Peru Travel Guide: 23 BEST Things to Do in Peru (& Places to Visit)

Explore the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched high in the Andes. Discover its mysterious history, intricate stonework, and stunning panoramic views.

Marvel at the enigmatic Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes. These mysterious designs are best viewed from the sky.

Descend into the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, offering dramatic landscapes and incredible opportunities to spot Andean condors in flight. It's a hiker's paradise with charming traditional villages.

Hike to the vibrant Vinicunca, famously known as Rainbow Mountain, for its striking striations of color caused by mineral deposits. This is an unforgettable high-altitude trekking experience.

Wander through the historic heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco, a city brimming with colonial architecture, ancient ruins, and vibrant markets. It's the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, home to unique Uros floating islands and the traditional communities of Taquile and Amantani.

Journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile region dotted with ancient ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking Andean scenery. It's a vital agricultural and spiritual center.

Visit Urubamba, a town nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, known for its vibrant market and as a convenient base for exploring nearby Inca sites and natural attractions.

Explore the impressive Inca ruins perched above the town of Pisac, renowned for its colorful artisan market and agricultural terraces. The ruins offer stunning views of the valley.

Step back in time at Ollantaytambo, a remarkably preserved Inca town featuring a massive fortress and temple complex. It's one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning.

Discover Kuelap, a magnificent pre-Inca walled city of the Chachapoyas culture, often called the 'Machu Picchu of the North'. Its remote location adds to its mystique.

Trek through the stunning Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range, offering dramatic snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and challenging hiking trails.

Hike to the breathtaking Laguna 69, a stunning turquoise glacial lake set against a backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding day trek.

Conquer Nevado Mateo, a popular and accessible peak in the Cordillera Blanca offering incredible panoramic views of surrounding glaciers and mountains. It's a great introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.

Witness the majestic Gocta Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, cascading dramatically through lush cloud forest. The trek to reach it is as beautiful as the destination.

Discover the serene beauty of Umantai Lake, a hidden gem in the Peruvian Andes known for its tranquility and striking natural surroundings. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.

Relax on the golden sands of Mancora, a laid-back beach town famous for its surfing, vibrant nightlife, and fresh seafood. It's the perfect coastal escape.

Embark on an adventure into the vast Amazon rainforest, the world's largest tropical rainforest, teeming with incredible biodiversity, exotic wildlife, and indigenous cultures.

Experience the gateway to the southern Peruvian Amazon from Puerto Maldonado, offering access to incredible wildlife reserves like Tambopata and Manu National Parks.

Explore Iquitos, the largest city in the world inaccessible by road, serving as the primary hub for Amazon adventures in Peru's northern jungle. Discover its unique riverine culture.

Undertake a challenging trek to Choquequirao, a magnificent Inca citadel rivaling Machu Picchu in scale and historical significance, set dramatically on a mountain ridge.

Take a boat tour to the stunning Bayestas Islands, often called the 'Galapagos of Peru,' to witness abundant marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and numerous seabirds.

Visit Ica, a desert oasis region famous for its pisco distilleries, sandboarding opportunities in the Huacachina oasis, and the nearby Nazca Lines.

Explore the coastal town of Pisco, the namesake of Peru's famous brandy, and use it as a base for visiting the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve.

Discover the Palpa Lines, ancient geoglyphs located south of the Nazca Lines, featuring less famous but equally intriguing figures and geometric designs created by earlier cultures.

Admire the stunning colonial architecture of Arequipa, the 'White City,' built from sillar volcanic rock, set against the backdrop of three majestic volcanoes. It's also the gateway to Colca Canyon.

Investigate the enigmatic circular agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Inca laboratory for experimenting with crops at different microclimates.

Trek the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a multi-day hike through stunning Andean scenery, passing ancient ruins and culminating at the Sun Gate overlooking the citadel.

Embark on the Salkantay Trek, an alternative and challenging high-altitude trek to Machu Picchu, known for its dramatic mountain passes, glacial lakes, and varied landscapes.

Discover the coastal desert beauty of the Paracas National Reserve, a protected marine and terrestrial ecosystem with dramatic cliffs, desert landscapes, and abundant wildlife.

Experience the magic of Huacachina, a picturesque desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, offering thrilling activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides.