Peru isn’t just a destination. It’s a journey through time, culture, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
When most travelers think about what to do in Peru, Machu Picchu immediately comes to mind. And while this ancient wonder absolutely deserves its spot on your bucket list, limiting your Peruvian adventure to just one attraction means missing out on a country that’s bursting with diversity.
From the cloud forests of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, from ancient civilizations that predate the Incas to modern culinary scenes that rival any in the world, Peru offers experiences that will challenge your perceptions and create memories that last a lifetime.
This country is home to the deepest canyon in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It houses the oldest civilization in the Americas, dating back over 5,000 years. Three quarters of the world’s alpaca population calls Peru home, and the Amazon rainforest covers more than 60% of its territory.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, a foodie, or someone who simply wants to immerse themselves in a culture rich with tradition, Peru has something extraordinary waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore ten incredible things to do in Peru that showcase the country’s remarkable diversity. From the must visit attractions in Peru Lima to the remote corners of the Sacred Valley, you’ll discover why this South American gem deserves more than just a quick visit.
1. Explore the Ancient Wonder of Machu Picchu
Let’s start with the obvious but absolutely essential experience on any Peru itinerary. Machu Picchu stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and visiting this incredible Incan citadel is often what draws travelers to Peru in the first place.
Perched high in the Andes Mountains at 2,430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu seems to float among the clouds. This 15th century estate was built for Inca emperor Pachacuti and later abandoned during the Spanish conquest, remaining hidden from the outside world until American explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
What makes Machu Picchu truly remarkable isn’t just its dramatic setting or its mysterious history. It’s the incredible engineering feat the Incas accomplished without modern tools, wheeled carts, or draft animals. They transported massive granite blocks from distant quarries and fit them together so precisely that even today, you can’t slide a knife blade between the stones.
The city is divided into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors. As you walk through the ruins, you’ll discover terraces that prevented erosion and maximized farming space, temples aligned with astronomical events, and ingenious water management systems that still function today.
The best way to experience Machu Picchu is to arrive early in the morning when mist often clings to the peaks, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Hiring a knowledgeable guide transforms the experience from simply viewing ruins to understanding the sophisticated society that built them.
Many visitors choose to hike the famous Inca Trail, a four day trek that culminates in arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise. However, alternative treks like the Salkantay or Lares routes offer stunning landscapes with fewer crowds.
Remember to book your tickets well in advance, as daily visitor numbers are limited to protect this precious site. The journey typically involves flying into Cusco, spending a night or two to acclimatize, then taking a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
2. Wander Through Historic Cusco
Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu. This UNESCO World Heritage city, sitting at 3,400 meters above sea level, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, with a history stretching back over 3,000 years.
Walking through Cusco’s cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a living museum where Incan foundations support Spanish colonial architecture. The city’s layout, shaped like a puma (a sacred animal in Incan culture), showcases sophisticated urban planning that predates European arrival by centuries.
The Plaza de Armas forms the heart of historic Cusco, surrounded by baroque churches and colonial arcades. This central square was twice as large during Incan times and served as the ceremonial and administrative center of the empire.
Just off the plaza, you’ll find Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Incan world. Known as the Temple of the Sun, its walls were covered in sheets of solid gold, and its gardens featured golden sculptures of plants and animals. Though the Spanish stripped away the gold and built the Santo Domingo convent on top, you can still see remarkable Incan stonework that has survived multiple earthquakes.
San Pedro Market offers a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and smells. Here you’ll find everything from fresh fruit juices to traditional textiles, and you might even spot cuy (guinea pig) being prepared, a traditional Andean delicacy.
The nearby Saksaywaman fortress demonstrates the Incas’ architectural prowess with massive stones weighing up to 200 tons fitted together without mortar. The precision is so exact that these walls have survived centuries of earthquakes that destroyed Spanish buildings in the city below.
Take time to simply wander Cusco’s streets, especially the San Blas neighborhood with its artisan workshops and narrow alleys. Stop at local cafes, visit art galleries, and chat with weavers selling their handmade textiles.
