17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Peru
Peru is a backpacker's dream, offering a dramatic blend of ancient history, diverse landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine that can be enjoyed even on a shoestring budget. This 17-day journey takes you from the misty cliffs of Lima through the high-altitude wonders of the Andes, focusing on authentic local experiences, public transport, and the legendary 'menu del día' to keep costs ultra-low.
By utilizing the extensive intercity bus network and choosing free walking tours over expensive private excursions, you will see the best of the country for approximately $15 USD a day in living costs. Prepare for long journeys, vibrant markets, and some of the most breathtaking views on the planet.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival & Historic Heart
Plaza de Armas Exploration
Start in the heart of the city. Admire the colonial architecture of the Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace for free.
Mercado Central Lunch
Skip the tourist restaurants and head to the central market for a 'menu del día' (soup, main, and drink) for under $3.
Monasterio de San Francisco
Visit the exterior of this famous yellow church and explore the surrounding historic streets of the Rimac district.
Magic Water Circuit
Located in Parque de la Reserva, this is the world's largest fountain complex in a public park. The entry fee is incredibly cheap (approx. $1.50).
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Coastal Cliffs & Bohemia
Miraflores Boardwalk
Walk the Malecón, a cliffside path offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the famous Love Park (Parque del Amor).
Chorrillos Fish Market
Take a local 'combi' bus to Chorrillos to see the local fishermen and eat fresh ceviche at a fraction of Miraflores prices.
Barranco Street Art Tour
Explore the bohemian district of Barranco. Cross the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) and hunt for vibrant murals in the alleys.
Budget Pisco Tasting
Find a local 'bodega' or small bar in Barranco where locals drink rather than the high-end cocktail lounges.
Day 3: Paracas, Peru - The Poor Man's Galapagos
Bus to Paracas
Catch an early morning public bus from Lima to Paracas. The journey takes about 4 hours through the coastal desert.
Paracas Town Walk
Check into a budget hostel and walk along the shoreline to spot flamingos in the bay.
Bike the Reserve
Rent a cheap bicycle and pedal into the Paracas National Reserve to see the red sand beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Street Food Dinner
Eat at the small stalls near the main square, serving anticuchos (grilled skewers) for just a couple of dollars.
Day 4: Huacachina, Peru - Desert Oasis
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Take a budget boat tour to see sea lions, penguins, and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.
Bus to Ica
Take a local bus to Ica, then a short $1-2 mototaxi ride to the Huacachina oasis.
Dune Sunset
Instead of a paid buggy tour, hike up the massive sand dunes surrounding the oasis for a spectacular, free sunset view.
Hostel Social Hour
Enjoy the backpacker vibe by the lagoon, which comes alive with music and budget-friendly happy hours at night.
Day 5: Nazca, Peru - Ancient Mysteries
Travel to Nazca
Hop on a 2-hour bus further south to the town of Nazca, known for its mysterious ancient lines.
Nazca Lines Viewing Tower
If a flight is over your budget, take a local bus to the 'Mirador' (Viewing Tower) for a few dollars to see three of the figures.
Cantalloc Aqueducts
Walk or take a cheap taxi to see these impressive ancient underground irrigation systems built by the Nazca culture.
Night Bus to Arequipa
Board a comfortable overnight bus to Arequipa. This saves you the cost of one night's accommodation.
Day 6: Arequipa, Peru - The White City Arrival
Arrival and Breakfast
Arrive in Arequipa and head to the San Camilo Market for a fresh fruit juice and a 'pastel de tallarín'.
Plaza de Armas Arequipa
Admire the stunning white volcanic stone (sillar) buildings that give the city its nickname.
Free Walking Tour
Join a tip-based walking tour to learn about the history of the city and its colonial mansions.
Yanahuara Viewpoint
Walk to the Yanahuara district for a classic view of El Misti volcano framed by colonial arches.
Day 7: Arequipa, Peru - Monasteries and Culture
Santa Catalina Monastery
Though there is an entry fee, this 'city within a city' is a must-see for photographers and history buffs.
Picantería Lunch
Eat at a traditional Arequipean 'picantería'. Share a 'Rocoto Relleno' (stuffed pepper) to keep costs down.
Museo Santuarios Andinos
See 'Juanita the Ice Maiden,' a well-preserved Inca mummy found on a nearby volcano.
Street Tacos & Chicha
Sample street food near the Calle Mercaderes and try a glass of Chicha Morada (purple corn drink).
Day 8: Arequipa, Peru - Colca Canyon Gateway
Bus to Chivay
Take a public bus toward the Colca Canyon. The public route is significantly cheaper than organized day tours.
Chivay Hot Springs
Relax in the thermal medicinal waters of La Calera for a very small entrance fee.
Local Village Walk
Walk through the traditional villages of Yanque or Coporaque to see local life and colonial churches.
Market Dinner
Enjoy a hearty Andean soup at the Chivay town market, the cheapest spot for dinner.
Day 9: Arequipa to Cusco - High Altitude Transit
Cruz del Condor
Visit the viewpoint to see the massive Andean Condors soaring on the thermals of the deep canyon.
Return to Arequipa
Catch the return bus to Arequipa to prepare for your next major journey.
Overnight Bus to Cusco
Take another night bus. This 10-hour trip climbs high into the Andes, so keep your warm layers handy.
Rest on Board
Save on a hostel tonight by sleeping on the bus; choose 'Cama' (bed) seats for maximum comfort.
