What to do in Peru
Peru is one of those destinations that truly has it all. In a single country you can explore the ruins of one of history’s most fascinating civilizations, savor a cuisine renowned around the world, venture into the Amazon rainforest, sail across the highest navigable lake on the planet, and lose yourself among sand dunes beside an oasis. The real question is not whether Peru is worth visiting, but how much time you have to discover everything it offers.
With three major natural regions, the coast, the highlands, and the jungle, every corner of the country holds experiences that are very different from one another. To help you plan your trip, this guide brings together the best things to do in Peru, from the great must-sees to adventure, culture, and nature activities that will turn your visit into an unforgettable experience.
Visit Machu Picchu, the Jewel of the Inca Empire
No visit to Peru is complete without seeing Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel that crowns a cloud-wrapped mountain and is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Located in the Cusco region, this ancient stone city continues to amaze visitors with its perfect integration into the landscape and the mystery surrounding its construction.
You can arrive by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, or hike the legendary Inca Trail, one of the most famous treks in the world. Whichever option you choose, remember to book your entrance ticket in advance, since the daily capacity is limited and tickets often sell out, especially during the high season.
Explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is much more than the gateway to Machu Picchu. Its cobblestone streets, colonial temples built upon Inca foundations, and vibrant Plaza de Armas make it an essential destination in its own right. Neighborhoods such as San Blas, with its artisan workshops, invite you to explore at a leisurely pace.
Nearby stretches the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a collection of villages, agricultural terraces, and archaeological sites of enormous value. Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, and the Maras salt mines are some of the must-visit stops, ideal for combining history, scenery, and contact with the Andean communities.
Discover the Rainbow Mountain
One of the destinations that has gained the most popularity in recent years is the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Its slopes painted with bands of reddish, golden, and turquoise tones form an almost surreal landscape that has become a must-see for those visiting Cusco.
The excursion involves a high-altitude hike, so it is best to be well acclimatized before setting out. The reward, however, is worth every step: spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and, often, the company of alpacas and llamas grazing in the surrounding area.
Explore Lima, the Culinary Capital
Most trips to Peru begin in Lima, and it is well worth dedicating a few days to it. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings together gems of colonial architecture such as the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and the Convent of San Francisco with its catacombs. Districts like Miraflores and Barranco, on the other hand, offer a modern and bohemian side overlooking the sea.
Lima is also the culinary capital of South America, home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Tasting a good ceviche facing the Pacific or exploring its markets and cevicherías is an experience no traveler should miss.
Sail Lake Titicaca and Its Islands
In the south of the country, Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, offers a unique cultural experience. From the city of Puno you can take a tour to the Uros floating islands, built entirely from totora, an aquatic reed that local families have worked by hand for generations.
Farther out are the islands of Taquile and Amantaní, where you can stay overnight with local families and get a close look at Aymara and Quechua traditions. Spending the night on the lake is, for many, one of the most authentic experiences of the entire trip.
Experience Adventure in Huacachina and Paracas
On the southern coast, the Huacachina oasis looks like something out of a postcard: a lagoon surrounded by palm trees in the middle of enormous sand dunes. Here you can dive into sandboarding down the dunes or feel the adrenaline of a buggy ride at sunset, when the desert turns golden.
Nearby, the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands offer a fascinating natural contrast, with sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of birds. A boat ride around the islands is the best way to appreciate the enormous richness of marine life in this area.
Venture Into the Amazon Rainforest
For nature lovers, the Peruvian Amazon is a must-visit destination. Iquitos, the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road, is the gateway to the Amazon and the starting point for river cruises and stays at lodges deep in the jungle. Puerto Maldonado, farther south, offers quicker access from Cusco.
Reserves such as Tambopata and Manu National Park hold extraordinary biodiversity, with monkeys, macaws, caimans, and countless species. Exploring their trails and rivers is an experience that connects the traveler with one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
Fly Over the Nazca Lines
In the heart of the coastal desert, the enigmatic Nazca Lines remain one of Peru’s greatest mysteries. These giant geoglyphs, which depict animal figures and geometric shapes, can only be appreciated in their full scale from the air.
A flight in a small plane will allow you to gaze at figures such as the hummingbird, the monkey, or the spider, traced more than fifteen hundred years ago with astonishing precision. It is an ideal stop for those traveling along the southern coast on their way to Arequipa or Cusco.
Get to Know Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
Known as the White City for its buildings made of volcanic sillar stone, Arequipa dazzles visitors with its elegant historic center and the imposing Misti volcano as a backdrop. The Monastery of Santa Catalina, a true citadel within the city, is one of its most memorable sights.
A few hours away lies the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and the best place to watch the majestic flight of the Andean condor. The region combines spectacular landscapes, traditional villages, and hot springs that invite you to relax.
Savor Peruvian Cuisine
More than an activity, tasting Peruvian food is an experience that runs through the entire trip. Internationally renowned, the country’s cuisine blends Andean, Spanish, Asian, and African influences in dishes as varied as ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, and cuy in the highlands.
Each region contributes its own flavors and ingredients, many of them unique in the world. Daring to try the typical dishes of each destination, from local markets to author-driven restaurants, is one of the best ways to get to know Peruvian culture through your palate.
Practical Tips for Your Trip to Peru
Before putting together your itinerary, keep in mind that Peru is a vast and diverse country, so it is best to prioritize destinations according to the time available. The best time to visit the highlands and Machu Picchu is the dry season, between May and September, while the coast and the jungle have their own ideal calendars.
Altitude is another key factor: cities such as Cusco and Puno sit at a high elevation, so dedicating your first few days to acclimatization is essential. And since Peru receives a large number of visitors throughout the year, booking your flights, tours, and entrance tickets to the main attractions in advance is always the best decision.
Discover Everything Peru Has for You With Us
Peru offers so many experiences that planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming, and that is where we come in. At Machu Picchu Viajes Peru we help you design a tailor-made itinerary, combining the great must-sees with those authentic experiences that will make your trip truly unique. Contact us and start planning the Peruvian adventure you have always dreamed of.
