Peru Hop Review: 9 Days Exploring Peru
Are you thinking of exploring Peru but are overwhelmed by the logistics? We were, too, until we found Peru Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus system that connects Lima to Cusco through some of the country’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
In this blog post, we’re breaking it down: the route, accommodations, food, favorite experiences, total costs, and whether we think Peru Hop is worth it for senior travelers or slow nomads like us.
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Table of Contents
Why We Chose Peru Hop
Peru had been calling our names for years: Lima’s culinary buzz, the Sacred Valley’s drama, and, of course, the magic of Machu Picchu. However, navigating Peru independently can be tricky: long distances, altitude shifts, and confusing transit options. That’s where Peru Hop came in.
It’s more than just a bus; it’s a flexible, well-organized system tailored for slow travelers like us. Think: guided stops, hotel pickups, local hosts, and a mobile app to manage everything.
It offered us:
- A gradual altitude adjustment (no flying straight from sea level to 11,000 ft!)
- A mix of free and for-charge, self-selected guided tours, with plenty of free time, too
- Built-in safety and ease
- A social but chill vibe, with travelers from all over the world
Most importantly, there was no stress over logistics. We could relax and enjoy Peru.
What’s Included with Peru Hop?
We chose the Regular Ticket (the VIP added a few perks, but it wasn’t necessary for us). Both options include:
- Transportation between all stops
- Hidden gem tours that are included at no extra charge (like the Paracas National Reserve, Chincha slave tunnels, and a vineyard stop)
- Hotel and hostel pickups
- Access to an easy-to-use app
- Discounts on accommodations and local restaurants
Optional add-ons like the Ballestas Islands tour, sandboarding in Huacachina, and flights over the Nazca Lines were available at great prices.
We customized our trip using their suggested route as a base, adding extra nights in places we loved like Arequipa and the Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca.
Our 9-Day Itinerary
We traveled from Lima to Cusco with stops in:
Paracas – Home of the Ballestas Islands and the dramatic Paracas National Reserve.
- We enjoyed our stay at the Paracas Guest House and Hotel Paracas.
Huacachina – A desert oasis with wild dune buggy rides and sandboarding
- We enjoyed our stay at the Wild Rover Hostel and Bamboo House
Nazca – Famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines
Arequipa – Colonial beauty and foodie paradise
- We enjoyed our stay at the La Hosteria Boutique Hotel
Puno & Lake Titicaca – With a fantastic tour of the lake and an unforgettable night on a floating Uros island
- We stayed at the Luz del Titicaca Lodge
Cusco – The heart of the Inca Empire (and a story for our next video)
- We enjoyed our stay at the 7th Wonder Apt Hotel
We booked stays at these small hotels and hostels along the way, mostly under $100 per night. Peru Hop made it easy to lock in the route and update plans via the ap
Nine Day Peru Hop Experience! What It Cost - Full Video Breakdown
Highlights from the Road
Here’s just a taste of what made the trip unforgettable:
- Penguins and sea lions on the Ballestas Islands
- Exploring out-of-this-world landscapes at the Paracas National Reserve
- Sunset dunebuggy trip with sandboarding in Huacachina’s dunes
- Pisco tasting at a vineyard stop (plus a crash course in Peru’s national spirit)
- Textile demos and live alpacas at Mundo Alpaca in Arequipa
- A 9-course tasting menu in Arequipa that blew our minds
- A night under the stars on a floating reed island on Lake Titicaca
- Sweeping Andean landscapes and archaeological wonders en route to Cusco
The Cost Breakdown
We tracked every sol we spent. Here’s the final tally in US dollars for two people over 9 days:
- Peru Hop Pass: $459.90
- Accommodations: $486.30
- Food & Drinks: $558.63
- Activities & Entrance Fees: $129.21
- Souvenirs: $49.91
Total: $1,683.95 → About $93.55 per person per day
And yes, that includes ceviche, sandboarding, and even alpaca socks.
Pros & Cons: Our Honest Take
What We Loved:
- Easy-to-use app and great support
- Local guides and helpful hosts on every bus
- Hotel pickups (no stressful terminals)
- Safe, clean buses with reclining seats and USB ports
- Gradual acclimation to altitude
- Social but not party-focused (unless you want it to be)
What to Consider:
- No full bathrooms (number one only!)
- Long travel days and mountain roads (motion sickness? Bring meds!)
- Some limited food choices due to pre-set stops
- Wi-Fi not available on most buses
So… Is Peru Hop Worth It?
Peru Hop is an excellent option for senior nomads, slow travelers, or anyone who wants to see more of Peru without getting bogged down by logistics.
It’s not true slow travel, but it offers flexibility, local insights, and a sense of community, making it a standout experience.