Give yourself at least two or three days in Cusco, both to explore the city and to acclimatize to the altitude before heading to higher elevations like Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain.
3. Discover the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, following the Urubamba River through a landscape of snow capped peaks, agricultural terraces, and traditional villages where Quechua is still the primary language.
This fertile valley was considered sacred by the Incas because of its geographical and climatic qualities. The lower altitude made it warmer than Cusco, perfect for growing corn and other crops that fed the empire.
Pisac offers both impressive ruins and a vibrant market. The archaeological site perched on the hillside features agricultural terraces, residential areas, and religious temples with panoramic valley views. In the town below, the market buzzes with activity, especially on Sundays, offering traditional textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Ollantaytambo is often called a living Inca town because locals still inhabit structures built by the Incas. The massive fortress above the town features terraces that climb hundreds of feet up the mountainside. The stones at the top of the temple were quarried from a mountain on the opposite side of the valley and transported across the river, up the mountain, and fitted together perfectly, a feat that still baffles engineers today.
The circular terraces at Moray appear almost extraterrestrial. Built in a natural depression, possibly a meteor crater, these concentric rings created distinct microclimates at different levels. The Incas used this sophisticated agricultural laboratory to experiment with growing different crops at various temperatures.
Nearby, the Maras salt mines cascade down the hillside in over 3,000 pools that have been harvested by local families for generations. A natural warm spring feeds the pools with salt rich water, and as the water evaporates, it leaves behind pink salt that’s now sought after by chefs worldwide.
Throughout the Sacred Valley, you’ll find women’s weaving cooperatives where traditional techniques passed down through generations are still practiced. These visits offer insight into Andean culture and provide opportunities to purchase authentic textiles directly from the artisans.
Plan at least one full day for the Sacred Valley, though two or three days allows you to explore more thoroughly and connect more deeply with the communities.
4. Experience the Amazon Rainforest
Over 60% of Peru is covered by Amazon rainforest, making it one of the best places in South America to experience this incredible ecosystem. The Peruvian Amazon offers a different side of the country, a world away from the mountains and archaeological sites.
Puerto Maldonado, accessible by a short flight from Cusco, serves as the main gateway to the southern Amazon. From here, you’ll take a boat journey into the jungle, passing through landscapes teeming with wildlife.
The Amazon’s biodiversity is staggering. Peru’s rainforest is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 500 species of mammals, and countless insects, reptiles, and amphibians. In a single day, you might spot colorful macaws, playful monkeys, lazy sloths, pink river dolphins, and caimans lurking in the water.
Jungle lodges range from basic to luxurious, but all offer guided excursions deep into the forest. Night walks reveal creatures you’d never see during the day, their eyes reflecting in your flashlight beam. Canopy towers provide bird’s eye views of the treetops where much of the Amazon’s wildlife lives.
One unforgettable experience is visiting a clay lick where dozens of macaws and parrots gather each morning to eat mineral rich clay that helps neutralize toxins from the fruits and seeds they consume. Watching hundreds of brilliant birds descend on these riverbank cliffs creates a spectacle of color and sound.
Piranha fishing offers both excitement and dinner. Your guide will show you how to attract these notorious fish, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective), you’ll catch one to grill for lunch.
Iquitos in northern Peru offers an alternative, more adventurous Amazon experience. It’s the largest city in the world that can’t be reached by road, accessible only by plane or river boat. The city itself blends colonial architecture with jungle atmosphere, while the surrounding rainforest is less visited and more pristine.
Even a short two or three day Amazon adventure provides incredible wildlife encounters, but longer stays allow you to venture deeper into the jungle and increase your chances of spotting jaguars, giant otters, and other rare species.
5. Trek to Rainbow Mountain
One of Peru’s most Instagram famous destinations, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is a relatively recent discovery for tourists. The colorful striped peak was covered by snow until climate change revealed the vibrant layers of sediment underneath.
Located about three hours from Cusco, the mountain sits at a staggering 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. The rainbow effect comes from different minerals in the sediment, each creating distinct colors, red from iron oxide, yellow from sulfur, green from copper compounds.
