Planning a trip to Peru? This list of things to do will help you make the most of your time there!
Peru, the heart of the Great Inca Empire, is one of the world’s most fascinating countries to explore. However, with the various things to do in Peru, from rich cultural experiences to adrenaline-pumping adventures, planning the must-sees for your trip can be challenging and overwhelming. To help you make the most of your journey, we have put together nine things you must do in Peru. Let’s delve right in.
1. Explore Machu Picchu
Your Peru vacation cannot be complete without exploring the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Peru and South America. What makes the Inca ruin one of the globe’s most spectacular destinations is that it remained hidden from the world until 1911, when an archeologist, Hiram Bingham, rediscovered it. It is also the perfect example of human capability and Incan engineering. This is because the Incas carried stones with their bare hands up the mountains to build the city.
The location is one of Machu Picchu’s attractive aspects. It is perched on the mountain’s side, 300 meters over the Urubamba River, and 75 km from Cusco, the Inca capital. Machu Picchu attracts millions of tourists from all over the world, so it should definitely be at the top of your list of things to do in Peru. Visit cachilife.com to book a tour of Peru and explore the iconic Machu Picchu.
2. Hike the Inca trail
If you love hiking, consider including the Inca trail on your to-do list. The Inca trail is a winding footway that starts 82 km from the Cusco Aguas rail line and passes over 30 ancient Inca ruins and breathtaking sceneries. This footpath is also the Inca’s primary entry point to the most beautiful archeological site. The Inca trail is a four-day trek that ends at the world’s new seven wonders, the legendary Machu Picchu.
3. Explore Amazon
The Amazon gets a start in life in Carhuasanta, Peru, before finding its way down the Andes and into the Amazon Basin. This makes Peru the only South American state where you are guaranteed to experience the various Amazon regions that form the jungle. The most prolific and diverse section of the jungle is the Peruvian rainforest. The Manu National Park, one of the regions with the most extraordinary biodiversity in Peru and the world, has more than 200 mammal species and over 1000 species of birds.
4. Visit the Sacred Valley
Peru is famous for its rich, indigenous culture. An excellent place to learn about Peru’s locals and their culture and support them is the Sacred Valley of Incas. Sacred Valley is located at the center of the Peruvian Andes, comprising Vilcanota and Urubamba rivers.
Once perceived as the Inca Empire’s center, you are guaranteed to see various ancient ruins, including Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac in Sacred Valley. As you navigate the region, you will also be awestruck by Sacred Valley’s natural beauty, comprising salt pans, mountains, and valleys.
If you are feeling adventurous, you could indulge in Sacred Valley’s most popular fun activities, including paragliding, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and mountain biking. You could even try weaving, an ancient Inca practice passed down through generations in Chincheros.
5. Relax at Mancora beachfront
Take a break from the trip’s rich culture and history by relaxing at the Mancara beachfront. Mancara, one of the most fascinating beaches in the country, is found in Northern Peru. It is famous for its relaxed aura and world-class surf breaks. The Mancara beachfront attracts millions of tourists annually and offers accommodation options. Other attractive aspects of this beach include endless water activities, street markets, and seafood restaurants.
6. Tour the Ballestas Islands
If you are a nature lover, a tour to the Ballestas island is a must-do in Peru. Ballestas island is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife, from dolphins, penguins, and sea lions to pelicans. You will also enjoy rugged cliffs, bird-filled skies, and endless wildlife.
7. Join the Inti Raymi Festival celebrations
Join the locals in celebrating the spectacular Inti Raymi festival. Inti Raymi is a nine-day festival celebrated for more than five hundred years and is one of the most colorful ceremonies in Peru. The ceremony is a kaleidoscope of processions and rituals dedicated to the Sun King, Inti Raymi, requesting him to provide a good harvest.
The Inti Raymi celebrations are marked by a spectacular ceremony on June 24th, hosted in the ancient ruins of Cusco. You could dress in elaborate costumes like the locals and join them in feasting and drinking as you help them honor Mother Earth (Pachmama).
8. Dive into the Colca Canyon
Peru is home to the world’s deepest canyon, Colca Canyon. Located in Arequipa, Colca Canyon is believed to be two times deeper than the Grand Canyon. It features many hiking trails and hot springs.
Colca Canyon is also the natural habitat for Condors, the world’s largest bird. For this reason, if you have always fancied seeing these humongous birds up close, a Colca Canyon tour should be on top of your list.
9. Start a food adventure
If you are a foodie, you will fall in love with Peru. Lima, Peru, is home to three of the world’s best restaurants and is considered South America’s culinary capital. Peru also features unique dishes, such as roasted guinea pigs and the world’s most spicy potatoes.
In Conclusion
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for you and your loved ones. Be sure to explore Machu Picchu, hike the Inca Trail, visit the Sacred Valley, relax on the Mancora beachfront, dive into Colca Canyon, and start a food adventure to make your Peru trip exciting and memorable.
