Things to do in Peru, besides Machu Picchu
As one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the world, the legendary Incan city of Machu Picchu needs little introduction. Set high in the misty Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is Peru’s greatest treasure and it lives up to every expectation.
Our trip to Peru was centered around the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. The challenging 4-day trek continues to rank as one of the most memorable travel experiences of our lives. We did the Inca Trail hike with G Adventures and would highly recommend them.
The moment we crossed over the Sun Gate and witnessed Machu Picchu for the first time will forever be etched in our minds. It’s a special place.
Although Machu Picchu gets most of the glory, and rightly so, there is so much more to Peru. From the arid Pacific coast to the lush Amazon Rainforest, Peru is one of the most diverse countries in world.
In this post, we share a few of the other things to do in Peru for first time visitors.
Note – this post was originally published in 2010 but was updated in May 2023.
1. Hike the Colca Canyon
Even if hiking is not your thing, witnessing the beauty of the Colca Canyon should not be missed. Along with its spectacular scenery, Colca Canyon’s claim to fame is that it’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States, though the canyon walls are not as dramatic.
Colca Canyon is said to be one of the deepest canyons in the world, so trekkers are advised to take it slow to avoid altitude sickness (the canyon depth is over 10,000 feet!).
There are several mountain villages in the Colca Valley, but the most popular is the town of Chivay, celebrated for its natural hot springs. An added bonus is that the drive to Colca Canyon passes an incredible terraced valley (see photo below).
Learn about bus, train and minivan travel options in Peru here.
The bus stopped at this viewpoint so we could photograph these beautiful terraces in the Colca Valley.
Arequipa to Colca Canyon
It’s easy to book Colca Canyon tours that depart from Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city. The journey passes through remarkable volcano country (see above photo – can you spot the wild alpaca?), at heights over 4,900 meters, before descending into the Colca Valley.
Technically, you can do a full day trip to Colca Canyon from Arequipa, but it would be a very long day (15 hours). We recommend you stay overnight in Chivay. Here are a few things to do in Chivay and places to stay in Chivay.
Colca Canyon weather can be unpredictable, given the region’s diverse landscapes. Bring warm clothing and layers, even if you don’t plan to go hiking the Colca Canyon.
The Colca Valley is Peru’s third most-visited tourist destination with 120,000+ visitors annually.
Andean Condor in the Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon region is also famous for being home to the rare Andean Condor, an enormous bird with the largest wing span of any land bird (3.2 meters).
2. The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca
Aside from having the title as being the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca is famous for its floating reed islands. The islands are home to the Uros, an indigenous people that pre-dates Incan civilization.
Touring these man-made floating islands offers an interesting perspective into the lives of the Uros people. It’s a strange feeling the first time you step on an island made entirely of reeds. You can’t help but think that at any moment the reeds might give way and you’ll slip into the frigid lake.
There are over 100 floating islands on Lake Titicaca. Most are located 5 km from the shores of Puno. The larger islands house about ten families, while smaller ones house two or three families.
How to get to Lake Titicaca
The best way to get to Lake Titicaca is to take the bus from Cusco to Puno (assuming you visit the floating islands after Machu Picchu). The bus from Cusco to Puno takes about 8 hours. You can also take the bus from Arequipa to Puno, which takes about 5 hours. Peru bus passes can be purchased at Peru Hop.
We visited Lake Titicaca and the floating islands as part of an organized tour with G Adventures. You can find current promotions and travel deals here.
If you’re backpacking in Peru, you can easily book day trips to the floating islands from the city of Puno. Hotels in Puno are relatively inexpensive. We stayed at this Puno hotel and it was good value. It’s located near the Puno Cathedral and Puno Plaza de Armas.
To reach the floating islands from Puno, you will board a covered motor boat (similar to one in the distance in the above photo). Guests can tour the floating islands in this canoe-style boat, also made of reeds.
Get Last Minute pricing and travel deals here.
3. Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Did you know that Peru has the second largest portion of the Amazon Rainforest after Brazil? The Peruvian Amazonia covers 60% of the country, creating a unique and diverse ecosystem.
The main Peru entry points to the Amazon Basin are from Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. It’s recommended to fly to both regions because the road infrastructure is quite poor.
We took a flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, known as a gateway to the southern Amazon jungle. From the airport, we transferred to a covered river boat and traveled 3 hours up the Tambopata River.
We spent two nights in an isolated and remote jungle lodge. There is something eerie, yet peaceful, about sleeping in an open cabin in the middle of the Amazon Jungle. Rain drops dance on the thatched roof while howler monkeys hoot in the distance.
We visited the Peruvian Amazon on a tour with G Adventures.
The runway at the Padre Aldamiz International Airport in Puerto Maldonado.
Aboard the river boat on the Tambopata River in the Peru Amazon Rainforest.
We spotted this curious, yet frightened, sloth on a night walk. He was not happy to see us.
Night boat tour in Peru’s Amazon Rainforest
We went on a night boat tour while in the Amazon Rainforest. We captured this little caiman hiding in the jungle mangroves on the river’s edge.
I’ll admit, the night boat tour was freaky. It’s so quiet in the middle of the jungle. The lodge was miles away from civilization. The only light was from the glow of the moon and our captain’s flash light.
All smiles after a morning walk in the rainforest. This is the exclusive G Lodge Amazon resort.
4. Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines
Located in the Nazca Desert plains, the mysterious Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs that range from wildlife to geometric designs. There are several theories about how and why the geoglyphs were created, but it seems nothing is conclusive.
Regardless, the Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s most interesting and peculiar attractions. The best way to view these World Heritage-listed geo-glyphs is by airplane.
Nazca Lines Air tours depart from Lima. If you plan to return to Lima, this is a full day tour (about 11-12 hours). A luxurious van will pick you up at your Lima hotel and drive 4 hours to Paracas. This is where you will board your Nazca Lines air tour. Flight time is typically 1.5 hours. After the flight, you spend some time in Paracas before returning to Lima.
