{"id":235966,"date":"2023-01-23T11:34:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T11:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/solo-traveling-in-peru-what-to-know-before-traveling-alone\/"},"modified":"2023-01-23T11:34:08","modified_gmt":"2023-01-23T11:34:08","slug":"solo-traveling-in-peru-what-to-know-before-traveling-alone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/pl\/solo-traveling-in-peru-what-to-know-before-traveling-alone\/","title":{"rendered":"Solo traveling in Peru, what to know before traveling alone"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taking on a new solo destination can be intimidating, especially if it\u2019s one where the language isn\u2019t your native tongue. Read on for those wanting to venture to the Land of the Incas.<\/p>\n

As an avid hiker and outdoorswoman, Peru had always been high on my bucket list as a solo female traveler. With a loaded backpack, an elementary understanding of Spanish (thank you, US education system), and an open mind, I landed in Lima in March 2022 ready to make a month of memories. Even though four weeks was hardly enough to see all the highlights of Peru, let alone really experience the country in its entirety, any time spent in a new place is not to be wasted. Whether you\u2019re there for a weekend getaway or a three-month backpacking trip, read on to learn how to take on Peru as a solo traveler (and trust me, you won\u2019t be solo for long)!<\/p>\n

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What to know before traveling alone to Peru<\/h2>\n
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@alexdeperu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anyone who has ever traveled solo knows you\u2019re never truly alone. From new friends met in hostel dorms to shared stories over a beer, friends are easy to come by. Especially in a backpacking hotspot like South America. Regions like South and Central America and Southeast Asia are a mecca for solo travelers – cheap travel, good food, and friends anew.<\/p>\n

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What time of the year is best for solo travelers<\/span> visiting Peru?<\/h3>\n
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@dd.per<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Being in the southern hemisphere, Peru\u2019s seasons are opposite of those in the USA and Europe. With their summer season being December through March, travelers flock down during the early months of the year. January is peak beach season, so if you\u2019re looking to get your tan on or catch some waves, Peru in January is fantastic. However, with that great coastal weather, comes great coastal crowds. Late March through May and September through November find mild weather and low crowds, making it ideal for a backpacker. Solo travelers favor March due to the warmer temperatures and lower accommodation costs throughout the country. Keep in mind – if you\u2019re wanting to hike the classic Inca Trail, it closes every February for trail maintenance!<\/p>\n

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How much does solo traveling around Peru cost?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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@jackttravels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peru is a solo travelers’ paradise for many reasons – one of them being affordability. Even in major cities like Lima and Cusco, accommodations tend to average around $10 USD per night for a dorm. Though many are cheaper, a few of the nicer ones can be on the \u201cpricier\u201d end for Peru during peak season. If you\u2019re on a tight budget, produce and other ingredients are beyond affordable in local markets. Time to put that hostel kitchen to use! If you\u2019re willing to spend, a meal out is going to cost you anywhere from 5 to 20 Peruvian Soles, which is no more than $5 USD. Looking to splurge? I had the best steak dinner of my life (Angus, alpaca, and a sausage) at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse in Cusco, setting me back a mere 70 soles (which is under $20 USD.) It doesn\u2019t get much better than that!<\/p>\n

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Is Peru Safe for solo travelers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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@minimumwagetraveller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For solo travelers, safety is always a big concern. We\u2019re told to stay vigilant, hide valuables from plain sight, trust our instincts, don\u2019t walk alone at night… The list goes on and on. It all boils down to trusting your gut and being cautious. These safety tips, often showered upon solo travelers, are no different from the safety concerns one may have in their own backyard. Peru is no different! In larger cities, like the streets of downtown Lima or the square in Cusco, petty theft and crime do occur. But keeping an eye on your surroundings and belongings should keep you safe for the most part.<\/p>\n

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How to travel to Peru solo<\/h2>\n

Peru is very accessible via public transit, buses, and flights between Lima\/Cusco\/Amazon. Overnight buses are common, safe, and affordable. Many buses have recliner seats, which makes those 19-hour overnight rides from the coast to the mountains a tad easier. If you\u2019re wanting to take the stress out of booking those buses yourself, PeruHop<\/a> is a great option. They supply buses and guides for most of the journeys and ensure a safe trip on those longer rides with luxury bus operators.<\/p>\n

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Best places to visit in Peru for solo travelers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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@karen.miles.161<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like every country, Peru has its touristy hotspots and unlikely adventure spots. For a significant percentage of solo travelers, their route will include the same stops. The only difference? Whether you start up north in Lima and make your way south, or start in Cusco and cruise the coast up north.<\/p>\n

Cities like Lima and Cusco will see a lot of solo travelers, as well as families and large tour groups hitting the main sites and attractions. Smaller cities like beachside Paracas and oasis town Huacachina cater to backpackers, with quite the party scene. For those looking to get their steps in on treks and hikes, Arequipa and Cusco are jumping-off points for many of the major trails, like Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon, and the Inca and Salkantay trails. Between Arequipa and Cusco lies Puno – a lakefront city on Lake Titicaca (yes, laugh about it now) – which lies between Peru and bordering Bolivia. If you plan to continue throughout more of South America, Puno is a great resting point between the two countries. Finally, the Amazon rainforest can be accessed via bus from Cusco. Be warned, you\u2019re likely to find more wildlife than solo travelers! (Jokes aside, there are plenty of solo travelers, as long as they haven\u2019t been eaten by piranhas!)<\/p>\n

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Best things to do as a solo traveler in Peru<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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@jonathanraddon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many activities in Peru cater to the solo traveler. They almost force you to make friends. More often than not, the majority of people participating in activities are traveling alone. Trust me, you won’t be lonely for long!<\/p>\n