Backpacking Peru: Best Tips for Peru Travel in 2025

Planning your first backpacking trip to Peru can be a little overwhelming.  

Home to world-class hiking, ancient ruins, picturesque colonial cities, the Amazon Rainforest, deserts, beaches and more, there’s no wonder that Peru makes it onto the bucket list of many. 

But with so much to see in such a diverse country, where do you start?

After backpacking Peru for 2 months, my partner and I truly fell in love with this country. So much so that we went back to live in Cusco for a further 2 months! Using my personal experiences and the most up to date information, I have put together this in-depth guide to backpacking Peru.

Whether you’re packing your bags for a 2 week vacation or looking to spend months on the road, this guide has everything you need in one place to plan your dream adventure.

Why Backpack Peru?

The answer you’re probably waiting to hear is Machu Picchu. This famous wonder of the world is the reason that Peru gets so many visitors each year. 

Although you should absolutely have Machu Picchu on your itinerary, Peru offers so much more than its most popular attraction!

Breathtaking hikes – Right through the centre of Peru runs the largest mountain range in the world – The Andes. Trekking amongst these towering snow-capped peaks, passing bright turquoise glacial lakes and experiencing some of the tallest waterfalls on the continent, is reason enough to backpack Peru.

Rich history – Peru is the origin of multiple historical civilisations, with the most famous being the Incas. Evidence of their existence still remains today in the form of spectacular ruins spread across the entire country. Of course the most famous is Machu Picchu but there is so much beyond this to explore.      

Incredible wildlife – If nature and wildlife is your thing, Peru is home to a large and extremely biodiverse portion of the Amazon Rainforest. This gives you the opportunity to spot some of the most unique animals in the world such as Giant River Otters, Capybara and Pink River Dolphins. Not only this, Peru’s coastline also offers an abundance of wildlife including penguins, sea lions, and in the right season, humpback whales.   

World-class surf beaches – When you think of a beach holiday, Peru is probably not the first place that comes to mind. However, the northern coastline of Peru provides some excellent surfing opportunities for beginners and experts alike. 

Mouth-watering cuisine – Peru is well known for having delicious local food and world-renowned restaurants. If you’re a bit of a foodie, Peru is the best country in South America to backpack.

Sound like your perfect destination? Then let’s get into it!

Peru Backpacking Itineraries

The first step to planning your backpacking trip to Peru is to put together an itinerary. Peru is such a big country that it’s absolutely impossible to see everything so I don’t advise that you try to. 

Below I have listed several routes for backpacking Peru, depending on the amount of time you have to explore. 

The aim of these routes is to optimise the time you have, enabling you to experience the country’s highlights while giving you some time to travel slowly and absorb the true beauty of Peru.

2 Weeks In Peru: The Highlights

• 2 nights in Lima – I recommend beginning your 2 weeks in Peru in the country’s capital, Lima. Stay close to the beach and learn to surf in Miraflores, admire the street art in Barranco, wander the Centro Histórico or eat at a world-renowned restaurant.      

• 1 night in Paracas – Take a morning bus to Paracas. Spend the afternoon exploring the beaches of Paracas National Reserve by buggy. Watch the sunset and admire flamingos at Santo Domingo. The next morning, spot penguins and sea lions on a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands (The Poor Man’s Galapagos!).

• 2 nights in Huacachina – Take an afternoon bus to Huacachina, Peru’s desert oasis. Join a dune buggying and sandboarding tour for a fun adrenaline rush. Watch the sunrise above the dunes and then head wine and pisco tasting at Bodega Tacama Ica. 

• 2 nights in Puno (Lake Titicaca) – Board a night bus from Ica to Puno to visit Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Visit Llachon Peninsula and the Uros Floating Islands by boat. Spend a night at a homestay with a local indigenous family on the remote Amantani Islands.

• 7 nights in Cusco – Depending on budget, enjoy a scenic train ride or take a bus to Cusco. Spend a week here exploring the Sacred Valley and hike the famous Rainbow Mountain, Pallay Punchu or the Ausangate 7 Lagoons. Finish your trip with a visit to Machu Picchu. You can either do one of the multi day hikes or take the train to Aguas Calientes. From here you can reach Machu Picchu by bus. Take a flight back to Lima before your journey home. 