If you don’t want to return to Lima, we recommend you spend a few days in Paracas and explore nearby Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands National Reserve.
5. Sand boarding and Dune Buggy in Huacachina
Giant sand dunes in Peru? Yup, Peru really does have a little bit of everything.
Huacachina is a unique desert oasis located just outside the city of Ica. The massive sand dunes that surround the small desert village are a playground for adrenaline seeking tourists.
The most popular things to do in Huacachina is sand boarding and high speed dune buggy rides (we highly recommend both). Most dune buggy tours will include sand boarding and sand skiing. You can rent sand boarding equipment from most hostels and hotels.
Dune buggy tours are typically 2 hours. Departure times are later in the afternoon (around 4:00 PM) because the sand is too hot during the middle of the day. It also lines up well with sunset. Witnessing the sunset from the peak of a giant sand dune is a bucketlist experience you will never forget.
Huacachina is located 4 hours south of Lima and 11 hours from Arequipa. We took the overnight bus from Arequipa to Ica (get the tourist class, it’s similar to first class seats on an airplane – very comfortable).
Although it’s nice to sleep for most of the bus trip, the downside is that we arrived in Ica at 6:00 AM when nothing is open. We took a taxi from the Ica bus station to Huacachina and sat at a restaurant for a few hours until our hotel room was available.
You can paddle boat on the lake at Huacachina. You can also swim in the lake, but most hostels and hotels in Huacachina have swimming pools.
Dune buggy tours in Huacachina
The high speed dune buggy tours are awesome. Our driver enjoyed slamming on the gas and jumping down the sides of the sand dunes. There were a few intense moments where I thought he was going to roll the buggy, but he didn’t.
It was quite the ride. We highly recommend you give it a shot.
For a different perspective, lie on your stomach and ride down the dunes face first. But make sure you take a deep breathe and close your mouth. Sand doesn’t taste very good.
Above and below – Cameron sand boarding down the giant sand dunes in Huacachina.
Sandboarding Tips
Use an old snowboard with proper bindings and boots, if available. You can find old snowboards and skis at hostels and hotels in Huacachina. Otherwise, you’re likely to be strapped to a heavy wooden plank with poor control.
Watch your speed on the sand boards. Although it feels similar to snowboarding, it’s not. Sand is sticky, so it takes a little longer to get going and the boards act differently on sand.
If you go too fast and you fall, you will eat lots of sand. Not fun. You will also be sweaty (you’re in the desert) so the sand will stick to your body. Also not fun.
Where to stay in Huacachina?
There a plenty of accommodations in Huacachina. The village is basically built for tourism, so you have a wide range of options to choose from.
Keep in mind, Huacachina is a popular stop on the backpacker trail, so most of the hostels have a loud party vibe. If you’re looking for quiet, consider staying at a hotel in Ica, like the
We spent a total of 4 nights in Huacachina. The first night was at La Casa de Bamboo Hostel. It’s cheap but does not have a pool. It was the only option that was available at the time of our early arrival.
We decided to spend a little more money and relocate to the Carola Lodge. We would recommend this hotel. It has a big pool and a fun party vibe. But be forewarned, it can get loud on a Friday night.
Other good budget options are the Hotel El Huacachinero and Hostel Sand and Lake.
Search for more Huacachina hotels here.
Watching the sunset from the peak of a giant sand dune is an epic experience.
6. Surfing in Mancora
Where is the best place to surf in Peru? Well, that depends on who you ask!
Located on the Pacific coast in Northern Peru, the beach town of Mancora is famed for its pristine beaches, great surf and chilled out atmosphere. It’s home to Peru’s best stretch of sandy beach and it’s known for serving up the country’s best ceviche.
If beach lounging and catching waves are your thing, Mancora is calling.
Mancora is a popular stop on the South America backpacking trail. If you’re traveling north to south, the bus from Guayaquil, Ecuador to Mancora takes about 7 hours. Alternatively, the bus from Lima to Mancora takes 18 hours, so make sure you bring a comfortable pillow!
Stay at La Casa de Sebas for a laid back vibe. It’s located 2 minutes from the beach.
7. Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Though Machu Picchu is the clear winner when it comes to Incan archaeology, the Sacred Valley is a must for history buffs and cultural connoisseurs.
Geographically, the Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches along the Urubamba River from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, which is the starting point for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Aside from the many ruins and archaeological sites, the region is well known for its remarkable landscapes and lush agriculture.
Guided tours of the Sacred Valley can be organized from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, and can include river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.
8. Sightseeing in Cusco, the Imperial city of the Incas
There are several historical Incan sites and attractions within the city of Cusco. So many, in fact, the city itself has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Before you set off to hike the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu, spend a couple of days exploring Cusco while you acclimatize to the high altitude of the region (Cusco is located 3,400 meters above sea level). Cusco is a very walkable city and most attractions are 15-20 minutes walk from anywhere in the city centre (near the Plaza de Armas).
Popular Cusco tourist attractions are:
- Sacsayhuamán citadel and fortified complex
- Plaza de Armas
- Templo de la Sagrada Familia
- Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, also known as Cusco Cathedral
- The Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
- Koricancha Temple
- Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal (where the above photo was captured)
You can book day trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco. We hiked the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with G Adventures. The tour included 2 nights in Cusco plus sightseeing in the Sacred Valley.
Where to stay in Cusco’s Historic Centre:
Budget hotels in Cusco: Hostal El Triunfo or Hotel Villa Mayor
Mid-range hotels in Cusco: Hotel Cusco Plaza de Armas or El Virrey Boutique Hostal
Luxury hotels in Cusco: Palacio del Inka or Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Related: Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
9. See penguins and wildlife at Ballestas Islands
The Islas Ballestas are a small cluster of islands off the southern coast of Peru. Located a short 24 km from the beach town of Paracas (near Pisco), these islands are only accessible by tour boat, typically lasting 2 hours.
