The Top 25 Amazing and Best Things to Do in Peru

Planning your trip to Peru? Here’s a down-to-earth guide to the best things to do in Peru.

Peru is a great place to visit any time of year, but the weather changes a lot depending on where you are. If you’re on the coast, get ready for some serious heat and dry conditions, with temperatures that can soar up to a scorching 45°C (113°F). Perfect for sunbathing, less so for ice cream.

With so many breathtaking sights, fun activities, and delicious food to enjoy, your itinerary might fill up fast. Here’s a handy plan to help you pick the top things to do in Peru.

Best Things To Do in Peru – Activities

1. Hiking in the Cordillera Blanca

Climbing one of Peru’s majestic mountains is an adventure you’ll never forget. Picture this: there are about 17 peaks soaring over 19,685 feet (6,000 meters) high. They’re nestled in the eastern part of the Andean Cordillera Occidental.

Imagine the thrill of reaching the top and gazing out at those snow-capped peaks—it’s absolutely breathtaking.

2. Inca Trail

The Inca Trail in Machu Picchu is one incredible adventure. Imagine trekking along one of Peru’s oldest paths, surrounded by beautiful terraced fields and charming villages that feel like they’ve sprung right out of a storybook.

At the end of the hike, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of the entire citadel. Sure, covering 27 miles (43 kilometers) over four days can be tough if you’re new to hiking, but trust me, the stunning scenery makes every step worth it.

Just a heads up, if you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail, you need to book it ahead of time. They only allow a limited number of hikers each day, and spots can fill up months before, so plan early to secure your spot.

3. Exploring the Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon is a hotspot for tourists in Peru, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than by jumping on a luxury cruise. As you glide through the waters, you’ll be surrounded by the lush jungle and its incredible wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys, elusive jaguars, and colorful macaws and parrots. It’s a wild adventure you won’t forget! 

4. Fun With Sand at Huacachina

Huacachina is a tiny town just a few minutes from Ica, surrounded by massive sand dunes. There’s no shortage of fun here, especially if you’re into adventure. Sandboarding down the dunes and zooming around in sand buggies are the top picks for most visitors.

Once you’ve had your fill of adrenaline, you can kick back and relax by the lake right in the center of town. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of thrills.

5. Swimming With the Turtles

Most people love swimming, but swimming with wildlife takes it to a whole new level. Head to Mancora port for a half-day tour, the perfect starting point for this adventure.

You’ll get to swim among turtles, feeling like you’re part of their crew. Just remember to keep a respectful distance and avoid touching them. If you’re up for some adventure, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss!

6. Whale Watching

Whales make their way from chilly Antarctica to the warm waters of Peru to have their babies. If you want to go whale watching in Peru, Mancora is the spot. Located on the northern coast, where the Humboldt Current meets the El Niño Current, it’s perfect for spotting whales.

The best time to catch sight of humpback whales is from July to October when they migrate to give birth. Beaches like Los Organos, Cabo Blanco, and Punta Sal are also great for seeing these majestic creatures up close.

7. Paragliding

Paragliding over the Miraflores cliffs is an unforgettable experience. The view of the city from up high is absolutely stunning. The flight lasts about 10 minutes and isn’t scary at all.

You can snap some amazing photos of the landscape below or simply enjoy the fresh breeze. It’s a totally safe activity with an instructor guiding you every step of the way.

8. Pisco Tour

If you’re checking out the Ica region in Peru, don’t miss out on a Pisco tour. It’s a must-do! You’ll get to see how they make Pisco and, of course, taste a bunch of different Pisco drinks. It’s a fun way to dive into the local culture and enjoy some delicious booze!

Best Things To Do in Peru – Sights

9. Machu Picchu 

Machu Picchu is a historic site just 31 miles (50 km) from Cusco, sitting a lofty 10,433 feet (3,180 meters) above sea level. This area is packed with amazing sights and activities.

You definitely should check out the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. And if you love hiking, don’t miss the chance to climb Huayna Picchu.

10. Huaraz

Huaraz, tucked away in the Ancash region, is one of the largest towns in the Peruvian Andes. It’s home to breathtaking mountain ranges like the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhuash.

