32 Best Things To Do In Peru: The Ultimate Highlights!

The Best Things To Do In Peru

1. Visit Machu Picchu

Let’s be honest, we had to start this list with Machu Picchu. This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most iconic landmarks in Peru and is a must for any bucket list!

This ancient Incan citadel was only discovered in 1991 and yet, it’s become one of the most popular destinations worldwide. When visiting Machu Picchu, you can either hike the Inca Trail (or an alternative), or you can catch the bus from Aguas Calientes. Just don’t miss out on this amazing place!

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This day tour from Cusco is a great option for those who are short of time. It includes round-trip transport, a shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu, and your admission ticket.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Mistico Machupicchu Eco B&B is located in the town of Aguas Calientes. This is where we stayed, and it’s just a short walk from the bus stop which will take you up to Machu Picchu.

2. Hike the Inca Trail

As we just mentioned, hiking the Inca Trail is one of the best things to do in Peru! This trail is one of the most famous hikes in South America and it typically takes around 4 days to complete.

The whole route is about 39 km (24 miles) long and will take you through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Typically, you’ll start the hike at Kilometer 82 which is located along the railway line. You’ll then pass striking mountains, Peruvian landmarks, and Inca ruins.

When it comes to hiking the Inca Trail, you’ll require a permit and a guide. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of tour operators offering this activity, but make sure you go for a reputable provider.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This 2-day Inca trail tour is led by a bilingual guide. It includes all entrance fees to archaeological sites, meals, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco.

3. Head to the Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is a must-see in Peru! At an impressive depth of 2,000 metres (6,600 feet), it’s one of the world’s deepest canyons, and it’s around 70 km (43 miles) long.

You’ll find this canyon along the Colca River in Southern Peru, and it’s a popular tourist attraction. In fact, around 120,000 people visit every year, so it’s certainly worth the trip.

Aside from the epic viewpoints found here, this is a great place for bird-watching. You can spot Andean condors, one of the largest birds in the world with a wingspan of up to 3 metres (10 feet).

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This 2-day tour from Arequipa will see you explore the Colca Canyon. It includes your entrance fees, transport, hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as a professional guide.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca is a 10-minute drive from Chivay, so is a great base for exploring Colca Canyon. The rooms here are super spacious and cosy!

4. Explore the Amazon Rainforest

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest is one of the top things to do in Peru. It’s the largest tropical rainforest in the world covering 6.7 million square km and around 40% of South America in total.

As well as Peru, the Amazon Rainforest covers seven other countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil. It’s one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to thousands of flora and fauna.

As such, it’s a fantastic place for wildlife watching, with jaguars, sloths, pink river dolphins, and monkeys being found here among other species. Watch out for harpy eagles flying overhead too!

• 🚍 Suggested tour: We opted for this 4-day Tambopata Expedition that’s run by Chuncho Lodge. On this tour, you’ll hike through the jungle, head out on a river cruise, and hike up a canopy tower.

• 🏠 Where to stay: During our trip to the Amazon, we stayed at Chuncho Lodge. It’s located just outside Tambopata National Reserve and offers you fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities.

5. Look for wildlife on the Ballestas Islands

If you’re wondering what to do in Peru then we’d recommend heading to the Ballestas Islands. Often referred to as the ‘Poor Man’s Galapagos’, these islands are a haven for birdlife and marine life.

To see the Ballestas Islands, you’ll need to go on a boat tour from Paracas. These tours typically last for around two hours, and you’ll get to see a variety of wildlife (hopefully). This includes sea lions, fur seals, penguins, and pelicans, among a whole host of other birdlife.

In our opinion, these islands offer some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities in the country!

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This is the Ballestas Islands tour we chose! Not only is it extremely affordable, but you’ll have a bilingual guide, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Casa Paracas is a fantastic option, especially as you’ll be right in the centre of town. You’ll have breakfast included in your stay, and there’s a shared kitchen on-site.

6. Visit Lake Titicaca

There are tons of awesome things to do in Peru, but you don’t want to miss out on Lake Titicaca. It’s the world’s highest navigable lake (or body of water) at 3,812 metres (12,507 feet) above sea level.

Lake Titicaca is also South America’s largest freshwater lake covering an impressive 8,300 square km (3, 200 square miles. You’ll find it on the border between Peru and Bolivia.

