Is it safe for a twenty something female to travel to Machu Picchu alone?

Question

I am an experienced traveller although I have never travelled internationally alone. I want to plan a trip that I can take by myself for some spiritual reflection and want to know if this area of Peru is safe for a lone female traveller. Thanks

Answer 1

I'm doing the trip next year.

Yes and no. The hike is for four days and another couple in Cuzco. If you are cautious, you should be OK. There are plenty of other people there to meet your first day. However as a general rule it's not advisable for single females to travel to Latin American countries alone. The society norms are different there, they have a different attitude toward single females.

As for Machu Picchu, it's probably a little late in the booking season for this year, although you might still be able to go. You will probably have to go next year, that would give you time to find someone to go with if that is what you want.

Answer 2

It's definitely safe for single female travelers.  I just did it last year and I'm 26.  Just follow all the normal precautions.  

As for spiritual reflection ... with hoards of American tourists snapping pictures and trekking all over the ruins and loud tour groups following their leader like lost sheep, it's not the ideal spot for spiritual reflection.  I strongly suggest going there and really enjoying the ruins (they are incredible!) but find a more secluded place to relax and reflect.  I'm sure you can find lots of wonderful places in Peru.  Maybe try heading into the rainforest and rafting the Amazon or something!  

Have a wonderful time!

Answer 3

Yes, I went by myself. I did it at 20, and again at 21.

Have fun, it's beautiful!

Answer 4

Macchu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world and it's the perfect place to have an spiritual reflection. I know many people travel to Machu Picchu alone and Cusco is a marvelous city.

But a lone female traveler has to take this things in mind when traveling to Cusco:

- There are some guys known as "bricheros" that will constantly try to aboard you and will promise you the real spiritual tour to Cusco. They will wait for their chance if they see you walking alone in the center of Cusco. They are not trust able. Ask a tour guide how to identify them.

-  Common thieves and swindlers would be tempted if they see you walking alone.

So I suggest you to never walk alone in the city of Cusco, take a good tour and ask the tour guys, or new friends you meet in the tour, to go with you wherever you want, never alone.

You will have a great time in Cusco, it's a lovely city with a lot of party time at night, a very rich culture and lots of marvelous places to discover. You will meet people of all parts of the world.

In fact I plan to visit Cusco this year.

Have fun and take care :)

Answer 5

Yes it is safe. When you get to Cusco there will be about 5000 other tourists there and it will be quite easy for you to meet other 20 something females to make friends. Just use street smarts