Traveling to Peru for the first time is one of those experiences that marks a turning point in your life as a traveler. It’s not just another destination you tick off a list. Peru is a country you feel, taste, and experience deeply, often in ways you didn’t expect when you first booked your flight.

For many young travelers between 18 and 35 years old, Peru is their first big adventure outside Europe or North America. For others, it’s their first time backpacking solo, their first encounter with Latin America, or their first trip where culture, nature, history, food, and social life collide all at once.

This guide is written for you if:

• You’re traveling to Peru for the first time

• You’re backpacking (or planning to)

• You want real advice, not postcard clichés

• You care about budget, safety, food, and meeting people

• You want to understand what Peru is really like

And before we go any further, let’s say it clearly: Peruvian food is far richer and more diverse than most people expect. Give yourself time to eat, explore flavors, try new dishes, and repeat. It will not disappoint you—and for many travelers, food ends up being one of the strongest memories of the entire trip.

This is not a luxury travel guide. This is a real, honest, backpacker-focused guide to help you arrive prepared, avoid common mistakes, and make the most out of your first journey through Peru.

Why Peru Is an Ideal Destination for Young Backpackers

Peru stands out as one of the most complete backpacking destinations in Latin America. In a relatively short amount of time, you can experience:

• A modern capital city by the Pacific Ocean

• Ancient civilizations and living history

• High-altitude Andean cities

• Jungle and mountain landscapes

• Lively backpacker hostels and social environments

What makes Peru especially appealing for young travelers is how accessible it is. You don’t need an extreme budget, advanced travel experience, or months of planning to enjoy it.

Some key reasons Peru works so well for first-time backpackers:

• Well-established backpacker routes

• Reliable long-distance buses between cities

• A strong hostel culture with social activities

• Plenty of other travelers in the same situation as you

• A good balance between adventure and comfort

It’s challenging enough to feel exciting, but structured enough to feel safe and manageable.

Expectations vs Reality: What You Should Know Before Arriving

Peru is not difficult to travel, but it is different. Understanding this early will help you avoid frustration and enjoy the experience more.

Time Works Differently Here

Schedules are flexible. Buses might leave later than expected. Tours may not start exactly on time. The word “ahorita” (which literally means “right now”) can mean anything from “in a minute” to “later.”

Instead of fighting this, accept it. Peru teaches you to slow down, adapt, and let go of rigid expectations.

Apparent Chaos Has Its Own Logic

Traffic can feel overwhelming. Markets are loud and busy. Streets are full of movement. At first, it might feel chaotic—but after a few days, you’ll notice that everything works in its own way.

People Are Warm and Direct

Peruvians are generally friendly, curious, and open to conversation. A smile, basic politeness, and a bit of patience go a long way, especially outside the most touristy areas.

Lima: The Starting Point Most Travelers Underestimate

For most travelers, Lima is the first stop in Peru. Many people treat it as just a transit city—but that’s a mistake.

Lima is not about traditional beauty at first glance. It’s about energy, food, coastal views, and urban life.

Best Areas for Backpackers

Neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco are ideal for first-time visitors because they offer:

• Safe, walkable streets

• Social hostels

• Bars and nightlife

• Restaurants for every budget

• Easy access to tours and transport

These areas are perfect for recovering from long flights, adjusting to the country, and meeting other travelers.

Things to Do in Lima on a Budget

You don’t need much money to enjoy Lima:

• Join free walking tours

• Walk along the cliffs by the ocean

• Visit local markets

• Eat daily lunch menus (“menú del día”)

• Go out at night with people from your hostel

Lima is also where many travelers have their first big food revelation in Peru.

Cusco: The Backpacker Capital of Peru

If Lima is the introduction, Cusco is the emotional core of the trip.

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a hub for backpackers from all over the world. It’s where history, adventure, and social life blend perfectly.

Altitude: Take It Seriously

Cusco sits at over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet). Altitude sickness is real and unpredictable.

Key tips:

• Rest on your first day

• Drink plenty of water

• Avoid alcohol initially

• Eat light meals

• Listen to your body

Rushing acclimatization is one of the most common mistakes first-time travelers make.

More Than Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is incredible—but Cusco offers much more:

• Local neighborhoods

• Artisan markets

• Nearby ruins

• Short hikes

• Cafés, bars, and nightlife

Many travelers arrive planning to stay two days and end up staying a week.

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does Backpacking Peru Really Cost?

Peru can be affordable or expensive—it all depends on your choices.

Typical Backpacker Expenses

• Hostel accommodation: affordable

• Local food: very cheap

• Long-distance buses: reasonable

• Tours: variable, often negotiable

A smart approach is balance. Save money on daily expenses so you can afford a few unforgettable experiences.

Peruvian Food: One of the Biggest Surprises of the Trip

This deserves special attention.

Many travelers arrive in Peru without high culinary expectations. That changes fast.

Peruvian cuisine is:

• Diverse

• Flavorful

• Influenced by many cultures

• Accessible even on a tight budget

It’s not just ceviche. It’s soups, stews, rice dishes, street food, and regional specialties.

A truly honest tip: don’t rush meals. Explore markets. Ask locals. Try dishes you don’t recognize. Giving time to food will reward you more than you expect.

Safety: Traveling Smart Without Being Paranoid

Peru is not dangerous, but awareness is essential.

Basic rules:

• Don’t show valuables

• Use recommended taxis

• Watch your belongings

• Ask locals or hostel staff about areas to avoid

With common sense and local advice, Peru feels safe and comfortable.

Traveling Solo and Meeting People (It’s Easier Than You Think)

One of the biggest fears before a first backpacking trip is loneliness. In Peru, that fear rarely lasts long.

Why?

• Social hostels

• Group tours

• Free walking tours

• Backpacker bars

If you’re open, curious, and willing to say yes to plans, meeting people happens naturally.

Common First-Time Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Trying to see everything too fast

• Ignoring altitude acclimatization

• Eating only in tourist restaurants

• Overplanning every day

Some of the best travel moments happen when plans change.

Is Peru Worth It for Your First Backpacking Trip?

Absolutely.

Peru is intense, diverse, challenging, and deeply rewarding. It pushes you to adapt but gives back unforgettable experiences, human connections, and personal growth.

If you arrive with an open mind, patience, curiosity, and a willingness to try new food and experiences, Peru won’t just meet your expectations—it will exceed them.

✍️ Pariwana Editorial Team
Practical travel tips written by backpackers, for backpackers.