Peru boasts stunning scenery, an abundant history, and a lively culture. From the lofty summits of the Andes to the enigmatic depths of the Amazon rainforest, Peru provides an unforgettable journey for adventurers in search of exploration and excitement.
A trip to Peru wouldn’t be complete without visiting the legendary Machu Picchu. This historic Incan fortress, located high in the Andes, attracts travelers from across the globe. Regardless of whether you opt for the famed Inca Trail hike or the picturesque train journey, arriving at Machu Picchu is an experience filled with amazement and delight.
In the capital city of Lima, a vibrant blend of history and contemporary life awaits you. The historic center of the city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, features colonial buildings and magnificent cathedrals. Lima is regarded as a culinary haven, where you can enjoy classic meals such as ceviche and lomo saltado at some of the finest restaurants in South America.
For individuals attracted to natural allure, the Sacred Valley presents verdant scenery and delightful towns rich in Incan heritage. The adjacent city of Cusco is just as captivating, featuring its cobbled streets, lively markets, and mixture of Incan and Spanish architectural styles.
Thrill-seekers can delve into the abysses of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons globally, or set off on a boat journey over Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on Earth. The enigmatic Nazca Lines — large geoglyphs carved into the desert landscape — continue to be one of Peru’s greatest mysteries.
Whether you’re exploring historic sites, savoring traditional dishes, or engaging with friendly locals, Peru provides an experience unlike any other. Its varied landscapes and cultural depth transform it into a place that enchants the soul and creates a memorable experience. In this article, we will give you the best things to do and see when visiting this amazing country.
Visit the Breath – Taking and Picturesque Machu Picchu in Peru
Machu Picchu, the legendary old Incan fortress perched high in Peru’s Andes Mountains, stands as one of the most breath-taking places globally. Referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” this UNESCO World Heritage location provides visitors with a view into history while enveloping them in breath-taking natural scenery.
Getting to Machu Picchu is an adventure on its own. Numerous adventurers set out on the famed Inca Trail, a multi-day hike through challenging landscapes, misty forests, and historic sites, ending with a breath-taking sunrise view at the location. For travelers desiring a calmer experience, the train journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo provides stunning vistas of the Urubamba River and verdant valleys.
Upon arrival, the view of Machu Picchu’s stone terraces, temples, and stairways set against misty mountain peaks is truly unforgettable. The complex demonstrates the Incas’ extraordinary architectural abilities, featuring carefully carved stones that fit together perfectly without the use of mortar. Prominent features consist of the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone — thought to have served astronomical functions — and the Room of the Three Windows, which provides breath-taking vistas of the nearby scenery.
Discovering the site offers a blend of spiritual and learning experiences. Guides offer captivating perspectives on Incan culture and the enigma of Machu Picchu’s function and eventual desertion. Seize the chance to ascend Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an aerial perspective of the ruins.
Whether you’re a fan of history, a nature enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Machu Picchu offers a memorable experience. Its stunning landscapes and deep history render it a location that genuinely fulfils its legendary reputation. Exploring this historical marvel is not just a journey — it’s an extraordinary experience that happens once in a lifetime.
Visit Lima, Peru
Lima, the lively capital of Peru, is a city that combines colonial allure, contemporary style, and stunning coastal scenery. Being the largest city in the nation, Lima acts as Peru’s cultural and culinary center, providing visitors a diverse array of experiences.
Start your adventure in the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage location, where you are taken back in time by the colonial buildings and magnificent squares. Stroll around the Plaza Mayor, the origin of Lima, enveloped by significant sites such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace. The elaborate balconies and decorative facades highlight the city’s Spanish colonial history.
To experience local culture, explore the Barranco District, Lima’s artistic area. This creative district is adorned with vibrant murals, unique cafes, and venues for live music. Enjoy a relaxed walk over the renowned Bridge of Sighs and savor the romantic atmosphere while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
Lima is a haven for those who love food. Recognized as the gastronomic capital of South America, the city boasts famous restaurants and delectable street food. Be sure to sample ceviche, the national dish of Peru, prepared with fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, onions, and spices. Combine it with a revitalizing Pisco Sour for the best Peruvian dining experience.
Enthusiasts of nature will enjoy the coastal scenery along the Malecón de Miraflores, a picturesque clifftop promenade providing sweeping views of the Pacific. For those seeking adventure, paragliding along the coast offers a distinctive view of the city’s beautiful scenery.
