PART 1: EXPLORING PERU
Are you ready for an adventure that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures in South America? Travelling for three or four weeks across Peru, Bolivia, and northern Chile is an exciting challenge, especially if you want to stick to a budget. With careful planning and an open heart, you can experience rich histories, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable encounters without emptying your wallet.
In this post, I will share my detailed itinerary, offering insights and tips that can help you navigate these incredible destinations. Get ready for a journey filled with vibrant cities, stunning natural wonders, and meaningful experiences.
This article can help you save thousands of USD compared to booking this trip through a travel agent, and it will also save you hours of your valuable time. I hope you find it enjoyable and informative. As a small request in return, please consider subscribing to the FREE newsletter.
Day 1: Arriving in Lima
My journey began bright and early at 6 AM when I touched down in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital. The city's vibrant energy and fascinating history welcomed me as I settled in. I dedicated my first day to exploring, eager to soak in the local culture.
When booking your hotel, I recommend staying in Miraflores. This beautiful area of Lima is considered safe, especially for solo travelers. Check out the interactive map below to find the best hotel and hostel deals in Miraflores:
Days 2-4: Exploring Lima
Lima thrives on its culinary scene and arts, so I headed to popular spots that truly showcase its spirit.
One of the highlights was the Palomino Islands Tour, starting at La Mar 229, Callao. I highly recommend this tour—it costs only about $60 per person. Be sure to carry cash, as you might need to pay about $7 for 'Nature reserve protection and conservation fee' on-site. During the tour, I marvelled at coastal views and diverse marine life, including sea lions and various seabirds.
An absolutely unforgettable experience was when we swam with the sea lions. I couldn't believe how close we could get to them! They are such curious creatures, and some of them like to approach and interact with us. The guide provided safety vests and instructed us to lie back and float with our feet up. Apparently, sea lions are attracted to the smell of our toes, so they would come close and try to sniff them.
When you think of sea lions, you might also think of sharks. Don’t worry — our guides confirmed that no sharks have ever been spotted in the area. We had a fantastic time!
Another activity I recommend in Lima is walking to Huaca Pucllana, which is within walking distance from Miraflores. You can admire this ancient pyramid from the outside without paying any entrance fee.
Additionally, you shouldn't miss the chance to explore Lima's historical center and the renowned The Plaza Mayor, also known as the Plaza de Armas. I wasn't too impressed with the queues for the famous water fountains, so I would probably leave that out of the itinerary. However, there are other fantastic free activities in Lima, such as visiting the Barranco district or walking along the cliffs.
If you have extra time in Lima, there are several day trips available that you can book. For instance, you can take a day trip to Paracas, Ica, and the Huacachina Oasis, explore the Cordillera de la Viuda, or enjoy a full-day trip to Sayan and Churin. Additionally, you can book a city tour, stroll through renowned markets like the Surquillo Market, or join a culinary tour in Lima, which has gained popularity in recent years.
To learn more, please click the widget below to discover Lima tours:
Before heading to Lima, I suggest downloading the UBER app. It's an affordable way to travel and is commonly used by locals, ensuring prices aren't inflated for tourists. I wouldn't recommend hailing a taxi on the street, as it can be much more expensive than using UBER.
Day 5: Journey to Cusco,
After an exciting stay in Lima, we left for Cusco at 2 PM, arriving by late afternoon. We took a domestic flight with LATAM that lasted about an hour and a half. The trip provided breathtaking views of the Andes foothills, increasing my eagerness to discover the historical wealth of Cusco.
Upon arriving, our first stop was the Salkantay Office to finalize our trek payment and then we went to the hotel we booked in advance.
Tips and Advice for High Altitude Sickness.
Before proceeding with the itinerary, it's crucial and responsible to familiarise yourself with the details before planning your trip. I'm not an expert, so if you experience discomfort due to high altitude, please seek immediate medical assistance from a professional. However, I can share my experience, which may hopefully assist you.
Honestly, I experienced altitude sickness shortly after our arrival. I felt fatigued, dizzy, and short of breath. I do have experience with high altitudes, having trekked in Nepal before. The key to handling high altitude is to take things slowly and acclimate. Cusco is situated at 3,400 meters (ft), and the air can be significantly thinner, especially if you're coming from sea level. Despite my knowledge, I underestimated its impact and felt unwell.
In Peru, locals offer coca leaves, believing they help with high altitude. You can find coca tea everywhere, and locals provide coca leaves to chew. Initially, I was a bit skeptical, but along with other measures, I think it helped. However, I wouldn't claim that chewing coca tea can completely cure altitude sickness. It's important to understand that descending to a lower altitude is the most effective remedy.
Additionally, ensure you get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, take altitude sickness medication, and consume light meals, preferably a vegetarian diet. Lastly, if you plan to visit high altitudes, remember to pack isotonic drinks to replenish essential salts and minerals. I cannot emphasize enough how beneficial this was throughout my trip.
Days 6-7: The Sacred Valley
One effective tip for dealing with altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude, which is exactly what we did. The Sacred Valley is located at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 meters (6,730–9,800 ft) and can physically help you acclimatize. If you're concerned about high altitude, I recommend booking a hotel in the Sacred Valley for a few days, then moving up to Cuzco for a few days before going any higher.
Our trek began early in the morning, and we visited incredible archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Pisac, Maras, Moray, and Urubamba.
You can book a one or two-day trip to explore all these sites. I was absolutely mesmerized by the locations, learning about ancient Inca cultures. It's unbelievable how advanced this culture was in agriculture, architecture, and knowledge of nature. If you're going to Cuzco, this trip is an absolute must. I also found it very reasonably priced, considering what we experienced.
