Peru is one of those rare places that cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. Where else can you visit Incan ruins in the morning, explore canyons in the afternoon, and fall asleep to Amazonian jungle sounds — all on the same trip? Backpacking Peru is an experience that few destinations on Earth can match, from the Pacific coastal deserts to the Andes Mountains and beyond into the Amazon.
This guide gives you everything you need to plan a successful Peru backpacking trip — routes, costs, treks, safety, and how to add the Amazon without breaking your budget.
Best Backpacking Routes in Peru
The Classic Southern Loop — Most Popular
The southern loop is the most popular route for first-time travelers and for good reason — it connects Peru's greatest attractions in a logical, well-serviced sequence.
Lima → Paracas → Huacachina → Arequipa → Colca Canyon → Puno → Cusco → Machu Picchu
This route works perfectly in 2 to 3 weeks. Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offer comfortable overnight buses for most of the journey, saving both travel time and accommodation costs.
Recommended stopovers:
- Lima: 1–2 days
- Paracas + Huacachina: 1–2 days
- Arequipa + Colca: 3–4 days
- Puno: 2 days
- Cusco + Machu Picchu: 4–5 days minimum
The Northern Route — Off the Beaten Path
Lima → Huaraz → Trujillo → Chiclayo → Chachapoyas → Tarapoto
Northern Peru is dramatically underserved by tourists — perfect for backpackers seeking something different. Huaraz gives access to the Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca. Further north, Trujillo's Chan Chan ruins and the Kuelap fortress near Chachapoyas are genuine archaeological treasures with a fraction of Machu Picchu's crowds. Best suited to experienced backpackers with 3 to 4 weeks available.
The Amazon Add-On
No Peru backpacking trip is complete without at least a taste of the Amazon. The two main entry points are:
- Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata) — accessible by a short flight from Cusco
- Iquitos (Pacaya-Samiria) — accessible only by flight or river boat
A minimum of 3 to 4 nights is needed to make the trip worthwhile. For those wanting the ultimate Amazon experience as part of their backpacking route, manu national park tours offer one of the most biodiverse jungle experiences on the planet — departing directly from Cusco. Options range from comfortable manu national park eco lodges to the unforgettable experience of a treehouse lodge resort Peru deep inside the rainforest.
Add the Amazon to your backpacking route:
Top Hikes and Treks for Backpackers in Peru
Is the Inca Trail Worth Booking Months in Advance?
Absolutely — and you should start planning now. The Inca Trail is a 43km, 4-day Peru hike terminating with a sunrise entry through the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. It is one of the most iconic treks in the world.
- Permits limited to 500 people per day including guides and porters
- A guide is mandatory by law — independent hiking is not permitted
- Permits sell out 6+ months in advance for peak season (June–August)
- The trail closes in February for annual maintenance
- Guided tours cost between $600 and $800 per person
Salkantay Trek — The Scenic Alternative
Five days of spectacular high-altitude trekking, crossing the glaciated Salkantay summit at 4,630m before descending through cloud forest to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. More scenic than the Inca Trail in places and far less crowded. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay can be done independently — the path is well-marked and no permit is required. Popular with budget travelers at under $100 total self-guided.
Santa Cruz Trek — Huaraz
Consistently shortlisted as one of the finest mountain treks in the world — four days of turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and Andean highland wilderness in the Cordillera Blanca. Self-guided and best done during the dry season from May to September. A must for any northern Peru backpacking itinerary.
Colca Canyon — Dawn Condors and Deep Descents
A popular 2-day descent and ascent into one of the world's deepest canyons, beginning in the village of Cabanaconde. Most trekkers camp at the canyon floor oasis for one night before hiking back up. Arrive early at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint — between 8 and 10am, Andean Condors with wingspans over 3m soar directly overhead.
Guided Tours vs Independent Backpacking in Peru
When Are Guided Tours the Right Choice?
Some Peru experiences either require a guide by law, or are dramatically improved by expert knowledge:
- Inca Trail — guides mandatory by law, no exceptions
- Amazon rainforest — manu reserved zone tours with expert naturalist guides turn lucky wildlife encounters into reliable, enriching experiences
- Glacier treks above 5,000m — safety at altitude is a serious concern
- Nazca Lines — only visible from a small plane; no other option exists
When Does Independent Travel Work Best?