Often described as the Galapagos Islands of Peru, the Ballestas Islands are home to many rare birds, including pelicans, penguins, cormorants, Peruvian boobies, and Inca terns. It’s also common to spot sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales inside the marine park.
Aside from the Peruvian Amazon, the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reservation offer the best wildlife experience in Peru.
Note – it’s not possible to visit the Ballestas Islands without a tour.
If you stay in Paracas, and you’re looking for some luxury, we recommend the Hilton Hotel Paracas. It’s located within walking distance to Pracas National Reserve and El Chaco Beach. Another good option is the Paracas Hotel Emancipador.
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10. Marvel at the Rainbow Mountains
The Rainbow Mountains, formally known as Vinicunca, have quickly become a top tourist attraction in Peru, thanks in large part to its internet fame on Instagram.
These mountains are said to have only been discovered a few years ago. The first guided tours began in early 2016, so its fame is short lived. There is, however, concern that this fragile environment cannot handle the recent waive of mass tourism (read more here).
The mountain sits at an elevation of 6,384 meters and is located approximately 100 km southeast of Cusco. Most people will visit the Rainbow Mountains on a day trip from Cusco. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Cusco to the park entrance, plus a 2 hour hike from the car park to the viewpoint.
However, if you have some extra time, a multi-day trekking experience that links to the Ausangate circuit trek will surely be a highlight from your time in these amazing mountains.
FlashpackerConnect is a tour operator that offers both day treks and multi-day camping experiences.
Here is a well written review about visiting Rainbow Mountains. This post does a good job explaining how the mountains get their colourful strips.
11. Sightseeing in Lima
Often used as the layover en route to Cusco, Peru’s largest metropolitan city often gets overlooked. Though it does have a bad reputation for safety, Lima is extremely rich in history and culture.
Lima has an interesting mix of museums, beautiful cathedrals, eerie catacombs, electric nightlife, endless shopping and tasty traditional Peruvian cuisine (you must try fresh ceviche in Lima).
The Plaza Mayor, or Plaza de Armas, tops the list of must see attractions in Lima. Located in the Historic Centre of Lima, the plaza is surrounded by the Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, Archbishop’s Palace of Lima and the Palace of the Union.
Collectively, the Historic Centre of Lima is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While you’re in the area, another worthwhile Lima tourist attraction is San Francisco Church. Built in the baroque-style of the late 1600s, San Francisco Church is famous for its catacombs that are said to contain the bones of over 25,000 bodies.
Don’t miss the bluffs at Miraflores (see above photo) and its spectacular Pacific ocean views. While you’re there, check out Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Columbian adobe-and-clay pyramid.
Where to stay in Lima Peru:
Budget hotels in Lima – Apart Hotel El Doral or Lima Backpackers
Mid-range hotels in Lima – ibis Larco Miraflores or BW Urban Larco Hotel
Luxury hotels in Lima – The Westin Lima Hotel or Belmond Miraflores Park
BONUS – Trekking the Cordillera Blanca in Huaraz
This option is for the serious trekker and adventure seekers. Huaraz is located in north-central Peru, about 420 km north of Lima. It is the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, the highest range of the Peruvian Andes and famous for its magnificent snowcapped peaks and glaciers.
The Cordillera Blanca includes Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru at 6,768 meters (22,205 ft) and the third highest in the Western Hemisphere.
It is arguably the best place in South America for trekking and mountain climbing expeditions.
What’s the lesson learned?
There is much more to Peru than Machu Picchu! But make sure you visit Machu Picchu, too! It’s one of the few world attractions that actually exceeds its overwhelming expectations.
And, if you’re the adventurous type, we recommend you hike the infamous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. To this day, it’s one of our most memorable travel experiences.
For organized tours, check out G Adventures and Intrepid Travel. Both have great reputations. Here’s a link to find great deals on South America tours with G Adventures.
Do you have recommendations for things to do in Peru?
Share your travel tips and recommendations in the comments below. Our readers thank you!
Sounds like an amazing country to visit.
It really is!
Is it safe for two 26 year olds that have never been out of the states?
All depend which place you are going to visit.
Lima, Huaraz, Arequipa and Cusco are four safe sites to stay.
Avoid the northern Peru beaches, two young women are not safe traveling alone in this region of Peru.
yes it is. C: i went and got a free pepsi!!!(:
I’d love to hike the rainbow mountains with my 8 and 10
Year old. Is it too much for kids? Thanks! Obviously I’d love to hike to Laguna 69 too, but I’m guessing that would def be too
Much…thanks!!
Awesome, love the nasca lines!
I’m heading there in a week or so (in Ecuador now) and hope to do most of those things!
Have fun! Peru is one of our favourite countries, so diverse and so much to do! 😉
Brilliant, love your positive energy!
We loved Peru and, although the highlight was the Inca Trail, hiking the Colca Canyon was amazing! All are great recommendations!
We really enjoyed Machu Picchu too. It was the clear highlight for us as well.
We did our own 2 week trek in the Cordillera Blanca with 2 donkeys & a donkey driver quite some time ago. The countryside was amazing and we didn’t see a westerner for 10 days. The trip was dirt cheap too – $20/day for the donkeys +driver. We provided all the meals but it was the bargain of the century.
Great tips Leigh, thanks for contibuting!
Didn’t see a Westerner? How is that even possible? Maybe you’ve got your geography mixed up.
I stayed at that eco-lodge on the Tambopata River and I can say that it was one of my finest traveling experiences. We woke before dawn to catch the sunrise from the canopy tower. It was worth the early rise because every animal and bird in the jungle was up and squawking as the sun rose. Magnificent.
We had a similar experience and loved every minute! You really do feel like your in the middle of no where, so peaceful.
Hi, thanks for this post !! What was the lodge called that you stayed at in the Amazon ??