A highlight of any trip to this lake is the floating Uros islands, where you’ll get to learn all about the local people and their history.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This full-day tour from Puno lasts for 9-10 hours. First, you’ll visit the Uros Islands before sailing to Taquile Island, where you’ll get to learn about the local people.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Hotel Hacienda Puno Centro Histórico is located in Puno which is the largest city on Lake Titicaca. It’s a great base for your trip and you’ll have breakfast included.

7. Relax in Aguas Calientes

If you’re planning to do the Machu Picchu trek or catch the train to this ancient Inca ruin, then you’ll be visiting the town of Aguas Calientes. It’s located in the Urubamba River Valley, just below Machu Picchu.

The town is known for its hot springs, as the name literally translates to ‘hot waters’ in Spanish. However, it has so much more to offer, including quaint markets, hiking trails, and great restaurants. Honestly, we tried plenty of delicious Peruvian dishes here!

Aguas Calientes is very remote and there are only two ways to get there; by trekking or by train. It’s a popular tourist destination known as the ‘Gateway to Machu Picchu’. As such, it’s not a place you want to leave off your Peru itinerary!

• 🏠 Where to stay: Mistico Machupicchu Eco B&B is where we stayed. We’d recommend you go for a room with a private balcony and mountain views so that you can appreciate the breathtaking scenery.

8. Explore the giant sand dunes of Huacachina

If you’re looking for things to do in Peru, we suggest heading to Huacachina. It’s one of the most-visited destinations in the country, and you could easily spend a day or two here.

Located just a short drive from Ica, this world-famous desert oasis has a lot to offer. Not only are there plenty of rooftop bars, but you’ll want to admire the views from the towering sand dunes.

In terms of visiting Huacachina, you can head there on a day trip from Ica, Paracas, or Lima. However, the latter will be a full-day tour, so you’re best off visiting from Paracas or staying overnight.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This 2-hour Huacachina tour includes sandboarding and a dune buggy ride, really allowing you to experience Huacachina to its fullest.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Banana’s Adventure Hostel is a funky place to stay, with an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a shared lounge. You’ll also have breakfast included.

9. Fly over the Nazca Lines

Flying over the mysterious Nazca Lines has to be one of the most unique things to do in Peru. They are a group of ancient geoglyphs which have been etched into the desert.

There are around 300 figures to see, representing a variety of animals and plants including a monkey, spider, and hummingbird. Each one has a deeper meaning.

In fact, the Nazca Lines cover nearly 1,000 sq kilometres (386 sq miles) of desert so there’s a lot to see! Some of them are up to 9 km (5.6 miles) long!

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This 35-minute flight will show you the very best of the Nazca Lines. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as your guide/pilot.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Hostal Casa de Ana offers spacious rooms with a private bathroom. There’s a garden and terrace on the property and breakfast is available each morning.

10. Wander around the city of Cusco

The city of Cusco is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Peru! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its architecture and Inca ruins. Not to mention, the endless day trip opportunities!

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Cusco with highlights including the Main Square, Qorikancha, the Twelve-Angled Stone, and San Pedro Central Market. Many people also choose to visit Machu Picchu on a day trip from Cusco, although this would be a rushed experience in our opinion.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This open bus city tour lasts for 2.5 hours. You’ll have a bilingual guide on the tour, who will teach you all about the city, its history, and archaeological sites.

• 🏠 Where to stay: We stayed at Cozy Room Cusco which is just a 15-minute walk from the main square. The rooms sleep between 2-4 people and you’ll have a private bathroom and free WiFi.

11. Admire the Incan ruins of Moray

There are plenty of day trips from Cusco, but the Incan ruins of Moray are certainly up there with the best. This archaeological site is located 3,500 metres (11,500 feet) above sea level and is quite a sight to behold.

At Moray, you’ll find several circular terraces all of different sizes. The largest of these is 30 metres (98 feet) deep and they were used for seed germination and farming.

Each of these terraces was created with farming in mind. In fact, the difference between the top and bottom terrace could be as much as 5°C (9°F), so different crops could be grown.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This half-day tour departs from Cusco and will take you to Moray, as well as a couple of other locations including the Maras salt mines and Chinchero.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Amaru Valle Hotel is just a 30-minute drive from Moray, so it’s a great base. However, we chose to stay in Cusco and visit from there.

12. Hike to Rainbow Mountain

If you’re wondering what to do in Peru then we’d recommend heading to Rainbow Mountain. It’s one of the country’s most visited attractions and it’s not hard to see why!