- Cities along the southern loop — Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco are all easy to navigate independently
- Salkantay and Santa Cruz treks — well-signed, no guide required
- Cost savings — independent travel can be 40 to 60% cheaper per day than fully guided
- Flexibility — easy to adjust your itinerary based on weather, local tips, or instinct
Backpacking Peru on a Budget — What Things Actually Cost
Daily Budget Breakdown
| Budget Type | Daily Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | $25–$35 | Dorm bed, street food, local buses |
| Mid-range | $50–$80 | Private hostel room, restaurants, mixed transport |
| Comfort | $100–$150 | Budget hotel, guided day tours, domestic flights |
Key Costs to Plan For
- Machu Picchu entry — $50–$65 depending on route; book online in advance
- Inca Trail — $600–$800 per person all-inclusive
- Salkantay guided trek — $200–$400; significantly cheaper self-guided
- Domestic flight Lima to Cusco — $55–$120 one-way
- Long-distance bus (Cruz del Sur VIP) — $25–$45 one-way
- Dorm bed — $7–$15 per night; private rooms $20–$40
Tips for Saving Money
- Eat menú del día — a three-course lunch for $2 to $5 at local eateries, always one of the best bargains on any Peru trip
- Overnight buses save both a night's accommodation and a day of travel simultaneously
- Buy Machu Picchu tickets well in advance — available slots shrink and prices rise closer to the date
- In Lima, use the Airport Express Lima bus instead of airport taxis — safer and a fraction of the cost
Essential Tips for Backpacking in Peru
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Cusco
Altitude sickness is the biggest cause of trip disruptions for visitors arriving in Cusco at 3,400m:
- Rest for 1 to 2 days before any physical activity
- Coca tea is culturally appropriate, readily available, and genuinely effective
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) is available as a preventative medication
- Never fly to Cusco and immediately hike — allow at least 24 hours to begin acclimatisation
Is Backpacking in Peru Safe?
Peru is a very safe country for backpackers. The main risk is petty theft in major tourist areas in Lima and Cusco:
- Use Uber instead of street taxis in Lima — safer, cheaper, and traceable
- Avoid displaying expensive cameras or phones in markets and transport hubs
- Counterfeit soles notes circulate — always check your change from street vendors
Best Time to Go Backpacking in Peru
- Dry season (May–October) — best for trekking, mountain scenery, and wildlife
- Wet season (November–April) — fewer tourists, lower prices, lush scenery
- February — avoid for trekking; Inca Trail closed, highland trails flooded
- Shoulder seasons (April & October) — best value with good trail conditions
What to Pack for a Peru Backpacking Trip
Peru's landscape diversity means you will move through desert, cold mountain ranges, and tropical jungle — sometimes in the same week. Pack accordingly:
- Layered clothing — nights in Cusco and the highlands get cold; a fleece and waterproof jacket are essential
- Rain gear — a lightweight waterproof jacket handles unexpected highland and cloud forest storms
- Hiking boots — non-negotiable for Salkantay or Santa Cruz; trail runners are not sufficient
- Reusable water bottle with filter — tap water is not safe to drink; a filter bottle is cost-effective and eco-friendly
- Sun protection — SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat; the Peruvian sun is intense even in rainy season
- Portable power bank — power outages and limited electricity are common in rural guesthouses
- Small daypack — ideal for Machu Picchu, city tours, and day excursions
Adding the Amazon to Your Backpacking Itinerary
The Amazon is the part of Peru that most backpackers almost skip — and almost always regret not prioritising. The journey from Cusco to Manu National Park is itself an experience: descending through cloud forest, Andean villages, and river valleys before the jungle envelops you entirely. Whether you have 3 days or 7, the amazon rainforest tours Peru has to offer fit into almost any backpacking schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much time do I need for a Peru backpacking trip?
Two weeks is sufficient for the basic southern route. Three to four weeks allows for the northern route or the Amazon. Peru rewards slower travel — more time is always better.
2. Is backpacking in Peru safe for solo travelers?
Yes. Solo backpacking in Peru is very common and well supported by a mature tourism infrastructure. Normal precautions apply in Lima and Cusco.
3. Do I need a guide for the Inca Trail?
Yes. A guide is required by Peruvian law and independent hiking is not permitted. The Salkantay and Santa Cruz treks can both be done independently.
4. What is the cheapest way to get around Peru?
Overnight buses such as Cruz del Sur or Oltursa are best for long distances. Combis (minivans) are the cheapest option for local travel.
5. How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu tickets?
At least 4 to 6 weeks in advance for peak travel from June to August. Book Inca Trail permits even earlier. Use only the official government booking site.