Having done 8 of those 10 (I just missed the amazon & mancora – good enough reasons to go back!) I totally agree. But I reckon there’s one major Peruvian highlight you missed – the fact that the country has the best food in South America!
Agreed. We loved the fresh Ceviche!
how much did it cost to do all of those things?
AMEN!
Don’t forget the Manu National Reserve, Peru’s largest national park. Amazing biodiversity, less well known than Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. While we were there, we were the only people staying in our lodge. And it’s a day’s trip by land from Cuzco – makes it easier to see Machu Picchu and the jungle all in one trip.
Thanks for the added tips Kelly!
I did 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 🙂 My favorite was hiking in the Colca canyon and watching those mighty condors at sunrise!
Yes! The Andean Condors at the Colca Canyon were incredible.
What a great post! We’re thinking about doing Peru soon and this kind of just solidified it! *Bookmarked for when we start planning the trip*
Thanks!
– Mia and Jordan
Ps. Would love to see you on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/WeTravelAndEat
Awesome! Glad this post helped in your planning. We just liked you guys on FB. Cheers! 😉
I have heard that the lake titicaca area is GORGEOUS… def have been looking for a post like this to see what else there is to do in Peru.. well done!
Thanks Marcello! We just scratched the surface too. There is so much to do in Peru but these are the heavy hitters. Lake Titicaca is interesting and beautiful, but you don’t need to spend too much time there (I’d spend more time in the Colca Canyon, Pacific Coast and the Amazon – but that’s just personal preference!)
Sandboarding sounds awesome… thanks for sharing this. We’re heading to Peru sometimes this year so we’re def going to bookmark this. Cheers.
Glad you like it guys! If you head to Peru, you definitely have to make the trip to Huacachina – it’s such a cool place.
Great post… and so true. I think I enjoyed the Amazon the most… although I was sick as a dog when we were in Aguas Calentes from a hamburger of death I ate in the Sacred Valley. Nazca was amazing too… although I don’t know that I’d go back. That was a LONG bus ride; but there again, I was still pretty sick.
We had friends that ran into the deathly hamburgers of Peru.They got so sick that they had to skip our Inca Trail hike. Gotta watch out for those burgers!
Loved Peru too!! My favorite part was the Lares Trail hike to Machu Picchu and Paracas was a great town to end our trip in. It was nice and quite and love the boat tour to see the wildlife!
Our good friends did the Lares Trail and really enjoyed it also. There is never a shortage of things to do in Peru!
I’ve always wanted to go to Peru because of Machu Picchu as well but great to see that there’s so much else to do in Peru. Sandboarding looks like so much fun.
Originally we were just going to do Machu Picchu but were very happy that we decided to spend almost a month in Peru. It’s become one of our favourite countries!
great article, i surely like this site, keep on it.
Thanks!
Wow, Peru has such a varied landscape, I definitely hope to visit one day 🙂
It certainly does! I think it’s probably one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world – the Amazon, the Andes and the desert!
How long do you reckon I spend in Peru if I plan to do about 4-5 things on your list?
Sorry for the delayed response Juliana – I would reckon you need at least 3 weeks. You could visit most of these places in two weeks but it would be very rushed.
You totally nailed it! Machu Picchu is definitely the jewel of Peru, but there is a surprisingly vast amount of things to see and do in this country. The beaches of the north, the amazon, the ancient ruins EVERYWHERE….did you manage to get to the museum in Lambayeque? The artifacts there are AMAZING!
Hello Will – thanks for the great feedback!
No, unfortunately we missed the museum. We’ve heard similar reviews.
Cheers! 🙂
Man, I can’t believe I only heard of the Nazca lines last week. Those are NUTS.
Aren’t they awesome?!
Great list! I haven’t made it there yet, but I plan to spend a lot of time exploring Peru.
Oh man, no one has mentioned Kuelap (the Lost City of the Cloud People) up in Chachapoyas (north…via Chiclayo). Even in Chiclayo there are awesome things to see, like the largest witches market in all of South America (!!! Awesome!!) but Kuelap….my word. I cannot sing it’s praises enough. It is essentially like a northern version of Machu Picchu but hardly anyone goes there as it’s still under excavation. It’s situated on a mountain top and when we went there, it was just three of us, a team of archaeologists working, and a bunch of llamas. Absolutely BREATH.TA.KING. If you go, stay in Estancia El Chillo. It’s a great family run hacienda in a beautiful and convenient jumping off location to see Kuelap and the other sights. There are a number of tour companies that can take you there.
Heather, I agree 100%. I was surprised to see it was not mentioned and was delighted to see you bring this up. On our entire 1st year of our RTW trip Kuelap ranks as one of the top things we experienced. We trekked for 4 days in and saw so many of the Chachapoyian ruins along the way. Then, getting up the mountain to see the Kuelap ruins was breathtaking. If I could go back and do one thing in Peru this would be it every year, just to see the archaeological progress as they uncover more of this site.
Thanks for adding this one to this list Warren and Heather!
I’ve done over half of the activities you’ve mentioned here and I couldn’t agree with you more – it’s a country with lots to offer than just MP!
I’ll have to remember to check back here before I go to Peru…. I liked the sound of pretty much everything on the list!
Bookmarked this post as we’re heading over Ecuador so articles like this can only tempt us to look more closely at other parts of South America.
PN Huascarán is one of the best playgrounds for climbers, trekkers and alpinists in all of South America. It is also one of the least expensive places to learn how to ice climb in the Americas. When you send a picture home of you ice climbing in Perú people won’t believe it and say “I thought that Peru was all rain forest and jungle” or something along those lines. Good post guys.
Loved this post! Considering a two week trip to South America next year but couldnt decide where to go…this post definitely has me leaning towards Peru!
Awesome post. I am heading to Peru in January and now I know what I’ll be doing! Cheers!
Awesome! Come back and tell us how it goes!
How do I get from Lima to Huacachina to sandboard and return back to Lima in a day? Is this possible and are there any established groups that will organize such trips? Thanks!