The trek to Rainbow Mountain is not easy. The altitude makes every step challenging, and the thin air leaves many visitors breathless. The trail is about 7 kilometers round trip, though much of that distance can now be covered by vehicle, shortening the actual hike.
The landscape throughout the journey is spectacular. You’ll pass through valleys dotted with alpacas and llamas, wind beneath towering peaks, and cross streams flowing with glacial melt. Local herders in traditional dress often walk alongside tourists, their animals laden with supplies.
When you finally crest the final ridge and see Rainbow Mountain, the sight is breathtaking. The colors really do stripe across the mountain face, and on clear days, the contrast against the bright blue sky is stunning.
Many tours also include a visit to Red Valley, an alternative viewpoint that’s often less crowded and equally impressive. The rust colored mountains create a Mars like landscape that provides a different but equally memorable perspective.
The key to enjoying Rainbow Mountain is preparation. Wear warm layers as temperatures can be freezing at the summit. Start early to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. Take altitude sickness medication if needed, and go slowly, no matter how fit you are, the altitude affects everyone.
Tours typically leave Cusco around 3 AM, arriving at the trailhead around dawn. You’ll return to Cusco by late afternoon, exhausted but exhilarated.
6. Explore Vibrant Lima
Peru’s capital often gets overlooked as travelers rush through to reach Machu Picchu, but Lima deserves several days of exploration. This sprawling city of over 10 million people blends pre Columbian history, Spanish colonial heritage, and modern cosmopolitan culture.
The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases stunning colonial architecture. Plaza Mayor, the city’s founding point, is surrounded by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and Archbishop’s Palace. Walking these streets feels like stepping back to the Spanish vice royalty period.
One of Lima’s most intriguing attractions is the Monastery of San Francisco, where you can tour the catacombs. These underground burial chambers hold the bones of an estimated 70,000 people, arranged in patterns and piled high in circular wells.
The Miraflores district offers a completely different Lima experience. This upscale neighborhood sits atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The malecón (waterfront promenade) is perfect for walking, jogging, or simply watching paragliders launch themselves off the cliffs.
Barranco, Lima’s bohemian neighborhood, attracts artists, musicians, and anyone seeking a more laid back vibe. Colorful street art decorates walls, galleries showcase contemporary Peruvian art, and the Bridge of Sighs offers romantic views.
But Lima’s real claim to fame is its food scene. The city has become South America’s culinary capital, with several restaurants ranked among the world’s best. Ceviche, Peru’s national dish of fresh fish “cooked” in citrus juice, reaches perfection here in its birthplace.
You don’t need to eat at expensive restaurants to experience Lima’s culinary magic. Local markets and street vendors serve incredible food. Try anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), papa rellena (stuffed potato), or chicharrón (fried pork). Wash it down with chicha morada, a sweet purple corn drink, or a pisco sour, Peru’s signature cocktail.
The Larco Museum provides excellent context for understanding Peru’s pre Columbian cultures through an impressive collection of pottery, textiles, and gold work spanning thousands of years.
Lima’s climate is unusual. It rarely rains, but from May to November, the city is covered in gray mist called garúa. The sun returns from December to April, making this the best time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor spaces.
7. Visit the Mysterious Nazca Lines
In the coastal desert south of Lima, one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries spreads across 450 square kilometers of arid plateau. The Nazca Lines are massive geoglyphs, figures etched into the desert floor by removing the reddish surface rocks to reveal lighter earth beneath.
Created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, these lines form straight lines, geometric shapes, and recognizable figures. A hummingbird, spider, monkey, and condor are among the most famous shapes, some measuring up to 370 meters across.
The mystery isn’t just how the Nazca people created these massive figures with such precision without the ability to view them from above. It’s also why. Theories range from astronomical calendars to religious pathways to landing strips for aliens. The most accepted theory suggests they were created for religious purposes, visible to sky gods the Nazca believed in.
The only way to properly appreciate the Nazca Lines is from the air. Small planes depart daily from the Nazca airport, circling over the lines for about 30 minutes. The flights can be bumpy, and the tight turns as pilots maneuver for the best views can be nauseating, but the experience is unforgettable.
