These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Perù, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Come funziona: 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.
Come evitarla: 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.
Come funziona: Vendors near sights sell coca sweets, teas or 'altitude pills' to newly arrived visitors at several times the normal shop price.
Come evitarla: 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.
Come funziona: 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.
Come evitarla: 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.
Come funziona: Drivers, especially at the airport or bus terminal, quote inflated fares to arriving tourists or claim a much higher price on arrival than agreed.
Come evitarla: 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.