This vibrant mountain is located in the Andes mountain range and is known for its colourful hues. Here, you can appreciate green, purple, red, and yellow hues, which occur because of the minerals found in the rock.

Just be aware that Rainbow Mountain is located at a high altitude, 5,200 metres (17,060 feet). You’ll need to hike to get there, so you may feel out of breath.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This day trip from Cusco lasts for 10-12 hours. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and transport to Rainbow Mountain before you attempt your hike.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Day tours leave from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain, so we’d suggest staying at Cozy Room Cusco. It’s great for those on a budget and it’s just a short walk from the main square.

13. Explore the capital city of Lima

There are plenty of things to see in Peru but no trip to this beautiful country is complete without visiting the capital city of Lima. For the best experience, we’d recommend spending at least 2-3 days here.

First of all, you’ll want to explore the neighbourhoods of Barranco and Miraflores. Not to mention, the Historic Centre of Lima which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights of this incredible city include the Magic Water Circuit, Huaca Pucllana, and the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima. We’d recommend walking along Malecón de Miraflores as well.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This colonial city tour lasts for 3.5 hours and will take you around Lima’s historic centre. Highlights include San Martin Square, Plaza de Armas, and the catacombs.

• 🏠 Where to stay: El Refugio de Barranco is where we stayed. Located in the neighbourhood of Barranco, this two-bedroom apartment is a great option for budget travellers.

14. Take photographs of the Maras Salt Flats

Visiting the Maras Salt Flats is a must-do in Peru! Also known as Salineras de Maras, these salt flats feature over 3,000 individual salt ponds and are owned by local families.

It’s believed that these salt flats date back thousands of years, even as far back as 500 to 1100 AD. Today, they are extracted by the families, with the salt then being exported across the world.

When visiting there are two main viewpoints, a layby on the way down to the parking lot and one right by the salt flats.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This Sacred Valley tour lasts for 6 hours and departs from Cusco. It also includes a visit to Moray and Chinchero, and you’ll have a bilingual guide.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Amaru Valle Hotel is just a 15-minute drive from Maras Salt Flats. Otherwise, you can stay in Cusco and just take a day trip from the city.

15. Go surfing at Chicama

You’ll find plenty of awesome activities in Peru, but surfing is right at the top of the list. For those looking to hit the waves, we’d suggest heading to Chicama.

Located in the North of Peru, Puerto Chicama is home to the longest wave in the world. Also known as Puerto Malabrigo, this coastal village is known to be one of the best surfing destinations on Earth.

Surfers ride for hundreds of yards along the Chicama wave, which certainly is a geological wonder. Regularly featuring 50 lines of waves, the secret behind this surfing hotspot is the perfectly placed headland, which helps to create the swell.

Not only that but ‘Caballitos de Totora’ are used to surf here, one of the oldest known examples of wave riding in humanity.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Chicama Boutique Hotel & Spa is one of the top options in Puerto Malabrigo. The rooms are gorgeous and some of them feature sea views, and you’ll have breakfast included.

16. Head out to the Sacred Valley

There are plenty of must-sees in Peru, but exploring the Sacred Valley should be right at the top of your list. This stretch of mountainous landscape is located in the Andean highlands, so as you can imagine, the landscapes are pretty spectacular.

Not only that, but you’ll find plenty of colonial towns and charming villages in this valley. Pisac and Ollantaytambo are two of the most popular sites, but there are several fantastic Incan ruins to visit too.

Hiking is a popular activity for sure as there are some fantastic trails found in the Sacred Valley.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This Sacred Valley tour lasts for 10 hours and you’ll visit several popular spots including the Mirador of Taray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.

• 🏠 Where to stay: We’d recommend staying in Cusco and taking day trips out of the city. As such, Cozy Room Cusco would be our top option, as it’s cheap and located near the main square.

17. Visit Paracas National Reserve

Established in 1975, Paracas National Reserve covers an impressive 827,800 acres (335,000 hectares). The reserve is made up of coastal deserts and islands and is home to around 400 species of fauna and flora.

Better yet, Paracas National Reserve is home to South America’s only red beach. However, it’s not only the landscapes that attract thousands of tourists here every year.

There are tons of awesome activities on offer in this reserve including boat tours, bird watching, and cycling. You can even explore in a sand buggy if that’s more your thing!

