Peru is one of South America’s most rewarding travel destinations, combining ancient civilizations, dramatic mountain landscapes, Pacific coastline, colorful cities, wildlife, and some of the continent’s most distinctive cuisine.
While Machu Picchu is undoubtedly Peru’s most famous attraction, there is much more to discover. From exploring the historic streets of Cusco to sailing across Lake Titicaca and tasting Peruvian food in Lima, the country offers a remarkable variety of experiences.
If you’re planning your first trip, these are some of the best things to do in Peru.
1. Explore Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu.
The ancient Inca citadel sits dramatically among the mountains of the Sacred Valley and is one of the world’s most recognizable archaeological sites.
Take time to explore the terraces, stone structures, viewpoints, and surrounding mountains rather than rushing through the site.
You can reach Machu Picchu through several travel options, including train services from the Sacred Valley area or multi-day trekking routes.
If you want to hike, research permits, routes, altitude, and seasonal conditions well in advance.
2. Explore Historic Cusco
Cusco was once the heart of the Inca Empire and remains one of Peru’s most fascinating cities.
The historic center combines Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a distinctive cityscape.
Spend time around Plaza de Armas, then explore the surrounding streets and historic buildings.
Other places worth visiting include:
- Qorikancha
- Cusco Cathedral
- San Blas
- Sacsayhuamán
- Local markets
Cusco is also one of the main starting points for exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
3. Visit the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley stretches through the Andes near Cusco and is filled with archaeological sites, traditional villages, agricultural terraces, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Popular stops include:
Pisac: Known for its archaeological site and traditional market.
Ollantaytambo: A historic settlement with impressive Inca ruins and stone terraces.
Chinchero: Known for traditional weaving and Andean culture.
Instead of treating the Sacred Valley as simply a stop between Cusco and Machu Picchu, consider spending at least a full day exploring the region.
4. Experience the Inca Trail
For adventurous travelers, hiking the Inca Trail is one of Peru’s classic experiences.
The traditional route takes hikers through mountain scenery, archaeological sites, cloud forests, and high-altitude landscapes before reaching Machu Picchu.
The trek requires preparation because of altitude, terrain, and changing weather.
Permits are limited, so planning ahead is important.
If the classic Inca Trail doesn’t suit your travel plans, Peru also offers other trekking routes in the Andes.
5. Discover Lima’s Food Scene
Lima is one of the best places to experience Peru’s internationally recognized cuisine.
The country’s food combines Indigenous ingredients with influences from Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese, and other culinary traditions.
Some dishes and foods to try include:
- Ceviche
- Lomo saltado
- Ají de gallina
- Anticuchos
- Causa
- Picarones
Explore neighborhoods such as Miraflores and Barranco, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés, galleries, and coastal views.
6. Walk Through Barranco in Lima
Barranco is one of Lima’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.
The district is known for colorful streets, historic buildings, art spaces, cafés, restaurants, and its creative atmosphere.
Walk toward the Puente de los Suspiros and explore the surrounding streets.
Barranco is especially enjoyable later in the day when the neighborhood becomes livelier.
It’s also a good place to combine food with an evening of relaxed exploration.
7. See the Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are enormous geoglyphs created in the desert landscape of southern Peru.
The designs include animals, plants, geometric shapes, and other figures that are best appreciated from above.
Scenic flights are one of the most common ways to see the major formations.
Because flights depend on weather and operational conditions, build some flexibility into your itinerary if seeing the Nazca Lines is a priority.
8. Visit Lake Titicaca
Located high in the Andes, Lake Titicaca is one of South America’s most famous lakes.
The lake sits on the border between Peru and Bolivia and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and traditional communities.
From the Peruvian side, Puno is a common base for exploring the lake.
Boat trips can take visitors to islands and communities where traditional ways of life remain an important part of the local culture.
The altitude is significant, so allow your body time to adjust before undertaking strenuous activities.
9. Explore Arequipa
Arequipa is one of Peru’s most beautiful colonial cities.
The historic center features buildings constructed from pale volcanic stone known as sillar, giving parts of the city a distinctive appearance.
Spend time around Plaza de Armas and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a remarkable complex with colorful streets, courtyards, and historic architecture.
Arequipa is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Andes.
10. Visit Colca Canyon
Located near Arequipa, Colca Canyon offers spectacular mountain scenery and opportunities to see Andean condors.
The canyon is famous for its enormous scale and dramatic landscapes.
Many visitors begin at viewpoints such as Cruz del Condor, where condors may be visible soaring through the canyon.
