Solo Travel in Peru: Ultimate Guide & Honest Thoughts

Peru is one of South America’s top destinations and an excellent choice for solo travellers. Home to Machu Picchu, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Andes Mountains, Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world.

I spent almost six weeks travelling alone in Peru. I know how scary it can be to arrive in an unfamiliar country and navigate it alone. And that’s exactly why I’ve written this guide.

Here, I’ve shared everything I know about solo travel in Peru. While Peru doesn’t always have the best safety reputation, it’s a fantastic country for solo travel.

In this post, you’ll find all you need to know about travelling alone in Peru. This includes safety information about Peru, where to visit, and some helpful tips. While this guide is tailored towards solo female travellers, it can be helpful for anyone considering a solo trip to Peru.

Enjoy, and thanks for reading!

Peru and South America as a whole don’t exactly have the best reputation when it comes to safety. Peru is known for its political instability and civil unrest. However, it’s generally safe to travel in. (At least safer than other nearby countries such as Ecuador and Venezuela).

The main dangers of solo travel in Peru are:

• Political unrest
• Petty crime
• Dangerous dogs
• Scams

To be fair, these are ‘dangers’ in most places in the world. I’ve not said these to put you off going, but it’s important to be aware of potential issues.

Unfortunately, most destinations in Latin America have a reputation for being dangerous. However, for the most part, it’s perfectly okay to travel by yourself (yes, even as a woman!).

I travelled solo in Peru for six weeks. This gave me time to experience the country as a solo female traveller… and I loved it.

Peru is one of the most diverse countries I’ve ever been to. From the jungle to the mountains and the desert to the coast, Peru has a bit of everything.

And the truth is: Peru welcomes tourists with open arms. With friendly locals, an amazing culture and the most delicious food, Peru is a fantastic place for a solo traveller.

I never once felt unsafe on my trip to Peru. The local people were always willing to help, and the tour guides I encountered couldn’t have been friendlier and more knowledgable.

Of course, this is just my personal experience. Crimes against tourists can occur in Peru, and it’s important to be vigilant and not let your guard down.

Nighttime is also when the stray dogs in Peru tend to be more aggressive. I didn’t find them to be anywhere near as bad as the ones in Bolivia, but they’re still territorial.

When I was in Peru, it got dark at around 6 p.m. This meant it was almost impossible to avoid walking alone in the dark. If I walked on quiet streets with dogs, I’d always carry a rock just in case.

However, there have been cases of tourists being taken to ATMs and forced to withdraw money. While this is rare, it can happen.

You can book your taxis through your accommodation. Most often, they’ll only recommend taxi drivers they’re familiar with. Most popular cities, such as Cusco and Lima, also have Uber (and it’s cheap)!

If you do flag down a taxi, make sure the taxi meter is turned on (or agree a good price in advance).

Most of the hotels and hostels in Peru have a safe, meaning you can lock away anything valuable.

While you’re walking around, ensure your bag is securely locked. I use a cross-body bag that stays on my front, which makes it very hard for someone to try to open it.

This might not be necessary if you’re going out for dinner. However, if you plan to go on a solo hike or go further afield, it’s a good idea for someone to know where you are.

Peru has a stray dog problem. Thousands of them roam the streets. During the day, they don’t tend to be a problem, but once the sun has set, they can become very territorial.

I don’t recommend walking down quiet streets alone. There are likely to be dogs there, and they could see you as a threat.

If you encounter any dogs, have a rock to hand that you can throw towards them (and hopefully scare them away).

Thankfully, Peru is a vast country with so much to see that’s already established. There are also some fantastic lesser-known gems, such as Huaraz or Trujillo. So, it’s still possible to get off the beaten path.

Before booking anything, double-check that the agency exists. You can do this using Google or by asking your accommodation. If in doubt, I’d suggest going with a reputable company or booking through your hotel/hostel.

It’s common for people to come and ask for money for a sick family member, especially in the more remote areas. This didn’t happen to me in Peru, but it did in Bolivia. The best thing to do is say no and walk away.

Another common scam in Peru often occurs outside in places such as markets or tourist hot spots. Thieves will throw something at you, such as mud or paint. As they rush over to apologise and wipe it off, they steal from your pockets and bag.

Always ensure you’re being given the correct change, and never take your eyes off your valuables.

How to get around Peru

Despite being a huge country, getting around Peru is relatively easy. Just be prepared for some very long overnight buses.

Peru Hop

One of the most common ways solo travellers get around Peru is to use the popular Peru Hop. This hop-on, hop-off service has fixed routes around the country.

