Hey, fearless explorer! Dreaming of a solo trip to Peru? This South American gem is a paradise for solo female travellers, blending ancient wonders like Machu Picchu, the wild Amazon Rainforest, and vibrant cities like Cusco or Arequipa.
Whether you’re craving heart-pounding hikes, cultural deep-dives, or a pisco sour with a view, solo travel in Peru is empowering, budget-friendly, and bursting with group tours to connect with others.
Therefore, this guide, built on trusted sources, covers safety, must-visit spots, hiking in Peru, tours and activities, and practical tips to make your trip to Peru unforgettable. Peru includes you in its magic, so let’s dive in and plan your epic adventure!
Why Peru is a Solo Female Traveller’s Dream
Picture yourself savoring ceviche in Lima’s trendy Miraflores district, swapping stories with new friends at a hostel bar.
Peru is a solo travel hotspot in South America, drawing women with its rich Inca history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and warm locals.
Budget-friendly hostels, bustling markets, and group tours make it easy to meet fellow adventurers. Many solo women report feeling safe and welcomed, especially in tourist hubs like Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima’s safer neighborhoods.
Similarly, Peru ranks decently on global safety indexes, but petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, so a little prep goes a long way.
Therefore, thousands of women travel solo here yearly, sharing stories of life-changing experiences, from sunrise at Machu Picchu to spotting jaguars in the Amazon.
The affordability—think $50-100 daily for food, stays, and activities—makes it a win for solo budgets. Ready to join the club? Let’s start with safety tips to keep you confident and carefree.
Safety Tips: Stay Smart, Stay Sassy
Safety is your travel sidekick, and Peru is generally welcoming for solo female travellers, with locals often eager to help. Still, South America requires some street smarts. Here’s how to stay safe and sassy:
Stay aware: Firstly, keep your eyes up, not buried in your phone—thieves love distracted tourists. Use a cross-body bag, keep it in front, and skip flashy jewelry or big cash stacks.
At night, avoid solo walks; use rideshares like Uber or InDriver, which offer trackable rides. Share your live location with a trusted friend via apps like Find My for extra security.
Transport smarts: Only use official taxis or reputable buses—never random airport cabs. Learn basic Spanish phrases like “No, gracias” (No, thank you) to deflect vendors or occasional catcallers, which are common but usually harmless. Joining group tours for activities adds safety and instant travel buddies.
Health prep: Altitude sickness is real in Cusco (11,152 feet!). Spend 2-3 days acclimating, sip coca tea, and chug bottled water—tap water can upset your stomach.
Travel insurance is also a must for medical emergencies or lost luggage. Most hotels have 24/7 staff, so save their contact information for emergencies.
Cultural tips: Peruvians are warm, but catcalling happens, especially in cities. A polite smile or ignoring works best—don’t engage.
Dress modestly in rural areas to blend in (think long pants over shorts). Trust your instincts, and you’ll feel like a local in no time.
Pro hack: Join female travel communities like Girls LOVE Travel on Facebook for Peru-specific tips and meetups. You’re never truly alone!
Must-Visit Destinations: Where Solo Women Shine
Peru’s diversity is unreal: Otherworldly spots such as ancient ruins, desert oases, jungle adventures, and more. Here’s a rundown of top spots for solo female travellers, each offering unique vibes and safety for your trip to Peru.
Lima
Start in the coastal capital, where Miraflores and Barranco are safe, trendy hubs. Stroll oceanfront paths, admire street art, and dive into food tours.
Hostels such as Pariwana are solo-traveler magnets, with nightly events to meet people. Lima’s a perfect spot to ease into your solo trip.
Lima Trivia: Lima houses the best current restaurant in the world, and also the former one. So, we encourage you to pay a visit to Central or Maido (previous reservation). Although you don’t make it to both, take advantage of the array of food options that Lima offers
Cusco
The heart of Inca culture and the “navel of the world” city is Cusco. This UNESCO city buzzes with energy. Wander cobblestone streets, shop for alpaca scarves at San Pedro Market, and book a day trip to the Sacred Valley for Pisac ruins and colorful markets.
If you love nightlife, here’s a guide for you, too. Probably, Cusco is Peru’s safest city; however, don’t let your guard down!
Machu Picchu
The Incan masterpiece is a bucket-list must. Book tickets months ahead—they sell out fast—and take the scenic PeruRail train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
It’s touristy, so safety’s rarely an issue; arrive at sunrise to beat crowds. Hire a guide on-site for juicy history tidbits—way better than wandering alone.
