The idea of traveling through Peru can feel overwhelming. When I was planning my Peru trip, I was quite nervous thinking about how I was going to navigate the country. But very quickly in my research, I discovered Peru Hop, a hop-on hop-off tourist bus service connecting Peru’s top destinations… and I was sold.
From Lima to Cusco, passing through desert landscapes, charming small towns, and the Andean highlands, Peru Hop made my journey easy, safe and enjoyable. Here’s why I absolutely loved it and why it might be perfect for your Peru travel itinerary.
ps: this blog post is not sponsored and is my honest opinion of Peru Hop – sharing because it honestly made such a positive impact on my trip!
What is Peru Hop?
Peru Hop is a hop-on, hop-off type bus service in Peru that connects major destinations like Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco (and there are also Bolivia Hop connections). Think of it as a guided bus tour with flexible stops, modern amenities, and local guides, but with the freedom to explore each destination at your own pace for as many days as you wish before joining the next leg of the journey.
Unlike traditional buses, which can be crowded or confusing, Peru Hop offers a safe, comfortable, and reliable way to travel in Peru, perfect for solo travelers, first-time visitors, and anyone looking to avoid travel stress. As a solo traveler myself, this service gave me such peace of mind, especially with hotel pick up and drop off included in the service.
Why I Loved Peru Hop
1. Flexible Hop-On, Hop-Off Itinerary
One of the best features is the freedom to hop off in a city, explore, and schedule when you plan to hop on the next bus. I could spend a few hours or a whole day discovering a city like Huacachina or Paracas without worrying about missing my connection.
This flexibility means you can customize your Peru trip, skip stops that don’t interest you, and linger where you want – seeing Peru at your own pace. For example, I decided to stay an extra day in Paracas so I could explore the Reserve at my own pace and go on a kayaking tour before moving on to the next stop.
2. Comfort and Safety
Peru Hop buses are modern, spacious, and air-conditioned, with usb charger ports and a bathroom onboard. They have large windows for scenic views, comfy seating, and plenty of luggage storage underneath.
As a solo traveler, I felt safe and well taken care of. The drivers are professional, the guides are attentive, and the stops are all in tourist-friendly places — making travel in Peru completely stress-free.
3. Knowledgeable and Fun Local Guides
The local guides were friendly, hilarious, and full of insider knowledge. They shared tips about the towns we visited, explained cultural and historical facts, and pointed out hidden gems along the way (like my favorite burger place in Cusco!)
4. Scenic Stops Along the Route
Peru Hop isn’t just about point-to-point travel – there are planned stops for photos, short walks, and local lunches and experiences.
Some stops included the Secret Slave Tunnels (between Lima and Paracas), the Paracas National Reserve, a winery (between Paracas and Huacachina) and lunch stops on the long journeys (which is optional).
You can also choose to book tours and hotels directly with the company using their app at a discounted rate. This is great because you can go on these tours with other tourists on the Peru Hop bus – a great way to make friends!
5. Perfect for Solo Travelers
Traveling alone can feel daunting, but Peru Hop makes it easy to meet other travelers, join small group excursions, and feel safe while exploring. I made so many friends along the way – and we went on some of the tours together including the Golden Shadows Trek and the dune buggy ride in Huacachina, which was such a fun experience!
6. Easy Booking and Reliable Service
Booking Peru Hop is simple and stress-free – reserve your route online, pay in advance, and view all stops clearly on a map. The buses run on schedule, and guides keep everyone informed about any delays. You can also change your bus schedule using the app if you decide you want to stay in a place for a longer/shorter amount of time.
Compared to piecing together multiple local buses or worrying about connections, this service made travel effortless. And it was such a great way to see more of Peru than just Lima and Cusco – so many hidden gems!
Tips for Making the Most of Peru Hop
- Book early, especially for popular routes during high season.
- Pack light – easier to hop on and off and luggage storage is limited.
- Bring snacks and water – though there are stops, it’s convenient to have your own especially on the longer bus journeys (some are 12 hours long!!)
- Be ready early for your pick-ups – your spot on the bus is reserved but buses can fill up quickly.
- Engage with guides – they offer insights you won’t find in guidebooks.
Using Peru Hop completely transformed my Peru travel experience. It made moving between destinations effortless, comfortable, and fun. No need to stress about schedules, local buses, or navigating unfamiliar roads – I could relax, enjoy the scenery, and meet fellow travelers along the way.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, first-timer in Peru, or looking for stress-free transport between southern Peru highlights, Peru Hop is hands-down one of the best ways to explore Peru.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.
🦙 More Peru Posts
Check out these Peru blog posts:
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Jess at Sea 
Leave a comment