Best Things to Do in Peru (By Local Travel Expert)
Michael continues to travel, searching for new business opportunities and fantastic trip experiences to offer travelers. You can find Michael testing unique tours and hotels around LATAM. He enjoys getting up early and a hot cup of coffee before getting a good workout and starting the day.
Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by James Bustamante
Peru is a land of diverse experiences, offering many activities and destinations. From dining at the best restaurant in the world to hiking the Inca Trail, from exploring the Amazon rainforest to discovering the rich cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 30 things to do in Peru, promising an adventure-filled holiday.
Hike The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Most travelers will reach Machu Picchu by taking the train to Aguas Calientes and then hopping on the bus to the main entrance. An alternative, more adventurous way is hiking the legendary Inca Trail, which offers an unparalleled experience. This historic route, once used by the ancient Inca over 500 years ago, provides your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, making it an unforgettable journey for avid hikers, history buffs, and those seeking to witness the sunrise over this iconic site. For those with a sense of adventure, the 4-day Inca Trail includes camping and immerses you deeply into the Andean landscape.
Alternatively, the 2-day Inca Trail offers a shorter yet equally thrilling option without needing overnight camping, making it ideal for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their Peru trip without over-committing.
Remember, permits for the Inca Trail are highly sought after and can sell out quickly. It’s crucial to plan your trip well in advance to secure your desired dates for this incredible hike.
Paracas and The Ballestas Islands
Travelers will take a four-hour journey down the Peruvian coastline to Paracas, where they will board a boat for the Ballestas Islands nature reserve.
The two-hour boat ride to the Balestas Islands will let travelers see colonies of sea lions, seals, penguins, and seabirds, such as blue-footed boobies, and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the rare marine otter.
The boat gets close enough to the islands to make you think you can get off and walk around. Travelers, of course, cannot get off the ship, but curious sea lions do tend to swim up to visitors.
During the tour, the boat will also pass by the “Candelabro,” an image etched onto the side of a mountain.
Eat at The World’s Best Restaurant
Central Restaurant is located in the picturesque coastal capital of Peru, within the cool and bohemian district of Barranco. In 2023, it was acclaimed as the world’s best restaurant.
Here, you won’t encounter typical Peruvian cuisine. Instead, prepare for a gastronomic journey focused on using local products in combination with modern preparation techniques. Each dish presented is a miniature ecosystem, meticulously crafted with precision and care, transforming every plate into a stunning work of art.
Led by world-renowned chef and founder Virgilio Martinez, Central Restaurant is a testament to culinary innovation. Martinez and his dedicated team draw inspiration from Peru’s diverse natural landscapes, embarking on regular expeditions to the remote regions of the Amazon and Andes. These journeys allow them to uncover unique ingredients and learn ancient techniques from local communities.
Learn How to Make Pisco Sour
Peru’s iconic spirit is Pisco, a colorless liquor crafted in the coastal winemaking regions. This historic spirit dates back hundreds of years, and the Pisco sour cocktail also has deep origins in Peruvian history.
Creating a classic Pisco Sour is easy enough, but it can take several tries to master. Blend Pisco with lime juice, egg whites, and simple syrup. Peruvian limes make a huge difference when making this iconic drink. They are smaller and more sour than average limes.
For a twist, infuse your cocktail with vibrant Peruvian flavors such as passionfruit, elevating the traditional drink to new heights! Various variations exist of the Pisco sour, Maracuya sour, Coca sour, and chicha sour.
For those eager to master this classic drink, many cocktail-making classes offer instructions on crafting the perfect Pisco Sour. Alternatively, travelers can go on a Pisco tasting tour in Pisco, Peru, the birthplace of this renowned spirit!
Most travelers combine a pisco-tasting tour with a visit to Ica and then head to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands for a boat tour. If you have an extra day, book a Nazca Lines flyover tour and see the enigmatic geoglyphs.
