Peru is one of the most beautiful countries in South America. It’s a country with a rich culture, delicious food, and stunning natural wonders. If you’re planning to visit Peru but are on a budget, you may be wondering how to make the most of your trip without overstretching your wallet. Luckily, Peru is a budget-friendly destination with a wide range of free or low-cost attractions. Below is a suggested itinerary for exploring Peru on a shoestring budget, including cost-saving transportation options, budget accommodations, and must-visit destinations.
Day 1 – 3: Lima
Start your trip in Lima, Peru’s capital city, which has a lot of exciting history, culture, and delicious food. Lima is cheap in terms of transportation. You can find taxis with inexpensive fares for major destinations. The city has many budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels that offer clean and comfortable rooms. While there, visit the historic centre, the city’s oldest district, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll around, admire the majestic colonial architecture, and visit famous sites such as the Plaza Mayor, the San Francisco Monastery, the Government Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima.
Day 4 – 5: Paracas
To travel the 150-mile journey to Paracas from Lima, take a bus for as little as £11-30. Paracas is an excellent destination, known for its natural beauty and National Reserve. The town is relatively small, but it’s full of charm and friendly locals. You can take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. If you’re looking for adventure, the Paracas Reserve offers outdoor activities such as sandboarding, dune buggies, and horseback riding. You can find a good selection of budget-friendly accommodations in town – some hostels are only £8-£15 per night.
Day 6 – 7: Huacachina
Huacachina is a small desert town situated just a few miles from the city of Ica. You can reach Huacachina from Paracas via a private taxi (£27-£33), which is affordable, especially if you share with other travellers. This place is known for its massive sand dunes – perfect for sandboarding! You can also take a dune buggy tour in the afternoon (for around £22) and watch the sunset from the top of the dunes. You can check out the many hostels and budget guesthouses in town for somewhere to lay your head. During your stay, make sure to try Peruvian cuisine, which is another budget-friendly treat.
Day 8 – 11: Cusco and Machu Picchu
From Huacachina, you can take a bus (approximately £14 for the nearly 500-mile journey) to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations. Once in Cusco, many budget accommodations are available in the city’s historic centre. Cusco is one of the most beautiful cities in South America, so spend at least a couple of days exploring the town’s ancient Inca ruins, cobblestone streets, and colourful markets. Remember to eat some delicious Peruvian cuisine in one of the local restaurants. To visit Machu Picchu, take a train (£30 off-peak) from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to the ancient site. From there, take a shuttle bus directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Peru is a budget-friendly travel destination with many fun, interesting, and low-cost activities. Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Cusco, and Machu Picchu are must-visit destinations offering a significant cultural and natural experience. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your trip to Peru unforgettable. Enjoy Peru’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes while keeping your budget intact.
