15 Things to Do in Peru for an Unforgettable Trip

Hike the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of my favorite travel memories to date and a must-do for anyone who enjoys hiking.

This 26-mile trek takes you through diverse terrains, from high mountain passes to lush cloud forests, and ends at Machu Picchu. As you hike, you’ll also encounter fascinating Inca ruins and enjoy stunning views of the Andes. The trail’s moderate difficulty makes it accessible to most hikers, but proper preparation is key. 

Remember to book well in advance, as permits are limited to preserve this incredible Peru attraction. I have an entire post about hiking the Inca Trail for more information. 

Visit the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a region in the Peruvian Andes near Cusco, renowned for its historical, cultural, and natural significance. You can explore ancient Inca ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and Moray, which is an intriguing site featuring circular terraces believed to have been an Inca laboratory for crop experimentation. But in my opinion, it looks like something aliens made! 

The Maras salt mines also offer a unique glimpse into ancient salt production methods still in use today.

And for adventure enthusiasts, the Sacred Valley provides thrilling opportunities such as rafting on the Urubamba River or mountain biking. You can even climb the side of a cliff and spend the night suspended in a glass pod here! These are called the Skylodge Adventure suites. It’s wild! 

Admire Cusco’s architecture

Cusco’s colonial architecture offers a captivating blend of Inca and Spanish influences. As you explore the city’s cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter impressive structures that showcase the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas, the San Pedro Market, and the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha).

Explore the Amazon Rainforest

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest is one of the most amazing things you can do in Peru. You’ll have the chance to spot unique wildlife, from colorful macaws to pink dolphins and even sloths and monkies. Luxury lodges and river cruises provide comfortable bases for your explorations and are often all-inclusive. 

I personally stayed at the Treehouse Lodge and can’t recommend it enough. 

No matter where you choose to stay, though, the Amazon Rainforest is an unforgettable addition to any Peru itinerary. 

Hike Rainbow Mountain

Also known as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain is a natural wonder that I’ve actually been lucky enough to have visited twice now. This is hands down one of the best things to do in Peru. This mountain’s vibrant stripes of color are the result of mineral deposits and erosion over millions of years and it is incredible to see. 

Now, it’s a challenging hike because of the altitude. It’s 5200 m above sea level or 17060 ft. You will need to move quite slowly because you’re going to feel very out of breath, no matter how good of shape you are in. Expect the hike to take around 3 hours. But the panoramic views at the summit are well worth the effort. I recommend joining a tour from Cusco, which will include transportation and a guide. Here are some popular options.

Indulge in Lima’s culinary scene

Lima’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world. From traditional Peruvian dishes to innovative fusion cuisine, Lima is the perfect place to visit for foodies. You can explore world-renowned restaurants, bustling markets, and street food stalls. 

I highly recommend joining a food tour in Lima, especially if you’re short on time.  

And no matter which city you’re visiting in Peru, here are some Peruvian dishes and drinks you have to try!

1. Pisco Sour: This classic Peruvian cocktail quickly is my favorite. It’s made with Pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, it’s a refreshing and potent drink that perfectly captures the spirit of Peru. 
2. Guinea Pig, known as Cuy: While it might seem unusual to some, guinea pig is a beloved traditional Andean dish.
3. Coca Tea: This soothing herbal tea, made from coca leaves, is believed to help alleviate altitude sickness. I’m not sure if it actually helps but it does taste good. Just don’t try to take any coca leaves back home with you, as this is also what is used to make cocaine and is quite illegal in most countries.
4. Ceviche is the national dish of Peru and consists of slices of raw fish spiced with salt, onions, and chili peppers and marinated in lime juice.
5. Inca Kola: You have to try this unique, bright yellow soda that’s more popular in Peru than Coca-Cola. It’s super sweet flavor is unlike any other soft drink I’ve tasted!
6. Alpaca: This is a tender and lean meat, and is typically grilled or used in stews. It is really delicious.

Swim with Sea Lions

Did you know you can swim with sea lions in Peru? It’s a great day trip from Lima! You can book a tour to the Palomino Islands from Lima, to swim by these cute creatures. There are thousands of them living here. Most tour companies will provide you with wetsuits, and you might even see penguins as well!

Shop for Alpaca Clothing

No trip to Peru would be complete without shopping for Alpaca wool clothing! Cusco is, in my opinion, the best city to do this. 

But there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for Alpaca clothing. If you want genuine 100% Alpaca wool clothing, it’s going to cost you. For example, an Alpaca wool sweater will likely cost hundreds of US dollars. You’ll be able to tell if an item is real Alpaca wool when you touch it, as it will be cool to the touch and very soft. It will also be tightly woven and won’t have any holes when you hold it to the light. 

Now, that said, 99.9% of the sweaters you’ll see being sold will have holes and be loosely woven, and not cold to the touch..which means it’s likely a synthetic blend with alpaca wool (or it’s entirely synthetic). Which, this is fine, as long as the prices are appropriate. For example, My favorite sweater I bought cost me roughly $15 US dollars, but not 100% alpaca wool. 

Explore Arequipa

Arequipa is known as the “White City” and is a beautiful place to visit in Peru. Its stunning architecture, made from white volcanic rock, creates a unique cityscape. As you explore, you’ll discover colonial-era buildings with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. The Plaza de Armas is the perfect spot to admire these architectural marvels. Arequipa is also a gateway to the Colca Canyon…which brings me to my next point.