A Guide to Peru For Solo Travelers!

What To Expect When You Visit Peru?

Like its South American neighbors, Peruvians are generally friendly, helpful, and warm. This makes a Peru vacation package for a solo traveler incredibly pleasant and easy. The abundance of hotels of all budgets and the well-trodden ‘gringo’ Trail, Will mean you Will find it virtually impossible to not hook up with other travelers during your Peru vacation packages. The tourism infrastructure is very much in place, and traveling from city to city is a straightforward experience. If you prefer to get off the beaten track and visit some of the rural areas in Peru, you are generally safe, but prepare for some long bus rides and winding unpaved roads on occasion due to the sheer size of the country. But if you’re seeking serene Andean villages, you won’t be disappointed. Each day on your Peru tour, you’ll find yourself exploring a combo of high-altitude cities, where you can absorb yourself in the ancient Inca culture, and learn about the rich indigenous folklore of the region. Throw in a trip to the Amazon Rainforest on Iquitos tours and some hiking through the dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley of The Incas, or some sandboarding and dune buggy-ing in the gigantic dunes of Huacachina, one thing is for certain- Peru will undoubtedly be a South America trip that is ingrained in your memory for years to come.

 

The Dunes of Huacachina

 

Safety on your Solo Peru Tours

Most solo travelers have a genuine concern when traveling abroad on their own. Here are a few pointers to reduce the nervous energy while you are on your Peru getaway. Here are some solo travel tips, Peru

• Avoid going out alone at night or heavy drinking. 
• Buy a SIM card. Navigating unfamiliar cities becomes a lot easier with access to GPS. If you’re worried about a place's general safety this is a good piece of kit to have.
• Trust your gut. If you find yourself in a shady situation, remove yourself as soon as you can. Tune into your gut feeling...if something feels not right, then it generally isn’t right. 
• Keep your valuables in a safe place. The most commonly reported crime in Peru is pick-pocketing. Don’t carry a lot of cash on you and spread it around in different pockets, money pouches, or even your sock! 
• Learn some Spanish or carry a phrasebook /App. English isn’t widely spoken in Peru. Only in tourist regions will you find English-speaking people. Learning the local language is an integral part of immersing yourself in the local Peruvian culture.
• Download Google Translate to make interactions with locals go smoother and create understanding.
• Avoid Shady Neighborhoods!

 

Checking Out The Cusco Square

 

Peru Solo Travel in Lima

It’s hard to know where the dodgy neighborhoods are when visiting new countries or cities, but a Good rule of thumb is that hotels in Peru are generally in safe areas. Outside of Lima, most hotels are located within walking distance of the main plaza or Plaza de Armas. Usually, the closer a hotel is to the main plaza, the safer the area is. In Lima, the capital of Peru, the most tourist areas are also the safest areas. Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are the three best neighborhoods to stay and have a high number of tourist police monitoring the streets to ensure safety for visitors and locals alike. Avoid staying in hotels in neighborhoods like La Victoria, Callao, and the Downtown Historical Center on your Lima tours,  if you can, while the hotel is wonderful, it is more about what can happen when you leave. La Victoria, Callao, and the Downtown Historical Center have higher populations, which leads to higher crime rates. They are most definitely less safe to walk around in at night, whereas in Barranco and Miraflores you can wander around in the evenings without any issues.

 

Lima - Plaza Mayor

 

Arriving at Lima Airport

The Jorge Chávez International Airport or Lima Airport is actually located in Callao, a different district. This means you should be extra careful as most international flights arrive around midnight, and definitely do not leave the airport building without a pre-arranged transfer 
with your Peru Travel Agency or an authorized taxi being booked. Your taxi to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco will drive through some neighborhoods that look a little sketchy and there have been reports of car-jacking on this route. Make sure your doors and windows are locked for the journey.

 

Lima Airport at Dusk

Protests in Peru

Per has recently come under scrutiny in the worldwide press and political issues are an unpredictable factor during any Peru vacation package. In Peru, when people take to the streets it is usually against issues with the government or legal entity. Protesters usually target the railways to Machu Picchu by blocking the route or heading to the airport, where they will gain the attention of the country´s press a lot quicker. Since tourism is a major industry in Peru, blocking the train tracks is a way of getting the government to listen promptly. This means that some trips to Machu Picchu must be rescheduled without notice. Strikes usually only last a few days, but they can literally de-rail your schedule. However, it is important to note that protests in Peru are rarely directed at tourists themselves and you will be generally left alone as long as you respect the roadblocks and protests.

 

Protests Affect The Machu Picchu Train

 

Extreme Weather Conditions on Your  Solo Peru Adventure 

 Peru has a number of differing weather conditions across its varied regions. The ones to focus on are the incredibly strong sun and the heavy torrential rains. High altitude destinations like Cusco and Puno, as well as Lima summers bring on a high UV index that can cause sunburn within minutes if you do not reapply sun protection throughout the day. During the rainy season in The Andes, certain activities may be unsafe for visitors because of the weather. With excessive rains, the rapids gain speed, so white-water rafting is more dangerous during the rainy season for example. Certain treks are also closed during the rainy season. For example, the Inca Trail is closed for all of the month of February, the heart of the rainy season, for safety and maintenance. Choquequirao Trek is not recommended in the rainy season or the Ausangate Trek due to the steep ascents and descents, and high elevations respectively. The rainy season can flood riverbanks, cause landslides and mudslides, this can damage nearby towns, and delay land-based travel routes. To avoid weather-related safety issues, plan your Peru solo trip during the dry or shoulder seasons to avoid these issues. 

