Backpacking in Peru

Ok so I’ll admit it, when someone mentions backpacking to me the first place I think of isn’t Peru. Believe it or not Peru is a great destination to choose when going backpacking. Why? Well first of all, it’s one of those countries where there is something for everyone no matter what type of backpacker you are. For example if you’re the type of person who enjoys a good party then the Peruvian capital of Lima could be the place for you. There are numerous festivals in Peru throughout the year to celebrate the Peruvian love of music and dance. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that these are always colourful, vibrant and lively! Lima has great night life and lies in the Pacific coastal region of Peru. It’s also known for it’s wild blustery weather because of its location but Lima is also blessed with great dining for you food connoisseurs out there.

If you’re more of the adventurous type and don’t want to spend your time backpacking in Peru in Westernized restaurants then perhaps you should take a trip to the Peruvian Andes which is still home to many native Indians who still speak the local dialect. This is a fantastic way to experience Peru and get a great idea of what the country is truly like. You may or may not have heard of the Amazon Basin which resides in Peru and is simply an area which is rich in rare species of tropical rain forest and insects. If you’re interested in doing a bit of exploring while backpacking in Peru then why not give the Amazon Basin a try.

One of the things I love about taking some time to backpack around Peru is how friendly the locals are. Best of all you can haggle for just about anything. This includes items in stores and restaurants to haggling over the price of the hostel you’re staying in. Even the bus companies are happy to let you haggle over the prices. There are a number of excellent bus services in Peru and I would recommend you do any serious travel at night. This way you can try to get some sleep and you don’t lose a whole day sitting on a bus. This isn’t as bad as it sounds however as some of the wonderful bus companies provide VIP facilities so if you feel like splashing out on luxury it’s possible to get a bed on the bus so you can get some sleep.

Cusco and Machu Picchu are a couple of other destinations in Peru which are popular with tourists and so depending on what you’re looking for it they may suit your needs. Cusco is a good place to see with a tour guide who will give you full explanations of the sites you see as it is the ancient Incan capital of Peru. Both these places can be quite expensive to take this in to account when working your backpacking budget.

Backpacking in Peru is such a wonderful experience that I would urge your go if you’re traveling in the region. From the friendly people to the fantastic ancient relics it is an amazing country to visit.