There are few better places than Peru to kick off a solo adventure — and not just because of its incredible Inca history, wildlife-packed Amazon, and fascinating cities. It’s an easy place to unlock myriad adventures at Peru’s best attractions, with a well-trodden tourist route with tons of things to do that are perfect for solo travellers, plenty of hip hostels for meeting new friends, and great transportation that makes exploring the diverse landscapes on offer much easier than many of its Latin American neighbours.
Is Peru safe?
Safety is most solo travellers’ biggest concern when heading off alone. While it might present different considerations from your home country, travellers have little to worry about on their trip because Peru is generally considered a safe place to visit. Peruvians are warm and friendly, and with just a couple of things in mind, you’ll set yourself up for a spectacular trip.
Be careful with your valuables
The most commonly reported crime in Peru is pickpocketing, so keep valuables like your phone and wallet out of sight when you’re out and about, and zip your bags closed at all times. When riding public transport overnight, keep valuables, including your wallet and passport, on you while you sleep rather than in an overhead storage area.
Don’t walk alone at night
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive in Peru, so it’s always a good idea to hop in an Uber or Cabify, or use a licensed taxi company, like the ones displaying a SETAME sticker in Lima.
Get a SIM card
It’s never fun to land in a new country with no internet access. Getting around and staying safe is much easier when you have GPS!
A little Spanish goes a long way
English isn’t widely spoken in many parts of Peru, so it’s a good idea to brush up on some basic Spanish. You never know when you might need it.
You’re in good hands on: Solo-ish Peru
Staying healthy
Altitude sickness
If you’ve read anything about hiking in Peru, flying into Cusco, or exploring the Sacred Valley, you’ll already know that Peru is home to some of the highest cities in the world (three out of the top 10, in fact). If you don’t want altitude sickness to ruin your trip before it even begins, here’s what you need to know.
Avoid flying directly into cities at altitude
It’s much better to take the bus from Lima (at sea level) to Cusco (3,399m or 11,152 ft) than fly in directly because it’ll give your body time to acclimatize.
Build rest days into your itinerary
Many visitors to Peru are guilty of not giving their bodies enough time to get used to the altitude. Try to have at least one rest day when arriving in a new, high-altitude city. Two or three days is even better.
Avoid alcohol and stay hydrated
We know — it’s no fun. But drinking alcohol makes the effects of altitude harsher on the body, and water is key in getting yourself acclimatized.
Is Peru safe for female travellers?
Generally, Peru is as safe a destination for female travellers as most of Latin America, but still be mindful of the safety considerations listed above. Major tourist areas like Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley are considered relatively safe, especially during the day. However, it’s important to stay vigilant, particularly in less populated or remote areas, and know that cat-calling or unwanted attention might occur.
If you want to explore the local nightlife, sample Peru’s best foods, or just want some peace of mind, a group tour strikes the perfect balance between solo travel and safety, and you’ll make new friends while you’re at it.
Leave your wellbeing to us on: Amazon to the Andes
Best places for solo travel in Peru
Machu Picchu
Most travellers head to Peru with the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu at the top of their lists, and we would bet it’s high up yours, too! Though you can access Machu Picchu on an awe-inspiring, glass-domed train journey, many choose to trek the Inca, Lares, or Salkantay trails to reach it. No matter what you choose, you hike with a group of strangers who are sure to become fast friends as you traverse mountain passes to reach the Lost City of the Incas.
Experience it for yourself on: The Inca Trail
Huaraz
If you want to get into the nitty gritty of Peruvian hiking, Huaraz and Huascarán National Park are the places to do it. Located north of Lima, Huaraz serves as the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges, offering some of the most pristine scenery in the world. You’ll see snowcapped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes on some of the region’s most popular treks, Santa Cruz and the Huayhuash Circuit.
Lima
Lima offers a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as breezy coastal districts, trendy cafes, and lively nightlife. It’s also a culinary haven, renowned for its world-class restaurants serving dishes that blend indigenous ingredients with global influences.
Experience it for yourself on: Lima Day Tour: Highlights and Insiders Tour
Cusco
A captivating blend of ancient ruins and colonial architecture, including the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress and the beautiful Plaza de Armas, Cusco also immerses visitors in vibrant Andean culture, with bustling markets, traditional festivals, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Experience it for yourself on: Journeys: Iconic Peru
Arequipa
Arequipa enchants visitors with its colonial architecture made from volcanic stone set against the backdrop of the towering El Misti volcano. There are few better ways to settle into a city than with a pisco sour while gazing up at a volcano.
Experience it for yourself on: Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes
Colca Canyon
Best accessed from Arequipa, Colca Canyon is a two-day hike down into a canyon twice as deep as Arizona’s Grand Canyon, at a staggering 3,270m (10,730 ft). The trek offers a unique mix of breathtaking landscapes, including steep cliffs, lush valleys, and traditional Andean villages, as well as the chance to encounter the majestic Andean condor.
Experience it for yourself on: Absolute Peru
Puno
Perched on the shores of the mystical Lake Titicaca, Puno offers a unique cultural experience with its indigenous Quechua and Aymara traditions. Why not explore the floating islands of the Uros people and even stay a night with a local family?
Experience it for yourself on: Inca Empire
Máncora
Located on Peru’s northern coast, laid-back Máncora is one of Peru’s best beach towns with a population of only 10,000, so if you’re looking for somewhere to stick your feet in the sand and relax, this is the place for you. It’s also an excellent spot for surfing, though we’d recommend having a few lessons under your wetsuit before tackling these waves!
Experience it for yourself on: The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure
Isla Ballestas
Often referred to as the Galapagos of Peru, Isla Ballestas is a wildlife sanctuary located off the coast of Paracas. A short boat ride from the mainland, the islands are home to vast colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds, giving you an incredible opportunity to observe diverse marine life in its natural habitat.
Experience it for yourself on: The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon is nothing short of magical, where nature’s raw beauty and untamed wilderness come alive in all the sights and sounds you can imagine. A visit to this extraordinary rainforest offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, where towering trees, exotic animals, and winding rivers create a world unlike any other. You could be kayaking through the jungle’s labyrinthine waterways, spotting colourful macaws and playful monkeys, or connecting with indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries.
Experience it for yourself on: Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth
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