT of hiking

This one is especially applicable if you’re planning to travel/move to Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, or Puno. These places are smack-dab in the middle of the Andes Mountains, so be prepared to do a lot of uphill hiking. I thought I was in good shape until I started hiking in Cusco—boy, was I wrong. Between the incline and altitude, even the most in-shape travelers may want to train a bit beforehand if planning to climb the Rainbow Mountains, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, or do general sightseeing in the more mountainous regions of Peru.

4. The mountain views will take your breath away—literally

I will admit that I was warned about this, yet I still made the mistake of thinking that I would be immune to altitude sickness. The altitude in the center of Cusco is over 11,000 feet, with the peaks of the mountains surrounding it getting to the upper 12,000s. While some people are more prone to it than others, you will get altitude sickness if you push yourself too hard. I, unfortunately, learned this the hard way.

Luckily, coca—a mild stimulant that combats thirst, hunger, pain, and fatigue—can help. Coca leaves, coca candy, and coca tea are plentiful, as are cans of oxygen you can rent or buy, both of which will effectively help you combat the effects of the high altitude. Take it easy your first day in Cusco or anywhere with an elevation of over 10,000 ft. Even walking around the hilly city of Cusco can feel difficult while you are adjusting to the altitude.

Trying to climb the tallest, most beautiful mountain your first day may result in an interesting story for years to come, but probably won’t make for an enjoyable climb. As a general rule of thumb, allow at least a day before trying to tackle the mountainous ruins in and surrounding Cusco, and at least two days before embarking on the Inca Trail.

BEWARE: alcohol will affect you more quickly at high altitudes!

5. You’ll see stray dogs everywhere

The dogs are pretty harmless, but you should expect to see stray dogs in the middle of the road. This definitely induced a bit of culture shock in me, a girl born and raised in suburbia where dogs were rarely seen without leashes or in fenced-in yards. Just keep in mind that if you feed the dogs, you will become their new best friends, for better and for worse. Sometimes you really don’t want a stray dog following you to the gym at 5 am, but hey, what are you gonna do?

6. Bus rides can feel like near-death experiences, especially in the Andes

When I was living in Cusco, my friends and I decided it’d be a good idea to get a cheap bus from Cusco to the Amazon Rainforest. What we did not expect was the terrifying experience that came with it. Barreling down the side of a mountain on windy, one-lane roads, passing crosses that marked where people had perished in the past is not my idea of fun. For a few more dollars, buy a plane ticket and save yourself 12-hours of terror.

Side note: the buses up to Machu Picchu can also be scary, but the drivers are very experienced. Try not to look down the side of the cliff and you’ll do fine!

7. Be prepared to fall in love with the people and the culture

Peru is amazing! It is the perfect blend of culture and history while still having modern amenities. From Incan history to Amazonian eco-tours, boating in Lake Titicaca to exploring the more modern city of Lima, if you let yourself, you will fall in love with Peru.

In just three months living in Cusco, I met so many wonderful people! I was welcomed into my host mother’s family and was able to immerse myself in rich Peruvian culture. Traveling and living in Peru is all what you make of it. If you approach your experience with an open mind and a willingness to genuinely connect with locals over a Pisco Sour or two, you are sure to walk away with a new-found love.

Wondering how to have an amazing experience like mine? Talk to one of LocalAventura’s travel experts! You’ll get exclusive tips and tricks on visiting Peru like a pro.