19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Peru
Peru is a dream for budget travelers, offering a rich tapestry of Incan history, vibrant street markets, and breathtaking landscapes without a massive price tag. This 19-day route focuses on the 'Gringo Trail' but with a hardcore budget twist, utilizing local buses, street food stalls (menus del día), and the famous Hidroelectrica trek to Machu Picchu.
By staying in social hostels and choosing free walking tours over private excursions, you can stretch your dollars while meeting fellow adventurers from around the globe. Prepare for high altitudes, long bus rides, and some of the best culinary experiences of your life in the budget-friendly markets of the Andes.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival and Coastal Vibes
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport
Touch down in Lima. Skip the expensive airport taxis and take the Airport Express bus or the local 'QuickLlama' shuttle to Miraflores to save significantly on your first hour in the country.
Settling into Miraflores
Check into a budget hostel in Miraflores. Walk to the Malecón, a cliff-side park system overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which is completely free and offers stunning views.
Parque del Amor
Visit this famous Gaudi-inspired park. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying the sea breeze without spending a Sol.
Street Food at Kennedy Park
Head to Parque Kennedy to try 'picarones' (Peruvian donuts) from the street vendors. It is cheap, delicious, and a local favorite.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Historic Center Exploration
Free Walking Tour Lima
Take the Metropolitano bus (very cheap) to the Historic Center. Join a free walking tour starting at the Plaza de Armas to learn about colonial history.
Mercado Central Lunch
Eat like a local at the Central Market. A 'Menú del Día' (soup, main, and drink) will cost you less than $3 USD.
Monasterio de San Francisco
Visit the catacombs beneath the church. It's one of the few paid attractions in Lima that is truly worth the small entry fee for budget travelers.
Magic Water Circuit
Head to Parque de la Reserva for the world's largest fountain complex in a public park. The evening light show is spectacular and very affordable.
Day 3: Paracas, Peru - The Poor Man's Galapagos
Bus to Paracas
Catch an early morning bus from Lima to Paracas. Public buses like Cruz del Sur offer comfortable seats and are much cheaper than private transfers.
Ballestas Islands Tour
Join a budget boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. You’ll see sea lions, penguins, and blue-footed boobies for a fraction of the cost of the Galapagos.
Paracas National Reserve
Rent a bicycle to explore the dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes of the reserve at your own pace instead of paying for a bus tour.
Seafood on the Shore
Look for the smaller stalls away from the main pier for the cheapest 'Ceviche' of your trip.
Day 4: Huacachina, Peru - Desert Oasis Adventures
Travel to Ica
Take a short local bus or 'colectivo' to Ica, then a quick mototaxi to the Huacachina oasis.
Oasis Chill Time
Walk around the tiny oasis. It's free to climb the surrounding dunes for an incredible view of the town nestled in the sand.
Sandboarding & Buggy Tour
This is the one 'splurge' activity. Shop around the different operators in the oasis to find the lowest price for a sunset dune buggy ride.
Sunset on the Dunes
Watch the sun dip below the horizon from the top of the dunes—a completely free and world-class experience.
Day 5: Arequipa, Peru - The White City
Arrival via Overnight Bus
Arrive in Arequipa after an overnight bus ride from Ica (this saves you the cost of one night’s hostel!).
Plaza de Armas
Relax in what many consider the most beautiful plaza in Peru. The white volcanic stone architecture is iconic.
San Camilo Market Lunch
Head to this massive local market. Try the 'Adobo Arequipeño' or a fresh fruit smoothie for just a few Soles.
Mundo Alpaca
Visit this free attraction to see live alpacas and llamas and learn about the traditional weaving process.
Day 6: Arequipa, Peru - Monasteries and Viewpoints
Santa Catalina Monastery Exterior
While the interior has a fee, walking the surrounding streets of this 'city within a city' is free and highly photogenic.
Yanahuara District Walk
Walk across the bridge to the Yanahuara district for the famous arches and a panoramic view of Misti Volcano.
Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
Home to 'Juanita the Ice Maiden.' It's a small fee but provides essential context for the Incan history you'll see in Cusco.
Rooftop Drinks
Find a budget hostel with a rooftop bar for a cheap 'Pisco Sour' with a view of the illuminated cathedral.
Day 7: Arequipa, Peru - Preparation Day
Hike to Selva Alegre
A peaceful walk through Arequipa's largest park. It's a great way to acclimate to the slightly higher altitude before heading to the canyon.
Budget Gear Check
Head to the local shops near the market to pick up cheap snacks and coca leaves for your upcoming trek.
La Mansión del Fundador
Take a local bus to this colonial mansion on the outskirts for a cheap peek into 16th-century history.
Early Night
Prepare your bag for the Colca Canyon. Leave your heavy luggage at your hostel storage for free.
Day 8: Colca Canyon, Peru - Into the Deep
Public Bus to Chivay
Skip the expensive tours and take the public bus from Arequipa’s terminal. It’s slower but costs less than $5.
Arrival in Chivay
Explore the small mountain town and grab a local lunch in the market square.
La Calera Hot Springs
Walk or take a cheap mototaxi to these natural thermal baths. It's the ultimate budget relaxation.
Stargazing in the Canyon
The night sky in Chivay is incredible. Find a dark spot away from the town lights for a free celestial show.
Day 9: Colca Canyon, Peru - Flight of the Condors
Colectivo to Cruz del Condor
Take a local 'colectivo' (shared van) early in the morning to reach the viewpoint before the big tour buses arrive.
Condor Watching
Watch the massive Andean Condors rise on the morning thermals. This is one of the world's deepest canyons.
Hike to Cabanaconde
Enjoy a scenic, free hike between the canyon villages instead of taking the bus back.
Night Bus to Puno
Catch the evening bus toward Lake Titicaca to maximize your daylight hours tomorrow.
Day 10: Puno, Peru - Lake Titicaca
Arrival in Puno
Check into your hostel and head straight to the lakeside. Puno is high altitude, so walk slowly!
Uros Floating Islands
Go to the port and join a local boat for a few dollars. Negotiate directly with the boatmen to avoid agency markups.
Sillustani Tombs
Take a local bus to these pre-Incan burial towers. The setting on Lake Umayo is breathtaking and less crowded than the main lake.
Dinner on Jirón Lima
This pedestrian street has many 'Menú' options that are very affordable for travelers.
Day 11: Cusco, Peru - The Incan Capital
Bus to Cusco
The 7-hour ride from Puno to Cusco is one of the most scenic in the world. Keep your camera ready for the mountain passes.
San Blas Neighborhood
Walk up the steep streets of San Blas. It's the artisan quarter and offers the best free views of the red-tiled roofs of Cusco.
Twelve-Angled Stone
Walk past this famous piece of Incan masonry on Hatun Rumiyoc street. It’s free and located right in a public alley.
San Pedro Market
Grab a cheap dinner at the market stalls. Be adventurous and try the 'Caldo de Gallina' (hen soup).
Day 12: Cusco, Peru - Living History
Free Walking Tour Cusco
Start at the Plaza de Armas. These tours are excellent for understanding the layers of Incan and Spanish history.
Qorikancha Exterior
View the Incan Temple of the Sun from the outside gardens (Jardines del Colcampata) for free.
Sacsayhuaman Perimeter Hike
Instead of the expensive 'Boleto Turistico' ruins, hike up the hill to the Christo Blanco statue for free views of the city and ruins.
Loki Hostel Party
Even if you aren't staying there, their bar is a legendary budget spot for meeting other backpackers.
Day 13: Sacred Valley, Peru - Pisac Market
Combi to Pisac
Go to Calle Puputi and catch a local 'combi' (minibus). It costs about $1.50, compared to $30 for a tour.
Pisac Artisan Market
Explore one of the most famous markets in South America. Bargain hard for textiles and silver jewelry.
Hike to Pisac Ruins
If you have the tourist ticket, enter the ruins. If not, the hike up the mountain offers incredible terraced views for free.