It’s possible, but it will be a very full day.
Huacachina is a lot of fun, we recommend you stay at least one night (but careful… you might end up staying for 3 or 4 nights!)
Hey I’m planning a backpacking trip to Peru with a few of my mates after our exams summer 2013, this article’s been a great help picking out the sites to visit, what are prices like over there? We’ll have to start saving now so could you say what a safe amount to have available for us is if we’re going for 4 weeks, staying at cheap locations though trying to do as much as possible? I know its vague question but any estimates would be much appreciated. How long did you go for and how much was it?
Hey are you still planning on going this summer?
Great post! Peru looks like an amazing country to visit. Will have to put it on my radar for the future.
I wasn’t too impressed with Paracas the National Reservation or Islas Ballestas. It wasn’t bad but all in all the quiet town left a bit to be desired. Lima is a great place to visit, I haven’t been to the rest but I plan on moving there for a few months towards the end of next year.
We LOVED hiking the Colca Canyon! It was even better than Machu Picchu because it was way cheaper and there were no crowds 🙂
We didn’t end up doing the hike but did spend a couple nights in a town nearby. Beautiful part of the country.
Wow, great website guys! We just arrived in Lima this morning and we are currently deciding what to do while in Peru when we stumbled upon your site…gladly, I might add. We are making a list referring to your site and comments from people on your site. We are alotting ourselves about a month here and will likely do most of what you and your friends recommend. If we discover anything that is worth mentioning, you will likely hear back from us. Cheers, and keep up the good work:).
Thanks Michael! Sorry, I didn’t see this comment until now. Hopefully you had a great trip!
What was the name of the tour company that you used on the inca trail? Is it 4 days total or 4 there and 4 back? The pictures are amazing.
We went with Gap adventures and it’s only 4 days one way. You can take the train back. Highly recommended
Nice choices!!!! I would also include a trip to Northern Peru with a visit to Kuelap fortress, Gocta waterfall (third highest in the world), Karajia funerary site and the demanding but amazing trek to Lake of the Condors. You should also visit the pre Inca aqueduct of Cumbemayo in Cajamarca and the archaeological sites In Chiclayo and Trujillo (Chan Chan, Sipan, El Brujo). Personally i find that the best of the northern region is that it is an almost virgin region. Take a look to some photos on my site: http://www.peruviansoul.com/28/destinations/northern-kingdoms.html Cheers, Diego.
Wow, great tips. Thanks Diego..we’ll check out your site.
Exploring the Amazon and hiking the canyon are the two best activities I will love most to do in peru. The other excursion places are so amazing too. Peru is awesome.
Totally agree, Peru is awesome!
This is a very informative post! I definitely learned a lot more about Peru. I’ll keep this in mind whenever I visit.
Glad you found the post informative Mary! 🙂
Totally awesome! These attractions makes me want to visit peru one day.
Thanks for the feedback Nancy!
Peru is one of our favourite countries – hopefully you make it there soon 🙂
Those are all great and all, but yeah, I would go to Peru for Machu Picchu as well. Peru has never been on my radar travel-wise, but it looks to be a country worth seeing.
It really is a great country – very diverse. Put it on your travel list! 🙂
Did you find that you need a guide for most things or did you do it on your own? Also, we aren’t fluent in Spanish, so should we learn more of the language or did you find it easy to communicate in English?
Hi Lisa – thanks for your comment!
We went on a tour with GAdventures for the first 10 days and spent an additional 15 days on our own. We do not speak any Spanish and we were fine. You can get by with English.
I agree! There is a lot to see in Peru! But hey, that Booby is not a Peruvian Booby, did you take that picture in Ballestas Islands??? That’s a Blue-footed Booby and they RARELY show up there. Just saying!
Hah! great eyes Francis. No, we took that particular photo in the Galapagos Islands
You should try MarkaWasi (aka MarcaHuasi), an enigmatic place about 80km eastward from Lima. A lot of stones and rockformations resembling people, animals, even dinosaurs. Google it for more info.
Good to know – thanks for the feedback Jorge!
Hi guys,
just plannnig a 6 weeks trip in November / December. Would you still recomand this despite the rain season at that time.
It will be my first trip and on my own. Are there many backpackers? 🙂
thanks for making my ‘to do list’ a lot bigger and complicater, what a great info here 😉
rgds
Hi Martijn, I just sent you an email.
hi traveling Canucks , what was your response ?
Celine
I am wondering the same thing – would you mind sharing the response you got about that time of year?? Thanks!
My husband is Peruvian, we live in Miami, Florida, he wants to take me and my son for the first time to Machu pichu, so i went on here and i’m glad cuz now I want to go hiking in cola canyon too! I can’t wait to go we are going in june. It’s cold there in June, that will feel strange for me.
I heard we might get sick, sick cuz of the water, germs ect and also cuz of the altitute, any suggestions to make better, since it’s really unavoidable i heard?
josie.
Hi Josie! The adjusting to the altitude can be pretty rough if you’re not prepared. Matador published a great piece on recognizing altitude sickness and dealing with it. Take a look here http://matadornetwork.com/sports/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness/ Hope it helps and safe travels!
I totally agree Peru has so much to offer… all those places look great and there is one more place that could be added to you list Caral, “the oldest civilization in the Americas”. Have a lookat this site: http://www.caralperu.gob.pe/#
Thanks for the feedback and the link Sarilla!
We are a group of 6 adults who are looking at doing the Inca Trail in September this year, just not sure what do to afterwards. Feel like relaxing on a beach somewhere – just not sure if Mancora is the best option – have heard mixed reviews. Possibly go to Brazil – Paraty and/or Ilha Grande? Any ideas, we have about 5 days before having to head home.
If you want to stay in Peru I would suggest visiting Huacachina – it’s not a beach per se, but its an oasis surrounded by sand.
If you want to visit another country it might be fun to have a layover in Costa Rica or Panama – the beaches on the Caribbean are hard to beat.
