Peru is a backpacker’s playground, where ancient Inca ruins, towering Andean peaks, lush Amazon jungles, and vibrant coastal cities collide for an adventure of a lifetime.
You may be hiking to Machu Picchu’s misty heights, savoring ceviche at a Lima street food stall, or sleeping on a floating island in Lake Titicaca.
With a daily budget of $20–30 covering hostels, local eats, and buses, Peru is South America’s budget-travel gem. Whether you’re a solo wanderer or trekking with friends, this guide makes planning a breeze.
Packed with practical tips, must-visit destinations, and insider hacks, this travel guide will become your roadmap to an epic, wallet-friendly Peruvian journey. So, grab your pack and let’s explore!
Why Peru for Backpacking?
To begin with, Peru’s magic lies in its diversity: trek rugged trails, surf Pacific waves, or barter in colorful markets, all steeped in 5,000 years of history.
The “Gringo Trail” (Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Puno) is perfect for first-timers, while hidden spots like Chachapoyas, Huaraz, and Iquitos call to adventurers craving the road less traveled.
In addition, hostels cost $5–10, meals start at $2, and locals welcome you with warmth. Compact yet varied, Peru lets you pack a lot into 2–3 weeks. Here’s how to plan your trip and the top destinations to hit.
Planning Your Peru Adventure: Pro Tips
Time It Right
Best Season: May–September (dry season) offers clear skies for hiking Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, with Andean temps of 10–20°C.
December–March (rainy season) brings lush greenery but muddy trails and landslide risks—pack a poncho! Conversely, April and October are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and decent weather, ideal for budget travelers.
Weather Prep: Peru’s climates swing from Lima’s coastal heat (25–30°C) to Cusco’s chilly nights (0–5°C) to Iquitos’ humid jungle (30–35°C).
Also, we recommend packing layers (fleece, t-shirts, rain jacket), waterproof hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat for high-altitude sun. A lightweight sleeping bag liner is great for basic hostels or homestays.
Budget Like a Pro
Daily Costs: Expect $20–30/day for dorms ($5–10), street food or “menú” meals ($1–3), and local buses (50 cents–$15).
Big expenses like Machu Picchu entry (~$62) or multi-day treks (~$200–680) need planning, but you can save by cooking in hostels or taking overnight buses to skip accommodation costs.
Money Hacks: Eat at “menú” restaurants for hearty meals (soup, rice, protein, drink) for $1–3. Haggle gently at markets for alpaca scarves or trinkets—basic Spanish like “¿Cuánto cuesta?” helps.
Book buses via BusBud (e.g., Cruz del Sur, $10–25) or at terminals for deals. Use FindLocalTrips.com to compare tours for Machu Picchu or Colca Canyon.
For example, you can withdraw soles from BCP or Interbank ATMs to avoid high fees, and carry small bills (10–20 soles) for markets and colectivos.
Pack Light, Travel Smart
Backpack Size: A 40–60L backpack is perfect—roomy for gear but easy to carry. Pack 2 t-shirts, 1 long-sleeved, 1 trousers, 1 shorts, a warm jacket, and a rain poncho. Quick-dry fabrics are a lifesaver.
Essentials: Bring a filter water bottle (e.g., Grayl Geopress) to save money and reduce plastic, a universal adapter (Type A/C), a headlamp for jungle or night treks, and a basic first-aid kit (bandages, painkillers, anti-diarrhea meds).
Then, photocopy your passport and use a hidden money belt. Ditch heavy electronics—hostel Wi-Fi covers planning needs.
Laundry: Launderettes in Cusco, Arequipa, or Huaraz charge ~$1.5/kg. Drop off clothes in the morning, grab them by evening to keep your pack fresh.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Vaccinations: Get hepatitis A, typhoid, and MMR shots 6–8 weeks before travel. Yellow fever is required for Amazon regions (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado); malaria pills may be needed for jungle trips. Consult a travel clinic.
Altitude Sickness: Cusco (3,400m), Puno (3,800m), and Huaraz (3,000m) are high-altitude cities. Spend 2–3 days acclimating in Cusco with light activity and coca tea (a local remedy). Diamox can help—check with your doctor. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals at first.
Safety Tips: Peru is backpacker-friendly, but petty theft happens in Lima’s Centro or Cusco’s markets. Use a money belt, avoid flashing phones or cash, and stick to busy areas at night.
Also, keep in mind booking official taxis via hostels or Uber in Lima. Travel insurance (e.g., SafetyWing, ~$10/week) covers medical emergencies, theft, or cancellations.
Scam Watch: Fake tour operators lurk in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Book treks or tours through reputable platforms like FindLocalTrips.com or at trusted hostels. Confirm Inca Trail permits (limited to 500/day) 6 months in advance for high season.
