How bad is altitude sickness in Cusco?

Cusco sits at 11,200 feet so most people feel something - headaches, fatigue, or nausea for 1-3 days. Arrive a day early before doing activities. Drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, and consider altitude sickness pills. Fly to Lima first if coming from sea level.

Is it safe to travel Peru alone as a backpacker?

Generally yes in tourist areas, but use common sense. Don't flash expensive items, avoid walking alone at night in cities, and stay in well-reviewed hostels. Tourist police are helpful in Cusco. Most solo backpackers have no serious problems.

Can I do Machu Picchu without the expensive Inca Trail?

Yes. Take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes ($65 each way) then bus up to Machu Picchu ($12). Total cost around $100 vs $600-800 for Inca Trail. You miss the hiking experience but see the same ruins for much less.

Should I learn Spanish before going?

Helpful but not essential in tourist areas. Learn basics like numbers, food words, and transportation terms. Many young hostel workers speak some English. Google Translate works offline if you download Spanish.

How to Backpack Peru on a Tight Budget

You can backpack Peru for $25-35 per day by staying in hostels, eating at local markets, taking overnight buses instead of flights, and booking the Inca Trail 3-4 months ahead. Focus your time on the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and one coastal city to minimize transport costs.

Book the Inca Trail early or choose alternatives. The classic 4-day Inca Trail costs $600-800 but sells out months ahead. Book through a Cusco agency 3-4 months early for better prices. Alternative: Salkantay Trek costs $200-300 and doesn't require permits, or take the train to Aguas Calientes for $65 each way.
Plan your route to minimize transport. Fly into Lima, take an overnight bus to Cusco ($25-35, 20 hours), spend 7-10 days in Cusco/Sacred Valley region, then bus to one other region. Popular combinations: Cusco + Arequipa/Colca Canyon, or Cusco + Huacachina/Paracas on the coast. Each bus journey costs $15-45.
Stay in hostels and book locally. Dorm beds cost $8-12 in Cusco, $10-15 in Lima, $6-10 in smaller towns. Book online for your first night only, then book directly at hostels for better rates. Many offer breakfast included.
Eat like a local. Menu del día (set lunch) at local restaurants costs $3-5. Street food and market stalls charge $1-3 per meal. Tourist restaurants cost 3x more. Shop at San Pedro Market in Cusco or Mercado Central in Lima for snacks and fruit.
Use public transport. City buses cost $0.50-1. Collectivos (shared vans) between towns cost $2-8. Avoid tourist shuttles that cost $15-25 for the same routes. In Cusco, walk or take local buses instead of taxis.
Time activities strategically. Many Cusco attractions offer student discounts with ISIC card. Free walking tours run daily in major cities. Visit markets and plazas for free entertainment. Hike Rainbow Mountain independently for $10 transport vs $45 for tours.

How bad is altitude sickness in Cusco?: Cusco sits at 11,200 feet so most people feel something - headaches, fatigue, or nausea for 1-3 days. Arrive a day early before doing activities. Drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, and consider altitude sickness pills. Fly to Lima first if coming from sea level.
Is it safe to travel Peru alone as a backpacker?: Generally yes in tourist areas, but use common sense. Don't flash expensive items, avoid walking alone at night in cities, and stay in well-reviewed hostels. Tourist police are helpful in Cusco. Most solo backpackers have no serious problems.
Can I do Machu Picchu without the expensive Inca Trail?: Yes. Take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes ($65 each way) then bus up to Machu Picchu ($12). Total cost around $100 vs $600-800 for Inca Trail. You miss the hiking experience but see the same ruins for much less.
Should I learn Spanish before going?: Helpful but not essential in tourist areas. Learn basics like numbers, food words, and transportation terms. Many young hostel workers speak some English. Google Translate works offline if you download Spanish.