Huaraz is perfect for those who want to dodge the tourist traps and soak in nature’s true beauty.

11. Lima

Lima‘s got some seriously tasty food, but that’s just the start. This city rocks with its old-school colonial buildings, beautiful beaches, and nightlife that keeps you dancing till dawn. It’s like the ultimate playground for anyone up for an adventure.

When you hit up Lima, you’ll want to check out three main spots: the historic center, the artsy Barranco district, and the trendy Miraflores district. That’s where all the action is!

12. Cusco

Cusco is a city that oozes history at every corner. Wandering its streets, you’ll stumble upon stunning churches, grand cathedrals, and ancient temples. Among the must-see spots are the famous Inca Trail and the majestic Cusco Cathedral.

But don’t stop there! Venture beyond the city, and you’ll discover even more breathtaking sites, like the Rainbow Mountains. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!

13. Arequipa

Arequipa, nicknamed the White City, is a top spot for anyone who digs a mix of ancient architecture and modern vibes. What really makes Arequipa stand out from the rest of Peru is its mouth-watering food scene. The Santa Catalina Monastery is hands down the coolest place to check out in the city.

14. Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is just a short drive from Arequipa, known as the White City. It’s one of the deepest canyons in the world, plunging down 13,648 feet (4,160 meters). After a few hours on the road, you’ll find yourself in the Colca Valley.

The stunning landscapes, charming traditional villages, and impressive agricultural terraces will grab your attention right away.

15. Chan Chan

Chan Chan is packed with history. This archaeological site is just about 3 miles (5 km) from Trujillo, and it’s a must-see spot in northern Peru. After soaking in Trujillo’s charming colonial architecture, definitely make your way to these ruins. You’ll get a fascinating glimpse into ancient culture and traditions.

16. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, tucked in the Andes mountains on the border between Bolivia and Peru, is a massive freshwater lake. It’s 12,506 feet (3,812 meters) long and is a fantastic place to soak in nature’s beauty.

One of the coolest things about the lake is the floating islands called Uros, where people have built extraordinary houses right on the water.

Lake Titicaca is shared by both Bolivia and Peru. On the Peruvian side, you’ll find Puno, known for its vibrant folklore and as the starting point for lake tours. Across the border in Bolivia, the charming town of Copacabana sits by the lake, famous for its grand white church and tasty restaurants.

So, whether you’re exploring Puno’s lively culture or enjoying a meal in Copacabana, Lake Titicaca offers a unique adventure on both shores.

17. The Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, near Pisco and Paracas, are a top spot for checking out marine life like sea lions, turtles, and a ton of birds. The islands are also famous for their massive rock formations, which draw a crowd of tourists. It’s an awesome place for a day out on the water.

18. Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is famous for its stunning colors. These mountains, sitting at about 17,060 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level, are located in the Peruvian Andes, south of Cusco. Most tours head out early in the morning.

We recommend visiting between April and October. The weather is great for capturing amazing photos of the vibrant colors under the bright sun.

19. The Famous Nazca Lines

Nazca lines are located near the city of Lima. They are carved in a unique pattern into the ground, which can be experienced from the sky. You can take a flight from the nearby airport to appreciate the beauty of the design from the top.

20. Beach Views

Peru’s north coast is full of amazing beaches. We highly advise you to visit them at the very end of your trip, as they have a laid-back vibe allowing you to rest after a tiring but amazing experience of the rest of the country. 

Some of the best beaches on the north coast include Mancora, Zorritos, Punta Sal, Lobitos, and Cabo Blanco. 

21. The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of Incas is located in the Peruvian Andes. This magnificent valley has two rivers called Vilcanota and Urubamba, which were formed by the erosion of the mountains thousands of years ago. 

The valley has some amazing archaeological monuments and towns for you to experience. 

22. The Lost City of Choquequirao 

The lost city of Choquequirao is located around 27 mi (44 km) from Machu Picchu in the Cusco region. 

This small town is located at the top of the mountain, around 9,951 ft (3,033 m) above sea level. Temples, squares, archaeological monuments, and other sensational sites await your arrival.

