(For other information on solo travel with no single supplements and solo-priced lodging, -go to our free search tool, the SoloTravelPricingTracker.net, and for our complimentary “Updated 2020-2021 Solo Travel Guidebook”, be sure to register while there.)
Solo Trekker 4 U Insights:
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous sights. For global tourists, Machu Picchu is the ultimate draw to stroll slowly leisurely through an ancient monument while enjoying modern conveniences. For an active holiday, it is an ideal spot for outdoor sports and hiking. You can choose either or a mix of both styles that fit your budget and interests.
As a result, Peru is a top solo travel destination as a standalone trip. However, it is also well located to combine a trip to Peru with a visit to its neighboring countries of Chile to the south or Ecuador to the north.
Solo travel deal for Peru: OAT Travel has 30 years’ experience in the travel industry and guarantees that groups will be no larger than sixteen people. Better yet: they have no single supplement* on land tours! It is not just the typical large tour model but a really unique, high-end tour at affordable prices. (Do book early while there is space available for solos to avoid paying a single supplement!)
Peru’s Long History:
The Incas ruled Peru from the twelfth to the sixteenth century. In those four hundred years, they were the largest and most dominant of South America’s pre-Columbian kingdoms. The Incan Empire was to replaced by Europeans with the 1532 arrival of Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro. For almost three hundred years, Peru was then dominated by the Spanish. However, in 1821, fabled South American patriot, General Jose de San Martin, captured Lima and declared Peru’s independence. By 1824, Peru’s independence was recognized. It was therefore the last of the continent’s newly independent nations having each thrown off Spain’s rule. After a brief three year pact with Bolivia from 1836-1839, Peru moved ahead alone as a sovereign nation. Peace was to be short-lived. Turmoil continued through much of the 19th century with the 1866 Peruvian-Spanish War and the 1879-83 Pacific War. As a result of the latter, Peru lost certain of its southern land to Chile. Border disputes continued into the mid-twentieth century in 1941 as Peru regained land claimed by Ecuador.
Peace was not to last for long as a series of coups followed in succession. In 1970, the “Shining Path”, a Peruvian Maoist group, split off from the domestic Communist Party. In 1980, they launched more than thirty years of violence and guerrilla warfare taking both a human toll and weakening the country’s economy. That began in the Andes Mountains but spread to the national capital, Lima. According to the BBC in August 2015, the Peruvian government admitted that the Shining Path still existed. Nonetheless, the violence has ended. Its leaders have gone to prison. Peru once again was able to welcome tourists. In 2020-2021, the coronavirus has caused Peru to impose restrictions. However, as of March 24, 2021, international flights are arriving from select cities within the United States. If you want to travel to Peru, be sure to check the US State Department specific country entry requirements.
Peru’s Amazon: Iquitos is a common launch point for Peru’s Amazon. You can choose an adventure tour going on an expedition with a small boat and crew. I did this in another part of the Amazon. With just fifteen new friends, we were able to make our way into remote areas not possible for larger boats. There is a real thrill to making your way through the rain forest with your guide cutting a path ahead of you. Another plus is that it is more likely that you can see wildlife in their native habitat by going “off the grid”! The Amazon region covers two-thirds of Peru’s territory. It is a haven for wildlife viewing up close and personal! The sloth and monkeys high above the canopy are most often photographed. However, I fell in love with the capybaras. These gentle giants can reach 120 pounds. They love to lounge in the natural pools that are throughout the Amazon. They are perfect for an exotic selfie!
However, if you would like a luxury 5-star river cruise, there are many great deals with no single supplements. A good choice would be combining Machu Picchu with the Amazon.
Solo Travel Deal for Peru:
Sample Tour:
Real Affordable Peru
Lima • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Cuzco
Explore Peru from storied Machu Picchu to the heights of Cuzco. See llamas making their way through the Andes and watch as local artisans create their handiwork. Sample top local cuisine and learn more about the ancient Inca empire.
Solo travel deal for Peru:
Lima:
DAY 1 Fly to Lima, Peru.
DAY 2 Arrive in Peru’s capital, Lima, and explore the Miraflores district.
DAY 3 See the sites of Lima’s old city before moving on to ancient Incan times.
Solo travel deal for Peru:
Sacred Valley:
DAY 4 Arrive in the heights of Cuzco and start your adventure in the Sacred Valley. Cuzco, once the Incan capital is is one of the highest points in the region at 11,000+ feet. This is a good way to take it easy and get use to the height. It actually dwarfs Machu Picchu which stands at a mere height of 7,874 feet! Luckily, the Internet is filled with tips on adjusting and avoiding or overcoming altitude sickness. Pisac, also located in the Sacred Valley, is largely known for its handicraft, open-air markets.
Solo travel deal for Peru:
Whitewater rafting adventure:
DAY 5 Time for an adventure: go whitewater rafting in the Urubamba River. This has always been one of my favorites for solos or families. It is an adventure for both novices and experts. Before viewing the ruins of Ollantaytambo, you will meet a local family for lunch, and have the chance to try local dishes. Ask about the piranha! I was really shocked to find that they make very tasty appetizers.
DAY 6 Make your way by train ride through the Sacred Valley and explore fabled Machu Picchu. While Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous ancient sights, it was only discovered recently in 1911.
DAY 7 Continue through Machu Picchu and exploring the Sacred Valley and back to Cuzco. Ask about whether there are still horse trails to make your way through the Sacred Valley. For other options, you can join an active day tour for more hiking, biking and ziplining. For a really breath-taking view, join a ziplining adventure at the top of the canopy.
Solo travel deal for Peru:
Cuzco:
DAY 8 While you discover Cuzco, you will have free time to explore independently.
Solo travel deal for Peru:
Village life:
DAY 9 Visit Izcuchaca for archaeological ruins and trekking. Follow-up seeing daily life in the village of Chinchero.
DAY 10 Before heading home, you can see Oropesa, Tipon, Sacsayhuaman & Kenkoe. Located south of Cuzco, they boast more Incan ruins and history to view.
DAY 11 Time to fly back home!
Trip Extension:
Add on Ecuador while you are in the Andes.