Written by Kara Folkerts

While spending the early part of 2022 traveling around South America, the excitement of my next destination was overhead.  Next stop, Peru!  I’d been looking forward to this portion of my travels for months and as I boarded my flight, there was so much I was looking forward to.  From hiking around several mountain ranges of the high Andean peaks to visiting various cultural sites while learning more about Quechua history and culture, to exploring the Sacred Valley and walking the vibrant city streets of Cusco and pursuing the bustling markets, I couldn’t wait!  

Arriving in Cusco on my first day, my only plan was to take it slow.  With an altitude of 3,399m / 11,152 ft, the city sits much higher than most.  Drinking the soothing and culturally significant coca leaf tea, was the perfect remedy to any exhaustion or headache symptoms that may arise when first coming to the country.  As I rested on my first day, I sat back in the bliss of the excitement of beginning my solo travels in this beautiful country for the next six weeks!

Here are 10 things you need to know about Peru solo travel:

Do your research

With over seven years of solo travel experience across the globe, I’ve always liked to research a few activities or ideas of things I’d like to explore to give me a general sense of a place without looking too much, to leave room for a lot of spontaneity and surprise of all that is to come.  

For me, this meant A LOT of time exploring the surrounding mountain ranges and looking for various treks around and through the towering Andean peaks. 

Cusco is known for being a perfect traveler’s drop-off point for many of these adventures, so the information availability and support to get out on adventures is readily available - whether you’re coming with friends or family, but especially, also, if you’re traveling to Peru alone.

Use eco-tour operators for your excursions

During my travels, I went on several multi-day treks under a few locally and sustainably run eco-tour operators, like Traverse Journeys. It was evident through the entire booking process and the excursion itself, that I was supported and able to fully enjoy myself while all of the trip details were taken care of. I could simply show up and enjoy a beautiful, adventurous, and fun trip out to the mountains!

Shop at the local markets

Another favorite aspect of travel for me is always the produce markets.  I love trying the exotic fruits, smelling all the aromatic local spices, and purchasing new vegetables to cook back at my guesthouse. 

I also love eating healthy, locally sourced foods when traveling and learning about the local cuisine, while exploring all of the markets in the area.  Peru especially is known for the thousands of varieties of potatoes that grow there, its delicious plant protein sources such as quinoa and kiwicha, and many delicious local fruits like ​​granadilla, pitahaya, and chirimoya. The markets in Peru are vibrant and abundant, so I always made sure to take time to visit the markets in every town I went to!

Get to know the history & culture

Cusco is a vibrant and culturally distinct city, nestled in a fertile valley between the high Andean peaks and surrounded by flowing rivers.  Known as being one of the oldest living cities in the Americas, it was the historical capital of the Inca empire under the ruler Pachucuteq before the Spanish conquest.  The lively city boasted incredibly strong agricultural, artisan, and industrial production for its time.

The Quechua culture is lively and makes such a rich presence within the greater region of Peru.  While Europeans came to Peru during the Inca period several hundred years ago, the Quechua influence that dates back thousands of years is still very prominent throughout the central Andes. Quechua history, language, music, dress, cuisine, and dance play a significant role in modern Peruvian culture.  With so much to learn about the history and culture, travelers have come from all across the globe to learn about it for themselves.

Select your transportation carefully

With an abundance of travelers, Peru’s modes of transportation are plentiful.  As a solo female traveler, I felt mostly safe during my travels around Peru. I took several forms of transportation but always made sure to be mindful of how, when, and where I was going to travel as a solo female.

Driving

On the many travel excursions I took while in Peru, most activities had their own driver. For some of the day hikes and activities, you may be waking up and leaving as early as 3:00 am.  Knowing a trusted driver, from the company you booked your tour through, was coming directly to your accommodation and picking you up gives a huge piece of mind as a solo female traveler. 

Many hotels and hostels also have their own drivers and are more than happy to book your transportation for you.  This can be extra reassuring as you know the driver is aware of the area, has good reviews, and is trusted by the company. 

Local transportation

Personally, I have always gravitated towards local transportation options.  Shared vans or collectivos are plentiful in Peru and one of my favorite ways to travel. Some don’t find them the comfiest or safest, but I have three rules I like to use when opting for shared rides.  First I always travel during the daytime, second, I will always let a trusted friend or someone know where and when I am going, and lastly, if necessary, I will see if I can find a friend to join me so I’m not going alone. 

Buses in Peru are also a very common way to travel around.  Prices are more economical than domestic flights or private transfers but can be longer depending on where you are going.  When booking, it’s important to look at the company's reputation. I suggest looking for a more upmarket bus to make sure it’s safe and has a good driver.   In particular, there is a company called Peru-Hop which has a high-level of security and includes an English guide and allows you to get on and off at any location.  

Not only does it ensure greater safety as a female traveler, but it also allows more flexibility if you’re going solo!

more on traveling to Peru alone as a female traveler

Spending all of my time in the Cusco province, I felt very safe.  With Cusco city being the region’s capital and travelers’ main start-off point for activities such as visiting Machu Picchu, the government has put in more infrastructure, security, and regulations in the city to ensure greater safety measures are in place. 

As a solo traveler, it’s a huge bonus to know the safety of a place is a top priority of the government. 

Studies show that solo travel is on the rise and a majority of solo travels are by women.  It’s no wonder Peru is increasingly popular among solo female travelers.  During my own time in Peru, it felt easy to meet other solo females and connect.  For a particular instance, while sitting in a cafe, I began chatting with two other women who were traveling solo. We instantly hit it off and ended up meeting up several times in the coming weeks for excursions, dinner dates, and coffee.  Being among other solo female travelers was a continual reminder of how much I love the freedom, highs and lows, and many experiences of solo travel.

Read here to learn more about tips for solo female travel in Peru.

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