Conversely, you can trust a reliable tourist agency like Viagens Machu Picchu, so you can leave everything regarding your trip to us!
Amazon Rainforest
Peru includes epic jungle adventures in Puerto Maldonado or Manu National Park. Join eco-lodge tours for river cruises, monkey-spotting, and night hikes spotting caimans.
Groups form naturally, making it ideal for solos. Pack bug spray and lightweight, long-sleeve clothes for the humid jungle.
Arequipa
The “White City” offers volcanic views and a laid-back vibe, perfect for solo women. Explore the Santa Catalina Monastery or join a Colca Canyon day trip to see condors soar. Arequipa’s compact size and safe feel make it a gem for chilling out.
Arequipa MUST: Arequipa’s cuisine is one of the most delicious in Peru! Don’t miss the chance to visit a “picanteria” and try the best that Arequipa can offer. Don’t forget the Guiñapo chicha and the queso helado, too!
Huacachina
This desert oasis near Ica is backpacker heaven. Try sandboarding or dune buggy rides—adrenaline-pumping and social. Stay at Banana’s Adventure Hostel for instant friends and organized tours
Lake Titicaca
Near Puno, visit the floating reed islands and stay with local families on Amantani for a cultural immersion. Homestay tours are safe and connect you with other travelers. Pack warm layers—nights get chilly.
Paracas
A coastal gem for a day trip from Lima, offering boat tours to the Ballestas Islands (think sea lions and penguins). It’s less crowded than other spots, perfect for a relaxed solo vibe. Peru includes every flavor—mix cities, nature, and culture for a solo trip that’s pure magic.
Getting Around: Buses, Trains, and Solo Hacks
Navigating Peru as a solo female traveller is a breeze with planning. Domestic flights (Lima to Cusco, one hour) are quick, but buses are budget-friendly and scenic.
Cruz del Sur: The gold standard for bus travel. Their VIP buses have reclining seats, Wi-Fi, meals, and top-notch safety—solo women swear by them.
Book online for routes like Lima to Arequipa (17 hours) or Cusco to Puno. Avoid cheaper, less reliable companies; Cruz del Sur’s secure stations and punctuality are worth it.
Trains: For Machu Picchu, PeruRail’s Cusco-to-Aguas Calientes route winds through Andes valleys—pure magic. Book early for window seats.
For shorter trips, like Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, Inca Rail is another solid option. Trains are safe and tourist-friendly.
City travel: In Lima or Cusco, use Uber or InDriver—share ride details with a friend for safety. Avoid hailing random taxis, especially at night. For longer routes, book early morning departures to arrive in daylight, safer for solos.
Car rentals: Possible in safer areas like Arequipa, but buses are less hassle for most routes. Use affiliate links on platforms like Busbud for deals on Cruz del Sur or flights via Skyscanner.
Pro tip: Download offline maps (like Maps.me) for areas with spotty Wi-Fi.
Hiking in Peru: Trails for Adventurous Souls
Hiking in Peru is legendary, from Inca trails to rainbow-colored peaks. For solo female travellers, group hikes are safest and super social, offering camaraderie and security.
Inca Trail
This 4-day, 26-mile trek to Machu Picchu is iconic—stone paths, cloud forests, and a sunrise view that’ll give you chills. Permits (500 daily) sell out fast, so book 6-8 months ahead.
To keep it in mind, Viagens Machu Picchu has women-friendly options too. Acclimate in Cusco first, pack layers, and bring trekking poles—weather shifts quickly. Solo hiking isn’t allowed, and guides add safety plus fascinating Inca lore.
Rainbow Mountain
A high-altitude (17,000 feet!, or over 5,000 meters) day trip from Cusco, this vibrant peak is Instagram gold.
Go with a group tour for safety and to bond with other hikers—many women make lifelong friends here. Start early (4 AM) to avoid crowds and pack sunscreen.
Colca Canyon
Near Arequipa, this 2-day trek offers dramatic cliffs and condor sightings. It’s less intense than the Inca Trail but still stunning. Join a group tour for a manageable adventure.
Salkantay Trek
A 5-day alternative to the Inca Trail, this route to Machu Picchu is less crowded but more challenging. Book with operators like Salkantay Trekking for guided groups. Perfect for fit solos craving solitude with safety.
Gear up
Sturdy boots, a waterproof jacket, snacks, and a water filter (like LifeStraw) are musts. Book hikes via affiliate links. Hiking in Peru is empowering—you’ll feel like a warrior queen! We’ll give you some tips on packing like a pro later.
