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4 documented scams across 1 destinations

Tourist scams in Peru — and how to avoid them

These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Peru, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.

Fake tour agencies and tickets

Wie es funktioniert: Unregistered agencies or street sellers offer cheap Machu Picchu tours or 'tickets' that turn out to be invalid, overpriced or non-existent, sometimes taking a deposit and vanishing.

Wie man es vermeidet: Book Machu Picchu entry and trains through official channels or a well-reviewed licensed agency. Get written confirmation and never pay large sums to a street tout.

Altitude-remedy overcharging

Wie es funktioniert: Vendors near sights sell coca sweets, teas or 'altitude pills' to newly arrived visitors at several times the normal shop price.

Wie man es vermeidet: Buy remedies from a pharmacy or ordinary shop, not from touts at viewpoints. Many hotels offer coca tea free, and simple rest and water help most.

Market shortchange

Wie es funktioniert: In busy markets or taxis a seller returns the wrong change, claims you paid with a smaller note, or rushes the transaction to confuse you.

Wie man es vermeidet: Count your change before moving on, state clearly the value of the note you hand over, and keep small denominations to pay closer to the exact price.

Taxi overcharging

Wie es funktioniert: Drivers, especially at the airport or bus terminal, quote inflated fares to arriving tourists or claim a much higher price on arrival than agreed.

Wie man es vermeidet: Agree the fare before getting in, use an official airport taxi desk or a booking app, and know the rough local price for your route in advance.

Know the fair prices tooThe other half of not getting ripped off in Peru: what things should actually cost.See fair prices in Peru