Recently updated on March 21st, 2025 at 10:51 am
Ancient Incan wonders, a buzzing coastal capital, and remote rainforest adventures make Peru such an exciting destination to explore in South America. From exploring the legendary Machu Picchu, to tasting your way around Lima’s food scene, Peru offers something for every type of traveler. This list highlights 14 of the best things to do and destinations to visit in Peru. Lets’ dive in.
1. Visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a mysterious Incan masterpiece hidden high in the Andes. This lost city, built in the 15th century, was only rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Explore the UNESCO site to discover the Incas’ engineering skills and stone structures that have withstood centuries of earthquakes and weathering.
2. Hike the Inca Trail (or take the train)
The Inca Trail is a legendary four-day trek that follows ancient Incan pathways – passing through cloud forests, high-altitude passes, and remote ruins – to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Here Machu Picchu reveals itself dramatically at dawn, often with mist rising to reveal the citadel. If you have a good level of fitness, the 26-mile (41km) route will be unforgettable – otherwise there is a fantastic train that takes you to the site.
3. Explore Cusco, the heart of the Incan Empire
Cusco, once the capital of the Incan Empire, is a must-visit and one of the best things to do in Peru. This living museum is a blend of Incan and Spanish colonial influences, from the cut stonework of Coricancha (the Incan Temple of the Sun) to the baroque splendor of the Plaza de Armas. Don’t miss the San Pedro Market, a sensory overload of Andean flavors, textiles, and traditions.
4. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Rainbow Mountain is a natural marvel at 17,000 feet. Its surreal, technicolor layers are caused by mineral deposits – iron oxide for red, oxidized copper for green, and sulfur for yellow. It’s one of Peru’s most sought-after hikes, but you’ll need to acclimatize to the thin air that makes the steep ascent a real challenge.
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5. Lima, for the food
Lima is the culinary capital of Latin America and is home to some of the world’s best restaurants. When in Peru you can’t skip the coastal capital, where you’ll taste fresh seafood – including ceviche, which reigns as the ultimate national dish. Lima is the best place to try Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) and Afro-Peruvian flavors. One of the best things to do in Lima is explore its ever-changing and evolving food scene that reflects the country’s diverse heritage.
6. Explore the Sacred Valley
The high-altitude Sacred Valley was once at the center of the Incan Empire. Here you can explore a corridor of ancient ruins, traditional villages, and stunning landscapes. Don’t miss Ollantaytambo, a still-inhabited Incan town, with colossal terraces and a fortress where the Incas fought the Spanish. Nearby, visit the circular terraces of Moray, designed by the Incans for agriculture.
7. See the Nazca Lines
Etched into the desert floor over 2,000 years ago, the Nazca Lines remain one of the world’s greatest enigmas. These massive geoglyphs depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes and are only visible only from above. Mysterious! Created by the Nazca civilization, these figures, some stretching over 1,200 feet long, are believed to have astronomical and ceremonial significance. The best way to see them is with a scenic flight over the arid plains.
8. Amazon Rainforest exploring
Peru’s Amazon basin covers more than 60% of the country, and this diverse rainforest is teeming with jaguars, pink river dolphins, and a staggering amount of plant life. Deep into the jungle you can explore one of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems, with macaw clay licks, giant otters, and rare anacondas lurking beneath the surface. Trafalgar’s Peru trips, such as the Land of the Incas, include an optional extension to spend time in the Peruvian Amazon.9. Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. This dramatic Andean landscape sees towering cliffs plunge nearly 11,000 feet. If you visit, look out for the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds.
10. Lake Titicaca & Uros Floating Islands
Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake (at 12,507 feet!) and it straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia. Here the indigenous Uros people live on artificial floating islands made of totora reeds, a centuries-old tradition that allows them to move their homes as needed. With Trafalgar you’ll join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience Taquile Island, where you’ll meet local villagers and learn about the handwoven textiles of the Quechua communities and share lunch together.
11. Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground
Set on a windswept peninsula overlooking Lake Umayo, Sillustani is an eerie yet awe-inspiring testament to ancient Andean funerary rituals. Towering chullpas (cylindrical stone tombs), some over 40 feet high, were built by the pre-Incan Colla people to honor their elite. Admire this Incan craftsmanship in a remote setting.
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12. Paracas National Reserve
Paracas National Reserve is where a windswept desert collides with the Pacific. Here find a surreal mix of red-sand beaches, towering cliffs, and ancient coastal fossils. The area was once home to the Paracas civilization (700 BCE), so it holds some archaeological mysteries, including elongated skulls found in burial sites. Look out for flamingos and dolphins.
13. Taste the best pisco in Ica
Visit the birthplace of Peru’s national spirit – Ica. This area is home to the country’s most historic pisco vineyards, where the grape-based brandy has been crafted since the 16th century. With Trafalgar you’ll visit Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country.
14. Ballestas Islands, a mini Galápagos
Sometimes called a mini Galápagos, Peru’s Ballestas Islands are a rugged wildlife sanctuary just off the coast of Paracas. The island’s rocky outcrops support thousands of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and Peruvian boobies. On the boat out, look for the Paracas Candelabra, a massive pre-Columbian geoglyph carved into the hillside. It’s origins are an unsolved mystery.
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What activities is Peru known for?
Peru is famous for Incan culture and archeological sites, including the famous Machu Picchu. Peru is popular for trekking and exploring remote parts of the Amazon Rainforest. It is also known for its food scene – from pisco to ceviche.
Is 7 days in Peru enough?
Seven days in Peru is just enough to experience Peru. Trafalgar’s eight-day Highlights of Peru is a solid introduction to its top sights as it focuses on regions like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lima and Machu Picchu. You’ll need extra time to see more remote destinations like Lake Titicaca or the Amazon.
What is the number one attraction in Peru?
Machu Picchu, of course. The Incan wonder is undoubtedly the number one attraction in Peru, drawing millions of visitors each year. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers an surreal, bucket-list look into the ancient Incan civilization.
That’s our list of the best things to do in Peru. Anything else to add? Leave us a comment…