Some lines can be viewed from roadside observation towers, but the perspective doesn’t compare to the aerial view where the shapes become clear and the scope becomes apparent.
While in Nazca, consider visiting the Chauchilla Cemetery, about 30 minutes outside town. This pre Columbian burial site contains mummies over 1,000 years old, some still with hair and clothing intact. They’re arranged in open tombs, creating an eerie but fascinating glimpse into ancient burial practices.
The town of Nazca itself is modest, serving mainly as a base for viewing the lines. Most visitors arrive from Lima (about seven hours by bus) or Arequipa (nine hours), often as part of a longer coastal journey.
8. Marvel at Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, offers some of Peru’s most dramatic landscapes. Located near Arequipa in southern Peru, this massive gorge cuts through volcanic rock, surrounded by snow capped peaks and dotted with traditional villages where life continues much as it has for centuries.
The canyon reaches depths of 3,270 meters, though unlike the Grand Canyon’s vertical walls, Colca’s sides slope more gradually, covered with pre Incan agricultural terraces still in use today. These terraces were engineering marvels, allowing the Incas to grow crops at different altitudes and prevent erosion.
The star attraction at Colca Canyon is the Andean condor. These massive birds, with wingspans up to 3 meters, are among the world’s largest flying birds. Each morning, condors soar from their cliff nests, riding thermal currents that rise from the canyon depths.
Cruz del Condor viewpoint is where most visitors gather at dawn to watch these magnificent birds. As the sun warms the canyon walls, the condors emerge, gliding effortlessly on the updrafts, sometimes passing just meters from the viewpoint. It’s a humbling experience to see these endangered birds in their natural habitat.
Beyond the condors, Colca offers hiking opportunities through traditional villages where women in elaborately embroidered clothing tend fields and herds. Hot springs provide relaxation after long treks, and the night sky, far from city lights, reveals the Milky Way in stunning clarity.
The journey to Colca Canyon from Arequipa takes about three to four hours, climbing to over 4,900 meters at Patapampa Pass before descending into the canyon. The high altitude causes problems for some visitors, so take it slowly and stay hydrated.
Most people visit on two day tours from Arequipa, staying overnight in Chivay or another canyon town. This allows time to see the condors at dawn, explore local villages, and soak in hot springs. Longer stays offer opportunities for multi day treks into the canyon depths.
9. Discover Arequipa, the White City
Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa, is a gem that many travelers skip despite its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built almost entirely from sillar, white volcanic stone quarried from the surrounding volcanoes, Arequipa gleams in the high altitude sun.
The city’s location is dramatic, surrounded by three volcanoes. El Misti, the most prominent, rises 5,822 meters directly behind the city, its near perfect cone dominating the skyline. On clear days (which is most days in this sunny city), the volcanoes create a stunning backdrop for the colonial architecture.
Plaza de Armas is one of South America’s most beautiful main squares, with the twin towered cathedral on one side and colonial arcades on the others. The cathedral, rebuilt several times after earthquakes, houses treasures including a Belgian organ and Belgian chandeliers.
The Santa Catalina Monastery is Arequipa’s must see attraction. This convent, founded in 1579, is essentially a city within the city, covering an entire block. It functioned as a closed convent for nearly 400 years before opening to visitors in 1970.
Walking through Santa Catalina feels like time traveling to colonial Peru. Narrow streets named after Spanish cities wind between brilliantly painted walls in deep orange, blue, and rust red. Courtyards overflow with flowers, and the cloisters and cells where nuns once lived are furnished as they would have been centuries ago.
Arequipa’s food scene rivals Lima’s, particularly for picanterías, traditional restaurants serving rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), adobo (pork stew), and other regional specialties. The San Camilo market buzzes with activity, offering fresh juices, local cheeses, and ingredients you won’t find anywhere else.
The Yanahuara viewpoint, a short walk from the center, provides the best perspective of the city with the volcanoes behind. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the white city glows golden and the volcanoes turn pink.
