Peru is mainly known for Machu Picchu and llamas. However, the land of the Incas is much more than “just” that.
In fact, there’s a reason why Peru is called a mega-diverse country (it’s home to mountains, jungle, desert and the ocean).
You better make sure you prepare your senses for an incomparable adventure and enjoy the magical Machu Picchu ruins, the postcard-like Rainbow Mountains and an unforgettable culinary experience in some of the best restaurants of the continent.
Without further ado, let’s look at the top 18 things to do in Peru, this special country with its unique geographic location.
Machu Picchu is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and number one on the list of things to do in Cusco and Peru for any traveler. The lost city was built with bare hands around 1450 and amazes with its impressive history.
You can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, one of the two additional mountains, to enjoy the ruins from a different angle.
Bonus: Why not go all-in with our 10‑day Ultimate Peru & Galápagos Adventure? Dive into Machu Picchu and top it off with a Galápagos wildlife experience.
Without a doubt, exploring the Peruvian rainforest is something unique. Rarely before will you have visited a place that is so quiet and where you will feel so free in nature.
The most popular spots in Peru’s jungle are Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado and Manu National Park (read more in our Amazon travel guide). Get ready for traditional jungle food, unparalleled flora and fauna, and interesting indigenous tribes.
Once you have decided on a trip to Peru, we recommend a visit to one of the two Rainbow Mountains (Vinicunca or Palccoyo).
The Vinicunca tour takes you to a huge rainbow mountain, which tends to get very crowded, and the red valley. Palccoyo, on the other hand, is famous for its three rainbow mountains, few tourists and also great views.
Ceviche is the national dish of Peru and definitely part of the Peruvian food you must try when you’re here.
We recommend that you try this fish dish in a coastal city in Peru, such as Lima or Paracas, as that’s where you’ll get the freshest fish.
In addition to the numerous culinary experiences, the city scores above all with a unique view over the entire coast.
Lima is therefore ideal for exploring the numerous parks along the coastal road of the Malecón walking or by bike.
In Huacachina, you will find the unique desert oasis and some of the highest sand dunes in all of South America. For adventure lovers, this is the perfect spot as you can go sandboarding and speed through the dunes on sand buggies.
Our recommendation is to visit Huacachina during sunset – unforgettable moments are guaranteed here. More information about this magical place in our Huacachina Oasis guide.
At an altitude of more than 11,400 ft (3,500 m), you will find up to 20 natural pools that lie between two canyons and will enchant you with their beauty.
Millpu is only a 3-hour drive from Ayacucho. Please respect nature and do not go swimming in the pools, even if they look inviting.
Stroll the narrow, steep streets that combine a mix of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture and travel back in time.
Apart from the interesting ruins that Cusco offers, we recommend you to visit the great viewpoints in Sacsayhuaman or in San Blas. At the latter, you can combine the walk with a coffee or a drink and the sunset.
The Nazca Lines are considered one of mankind’s greatest mysteries. In the middle of the desert, there are more than 70 drawings of people and animals geoglyphs that are over 2000 years old. You get the best views on a tour with an airplane.
This point would be suitable for a list of “unique things to do in Peru”, as Choquequirao is not well known among tourists. It is also known as Machu Picchu’s sister and is about 4 hours by car from Cusco.
The special thing about Choquequirao is that so far only a good third has been explored and there are hardly any tourists on site.
The Ballestas Islands, also known as Peru’s Galapagos, are home to a variety of wildlife such as sea lions, pelicans, dolphins and more.
The small group of islands is located in Paracas and are visited by speedboat. Apart from the animals, you can also see an astonishing geoglyph.
Visiting Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, at over 12,400 ft (3800 m), is an incredible experience.
On site you can visit different islands, such as the famous Uros islands, spend the night on one of the famous islands made of totora reeds and learn more about the life of the locals. Lake Titicaca has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
Arequipa is called the White City because the old town was built from the white volcanic rock “Sillar” from the nearby Misti Volcano. The volcano is currently dormant and can be best viewed from the artistic Yanahuara Viewpoint.
The Cathedral, the Santa Catalina Convent and the Picantería restaurants are also worth a visit.