Whether its history, art, cuisine, or ocean scenery that attracts you, Lima’s variety of experiences makes it an essential place to visit. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and warmth guarantee lasting memories, serving as the ideal starting point for discovering Peru’s rich cultural legacy.
Visit Beautiful Sacred Valley in Peru
Situated in the core of the Peruvian Andes, the Sacred Valley is a remarkable location that captivates visitors with its magnificent scenery, deep history, and lively culture. Recognized as the Urubamba Valley, this fertile area was formerly the core of the Inca Empire, functioning as a center for agriculture and a place of spiritual solace. Currently, it provides an ideal combination of nature, history, and excitement.
A journey to the Sacred Valley starts with its charming villages and historical sites. Pisac is unmissable, renowned for its extensive Inca ruins located on the hillside and its vibrant market, where you can purchase local crafts, vibrant textiles, and artisanal jewelry. The nearby Ollantaytambo is another highlight — this well-maintained Inca settlement showcases large stone terraces and historic buildings that previously functioned as a fortress. Strolling through its cobblestone lanes evokes a sense of returning to the past.
Thrill-seekers will discover numerous activities, ranging from hiking and horseback riding to zip lining and white-water rafting on the Urubamba River. The valley’s varied terrains provide limitless adventure, whether you’re hiking across verdant terraced slopes or admiring distant snow-covered summits.
Food enthusiasts can enjoy authentic Andean dishes, tasting items such as rocoto relleno (spicy stuffed peppers) and cuy (roasted guinea pig), all while appreciating the tranquil environment. Numerous local farms provide tours that allow you to discover ancient farming methods and sample freshly picked crops.
For individuals in search of serenity, the Sacred Valley’s calm environment offers the perfect setting to relax and immerse oneself in nature. Observing the sunset above the Andean mountains or gazing at the stars beneath the clear night sky is an enchanting experience.
Visit the Lively City of Cusco, Peru
Perched at 3,400 meters in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is a city that combines rich history, colonial allure, and contemporary energy. Once the center of the powerful Inca Empire, Cusco continues to be a cultural and historical treasure, drawing visitors globally who seek to discover its vibrant history and dynamic ambiance.
Strolling along the cobblestone streets of Cusco feels as if you’ve travelled back in time. The city’s core is found in the lively Plaza de Armas, a vibrant square encircled by colonial buildings, delightful cafes, and animated restaurants. The square is highlighted by the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, featuring beautiful Spanish colonial design and elaborately decorated interiors.
Just a brief stroll from the plaza, you’ll discover the intriguing remains of Qorikancha — the Inca Temple of the Sun. Previously adorned in gold, it was the most significant religious location within the Inca Empire. Currently, it exists as a combination of Inca masonry and Spanish colonial design, showcasing Cusco’s rich historical tapestry.
To explore Inca heritage more thoroughly, visit Sacsayhuamán, a stronghold featuring enormous stone walls that loom over the city. The craftsmanship of the stonework is remarkable, making visitors contemplate how the Incas achieved these accomplishments without contemporary tools.
Cusco is more than just a historical site — it’s a vibrant city filled with culture. Wander around the San Pedro Market to sample regional treats and purchase artisanal crafts. At night, Cusco’s vibrant nightlife springs to life with traditional music, dancing, and inviting bars serving the renowned Pisco Sour cocktail.
Whether you’re delving into its vibrant history, tasting local dishes, or getting ready for a journey to Machu Picchu, Cusco is a city that enchants the spirit. The combination of history and modernity creates a remarkably memorable place to visit.
Visit Colca Canyon in Peru
Situated in the core of southern Peru, Colca Canyon is a stunning natural marvel that attracts both adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon features stunning scenery, a vibrant cultural legacy, and exciting chances to see the magnificent Andean condor gliding above its steep cliffs.
The trip to Colca Canyon is just as enchanting as arriving at the site. Twisting mountain routes lead you through terraced farmland, charming hamlets, and snow-covered summits. The town of Chivay acts as the entrance to the canyon, allowing you to encounter local customs, taste Peruvian food, and unwind in soothing hot springs after a day of discovery.
A major attraction of any trip is the renowned Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Getting there at sunrise provides the greatest opportunity to observe the Andean condors soaring elegantly on thermal ascents. With wingspans extending to 10 feet, these birds present a breath-taking view against the vast canyon scenery.
