For anyone planning their next solo vacation to South America, Peru is a must-see destination, not just because it has one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, but also because there are so many thrilling things to do. Our country is diverse, with adventures and experiences for every kind of traveler, and we’ll tell you all about the incredible sites you definitely must visit during your journey.
Similarly, we’ve compiled some safety guidelines and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. Peru has excellent tourism infrastructure, and exploring the country is simple if you have the right data. As a result, we created this section to assist you in planning your vacation based on your interests and, most importantly, to ensure that you have a pleasant yet safe experience.
Best Destinations for Solo Travelers in Peru
Our country is divided into three geographical regions and each of them has unique places to visit and distinctive cultural expressions. Depending on what you’re looking for, here we have gathered the top attractions to visit Peru as a solo traveler:
Huaraz
For those looking for a bit of adrenaline during their trip, Huaraz might have what you’re looking for. Also known as the Trekking Capital of Peru, it is one of the main travel destinations in the country since it comprises a mountainous paradise for every trekker.
For those who didn’t know, Huaraz is located in northern Peru, an 8-hour drive from the city of Lima. This small city is the starting point for most treks going to the Huascaran National Park.
The Ancash region receives around 220,000 tourists per year, making it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Peru. This part of the Peruvian Andean mountain range holds peaks that surpass 6,000 meters of elevation among other natural wonders.
Therefore, those looking to get immersed in the natural heritage of our country are highly attracted by the distinctive scenery of the Cordillera Blanca since it offers the perfect setting for outdoor activities.
From multiple-day climbing tours to day trips, Peruvian Switzerland could have everything you’ve been longing to do during your stay in South America. There are so many things to do in Huaraz that we need to do a full guide about it, make sure to read it while you’re here!
Trujillo
In case you’re more into the coastside of the country, then Trujillo might be the right choice for you! This picturesque city in northern Peru holds the most authentic archeological sites and scenic beaches around it. If you’d like to know another side of our prehispanic history, then the so-called City of Eternal Spring has the best options.
Long before our era, many important civilizations were established in these lands, leaving a legacy that paved the way for succeeding cultures, including the Incas. Likewise, Trujillo is located only a few minutes away from the Pacific coast and is the perfect surfing spot in Peru.
The Huanchaco beach is the perfect stop for those looking to just take a break from the tourist attractions, though it’s been gaining popularity over the years since it is located near such majestic archaeological sites and offers the perfect setting to surf in Peru.
Besides, the northern gastronomic expression is as delightful as you can imagine, this is surely the perfect place to try ceviche and a refreshing Pisco sour while watching the sunset from the Pacific Ocean’s shores.
Also, you can discover the Caballito de Totora, an ancient boat made entirely of totora reed, a tradition that has been carried out since pre-Inca times. Certainly an unmissable destination in northern Peru!
Arequipa
If your itinerary takes you to southern Peru, Arequipa must be on your bucket list. Arequipa is the second-largest city in the country and holds the most impressive colonial center in Peru thanks to its architectural style and the use of a volcanic rock called Sillar Blanco.
Besides, the entire city is surrounded by three towering volcanoes, making its landscapes even more diverse and undeniably impressive. Arequipa is also the starting point for many adventure sports like white-water rafting in the Chili River and the Colca Canyon treks.
There are so many things to do in Arequipa, making it an unmissable attraction south of Lima, not only for its natural wonders but its history and cultural expression. Also, if you’re worried about altitude sickness, this could be the best place to start your adventure through the Andes since it’s located at 2,335 meters above sea level.
Cusco
It would be a sin to leave the Imperial City of Cusco off this list, as it is Peru’s most popular travel destination, not only because of Machu Picchu but also because of its cultural expression and long history, where two eras merge in the heart of the city. Cusco is the most complete travel destination in the country, with attractions for all ages and sizes.
This is every solo traveler’s favorite region thanks to the many things to do there. If you’re thinking about where you should stay longer in Peru, Cusco is the right option. Here you’ll be able to take the most visually striking trails to different natural wonders and Machu Picchu itself.
Tambopata National Reserve
Puerto Maldonado is a beautiful city located right at the heart of the southern jungle, connected to Bolivia and Brazil by the Interoceanic highway. This special spot is easily accessible by car from Cusco and by flight from Lima and Cusco airports.
If you’re visiting the Tambopata National Reserve, this will be your first stop! The city is known as the happiest entrance to the jungle, thanks to its impressive natural sceneries and cultural expression. This national reserve is one of the most visited parts of the Peruvian jungle since it is easily accessible from the city of Puerto Maldonado.
It is considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet since it gathers thousands of plant and animal species. Therefore, it is very popular among visitors thanks to the different ecolodges that offer a total immersion in the lush nature of the region.
Likewise, they look to promote and raise awareness about the importance and impact of this beautiful natural resource on the world.
But … Is Peru Safe for Solo Travelers?
Simply put, yes, Peru is a safe country to visit and its touristic infrastructure makes it totally reliable, especially for solo travelers. However, it doesn’t mean that you should stroll around with your guard down as petty crimes are a major thing throughout the Peruvian territory.
There are some precautions that you need to take as if you were in the busiest city of your country. For that reason, we recommend you keep vigilant of your belongings and stay in the cities’ touristy areas where the affluence of travelers is larger and national security is more compliant.
Pick-pocketing and robberies are very common, be aware of crowds since thieves might create distractions to target you. However, we don’t mean to scare you off by pointing this out but to show you the unfortunate reality when traveling abroad.
That doesn’t mean that it could happen to you or that you’re traveling to a highly unsafe country, on the contrary, these are just precautions. In case of any inconvenience, there are government agencies specialized in tourism willing to assist you with any eventuality, such as the Tourist Police.
The Tourist Police or Policía de Turismo in Spanish, is another wing of national security that provides assistance to foreign travelers, though it’s more likely to find them in larger cities rather than the most rural and remote areas of the country.
It’s all about common sense and confidence while traveling abroad. If you’re aware of your surroundings and know where you’re going, more people will think that you belong there and will respect your space.
As you see, Peru offers the perfect setting for any type of traveler and we would love to be part of your adventure! If you’d like to know more about the best things to do in Peru, make sure to check our travel packages and start planning your perfect trip with us!
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