Great article, Peru really is such an amazing destination and it’s a shame that most visitors fly in for Machu Picchu and then back out before getting the chance to really explore. The only item that I would say you missed is not a place but an experience, that’s the cuisine of Peru. In my opinion it’s definitely one of the top destinations for foodies in the world. Nothing says Peru like a piece of llama, or cuy with a glass of Inka Kola.
The food is definitely delicious! The foodie scene is picking up in Lima. We had the best ceviche in Miraflores – we have yet to find a dish that can compete with it.
And Arequipa?, i heard something about it.
what do u think?
Arequipa is a fun city. It’s the main city you would likely visit when trying to reach the Colca Canyon. Definitely worth a visit
I am 16 years old. I want to backpack Peru before college. I was wondering how expensive hostels are and how much money I should save to go for about a month?
I will send you an email Jessie
Thank you 🙂
i am travelling to Cuzco as a last minute holiday with my girlfriend last week in aug first week in sept..do most of these things require pre-booking? i know the inca trail is a no go but just wondered about other bits. thanks!
Some do, some don’t. If you wish to hike Machu Picchu, it does require pre-booking..whereas others you can just show up.
Hello,
I am highly considering Peru for a vacation.
I like the list you guys pieced together.sounds fun!
I’ve seen others ask how much they should consider to spend with leniency in consideration so I don’t run out or spend too much. How much should I consider spending? Along with flight, hotels, food, souvenirs, and transportation. Also, for how long?
Hey David – thanks for your comment.
Budgeting for a trip is tricky, especially because we don’t know much about you or your travel style. I also don’t know where you are flying from, so that will impact flight costs – as will the season/time of year you are flying.
Tell us more about your plan and we will do our best to help out.
Cheers!
Is it okay to travel to Machu Picchu with a 3 year old and a 7 year old? Could the low levels of oxygen pose a problem?
Altitude effects people differently, and we do not know enough about you or your kids. As such, we are not qualified to answer this question. I would talk to your doctor first.
We did not experience any altitude sickness, but that doesn’t mean you will have the same experience.
Hi,
Same question as Jessie. Planning to go there for approx 3-5 weeks. How much budget should be planned for the time mentioned. Is December a good time? Any other time recommended?
Thanks.
It really depends on what you are looking to do and how you like to travel. If you are doing budget travel and staying in hostels, you should be fine with $1500 to $2000. The country is very diverse (geographically speaking) so there’s never a bad time to visit, it just depends on what you want to do. You will be heading in to the rainy season, so you might want to do further research on the Inca Trail. I believe it closes for a little while in Jan/Feb – so best to book your tour ahead of time (if this is something you want to do).
Do you recommend solo travel of a female in Peru? What safety concerns should I look out for? Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Like most countries, Peru is safe for solo travel but you do need to stay aware of your surroundings (I would say the same thing for Paris or New York). Travel during the day, stay alert at tourist hot spots, stay in hostels and join fellow travellers, etc. You’ll be fine. It’s an interesting country!
Hi! We’re backpacking through South America and are currently in ecuador heading down to Peru this weekend. Any recommendations on an itinerary if we’re traveling south? We definitely want to check out the Amazon but wonder if it’s better to do that first and then head to the coast or vice versa?
Thanks! Great site!
Hi Joy! Thanks for stopping by.
You can’t really go wrong with either direction. What I would do is travel down the coast to Huacachina, taking it slow and stopping along the way. Then go to Arequipa and Colca Canyon, then over to Puno and Lake Titicaca, then back up to Cusco, into the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, then back to Cusco, then fly to Puerto Maldonado and do the Amazon. If you plan to head to Bolivia, you can go from Arequipa to Cusco and save Lake Titicaca for the end, then travel to Copacabana Bolivia.
Hope that helps! Sounds like an epic trip (we wish we were back there with you!)
How many days/nights do you advise staying at that Eco Lodge on the river? Looks amazing! I was thinking 2 nights? Is that enough to tour around?
The eco-lodge was a wonderful experience. A must do. We spent two nights there and that was enough.
Hi. We are planning to be in Peru for 2 weeks. Is this enough time to do all these things?
Also, is there a reliable tour operator that can put together an iternary for us?
How long do you suggest we spend in each place?
Many thanks
2 weeks should be enough time to visit most of these spots.
We used G adventures for a tour that included a trip to the Amazon, Cusco, Inca trail hike, and Machu Picchu. You can extend that itinerary to include Lake Titicaca and the floating islands.
Here is a link http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-4139033-10558283
This company also has a great reputation –
http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-4139033-11442523
You do not mention the fabulous food in Peru. Best way to learn about it is a gastronomic tour of Lima. We have restaurants that make it into the top of the top 15 restaurants in the world. eg: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g294316-d2358313-Reviews-The_Lima_Gourmet_Company-Lima_Lima_Region.html
And secondly you missed out on the music and dance of Peru. eg in Lima go to Las Brisas del Titicaca a fabulous show which starts late and ends way after midnight, but you must stay to the end or you will miss the Marinera Norteña! Lima also has fabulous shopping for everything Peruvian from low to expensive prices and of course the Gold Museum as well as beautiful colonial buildings to see.
Thanks for your feedback Clarisa
Going to Peru on a backpacking trip with my 19 year old daughter and her friend. They are college kids and speak Spanish well. 10 day trip, 8 days in country this March. Must see Cusco,Titicaca and Machu Pichu. Staying in Hostels and going on the cheap but not afraid to spend to see the “must do’s”. Fly into Lima and heading out from there. Any thoughts on an itenerary as well as thoughts/ideas on hostels and whether we need reservations?
Hi Brian – sounds like an epic adventure!
8 days is not a lot of time to do much more than what you’ve already planned.
So, if you do 1 day in Lima, then 2 days in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude, than 1 day in Machu Picchu, 1 day in the Sacred Valley (and/or travel day), then 1-2 days in Puno (Lake Titicaca), you will have to get back to Lima to fly home.