It covers most of the main destinations, and the guides can also help you to book your tours and activities. The best part is that you can stay in each destination for however long you want.

Peru Hop is a fantastic choice for solo travellers as it’s a great way to meet others. I met several solo travellers while using Peru Hop, including one I travelled with for a while.

If you’re nervous about solo travel, it can also help alleviate those pesky fears. You’ll have an English-speaking guide, travel with a reputable company, and be able to get help whenever you need it.

However, Peru Hop isn’t the best option for everyone. I’m glad I only used it for part of my trip around Peru. If you’ve already travelled solo in South America or are confident using the buses, you don’t need to use Peru Hop.

👉 Find out more about Peru Hop in my comprehensive guide. I’ve shared everything you need to know, plus whether or not I think it’s worth it.

Public buses

The best way to get around Peru is to use its comprehensive network of buses. Buses in South America don’t have the best reputation, but I found the buses a reliable way to get around.

Most of the buses in Peru are overnight buses. This is because they cover long distances and you can skip paying for accommodation.

It takes a while to get used to the overnight buses. But once you’ve tried them, you’ll never want to go back. My last bus in South America was a 12-hour DAY bus… never again! At least at night you can try to sleep.

When choosing your bus, it’s important to go with a reputable company. The best bus companies in Peru include Cruz del Sur and Julio Cesar.

🚎 I use Busbud to book all of my buses in Peru. They only list the best companies and have an excellent customer service team.

I honestly found the buses in Peru absolutely fine. Most companies have their own bus station, making them much easier to navigate than in Bolivia. You can also check in your luggage to avoid the hassle of getting it on and off the bus.

There are daily direct flights between Lima and Cusco. You can also fly between popular spots such as Arequipa, Iquitos, and Piura.

Flying in Peru can be expensive, but it’s an efficient way of getting around this vast country!

For those who are unfamiliar, a small group tour is essentially a pre-organised multi-day trip through a country (or countries). Most tours include an English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation and even sometimes meals and activities.

If you’re nervous, it’s one of the best ways to travel solo. And I will fight with anyone who says this isn’t “real” solo travel.

Sure, you might not be travelling entirely alone. But you’ve still gone to a new country alone, something not many people are brave enough to do.

My absolute favourite tour company is G Adventures. They offer small group tours all over the world and are exceptional at what they do. I’ve done over ten tours with them, and they’ve never disappointed me.

G Adventures has several tours in Peru. These include “budget” tours for under-40s and a range of mid-range and luxury tours.

They also have tours that include the Inca Trail and the Amazon Rainforest.

Check out all the tours that G Adventures offers in Peru

Where to go in Peru as a solo traveller

Peru is a huge country with much to see and do. I spent six weeks there, and it didn’t feel like nearly enough time to see everything. I’ll definitely be returning one day.

I could write an entire article about all the places to go (and probably will). But for now, here’s a quick overview of the best places to visit as a solo traveller in Peru.

Lima

Let’s start with Peru’s capital, Lima. Visitors often overlook the city and use it only as a place to stay for a night before or after catching a flight.

But I LOVED Lima. It’s a very underrated city. Sure, there might not be much going on, but it has a great vibe and culture (and some incredible food spots). It’s somewhere I can see myself returning to one day for a more extended period.

If you’re a cat lover, you MUST visit the cat park. Yes, Lima has its very own cat park. It’s filled with friendly strays and is a haven for them in the city.

Cusco

The city of Cusco is the main tourist destination in Peru. It is the hub for several historical sites and natural attractions, including the famous Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain (which is overrated, by the way!).

The beautiful Inca city is located in the Andes Mountains, so it’s also a great base for hiking. There are several fantastic hikes from Cusco, including the famous Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Ausangate.

Related read: Is the Salkantay Trek better than the Inca Trail? I’ve answered all in this guide.

Whatever’s on your list of things to do in Peru, be sure to add Cusco to your itinerary.

Arequipa

Arequipa is another one of the country’s major cities. This quaint spot showcases the colonial side of Peru and is a wonderful place to spend a couple of days.

Most people visit Arequipa to see Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s most famous natural attractions.

This stunning canyon is one of the deepest in the world. You can visit on a day trip from Arequipa or hike down into the canyon overnight.

Personally, I think a day trip is sufficient. The canyon is beautiful, but I don’t think you gain much by hiking into it (other than very sore knees!).

If you’re short on time in Peru, I would prioritise another hike, such as the Salkantay or one in Huaraz.

