Let's find trips that move you!
Travelstride climate
"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom."
Socrates
Machu Picchu one of the top attractions in Peru
Peruvian women in traditional dress with llama

Best Things to Do in Peru

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Peru

Peru is probably best known for Machu Picchu, a major destination for multi-day trekking tours. But Peru is also home to the Amazon Basin, the boisterous capital Lima, and 12,500-foot-high Lake Titicaca, with its host of artificial islands and bird life. Many travelers also combine trips to Peru with a visit to the Galapagos.

Top Peru Experiences

Exploring the coastal city of Lima

Experiencing the tranquility of Sacred Valley and diving into ancient history

The thrill of hiking the Inca Trail and following in the footsteps of the ancient Inca

Walking through the historic city of Arequipa

Taking an Amazon river cruise and spotting amazing wildlife

Seeing the mysterious Incan Nazca Lines, and hearing potential theories of how and why they were built. 

Learning about the mysteries behind the ruins on a Machu Picchu tour

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together
Travel better together
  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
    ...and much more

Things to do in Peru - Expert’s guide

1. Machu Picchu - Inca Trail

Machu Picchu in Peru

On the top of almost every traveler’s bucket list is Machu Picchu. Travel back in time as you explore the spectacular Incan citadel. The most popular way to get to this famed destination is by a four-day trek on the Incan Trail. As entry into Machu Picchu is limited, make sure you book well in advance!

2. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca canoes in Peru

Become enthralled by the beauty of the deep sapphire waters of Lake Titicaca, which was believed to be the birthplace of the sun. Spend a night on a floating island, discover lost coves, and end each day watching the sunset engulf the lake’s gleaming waters.

3. Cusco

Architechture in Cusco Peru

This city, which was once the capital of the Incan empire, is immersed in ancient heritage and culture. Incan temples that line the boulevards are a testament to the regions deep-roots, while Cusco’s looming cathedrals exhibit the legacy of Spanish occupation. With an altitude of more than 11,000ft., there’s nothing quite like this city in the sky. 

4. Lima

Beautiful downtown Lima Peru at sunset

The sprawling metropolis of Lima is a wonderful matrimony of heritage and modernisation. The high-rise buildings loom over ancient temples and cathedrals. Explore more of Peru’s rich cultural history at one of Lima’s many museums, like Museo Larco, or Museo de Arte de Lima.

When you’re in Lima, indulge in the colorful food scene — the city is known as the gastronomical capital of Latin America, and boasts two restaurants that are ranked in the top 10 restaurants in the world.

5. The Amazon Basin

Amazon river in Peru

There are so many ways to explore the Amazon. During high water season (December-May), navigate the vast network of the Amazon River and go wildlife spotting. During lower tide (June-November), your best method of travel is by foot — trek the Amazon rainforest, which is known for its impressive biodiversity.

6. Colca Canyon

Overlooking Colca Canyon in Peru

Do not miss out on Colca Canyon, which is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! Soak in the scenery by trekking down to the canyon floor, and exploring the ruins of ancient villages that inhabited the canyon.

7. Mancora

Beach in Mancora Peru

While Peru is home to beautiful coasts and beaches, Mancora is known for its surf, seafood, and year-round sun. Dive into the chronically warm waters, and relax on the white sandy beaches at Peru’s best beach town. 

8. The Nazca Lines

Nazca lines in Peru

On the south coasts on Peru lies a curiosity that has baffled historians for decades. The Nazca lines consist of more than a thousand glyphs etched onto the arid ground. They are accompanied by ancient glyphs of animals, which are so large that they can only be seen from the air! Hop onto a plane to witness this attraction that has baffled historians and tourists alike!

9. Ayacucho

Ayachucho textiles in Peru

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains lie Peru’s craft capital, Ayacucho. In Ayacucho, artisan traditions have prevailed for centuries, and you can buy textiles and artwork directly from the artisans.

10. Huacachina

Huacachina in the Peruvian desert

Three hours south of Lima lies a desert oasis town, Huacachina. Roll through the infinitesimal peaks and valleys of the sand dunes by board or buggy. End your day by the lagoon, and learn more about the legends and myths that surround the origins of Huacachina.

How well do you know the world?
Play the game
Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. How many can you get right in 1 minute?

Top Peru Tours See all

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Travel better together
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Peru Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
2,771
Great
644
Average
92
Disappointing
23
Terrible
24
Hilary
·
2024-03-16
Written on
Walking Turkey�s Turquoise Coast
Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-11
Written on
Highlights of Peru by Trafalgar
Highlights of Peru
Itinerary worked-saw& appreciated much. Highlights covered textbook recommendations of what to visit!
Show more
Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-10
Written on
Highlights of Peru by Trafalgar
Highlights of Peru
N/A for this answerrrrrrr
Marilou Foles
·
2024-03-10
Written on
Highlights of Peru by Trafalgar
Highlights of Peru
Nice pace .good travel director
Valentina Gaca
·
2024-03-09
Written on
Highlights of Peru by Trafalgar
Highlights of Peru
Excellent itenerary, truly gives highlights in the neat manner. Tour Director Daniel was a wealth of information, and all other guides were excellent too. Javier and Eduardo were exceptional!
Show more
Trusted Customer
·
2024-02-07
Written on
Walking Turkey�s Turquoise Coast
Some information misleading. Some walks more difficult than described with difficult terrain.

Travelstride featured in

The Newyork Times
AFAR
Chicago Tribune
Travel Pulse
Los Angeles Times
Frommers

Practicalities & Logistics

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip
A vast selection of trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from hundreds of trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics -- travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. Find inclusive packages for the best value and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the company that fits your style, and connect with them directly. No worries, just memories.
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!