Looking for the best things to do in Peru during your next trip?
One of South America’s most diverse countries, Peru is known for its wild Amazonian regions, jaw-dropping Andes and remote ancient ruins, as well as the cosmopolitan highlights of Lima and the Pacific Coast. Naturally there are tons of incredible things to do during your trip, however it can be hard trying to decide which are the best to do – and how to fit them into your itinerary while travelling around Peru.
In this guide we’ll explore the very best things to do in Peru, and what makes each one so unforgettable for travellers exploring the country. As well as looking at how many days are best to fit these iconic experiences into your trip, we’ll also answer some of your most asked questions too in our FAQ section.
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10 Best Things To Do In Peru
From hiking the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and seeing other ruins around the country, to trying unforgettable cuisine and hitting the Pacific beaches – let’s explore some of the very best things to do in Peru.
Fly Above The Ancient Nazca Lines
Arguably the most mysterious and picturesque ancient site of them all, the Nazca Lines true purpose and meaning are still unknown to this day. 2500 years old, it’s thought that the Nazca culture created these 300+ geoglyphs as a way of appeasing their gods for rain – with all kinds of designs such as the Dog, Astronaut and Condor that are several hundred meters long. You can best see the Nazca Lines with an overflight, and here at TravelBuddiesPeru we make it possible to see them in just a day from Lima with our Exclusive Nazca Lines Overflight Tour.
Hike The Famous Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Trek
One of Peru’s very best multi-day hiking circuits, the Inca Trail is both a fascinating and action-package adventure for trekking enthusiasts. Starting at the trailhead of Piscacucho, you’ll head through rugged mountain passes, have striking Andes views, see dense cloudforests and also remote ruins like Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna which are only accessible with the Inca Trail permit. It’s important to know that this trek often sells out months in advance as permits are limited – so we suggest booking yours at least three months prior to your preferred dates.
Spot Exotic Animals In The Amazon Rainforest
Making up almost 2/3 of the entire country, Peru’s Amazon Rainforest is a truly massive ecosystem. Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are the two best gateway cities to head to, where we can depart on wildlife viewing tours deep into the Amazonian jungle. Macaw Parrots, Giant River Otters, Pink River Dolphins and Monkeys can all be spotted on tours, while treks that are longer and head deeper increase the chances of seeing rarer species like Jaguars and Anacondas. Definitely one of the most iconic things to do in Peru!
Visit The Tropical Beaches In Northern Peru
Did you know Peru also has some hot year-round beaches to enjoy? While not quite the Caribbean, the region of Piura is very warm and has many long stretches of golden sands to relax on – regardless if visiting in the peak or during the winter season. This includes the famous resort town of Punta Sal, as well as Vichayito and Mancora, which can also be reached by bus after a short flight from Lima to Piura. Between visiting beaches and enjoying the cool waves of the Pacific, you can also visit the mangroves in nearby Tumbes as well as enjoying some of Peru’s finest seafood classics in local restaurants.
Go Sandboarding In The Ica Desert
Located just a few hours south of Lima, we can find the desert oasis town of Huacachina – which is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to visit in Peru now. Surrounded by towering dunes, we can enjoy astonishing views from the top, while also taking in the rays in hotel swimming pools. Those after more adventure can head on a sandboarding tour, where you’ll first fly around in a wild dune buggy ride, before then taking to the sands on a plank of wood! Experienced instructions will guide you along the way, meaning it’s safe for all to enjoy when in Huacachina.
Visit The Iconic Rainbow Mountain
This multicoloured mountain is often written off as a hoax or photoshop masterpiece – however this mountain of wonderful colours really is real and definitely ranks as one of the best things to do in Peru. Located up in the high altitude Vilcanota Mountain Range, Rainbow Mountain is painted with bright greens, reds and yellows – all from natural tectonic activity and mineral deposits over millions of years. Please note that given Rainbow Mountain’s high altitude of over 5000m, it’s important to acclimate in Cusco for a few days before your visit to avoid any issues when here.
Eat Your Way Through Peru’s Mouthwatering Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is one of the most mouthwatering and varied we can find in all of South America, combining exotic flavours and ingredients from the Amazon Jungle, Andes and Coastal regions. Some of Peru’s tastiest foods and dishes include fan favourites of Lomo Saltado and Ceviche, whilst local foods like Papa a la Huancaina, Rocoto Relleno and Caldos may also surprise you. Throughout the country you’ll find these great dishes in places like Arequipa and Cusco – however Lima remains the very best place for sampling the country’s best dishes.
