There are few higher locations than Peru to kick off a solo journey — and never simply due to its unimaginable Inca historical past, wildlife-packed Amazon, and fascinating cities. It’s a simple place to unlock myriad adventures at Peru’s greatest sights, with a well-trodden vacationer route with tons of issues to do which can be excellent for solo travellers, loads of hip hostels for assembly new buddies, and nice transportation that makes exploring the varied landscapes on provide a lot simpler than lots of its Latin American neighbours.
Is Peru protected?
Security is most solo travellers’ largest concern when heading off alone. Whereas it would current totally different concerns from your house nation, travellers have little to fret about on their journey as a result of Peru is mostly thought-about a protected place to go to. Peruvians are heat and pleasant, and with simply a few issues in thoughts, you’ll set your self up for a spectacular journey.
Watch out together with your valuables
Probably the most generally reported crime in Peru is pickpocketing, so maintain valuables like your telephone and pockets out of sight if you’re out and about, and zip your baggage closed always. When driving public transport in a single day, maintain valuables, together with your pockets and passport, on you when you sleep fairly than in an overhead storage space.
Don’t stroll alone at evening
Taxis are plentiful and cheap in Peru, so it’s all the time a good suggestion to hop in an Uber or Cabify, or use a licensed taxi firm, like those displaying a SETAME sticker in Lima.
Get a SIM card
It’s by no means enjoyable to land in a brand new nation with no web entry. Getting round and staying protected is way simpler when you might have GPS!
A bit of Spanish goes a great distance
English isn’t extensively spoken in lots of components of Peru, so it’s a good suggestion to brush up on some primary Spanish. You by no means know if you would possibly want it.
You are in good palms on: Solo-ish Peru
Staying wholesome
Altitude illness
In case you’ve learn something about mountaineering in Peru, flying into Cusco, or exploring the Sacred Valley, you’ll already know that Peru is dwelling to a few of the highest cities on the planet (three out of the highest 10, in reality). In case you don’t need altitude illness to destroy your journey earlier than it even begins, right here’s what you must know.
Keep away from flying immediately into cities at altitude
It’s significantly better to take the bus from Lima (at sea degree) to Cusco (3,399m or 11,152 ft) than fly in immediately as a result of it’ll give your physique time to acclimatize.
Construct relaxation days into your itinerary
Many guests to Peru are responsible of not giving their our bodies sufficient time to get used to the altitude. Attempt to have no less than one relaxation day when arriving in a brand new, high-altitude metropolis. Two or three days is even higher.
Keep away from alcohol and keep hydrated
We all know — it is no enjoyable. However ingesting alcohol makes the consequences of altitude harsher on the physique, and water is essential in getting your self acclimatized.
Is Peru protected for feminine travellers?
Usually, Peru is as protected a vacation spot for feminine travellers as most of Latin America, however nonetheless be aware of the protection concerns listed above. Main vacationer areas like Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley are thought-about comparatively protected, particularly throughout the day. Nevertheless, it is necessary to remain vigilant, notably in much less populated or distant areas, and know that cat-calling or undesirable consideration would possibly happen.
If you wish to discover the native nightlife, pattern Peru’s greatest meals, or simply need some peace of thoughts, a bunch tour strikes the proper steadiness between solo journey and security, and also you’ll make new buddies when you’re at it.
Go away your wellbeing to us on: Amazon to the Andes
Greatest locations for solo journey in Peru
Machu Picchu
Most travellers head to Peru with the traditional Inca metropolis of Machu Picchu on the prime of their lists, and we’d wager it’s excessive up yours, too! Although you’ll be able to entry Machu Picchu on an awe-inspiring, glass-domed practice journey, many select to trek the Inca, Lares, or Salkantay trails to succeed in it. It doesn’t matter what you select, you hike with a bunch of strangers who’re positive to develop into quick buddies as you traverse mountain passes to succeed in the Misplaced Metropolis of the Incas.
Expertise it for your self on: The Inca Path
Huaraz
If you wish to get into the nitty gritty of Peruvian mountaineering, Huaraz and Huascarán Nationwide Park are the locations to do it. Situated north of Lima, Huaraz serves because the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges, providing a few of the most pristine surroundings on the planet. You’ll see snowcapped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes on a few of the area’s hottest treks, Santa Cruz and the Huayhuash Circuit.
Lima
Lima affords a surprising UNESCO World Heritage website, in addition to breezy coastal districts, stylish cafes, and full of life nightlife. It’s additionally a culinary haven, famend for its world-class eating places serving dishes that mix indigenous substances with world influences.
Expertise it for your self on: Lima Day Tour: Highlights and Insiders Tour
Cusco
A charming mix of historic ruins and colonial structure, together with the spectacular Sacsayhuamán fortress and the attractive Plaza de Armas, Cusco additionally immerses guests in vibrant Andean tradition, with bustling markets, conventional festivals, and breathtaking views of the encompassing mountains.
Expertise it for your self on: Journeys: Iconic Peru
Arequipa
Arequipa enchants guests with its colonial structure made out of volcanic stone set in opposition to the backdrop of the towering El Misti volcano. There are few higher methods to settle right into a metropolis than with a pisco bitter whereas gazing up at a volcano.
Expertise it for your self on: Peru: Historical Cities & the Andes
Colca Canyon
Greatest accessed from Arequipa, Colca Canyon is a two-day hike down right into a canyon twice as deep as Arizona’s Grand Canyon, at a staggering 3,270m (10,730 ft). The trek affords a singular mixture of breathtaking landscapes, together with steep cliffs, lush valleys, and conventional Andean villages, in addition to the prospect to come across the majestic Andean condor.
Expertise it for your self on: Absolute Peru
Puno
Perched on the shores of the magical Lake Titicaca, Puno affords a singular cultural expertise with its indigenous Quechua and Aymara traditions. Why not discover the floating islands of the Uros folks and even keep an evening with an area household?
Expertise it for your self on: Inca Empire
Máncora
Situated on Peru’s northern coast, laid-back Máncora is one in all Peru’s greatest seaside cities with a inhabitants of solely 10,000, so in case you’re in search of someplace to stay your ft within the sand and chill out, that is the place for you. It’s additionally a great place for browsing, although we’d advocate having just a few classes underneath your wetsuit earlier than tackling these waves!
Expertise it for your self on: The Nice South American Journey: Quito to Rio Journey
Isla Ballestas
Sometimes called the Galapagos of Peru, Isla Ballestas is a wildlife sanctuary positioned off the coast of Paracas. A brief boat experience from the mainland, the islands are dwelling to huge colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and quite a lot of seabirds, supplying you with an unimaginable alternative to look at numerous marine life in its pure habitat.
Expertise it for your self on: The Complete Peru Bundle: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon is nothing in need of magical, the place nature’s uncooked magnificence and untamed wilderness come alive in all of the sights and sounds you’ll be able to think about. A go to to this extraordinary rainforest affords a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to immerse your self in one of the crucial biodiverse locations on Earth, the place towering timber, unique animals, and winding rivers create a world not like every other. You may be kayaking via the jungle’s labyrinthine waterways, recognizing vibrant macaws and playful monkeys, or connecting with indigenous communities who’ve lived in concord with the forest for hundreds of years.
Expertise it for your self on: Amazon Riverboat Journey In Depth