 

Unpredictable Andean Weather!

Peru Solo Travel - Should I travel alone?

The short answer is yes, you can most definitely travel to Peru alone as a solo male or female traveler. Careful planning is the best way to keep solo travelers safe, so organize your transfers and book hotels in advance so that you don’t arrive at a destination facing any surprises. Bear in mind that some services require a minimum number of passengers to depart. For example, if you’re hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you should opt for a group hike rather than in a private service to keep costs affordable. A one-person Inca Trail can be quite expensive as you alone will cover all the costs of the trekking tour. There are many group departures for The Inca Trail and alternative trails such as The Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek.  We recommend having some level of flexibility with your travel dates to increase your chances of finding a group departure for your preferred trek.

 

Trekking in Peru

 

Solo Female Travelers

Like solo travel in any part of the world, solo female travelers need to be extra vigilant. Peru is one of the safest destinations to travel for female travelers, however, this shouldn’t mean that you let your guard down. It is always important to pack your common sense and trip savvy wherever you travel in the world. Here are some top tips:

• Don’t leave your valuables unattended. Keep them locked in your hotel safe and walk around with a copy of your passport, a card, and some money for the day.
• Don’t flash jewelry and expensive items. Phones, tablets, and laptops are fair game if left unattended.
• Avoid pickpocketing by holding your backpack in front of you and by never storing a cell phone or important document in the back pocket of your trousers.
• Withdraw money from secure banks and keep your eyes wide open when leaving the bank.
• Dress down. It’s sad that we still have to say this, but unfortunately, women still have to be conscious about how they dress. Peru is moderately a conservative country so it’s better to not wear revealing clothes.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas.
• Don’t lose sight of your drinks if you go partying and of course, don’t accept drinks from strangers if you don’t see how they have been made.
• If you feel you’re being followed, enter a store, restaurant, or other facility and wait until you know you’re safe, before you leave.
• Give your itinerary to someone back at home, the name and contact number of the hotel you’re staying at, and the tour company you are traveling with, if you are traveling on a Peru tour package.
• Handle ‘admirers’ in the streets by taking 0 notice. Ignore men's catcalls and avoid all eye contact.
• Avoid cities where crime rates are higher. Or book a group tour if you really want to visit.
• Have emergency numbers saved on your phone as well as the Embassy of your country.

 

Amazon Waterfall

 

Why You Should Travel Peru Alone!

 

1. Experience the endless amount of activities in Peru. It will come as no surprise that there is a lot to see and do in Peru. From the Andes to the Jungle and to the surf beaches of the North, Peru offers an incredible amount of diversity as a travel destination. Depending on what your interests are and what would make your perfect trip to Peru, you can arrange a specialized itinerary to cater for your every need and we are here to help you on your journey. 

2. You are never really “on your own” traveling solo. Anyone who has ever traveled alone can tell you that you are never really on your own. You are much more likely to strike up a conversation with other travelers, talk about your travel route or receive and offer helpful advice to others along the way. We do recommend some basic Spanish skills when traveling in Peru, not only will it increase the possibility of local interaction but will also help avoid any uncomfortable situations and of course, it will widen anyone’s horizons on a trip to Peru. 

3. When all else fails, stick to the beaten track. What is locally known as the “Gringo trail” is the route from Lima, Ica Nazca, Cusco, Puno. While this route still misses out on some of the highlights of Peru, it's a surefire way to meet other travelers along the route. Don’t forget that if you are looking to get off the well-trodden path, it’s much better and safer to do so, with some newly made friends. 

 

Meeting some friends along the route.

 

4. Most cities have a ready-made tour you can join. The amount of day tours and even multi-day tours are second to none, in Peru, with the exception of the Inca trail, which needs to be reserved a year or so in advance, most touristic destinations can be booked on arrival. These organized tours take the hassle out of arriving at a destination and not being sure what to do. It’s also an amazing way of meeting up with other travelers along the way. 

5. Peru has an amazing travel infrastructure. From regular internal flights to interprovincial buses to local “combis” there is virtually nowhere that is off limits! There are regular services to cities and villages of all different categories. The public transport is surprisingly efficient and relatively cost-effective so that you can explore all four corners of this amazing country. 

 

You can always rely on a good selfie

 

Generally speaking, Peru is safe to visit alone, as long as you take the precautions mentioned here. Like all South American countries, Peru has some crime, undesirable neighborhoods, opportunities for illness, and political instability that can affect travel plans. But don’t let this put you off a Peru vacation package! If you are worried about safety, book a Peru tour package with an authorized Peru tour operator, such as Valencia Travel, that includes services like transfers, hotels, and guided tours. Organized tours also ensure that you have someone on the ground to call in case of an emergency and will get you to different parts of the country with a knowledgeable guide for most parts of your trip. Pack medications that you use, especially prescription medications from home. Always be aware of your surroundings when exploring the nightlife scene or out and about at night. With a common-sense approach, your Peru trip should go without any issues. With these safety tips and advice, your solo Peru vacation package will be one you remember for all the right reasons. Now that you know about solo travel in Peru, all you need to do now is pack your bags and book your Peru tour package! Contact us here!