Two places I would recommend are the Colca Canyon and Huacachina. But, the Colca Canyon will require at least two days (including travel time) and that will feel rushed.
So, what I would suggest you do is take a night bus from Puno to Ica (which is very close to Huacachina) and stay 1 night in the giant sand dunes. Then, catch a bus back to Lima (about 4-5 hours).
Here are a couple more photos of Huacachina:
https://travelingcanucks.com/2013/07/photo-of-the-week-peruvian-desert-oasis-of-huacachina/
Let me know if you need anything else, and make sure you come back and tell us how the trip went!
So we did it!!! Peru in 8 days. We skipped Lake Titicacca and went for Colca Canyon…Beautiful. It was a rush to squeeze in Machu Picchu, a couple days in Lima, a day in Arequipa, a day in Cusco, and a shopping trip to Pisac. We used evening buses for those long trips on the road and just kept going. Definitely want to go back to an eco-lodge in the Amazon. And…we climbed Machu Picchu Mountain…2 hours of stair-master type climbing to get to the top and then another hour to get down. However, the view is something you just can’t ignore. We were sore for a few days afterwards but just too awesome. We also tried all the best of the local foods and those little side resteraunts that have the “menu” for $8-$9 Soles for a salad, dish, desert and drink were a huge hit.
hi, peru is my country and i wonder if you people can give me tips about peru. thanks you so much your verry kind
Hi. I am doing a research project. My teacher wants to know when you last updated the website. This email is my teacher’s. If you could reply ASAP, I would appreciate it. Thanks!
Those sand dunes are stunning – they look so.. perfect! I have always wanted to go to Peru. They have a pink freshwater dolphin that lives in the rivers (I know, sounds like folklore) there that I’d love to catch a glimpse of. Plus, the culture, climate and even the food.
Thank you for all the great suggestions! I am booked to go for July!! One small glitch, I just found out I’m pregnant so will be well into the second trimester when we go! Any recommendations about places to go/avoid? Tips? Suggestions?? Super-excited but a little worried as well!! 🙂
Summer – Congrats! For peru, the main thing that might bother you is the altitude (it bothers a lot of people). Since it will be warm, make sure you always have bottled water with you. Also, try to stay away from any unusual food. It’s not really the best time to be trying a lot of new types of food. Other than that, have a great time! Oh, and be sure to get a checkup with the doctor before you go and call your insurance company. Make sure that you and the baby are fully covered and if not, buy extra coverage.
Thank you 🙂 Almost leaving now and everything is checked out! I totally want to try sandboarding…just not sure it will be the best idea! Thanks for the tips!
Hi Summer,
I just read your comment. I have a trip planned to Peru in September and I will be about 24 weeks pregnant. Did you go on your trip? How did you deal with elevation? We wanted to do Colca Canyon but are a little worried about the elevation? Did you visit Colca Canyon? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. – Jasmin
Hey and greetings from Norway!
Thank you for a good article with many great tips!
I am 21 year old and going to travel to Peru with my best friend from 10. july to 22. july this summer. We will do the classic inka trail from 17.-20. july, but the dates before the classic inka trail we are blank.
Do you have any recommendations for to young travelers who want to see beautiful nature and exotic urban life in Peru? We will arrive Lima 10. july and must be in Cusco at 17. july.
We prefer nature over city life and your tips was were tempting, but we have only a week without any plans to explore the country. Could it be smart to travel from Lima to Cusco over 7 days and explore the country, or could it be a little stressing?
Do you have any recommendations for us? It would be very nice if so!
Best regards,
Lars Martin Haugland
You could go to the Colca Canyon for a couple of days. Go first to Arequipa and then take a 2 day tour from there to the canyon. Arequipa is a city but the canyon is not. Also…if you are hiking the trail starting July 17th then you want to arrive in Cusco a couple days earlier than the 17th. So you really only have 5 days to work within and the travel requires some time and planning.
Thanks for the suggestions Brian.
Hi Lars,
You could always fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and go into the Amazon jungle. It could be done in 3/4 days since you need to fly in and out. Then you could make your way to Cusco for the hike. Or, you could make your way from Lima to Huacachina by bus, spend a couple days sandboarding, then continue by bus to start your Inca trail hike. Or, do as Brian suggest below. Have a great time on the trip!
Hi
Just a note to say Peru has a north too and equal to the south for things to do a see, try Pacasmayo 100km north of Trujillo, I live there 6 mths of the year, feel free to contact me if your going to Peru and would like some direction in the north.
[email protected]
Thanks for the comment Cliff. We did not spend much time in the north, so your offer to answer questions is much appreciated!
Thanks for the great info and post. We are thinking about a trip to Peru next June with our kids, ages 16 and 14. We plan to hike the Inca trail to MP – what would you suggest after MP with the kids? Everything sounds wonderful!
That’s a tough one because there’s a lot to do! With kids, I would recommend Huacachina and Lake Titicaca. You can catch a bus from Cusco to Puno and then explore the floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca. Then, catch a bus from Puno to Ica, which is only 15 minutes to Huacachina. Kids will love the sand dunes and the dune buggies. Most hostels and hotels have pools too.
Huaraz is a good place in this post that i love in and i want to visit there if i have a chance i’ll go to visit there, thanks for this post !
Is Peru overall safe? I’m planning on going in a few years after I graduate high school, and I won’t be alone, but I’ll most likely be with only my mother, maybe my brother. Would you recommend it for a high school graduate? I’m mostly concerned about the safety, above all things. And how long do you suggest the trip last? I want to make the trip long enough to see all that I want to see, but not too long. I was thinking between 2-3 weeks? It will probably be the biggest trip I’ll ever go on for a very long time. Thanks for the post!
Hi Grace
I have lived there off and on for 10 years now and never had an incident, as in most places in the world though there is crime so I would say to not flash money and use a lot of common sense and you will be just fine, enjoy your trip and you will have a lot of fun.
