Question by goodbadugly: Tips for backpacking in Peru?
We’ll I leave in less than 2 weeks for Peru. I am going to be spending 3 weeks down there backpacking on my own. I was wondering if anybody had any tips. I am flying into Lima and plan on spending a couple days there before moving on. I want to visit Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, and Macchu Picchu with some little stops in between I am sure.

A little about me. I am 20 yr old male, white, and speaking only some basic Spanish. Should be an interesting 2 weeks. haha

Best answer:

Answer by brian
Well, here is my 2 cents. I am an American male, 50 y/o. I have been traveling to Peru now for 2 years frequently ( I have met a wonderful woman here, and getting very serious). Here is my take on your situation. Proceed with caution (be smart, you will have a blast, be stupid, ya might as well wear a big bullseye on yer chest!) If you are not careful, you will not have fun, probably get robbed or worse. DO NOT FLASH CASH! Watch where you stay. I stay in Miraflores, a very nice upscale area, but still be cautious. Many hostels, but I always stayed at Hotel Las Palmas (very clean, reasonable and in the center of Miraflores.) Now I rent a private apartment when I go (I am in Miraflores right now, going back to the States tomorrow night). Keep to well lit areas at night with other people around. DO NOT FREQUENT THE PROSTITUTES! I have spoke with several young guys that have been drugged and robbed by them.
The people are generally friendly, and very nice. You have kinda picked the wrong time of year to go to Cuzco area, starting to get cold there (remember Lake Titicaca is over 13,000 feet elevation. I recommend head to the north, Chiclayo (Pimental is a nice beach area) or better yet, go to Mancora or Tumbes, beautiful beaches (we just went to Club Punta Sal for 4 days, I will go back!). Plus the beaches of Mancora was full of people your age, and many tourist.
Food is very reasonable, taxis are cheap, but use caution (if the driver reeks of booze, choose another) haggle your price BEFORE you get in the taxi.
I love Peru, I am planning on spending most of Dec, Jan, Feb this coming year. Great place, warm and friendly people, but a big margin between haves and have not. And if you are smart, you can really stretch your dollars (most people will accept US dollars, make sure it is in good condition or they won’t take it, and avoid $ 100 bills with serial numbers begining in CB, most places wont accept them, had a problem with counterfits a year ago, most $ 20 no problem) Best exchange for dollars to soles is the authorized street changers, dont flash your cash, but they are easy to deal with, and in a busy place during middle of the day, fairly safe.
Good luck, and have fun in the Land of the Moche and Incas!

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