Everything You Need To Know About Solo Travel To Peru

November 11, 2022 | by: Nadia Vizcarra

Have you ever wanted to embark on an adventurous tour of the Incan empire, meeting new people along the way and taking as much time as you want to explore? If so, you need to experience solo travel to Peru.

This South American paradise is the ultimate solo travel destination. Peru offers enriching cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, internationally celebrated landmarks, exciting city life, and more. There is never a dull moment while traveling through Peru, and with some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet, this country is well suited for anyone looking to travel alone. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime with this expert guide on how to enjoy solo travel to Peru.

The Best Cities for Solo Travelers in Peru

Walking through some of Peru’s biggest cities may feel like you’ve been transported to a historic European metropolis, but do not be fooled. Here, the cities have stood for centuries under the rule of Incan leaders and Spanish rulers. Any solo traveler looking to explore Peru’s most interesting cities should add these destinations to their itinerary!

Lima

Most travelers use Lima as a pit-stop or layover city and miss out on all that Peru’s capital has to offer. Also called “The City of Kings,” this is a great place for anyone who wants thrilling nightlife, unbeatable food, and a bohemian community to relax in.

Take a day to unwind in Malecón de Miraflores, one of Lima’s most beautiful cliff-top parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You could even head down to the beach and try a surf class, which is not only a fun activity but a great way to meet new people and make new travel buddies. For a good time with the locals, visit Kennedy Park and its surrounding bars to dance the night away. Or for a more trendy club scene, the Barranco district boasts a cool bohemian vibe and clubs where you can sip a Pisco Sour and party all night long.

Cusco

Once the capital city of the great Incan Empire, Cusco has an impressive amount of history to uncover during your stay here. Ancient relics, museums, ruins, and landmarks all decorate this city and the surrounding valley, including Machu Picchu. Almost every traveler visiting Peru will make a stop in Cusco, but these are the best activities for solo travelers.

Did you know the entire city of Cusco is one of Peru’s major UNESCO Heritage Sites? The entire city is a living monument! Walk through the Plaza de Armas and see Cusco’s main cathedral, built on the foundations of an old Incan palace. Learn about the fall of the Incan empire and how the Spanish adapted the city to their European style.

Continue along Cusco’s cobblestone streets and you may find yourself at the San Pedro Market, a local culinary market full of fresh fruits, veggies, and vendors selling some tasty street food! Uncover the secrets of Cusco with a solo trip here, living like a local while exploring the city’s complex past.

Explore Peru’s Most Iconic Landmarks

It wouldn’t be a trip to Peru without experiencing some of the most iconic landmarks. After all, the Inca Empire build an impressive collection of citadels and sanctuaries, so travelers must see at least a few of them to appreciate Peru to the fullest.

Machu Picchu

No trip to Peru is complete without visiting the most famous UNESCO Site in all of South America, and solo travelers should not miss out on the opportunity to see Machu Picchu in person. Join a trekking group and hike the Inca Trail for an authentic experience, making new friends during the four-day journey to the top of Machu Picchu. For a more luxurious excursion, book a first-class train ticket and see this spot in just one day.

Huayna Picchu

Solo travelers who prefer less “touristy” experiences should ascend Huayna Picchu, the mountain that towers behind Machu Picchu. Although this is the lesser known Incan territory, Huayna Picchu gives travelers a bird’s eye view of the iconic Incan citadel, plus a few additional temples and terraces. Hiking across Huayna Picchu is a great way to get even more out of your Machu Picchu excursion, and avoid the crowds on the main mountain!

Salinas de Maras

One of the most breathtaking views in Peru is of the Salinas de Maras, the mines that have provided invaluable salt minerals since Inca times. Thousands of small geometric pools were carved into the side of a mountain, decorating the land with oddly shaped salt wells that are both practical and photogenic. A day trip here is not complete without some bucket-list-worthy photos, so be sure to bring your camera!

Nazca Lines

Perhaps one of the greatest mysteries of Peru is the Nazca lines, a collection of geoglyphs carved into the earth of the coastal plains just south of Lima. Historians and anthropologists have estimated these lines were built between A.D. 1 to 700 when this civilization flourished. Book your spot on a charter flight to see these lines from the best POV possible, and decide whether you believe these lines were for practical use or more extraterrestrial matters.

Visit These Spots For A Stunning Outdoor Escape

Peru’s diverse geography makes it a beautiful destination if you are looking for a place to unwind in the great outdoors. Solo travel to Peru can be an exciting adventure with non-stop activities, or you can take your time enjoying the scenery! These are a few of the dazzling sights that await you in the natural paradise of Peru.

The Beaches of Trujillo

Called the City of Eternal Spring, this large Peruvian city is also a beautiful coastal town that allows travelers to soak up the sun all year long. If you’re interested in spending your days lounging on the beaches, stay in Huanchaco. This desert port town is gaining popularity amongst travelers who want surf, sun, and fresh seafood during their Peruvian vacation. Solo travelers should visit this city if they’re looking to see the best beaches in the entire country!

Tambopata National Reserve

Looking to escape into the Amazon Rainforest for a while? The Tambopata National Reserve is one of Peru’s crown jewels for nature lovers, so be sure to dedicate several days to this jungle oasis. Take a wildlife spotting cruise and see if you can find jaguars or giant river otters, just a couple of the rare species that live here.

Ica and the Huacachina Desert Oasis

For an extremely different natural adventure, take a trip to the Peruvian desert and explore an otherworldly paradise. Stay in the literal oasis, Huacachina, which feels like a fantasy escape in the middle of this barren desert. Enjoy locally produced wines and pisco, and embark on thrilling desert tours where you can surf the sand dunes and ride in a dune buggy for the most exciting trip!

Best Accommodations for a Solo Trip to Peru

Finding a place that feels like home is important for any solo traveler who wants to relax during their trip to Peru. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful boutique hotels and accommodations to stay in no matter where you go!

If you’re exploring Machu Picchu, stay in the Inkaterra Pueblo hotel, a royal retreat designed to immerse travelers in the Andean mountains. This is the most luxurious place to recharge after long days of exploring Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

While staying in Lima, book a room at Belmond’s Miraflores Park Hotel, located directly above the cliffs of Malecón de Miraflores so you will surely have plenty of exciting things to do such as shopping and dining at one of Lima’s trendiest malls with a killer view, Larcomar, while being a short walk from your temporary home!

Staying in the Amazon may sound intimidating at first, but the comfortable cabanas at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica will alleviate any worries you may have about your overnight jungle experience. Or, cruise down the Amazon River and take the solo trip of a lifetime that requires very little planning!

Safety Tips For Solo Travel to Peru

One essential thing to keep in mind before traveling to Peru is the changes in altitude. Solo travelers should prepare to take their time adjusting to each new city to prevent any intense altitude sickness. Make sure to hydrate constantly, take rest days with less strenuous activities, and avoid drinking too much in cities like Cusco that sit at higher altitudes.

Traveling solo in Peru is very safe, but always remember to know your surroundings and use your best instinct. The locals are very friendly and will often be happy to answer questions! If you need help, be sure to ask for advice and help in a polite way. You’ll probably get the answers you need about 99% of the time!

If you’re ready to organize your own solo travel to Peru, talk to a Kuoda expert and we’ll help curate the best itinerary for your travel goals! Let us know what destinations you want to see, and we’ll plan the best solo trip ever.