Things To Do In Peru: Explore The Greatest Treasures Of The World

Peru is the ideal country to travel for its diversity and rich culture. There are a million things to do in Peru right from hiking across the mountains, swimming in the ocean and dune buggy in the desert. Every traveler will have the best time of their lives and will never have a dull moment.   Peru is the ideal country to travel as there so much to explore and discover. There is something for every traveler to do.

14 Things to Do in Peru: Shouldn’t Miss Out on

There is so much to do in Peru besides visiting Machu Picchu like exploring some places that are off the beaten path and a few adventure activities. It does become a bit of a challenge when it comes to deciding some of the things to do in Peru, one of the most diverse countries in South America. So, pack your bags and have the best vacation you have been dreaming of all your life.

1. Hike the Colca Canyon
2. Explore Lima
3. Discover Historic Arequipa
4. Discover the Stunning Countryside Machu Picchu
5. Trip To Rainbow Mountain
6. Explore Amazon Rainforest
7. Las Ballestas Islands Peru
8. Dune Buggy in Huacachina
9. Shopping for Peruvian Souvenirs
10. Explore the floating islands of Lake Titicaca
11. Hike Through the Wilderness of Inca Trail
12. Go on a Pisco Wine Tour
13. Cruise the Majestic Amazon River
14. Undertake a Culinary Journey in Peru

1. Hike the Colca Canyon

Hiking, one of the adventures in Peru, is not for everyone, but nevertheless, discovering the Colca Canyon’s beauty is not to be missed. The canyon’s fame to claim is its stunning scenery, which is as deep as the Grand Canyon.  Being one of the deepest canyons in the world, trekkers are told to take it slow as the high altitude could make them sick. One of the most well-known towns among the mountain villages is Chivay, known for its natural hot springs. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to having so much fun?

Location: Chivay, Peru

Time Required: 6 hours

Hiking Distance: 8.4 kms

Physical strength: Good

2. Explore Lima

Lima is one of the places that is known for its shopping, fine- dining and stunning food street. Home, to classic Spanish- style buildings and pre-Incan structures within its city walls, Lima is your one stop place to visit in Peru. The sandy beaches are one of the ideal places people can visit the whole year round as it is said to never rain and the warm and spring- like weather is something one should enjoy. The water fountains, manicured gardens of the Plaza de Armas courtyard, Miraflores District and bike ride along the boardwalk are some of the things to enjoy.  Some of the places people should explore are Parque del Amor, Park of Love and Parque Kennedy. If you’re a shopaholic, Larcomar mall is the place for you for all kinds of clothes and classic Peruvian eats.

Tourists will get a glimpse of the history of the city by taking a tour of the Huaca Pucllana, a pyramid structure.  Puente de los Suspiros or Bridge of Sighs are places to visit for the artistic people. The museum of classic and modern art is nestled inside the borough and is of course the place to enjoy the colorful music scene.

Location: Pacific Coast

Best Time to visit:  December- April

Additional Activities:  Shopping at Larcomar mall, biking along the boardwalk of Miraflores District, visiting the water fountains and manicured gardens of the Plaza de Armas courtyard

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3. Discover Historic Arequipa

Arequipa, known as La Cuidad Blanca, boasts of its white buildings made with local volcanic material. It has been attracting people from around the world with its beauty and charm. Tourists are often given the feeling of having left the Peruvian borders. There is a lot to capture, right from the white, carved facades, snow-capped volcanic peaks and rich traditions.

Dominated by its volcanoes, Arequipa is also known for its streets, buildings and churches. Did you know it has the world’s deepest canyons? Picture yourself enjoying the warm waters of the pool while looking at the green mountains covered with snow. Arequipa is a place one would not want to leave because of its food, history and cordiality. It is not a place to be missed.