The Sacred Valley was once the center of the ancient Inca civilization as it was a special place for them due to the fertile soil, good climate and strategic location.
If you are in Cusco, we recommend discovering the well-preserved ruins and Inca sites with a Sacred Valley day tour. Believe us, you will be speechless by the brilliance of the Incas.
Another point on our list of the top things to do in Peru is drinking Pisco Sour. The country’s national drink is made with brandy, egg whites, lime juice, and a little sugar.
It’s a very refreshing cocktail and definitely a must have on any Peru trip. Another variant that is also very tasty is the passion fruit sour.
The hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake should definitely be on your to-do list. Located at 13,800 ft (4200 m) and nestled between 2 mountains, the glacial lake will enchant you with its turquoise water and the snow-capped mountains in the background.
The hike to the top takes around 1.5-2 hours and is of moderate difficulty.
The Colca Canyon in Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world and a famous trekking destination. It’s just over 3 hours away from Arequipa.
Here, you can watch the flight of the famous Andean condor, go on excellent hiking tours or relax in thermal baths.
In Peru, and especially in Cusco, you will have numerous opportunities to get your unforgettable photo with an alpaca or a llama.
You can visit petting zoos or textile centers for this, but of course there’s nothing like getting a picture with these fluffy animals in the wild. That’s why our Palccoyo Tour is ideal for this, as you can hike with an alpaca or a llama on the way to rainbow mountain.
As you can see, Peru has more to offer than “just” Machu Picchu. The land of the Incas is full of surprises that are waiting to be explored.
We hope that we were able to give you more inspiration for your visit to Peru with this small list of the top things to do in Peru. If you have already decided that you would like to travel soon, we recommend that you do some research on the best time to visit Peru.
If you have any questions or need help regarding your tour planning, please send us an email to [email protected].
For a first trip, most travelers focus on Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, since they combine history, scenery, and Inca culture. Many visitors also add at least one full day in Lima for food and city life, plus a short trip to either the Peruvian Amazon, Lake Titicaca, or the Colca Canyon. This mix gives a balanced overview of Peru in about 7 to 14 days.
To visit the main highlights without rushing, plan at least 10 to 12 days. A common plan is 1 to 2 days in Lima, 3 to 5 days split between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, and 3 to 4 days in a second region such as the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, or Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. Shorter trips of 5 to 7 days usually focus only on Lima and the Cusco and Machu Picchu area.
Machu Picchu is the most famous site, but it is not the only important Inca ruin. The Sacred Valley has several major sites, such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac, that show Inca engineering and agriculture. Around Cusco, visitors can see Sacsayhuamán and other nearby ruins in half-day tours. Including these sites in your itinerary gives more context and makes the visit to Machu Picchu more meaningful.
Peru offers many experiences beyond Machu Picchu. Travelers often enjoy food tours and museums in Lima, wildlife and river excursions in the Amazon, island visits and homestays on Lake Titicaca, and hiking or scenic viewing in the Colca Canyon and the Andes. Coastal areas like Paracas and the Ballestas Islands add marine life and desert scenery that pair well with cultural trips in the highlands.
Peru is one of the best countries in South America for nature and wildlife. The Amazon region near Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado has lodges that offer guided walks, river cruises, and bird and mammal watching. The Andes and Colca Canyon provide high-altitude landscapes, condor viewing, and trekking routes, while coastal areas feature marine reserves with sea lions and seabirds. Combining at least one jungle or canyon stay with cultural visits creates a rich nature-focused itinerary.
Ann Lee23 May, 2022 at 11:57 am
Wow Peru is truly rich in beautiful sites! We have only 6 days that we are spending in Peru. Any recommendations of how to make the most out of our time and see most of the sites?
Konsti from Exploor Peru23 May, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Hello Ann, thanks for your message and we totally agree with you! Peru is beautiful and has so many beautiful sites to offer. In case you are only 6 days in Peru then you should definitely have a look at our Best of Cusco in 5 days tour. Otherwise than that we are more than happy to help you with a customized trip based on your personal preferences and wishes! Best, Team Exploor