Tours and Activities: Solo Doesn’t Mean Lonely
Peru’s tours and activities are tailor-made for solo female travellers—group tours mean instant friends and guided fun. Here’s what to dive into:
Machu Picchu: Book a day trip from Cusco, including transport, tickets, and a guide—perfect for solos. For a deeper dive, add Huayna Picchu for a steep but epic climb.
Amazon Rainforest: Multi-day lodge tours in Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos include boat rides, jungle walks, and wildlife spotting (think sloths and piranhas!). Groups form naturally, so you’ll never feel alone.
Cultural vibes: Join a Lima street food tour to taste typical desserts, or some criolla dishes favorites, such as causa or anticuchos.
Take a Cusco cooking class to master lomo saltado. These are social and delicious ways to connect. Check out Peruvian Cooking Classes for small-group fun.
Adventure kicks: Sandboard in Huacachina’s dunes or paraglide over Lima’s coast. Nazca Lines flights are a splurge but unforgettable—see ancient geoglyphs from the sky.
Group tours: Operators like Viagens Machu Picchu offer solo-focused itineraries blending safety and social vibes. Evening hostel events—trivia, salsa nights—are gold for meeting people.
Hack: Chat with hostel staff for local tour recommendations. They often know hidden gems, like not-so-popular spots in Cusco. (Some of them are free) You’ll be swapping stories with new friends in no time!
Packing and Practical Tips
Pack smart, pack light! Peru’s climates vary wildly—freezing Andes nights, humid Amazon days—so layers are key. Here’s your checklist:
Essentials: Reusable water bottle, power bank, first-aid kit, sunscreen (SPF 50), bug spray, and toilet paper (public restrooms often lack it).
A small daypack (20-30L) is perfect for hikes and day trips. Bring quick-dry clothes, thermals for Cusco, and breathable gear for the jungle.
Budget: Expect $50-100 daily for hostels, meals, and activities. ATMs are common in cities, but carry soles (Peru’s currency) for markets and rural spots.
Bargain politely at markets—Peruvians appreciate respect. A meal at a local eatery costs $3-7, while hostels start at $10-20/night.
Visas: Most nationalities get a 90-day visa-free on arrival. Check your passport’s validity (6+ months) and carry a digital copy.
Wi-Fi is decent in cities; grab a Claro or Movistar SIM for data ($5-10 for 2GB). Download offline maps for the jungle or remote areas.
Cultural hacks: Dress modestly in rural areas (long pants, no crop tops) to respect local norms. Learn basic Spanish—“Dónde está el baño?” (Where’s the bathroom?) is a lifesaver. Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated (around 5% in restaurants).
Connect: Join female travel communities like Girls LOVE Travel or Wanderful for Peru tips and meetups. Hostels often post local events on boards—check daily for free walking tours or pub crawls. You’re never really solo in Peru!
Sample Itinerary: 10 Days of Solo Bliss
Need a starting point? Here’s a 10-day itinerary for solo female travellers, mixing cities, nature, and adventure:
Day 1-2: Lima. Stay in Miraflores, join a food tour, and explore Barranco’s nightlife.
Day 3-5: Cusco. Acclimate, wander Plaza de Armas, and take a Sacred Valley day trip.
Day 6-7: Machu Picchu. Train to Aguas Calientes, spend a full day exploring with a guide.
Day 8: Rainbow Mountain. Book a day trip from Cusco for colorful peaks and epic views.
Day 9-10: Puerto Maldonado (Amazon). Join a 2-day lodge tour for jungle hikes and river cruises.
Book transport via Cruz del Sur or PeruRail and tours via Viator or GetYourGuide (affiliate links save you cash!). Adjust based on your vibe—add Arequipa or Huacachina for more variety.
Your Peru Solo Trip Awaits!
In conclusion, from conquering Machu Picchu to kayaking in the Amazon Rainforest, solo travel in Peru is a game-changer for women.
With group tours, day trips, and reliable Cruz del Sur buses, you’ll explore safely and make lifelong friends. Use affiliate links to book smart, stay savvy with safety, and soak up South America’s magic.
Peru includes you—go make epic memories, solo female traveller! Finally, keep in mind that Viagens Machu Picchu can give you a hand with setting up your adventure to Peru.
Our over 150,000 satisfied clients confirm that we do our best to provide our customers with the best service possible.
So, please, feel free to contact us to start taking the first step on our adventure. Peru, one of the best spots for women solo traveling awaits, don’t be late!
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.