For those seeking adventure, hiking in Colca Canyon provides a fulfilling experience. Paths meander through isolated villages, old pre-Inca terraces, and verdant oases concealed within the canyon depths. Hikers can go down to the canyon base, where the Colca River flows serenely, providing a beautiful contrast to the steep cliffs overhead.
The area is likewise abundant in cultural heritage. Villages such as Yanque and Cabanaconde offer a view into the lives of the Collagua and Cabana communities, whose traditions and practices have survived for hundreds of years. Lively celebrations, detailed fabrics, and generous hospitality ensure the cultural experience is memorable.
Whether you’re admiring condors, trekking through stunning scenery, or experiencing Andean culture, Colca Canyon is a location that embodies adventure and creates memorable experiences for everyone who comes.
Visit the Breath-Taking Lake Titicaca in Peru
Located high in the Andes at more than 12,500 feet (3,810 meters), Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake globally and one of the most stunning and culturally vibrant places in Peru. Spanning the frontier between Peru and Bolivia, this glittering body of water is rich in history, myth, and stunning natural beauty.
A trip to Lake Titicaca usually starts in the lakeside city of Puno, recognized as the folkloric capital of Peru. From this point, visitors can take boat tours to discover the distinctive islands of the lake, each providing insight into the area’s lively culture and historical customs. A particularly intriguing destination is the Uros Floating Islands, a series of artificial islands built from stacked layers of totora reeds. The Uros community has inhabited these floating islands for centuries, preserving a lifestyle that is profoundly linked to the lake.
Another essential place to visit is Taquile Island, where time appears to stand still. The island is famous for its talented weavers, whose elaborate fabrics are acknowledged by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Tourists can trek through picturesque paths, enjoy sweeping vistas of the lake, and discover the regional customs and traditions.
Lake Titicaca is abundant in mythology as well. As per Incan mythology, the lake is considered the origin of the Inca civilization, where Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo rose from its waters to found the Inca Empire.
Whether you’re discovering its islands, enjoying the breath-taking mountain views, or engaging with age-old traditions, Lake Titicaca provides a distinctive experience that enchants the heart and spirit of every visitor.
Visit the Nazca Lines in Peru
Concealed within the dry Peruvian desert, the Nazca Lines represent one of the globe’s most significant archaeological enigmas. These enormous geoglyphs, carved into the desert landscape, cover hundreds of square kilometers and illustrate different animals, plants, and geometric figures. Thought to have been made by the ancient Nazca civilization from 500 BCE to 500 CE, the lines still fascinate historians, archaeologists, and visitors.
Experiencing the Nazca Lines is an otherworldly adventure. The best method to truly comprehend the vastness and complexity of these structures is through a scenic flight. Small aircraft depart from nearby airstrips, providing stunning aerial perspectives of the geoglyphs. From above, you can see renowned shapes such as the Hummingbird, the Spider, the Monkey, and the enigmatic Astronaut. Every shape is enormous, with some extending beyond 300 meters (984 feet), rendering them completely visible only from the air.
For individuals who choose to remain on the ground, numerous observation towers line the Pan-American Highway, providing limited perspectives of some forms. Moreover, the Nazca Lines Interpretation Center offers important perspectives on the background and hypotheses related to these historic patterns. Although their purpose is still unclear, some think the lines held astronomical or ceremonial importance, whereas others suggest they were utilized for rituals concerning water, an essential resource in the desert setting.
The nearby scenery is just as captivating, featuring arid desert flats and steep Andean foothills that form a striking setting. Tourists can also discover adjacent archaeological locations, including Cahuachi, an ancient ritual hub, and the enigmatic Chauchilla Cemetery, where ancient mummies have been astonishingly maintained in the desert environment.
A visit to the Nazca Lines is an unforgettable adventure into history, where mystery, beauty, and nature come together in the core of Peru’s desert.
Try Peruvian Cuisine in Peru
Peruvian food is a wonderful mixture of various cultures, a rich heritage, and vibrant tastes, making it a must-try for any tourist exploring Peru. From the coastal areas to the Andes and the Amazon, every region presents distinctive dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary legacy.
A dish you have to try is ceviche, the national dish of Peru. Fresh fish is soaked in lime juice, combined with red onions, cilantro, and a touch of spicy ají pepper, resulting in a vibrant and tangy taste. Typically accompanied by sweet potato and corn, this dish serves as an excellent introduction to the coastal cuisine of Peru.
