From hiking to visiting the iconic Machu Picchu, Peru has it all and more besides. There’s a lot to see and do in this magnificent South American country so be prepared for taking several Peru tours if you want to see it all.
Here is a list of some of the things you must include in your itinerary.
Hike the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the most iconic trails in the world. If you’ve not got it on your bucket list you should add it right away. It’s a top attraction in Peru and visitors flock from all over the world to hike the ancient route.
The classic Machu Picchu trek takes just three days to reach the Inca Ruins, but it’s a lot of hard work. If you’re not ready for trekking for 7 hours each day, you might want to book a longer tour.
Hike the Rainbow Mountain
Hiking to and from Rainbow Mountain is another must-do thing. The trek takes a whole day at a height of over 14,000 feet.
Along the route, you’ll pass villages built from stone, cross glittering mountain streams, and trace a path through peaks of startling red and green rock.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find a memorable rainbow-colored mountain scene that you can take home with you.
Visit the Sacred Valley
If you’re not ready to take on the hike to Machu Picchu, another option is to visit the Sacred Valley. A very impressive Inca City that you’ll get the chance to explore is Ollantaytambo. The views of the surrounding Andes are spectacular as are the typical agricultural terraces among the mountains.
Catch a Boat to Isla Ballestas
This is Peru’s version of the Galapagos Islands. Head for the town of Pisco and hop on a boat that takes you to the islands. You’ll get to experience some really cute sights including penguins and sea lions frolicking around in their natural environment.
Sit on the Shore of Lake Titicaca
This lake sits at the Bolivian border and is the highest navigable lake in the world. It’s located at 3,812 meters in the Andes. Sit on the shore and get a glimpse of Peruvian culture and experience the lake’s famous floating houses in person.
The floating islands are inhabited by the Uros people. They are constructed from reeds and sustain entire communities. As the old rotting reeds float away, new ones are constantly added.
The Nazca Lines
These are one of the many sights in Peru that are sure to blow your mind. So far, there’s no explanation for these ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert, but maybe you can come up with a theory.
It is believed that the lines originated in 500 BC and were created by the Nazca culture. They are just one of Peru’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
How was it possible for such primitive humans to create such intricate designs in the desert, some of which is 370 meters long? Even more confusing is the fact that they’ve managed to last 2500 years and survived erosion, wind, rain, and time.
Take an Amazon River Cruise
A cruise along the Amazon River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sail along the longest river in the world and you’ll catch glimpses of pink dolphins, howler monkeys, and three-toed sloths, and visit local river villages.
Start your trip with a visit to Iquitos, the largest city in the world that’s not accessible by road. The only way to get there is by plane or boat.
Descend into the Magnificent Cañón Del Colca
This wonderland of Andean panoramas is four hours outside of Arequipa. The jaw-dropping views include idyllic villages and mountainsides carved by ancient terraces. Don’t forget to look up as well as the sky is often filled with condors soaring on the wind currents.
Head for Chivay, from which you can explore the canyon in one day. It’s also possible to trek to the floor of the canyon and back up again before nightfall. However, there’s so much to see and appreciate that it really deserves a few days.
Make the Most of the Local Cuisine
Peru’s cuisine is not for the faint of heart, but you must experience at least a few of the more unusual dishes on offer in the country.
In Peru, you can experience the world’s most pungent potatoes as well as roasted guinea pig. Cuy is the Peruvian name for guinea pig and is easy to find in highland towns such as Cusco and the Urubamba valley.
Over the last few years, Peru has become a foodie destination but fortune favors the brave. Peru is also home to some of the world’s most innovative young chefs who are creating some of the most exciting and tasty dishes anywhere in the world.