Location: Peru

Best Time to visit:  May and September

Additional Activities:  Snowcapped volcanic peaks, carved facades and canyons

4.  Discover the stunning countryside Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is said to be the stunning rocky countryside northwest of Cuzco, and believed to have been a sacred religious site for Inca leaders. Until 1911, the abandoned citadel’s existence was a secret, known only to the locals living in the region. With over 3000 stone steps, linked to several links, the site is stretched over a 5-mile distance. Each year, thousands tramp through Machu Picchu, walking through the crowds and landslides just to get a glimpse of the sun set over the stone monuments and watching the mysterious splendor of the famous manmade wonders. It is said that in the 15th and 16th century, Machu Picchu was built at a height of the Inca Empire.

100 years after it was given birth too, it was abandoned around the time the conquest by the Spanish of the pre- Columbian civilization.  Today, most archaeologists say that Machu Picchu was once a royal estate for the Inca emperors and nobles.

Location: 08680, Peru

Best Time to visit: April and May

Additional Activities:  Landslides, glimpse of the sun set over the stone monuments

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5. Trip To Rainbow Mountain

Known to the world as Vinicunca Mountain, Rainbow Mountain is the one of the most stunning places covered with ice and snow. Once it melts, the geological wonder close by is revealed, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. One can hike the mountains if possible. The reason why one can see the coloration of a rainbow is due to weathering and mineralogy. The coloration of red shows a rustic iron oxide as a trace mineral. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to having a ball of a time? After all, it is one of the best things to do in Peru.

Location: Peru

Best Time to visit:  June- August

Additional Activities: Hike the mountains

6. Explore Amazon Rainforest

The tour to the Amazon Rainforest takes a beating as the diversity of Peru is seen here from the dry arid dunes to the humid and ecologically dense places on the planet. It is one of the many places that is on people’s bucket list when planning a vacation in Peru.  Right from spotting wildlife to river cruising, people will go back feeling like they’ve just visited heaven on earth. It is true when they say, people are mesmerized when they visit the rainforest.

Location: Peru

Best time to visit: July- December

Additional Activities: Spotting animals

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7. Las Ballestas Islands Peru

Go on an epic animal, bird and marine creatures viewing boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.  The island is one of the most stunning attractions in Peru that attracts tourists from the world. The animal inhabitants of the Ballestas thrive under the Humboldt current. The temperatures are lowered and nutrients are brought to the surface by the cold current.  The weather is perfect for feeding fish, which in turn draws larger predators. What more can a person ask for? It is one of the best places to visit in December in the world, when it comes to taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Location: Pacific Ocean

Best time to visit: December- February

Additional Activities: Feeding fish

8. Dune Buggy in Huacachina

The small town on the coast of Peru, Huacachina is not like any other place seen in the world. It is known for its huge sand dunes and is built around a lake. They say only the richest people can swim in the lake for its healing powers, which has now become a place for dune buggy, among many other things like sand boarding or kayaking in the lake.  One of the many fun things to do in Peru is go hiking on the sand dunes and watch the sunset.

Did you know Huacachina is only a couple minutes away from a wine and pisco region? One of the signature drinks in Peru is Pisco Sour, the finest alcohol people should not miss out on. With the best adventure of a life time and a drink in one hand, people will be transported into heaven.

Location: Southwestern Peru

Best time to visit: December

Additional Activities: Dune Buggy

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9. Shopping for Peruvian Souvenirs

For some reason, you bring home a few frivolous, expensive souvenirs from your holiday. So, let’s be honest, you just sold your kidney to buy such expensive items. When it comes Peruvian souvenirs, you won’t have to sell your arm or leg, which are quite functional. Filled with all kinds of fabric merchants, Peru is the best place to buy all kinds of fabrics that are used to make colorful, light-weight clothing.

The craft has been created for people to stay cozy in the cold weather. One can buy all kinds of things from the local market like blankets, skirts, hoodies and hats.  Shopping is an absolute favorite amongst people especially when it comes to buying stuff in another country.