Arequipa’s climate is nearly perfect, sunny and mild year round. The city sits at 2,335 meters, high enough to feel fresh but low enough that altitude sickness rarely causes problems.
10. Sail Lake Titicaca
At 3,812 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and South America’s largest by volume. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, this deep blue lake holds sacred significance in Andean cosmology.
According to Inca mythology, the first Inca, Manco Cápac, and his sister Mama Ocllo emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca, sent by the sun god to found the Inca civilization. The lake’s waters and islands remain sacred to local people.
The lake’s most famous inhabitants are the Uros people, who live on floating islands made entirely of totora reeds. These islands must be constantly rebuilt as the reeds decompose, and everything from houses to boats is made from the same plant.
While some tourists question the authenticity of the Uros islands, pointing out they’ve become quite touristy, the tradition of reed islands dates back hundreds of years. The Uros people originally created floating homes to isolate themselves from aggressive mainland tribes, particularly the Incas.
Taquile Island offers a different experience. This rocky island is home to a tight knit community of about 2,000 people who maintain traditional ways of life. The men here are master weavers, unusual in Peru where weaving is typically women’s work. Their textiles are considered among the finest in Peru.
Visiting Taquile involves a steep climb from the boat dock to the village, exhausting at this altitude but rewarding with stunning views across the lake. Families offer homecooked meals, and you can watch demonstrations of traditional spinning and weaving.
The Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca is typically accessed from Puno, a city that’s pleasant enough but mainly serves as a gateway to the lake. Most tours involve early morning departures, visiting one or two islands, and returning by mid afternoon.
The sunsets over Lake Titicaca are legendary. The massive expanse of water reflects the changing colors, and as night falls, the stars emerge with exceptional clarity in the thin high altitude air.
Bringing Your Peru Adventure Together
Peru is a country that rewards those who venture beyond the obvious. While Machu Picchu absolutely deserves its reputation, limiting yourself to just one or two attractions means missing the extraordinary diversity this country offers.
From the moment you arrive in Lima until you reluctantly board your departure flight, Peru constantly surprises. It’s a country where you can explore ancient civilizations that predate the pyramids of Egypt, trek through rainforests teeming with wildlife, and climb to heights where the air is thin and the views are infinite.
The attractions in Peru south America reflect thousands of years of human history, from the first civilizations in the Americas to the sophisticated Inca Empire, from Spanish colonial grandeur to contemporary culture that’s finally receiving the international recognition it deserves.
Planning your trip requires careful consideration because there’s simply too much to see in a short visit. Most travelers need at least two weeks to cover the highlights without feeling rushed. Three weeks or a month allows you to explore more deeply and include some of the lesser known destinations.
Transportation between destinations takes longer than you might expect. Peru is a large country with challenging geography. Flying between major cities saves time but misses the spectacular scenery. Buses are comfortable and affordable but can take many hours.
Altitude is a real consideration when planning what to do in Peru. Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca all sit at elevations where altitude sickness affects many visitors. Build in time to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and don’t push yourself too hard in the first days at elevation.
The best time to visit depends on where you’re going. The dry season from May to September offers the best weather for the Andes and Amazon, though it’s also the busiest time. The rainy season from November to March brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds but can make some treks difficult.
Peru’s tourism infrastructure has developed significantly, making it easier to visit independently or with organized tours. The choice depends on your comfort level, time constraints, and desire for flexibility versus convenience.
What makes Peru truly special isn’t just the world class attractions but the warmth of the people, the richness of traditions that continue today, and the way ancient history feels present and alive. Market vendors in Cusco speak Quechua, the language of the Incas. Families in Sacred Valley villages weave textiles using techniques passed down through generations. The same agricultural terraces cultivated by the Incas still produce crops today.
Whether you’re standing among the clouds at Machu Picchu, watching condors soar over Colca Canyon, exploring the bustling streets of Lima, or drifting in a canoe through Amazon backwaters, Peru main tourist attractions offer experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
So pack your bags, brush up on your Spanish (though a smile and respect go far), and prepare for an adventure that will exceed your expectations. Peru is waiting, and trust me, it’s even more incredible than you’ve imagined.