For enthusiasts of meat, lomo saltado is a well-liked choice. This flavorful stir-fry features juicy strips of beef, onions, and tomatoes cooked in soy sauce, highlighting the impact of Chinese immigrants on Peruvian cuisine. It is usually accompanied by fries and rice, resulting in a substantial and fulfilling meal.
Another classic meal to try is aji de gallina, a soothing chicken stew served in a creamy, spicy yellow pepper sauce. This dish, served with rice and frequently paired with boiled potatoes and olives, showcases Peru’s passion for delicious, hearty sauces.
In the highlands, be sure to try cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca meat, which are both regional delicacies. Although guinea pig might be an adventurous option, it is viewed as a celebratory meal, typically roasted or fried until crispy.
Vegetarians can also enjoy many choices, including papa a la huancaína, which are boiled potatoes covered in a rich, spicy cheese sauce. For a special Amazonian delight, sample juane, a rice meal encased in banana leaves, frequently filled with chicken or fish.
Ultimately, no Peruvian dish is fully enjoyed without savoring a Pisco Sour, the nation’s signature cocktail. Whether in a lively market or an upscale restaurant, discovering Peruvian cuisine is an adventure of tastes that will make you want more.
Festivals in Peru
Peru is a nation rich in lively traditions and vivid festivities, where celebrations unite communities to commemorate history, faith, and culture. During the year, towns and settlements come alive with music, dance, and intricate costumes, providing visitors a look into the nation’s vibrant culture.
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is one of the most renowned festivals celebrated every June in Cusco. This historic Incan festival pays tribute to the sun deity, Inti, and signifies the winter solstice. Thousands assemble at Sacsayhuamán, an archaeological location overlooking the city, to observe an elaborate re-enactment of Incan ceremonies, featuring vibrant costumes and authentic music.
Another significant celebration is Carnaval, occurring in February or March. Though festivities are enjoyed nationwide, the celebrations in Cajamarca are especially vibrant. Roads are crowded with parades, water battles, and performers in colorful masks and outfits. Both locals and visitors participate in the lively chaos, creating a distinctive and memorable experience.
For individuals fascinated by religious customs, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a profoundly spiritual occasion observed across the country. Ayacucho is famous for its intricate parades, as streets are decorated with floral carpets and candles illuminate the evening. The serious elegance of these ceremonies stands in stark contrast to the celebratory mood present in other regions of the country.
In Puno, the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria showcases a stunning blend of Andean and Catholic customs. Taking place each February, this festival celebrates the patron saint of Puno through lively parades, traditional dances, and intricate costumes, establishing it as one of South America’s major cultural celebrations.
From historic Incan ceremonies to vibrant Catholic parades, Peru’s celebrations genuinely embody its rich cultural diversity. Being part of these festivities goes beyond observing tradition — it’s about experiencing the very essence of Peru.
10. Experience Peruvian Culture and Buy Local Products
Peru is a nation rich in history, customs, and artistry. A great way to experience Peruvian culture is by diving into its local markets, where you can find handcrafted items that showcase the country’s vibrant heritage.
A trip to a conventional market engages the senses. In cities such as Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa, vibrant markets provide a wide range of items, including handwoven fabrics, ceramics, and alpaca wool goods. These objects are frequently created using traditional methods that have been handed down over the years. The rich hues and detailed patterns of Peruvian textiles narrate tales of the Andean lifestyle, featuring symbols representing mountains, rivers, and farming rhythms.
Purchasing local goods aids native craftsmen and contributes to the preservation of traditional skills. For example, the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley is renowned for its premium handwoven ponchos, scarves, and blankets. Similarly, Puno, located by Lake Titicaca, is famous for its exquisitely embroidered clothing and handcrafted reed items influenced by the Uros community.
Peru is famous for its ceramics and pottery, particularly in Ayacucho and Chulucanas, where artisans create beautiful works featuring ancient geometric designs. Moreover, silver jewellery originating from Cusco and Arequipa displays detailed Incan and colonial styles.
For enthusiasts of gastronomy, Peruvian coffee, chocolate, and spices serve as wonderful keepsakes. Chanchamayo coffee and organic cacao from the Amazon are famous globally. Markets present a range of local products, including quinoa, pink salt from Maras, and Andean herbs utilized in traditional healing.
When travellers buy local products, they bring home a part of Peru’s cultural heritage and simultaneously promote sustainable tourism and bolster local economies. It’s a fulfilling method to engage with the nation’s customs and guarantee their preservation for upcoming generations.