Return to Cusco
Take the return combi as the sun sets over the Sacred Valley peaks.
Day 14: Ollantaytambo, Peru - The Living Inca Town
Colectivo to Ollantaytambo
Another cheap shared van ride from Cusco. This town has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century.
Pinkuylluna Granaries
Hike up the mountain opposite the main ruins. This trail is completely free and leads to ancient Incan storehouses with amazing views.
Town Exploration
Walk the narrow stone alleys. The water channels built by the Incas still run with water today.
Prep for the Trek
Buy your snacks and water here, as prices in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) are double.
Day 15: Aguas Calientes, Peru - The Hidroelectrica Route
Van to Hidroelectrica
Take a 6-hour van from Cusco/Ollantaytambo. This is the cheapest way to reach Machu Picchu, avoiding the $150+ train.
The Jungle Walk
Walk 11km (approx 3 hours) along the train tracks from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. It’s flat, beautiful, and free.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
Check into the cheapest hostel you can find. This is the most expensive town in Peru, so stick to the market for food.
Early Sleep
You’ll need a 4:00 AM start to beat the crowds tomorrow.
Day 16: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Lost City
The Stair Hike
Skip the $12 bus and hike up the Incan stairs to the entrance. It’s a tough 1-hour climb but saves precious dollars.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Explore the citadel. Take your time; you’ve worked hard to get here the budget way!
Hike Back to Hidroelectrica
Walk back down the stairs and along the tracks to the van station to catch your ride back to Cusco.
Return to Cusco
Arrive back in Cusco, exhausted but victorious. Grab a celebratory cheap beer.
Day 17: Cusco, Peru - Rest and Recovery
Late Brunch at San Pedro
Sleep in and then head back to the market for a massive 'Lomo Saltado' at a fraction of restaurant prices.
ChocoMuseo
Entry is free. You can learn about Peruvian cacao and enjoy free samples of chocolate and tea.
Laundry Day
Find a local 'Lavanderia' to wash your trekking clothes. It usually costs about $1 per kilo.
Live Folk Music
Find a local peña (bar with live music) that doesn't charge a cover fee for an authentic cultural experience.
Day 18: Cusco/Lima, Peru - The Long Road Back
Last-Minute Souvenirs
Head to the markets for any final gifts. Alpaca wool socks are cheap and light for your backpack.
Incan Museum
If you have a few Soles left, this museum is cheap and run by the local university, providing deep historical insight.
Overnight Bus to Lima
Board your final long-haul bus. It’s a 22-hour journey, but it’s the cheapest way back to the capital.
Stargazing through the Window
The route through the mountains and down to the coast offers incredible night views of the Andes.
Day 19: Lima, Peru - Farewell Peru
Arrival in Lima
After your long bus ride, head to Barranco, the bohemian district, for one last walk.
Bridge of Sighs
Visit the Puente de los Suspiros and enjoy the street performers in the plaza.
Final Ceviche
Find one last local 'Cevicheria' to say goodbye to the flavors of Peru.
Departure
Take the airport shuttle back to Jorge Chávez for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to October. This is peak season for the Andes, offering clear blue skies for trekking and visiting Machu Picchu. However, for a budget backpacker, the shoulder seasons (April and November) offer a great balance of lower prices and decent weather. Avoid the peak rainy season (January and February) if you plan on trekking, as the Inca Trail closes in February and landslides can disrupt bus travel.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in Lima and Cusco, cash is king in the markets, local buses, and smaller towns. ATMs are widely available, but look for 'Banco de la Nación' or 'BCP' for the lowest withdrawal fees. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a few Soles for good service is appreciated in 'Menú' spots.
Getting Around Peru
The most cost-effective way to travel between cities is by public bus. Companies like Cruz del Sur and Ormeño offer high-quality service, while local 'colectivos' are best for short distances. Domestic flights can be cheap if booked in advance, but they lack the scenic views of the mountain passes. Within cities, use the 'Metropolitano' in Lima and local 'combis' or mototaxis elsewhere to keep your daily transport costs under a few dollars.