👉🏻 This tour is a great option for those planning to visit the Canyon on a day trip.

🥾 If you want to go deeper into the canyon, consider this overnight tour.

Huacachina

Huacachina is by far one of the most Instagrammable places in Peru!

This desert oasis is close to the city of Ica and is an excellent place for sandboarding and riding sand buggies.

Huacachina is a backpacker hot spot and a fantastic destination for solo travellers.

Peru truly has it all!

The Amazon Rainforest

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest was one of the highlights of my trip to Peru. I had visited the Amazon in Ecuador and Bolivia, but my experience in Peru was very special.

Read next: There are several ways to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Peru. Discover all the different options in my guide

For those who don’t have time to read my guide, Manu National Park is one of the best places to visit the Amazon in Peru (if not the BEST place).

This remote area is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. I saw so much incredible wildlife here, including jaguars and several species of monkeys.

I highly recommend visiting the Manu Reserve (and not the cultural zone) if you have the time. The tours take at least six days, but you go a lot deeper into the jungle.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is another popular destination in Peru. At 4,000 metres, it’s the highest navigable lake in the world.

To visit Lake Titicaca in Peru, you’ll first need to head to the city of Puno. From here, you can go to Uros and visit the famous floating islands.

The Uros Floating Islands are a group of artificial islands made from totora reeds. The Uros people have lived on the floating islands for centuries.

They built the islands to isolate themselves from other cultures, but now they welcome tourists. It’s even possible to stay with local families.

I always like to be honest on my blog, and I didn’t especially love it here. It felt very crowded and touristy. You couldn’t go anywhere without being asked to buy something, and it felt like it had lost a little authenticity.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t go, but I like to share my honest opinions.

Personally, I think the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find the absolutely gorgeous Isla del Sol.

If you plan to visit Bolivia, I highly recommend adding Isla del Sol to your itinerary.

Huaraz

Ah, Huaraz. This once little-known gem in the north is quickly growing in popularity. While most people assume Cusco is the hiking capital of Peru, it’s arguably Huaraz.

This city is a great base to explore the surrounding Andes Mountains. The area is home to several incredible day hikes, including Laguna 69.

For avid hikers, you’ll also find the Huayhuash trek. This six to twelve-day hike is known to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

Despite not being as popular as other places on this list, I had no issue in Huaraz as a solo traveller. There were plenty of other people around.

I wouldn’t recommend going hiking here alone. This area is known for being unpredictable, with extreme weather and even avalanches. There are plenty of tour operators in town to book with (if you can’t find a hiking buddy).

Related read: How to hike alone as a woman

Sadly, I got very sick in Huaraz and had to leave. I was gutted! I’m planning to return next year to finish the hikes.

Tip: The best time to hike in Huaraz is the winter. The trails can be very inaccessible during the summer.

Mancora

Peru isn’t exactly known for its beaches, but there are a couple of good spots.

The northern town of Mancora is a great place to unwind and relax. It also has a reputation for being a backpacker party town, making it a great place to meet others.

Mancora is close to the Ecuador border. It’s only really worth visiting if you’re travelling to or from Ecuador (unless you have enough time to head that far north).

Mancora is also a great place to go whale watching in Peru. During the winter months, this part of the Pacific Ocean becomes a haven for humpback whales.

Hiking the Inca Trail solo

Hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu are the most popular things to do in Peru. But can you do it alone? Absolutely!

Firstly, you don’t *have* to hike the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu (although I would recommend it).

The 4-day hike follows in the footsteps of the Incas. You pass through some incredible scenery over the hike and finish at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Inca Trail is by no means easy, and it won’t be doable for everyone. Thankfully, you can visit Machu Picchu on a day trip from the town of Aguas Calientes.

Important tip: Book your Inca Trail or Machu Picchu tickets as far in advance as possible! Both operate on a permit system, and tickets often sell out.

In terms of hiking the Inca Trail as a solo traveller, it’s no different to anywhere else in Peru. You must have a guide to do the trek, so you can join a guided tour. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

👉🏻 This is one of the most highly-rated tours of the Inca Trail

So, while you’re still technically travelling solo, you won’t be truly alone on the Inca Trail.

For those visiting Machu Picchu as a day trip without the hike, you don’t need to worry about being alone. I saw plenty of solo travellers while at Machu Picchu.

If you’d like some company, consider joining a tour or hiring a guide once you get to Machu Picchu.

Peru solo travel: Helpful tips

I didn’t get on with my eSIM in Peru. The coverage was useless, and it was very expensive. After a few days, I bought a Claro SIM card in Cusco. It was so much better!