3 Weeks In Peru

If you have 3 weeks to backpack Peru, I recommend visiting all the highlights within the 2 week itinerary, but add in a few extra stops:

• Nazca Lines – After Huacahina, visit the Nazca Lines. The best way to see these geoglyphs is on a 30 minute chartered flight from Nazca airport. Alternatively, climb the ‘ Mirador De Las Lineas De Nazca’, an observation tower located along the Pan-American highway.   

• Arequipa – Following your stay in Nazca, make a stop at Arequipa. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful city in Peru. Spend some time wandering the streets, visiting the San Lázaro neighbourhood, Santa Catalina Monastery and the Plaza de Armas. Walk to the Yanahuara Overlook for epic views of Misti Volcano. 

• Colca Canyon – Visit the 3,300m deep Colca Canyon as a day trip from Arequipa or challenge yourself and embark on a 2 or 3 day trek. 

1 Month In Peru

Peru is such a diverse country, that you could easily spend 1 month or even longer exploring all it has to offer. If you are someone who likes slow travel, I’d recommend following the 2 or 3 week itinerary and spending more time in each place. This way you can really experience the true essence and culture of the destinations. 

If you have an appetite for more, I will share some of my favourite regions below. I recommend adding one or two, depending on what type of experience you crave.

For Nature Lovers – The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon is the largest and most biodiverse rainforest in the world. There are three popular destinations that you can visit in the Peruvian Amazon:

• Tambopata National Reserve – You can reach Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to Tambopata, on a night bus from Cusco. Visit here to watch macaws flock to the world’s largest clay lick and possibly even spot endangered giant river otters at Sandoval Lake. We managed to spot the otters, as well as capybara, many species of monkey and sloths.    

• Manu National Park – Manu can be reached from either Puerto Maldonado or Cusco. This part of the Amazon is perfect for bird watching and exploring on the Manu River.

• Iquitos – Iquitos is a remote city deep within the Amazon jungle that is only accessible by flight. This is the easiest place to visit the Amazon River where you can spot the pink river dolphins. From here you can visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest natural protected area, where it’s possible to see a variety of animals including monkeys and sloths.

For Hiking Enthusiasts – Huaraz

Huaraz, the capital of Peru’s Ancash Region, is where outdoor enthusiasts base themselves to hike within the Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range. This region is home to some of my favourite hikes, not only in Peru but in the world. 

I recommend spending at least a week here, though you could spend much longer as some multi-day treks last up to 12 days. 

• Popular Hikes – Laguna Paron and Laguna 69 are just two of my favourite hikes in the region. Other beautiful hikes include Laguna Churup, Laguna 513, Laguna Llaca, Nevado Mateo Summit, the Santa Cruz Trek and the Huayhuash Trek. 

• Pastoruri Glacier – Another thing to do from Huaraz is to visit Pastoruri Glacier. However, I recommend visiting here sooner rather than later as the glacier is sadly retreating due to climate change.

For Beach Bums And Surf Fanatics – Mancora, Huanchaco & Playa Chicama

If sunbathing on the beach or catching world-class waves is more your thing, the northern coastline of Peru is the place for you.

• Mancora – Peru definitely isn’t the country you think of when looking for your next beach destination, but if you want a well-deserved rest from hiking, Mancora and its surrounding villages offer the best beaches in the country. 

• Huanchaco – While Huanchaco isn’t the prettiest beach, it is one of Peru’s best surfing destinations. The waves here are consistent all year round and offer perfect conditions for both experts and beginners. While here, make a visit to the nearby colonial town of Trujillo and its surrounding ruins.  

• Playa Chicama – Playa Chicama is another popular surf town and is internationally recognised for having the longest left-breaking wave!