Best Things To Do in Peru – Food and Restaurants

23. Drink Pisco Sour

Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru. It is made with lime, egg white, sugar, and the main ingredient, pisco (brandy made from muscat grapes). 

The refreshing drink is believed to be Peru’s most-picked cocktail by local and international travelers. 

24. Try Ceviche

Ceviche is arguably one of the best seafood dishes in the world. It is made with raw fish marinated in lime juice. The taste is delectable; just make sure that the fish served is fresh. 

Try it in Peru’s coastal cities, such as Paracas and Lima. 

25. Enjoy Peruvian Gastronomy

If you look into Peruvian cuisine, you will find a never-ending list of must-try dishes. Due to the immigration flow, most cuisines use European, African, and Asian ingredients. Lima is believed to be the gastronomical capital of Peru. 

The best dishes to try here are ceviche, rocoto relleno, cuy, lomo saltado, and apanado de alpaca.

How To Get To Peru

So, you’re thinking about heading to Peru? You’ve got three main ways to get there from places like the USA, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. But heads up, not all of these options work for every country.

• By Plane

Flying is definitely the easiest way to go. You can grab a flight to Lima International Airport from almost anywhere. If you’re coming from the US, you’re looking at a flight time of about six to ten hours. Just enough time to watch a couple of movies, take a nap and regret not packing more snacks.

• By Bus

Feeling adventurous? You can hop on a bus, but this one’s only for the brave souls starting in nearby countries like Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It’s a long haul, so get ready for some serious bonding time with your fellow passengers and maybe a few too many roadside empanadas.

• By Boat

If you’re really in no rush, you can take a cruise from San Francisco to Lima’s port. It’s the scenic route, for sure. There are also boats that navigate the Amazon River, hitting spots near the Colombia, Brazil, and Peru border. Perfect for those who prefer their travels with a side of jungle adventure.

Getting Around in Peru

You can take local flights or bus services to travel from one city to another. You can use local flights such as LATAM or Fly Peru for the best prices. 

However, getting around in Peru is extremely safe and reliable with Peru Hop, one of the highest-rated bus services in the country. If you don’t mind practicing your Spanish and want to travel on a budget, inform about the regional busses who leave regularly between big cities.

Tips To Enjoy Your Peruvian Visit

Here are some quick tips to make your Peruvian visit memorable

• We highly recommend you choose buses over planes to travel around in Peru. Except between Cusco and Lima, as you’ll cross the Andes, the roads are very windy and treacherous, making flying the better option. 
• Pack good sunscreen before visiting mountain regions, as you’ll burn quicker at a high altitude.
• Peru has 30 different climate conditions out of 32 possible, so pack your stuff according to what activities you’ll be doing. 
• While Peru is safe, pickpocketing and theft are still unresolved concerns in Peru. Keep your valuables in a bag, and don’t flash them publicly.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) – Things To Do in Peru

Why Is Peru a Popular Tourist Destination?

Peru is an amazing destination that offers tourists stunning landscapes and plenty of activities. From uncovering the jungle’s mysteries to discovering crowded cities with ancient architecture, Peru has everything for an adventurer. 

How Many Days in Peru Is Enough?

We advise you to stay at least two weeks in Peru, which will allow you to get the whole country experience without getting exhausted. If you have more time, there are plenty of places to visit in Peru so that you won’t be bored.

What Activities Are Peru Known For?

Peru is mostly known for hiking, climbing, and exploring the Amazon. These activities represent just a fraction of what Peru offers, making it a popular destination for adventurers, nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking unique cultural experiences.

Conclusion – Things To Do In Peru

Are you ready to include these Peruvian places and experiences on your bucket list? We hope this list will help you organize your days during your visit. 

With all these tempting options, you can satisfy your wanderlust and sense of adventure. Get ready to explore and enjoy this amazing country.

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Fun Activities in Peru – Best Booking Resources

I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:

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• Top 12 Safest South American Countries To Visit
• Best Time To Visit Peru: Seasons of the Year & Best Activities To Do