Annoyingly, ATMs aren’t cheap in Peru. The only free ATMs in Peru are Banco de Nacion (MultiRed ATMs). Most major areas have one, so try to find one to avoid paying high withdrawal fees. Just be prepared for some LONG queues.

I also found that many hotels and hostels were happy to accept USD.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone and everyone. It doesn’t matter how fit or healthy you are.

When you arrive at altitude from sea level, it’s common to feel breathlessness and have a headache. These symptoms can quickly improve, but they can become more serious.

It’s worth researching altitude sickness before travelling to Peru. This way, you can know what to expect and understand more serious symptoms to look out for.

It’s also important to let your body acclimate once you reach high altitude. Don’t push yourself, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of water. The local remedy for altitude sickness is coca tea, which is sold in most shops and cafes.

It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of your route before starting in Peru. The last thing you want to do is take an 18-hour bus journey only to realise there’s somewhere else you want to go, which requires going back on yourself.

The most common route is Lima > Ica & Huacachina > Paracas > Arequipa > Cusco > Puno.

If you plan to visit other places, such as the Amazon Rainforest, Mancora or Huaraz, you’ll need to take a slightly different route.

Busbud is a great way to plan your buses in Peru.

It’s worth noting that many of the Indigenous locals speak a language called Quechua. However, you’ll find that most of the staff in tourist areas can speak Spanish.

Consider booking accommodation along with a bus

One of the best things about overnight buses is saving money on accommodation. If you arrive at 5 a.m., there’s no need to pay for accommodation the night before.

However, I quickly learned that this also has its disadvantages.

After a long overnight bus, all you want to do is get into bed and sleep. Waiting several hours to check in can be painful.

I made this mistake a few times and eventually started booking accommodation for the same night as my bus so I could go straight to bed.

Some hostels do allow you to check-in early. I normally asked in advanced to see what was possible.

In *most* cases, it’s possible to get a 90-day visa on arrival (both on land and at the airport). However, it’s important to check this before travelling as it’s not the same for every country.

This includes not walking alone at night, not flaunting your belongings and verifying your taxi driver.

If you’re on a tight schedule, I recommend sticking to one or two areas of Peru. This way, you’ll be able to explore each area without rushing.

The best destinations in Peru are spread far apart, and you don’t want to spend all your time in Peru on overnight buses.

There are lots of new and modern hostels opening all the time. I found them friendly, social and a great place for a solo traveller. Many of them also have private rooms, so you can get the best of both worlds.

Thanks to long drives and beating the crowds, guides are keen to get on the road as early as possible.

If you want to see Rainbow Mountain without the crowds, you have to leave at 3 a.m.

Although this is the peak season and the trails can be busy, it’s a good time to go hiking. With cool days and (hopefully) clear skies, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails.

Read more: When is the best time of year to visit Peru? Find out in my guide!

Avoid the rainy season (November to April) if you want to go hiking. Many trails are inaccessible during this period (although the Inca Trail is open all year except February).

It’s one of those places where anything goes, and you don’t need to worry about covering your knees or shoulders.

Having said that, I suggest packing some practical clothes for the day trips. If you visit between May and October, it can get very cold (it can even be chilly in the summer months).

Most day trips are quite active, so you’ll want to be comfortable. Activewear with comfortable shoes is the best option.

Summary: Is Peru good for solo travellers?

Peru is an excellent destination for solo female travellers. It has a well-established tourist route, it’s relatively easy to get around, and there are plenty of other backpackers and solo travellers.

I don’t think any country in South America is necessarily the best place to go for a first-time solo trip. It’s much more challenging than backpacking in Southeast Asia or places like Mexico.

However, if I had to pick a country there, I’d say Peru would be the best option for first-time solo female travellers.

Travelling solo in Peru is a great way to explore this beautiful country, and also push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Pros of travelling alone in Peru

✅ It’s relatively easy to get around

✅ It’s a popular backpacking destination, meaning lots of solo travellers

✅ It’s well-trodden and generally a safe country

✅ There is so much to see and do to keep you occupied

✅ It’s easy to meet others

✅ You can go at your own pace

Cons of travelling alone in Peru

❌ It’s more expensive than in other countries, especially for a solo traveller

❌ It can be challenging to go out alone at night

❌ It’s not always safe to go off-the-beaten-path (especially in rural areas)

❌ Using the local buses alone can be intimidating

I hope you found this article about solo travel in Peru helpful. Share on social media or save for later. Thanks for reading.