Ecuador & Peru

Follow the classic Quito-to-Lima route through Ecuador and Peru entirely independently — no group tour markup required. You'll ride local buses between cities, stay in well-rated budget hostels, book jungle homestays directly with community operators, and use overnight buses (just like the tour does) to save on accommodation costs. The experiences are identical: Amazon rainforest homestay, Baños thermal springs, colonial Cuenca, Mancora beach, Trujillo ceviche, and lively Lima. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£620

Experience the best of South America independently — from Peru's sand dunes, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu to Bolivia's salt flats, Chile's Atacama Desert and Argentina's Buenos Aires. This self-launched equivalent swaps guided group travel for local buses, shared transfers, self-bookable tours and budget-friendly hostels, saving you over £1,500 compared to the commercial operator price. All the same bucket-list moments, at a fraction of the cost.

Travel Crew

~£2,050

An epic 51-day self-launched adventure through six South American countries — from Lima's buzzing streets to Rio's iconic beaches. Hit all the major highlights: the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Uyuni Salt Flats, Atacama Desert, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Iguassu Falls and more. By swapping the guided group tour for independent travel — local buses, hostels, and self-booked activities — you can have the same incredible experience for a fraction of the price. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£2,150

Experience the iconic Inca Trail, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu independently — without the group tour markup. This self-launched itinerary follows the same Inca Trail route as Gap360's guided trip, starting in Cusco and finishing with a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu. You'll book your Inca Trail permit directly through an authorised operator (required by Peruvian law), use local transport between cities, and stay in well-rated budget hostels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£390

Experience the very best of Peru independently — from Lima's coastal neighbourhoods and Nazca's desert dunes to the depths of Colca Canyon, the Sacred Valley, a Quechua homestay and the iconic Inca Trail finishing at sunrise over Machu Picchu. Swapping a group tour operator for self-booked transport, hostels and GetYourGuide activities slashes the cost dramatically while preserving every highlight. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£700

Same incredible Peru adventure — Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Inca Trail, Cusco's markets and the Maras Salt Mines — but booked independently and at a fraction of the group-tour price. You'll stay in well-rated budget hotels and hostels, travel by local trains, shared buses and taxis, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. All costs are approximate per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£630

Follow the same epic route from Lima to La Paz — Amazon jungle lodges, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca homestays and Bolivia's altiplano — all independently booked at a fraction of the group tour price. Swap the guided group for local buses, self-booked tours and hostel common rooms full of like-minded travellers. This is one of South America's greatest adventure routes and it's very well-trodden by independent backpackers. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£760

Follow the same epic 39-day South American route as Intrepid's group tour — from Lima through the Amazon, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Atacama, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio — but do it independently at a fraction of the cost. Swap group-tour accommodation for quality hostels and budget hotels, book activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook, and use local buses, shared taxis and overnight coaches instead of private transfers. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£2,050

This self-launched equivalent of Intrepid Travel's 'Real Peru' tour covers all the same iconic highlights — Lima's Miraflores coast, the Amazon Jungle near Puerto Maldonado, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu via the Inca or Quarry Trail (or scenic train), Lake Titicaca's floating islands, and a foodie farewell in Lima. By booking transport, accommodation and activities independently, solo travellers can save significantly while enjoying the same bucket-list experiences. Note: all costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£890

This self-launched 26-day adventure mirrors Intrepid Travel's Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina itinerary — covering Lima, the Amazon jungle, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, and Buenos Aires. By booking accommodation, transport, and activities independently, you can experience all the same iconic highlights at a fraction of the guided tour price. Use a mix of hostels, budget guesthouses, local buses, shared taxis, and self-bookable tours via GetYourGuide and Klook. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,430