Solo Trip to Peru: Ancient Wonders & Desert Oasis

Machu Picchu: Peru’s Wonder of the World

In order to reach this wonder, you’ll be staying in Cusco—a destination that is much quieter and feels far less city-like than Lima. The journey there is just the beginning of the experience: a scenic train ride revealing waterfalls and beautiful landscapes right outside your window. Onboard the train, I got to enjoy a live cultural dance introducing us to the history we were about to step into.

There’s a reason Machu Picchu stayed on my bucket list for so long—it’s not just a Wonder of the World, but also a place that feels almost untouched by time. I traveled into the Andes and watched its beauty slowly reveal itself through the clouds. Walking along each stone path and corridor where royalty once lived, you can feel the quiet stories of the past. Alpacas even wander freely through the grounds, adding to the surreal feeling of the place. You can even get close enough to take a selfie! Some come for the history, others for the photo—but it’s the stillness of the place that stays with you long after you leave.

Machu Picchu

After exploring, I recommend stopping at Alpacas Grill Restaurant to try fresh alpaca—surprisingly tender and flavorful. Set uphill beside a river, it offers a peaceful setting to unwind with a view.

Tip: If you’re after the iconic panoramic photo seen on social media, choose Circuit 1. If you want to fully explore the area like I did, Circuit 2 offers the complete experience. And most importantly—don’t forget your passport for entry.

Alpacas Grill Restaurant

Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain was one of the most rewarding experiences of my trip—the colors almost don’t look real until you see them in person. The high altitude can be intense and cold and may cause altitude sickness, so I took my time hiking and noticed many travelers opting for horse rides to reach the top more comfortably. While I was there, I met other travelers who mentioned you can get altitude medication prescribed by a physician beforehand, which is something I wish I had known. One tip I’d also share—avoid getting novelty passport stamps at the site, as they can sometimes cause issues when traveling later on.

Rainbow Mountain

Salinas de Maras

Every time I visited a new landmark, I thought it couldn’t get any better—and then I arrived at the Salinas de Maras. Seeing the salt pools cascading down the mountainside was surreal, especially after learning they’ve been used since Incan times. Walking alongside them, I could watch the salt being harvested by hand, which made the experience feel even more authentic.

Salinas de Maras

Ballestas Island & Huacachina Oasis trip

Now that I’d left Cusco, it was time to explore Lima. I loved how the city is so welcoming and sits right by the sea—you can wander, shop, and really take in what the locals have to offer. For my next solo adventure, I headed out by boat to the Ballestas Islands, where penguins and seabirds scatter across the rocky cliffs, and sea lions lounge and bark along the shoreline. I honestly wish we could’ve gotten closer to the penguins—but the sea lions were so close it felt like we could almost touch them.

Sea lions at Ballestas Island

Then, trade the ocean for sand at Huacachina Oasis—a desert oasis that feels almost unreal, surrounded by endless golden dunes (think Dubai, but far more affordable). Climb into a dune buggy and race across the desert with an expert driver before sandboarding down the slopes. As the day ends, everything softens, and the sunset turns the entire desert into shades of gold.

Huacachina Oasis

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Peru page.