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This tour from Paracas includes a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and a visit to Paracas National Reserve. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and a bilingual guide.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Casa Paracas is located in the town of Paracas, just a short drive from the reserve. The rooms here are really cosy and there’s a shared kitchen for you to cook your own meals.

18. Admire the beauty of Arequipa

Arequipa is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. It’s often referred to as the ‘White City’ and it’s not hard to see why. The buildings here are made with white volcanic stone, which is called sillar.

Four volcanoes surround the city; volcano Ampato, Chachani volcano, Pichu Pichu volcano, and Misti Volcano (the latter is a great hiking option).

The Plaza de Armas is a great place to start when it comes to exploring. There’s also Santa Catalina Monastery, Museo Santuarios Andinos, and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa.

For those who have some extra time, you can visit Colca Canyon on a day trip from this amazing city. It’s also possible to visit Salinas Aguada National Reserve and Toro Muerto as well.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Hotel Los Tambos Boutique is located in the Historical Centre of Arequipa. The rooms are gorgeous and you’ll have breakfast included with your stay.

19. Learn about weaving methods at Chinchero

No Peru travel guide would be complete without heading to Chinchero. This quaint town is located in the Sacred Valley and offers you the chance to learn all about traditional weaving techniques.

This small community specialises in hand-woven clothes, making it the perfect place to grab a souvenir or two. Here, you can even watch a demonstration, where you can ask questions.

For those who have more time, Chinchero is also known for its archaeology as well as its crafts. It’s called the ‘Land of Rainbows’ too, due to how often they’re seen in this area.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This half-day tour lasts for around 6 hours. It will take you to Chinchero, where you’ll get to watch a cultural demonstration at a local weaving centre.

• 🏠 Where to stay: We’d suggest basing yourself in Cusco and simply taking a trip out here. As such, Cozy Room Cusco is a great choice.

20. Wander around Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman Fortress (also known as Saqsaywaman) is within walking distance from the city centre of Cusco. It’s an ancient Incan ruin and is one of the most famous places to visit in the country.

Dating back to the 1400s, Sacsayhuaman was ordered by the Incan ruler Pachacuti and it still stands strong today. Considering the Spanish invasion took place in the 1300s, these ruins are very well-preserved, making them a vital archaeological site for Peru.

To make the most of your time at Sacsayhuaman, allow at least 1-2 hours for your visit.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This sightseeing tour lasts for 3.5 hours. It will show you many of Cusco’s archaeological highlights including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Again, we’d suggest staying in Cusco as Sacsayhuaman is located just outside of the city centre. Cozy Room Cusco is our top pick for this city!

21. Go trekking in the Andes (The Cordillera Blanca)

If you’re an outdoor adventurist then why not go hiking in the Andes? There are plenty of mountain ranges to choose from but the Cordillera Blanca (the White Range) is certainly one of the most beautiful.

It’s the highest tropical mountain range in the world and is home to some of the tallest mountains in South America. This includes Nevado Alpamayo at 5,947 metres (19,511 feet) and Nevado Huascarán which is the highest mountain in Peru at 6,768 metres (22,205 feet).

Huascarán National Park is located within the Cordillera Blanca and is a must-visit.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This day trip lasts for around 9 hours and will take you to Pastoruri Glacier. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and there’s an option to have lunch as well.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Huaraz is a great base if you’re planning to trek in the Andes. We’d suggest Akilpo Home as it’s affordable and you’ll have breakfast included with your stay.

22. Visit Puerto Maldonado

Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Southern Amazon’, Puerto Maldonado is a must for any Peru itinerary. This city is the capital of the Madre de Dios region and has a lot to offer.

First of all, you can easily visit Tambopata National Reserve on a day trip from the city. However, we’d recommend spending a couple of days here if you can! Secondly, there are plenty of things to do in and around the city itself. This includes Mirador de la Biodiversidad and the Amazon Shelter.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This full-day tour run by Chuncho Lodge will see you depart at 3 am. You’ll visit the Macaw Clay Lick, hike up a canopy tower, and head out on a jungle walk.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Copasu Hotel is in a great location and the rooms are very affordable. You’ll have breakfast included and some of the rooms feature a balcony. This hotel also has free WiFi.

23. Stay at Sandoval Lake

Located within Tambopata National Reserve, you’ll find Sandoval Lake. It’s one of the main attractions within this reserve and can be visited on a day trip from Puerto Maldonado.

