Top 21 Must-Experience Activities in Peru for 2025

There are a lot of amazing things to do in Peru besides trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Albeit, you must visit the magnificent Inca ruins; it’s one of the essential things to do in Peru! However, after that, there are numerous other incredible sites to explore throughout the country that you probably haven’t even heard of.

We’ve had the opportunity to visit Peru multiple times. It takes time to see it all, but we are here to assist you in determining the best things to see in Peru. If you have a couple of weeks, there are several highlights we believe you should not miss. To help you plan your trip, here are our top ideas for what to do in Peru.

1. Machu Picchu

Chances are Machu Picchu is at the top of your list of must-see destinations in Peru. The Inca ruins of this breathtaking city are among the most famous attractions in the nation. We visited Machu Picchu first thing in the morning to witness the sunrise. I was taken aback as I walked in the dark and encountered a llama in my path. It turns out there are llamas scattered all over these ancient ruins. Machu Picchu is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

The setting of the Lost City of the Incas is genuinely extraordinary. Understanding how the Incan Empire constructed this city clinging to the mountainside, with terraces cascading into the valley, is utterly fascinating. Machu Picchu was reintroduced to the Western world by Hiram Bingham as the Lost City of the Incas in 1911.

2. Hike the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail ranks as one of the world’s most famous and iconic treks. To hike the Inca Trail is at the pinnacle of many adventure seekers’ bucket lists. It is one of Peru’s prime tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the globe to explore this ancient pathway. The classic Machu Picchu trek typically takes only 3 days to reach the Inca ruins, but be prepared for a physically demanding journey. You’ll be trekking for nearly 7 hours each day, so we recommend considering a longer tour for a more enjoyable experience.

3. Hike Rainbow Mountain

The trek to and from Rainbow Mountain is one of the best activities to partake in across Peru. This day-long hike exceeds 14,000 feet, tracing a dirt path between towering peaks of green and striking red rock. It’s a stunning route that takes you past local villages made from stone and shimmering mountain streams, leading to a breathtaking rainbow-colored mountain scene that you will never forget.

4. Cusco

Cusco is a charming colonial town and the primary access point for trekking to Machu Picchu. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is also a city worth exploring in its own right. Situated at a high altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level, it may take some time to acclimate after your flight. Take it easy and enjoy plenty of cocoa tea.

Be sure to visit the Plaza de Armas, where you can explore the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. Cusco boasts its very own Christ the Redeemer statue, and you must not miss the Twelve Angled Stone, an architectural marvel from an Inca palace.

6. Sacred Valley

If trekking to Machu Picchu isn’t in your plans, a great alternative is to explore the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is an impressive Inca city that you will have the opportunity to explore, surrounded by the magnificent Andes mountains, where we walked along its agricultural terraces.

7. Huacachina

Huacachina is a village built around a natural lake in the heart of the desert, famously known as the Oasis of America. This picturesque location is a must-add to your list of things to do in Peru. Hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses line the lake, which is encircled by towering sand dunes, making it a perfect spot to unwind for a while.

8. Dune Hiking

Before visiting Peru, I didn’t even realize that the country featured a desert, let alone a vast expanse stretching over 188,700 square kilometers. The stunning desert is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, and riding its slopes was an exhilarating experience. There is nothing quite like hiking to the summit of a dune and watching the sun set over the horizon.

9. Sandboarding

As enthusiastic snowboarders, we could not resist trying sandboarding while visiting some of the world’s highest sand dunes. Although we weren’t quite as proficient at it as we are with snowboarding, mastering it was a thrilling adventure.

10. Dune Buggy Tour

If you are looking for thrilling experiences in Peru, this is it! I was genuinely apprehensive during our dune buggy tour as the dunes here are so steep that I feared we might flip. It was the most exhilarating ride we have ever experienced.

11. Pisco Wine Tour

Did you know Peru has exceptional wine? We arranged for a driver from Huacachina to explore the nearby vineyards for a day. The owners are friendly and welcoming, allowing ample opportunities to taste a variety of wines. While visiting, make sure to sample the local spirit, Pisco! Pisco Sours are delicious and represent Peru’s national drink.

12. Isla Ballestas

Isla Ballestas can be considered Peru’s version of the Galapagos Islands. Near the town of Pisco, you can take a boat to observe sea lions and penguins frolicking in their natural habitat. Witnessing wildlife in this setting is a delightful experience.

13. Nazca Lines

Are you wondering what to see in Peru that will truly amaze you? The Nazca Lines are a remarkable sight. These ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert are shrouded in mystery. Believed to have originated around 500 BC in the Nazca culture, they stand as one of Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. How could ancient humans create such intricate designs in the desert, stretching up to 370 meters (1,200 feet) long, that have withstood erosion, rain, and wind for over 2,500 years? You have to see them for yourself.

14. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, located along the Bolivian border, is the highest navigable lake in the world, reaching 3,812 meters (12,300 feet) in the Andes. A trip to Lake Titicaca allows you to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, especially when visiting the famous floating houses.

The Uros people inhabit floating islands constructed from reeds, creating a unique community on the lake. New reeds are continuously added to the tops of the islands as older, rotting reeds float away. The Uros Floating Islands serve as a major attraction for visitors to Lake Titicaca seeking a glimpse of traditional life.

15. Hike Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is renowned for its giant condors soaring high above. There are options for both two-day and five-day hikes into Colca Canyon. Located in the south of the country, Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. If you are exploring the Arequipa and Huacachina regions, this excursion is conveniently situated only 5 hours away!

16. Catacombs of the Monastery of San Francisco in Lima

While in Lima, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the historic old city and admire the Plaza Mayor’s colonial architecture. The historic center of Lima is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and indispensable when searching for things to do in Peru. Stroll through the ancient streets to discover numerous historical sights. One of our favorite experiences was visiting the Catacombs of the Monastery of San Francisco, which felt distinctly darker and eerier than the famous catacombs in Paris.

17. Visit the Cathedral of Lima

The Basilica Cathedral of Lima usually ranks as the first stop for visitors in the downtown Plaza Mayor area. Inside, you can view the tomb of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Moreover, simply soaking in the beauty and serenity of the interior is worth your visit.

18. Paraglide Miraflores in Lima

If you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure in Peru, paragliding is for you. Miraflores is one of the easiest places in the world to experience this thrilling activity. Just walk down to the Miraflores cliffs and ask the local teams to take you paragliding over the city.

19. Trek the Huayhuash Circuit

This challenging 10 to 13-day hike immerses you deep into the Peruvian Andes, where you will encounter massive mountains, glaciers, picturesque mirror lakes, and vibrant local culture. It is undeniably one of the most unique things to do in Peru, and your friends are unlikely to have experienced this route.

As Miguel of TravelSauro says, “it is a fantastic alternative to the well-trodden Santa Cruz trek in the Cordillera Blanca range, attracting fewer hikers.” You’ll have the opportunity to visit villages, buy cheese from locals, and relish spectacular scenery that you’ll likely have almost entirely to yourself! However, if you do want to tackle the Cordillera Blanca Trek, it remains in proximity to the Huayhuash Circuit.

20. Take an Amazon River Cruise

We embarked on a luxurious riverboat journey with International Expeditions, delving deep into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. This once-in-a-lifetime experience leads you along the world’s longest river to spot pink dolphins, three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, and to visit local villages. Truly, the Amazon stands out as one of the greatest attractions in Peru.

Consider spending a day or two exploring Iquitos before your Amazon River adventure. Iquitos holds the title of the largest city in the world that is not accessible by road, requiring either a plane or boat trip. The Amazon remains a must-see when visiting Peru, and a river cruise should certainly be on your itinerary.

21. Try the Local Cuisine

During your visit to Peru, sampling the local cuisine is an absolute necessity. The national drink is the Pisco Sour. This refreshing lime beverage packs a flavorful punch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try barbecued guinea pig or the local delicacy, alpaca. The wine region of Ica offers the chance to taste some of Peru’s finest vintages. If you venture into the Andean regions, look for unique foods such as Cuy (guinea pig), but while on the coast, ensure you indulge in Ceviche (raw fish salad).

When to Visit Peru

Peru is located on the West Coast of South America, spanning from the Pacific Ocean through the Andes Mountains to the Amazon basin. It shares borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile, leading to a diverse landscape and varying climate.

Typically, the best time to visit Peru is from May to September, which offers suitable conditions across most areas.

• Peru’s summer lasts from December to March, marking the warmest time to visit, but it is also the rainy season.
• The high season for travelers falls within the winter months of May to September.
• This period is consistently warm and dry.
• The ideal weather for visiting Machu Picchu stretches from April to November, but be prepared for large crowds and make arrangements in advance.

Peru’s vast geographical expanse presents very different climates.

• The Amazon Rainforest remains hot and humid, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius from May to September, although it experiences significant rain from October to April.
• The desert regions around Huacachina remain consistently dry and hot and can be visited all year round.
• The Andes can experience very cold temperatures, and the coastal areas can also have variable climate conditions.
• From December to March, expect rain and cooler temperatures, yet trekking is still an option for those seeking to avoid large crowds.

So there you have it, our top recommendations for things to do in Peru. Do you have any additions? We’d love to hear your thoughts and check them out during our next visit!