More adventurous travelers can explore hiking routes into the canyon, although these require proper preparation because of the altitude and demanding terrain.
11. Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Peru contains a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest, offering an entirely different travel experience from the Andes.
Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are among the destinations commonly used as gateways to Amazon experiences.
Depending on where you go, activities can include:
- Wildlife observation
- River excursions
- Jungle walks
- Birdwatching
- Canoe trips
- Nighttime wildlife tours
A guided experience is generally the best way to explore the rainforest safely and learn about its ecosystem.
12. Visit Huacachina
Huacachina is a small oasis surrounded by enormous sand dunes near the city of Ica.
The landscape looks dramatically different from Peru’s mountains and rainforest.
Popular activities include:
- Sandboarding
- Dune buggy rides
- Sunset photography
- Walking around the oasis
The surrounding desert makes Huacachina particularly memorable for travelers looking for an adventurous experience.
13. Explore Paracas National Reserve
Peru’s Pacific coast offers another side of the country.
Paracas National Reserve combines desert landscapes, dramatic cliffs, beaches, and marine ecosystems.
Boat excursions from Paracas can also take visitors toward the Ballestas Islands, where marine wildlife can often be observed.
You may see:
- Sea lions
- Penguins
- Seabirds
- Dolphins
- Other coastal wildlife
Paracas works well as part of a southern Peru road trip alongside Ica and Huacachina.
14. Experience Peruvian Markets
Markets are an excellent way to experience everyday Peruvian life.
Depending on the destination, you can find fresh produce, spices, textiles, handicrafts, clothing, and local foods.
In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, markets are particularly interesting for travelers interested in traditional Andean products and textiles.
Take your time browsing rather than simply buying souvenirs.
If you’re interested in traditional crafts, look for locally produced textiles and handmade goods.
15. Watch the Sunset Over the Pacific
Peru is often associated with mountains and archaeological sites, but its Pacific coastline deserves attention too.
Lima offers several excellent coastal viewpoints, particularly around Miraflores and Barranco.
Walk along the cliffs, explore the coastal parks, and watch the sun disappear over the Pacific.
It’s a simple experience, but after days of exploring archaeological sites, mountains, and cities, it can be a perfect way to slow down.
Best Places to Visit in Peru
If you are planning a first trip, consider including some of these destinations:
| Destination | Best Known For |
|---|---|
| Lima | Food, coastline, culture |
| Cusco | Inca history and colonial architecture |
| Machu Picchu | Ancient Inca citadel |
| Sacred Valley | Mountains, ruins and villages |
| Arequipa | Colonial architecture |
| Colca Canyon | Condors and mountain scenery |
| Puno | Lake Titicaca |
| Ica | Desert landscapes |
| Huacachina | Sand dunes and adventure |
| Paracas | Coastal wildlife |
| Puerto Maldonado | Amazon rainforest |
| Iquitos | Amazon river and jungle experiences |
How Many Days Do You Need in Peru?
For a first visit, 10–14 days can provide a good introduction to Peru.
A possible itinerary could look like:
Days 1–2: Lima
Days 3–4: Cusco
Day 5: Sacred Valley
Days 6–7: Machu Picchu
Days 8–9: Cusco and surrounding areas
Days 10–11: Arequipa
Day 12: Colca Canyon
Days 13–14: Lima or additional destination
If you have more time, add the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, or Peru’s southern coast.
Tips for Your First Trip to Peru
Take altitude seriously
Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and several other destinations are at high elevations.
Give yourself time to acclimatize before attempting strenuous hikes.
Don’t rush your itinerary
Peru’s geography means travel between destinations can take longer than expected.
Build some flexibility into your schedule.
Prepare for different climates
You can experience coastal desert, high-altitude mountains, and tropical rainforest during the same trip.
Pack accordingly.
Book major attractions ahead
Popular attractions such as Machu Picchu and major trekking routes can require advance planning, particularly during busy travel periods.
Try regional food
Peruvian cuisine varies considerably between the coast, Andes, and Amazon.
Don’t limit yourself to the dishes you already know.
Final Thoughts
Peru is much more than Machu Picchu.
Its combination of Inca history, Andean landscapes, Pacific coastline, Amazon rainforest, colonial cities, traditional communities, and exceptional food makes it one of the most diverse destinations in South America.
For a first trip, focus on a few regions rather than trying to cover the entire country. Start with Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, then add destinations such as Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, or the southern coast depending on your interests and available time.
The result will be a trip that combines some of Peru’s most famous sights with experiences that give you a deeper sense of the country.
