Peru is the perfect starting country for South America. The nature is incredibly beautiful, the people are exceptionally friendly, and traveling around is super easy. One day you can find yourself in the desert, then in the middle of the jungle, and the next day you can stand with your feet on the ice at an altitude of 5000 meters (16,000 feet). Peru has it all, and there are countless fun sights and activities to do. To quickly show you what Peru has to offer, here is a list of 10 activities and sights that we think you shouldn’t miss in Peru!
#1 Go on a trek
In Peru, you can make the most beautiful treks. The most famous trek is, of course, the Inca Trail, a four-day hike where you walk the same path as the Incas did hundreds of years ago to reach Machu Picchu. In addition to the Inca Trail, there are still many other hikes to make in Peru. For example, Huaraz is a paradise for hikers, and in the surrounding area, you will find numerous snow-capped mountains and turquoise colored glacier lakes. Here you can make the Panorama hike to Laguna 69, and this is perhaps the most beautiful day hike you can do in all of Peru. Another different piece of nature in Peru is the Colca Canyon. Here you can make a cool walk through the second deepest canyon in the world.
#2 Flight over the Nazca Lines
The ancient Nazca Lines are a great mystery, and scientists and archaeologists still do not agree on the reason why these lines were made. These gigantic drawings were estimated to have been made between 200 BC and 900 AD by the population. The drawings were made by removing a thin layer of gravel, making the lighter pebbles underneath visible and forming lines. Because the Nazca region is one of the driest areas in the world, these lines are still so clearly visible. It is almost always windless, and it only rains here for an average of half an hour every two years. In the area, you can find up to 300 drawings, and the best way to see them is from the air. Jump into a tiny plane and spot the most beautiful drawings like the hummingbird and the monkey. Read our tips for a flight over the Nazca Lines beforehand here.
#3 Sandboarding in the desert
Time for an adrenaline boost! Hop into a buggy and race through the desert, up and down the sand dunes. Along the way, you will stop three times at the top of a sand dune. You will lie on your board and slide down the hill at high speed. Meanwhile, you’ll have a fantastic view of the vast desert with the sunset in the background. Check out more tips on what to do in Huacachina.
#4 Visit Moray and the Salt Terraces of Maras
Maras and Moray are two unique sights that the Incas built hundreds of years ago. The Salt Terraces of Maras is a unique place. Extremely salty water comes from a spring, which they occasionally let flow into the 3000 terraces. Then the water evaporates, leaving behind the salt. Check out the article on the Salt Terraces of Maras to learn how to get here. Eight kilometers (five miles) away is Moray. Moray is one of the most interesting Inca constructions. There are various theories and speculations about Moray, but it is thought that the Incas conducted an agricultural experiment here. One thing is for sure, these perfect circles are a spectacular sight.
#5 Drink coca tea
To prevent altitude sickness, they drink coca tea everywhere in Peru. This tea is full of leaves from the coca plant and quickly makes you feel fitter. Coca leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. The use of coca leaves in Peru is very old, and it helps against many ailments. For example, it stimulates your breathing, is good for your digestion, and has pain-relieving properties. You don’t have to worry that coca tea is addictive like cocaine. The concentration of cocaine in the leaf is very low, between 0.1 and 0.8%. So go ahead and enjoy one or more cups of coca tea in Peru!
#6 Spot Condors at the Colca Canyon
As mentioned above, the Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Grand Canyon in America. In addition to the spectacular views, it is the best place in Peru to spot the giant condors. These enormous birds sometimes have a wingspan of 3.2 meters (10.5 feet)! This viewpoint is called Cruz del Condor and is located 13 kilometers (8 miles) outside of Cabanaconde.
#7 Relax in the Hot Springs of Llaguar Lodge
We went on a beautiful trek through the Colca Canyon that led us to the Llaguar Lodge. This lodge is located by the river in the bottom of the Colca Canyon. They have created a number of heated pools here using natural hot springs, which offer a fantastic view. After a 6-hour walk, it’s a treat to relax in these hot springs. Want to know more about this place? Read all about this trek through the Colca Canyon.
#8 Spot Sea Lions at the Ballestas Islands
Located between Lima and Huacachina is the small town of Paracas. From here, you can hop on a boat to visit the Ballestas Islands. These islands are a protected natural area and you can spot all kinds of animals such as sea lions, penguins, and pelicans. There’s a good chance you’ll see huge groups of animals gathered here.
#9 Get Lost in a Local Market
Both in Cusco and Arequipa, you’ll find large local markets to visit. Locals come here to buy fresh produce such as vegetables, fish, meat, herbs, and much more. You’ll come across the strangest things and the smells change with every step you take. This is where you can taste the local life of Peru.
#10 Visit Machu Picchu
And last but not least: the biggest attraction of them all, the magical Machu Picchu. For many travelers, it’s the reason to get on a plane to Peru. Not only is Machu Picchu itself amazing, the surrounding nature is breathtaking as well. During your visit, walk to the Sun Gate or climb one of the mountains next to Machu Picchu. Read here all the information and tips for visiting Machu Picchu.
Experience All of This in 3 to 4 Weeks?
Do you want to check off all these awesome activities and attractions in about 3 to 4 weeks? We have been to Peru multiple times and have created the ultimate travel route through Peru based on our experience. This way, you’ll visit the most beautiful places and taste the real Peruvian life!