The Best Peru Travel Guide - Top Things To Do in Peru

From the historical treasure trove of Lima to the vibrant Iquitos, a fascinating jungle city featuring a seamless mix of various cultural influences and regions housing mountain towns amidst some of the country's tallest summits, you can never get enough of Peru. Famed for its unparalleled biodiversity, being in the top five most biologically diverse countries globally, it is one of the best nature travel destinations in the world. Colonial-era riches, scenic mountain landscapes, riveting ancient ruins, and endless gastronomic adventures are the icing on the cake to what makes Peru absolutely seductive.

 

 

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If you are planning a trip to Peru, check out our Peru Travel & Peru Tour.

 

 

Walking & Hiking 

Peru is the perfect destination for every hiker. It features awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes, including the Andes, which span over 23,000 kilometres and houses the famous Inca Trail, which provides breathtaking vistas and a taste of the rich Inca empire in Peru as you traverse. This country also comprises smaller mountain ranges like the Cordillera Blanca, usually referred to as the country's trekking capital. Decorating the mountains on each side are vast foothills, rich farmland, flowing rivers, and several other alluring features of nature. Based on your choice, there are various exciting days and multi-day walking and hiking adventures you can embark on. The most popular multi-day trek is the Inca Trail which takes you to an altitude of over 4000 m (14,000 feet) in the Andes, provides heart-stopping views, and ends at Machu Picchu. Other multi-day hikes, such as the Rainbow Mountain and Salkantay trek, reward you with panoramas of brilliantly coloured peaks and a dive into the diverse ecosystems. There are also day hike experiences to gorgeous mountain lakes such as the Humantay Lake, which captivates you with its crystal-blue waters, and Laguna 69 with its turquoise glacier-fed lake. Every trek taking you through fascinating terrains and rewarding you with jaw-dropping views promises to be fulfilling, some more challenging than others. Learn about our Peru Hiking Adventures.

 

 

 

Witness Wildlife and Untouched Nature

As a megadiverse region, Peru allows you to appreciate and fall in love with nature and wildlife in ways you haven't before. The second-largest expanse of the Amazon is the Peruvian Amazon, only after the Brazilian. It covers almost two-thirds of Peru and houses only 5 percent of its population but 262 amphibian species, 806 birds, 697 fish, 7,372 flowering plants, 700 ferns, 293 mammals, 2,500 butterflies, and 180 types of reptiles. There are numerous areas to explore to enjoy the magic and allure of the Peruvian Amazon, including spotting endangered species like the pink river dolphins. If you decide to explore the area around Iquitos, stay at a jungle lodge near Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, as this provides you with unique opportunities to spot and observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat since it houses over 1,000 animal species and 965 species of wild plants. You are advised to visit this area with an organised tour group for safety reasons. However, if you are travelling in the southern jungle, the Tambopata National Reserve is an excellent destination. You get to see an incredible diversity of plants and animals and learn about the culture of rainforest communities. Whether it is areas in the Amazon or a protected coastal area like the Paracas National Reserve, be prepared to encounter a variety of wildlife and plant life like you never have . Immerse in our Amazon River Cruises.

 

 

 

Behold the Ruins of Ancient Civilizations

Peru is known to be home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites in South America, most especially the popular ancient ruins. Machu Picchu, one of "The Seven Wonders of the World," is the best-known of the ancient ruins in Peru. It sits above the Peruvian Sacred Valley, offering gorgeous landscape views and evidence of former plazas, residential buildings, temples, and agricultural buildings, making it one of the few pre-Columbian ruins still nearly intact. The Sacsayhuaman in Cusco is another famed ruin comprising giant stones and vast zigzagging Inca walls. It is assumed to be an ancient military fortress used to protect the Incan capital below. Situated on a hill, about 3,700 metres above sea level and surrounded by mountains, it provides sights of the summits of Ausangante, Pachatusan, and Cinca. Several other fascinating ruins, including Pisac and Chan Chan, offer insight into past civilizations.

 

 

photo credit: Inti Raymi, Palacio del Inka

 

Embark on a Gastronomical Adventure

Another addition to why Peru is an excellent travel destination is its rich culinary scene. It is a great place for connoisseurs of food, especially Lima, known as Peru's food capital. Savour some of the best fusion cuisines in the world, like the unique Peruvian-Chinese food fusion, delectable traditional Andean dishes, interesting Asian and European twists on classic Andean cooking, and mouthwatering seafood. Cusco is another city to encounter rich, authentic flavours. Relish delectable meals, including fusions and signature Peruvian dishes at high-end restaurants and sample street food, such as cuy (guinea pig) and ceviche (marinated raw fish or seafood). Embark on food tours that include visits to local markets, and insights into Peru's gastronomy, helping you become well-acquainted with the local menu. The whole country is one huge gastronomical adventure, and you can be sure to keep your tastebuds dancing the entire trip.

 

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