1. Introduction

Traveling to Peru is a dream for any backpacker. Beaches with perfect waves, desert oases, rainbow-colored mountains, the Amazon jungle, and one of the world’s most famous cuisines—all in one country. The common belief is that exploring Peru requires a big budget. The truth is: traveling cheap in Peru is absolutely possible, and in this guide we’ll show you how.

Peru is made for young travelers looking for authentic experiences, budget accommodation, and a chance to meet people along the way. Hostels in Lima and Cusco, like Pariwana Hostels, are perfect meeting points for backpackers from all over the world. On top of that, transportation is affordable, street food is delicious and cheap, and there are tons of free or low-cost activities.

If this is your first backpacking trip, this guide will help you organize it without breaking the bank.

2. Pre-Trip Preparations

2.1. Finding cheap flights to Peru

Flights are usually the biggest expense. A few tips:

• Book in advance (2–3 months ahead works best).

• Use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights.

• Be flexible with dates and airports. Lima is the main hub, but flying via Lima and then taking a domestic low-cost flight to Cusco can be cheaper.

From Europe (Madrid/Barcelona), return flights to Lima range between $550–750 USD. From Brazil, you can find deals as low as $350–450 USD roundtrip.

2.2. Documents and requirements

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months).

• Many countries don’t require a visa for stays up to 90–180 days.

• No mandatory vaccines, except yellow fever if coming from risk zones.

• Travel insurance: not mandatory but highly recommended. Backpacker plans start from $45 USD per month.

2.3. Backpacker budget in Peru

If you stay in hostels, eat in local markets, and use public transport, you can get by on $25–35 USD per day. That means a month in Peru costs around $800–1,000 USD, including accommodation, food, transport, and basic activities.

3. Budget Accommodation in Peru

3.1. Hostels: the ultimate backpacker choice

Hostels in Lima and Cusco are not just a cheap bed—they’re social hubs where you meet travelers, join tours, and party.

• In Lima, Miraflores is the safest, most popular area.

• In Cusco, stay near the Plaza de Armas to easily catch tours and transport.

3.2. How to pick the right hostel

• Read reviews on Hostelworld.

• Look for 24h reception, lockers, and shared kitchens.

• Check if they offer social events: many hostels include cooking classes, walking tours, or themed parties.

3.3. The Pariwana Hostels experience

Pariwana Hostels in Lima and Cusco are famous for:

• A vibrant social vibe with karaoke nights, beer pong, and parties.

• Activities like Peruvian cooking classes.

• Coworking areas for digital nomads.

• Budget-friendly beds (from $11–13 USD per night).

4. Cheap Transportation in Peru

4.1. Intercity buses

The most common and affordable way to travel across Peru.

• Safe companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa.

• Example price: Lima – Cusco (21 hours) from $32 USD.

4.2. Trains and colectivos

• Trains are mainly for Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, starting at $60 USD.

• Colectivos (shared minivans) are dirt-cheap but less comfortable.

4.3. Handy apps

• RedBus for bus tickets.

• Moovit for local public transport.

• Cabify or InDrive instead of random taxis.

5. Eating Cheap in Peru

5.1. Local markets

Markets are a backpacker’s paradise:

• San Pedro Market (Cusco): full meals from $2–3 USD.

• Surquillo Market (Lima): fresh juices, budget ceviche, and traditional dishes.

5.2. Street food

Classic options include anticuchos, empanadas, or corn with cheese—all under $2 USD.

5.3. Hostel cooking classes

At Pariwana Cusco, you can join cooking classes where you learn to make ceviche or lomo saltado with fellow travelers. Cheap, fun, and tasty.

6. Free & Low-Cost Activities

6.1. Free walking tours

Available in Lima and Cusco. You just tip the guide ($3–5 USD).

6.2. Museums and attractions

• Larco Museum (Lima):$10 USD entry.

• Cusco Tourist Ticket: covers 15+ archaeological sites for $40 USD (cheaper partial versions exist).

6.3. Trekking and nature

• Rainbow Mountain: day tours from $25 USD.

• Humantay Lake: day tours from $30 USD.

• From Lima: Lomas de Lúcumo or Marcahuasi day hikes under $10 USD.

7. Cheap Backpacker Itinerary in Peru (2 Weeks)

Days 1–3: Lima

• Miraflores boardwalk.

• Street art in Barranco.

• Free walking tour in the historic center.

Days 4–6: Huacachina & Paracas

• Sandboarding in Huacachina.

• Islas Ballestas tour from $15 USD.

Days 7–9: Arequipa & Colca Canyon

• Colonial downtown.

• 2-day trek in Colca Canyon from $40 USD.

Days 10–12: Cusco & Sacred Valley

• Free walking tour.

• Budget tour to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Maras.

Days 13–14: Machu Picchu (budget option)

Skip the expensive train (up to $150 USD round trip):

• Bus Cusco – Hidroelectrica (7–8 hrs, $15 USD).

• Walk 2 hrs to Aguas Calientes.

• Machu Picchu entry: $45 USD (students: $23 USD).

8. Meeting People & Traveling Solo on a Budget

• Choose social hostels like Pariwana for easy connections.

• Use apps like Couchsurfing Hangouts or Meetup.

• Try hostel volunteering: work a few hours at reception or bar in exchange for free accommodation.

9. Safety Tips for Backpackers

• Avoid unregistered taxis; use apps or official services.

• Watch out for common scams: fake guides, money changers.

• Always keep a digital copy of your passport.

• Lock your stuff in hostel lockers with your own padlock.

10. Conclusion

Traveling cheap in Peru doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or quality. In fact, backpackers who take buses, eat local, and stay in hostels usually have the most authentic and memorable experiences.

Peru is built for adventure with a backpack: from Huacachina’s dunes to Machu Picchu’s heights, there’s always a budget option, delicious food, and a hostel community waiting.

As many backpackers say after their first trip here: Peru isn’t measured in soles spent, but in memories made.