Get Around Easily
Buses: Long-distance buses (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa) are comfy and cheap ($8–25 for 10–20-hour trips). Overnight routes save hostel costs—pack a neck pillow, earplugs, and motion sickness pills for winding roads. Book via BusBud or terminals.
Flights: Domestic flights ($80–120) link Lima to Cusco, Iquitos, or Arequipa. Book early with LATAM, Star Perú, or Viva Air for deals. Iquitos is flight- or boat-only.
Public Transportation: Colectivos (shared vans, ~$1–5) and moto-taxis (50 cents–$2) are budget-friendly for short hops. Agree on fares first to avoid overcharges.
Peru Hop: This hop-on-hop-off bus (~$200/week) covers southern routes (Lima, Huacachina, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco) with guided stops, Wi-Fi, and backpacker vibes. It’s pricier but simplifies planning.
Speak the Language, Live the Culture
Basic Spanish: Learn phrases like “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?) or “Gracias” (Thank you) for markets and buses.
Peruvian Spanish is slow and clear, perfect for beginners. You can take a look at our blog about basic Spanish and Peruvian slang for more!
Cultural Etiquette: Peruvians are warm but reserved—greet with “Buenos días” and a smile. Be patient with delays (“Peruvian time” is relaxed).
Ask permission before photographing locals in traditional dress, especially in rural areas. Avoid buying products from endangered species (e.g., jaguar teeth) to support conservation.
Festivals: Time your trip for Inti Raymi (June 24, Cusco) for Incan rituals or Carnaval (February, Puno) for colorful dances. Local markets often host smaller fiestas—check hostel bulletin boards for events.
Sleep Cheap, Connect Often
Hostels: Dorms ($5–10) in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are social hubs. For example, try Pariwana (Lima) for rooftop parties, Loki (Cusco) for nightlife, or Flying Dog (Arequipa) for chill vibes. Also, book via Hostelworld or Booking.com, and check TripAdvisor for deals.
Couchsurfing: Free stays with locals in Lima or Cusco are common via Couchsurfing. Verify host reviews and meet in public first for safety.
Homestays: In Puno, Chachapoyas, or the Amazon, homestays (~$10–20, including meals) offer cultural immersion. Expect basic amenities but warm hospitality.
Plan Tours and Treks
Book Smart: Use FindLocalTrips.com for affordable, reputable tours to Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, or the Amazon.
For instance, Inca Trail permits (May–September) sell out 6 months in advance (~$680, including guide, food, gear). Cheaper treks like the Salkantay trek or Lares (~$200–300) are equally stunning.
Solo Travel: Peru’s backpacker scene makes it easy to join group tours or meet travelers in hostels for shared adventures. Hostel common rooms are great for finding trek buddies.
Must-Visit Destinations for Backpackers
Peru’s landscapes and cultures offer endless adventures. Here’s a mix of classic and off-grid spots, perfect for budget travelers craving variety.
Lima: Food, Art, and Coastal Vibes
Start in Lima, Peru’s buzzing capital. Wander Miraflores’ Malecón for sunset views or Barranco’s bohemian streets for murals and live music.
Explore Plaza Mayor’s UNESCO-listed colonial gems—Cathedral entry is free on Sundays. Sample ceviche at La Mar or street anticuchos (~$2). Hostels like Pariwana or 1900 Hostel ($7–10) offer pub crawls and BBQs.Spend 2–3 days.
Huacachina: Desert Playground
This desert oasis near Ica is a backpacker magnet. Sandboard down dunes (~$15) or ride dune buggies at sunset for thrills.
Stay at Banana’s Adventure Hostel ($8–12) for poolside vibes. Take a day trip to the Nazca Lines (~$80 flight) if your budget allows. Spend 1–2 days.
Cusco: Incan Heart, Backpacker Hub
Cusco, at 3,400m, blends Incan history and backpacker energy. Explore Coricancha’s ruins, Saqsaywaman’s massive stones ($20 tourist ticket for multiple sites), or the vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Day trips to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake (~$30–35) are budget-friendly stunners. Stay at Loki or Wild Rover ($6–10) for parties or join free walking tours. Salsa dance at Mama Africa for free. Acclimate 2–3 days, spend 4–6 total.
Sacred Valley: Ruins, Markets, and Adventure
The Sacred Valley’s Pisac market (Sundays are liveliest) and Ollantaytambo fortress are musts ($20 tourist ticket).
Rent bikes (~$10) to explore or join a Maras-Moray tour (~$30) for Incan terraces and salt flats. Stay in Ollantaytambo’s guesthouses ($8–12) for a chill vibe. Spend 2–3 days.
Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Goal
Visiting Machu Picchu is Peru’s crown jewel. Save money by skipping the Inca Trail ($680) for a DIY trip: bus or train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (~$60 round-trip), entry ($62, $32 with ISIC card), and a self-guided visit.
Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($15 extra) for epic views. Likewise, you can stay at Supertramp Hostel ($8–10) in Aguas Calientes. Visit at sunrise to dodge crowds. Allow 1–2 days.
Puno and Lake Titicaca: Floating Culture
Puno’s Lake Titicaca offers Uros floating islands and Amantani homestays (~$20–30, including meals and traditional dance nights).
Then, you can book boat tours (~$15) and visit Taquile’s textile communities. Stay at Inka’s Rest ($6–10) and try quinoa soup at markets (~$1). Spend 2–3 days.
Arequipa: White City Charm
Arequipa’s volcanic stone architecture and Santa Catalina Monastery ($12) are gorgeous. Trek Colca Canyon (2–3 days, ~$50) to spot condors soaring.
Stay at Wild Rover or Arequipay Backpackers ($7–10). Sample rocoto relleno at picanterías (~$2). Spend 2–3 days.
Huaraz: Trekker’s Paradise
Huaraz, in the Cordillera Blanca, is hiking heaven. Day trips to Laguna 69 or Pastoruri Glacier (~$15–20) or multi-day Santa Cruz treks (~$100) offer glaciers and turquoise lakes. Stay at Akilpo Hostel ($5–8) and eat tamales (~$1) at markets. Spend 3–5 days.
Chachapoyas: Northern Hidden Gem
Chachapoyas is off the radar but worth the trek. Visit Kuélap’s ancient fortress (~$6) or Gocta Waterfall, one of the world’s tallest (~$10 tour).
Stay at Chachapoyas Backpackers ($6–10). Reach via overnight bus from Trujillo (~$20). Spend 3–4 days.
Iquitos: Amazon Adventure
Iquitos, accessible by flight (~$100) or boat, is your Amazon gateway. Book 3–4-day jungle tours (~$100/day) for piranha fishing, pink dolphin spotting, and eco-lodges like Muyuna. Stay at Hospedaje La Pascana ($6–10). Try juanes (rice tamales, ~$2). Spend 3–5 days.
Trujillo and Huanchaco: Coastal Chill
Trujillo’s nearby beach town, Huanchaco, is perfect for surfers and laid-back vibes. Surf lessons cost ~$15, and Chan Chan’s adobe ruins (~$3) are a UNESCO gem. Stay at ATMA Hostel ($6–10). Spend 2–3 days.
Sample 3-Week Itinerary
Days 1–3: Lima (food, Barranco, paragliding)
4–5: Huacachina (sandboarding, dune buggies)
6–8: Trujillo/Huanchaco (Chan Chan, surfing)
9–12: Cusco (city, Rainbow Mountain, acclimate)
13–15: Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras)
16–17: Machu Picchu (train, visit)
18–20: Puno/Lake Titicaca (Uros, Amantani)
21–23: Arequipa (city, Colca Canyon)
Optional Add-Ons: Huaraz (3–5 days), Chachapoyas (3–4 days), or Iquitos (3–5 days) if you extend.
Final Tips for an Epic Journey
Connect with Travelers: Hostels like Pariwana or Loki host pub quizzes, BBQs, and game nights—perfect for meeting trek buddies or splitting tour costs.
Savor Street Food: Try anticuchos (grilled heart skewers, ~$1), papa rellena (stuffed potatoes, ~$1), or emoliente drinks (fruit and herb made tea, ~$50 cents). Choose busy stalls for freshness and safety.
Capture Memories: Keep a journal or use Google Maps offline to track your route. Share photos on Instagram but stay present to soak in the moment.
Give Back: Support local artisans by buying handmade textiles or volunteer at Cusco’s dog shelters. Avoid giving money to kids to discourage begging.
Stay Flexible: Buses or tours may run late—embrace “Peruvian time” and enjoy the ride. Chat with hostel staff for insider tips on cheap eats or hidden trails.
Your Peru Adventure Awaits!
In conclusion, backpacking Peru is a wild journey through ancient ruins, soaring mountains, and vibrant cultures, all on a budget that keeps your wallet smiling.
From Machu Picchu’s mystical stones to Chachapoyas’ hidden fortresses and Iquitos’ jungle beats, every stop is a story waiting to unfold.
With these tips and destinations, you’re set for an adventure that’s thrilling, affordable, and unforgettable. Pack light, connect with locals, and let Peru’s magic sweep you away.
Your epic journey starts now—hit the road and make it yours! Finally, for a smooth trip in Peru, you can travel with Viagens Machu Picchu.
We have different kinds of packages according to our clients’ budgets. Please, feel free to contact us to learn more! Peru is waiting for you!
Viagens Machu Picchu: Journeys that inspire, moments that last.