To book the trip, please visit my recommended trips by clicking the widget below:
Days 8-9: Exploring Cuzco
I must confess that Cuzco ranks among my favorite cities globally. Although it feels more like a town, it is officially a city. It's brimming with lively shops, restaurants, pubs, and small markets offering a variety of handmade goods. The ancient cobblestone streets of Cuzco exude a magical aura, and wandering through this enchanting city is the best activity you can do. You'll encounter traditionally dressed women inviting you to take photos with baby llamas, though some claim they are actually baby goats or sheep. The photos are charming and the animals are adorable, but be prepared to offer some change for these pictures.
I highly recommend visiting Cuzco Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, the San Blas district, and most importantly, the San Cristobal Viewpoint.
When you are at high altitude, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol completely. However, if you still want to try an alcoholic drink, the locals really love their Pisco Sour. You can also visit two Irish bars located in the center of Cuzco. They are close to each other and both claim to be the highest in the world, although I've been to one in Nepal and another in Bolivia, and they both make the same claim. Regardless, these pubs have a charming old-school vibe, and I enjoyed visiting both.
One of my favorite breakfast spots was Crepería La Bo'M, where I had pancakes and smoothies while watching wild hummingbirds in a nearby tree. I found the northern part of the city, near San Cristobal, to have a hipster vibe that I really liked.
I would recommend staying a few days in Cuzco, as accommodations were very affordable. We stayed at Kori Gems Inn, which I loved, but there are many amazing hotels in the area. Be sure to check out the interactive map below that combines multiple booking companies to find the best hotel or hostel deals. The people in Cuzco are very friendly and hard-working, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the incredible vibe of this city.
Days 10-14: Salkantay Trek
Our main goal for this incredible trip was to hike the Salkantay Trek, which is known to be the most challenging route to Machu Picchu. During the planning stage, I was trying to decide which trail to take, and I initially considered the Inca Trail. However, it seemed overpriced, and according to reviews, it was very crowded. I wanted a trek that felt like an achievement, and once I read about the Salkantay Trek and saw pictures of it, I knew that was the right choice for us.
Spending four days hiking in the Andes is certainly a challenge, so we decided to use this trek for a good cause. We organized a charity event to raise money for David Nott's Foundation in memory of my partner's late sister, Lucy. This added a meaningful dimension to our journey, as we felt a strong drive to complete the trek in the spirit of helping others.
We chose a 4-day trek, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. There is much to be said about the trek itself and our journey. If you are interested in our story, read my article about Salkantay Trek, Peru.
Choosing the right company for the trek can be quite challenging. Although I wanted to keep this trip budget-friendly, I realized that this is one experience where I don't want to cut corners. As someone who has hiked at high altitudes before, I understand that difficulties can arise, and conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. Therefore, when hiking in harsh conditions and remote areas, I prefer to avoid taking unnecessary risks. I want to book with experienced guides who have good equipment and excellent reviews. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the food and sleeping arrangements are satisfactory, as we will need all the energy we can get. Therefore, make sure to choose the right company for your trek.
Day 15: Departing to Puno
After a restful day in Cusco, we checked in with Peru Hop for our 9 PM ride to Puno. The bus journey was comfortable, and we met other travelers who were excited about their adventures.
I can honestly say that if you want to travel around Peru or Bolivia, or do the border crossing, using Peru Hop (or Bolivia Hop) is the best and most cost-effective way to get around. I cannot recommend them highly enough, as they allow you to travel on a budget, get off the bus whenever you want, and stay as long as you like at the designated stops. You can then check in again and continue your journey. They also offer their own excursions, which are reasonably priced. As for the border crossing, it was quite an experience, but I truly believe it’s the best way to travel from Peru to Bolivia.
Please be aware that Peru Hop and Bolivia Hop are operated by the same company, but each has its own distinct app that must be downloaded before use.
We arrived in Puno around 6 AM, ready to explore Lake Titicaca and its unique floating villages.
Days 16-17: Exploring Lake Titicaca and Arriving in La Paz, Bolivia
We began our day with a light breakfast at a modest local guesthouse before continuing our journey to Lake Titicaca. We took a boat across the lake, which is the highest navigable lake in the world, and visited the indigenous families living on the man-made floating islands. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience from Puno.
Learning about the Uros people was particularly fascinating. They create these islands using totora reeds from the lake, and their rich traditions are deeply rooted in this unique lifestyle. It was enlightening to see how they live sustainably on these floating homes, some of which have existed for over 800 years.
We thoroughly enjoyed hearing their stories and engaging with the Uros community. The experience was exceptionally distinctive.
We also explored a section of the lake that included a short hike to the village's summit. The hike provided breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca. After spending some time at Copacabana Beach on the lake, we continued our journey, crossed the border into Bolivia, and arrived in La Paz around 10:30 PM.We began our day with a light breakfast at a modest local guesthouse before continuing our journey to Lake Titicaca. We took a boat across the lake, which is the highest navigable lake in the world, and visited the indigenous families living on the man-made floating islands. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience from Puno.
Learning about the Uros people was particularly fascinating. They create these islands using totora reeds from the lake, and their rich traditions are deeply rooted in this unique lifestyle. It was enlightening to see how they live sustainably on these floating homes, some of which have existed for over 800 years.
We thoroughly enjoyed hearing their stories and engaging with the Uros community. The experience was exceptionally distinctive.
Our journey across Peru, Bolivia, and northern Chile will continue. I hope you enjoy my tips and advice, and that these articles help you plan the trip of a lifetime on a reasonable budget. Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter!
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