Top 15 Things To Do in Peru

Walk Through the Lost City of Machu Picchu

Discover one of the world's greatest archaeological sites

No matter how many photographs you’ve seen, nothing quite prepares you for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

Perched high among the Andes, this extraordinary Inca citadel has fascinated visitors for generations. Walking through its temples, terraces and narrow stone pathways with a knowledgeable guide reveals far more than impressive ruins. You’ll discover how the city was built without mortar, why its location remained hidden for centuries and how the Incas engineered one of the world’s most remarkable mountain settlements.

It’s easy to spend your first few minutes taking photographs from the famous viewpoint, but don’t rush. Some of the most memorable moments come once you move deeper into the site, where quieter terraces, ceremonial temples and intricate stonework tell the real story of Machu Picchu.

Entry is now carefully managed with timed tickets and designated circuits, so it’s worth planning well in advance. If you’d like to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a different perspective, permits are limited and often sell out months before departure.

If you’re looking for Peru holiday ideas, this is the experience that deserves a place at the very top of your list.

Discover Maras & Moray

Visit two of Peru's most remarkable Inca sites

The Sacred Valley is full of fascinating places, but Maras and Moray stand out for completely different reasons.

Moray looks almost otherworldly. A series of perfectly circular terraces sink deep into the hillside, creating what many historians believe was an agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with growing crops in different microclimates. Standing at the edge of the terraces, it’s hard not to admire the ingenuity behind their design.

Just a short drive away, the white salt pans of Maras cling to the mountainside like a giant mosaic. Thousands of shallow pools have been producing salt since Inca times, fed by a naturally salty spring that still supplies the terraces today. Local families continue to harvest the salt by hand, just as previous generations have done for centuries.

The two sites are often visited together, but they’re much more than a quick photo stop. They offer a fascinating insight into the innovation, engineering and daily life of the Inca civilisation, while the surrounding mountain scenery makes the journey just as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Ride a Scenic Train Through the Andes

Watch Peru's landscapes unfold beyond your window

Some journeys are just as memorable as the destination, and Peru’s scenic railways are among the finest in the world.

Travelling between Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, you’ll follow winding rivers, pass remote villages and watch the Andes transform from dramatic mountain peaks to lush cloud forest. It’s a journey best enjoyed slowly, watching everyday life unfold beyond the window rather than worrying about reaching the next stop.

Luxury services such as the Belmond Hiram Bingham and Belmond Andean Explorer take the experience even further, combining exceptional dining, elegant carriages and panoramic observation decks with some of South America’s most spectacular scenery.

Whichever train you choose, try to spend some time in the open-air observation carriage. Feeling the cool mountain air while the train winds through the Andes is one of those simple moments that often becomes a highlight of the trip. It’s also one of our favourite luxury holidays to Peru experiences for anyone looking to make the journey as memorable as the destination.

Watch Condors Soar Above Colca Canyon

Witness one of nature's greatest displays

Watching an Andean condor soar above Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences.

With a wingspan of up to three metres, these magnificent birds ride the morning thermals that rise from the canyon, often gliding effortlessly just metres above your head. Seeing one appear from below the canyon rim before circling overhead is a moment that photographs rarely do justice.

The best chance of seeing condors is early in the morning at viewpoints such as Cruz del Cóndor, when warming air creates the perfect conditions for flight. While condor sightings are never guaranteed, it’s rare to leave without spotting at least one.

Take time to appreciate the landscape too. Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, dotted with pre-Inca terraces, traditional villages and dramatic viewpoints that make the journey just as memorable as the wildlife itself.

Taste Peru's World-Class Food Scene in Lima

Discover one of South America's culinary capitals

Lima has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great food cities, and experiencing its cuisine is one of the best things to do in Peru.

Fresh seafood, Andean ingredients, Japanese influences and centuries of culinary tradition come together to create a food scene unlike anywhere else in South America. Whether you’re sitting down at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants or pulling up a stool at a bustling local cevichería, every meal tells a story.

Ceviche is the dish everyone comes to try, and for good reason. Traditionally served at lunchtime using the morning’s catch, it’s fresh, vibrant and surprisingly simple. Don’t leave without trying causa, lomo saltado or a classic pisco sour either, each offering a taste of Peru’s diverse culinary heritage.

If food is a big part of your travels, consider joining a guided food tour or cooking class. Visiting local markets, meeting producers and discovering the stories behind Peru’s most famous dishes gives you an even greater appreciation for why Lima has become a destination in its own right and one of our favourite Peru holiday ideas.

Fly Over the Nazca Lines

See an ancient mystery from the air

The Nazca Lines are almost impossible to appreciate from ground level.

It’s only once your aircraft climbs above the desert that the enormous geoglyphs begin to appear. The hummingbird, monkey, spider, condor and dozens of other figures stretch across the landscape, each carved into the desert more than a thousand years ago.

Why they were created remains uncertain. Some theories suggest they formed part of religious ceremonies, while others link them to astronomy or ancient water rituals. Whatever their purpose, seeing them from above leaves plenty of room for your own interpretation.

Flights last around 30 minutes, with the pilot banking in both directions so everyone gets a clear view. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth taking medication beforehand, as the turns can be more noticeable than many people expect.

Go Sandboarding in Huacachina

Swap hiking boots for a sandboard

Huacachina proves that Peru still has a few surprises up its sleeve.

Surrounded by towering sand dunes, this tiny desert oasis is the place to climb aboard a dune buggy and race across some of South America’s highest dunes before swapping four wheels for a sandboard. Whether you’re standing up or sliding down on your stomach, it’s fast, exhilarating and guaranteed to leave you covered in sand.

Late afternoon is the best time to go, when the heat begins to ease and the dunes glow golden in the setting sun. Watching the desert change colour as the sun drops below the horizon is every bit as memorable as the ride itself.

Hike to the Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint

See Peru's colourful Andes

Rainbow Mountain has become one of Peru’s most photographed landscapes, but it’s worth knowing what to expect before setting off.

The colourful mineral bands are real, although they’re often much subtler than the heavily edited images you’ll see online. At more than 5,000 metres above sea level, the altitude is the biggest challenge, making even a relatively short hike feel surprisingly demanding. Spending a few days in Cusco beforehand will make the walk much more enjoyable.

For those who enjoy hiking, the reward is the spectacular mountain scenery that unfolds along the route as much as the viewpoint itself. If Rainbow Mountain is high on your list, the best time to visit Peru for clear mountain views is during the dry season, from May to September.