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Drone shot of Arequipa's cathedral with El Misti volcano in the background at sunset.

South America

Backpacking Peru

Peru is a cornerstone of South American backpacking, with hostels in Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu as the headline attraction.

Photo: Daniel Reynaga / Pexels

Hostel destinations in Peru

Drone shot of Arequipa's cathedral with El Misti volcano in the background at sunset.

Arequipa

A volcano-ringed colonial city and the usual base for Colca CanyonStunning view of Huacachina oasis with lush palm trees and sand dunes under a clear sky.

Huacachina

A small desert oasis ringed by sand dunes, a few minutes from IcaView of a historic church in Cuzco, Peru with a bustling city street.

Cusco

The former Inca capital and the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred ValleyBeautiful sunset view of Lima coastline with light trails of cars along the Pacific Ocean.

Lima

Peru’s Pacific capital of food, clifftop walks and bohemian Barranco

Hostels and backpacking in Peru

Peru draws backpackers for Machu Picchu, but the country offers far more: Lima's coastal food scene, the Andean city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon around Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Cusco is the usual base for treks and Machu Picchu trips, and it sits high in the Andes, so many itineraries keep the first day light.

Hostels in Cusco and Lima range from lively social places with bars and organised nights out to quiet courtyard guesthouses. Hostel desks commonly help travellers compare treks and tours. Lima's hostels cluster in coastal districts such as Miraflores and Barranco, which are convenient for the clifftop walkways and restaurants.