Backpacking in Peru: The 10 Best Spots to Explore
Peru is a backpacker's paradise. With its mix of breathtaking natural wonders, ancient ruins, colorful markets, and wild landscapes, this South American gem offers everything an adventurous soul could want. Whether you're chasing lost cities, desert thrills, jungle mysteries, or just a good place to relax and meet like-minded travelers, Peru checks all the boxes.
So grab your boots, roll up your sleeping bag, and get ready to explore the best backpacking spots in Peru—each offering a unique window into this country’s soul.
1. Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail
No trip to Peru is complete without Machu Picchu—the crown jewel of Incan civilization. This lost city in the clouds is more than just a photo op—it’s a pilgrimage.
The classic Inca Trail is the most iconic route to reach the site, weaving through high-altitude Andean scenery, cloud forests, and ancient stone ruins. For those with less time or who want a less crowded experience, alternate routes like the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek offer equally stunning journeys.
Base yourself in Cusco, the former Inca capital. It’s a backpacker haven filled with hostels, cozy cafés, and lively bars where hikers swap stories and soak in the post-trek glow.
2. Cusco: Culture & Cool Vibes
Speaking of Cusco, it's more than just a starting point. This high-altitude city is a living museum, with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and Incan walls that still stand centuries later. Spend a few days acclimatizing and exploring:
San Pedro Market for local snacks and handwoven textiles
Sacsayhuamán ruins overlooking the city
Local festivals full of color, dancing, and Andean music
Cusco is also a great base for day trips to the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac—two more Incan towns with incredible ruins and charming vibes.
Sandboarding in Huacachina
3. Iquitos: Gateway to the Amazon
For the adventurous, Iquitos is where the road ends and the river begins. It’s the largest city in the world not accessible by road—you have to fly in or take a boat, which makes arriving feel like stepping into another world.
Once there, you can:
Join a multi-day Amazon River expedition and spot pink dolphins, sloths, and macaws
Stay at a jungle eco-lodge and meet indigenous tribes
Explore the Belen floating market, where homes and stalls rise and fall with the river levels
The food is unforgettable too—don’t miss juane (chicken and rice wrapped in leaves) or grilled piranha if you’re feeling bold.
4. Lima: Surf, Culture, and Ceviche
Peru’s capital city Lima often gets overlooked, but this buzzing metropolis has a personality all its own. It’s where colonial heritage, modern lifestyle, and Pacific Coast energy collide.
Backpackers love:
Barranco – the bohemian district full of murals, live music, and cozy bars
Miraflores – where surfers ride the waves and paragliders soar above the cliffs
Cevicherías – taste the national dish fresh from the sea
Plus, the cost of living is low, and hostels are everywhere—many with rooftop terraces and ocean views.
5. Huacachina: Desert Thrills
Imagine a real-life oasis in the middle of the desert—that's Huacachina. Just a few hours from Lima, this tiny town is surrounded by towering sand dunes and offers unforgettable thrills.
Try sandboarding or race through the dunes in a dune buggy
Climb to the top at sunset for panoramic views
Chill at desert hostels with pools and fire pits
Huacachina is small but full of energy. And the nightlife? Surprisingly wild for a town of only a few streets.
6. Colca Canyon: Deeper Than the Grand Canyon
Move over Arizona. Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and teeming with epic vistas and Andean wildlife—like the majestic condor.
Base yourself in Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” before taking a bus to the canyon. Treks here can range from two to five days, winding through tiny villages, hot springs, and mind-blowing cliffs. It's one of Peru’s best off-the-beaten-path adventures.
7. Lake Titicaca: Floating Islands & Cultural Immersion
Perched on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world—and a spiritual place where myths and traditions live on.
Visit the Uros floating islands, made entirely from reeds, and meet the communities who call them home. For a more immersive stay, try a homestay on Amantani or Taquile Islands, where time slows down and you live as locals do—no Wi-Fi, no rush, just peace.
8. Huaraz & the Cordillera Blanca: The Himalayas of South America
For serious hikers, the Cordillera Blanca is Peru’s best-kept secret. Located near Huaraz, this mountain range features snow-capped peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and some of the most rewarding multi-day treks in South America.
Try the Laguna 69 hike for a perfect day trek
The Santa Cruz trek offers a multi-day challenge through jaw-dropping scenery
Basecamp in Huaraz, a laid-back town with mountain vibes and hearty Andean food
9. Paracas & the Ballestas Islands: The Poor Man’s Galápagos
Just off the coast of Paracas, you’ll find the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” These rocky islets are home to sea lions, penguins, and seabirds galore.
Backpackers often combine this with a stop at the Paracas National Reserve, where desert meets ocean in surreal landscapes. Rent a bike or hop on a dune buggy to explore.
10. The Northern Coast: Beaches & Ruins
If you’re craving beach vibes, don’t overlook northern Peru. Towns like Máncora, Vichayito, and Punta Sal offer laid-back beaches, warm weather year-round, and a lively backpacker scene.
Even here, you’ll find ancient wonders. Chan Chan, near Trujillo, is the largest adobe city in the world and a testament to Peru’s pre-Incan cultures.
Bonus Tips: Make the Most of Your Trip
Learn some basic Spanish – locals appreciate the effort and it makes travel smoother
Bring layers – Peru has 28 microclimates, so expect everything from tropical heat to snowy peaks
Eat local – from street food like anticuchos (grilled meat skewers) to alpaca steak and quinoa soup
Travel Smarter with a Local Guide from Hellocity
Peru is packed with unforgettable experiences—but to truly unlock the soul of the country, nothing beats exploring it with a local by your side. That’s where Hellocity comes in.
Whether you’re looking for a guide to help you navigate Machu Picchu’s hidden corners, lead you through the jungle in Iquitos, or show you the coolest dive bars in Cusco, Hellocity connects you with real people who live the adventure daily.
Get personalized insights, avoid the tourist traps, and discover those authentic, off-the-grid moments that make travel magical.
Hellocity is your backpacking secret weapon. Let a local show you the Peru they know and love—and take your trip to unforgettable new heights.