What to do in Peru is not the question. It is how to choose what to do and then how best to enjoy it. While anyone who visits this rich Andean destination will likely go to Machu Picchu and Cusco there are other unusual spots to discover and experiences to have.
For the record, here is a nutshell list of the top ten things for your what to do in Peru list – and then some
Machu Picchu: What to do in Peru?
This iconic Incan archaeological site is a must-visit. Hike the Inca Trail or take the train to experience the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of this ancient city.
Cusco
Explore the historic city of Cusco, once the capital of the Incan Empire. Wander through its charming streets, visit archaeological sites, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Sacred Valley
This picturesque region is dotts with Incan ruins, traditional markets, and stunning landscapes. Visit places like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Maras to get a deeper understanding of Andean culture.
Amazon Rainforest
Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest. Take a guides tour to experience the unique flora and fauna, learn about indigenous cultures, and enjoy activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.
Colca Canyon
This canyon is one of the world’s deepest and offers stunning views. You can hike along its edges, visit traditional villages, and even spot the majestic Andean condor.
Lake Titicaca
Discover the world’s highest navigable lake and its unique floating islands of reeds. Interact with the local Uros people to learn about their traditional way of life.
Nazca Lines
Take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, depicting various animals and shapes.
Huacachina Oasis
Enjoy some adrenaline by sandboarding on the dunes surrounding this desert oasis. You can also take dune buggy rides and enjoy the stunning sunset views.
Peruvian Cuisine
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Peruvian cuisine, which gain international recognition. Don’t miss trying ceviche, lomo saltado, and the famous Peruvian corn-based drink, chicha morada.
Arequipa
Explore the “White City” known for its colonial architecture, including the Santa Catalina Monastery. Nearby, you can also visit the Colca Canyon and witness the Andean condors soaring overhead.
Mysteries of Amazonas: What to do in Peru?
Meanwhile, after more than a year of restoration work on its walls, the cultural icon of Amazonas opens its doors to tourism this month, allowing entry to a new circuit and free of charge for the general public and more bounty for the what to do in Peru list, or bucket list.
Known as the “Machu Picchu of the North,” the fortress of the Kuélap site is locate on the summit of Cerro Barreta, in the Utcubamba River valley, in the province of Luya, southwest of the city of Chachapoyas. It build between the 11th and 14th centuries by the Chachapoyas culture, a well-organizes population that includs administrative, religious, and residential areas. Its access is unique as it is locates at an altitude of 3000 meters in the Amazonas region.
Only 90 visitors per day can have the opportunity to see the Kuélap site, to gaze at the grandeur of the walls over 20 meters high flanking the entrance and observe the circular structures of the Chachapoyas culture, the friezes that adorn their bases, and even observe the research work being carried out on some structures — all surrounded by cloud forests.
In its discovery in 1843, around 500 houses were found, most of which had a circular base. Outside the fortress, around 200 more houses were discovered. The Main Temple is one of the most important structures; it contained evidence of offerings, such as human bones. Burials and offerings were found around the building, coming from the coast and northern highlands.
What to Do in Peru: Getting to Kuélap
To reach Kuélap, you first need to get to Chachapoyas (Amazonas). From there, continue for about an hour by road to the town of Nuevo Tingo, and then take the cable car to reach the fortress, accompanied by spectacular views. Trekking enthusiasts can choose to embark on a six mile hike through stunning landscape at their own pace.
The recommendation is to arrive a day earlier to acclimate. On the return journey, visitors can take the opportunity to visit Chachapoyas, considered one of the oldest cities in Peru, and then take a detour to Gocta Waterfalls.
For train enthusiasts who want to see Machu Picchu, there is a new way to get there in style. Tambo del Inka a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, located in Sacred Valley, Peru, offers guests a memorable way up to Machu Picchu with its very own private train station located right on the property. The train, a luxurious 1920s-style carriage, is more than just a ride to the top of the mountain; it is a complete experience complete with a dining car, panoramic observation car, and an onboard cocktail lesson.
Upon entering the train, guests offers a refreshing Peruvian beverage to start the journey. Then they can get comfortable in the panoramic observation bar for picturesque views of Sacres Valley and the Urubamba River. Or, they can settle in for a meal in the dining car (lunch on the ride up, dinner on the way down) with white tablecloths, flowers, and wine glasses set at each table.
Other Panoramic View: What to do in Peru?
If the panoramic views and gourmet meals are not enough entertainment, guests can partake in a miniature cocktail lesson and learn to make a Pisco Punch. On the ride back down, guests return to the private on-property train station, just steps away from their rooms after an incredible day exploring one of the seven wonders of the world. This unforgettable experience lasts about 3 hours and costs $95 per person.
Tambo del Inka’s 128 rooms and suites bring broad views of the Andes and the Vilcanota River. The hotel’s novo-Andean cuisine includes a program that allows guests to harvest and make their own meals. The hotel’s Kallapa spa, considered the best spa in the country, is built on the belief of the healing power of water and includes hydromassage pools, Vichy showers, water massage beds, and more.
Rack rates start at $562 per night.
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