This beautiful jungle lake can be accessed by boat trip and then a hike, where you’ll then get a unique passport stamp as well. The highlight of this place has to be its biodiversity, as it’s home to wildlife including giant otters, black caiman, sloths, and monkeys.

The best way to explore is by heading out on a boat cruise, either in the early morning or evening.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This 4-day Tambopata Expedition is run by Chuncho Lodge. It includes an overnight stay at Sandoval Lake, where you’ll get to head out on boat cruises.

• 🏠 Where to stay: You can either base yourself in Puerto Maldonado and head out on a day trip or stay at a rainforest lodge overlooking the lake. From here, you can easily head out on a boat tour.

24. Search for spectacled bears

If you’re a keen wildlife lover like us, then Peru is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This includes the spectacled bear (also known as the Andean bear), which is the only species native to South America.

The best place to see these amazing creatures is Chaparri Private Conservation Area. To get there, you’ll first need to fly to Chiclayo from Lima, and then there’s an overland journey of around two hours.

Within Chaparri Private Conservation Area, you’ve got a chance to spot plenty of wildlife species. This includes the spectacled bear, of course, the guanaco, and the Andean condor.

There’s a network of trails here, and these offer a great chance to spot flora and fauna.

• 🏠 Where to stay: If you want to visit the reserve, then stay at Chaparri Eco-Lodge. Here there are ample activities and wildlife-watching opportunities on offer. What more could you ask for?

25. Try some of the local cuisine

There are so many amazing things to do in Peru, but trying the local cuisine should be right at the top of your list. There are almost 500 national dishes in the country so you’re sure to find something you like!

Lomo Saltado is one of Peru’s most popular dishes. It typically consists of stir-fried beef, onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables, served with french fries and rice.

Aji de Gallina was our favourite, which is a creamy chicken dish. It’s almost like a curry and is served with rice. There’s also ceviche which is Peru’s national dish. It consists of ‘cold-cooked’ fish which is marinated and then typically served alongside sweet potato and corn.

Cuy is a local delicacy too, but it wasn’t to our fancy as it’s guinea pig!

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This Peruvian food tour lasts for 4 hours and will show you some of the country’s best dishes. It includes 15 tastings and an interactive workshop about chocolate.

26. Buy some souvenirs in Peru’s markets

In our opinion, no trip to Peru is complete without heading to the local markets. These are found throughout the country, and they’re the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs.

Whether you’re after a hand-made bag, a painting, alpaca clothing, or a backpack, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find some more unique items on offer such as organic Peruvian chocolate, Pisco (a traditional spirit) and pink salt which originates here.

First of all, there are some fantastic markets in Peru’s capital city, Lima. One of these is the Incan market, but many of them are located relatively close together anyway.

As the gateway to Machu Picchu, it’s no surprise to hear that Aguas Calientes is also home to lots of markets. Cusco is another great place to shop for souvenirs, as is Paracas.

Haggling is commonplace in these markets, but prices tend to be very affordable anyway!

27. Relax on the beach at Máncora

Located along the country’s Northwest coast, you’ll find the resort town of Máncora. It’s home to the best sandy beach in all of Peru so it’s a popular destination during the summer months.

This beach stretches for miles and is found within the Piura Region, one of the sunniest areas of the country. Here, you’ll find a variety of fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops.

Máncora is also a popular surfing destination, and there are other watersports on offer too. If you’re after something more relaxing, then head to the nearby mud baths.

If you love wildlife, then it’s also possible to spot sea turtles and whales here. You can sometimes spot them from the shore, or you can head out on a tour.

• 🏠 Where to stay: Blue Ocean would be our top pick for Máncora. It’s located right by the ocean, with many rooms offering sea views. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant.

28. Head out on a river cruise of the Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the country. While here, you need to go on a river cruise or two, as these offer you the best wildlife-watching opportunities.

We headed out on a river cruise along Rio Tambopata and saw a whole host of wildlife along the way! If you’re lucky, you might even get to see jaguars walking along the riverbank.

For the best experience, bring a pair of binoculars so you can see the wildlife close up. We’d also recommend purchasing a quality camera and zoom lens.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This 4-day Tambopata Expedition allows you to see the very best of the Amazon, including an awesome river cruise to a popular clay lick.

• 🏠 Where to stay: We stayed in Chuncho Lodge during our trip to the Peruvian Amazon. The owner is absolutely lovely and you’ll be surrounded by wildlife, including monkeys and toucans.

