backpacking South America
Peru

Backpacking Peru in 2025

A complete guide for backpacking in Peru with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.

Visit Peru

Embark on a backpacker's dream in Peru, where ancient wonders and diverse landscapes create a captivating adventure. Pros? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Incan history, trek the Andes, and savor budget-friendly local cuisine. Peru offers a well-established backpacker infrastructure and friendly locals. However, popular sites can be crowded, and altitude may pose challenges for some. Yet, the blend of cultural richness, affordability, and breathtaking scenery makes Peru a must-visit for backpackers, providing an unparalleled journey through history and nature in the heart of South America.

Best known for:Known for: mountains | backpackers | architecture
Best time to visit: April-October

Why to go?
Why backpacking in Peru

Mountains

The Andes Mountains in Peru offer incredible opportunities for exploration. One must-visit destination is the Cordillera Blanca, located in the northern part of the country. Known for its stunning peaks and glacial lakes, this mountain range is a …

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Backpackers

The backpacker scene in Peru is vibrant and diverse, attracting travelers from all over the world. Peru offers a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient Inca ruins such as Machu Picchu to trekking through the stunning landscapes of the …

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Architecture

Peru is home to many fascinating ancient ruins and architecture, including the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which is perched high in the Andes Mountains and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city of Cusco also boasts impressive Inca …

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Food

The food in Peru is so good because of its rich culinary heritage, diverse ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. Peru’s cuisine is a fusion of indigenous Incan, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful …

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Scenery

Peru is a country known for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest, there are a variety of sceneries to explore in this South American gem.
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Cheap

The average cost for backpacking in Peru can vary depending on travel style and preferences. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-30 per day on accommodation, meals, and transportation. Hostel dorms and street food are affordable options, …

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People

Peruvian people are incredibly warm and welcoming, always ready to greet strangers with open arms and genuine kindness. They take great pride in sharing their rich culture, traditions, and delicious cuisine with visitors, making them feel like part …

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Wildlife

Peru is great for seeing wildlife because of its diverse range of ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains, and coastal deserts. These varied habitats provide a home to a wide array of wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, …

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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Peru

Machu Picchu: This ancient Incan city is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
The Amazon Rainforest: Explore the world’s largest tropical rainforest and discover its incredible biodiversity, including exotic wildlife and indigenous communities.
Lake Titicaca: Visit the highest navigable lake in the world and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the indigenous people who call its shores home.
Nazca Lines: Witness the enigmatic geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, which depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes.
Cusco: Explore the former capital of the Inca Empire, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and proximity to other archaeological sites.

But Peru offers more...

🌆 Cities: Arequipa, Cusco, Iquitos, Lima, Trujillo

🎎 Festivals: Carnaval de Cajamarca, Fiesta de la Candelaria, Inti Raymi, Qoyllur Riti, Semana Santa

🏔️ Hikes: Choquequirao Trek, Colca Canyon, Huayna Picchu, Inca Trail, Lares Trek, Salkantay Trek, Salkantay Trek

🏞️ National parks: Bahuaja-Sonene, Huascarán, Manu, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Tambopata National Reserve

🏝️ Regions: Colca Canyon, Huacachina Desert Oasis, Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca, Iquitos and the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Nazca Lines, Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, Puno and the Uros Floating Islands, Sacred Valley

🛕 World wonders: Machu Picchu

Stories

Six month backpacking trip through Bolivia, Peru and central America: update 6/14

Peru | Napaykullayki kgochu! This might sound more like Nepali, but I’m still in South America. To add a cultural touch to my emails, let me disrupt your simple worldview that they speak Spanish or Portuguese throughout this continent. The above greeting is Quechua, and a few days ago, I ended up with a family on an island where it was the only language...

Six month backpacking trip through Bolivia, Peru and central America: update 7/14

Peru | I’ve had some more adventures:Rafting on the Apurimac River In Cuzco I did an insane four-day rafting trip. Now, the issue was that our guide was really into surfing (with a raft). That means you raft in the same spot in the river while the river flows super fast underneath you, WITHOUT PADDLING. So, we thought that was fun too, only he ...

Six month backpacking trip through Bolivia, Peru and central America: update 8/14

Peru | The last 3 days in Peru have given the concept of ‘car’ a whole new dimension. Things a car definitely doesn’t need are (a) the starter motor and (b) the gas pedal.First, I was in a bus without a starter motor. Not a big deal as long as you park the bus on a hill and can start the engine using gravity. The problem arises when the only way d...

🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Peru

The best time to visit Peru for backpacking is during the dry season, which lasts from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and hiking. Additionally, the popular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is open during this period. However, it's worth noting that this is also the peak tourist season, so popular destinations may be more crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy good weather, the shoulder seasons of April and October are also good options.JANFEBMARNOVDEC

detailed advice per month

Risk level: medium (50%)
Safety advice for Peru

Political protests, demonstrations and strikes are common in Peru, particularly in the historic centre of Lima. Past demonstrations have turned violent and disrupted public transport services, including trains to and from Machu Picchu. Avoid protests, monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

Violent crime is common, including in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Avoid going out alone, especially at night. Petty crime is common in public areas, hotels and restaurants. Thieves are often well-dressed. Keep your belongings close and valuables out of sight. Street theft of mobile phones has increased. Avoid using your phone at the curbside, as motorbike riders may snatch it.

Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of robbery, assault and rape. Don't hail taxis from the street. Use a phone dispatch service or taxi service app to book a licensed taxi. Criminals target cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep your doors and windows locked, even when moving. Robberies and assaults occur on intercity buses. Avoid placing personal belongings on overhead racks or under your seats. Use only reputable bus companies.

Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry. Serious assaults and robberies occur. Thoroughly research Ayahuasca tour operators before you book.

Members of a local terrorist group may still be active in remote areas, particularly the Southern Highlands. Take care when travelling outside of populated regions.

source: smartraveller.gov.au

source: www.gov.uk

Peru
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Peru sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.

Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.

Lonely Planet

Rough Guide

Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Peru. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Peru may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.

Check visa requirements for Peru

Check vaccination requirement for Peru

Get your travel insurance

Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Peru, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.

Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.

Hostelworld

Expedia

My personal packing list 🎒
author

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.

Money & Documents
Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies)
Passport photographs
Credit and debit cards (on world profile)
Cash (US$ or €)
Money belt
Vaccination proofs

Clothing
Light, quick-dry clothing
No jeans, too heavy
Ultralight rain/wind jacket
Thermo underwear
Quick-dry towel
Sunglasses

Electronics
Mobile phone + charger
Power bank
Travel adapter
Local sim card (buy it on arrival)

Health
Toothbrush
Deo
Sunscreen, lips sunburn
Anti-diarrhea
Paracetamol
Blister plasters
Anti-mosquito (DEET)
Toilet paper
Nail scissors

Others
Small number lock
Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes)
Card game(!)
Ear plugs
Travel pillow