Location: Peru

Time required: 2 hours

10. Explore the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is nestled on the border of Bolivia, south of Peru close to the town of Puno. It is the only island that is inhabited by rare land and water creatures found nowhere else in the world, home to the Uru, a Peruvian community. Hand- woven from stalks of the totora and a large water plant native to the area, is something that makes the island unique.

Huts and boats are made out of the totora plant and roots are used as food and medicine. Story goes that people will find the birthplace of the sun and moon, the Isla Del Sol and Isla De La Luna islands, one of the best places to visit in Asia.

Location: Border of Bolivia, south of Peru

Best Time to Visit: April- October

Additional Activities: Land and water creatures

11. Hike Through the Wilderness of Inca Trail

Considered the most famous trail of Peru, Inca trail will let you explore its wilderness and spot a wide range of exotic flora and fauna species which welcomes millions of tourists every year and one of the best things to do in Peru. With the majestic views of snow-clad mountains, scenic rivers and rugged ranges, you will lose in its unparallel beauty. Start your expedition in the Sacred Valley, outside of Cusco Peru, traverse the stoney pathways of Andean Valleys by witnessing the majestic ruins alongside, and end your soulful journey at the Sun Gate entrance leading to Machu Picchu.

Best Time to Visit: March to May & September to Mid-December

Ideal Duration: 4 days

12. Go on a Pisco Wine Tour

While in Peru, you should take up a Pisco Wine tour to explore their vast vineyards, learn about the intricate wine producing process, and taste a wide range of local varieties of wine. Never forget to visit Tacama, one of the best vineyards and places to visit in Peru to taste local pisco and different varieties of wine to have an insightful cultural experience. While visiting Lima, don’t forget to include Ica, a small village producing the most famous Pisco and you can get a wholesome experience of tasting it amid the picturesque vineyards. Moreover, you should take up guided tours where 3 vineyards will be included for an enriching wine tour.

Best Time: March & April

Best Places to Visit: Tacama, Bodega Ocucaje, El Catador, Nietto Pisco, Hacienda La Caravedo, Bodega Lazo

13. Cruise the Majestic Amazon River

Cruising the Amazon River in Peru is one of the unique experiences that the city offers to the visitors and introduce them to the unseen beauty of the Amazon. Apart from the best hotels in Peru, Amazon River cruises will surprise you with the best accommodation options along with the delicious food served onboard. Being enriched with a rich wildlife and marine species, you will sail across the river witnessing majestic marvels to cherish it for a lifetime. Never forget to miss out on this activity as you will find solace amid the calm and tranquil surroundings where you can wake up to nature’s melody.

Best Time to Visit: June to December

Ideal Duration: 4-8 days

14. Undertake a Culinary Journey in Peru

Peruvian Cuisine is an extremely unique combination of hot and cold items on the same place where you can get the balanced tastes of robust and delicate flavors of the local ingredients. With an ideal blend of age-old traditions and modern touch, Peruvian gastronomy will provide you an ideal culinary experience to savor for a lifetime. Trying out the best Peruvian delights like Ceviche and Rocoto Relleno should be added to your list of things to do in Peru for an alluring affair. One of the best ways to explore Peru’s rich cultural heritage is to undertake an extraordinary gastronomic journey in the heart of Peru, Lima.

Best Restaurants: Astrid & Gaston, La Mar Cevicheria, Cetral, Maido, Chicha, Pachapapa, Cicciolina, Zig Zag, La Santitos, Al Frio al Fuego

Best Dishes: Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Aji De Gallina, Papas A La Huancaina, Causa, Rocoto Relleno, Anticuchos De Corazon, Arroz Con Pato, Pollo A La Brasa, Picarones

Are you planning to take a long vacation with your family and friends? If you are, then Peru is the place for you. There is so many things to do in Peru as there is something for everyone right from shopping to all kinds of adventure activities. Peru is the best holiday destination for those looking to take a break from their busy work lives. Speaking of taking a vacation, go ahead and pack those bags and book your Peru tour packages with us for an exciting holiday.

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