29. Sip on Pisco Sour

If you’re heading to Peru, then you can’t miss out on having a Pisco Sour. This tasty cocktail is the country’s national drink and you’ll find it throughout Peru.

Made from Pisco, egg whites, lemon juice, and syrup, it’s got a rather unique taste. Not to mention, they can be very strong depending on where you have them.

We’d recommend heading to one of the waterfront bars in Paracas to try this cocktail. In fact, we spent an evening or two at Karamba Restobar where we were given a free Pisco Sour, all while watching the sea lions playing in the ocean right in front of us!

If you’re not heading to Paracas, then you’ll find plenty of other bars serving this national drink.

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This Lima city tour includes a Pisco Sour demonstration and tastings. It lasts for 4 hours and you’ll also get to explore Peru’s capital.

30. Have a unique experience at Skylodge Adventure Suites

Now this experience may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights, but it’s certainly an adventure. If you have the time (and money), then why not stay at Skylodge Adventure Suites?

This innovative lodge is just a 15-minute drive from Ollantaytambo and is located within the Sacred Valley. The interesting thing about this place is that you’ll be staying in hanging accommodation.

These glass domes are set against the cliff. To reach them, you’ll need to climb 400 metres along a Via Ferrata or head there on a zip line.

Not only does this place offer awesome stargazing opportunities, but breakfast and dinner are included, as well as wine. There’s also a free shuttle service offered.

It’s important to note that this accommodation is costly, so it’s not suitable for those on a budget. However, if you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime stay, this is most definitely your place!

31. Spend some time in Ollantaytambo

Visiting the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo is one of the best things to do in Peru! This place is famous for its Incan ruins and is a popular stop-off point as people head to Machu Picchu.

Home to narrow cobblestone streets, jaw-dropping scenery, and charming markets, this village has so much to offer. It’s also got plenty of history, as it’s been inhabited since the 13th century.

The Temple of the Sun is a popular site to visit, along with the Ollantaytambo ruins. The latter was one of the last strongholds of the Incan empire!

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This Sacred Valley tour lasts for 10 hours and departs from Cusco. It includes a visit to Ollantaytambo, as well as Pisac and Chinchero.

• 🏠 Where to stay: El Albergue Ollantaytambo would have to be our top pick! The rooms are rustic and beautifully decorated, and there are sauna facilities on-site as well as a restaurant.

32. Marvel at the beauty of Lake Humantay

Last but certainly not least, there’s Lake Humantay. As one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in the country, this isn’t a place you want to miss out on.

Lake Humantay is most commonly visited by hikers doing the Salkantay Trek, who are on their way to Machu Picchu. However, it can also be visited on a day trip from Cusco.

Located at 4,200 metres (13,780 feet) above sea level, it’s found at high altitude, so take it easy while hiking from Soraypampa (which is the closest village).

• 🚍 Suggested tour: This Humantay Lake tour from Cusco will see you hike from Soraypampa. It includes hotel pickup and dropoff, a buffet lunch, and a bilingual tour guide.

• 🏠 Where to stay: We stayed at Cozy Room Cusco during our time in Cusco which is where the majority of tours depart from. It’s really affordable and is just a short walk from the main square.

When is the Best Time to Visit Peru

We travelled through Peru during May/June and had the most incredible time! In our opinion, this is a great time to visit as you’ll be exploring during the dry season.

Typically, the dry season lasts between May and September and this is when you’ll encounter the best weather. Temperatures are warm throughout the day and precipitation levels are at their lowest.

The wet season in Peru generally runs from late November/December to March. During this time, you can experience frequent showers, so that’s something to keep in mind.

March to May is considered to be one of the country’s shoulder seasons. This is a great time to visit for budget travellers, as you’ll likely encounter cheaper prices when it comes to accommodation and tours.

Of course, the climate will differ depending on where you go. For instance, if you’re heading to the Andes then you’ll encounter much cooler temperatures than if you were to go to the Amazon rainforest!

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Peru

If you’re wondering what to see in Peru then you won’t be short of options! As you can see, this beautiful country has so many fascinating places to visit.

Whether you’re looking to visit the famous Machu Picchu, hike through the Amazon Rainforest, or explore the capital of Lima, there’s something for everyone in Peru.

The one thing we will say is not to rush your time in this amazing place. There’s so much to see, and as Peru is one of the largest countries in the world, you’ll need to allow plenty of time for transport.

If you have any questions about things to do in Peru then be sure to get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

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