For Those Wanting To Get Off The Beaten Path – Cocachimba, Chachapoyas & Cajamarca

Alongside its beaches, the north of Peru boasts some breathtaking waterfalls and culturally rich cities. If you’re looking to have an authentic Peruvian experience while not bumping into as many tourists, look no further!

• Cocachimba – Located where the Amazon Rainforests meets the Andes is the town of Cocachimba. This hidden gem is known for having one of the world’s tallest free falling waterfalls, Gocta Falls. You can visit here as a day trip from Chachapoyas but I highly recommend staying for a few nights to fully experience its magic.  

• Chachapoyas – Chachapoyas is the capital of the Amazon region and is home to the ‘Machu Picchu of the North’, Kuelap. But unlike Machu Picchu, these ruins can be visited by cable car. Other notable places to visit include the Yumbilla Falls, Sonche Cañon, the Museum of Leymebamba, the Cave of Quiocta and Sarcophagi of Karajia. 

• Cajamarca – Alongside Chachapoyas, Cajamarca is another city rich in history. Here you can visit the Ransom Room where the Incan Civilization fell. You can also visit the Ventanillas de Otuzco and the Ventanillas de Combayo tombs or get out into nature and explore Cumbermayo Stone Forest.

Getting To Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is most likely going to be on everyone’s itinerary when backpacking Peru. The hardest part is deciding how you want to get there. The most well-known route is via the Inca Trail but there are many other hikes to choose from. And if you don’t want to hike, there’s an option for you too.

By Train And Bus

Take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, take the bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. There are 3 train companies that you can book with, Peru Rail, Inca Rail or the super luxury Belmond.

If you choose this option, make sure to buy your Machu Picchu entrance tickets at least 1 month in advance as there are limited permits and they sell out quickly. Find out more about purchasing your Machu Picchu permit here.

By Hiking

Inca Trail

Distance: 43 km over 4 days, reaching an altitude of 4200 m. 

The Classic Inca Trail takes you up and down the traditional ancient Incan steps and finishes at the sun gate, looking down on Machu Picchu. Along the trail are a number of Incan ruins which you’ll stop to learn about while enjoying the beautiful Andean scenery. 

A permit is required to hike this trail as well as to enter Machu Picchu, so make sure to book 6-8 months in advance.   

Salkantay Trek 

Distance: 72 km over 4-5 days, reaching an altitude of 4640 m.

The Salkantay Trek takes you through stunning natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to cloud forest. The highlights include Laguna Humantay and the Salkantay Pass, as well as some lesser-known Incan sites.

The trail ends at Aguas Calientes where you will stop for the night before hiking up to Machu Picchu the following day. This is the trek we did with KB Adventures and it is still the highlight of our entire time in Peru.

Lares Trek

Distance: 33 km over 4 days, reaching 4809m

The Lares Trek begins from the town of Lares and ends at Ollantaytambo. From here you’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes the day before hiking to Machu Picchu. 

This is an ‘off the beaten track’ trail that visits some breathtaking spots within the sacred valley, as well as stopping to visit and learn about small rural communities. 

Jungle Trail

The Jungle Trail takes 4 days and does not only include hiking. This option involves adrenaline-fueled activities such as mountain biking, rafting, zip-lining and hiking and ends in Aguas Calientes.  

All of the alternative treks to the Inca Trail do not require a permit which means you don’t have to book them 6 months in advance. However, permits for Machu Picchu can sell out a month in advance in peak season, so make sure not to leave it to the last minute.

Best Time To Backpack Peru

Peru is a large country with various different landscapes and ecosystems. Due to this it has several microclimates which means there’s not one perfect time to backpack all of the regions. However, this does mean that whichever month you decide to travel, there will always be somewhere where the weather will be ideal for your visit.  

The best time to visit the Andes region is in the winter between May and September. This is the country’s dry season which means it provides the best conditions for hiking and visiting Machu Picchu. 

The peak hiking season in Peru lasts from June to August. To avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting in either May or September. Make sure to avoid February as Machu Picchu is closed during this month every year to ensure its preservation. 

The dry season is also the best time to visit Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Huaraz and the northern cities such as Chachapoyas. 