Day 10: Cusco, Peru - The Inca Capital
Arrival in Cusco
Arrive and walk to your hostel in the San Blas district. Rest for a few hours to acclimatize to the 3,400m altitude.
San Pedro Market
The best place in Cusco for a cheap meal. Try the chicken soup or a fresh fruit smoothie for a couple of dollars.
Twelve-Angled Stone
Walk down Hatun Rumiyoc street to see the famous Inca stonework for free.
San Blas Overlook
Climb the stairs of the San Blas neighborhood for a panoramic view of the city as the lights come on.
Day 11: Cusco, Peru - Ruins and Hikes
Hike to Cristo Blanco
Walk up from the city center to the white statue of Christ. It offers the same view as the expensive ruins nearby but for free.
Sacsayhuamán Perimeter
While the main site requires a ticket, you can walk around the perimeter paths to see massive Inca walls from the outside.
Inca Museum Exterior
Explore the cobblestone streets around the Plaza de Armas and the many artisan shops.
Cheap Eats on Calle Loreto
Find small local 'chifas' (Peruvian-Chinese fusion) that offer huge portions for very low prices.
Day 12: Sacred Valley, Peru - Pisac Market Day
Collectivo to Pisac
Take a shared van (collectivo) from Calle Puputi. It's the cheapest way to reach the Sacred Valley.
Pisac Market
Browse the famous craft market. Even if you don't buy anything, the atmosphere and colors are free to enjoy.
Pisac Ruins Hike
If you have the tourist ticket, hike up to the ruins. If not, explore the colonial town and the river walk.
Return to Cusco
Catch another collectivo back to the city. These run frequently until dark.
Day 13: Machu Picchu Route, Peru - The Backpacker Way
Bus to Hydroelectric
Avoid the expensive train by taking a long bus ride through Santa Maria to the 'Hidroelectrica' station.
The Jungle Trek
Walk the 10km flat path along the train tracks from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. It’s a beautiful 3-hour jungle walk.
Aguas Calientes
Check into the cheapest hostel you can find. This town is pricey, so look for backstreet eateries.
Early Night
Rest up for the 4:00 AM start to beat the crowds at the world's most famous Inca site.
Day 14: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Sun Gate
Hike up to the Citadel
Save $12 each way by hiking the steep stairs from the valley floor to the entrance instead of taking the bus.
Machu Picchu Exploration
Witness the sunrise over the ruins. Explore the agricultural terraces and urban sectors of this Wonder of the World.
Hike back to Hidroelectrica
Walk back down the stairs and then back along the tracks to meet your return transport.
Return to Cusco
Arrive back in Cusco late at night, exhausted but having seen MP for the lowest possible price.
Day 15: Puno, Peru - Across the Altiplano
Bus to Puno
Take a daytime bus to Puno to see the incredible scenery of the high-altitude Andean plateau (Altiplano).
Arrival at Lake Titicaca
Arrive in Puno (3,800m) and take it easy. Walk along the lakeside boardwalk (malecón).
Puno Cathedral
Visit the Plaza de Armas and the nearby Pine Park to see how the locals spend their evenings.
Trucha Dinner
Try the local specialty, Lake Titicaca Trout (Trucha), at a local market stall for a cheap, high-protein meal.
Day 16: Puno, Peru - The Floating Islands
Uros Floating Islands
Take a budget boat from the main dock to the Uros islands, made entirely of totora reeds.
Sillustani Burial Towers
Take a cheap local bus to these impressive pre-Incan funeral towers overlooking Lake Umayo.
Puno Market Shopping
Pick up any last-minute alpaca wool souvenirs at the Puno markets, which are often cheaper than Cusco.
Farewell Dinner
Gather with new hostel friends for one last Peruvian 'menu' before heading back to the capital.
Day 17: Lima, Peru - Last Bites & Departure
Fly or Bus to Lima
To save time, a budget flight is often only slightly more than a 22-hour bus. Choose what fits your remaining budget.
Final Ceviche in Lima
Return to a local market in Lima for one last fresh ceviche and a final Inca Kola.
Souvenir Hunt
Visit the Indian Market in Miraflores for high-quality crafts if you have any soles left.
Departure
Head to the airport for your flight home, having successfully traversed the heart of Peru on a budget.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers clear blue skies in the Andes, making it ideal for trekking to Machu Picchu and exploring the Sacred Valley. While this is the peak tourist season, traveling on a budget is still very possible if you book transport and popular hostels in advance. The shoulder months of April and November can also be excellent, offering fewer crowds and slightly lower prices, though you may encounter the occasional rain shower.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While some major hotels and high-end shops accept USD, you will need Soles for everything else, especially in markets, local buses, and street food stalls. ATMs are widely available in cities, but they often charge high fees for international cards; look for 'MultiRed' (Banco de la Nación) ATMs for lower or no fees. Tipping is not mandatory in casual eateries but rounding up the bill or leaving a few Soles in mid-range restaurants is appreciated.
Getting Around Peru
Getting around Peru as a budget backpacker is best done via the country's extensive bus network. For long distances (like Lima to Arequipa or Cusco to Puno), night buses are a fantastic way to save on accommodation while traveling in 'Semi-Cama' or 'Cama' luxury. Within cities, look for 'collectivos' (shared vans) or 'combis' which follow set routes and cost only a few cents. For the most expensive leg—Cusco to Machu Picchu—walking from Hidroelectrica is the ultimate budget hack to avoid the high cost of the tourist trains.
