Explore off-the-beaten-path places, connect with people, soak in the culture, and taste the local cuisine, you will find that Peru has an abundance of gems waiting to be discovered – add Peru to your bucket list.
United Nations name Peru as one of ten diverse countries in the world. Aside from its rich history, Peru is where you can find Machu Picchu, one of the world’s seven new wonders. How many have you visited so far?
Stumped on where to start? Luckily, you can hire a reputable travel company like Voyagers Travel Company to help you plan your next trip to Peru. This is ideal if you like some structure when traveling and have someone knowledgeable do the groundwork for you. Nonetheless, you can also DIY your travel plans to Peru and incorporate some of these places, activities, and adventures.
This post highlights the top things you must do while in Peru and why we have this country high on our bucket list to visit once travel opens up.
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Top Adventures in Peru & Things to do
Read on to discover all the adventures, hikes, places to see: A Peru Bucket list of the top things to do you shouldn’t miss while in Peru…
Cruise Through the Peruvian Amazon
Spanning about 4.6 million square miles in South America, Amazon’s rainforest is known to have one of the biggest and biodiverse populations of flora and fauna.
The Amazon in Brazil might be filled with many environment-related issues, including fires that were intentionally set to clear some of the lands for agricultural purposes. But Peru’s forests remain untouched in comparison.
It’s also worth noting that the Amazon rainforest covers approximately 60% of the country. It boasts the most considerable number of birds and the third-largest number of mammals globally.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
There are several ways you can get to Machu Picchu. The most common methods are either to take the train or bus. But if you want to experience walking the same pathway used by the ancient Inca over 500 years ago, consider traversing the Inca Trail.
Hiking the Inca Trail is also an excellent way to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Note that the permits for a 4-day Inca trail can sell out fast, so make sure that you plan your trip!
You can also try a much shorter 2-day route. This would be a fantastic option if you wanted to include other activities in your Peru itinerary without having to overdo it. However, keep in mind, the Inca Trail is closed to the public every February for maintenance.
Try Sandboarding in Huacachina
Huacachina is one of the world’s most famous desert oases. Although just a couple of minutes away from the main town via tuk-tuk, it features miles of sprawling dunes.
One of the most fascinating adventures in Peru you can do is to go sandboarding in the dune-filled deserts surround you! It’s one of the best place to head to if you wanted to board down a couple of dunes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a beginner– as you’re in for a lot of fun!
If ever you get tired of sandboarding all day, you can always wind down with some local wine in one of the wineries of Ica.
Explore Cusco
Explore the streets of Cusco and marvel at the rich history this city has to offer. Inca ruins were used as foundations for a lot of picturesque colonial buildings lining the narrow roads.
You can find impressive structures like the Cathedral and the La Compania in the city center. Plaza de Armas, the main square, is an excellent place to start walking tours or just people watch all day.
Although there are plenty of interesting buildings and museums in the area, a must-see attraction in Cusco is the church of Santo Domingo. The church rests on the ruins of the Inca site of Coricancha.
Go on a Food Tour in Lima, Peru
If you’re planning a gastronomic tour, then you should go to Lima. You’d get to go sightseeing while trying local Peruvian dishes.
Going on a food tour lets you get familiar with the local cusine and menu better if you’re in Lima at the start of your trip. That way, you can plan on what to order for the entire duration of your trip.
You can try must-try Peruvian dishes such as the lomo saltado, ceviche, and causa, pairing it off with some craft beer. Then, finish it off with delicious desserts such as churros or picarones.
You can also see the sights by bike. The coastal city is primarily flat and is perfect to cycle through that impressive street art, lush parks, and stunning cliffs.
If you want to experience an adrenaline rush, you can also go paragliding or surfing – these are also some of the top activities you can do in Lima.
Peru things to do for the Adventure Lover
Love that adrenaline rush and looking for some adventures in Peru, we got you covered. For an ultimate adventure stay – sleep in glass pods suspended 1,200 feet up the side of a mountain in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Would you dare? Read our friend’s experience of how he had to scramble to get to the toilet and what it feels like to sleep in a transparent capsule suspended high up in the Peruvian mountains.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain
Located 15,000 ft above sea level, hiking Rainbow Mountain is one of the most amazing things you can do on your trip.
Once covered in snow and was unknown until 2015, it now manages to attract a growing number of visitors, and it’s easy to see why.
The minerals and sediments on the rock and soil have created a multi-colored landscape that looks stunning in pictures and in person.
If you’re planning to do a trek here, make sure that you’re well-prepared for high-altitudes and then ever-changing weather.
You can do a hike during the last days of your trip to Cusco. Doing so gives you enough time to acclimate before your hike. Remember we said it is 15,000 ft above sea level?
Walk on Treetops in the Amazon
The wildlife of the Amazon often lives in layers. Meaning, what you see on the forest floor is nothing compared to what you’ll see from the forest canopy.
If you want to discover the hidden world of Amazon’s treetops, head for an unforgettable treetop walk. These are suspension bridges that are suspended 1000 feet in the air.
If you’re not afraid of heights, the best treetop walks can be found on the Inkaterra Reserve and the Taricaya Reserve.
Peru things to do for Families
Visit an Alpaca Farm
Alpacas are adorable animals, and the best place to see them is in Peru.
Although there might be locals who will offer to take a picture with one for a small price, visiting an actual alpaca farm is an experience of its own.
If you want to get up close with them, you can find the Awanakancha Alpaca Farm outside Cusco. Seeing them up close not only allows you to feed them, but you’ll also get to experience their cuddly glory.
Learn about Andean Weaving
The Peruvians are proud of their textile weaving since they’ve spent thousands of years perfecting the craft.
If you want to know more about Andean Weaving, head to Huilloc, a tight-knit Quechua community in the Sacred Valley, north of Cusco. The locals here are not only known for their hospitality, but they also proudly showcase the art of weaving. Bring some home, they will make for great souvenirs.
I hope this list of adventures, places and things to do and see in Peru inspired you to plan your bucket list trip soon.
Safe travels!
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