Cocachimba however, is best visited during March. As the rainy season comes to an end, Gocta and Yumbilla Falls will be at their most impressive.

The dry season is also the best time to go trekking in the Amazon Rainforest. Though the Amazon is hot and humid all year round, the dry season brings shorter showers, meaning that the trails are less muddy and there are less mosquitoes. 

However, if you plan to explore by boat, visiting during the wet season will allow for easier navigation as the water levels rise. 

November to March is the best time to visit Lima and the coastline of Peru. These summer months provide warm, sunny weather and a decent northern swell that makes for great surfing.

However, July to October are equally great months to visit the northern coastline, as you may get the chance to spot humpback whales migrating north for breeding season. 

Festivals In Peru

Another great time to backpack Peru is during one of the many festivals that occur throughout the year. 

February marks carnival season, one of the most colourful and festive months in Peru. The Fiesta de la Candelaria can be enjoyed at one of the country’s biggest and most exuberant celebrations in Cajamarca, or in Puno, where they celebrate with traditional dancing and folkloric music.   

If you don’t mind the crowds, the best month to visit Cusco is in June. There are many festivities throughout the month, including the Inti Raymi festival which is held to celebrate the Winter Solstice. 

Language And Communication In Peru

The main language spoken in Peru is Spanish but many locals also communicate in the native language, Quechua. 

Though some locals will speak English in the tourist hotspots, it is essential to learn some basic Spanish to help you to communicate. Speaking Spanish will also allow you to connect with the locals and get a better understanding of the country and its culture. 

To get to know the basics, we like to listen to the Coffee Break Spanish podcast. 

A great thing to do in Peru is to take a Spanish course. Cusco is the perfect place to find really great and affordable Spanish schools that offer packages including food and accommodation.

Useful Phrases

• Habla/s Inglés – Do you speak English?
• Buenos días – Good morning 
• Buenas tardes – Good afternoon 
• Buenas noches – Good evening 
• Cómo estás – How are you? 
• Muy bueno/a – Very good 
• Por favour – Please 
• Gracias – Thank you 
• Disculpe – Excuse me 
• Dónde está – where is X? 
• Cuánto cuesta eso – how much does that cost?
• La cuenta por favour – The bill please  
• Con efectivo – With cash 
• Con tarjeta – With card 
• Abierta/o – Open
• Cerrada/o – Closed 
• Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you 

What to Pack for Peru

Peru can be a little confusing to pack for, especially with all the different climates you have to think about. For a full breakdown of what to pack, you can read our comprehensive packing list for Peru. But for now, here are our essentials:

• Bring lots of layers – Peru is usually warm throughout the day but during the night it gets freezing, especially when you are at high altitude. Packing lots of layers is a great way to combat this so you can regulate your temperature better. 

• Hiking boots – If you are planning on doing one of the main treks, hiking boots are a must as trainers may not survive the rocky terrain. 

• A filtered water bottle – The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. To avoid buying mountains of plastic water bottles, bring a filtered water bottle that allows you to drink from the tap or from rivers and waterfalls when hiking! I recommend the Grayl Geopress Water Bottle. 

• Ear plugs and an eye mask – Whether you are staying in hostel dorms or trying to get some sleep on a night bus, a good pair of silicone ear plugs and an eye mask will be your best friends. 

• Power bank – If you plan to do long multi-day treks, you may want to bring a reliable power bank to keep your phone charged, as it’s likely that you won’t have electricity. I always use an Anker Power Bank and it has never let me down.

Getting To Peru

By Air

If you’re flying into Peru, I recommend landing at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima to begin your trip. However, it is possible to fly into the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco if you’d prefer to begin there, or if you are short on time and wish to spend your trip in one region.

By Land

If you’re already backpacking in one of the neighbouring South American countries, it is possible to cross by land. This option is more affordable and you get to see a bit more of the countries you are travelling, even if it is out of a bus window!  

Almost all the border crossings have the option of a tourist bus or shuttle that will take you through immigration and over the border. While this is often the more convenient option, we always opt for taking public transport as it’s generally much cheaper.