See Endemic Coastal Wildlife On The Ballestas Islands
If you are a wildlife fanatic, or want to see endemic species while in Peru, then a visit to the Ballestas Islands is a must. Located a few hours south of Lima, travellers will first need to head to the coastal town of Paracas, from which they can take a boat tour around the islands. As well as passing rocky outcroppings which are full of Sea Lion colonies, we can also spot Humboldt Penguins which live here year round. Those interested in ancient history will also like this tour, given the 2500 year old ruins of Candelabro – created by the Paracas culture – are also seen along the route.
Visit Machu Picchu With A Private Tour
Having already looked at Machu Picchu earlier, if you weren’t keen on spending multiple days hiking the Inca Trail – then it’s great to know that you can also arrive straight at these legendary ruins without any real effort. Starting in Cusco, you can enjoy comfortable bus and train transport directly to the town of Aguas Calientes, which sits right below the ruins. Here you can spend a night in a comfortable hotel and enjoy the hot springs in the afternoon, before visiting Machu Picchu in the early morning the next day – when crowds are at their most quiet. If you’re interested in visiting this way, then start customizing your Peru vacation now with us here at TravelBuddiesPeru!
Go Souvenir Hunting In Lima Or Cusco
Leaving perhaps the most quirky until last, getting some kind of souvenir during a trip to Peru should be on everyone’s list – both for their extreme novelty and great pieces. Cusco and the Sacred Valley are famous for their indigenous artisanal products, which include alpaca sweaters, chullo hats and carefully woven bags. As well as that, it’s worth knowing that there are many great places to buy souvenirs in Lima such as the Indian Market in Miraflores, as well as boutique shops in neighbouring Barranco such as Dedalo.
How Long Do You Need For This List Of The Best Things To Do In Peru?
This really depends on how many you plan to see, and which destinations and bucket-list activities are absolute musts for you. For example, if, like most travellers, you really want to see Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Amazon Rainforest – then it’s good to plan between 7-9+ days for your trip. Not only is this timeframe good for the logistics of getting between them, certain places like Cusco naturally require more time (due to both acclimating to the altitude, and also as there’s so much to see).
If you really want to go deep and see most (if not all) of the destinations mentioned in this article, then you’ll need at least 2-3+ weeks and a well crafted itinerary. It’s important to plan out your trip properly if this is your goal, as you’ll want to make the most of every day possible. Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we can customize your perfect Peru vacation and take out all of the hard planning and logistics for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Things To Do In Peru
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the best things to do in Peru, as well as anything else you need to know.
What Is A Must Do In Peru?
One of the very best things you can do in Peru is to properly explore the beautiful Sacred Valley region. Easily accessible from Cusco, this Andean wonderland is home to numerous charming towns such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba – which each have their own ancient Inca ruins, unique sites and cultural identities. Between spotting Alpacas and purchasing novel goods, you can also visit destinations like the Maras Salt Mines.
How Long Should I Spend In Peru?
Most tourists find that 1-2 weeks is ideal for visiting the highlights of Peru, of which you can comfortably explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima and the Amazon Rainforest. If you want to see even more places – such as Arequipa, the stunning Lake Titicaca and Peru’s northern tropical beaches – then you’ll need 2-4 weeks to enjoy all these highlights together without rushing.
What Is Peru Best Known For?
Peru is most-known for its sacred Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, which receives well over 1 million visitors annually. Built for the Emperor Pachacutec in the early 15th century, it was never discovered by the Spanish during their conquest of Peru – given its isolated location on a mountain top in the cloudforest. It remained abandoned for several centuries until it was rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Overview Of The Best Things To Do In Peru
And that’s all for our guide on the very best experiences and things to do in Peru.
A trip through this South American country always delivers regardless of your interests and goals – whether that’s scenic hiking, seeing rare wildlife, trying incredible gastronomy or seeing some of the most beautiful colonial cities that this continent has to offer. And thankfully in this guide we’ve shown how it’s possible to see many of these within just one trip, as well as which ones might be a priority for you depending on your own travel goals here in Peru.
Ready for the most unforgettable trip through Peru? Book Your Peru Trip With Us Now, where you will enjoy private transport, the best guides and unique experiences as you venture around Peru.