Every visit to Peru is complete with savoring a taste of its famous Pisco Sour.
Take The Perfect Machu Picchu Photograph
Machu Picchu might be the whole reason you came to Peru, and even if it isn’t, it is definitely among the top of anyone’s list of the best things to do in Peru. One important detail is getting the absolute best photograph of Machu Picchu possible. For most visitors, coming to the Inca citadel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so getting that perfect shot of the stone city can make it an ideal vacation. Here are some tips in order to get the best experience possible.
Timing and Planning
Arrive Early or Late: The best light and fewer crowds are in the early morning or late afternoon. Aim to be there for sunrise (around 6 AM) or just before sunset.
Weather Check: Clear days offer the best visibility, but clouds and mist can add a mystical effect. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Equipment
Camera: Use a good-quality camera with manual settings if possible.
Lenses: A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscape. A zoom lens can help focus on specific details or distant ruins.
Tripod: Helps with stability for long exposures, especially in low light conditions.
Composition Tips
Rule of Thirds: Place the main subject (like Huayna Picchu or the central ruins) off-center to create a balanced composition.
Foreground Interest: Include elements like Incan terraces, paths on the tour, or stones in the foreground to add depth.
Leading Lines: Use natural lines like paths, stairs, or the edges of ruins to guide the viewer’s eye through the photo.
Frame Within a Frame: Try to use doorways, windows, or natural arches to frame the subject. At the beginning of the Machu Picchu touring route, there is a good doorway for this purpose.
Excellent Spots For Photography in Machu Picchu
Guardhouse Area: Offers a classic, panoramic view of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu in the background.
Sun Gate (Inti Punku): Provides a higher vantage point with a sweeping view of the ruins.
Terraces: Capture different angles and perspectives by moving along the agricultural terraces.
Temple of the Sun: Offers intricate stonework and views of the surrounding landscape.
Additional Tips
Experiment: Try different angles, heights, and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to get low or climb a bit higher (where allowed) for a unique shot.
Patience: Wait for the right moment when the lighting is perfect and fewer people are in your shot.
Respect the Site: Follow all rules and guidelines to preserve the site and ensure safety.
The best possible photograph of Machu Picchu is the one you like the most. It can be a landscape picture of the site or one you take with your friends and family with Machu Picchu as the background. The possibilities are endless!
Explore The Amazon Rainforest
As a travel specialist, I recommend adding the Amazon Rainforest to your Peru tour package to make your adventure unforgettable. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the Peruvian Amazon offers an array of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or luxurious comfort.
To start this part of the trip, take a short, scenic flight to Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, the primary gateways to Amazonian tourism in Peru. Both cities provide easy access to the lush, vibrant heart of the rainforest.
Imagine sleeping in a treehouse above the forest floor, fishing for piranhas in serene waters, or even discovering a new species as you explore the dense jungle. For those who crave a touch of luxury, a cruise down the Amazon River offers the perfect opportunity to spot the elusive pink dolphin while enjoying top-notch amenities.
No matter how you choose to explore the Amazon, make sure to secure a window seat on your flight. The aerial view of the sprawling rainforest canopy is breathtaking and sets the tone for the incredible adventures awaiting you below.
Fly Over The Mysterious Nazca Lines
A great addition to any Peru trip is visiting Nazca. I highly recommend experiencing the enigmatic Nazca Lines, sometimes spelled Nasca, during your visit to Peru. These colossal geoglyphs, etched into the desert sands, have been preserved for centuries thanks to the arid climate. Specialists on the lines have yet to reach a consensus regarding their purpose and they remain one of history’s greatest mysteries.
The best way to appreciate these ancient wonders in all their glory is by taking an overflight. Viewing the Nazca Lines from above offers a unique perspective on their immense scale and intricate designs. Recently, drones from National Geographic uncovered more than 50 new geoglyphs, reaffirming the significance of these 1,000-year-old drawings as vital archaeological treasures.