From Ecuador

If you are backpacking between Ecuador and Peru, there are 3 main border crossings.  

Aguas Verdes – The most popular route to take is the coastal border crossing, Aguas Verdes, between Huaquillas in Ecuador and Tumbes in Peru. This border crossing is open 24/7 which means that it’s common to take the Cruz Del Sur or Oltursa night bus from either Cuenca or Guayaquil to Mancora or Piura. 

To cross on local transport, you can take a bus from Quito, Cuenca or Guayaquil directly to the border town of Huaquillas. The official immigration office is a short drive from the town and is named CEBAF on google maps. 

You can take a taxi from Huaquillas to the immigration office to stamp out of Ecuador and into Peru. This costs $10 for a return journey. Once you’re back in Huaquillas it’s just a short walk across the border into Peru.

At the other side, walk to Terminal Terrestre to catch a shared van to the closest city of Tumbes. In Tumbes there are many bus companies that will take you to Mancora or further.

We crossed this border in reverse from Peru into Ecuador. We found it to be safe and easy to navigate but we don’t recommend crossing independently once dark.

La Tina – La Tina is the mountain border crossing between Macará in Ecuador and La Tina in Peru. This is most convenient if you are travelling from Loja. Open 24/7, the Loja to Piura night bus is a popular option.   

To cross this border via local transport, take a bus from Loja to Macara, stamp out at CEBAF Macará immigration office located right on the border. Walk across the bridge into La Tina and stamp into the Peruvian immigration office to your right hand side. 

La Balsa – La Balsa is the jungle border crossing between Zumba in Ecuador and San Ignacio in Peru. This is a much less popular route, but a great option if you are backpacking from Loja or Vilcabamba to Cocachimba or Chachapoyas. This border crossing (as we found out the hard way) is closed on the weekends and only open from around 7:30am-8:30pm. 

Take the local bus from Loja or Vilcabamba to the town of Zumba. From here, take a ‘ranchero’ bus directly to La Balsa. This is a bumpy ride but very scenic. 

Alternatively, there is a 6:15am bus with Sur Oriente that goes from Vilcabamba directly to La Balsa. However there is a 20 minute stop for breakfast in a small village and another stop for around an hour in Zumba. The bus leaves again at around 12pm, arriving at La Balsa at approximately 1:30pm. 

The immigration office is on your left before you cross the bridge out of Ecuador. Directly on the opposite side of the bridge, you can stamp into Peru. From the border you can get a shared van named a ‘combis’ to San Ignacio which takes 1.5 hours or the ‘Expreso Nambija’ to Jaen which takes 3 hours. 

From Jaen, take the bus directly to Chachapoyas. If your first stop is Cocachimba, you can get dropped off at Cocahuayo en route to Chachapoyas. From here catch a TukTuk down the long road to the village. 

From Bolivia

If you’re backpacking up to Peru from Bolivia, the 2 main borders are Desaguadero and Khasani. 

Desaguadero – From La Paz, you can take a shared van from Terminal Cementerio to Desaguadero. The terminal (or really the roadside) on google maps is named ‘Paradero De Minivans A Desaguadero’. This takes you directly to the border town. 

Once you’ve walked through immigration on both sides, take a TukTuk to ‘Terminal Terrestre Desaguadero’. From here, you can catch a bus directly to Puno.  

Khasani – The Khasani crossing is located between Copacabana in Bolivia and Yunguyo in Peru. The shared van to Copacabana also leaves from Terminal Cementerio. Once you arrive in Copacabana, take a taxi or bus to the Khasani border and stamp out at the immigration office on your right hand side.

Cross the border by foot and make your way to Control Migratorio Kasani Perú to stamp in. Then catch a local bus or taxi to Terminal Yunguyo where you’ll find frequent transport to Puno.     

For both of these options, you can also get a tourist bus, a popular company to use is ‘Trans Titicaca’. This option might be more convenient if you plan to travel all the way to Cusco.

