I've traveled extensively throughout Peru, and one thing I've learned is that Peru is a country of contrasts! You can sandboard the deserts one day and the next day you can find yourself in the Amazon. This diversity makes Peru an all-year-round destination with plenty of things to do for every traveler!
-Sinan Baysan
Peru Travel Expert
First on our list of things to do in Peru is hiking the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Peru is internationally known for its trekking opportunities, and few routes are as famous as this ancient path once used by the Inca civilization. As the pilgrimage route to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail attracts nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts alike. Beyond Machu Picchu, Peru also offers incredible treks such as Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, the Cordillera Blanca, and the Lares Trek.
Huacachina is commonly referred to as the desert oasis of Peru. Centered around a lagoon believed to have natural healing properties, Huacachina’s shaded roads, and cozy establishments are perfect for relaxation. Additionally, located in the Ica Desert five hours outside of Lima, Huacachina is a popular destination for dune buggies and sandboarding. Surrounded by extraordinary mountains of sand, the landscape is perfect for riding adventures on the dunes and is impressive to behold.
With world-class restaurants such as Central and Mil, it’s easy to understand how Peru has earned its reputation as one of the world’s leading culinary destinations. Lima’s food scene showcases an exciting mix of traditional and modern cuisine, influenced by Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, West African, and Amazonian regional flavors.
Maras, Peru, situated between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, is an incredibly interesting place, both historically and visually. The Salt Mines of Maras are made up of thousands of individual salt ponds, which date back to Incan times. On a day tour of the Sacred Valley, observe the local families tending to the Salt Mines which are fueled by an ancient spring. Then taste test the delicious variations of salt produced by the local harvesters. Not far from Maras are the ruins of Moray. After sampling some salt, visit the beautiful circle-shaped ruins of Moray.
Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake, located in the Andes Mountains at 3,800 meters above sea level. Regarded as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, the lake is home to important archaeological sites and remains culturally significant to local indigenous communities. Today, its deep-blue waters are popular for cruise exploration, offering travelers breathtaking mountain scenery and insight into traditional lakeside life.
Located in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, the exclusive Skylodge Adventure Suites offer the opportunity to sleep in a completely transparent hanging bedroom. From this unique vantage point, guests can take in sweeping views of the dramatic and mystical Sacred Valley landscape.
Explore Peru by train on an award-winning route through the Peruvian Andes. Aboard the PeruRail Titicaca Train, travelers enjoy stunning landscapes as they journey from Cusco to Puno, with stops along the way for photo opportunities and glimpses into local towns. Upon arrival at the shores of Lake Titicaca, visitors can admire the deep-blue waters and learn about the floating islands of Uros.
Getting to Rainbow Mountain is an adventure in Peru. Begin your excursion driving to the trailhead of the hike, passing a few traditional villages and amazing views of the Andes on the way. Upon arrival at the trailhead, enjoy a lovely breakfast with fresh ingredients. After breakfast, the hike will begin from Chillca at 3700m/12139 ft elevation. From here it will be a 2-hour uphill hike to reach the famous Rainbow Mountains. While it is a difficult trail, at high elevation, the views are well worth the journey.
For travelers seeking adventure, biking to Maras and Moray is an unforgettable experience. Starting near the town of Chequereq, the route passes Andean lakes, snow-capped mountains, agricultural fields, and small villages. The journey continues to the Moray ruins and the impressive Maras salt flats, before finishing with sightseeing in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
From the amazing landscapes and adorable animals to ancient ruins and impressive architecture, Peru is a sight to behold. Admire the pink dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon, pet the llamas and alpacas in Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, enjoy beautiful views outside the train windows to Aguas Calientes, and marvel at natural wonders like Machu Picchu.
Though the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest has similar wildlife to the Brazilian or Ecuadorian Amazon, Puerto Maldonado is home to the Tambopata National Park and Research Center, where extensive conservation and biodiversity research takes place. The region features numerous parrot clay licks and some of the highest concentrations of bird and butterfly species in the world. On river safaris, travelers may even spot pink river dolphins while exploring the Amazon Rainforest in Peru.
One of the best things to see in Peru is a local artisan weaving a colorful masterpiece. For an exceptional weaving experience, travel to the small town of Chinchero, resting at 12,000 feet, not far from Cusco. It is in this town where some of the best Alpaca blankets and clothing are produced. Watch as a local woman in traditional clothing explains and demonstrates how the natural dye is applied to the alpaca fur and then carefully woven into a fantastic garment or cozy blanket.
The Colca Canyon already boasts an impressive natural landscape. However, the soaring Andean condors make it even more unique. The Andean condor is a national symbol of Peru and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the Andean regions. Watch as they fly above you on the natural trekking trails of the Colca Canyon.
Peru’s landscapes are dotted with impressive ancient ruins. When in Peru, you really can’t miss these carefully created structures and the architectural influence of the Spanish conquerors. Make sure to visit the mysterious Machu Picchu, Kuelap, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and plenty of other fascinating ruins.
In Cusco and other cities of Peru, there’s no shortage of llamas and alpacas roaming. While they may spit, these animals are some of the most friendly creatures, just waiting to meet new people. Have fun feeding and petting them. If you’re lucky, you might even score a selfie!
Nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is a beautiful area of small towns, Inca ruins and traditional communities. Famous sights include the salt pans at Maras, the Inca ruins at Maras and Ollantaytambo as well as the towns of Pisac and Chinchero. A stay of a few nights here is highly recommended – there are plenty of things to do in the Sacred Valley. Go hiking in the Sacred Valley, mountain bike or explore at a more leisurely pace. It is a good place to visit at the start of a tour of the Peruvian Andes to help adjust to the altitude as it is at a relatively modest altitude in comparison to Cusco.
One of the best parts of visiting a new place is learning how to make some of the local delicacies. In Peru, the traditional cocktail is the Pisco Sour. On a culinary tour, watch as an experienced bartender carefully mixes the ingredients (lemon juice, simple syrup, pisco, and egg white) into a refreshing drink. Then, of course, have fun sampling the excellent flavor!
Sacsayhuaman is an Incan citadel a short distance outside Cusco and overlooks the city below. Impressive walls can be seen, made out of massive stone blocks that fit together perfectly. Inti Raymi is celebrated here. Qorikancha – The Golden Temple is another important Inca ruin in Cusco. It was much damaged by the Spanish conquistadors and forms a large part of the foundations of the Santo Domingo convent. Both these sights can be easily visited on a half-day tour of Cusco.
Nazca Lines flights are the best way to see these mysterious etchings in the desert. The giant geoglyphs over 300 meters in length are thought to have been created as early as 500 BC. The Nazca Lines depict animals and geometric shapes. The meaning and purpose of the lines is not entirely clear with various theories existing. Visit the Nazca Lines and decide for yourself! A trip here can easily be combined with the Ballestas Islands or the sand dunes at Ica.
Inti Raymi: The Inti Raymi festival in Peru is an Incan celebration of the Sun God – the most important Inca God. It takes place on the winter solstice in June each year. In Peru, the main celebration takes place in Cusco and ends at Sacsayhuaman – the Inca fortress just outside Cusco. This is a great excuse to visit Peru in June and combine it with a visit to Machu Picchu. You can expect colorful celebrations, pan pipes, and drums. Grandstand seating can be booked at Sacsayhuaman. During Inca times many animals were sacrificed during the ceremonies. Today, one unlucky llama is still sacrificed.
Semana Santa: Semana Santa is the week leading up to Easter and is an important time throughout South America including Peru. There are religious celebrations throughout Peru but some of the largest and most interesting areas in the Andean city of Ayacucho. There are parties, fireworks and folk dancing as well as solemn processions.
Vendimia Festival: While not as famous as in some larger wine-producing countries, Peru has a Vendimia Festival in celebration of the grape harvest. It takes place in Ica in March each year and can be combined with a visit to the Nazca Lines. The two-day Ica Vendimia Festival includes parades and grape crushing. The grapes are used to produce wine and pisco – Peru’s famous brandy.
Peruvian cuisine is popularly regarded as the best in all of South America. With influences from Europe, Asia, and West Africa, as well as their own indigenous communities, including the Incas, it is no wonder Peru’s cuisine has dominated South America and the international community. Popular dishes make use of Peru’s natural abundant resources, including their seafood, corn, 3,000 varieties of potato and quinoa, and even delicacies like the guinea pig. Sampling the country’s national drink, the Pisco Sour, and dishes like ceviche and Lomo Saltado are a must in Peru.
Yes, Peru is a safe country. However, as in any destination, it is advised to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions where you can. Throughout South America, pickpocketing and petty theft are common. We recommend using a money belt and avoid wearing flashy clothing to prevent being a victim of petty crime. Also, leave valuables at home or in your hotel room safe.
Cusco and smaller towns throughout the country are popular with tourists and safe. In larger cities, like Lima, certain neighborhoods are best avoided like Los Olivos, Comas, Vitarte, and El Agustino. However, our tours do not visit these neighborhoods, as they are located far from tourist areas. Additionally, all our tours include professional tour guides, and we will arrange all transportation, transfers, hotels, and tours that we know personally and recommend highly. Learn more about travel Safety in Peru.
In South America, the seasons are reversed from those in the northern hemisphere. The best time to visit Peru is the winter (June – August), as this is when sites like Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and the Andes are most accessible. The weather is dry, warm, and clear. During this time, prices will spike and everything from tours, flights, and accommodation will be in high demand. For those that opt for the summer season (December – February), sites will still be open, with far fewer crowds and better pricing. Summers on the coast, including in Lima, are known to have spectacular weather, perfect for the beach or walking the quaint streets. However, certain activities may be closed at this time or be more difficult to access with the heavy rain levels, like Andean trekking trails and Machu Picchu.
Once the home of the powerful Inca Empire, Peru is dotted with historically significant sights and continues to be excavated for ruins by archaeologists. The top of every tourist’s to-do list in Peru is the new world wonder Machu Picchu. Beyond significant ruins, Peru is famous for its impressive hikes and unique flora and fauna. With natural wonders like Vinivcuna, also known as Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in South America, and the Peruvian Amazon, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, the country is praised for its cuisine, with Lima named the culinary capital of South America.