Whether you have a passion for art history, archaeology, or Ancient Alien theories (And there are a lot of ancient alien theories) or enjoy seeing a country from a birds-eye view, a flight over the Nazca Lines is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Travel Tip: Consider taking something for nausea before going on the tour. The flight over the lines can be rough due to the plane’s movements, which are required to get good views of the geoglyphs and the windy Nazca desert to the equation, and it can be easy to get motion sickness.
Hike The Rainbow Mountain
As a travel specialist, I can’t recommend Rainbow Mountain highly enough for your Peru trip. Also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors and Vinicunca in Quechua (The language of the Incas), this stunning natural wonder rises to an impressive 15,000 feet above sea level, offering a truly unique experience.
Note: “Vinicunca” is a Quechua word that translates to “Rainbow Mountain” in English. “Vini” means “colored” or “rainbow,” and “cunca” means “neck” or “throat,” reflecting the mountain’s colorful, striated appearance that resembles a rainbow. This name perfectly captures the mountain’s vibrant and unique landscape.
This geological marvel was covered by snow and largely unknown until 2015. Today, it attracts about a third of Machu Picchu’s visitors, and it’s easy to see why. The minerals and sediments in the rock and soil create a breathtaking, multi-colored landscape perfect for photography.
When planning your trek to Rainbow Mountain, be mindful of the high altitude and unpredictable weather patterns. Proper preparation is critical to thoroughly enjoying this adventure.
Travel Tip: It is best to program this trip towards the end of your travel itinerary. Travelers should be acclimated to the elevation before going on a 17,000-foot (5,000-meter) high hike in the highlands. Leaving this trek for your final full day in Cusco will ensure maximum comfort.
Visit the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
The colonial city tour is one of the most requested travel experiences for anyone arriving in the Peruvian capital. Lima is brimming with must-see landmarks and many locations to practice photography. One standout recommendation is exploring the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and its eerie Catacombs.
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, part of Lima’s downtown historic center, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just a block from the Plaza Mayor, this baroque-style church features a monastery, one of the world’s most captivating libraries, and the underground catacombs with intricately arranged human bones.
After visiting the catacombs, I recommend heading to the nearby Churros San Francisco for some of the best churros you’ll ever taste! The deep-fried pastries are now famous and should be on anyone’s list of foods to try in Peru.
Explore Lake Titicaca
For an unforgettable experience in South America, visit the immense Lake Titicaca. The Lake is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and vibrant textiles. Lake Titicaca is located on the border between Peru and Bolivia, and is the highest navigable Lake in the world.
During the lake tour, you’ll visit the Floating Islands of Uros and Taquile. The islands of Uros are made from intricately handwoven reeds that grow naturally in the Lake and have been used for thousands of years for a variety of tastes.
Taquile is another island you’ll visit on the tour, and it offers some of the best views of the lake. For truly paradisian photography use one of the arches that looks out into the Lake.
Add a Lake Titicaca tour to your Peru itinerary to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and experience the surreal sensation of stepping onto these unique reed islands.
Have Dinner at an Ancient Pyramid
As you explore the city of Lima, you’ll eventually find curious-looking structures called “huacas,” or pre-Incan temples. These huacas are actually pyramids used by the “culture Lima,” which predated the Incas.
If you’re seeking activities in Miraflores, the Huaca Pucllana is a must-visit destination for curious travelers. The tour is available every day except Tuesdays. There is also a restaurant facing the pyramid called “Restaurant Huaca Pucllana.” For a truly memorable experience, I recommend opting for a later tour and staying for dinner. Be sure to request a seat on the terrace, where the illuminated historical landmark provides a stunning backdrop to your meal, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Conclusion
The best things to do in Peru usually involve getting out there and exploring as many destinations as possible. Make sure to speak with a professional travel advisor to ensure your Peru travel itinerary is tailored perfectly to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