From Chile

Chacalluta – While there are a few border crossings between Chile and Peru, the most popular is Chacalluta, between Arica and Tacna. From Arica International Bus Terminal, catch the bus all the way to Tacna. The bus will stop at immigration for you to stamp out of Chile and into Peru. 

From Colombia

Leticia – Leticia border crossing is the best place to cross from Colombia to Peru. You need to go to Leticia airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Alfredo Vásquez Cobo) to stamp out of Colombia. Once you have been through immigration, it is possible to stay in Leticia for 1 day. 

This is the most adventurous border crossing, as from Leticia you need to take a short boat across to Santa Rosa to stamp into Peru. From here there are boats to Iquitos leaving twice a day at 12pm and 4pm. This boat journey takes around 12 hours on the fast boat but can take multiple days on the slow boat.  

From Brazil

Tabatinga – Catching the boat from Santa Rosa to Iquitos is also possible from Brazil. However, before departing Brazil you must stamp out at the police station in Tabatinga. 

Assis – Alternatively you can cross into Peru’s southern section of the Amazon at Ponte de Integração Brasil. This crossing connects Assis in Brazil to Iñapari in Peru. From Assis, you can take a shared van named a ‘combi’ through immigration and onwards to Puerto Maldonado. 

Visas And Immigration To Enter Peru

Tourists from most countries can enter Peru without needing a visa for up to 90 days. The only requirement is that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and has at least one blank page.  

For tourists holding a number of passports, including US, Canada, Britain and Australia, it is possible to extend your visa for up to 183 days with a 365 day period. Visas can be extended at an immigration office or online for just over $3 USD. Alternatively, you can do a border run to a neighbouring country. 

For EU citizens, it is only possible to stay for 90 days within a 180 day period. Find more about Peru visas here.

If you have accidentally overstayed your visa, you will be charged a fine. Fines cost approximately 5 Sol ($1.35 USD) per day that you overstay.

Transport Within Peru

Local Buses and Colectivos – It is possible to get almost anywhere on a local bus or in a colectivo. Colectivos are shared vans that leave their destination once full and run frequently throughout the day. 

This is our preferred method of transport as it’s very budget backpacker friendly. We have taken many journeys and have always found it to be safe. However, to avoid any theft, make sure to keep all your valuables with you, either on your person or in your small carry-on bag.

For longer journeys, you may want to travel with a reputable company for some extra comfort. Cruz Del Sur, Transzela, Civa and Movilbus are some of the popular options. Busbud and Rome2Rio are two good websites to use to find bus routes and which companies operate between them. 

Peru Hop – Peru Hop is a hop on, hop off tourist bus that runs between cities and towns all across Peru. Once you’ve decided which destinations to visit and the duration of your stay, you can select a flexible pass that allows for unlimited hop on and hop off at all your chosen stops. 

This option allows you to travel in luxury but at your own pace. You can also choose specific pick-up locations and times to avoid long waits at bus terminals. This is a great option if you are short on time and want to see as much as possible. I don’t recommend it if you’re travelling on a budget as local transport is much cheaper. 

Train – Train is a popular transport option for those choosing not to hike to Machu Picchu. However, Machu Picchu isn’t the only place you can catch a train to. 

Trains run between Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Puno and Arequipa. Lima to Huancayo is another popular train journey. This option is for the luxury travellers as trains cost anywhere from 50 USD to nearly 8,000 USD!! Yes you read that right!  

Flight – With such long distances to cover, a quicker but less environmentally friendly way to travel is by plane. As I mentioned above, Cusco has an international airport, but there are a few convenient domestic airports as well. Some airports that you might want to fly to include Arequipa, Cajamarca, Trujillo, Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.

Taxi – Taxis are a common way to get around, especially in the larger cities. Make sure to only take marked taxis and to check the price before you get into the car. In Lima it’s possible to get an Uber but it’s important to know that they don’t operate to or from the airport.   

Best Backpacker Accommodation In Peru

In our experience, finding budget friendly and high standard accommodation while backpacking Peru has always been fairly easy. Using a combination of Hostelworld, Booking.com and Airbnb we have not yet had any bad experiences. Whether you want a social hostel, private apartment or luxury hotel, most destinations in Peru will have multiple options that fit to your needs.

Below are some of our recommendations for accommodation across Peru.

Destination	Best Budget Stay	Best Mid-Range Stay	Best Luxury Stay
Lima	Alpes Lima Kennedy Park	Apartment in Lima	INNSiDE by Meliá
Paracas	Viajero Kokopelli Hostel Paracas	Atoq Paracas Reserva	Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort
Huacachina	Viajero Kokopelli Huacachina Hostel	Banana’s Adventure Hostel	Ecocamp Huacachina
Arequipa	Arequipay Backpackers	Acolpacha Tambo Boutique	Plaza Central
Lake Titicaca	Iguana Hostel Puno	Tikawasi Homestay	Allpaluxe Peru Lodge
Cusco	Viajero Kokopelli Hostel Cusco	San Blas Loft	Antigua Casona San Blas
Huaraz	Alpes Huaraz	Selina Huaraz	The Lazy Dog Inn Mountain Lodge
Cocachimba	La Rivera de Gocta	Goctamarca Lodge	Gocta Andes Lodge
Cajamarca	Kinti Wasi Casa de Campo	Casa Bella	Costa Del Sol Wyndham
Chacapoyas	Casa Hospedaje Teresita	Chachapoyas Backpackers Hotel	Duplex Chachapoyas
Mancora	Kinti Guest House	Selina Mancora	Villa Del Sol

Cost Of Backpacking Peru

Peru is a very affordable country to backpack. Though it’s not as cheap as Colombia or Bolivia, you will find much lower prices compared to Chile and Brazil. 

Depending on whether you like to be frugal with your cash or travel in a bit more luxury, your costs will vary. Either way, a trip to Peru is unlikely to break the bank. 

At the lower end of a budget, you can expect to spend around $20-$25 a day. With a little more luxury $40-$45 is a feasible amount. 

Below are some typical costs of backpacking Peru:

• Accommodation: $10 – $30 USD per night
• Local food from a market: $3 – $6 USD per meal   
• Dining at a restaurant: $6 – $15 USD per meal
• Groceries: $4 – $10 USD for a meal for 2
• Colectivo: $0.8 – $2 USD per journey
• Local Bus: $4 – $15 USD for longer journeys 
• Activities: $2 – $40 USD 
• Hiking to Machu Picchu: $200 – $1600 USD dependant on trail and tour company
• Nightlife: $6 – $18 USD 

Currency And Withdrawing Cash In Peru

Peru’s currency is Sol. You can find out the the conversion rate for today below:

Unless you are going somewhere remote, it is easy to withdraw Sol from ATMs. However, many banks charge a fee when you are using an international bank card. The bank that does not charge any fees is called Banca de la Nación Multired so make sure to use their ATMs where you can.

Backpacking Tips: Peru On A Budget

If you’d like to stick to a lower budget, here are some tips to help you save money while backpacking Peru:

• Eat local food – Peruvian local food is both delicious and cheap. In the evenings it is common to find good street food but eating at local markets during the day is also a great option.

• Use public transport – Using the local bus and colectivo systems rather than flying, taking the trains or jumping on Peru Hop can reduce your costs significantly. We have always found public transport in Peru to be frequent, reliable and safe.   

• Hitchhike – If you wish to reduce your transport costs even further, it’s not uncommon to hitchhike in Peru. We have used this method a few times and we have always made great connections with local people this way. 

• Stay in hostels – If you are a solo traveller, staying in hostel dorms can cost you as little as $5 USD per night. However, if you are backpacking as a couple like us, sometimes it can be just as cheap to grab a private room or stay in an airbnb.  

• Volunteer in Peru – Volunteering is a great way to get free accommodation and food in exchange for a few hours of work per week. This is an amazing option if you want to stay in one place for a while. 

The platform that we use to find volunteering opportunities is Worldpackers. Worldpackers has a yearly fee of $49 USD but you can save $10 USD with our code ‘ESCAPETONEWPLACES’.  

What To Eat In Peru

Peru is well known for having delicious and world-renowned cuisine, so it’s only right that you try some while you are here. Though a lot of it is meat focused, there are also some great options for vegetarians! 

• Ceviche – Ceviche is one of the most popular national dishes of Peru. It consists of cold-cooked fish that is marinated in lime juice and is typically served with red onion, boiled corn and sweet potato. 

• Lomo Saltado – Lomo Saltado is a common flame-cooked beef dish. It is part of the Chifa cuisine that blends Chinese food with Peruvian influence. When the Chinese migrated to Peru back in 1850, they brought a variety of cooking techniques with them that are still used today. The dish is cooked in a wok with Peruvian ingredients such as amarillo chillies, tomatoes and red onion and it’s traditionally served with rice and fries.  

• Cuy & Alpaca – In Peru you will find that they eat some unusual meat. Guinea Pig (or Cuy in Spanish) and Alpaca are the most popular. 

• Rocoto Relleno – Rocoto Relleno are spicy peppers (or in fact red chillies) that are hollowed out and stuffed with ground beef, garlic, onion, raisins, olives, herbs and spices. They are then topped with cheese and baked in an egg and milk custard. But beware, these are super spicy!

• Papas A La Huancaina – if you are vegetarian, this is a good one to try. Peru has over 4000 species of potatoes so it’s only right that their cuisine includes them. This dish is made of slices of potatoes covered in a delicious creamy sauce.

• Pisco Sours – A trip to Peru is not complete without trying their national cocktail. Pisco is a Peruvian spirit and to make this delicious cocktail it is mixed with lime juice, syrup and egg whites. This is possibly my favourite cocktail of all time!

SIM Cards in Peru

It’s worth getting yourself a local SIM card, especially if you plan to backpack Peru for longer than a few weeks. 

The best providers to go with are Claro and Movistar as they provide the best coverage. If you are staying within major cities or tourist spots, EnTel and BiTel should work just fine. 

Data packages range from $2-$12 USD depending on the amount of data and length of time that you need it for.

Is Peru Safe?

The short answer is yes! We have spent months in Peru and have never once felt unsafe. As a female traveller, I have always felt safe to go out alone, even in the less touristy and more remote areas. 

Peru has varying levels of crime just like any other country. It is important to exercise the same caution as you would at home, particularly in large cities. Though violent crime towards tourists is extremely uncommon, you should always watch out for pickpockets and local scams. Using a money belt for your valuables is always a good idea. 

Avoiding Illness In Peru

Food & Water Hygiene – Food poisoning is not uncommon in Peru (speaking from experience). It is best to be a little cautious with street food and the tap water. I recommend packing a filtered water bottle, alongside some Imodium and rehydration sachets. 

Altitude Sickness – Another common sickness in Peru is caused by altitude. Altitude sickness typically occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly and your body struggles to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels. 

Symptoms of altitude sickness include a headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath. 

The best way to avoid this is to increase your altitude slowly in order to acclimatise. This means don’t start with the most difficult and highest hike! Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid overexertion, especially during your first few days at altitude.   

Travel Insurance

Before you begin your backpacking trip across Peru it is important to purchase travel insurance. While it might seem like an annoying extra expense, if anything goes wrong on your travels it could be a lifesaver. 

It can be difficult to find good backpacker insurance, especially if you are going on a long trip to multiple countries. The one we use and recommend is Big Cat Travel Insurance, although we’ve never had to claim (touch wood) so we can’t comment on their claims process. 

Other good insurance companies to consider include World Nomads Travel Insurance and SafetyWing. 

Backpacking Peru: Final Thoughts

If you are still considering whether to visit Peru as your next backpacking destination, all I can say is you won’t regret it. There is so much to do and see with something for absolutely everyone.

We were so hooked from our first visit that we had to come back to live here as one trip was just not enough!

I hope that this comprehensive guide to backpacking Peru gave you all the information you need to plan your own epic adventure. If there are any burning questions you have that we didn’t cover, make sure to check out our more detailed guides on specific destinations across Peru or drop me an email and I’ll be happy to help!

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