Hi,
We are doing a stopover in Lima for 3 days in December.
What do you recommend we do for 3 days?
We’ve looked at flying to Cuzco and going to Machu Picchu but it’s too expensive!
Anna
Machu Picchu is always in my list of places I want to go before I die. xD
I never thought that it has something to show aside from that legendary Inca!
Hi! Normally my husband and I rent a car for traveling wherever we go. I haven’t seen any posts about car travel in Peru. Can you give me your opinion on this?
Sorry, we did not rent a car so I can’t help you with that question.
The driving in Peru is definitely very different. I don’t know where you are used to driving but following stop signals, stop signs, speed limits, etc. are not a strong suit for Peruvian drivers! We just got home last week after our 7.5 week trip and we rented a car (with driver) one time to get out somewhere that was pretty remote and where buses did not go. It was very affordable, especially if you have 4 or more people!
Great article, since we ourselves travel to some degree, i would be interested in your opinion of travelling to the region booking local condos and booking everything locally rather then through a travel agent here in Canada. When booking packages I find that in some cases they include things that are not of interest to us. Any comment that may be helpful would be greatly appreciated. We plan on going mid to late april. Cheers
Thank you for all of these tips! It looks like there is plenty to do in Peru, can’t wait to get there! 🙂
Thank you so much, I just booked a flight to Peru spontaneously mainly to see Machu Picchu but since I have a month to explore the country I am really grateful for all those amazing recommendations. Thanks, you guys and keep traveling! All the best from Germany!
This looks cool
Hello!
My husband and I are planning to take our 1 year old to Lima & Cusco for 10 days in January. She is walk/running and eating table foods. Any advice on what to see/do/take? I know it’s kind of crazy to bring her, but we want to expose her to the many wonders of the world. Would really appreciate any advice you may have.
hai guys. i am doing 4x weeks backpacking SA. i will be coming from Brazil and first stop will be Lima. This is my first time and m not sure what places way to visit geographical wise as from Peru i will be heading to either Bolivia or down to San Juan to see Ischigualasto Provicial Park in argentina .
Also any idea of how much budget should i be looking at for about 6 days in Peru. (Food n Accomodation only.
Great article. We are going to Peru soon. Thank you!
Nice post!
I backpacked around Peru for 2 weeks and loved it!
Check out my blog for some more inspiration and tips:
http://bonatravels.com/2008/08/11/country-summary-peru/
Hello Guys!
I live in Peru and i guided friends who i contacted on fb, I am studying toruism and i know more about Lima and Cusco, If u want to be friends here, just let me know, my gmail is [email protected] Peru is waiting you! 🙂
Thanks, this is quite useful!
I just booked for 2 weeks in Peru (will land in Lima) and i have about 48h before i get there to do some research! Most likely will follow some of those routes!
Great list. I only usually think of Machu Picchu (and the amazing Peruvian food) when I think of Peru, happy to see there’s so much more to do. I would love to visit one day, what a fascinating country
Hi, I am planning my trip to Peru and these tips are great! How long did you travel through Peru to see all of these places you recommend? Thanks! Katrien
Hi Katrien – we spent about 4 weeks in Peru.
Such a meh place, It`s just a mix of bolivia and chile I can do these thing in any other country Nazca lines are boring but original.
Greetings nice blog
Totally disagree with you David. Peru is one of the most diverse and interesting countries on the planet.
Great blog! I am traveling to Peru July 3rd with my 14 year granddaughter and five friends. So far all we have booked is the Inca Trail. We are looking at white water rafting and possibly going early or extending to do the Amazon Rainforest. Did you use G Adventures when you went into the Rainforest? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. How many days do you think we would need for the rainforest? Thanks….
Sounds like a life changing trip – I’m excited for you!
Yes, we went to the Amazon while on the G Adventure tour. Here’s a link for South America tours – http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-4139033-11044806
I believe we did the “Classic” Peru trip, the one that includes the flights to Amazon plus Machu Picchu. We left the group in Cusco though and traveled overland to Puno (floating reed islands), Arequipa, Ica (Huacachina), Nazca and then back to Lima.
Your info is fascinating. I want to bring my granddaughters and daughter and I there. I will contact gadventures. Are hostels pretty cheap there? What is average meal cost? Since I will be paying for the four of us I need to know how much to plan for in costs. Are there a lot of entry fees? Tipping? Tour fees? Bus costs are low? Would cost be prohibitive to hire a tour guide or couple to accompany us?
Hi Carol – hostels are relatively cheap in Peru. Cusco is quite popular, so prices will be a little higher. When we were there we spent about $25 per night for a private double room. I don’t remember if there was a lot of entry fees. We were on tour so I assume some of the costs were covered by the tour operator. Buses can be very cheap, but I’d recommend the first class tourist buses. Still a great value for what you get. You can travel around Peru without a tour guide but it will require more planning on your part. Joining a tour will certainly make things more convenient, which may be worth it given the 3 generations you’ll be traveling with. Have fun! Come back and tell us how the trip went.
Hello, I cant believe how excited I am. I was born and raised in Lima but moved to the states when I was 17. never really went out of Lima and now I’m planning taking my children back home to explore my beautiful country but even I, did not know where to start. thank you so much for all the information. I can’t wait to take my whole family to explore and see where we come from.
Hi,
my friend and I are planning an expedition to Peru as part of a scouting award and we’re trying to piece together as much information as possible for the trip as it has to be self guided.
We were wondering whether you had any information about things to do? All we seemed to find were places to visit which is great but we’re trekking for 10 days and would like to find things to do along the way.
As well as this cheap but friendly accommodation ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Melissa – where will you be trekking? That will dictate what you can do and where you should stay. Accommodations are still quite cheap if you get outside the touristy areas and you’re comfortable without the modern conveniences of home (ie. staying in hostel or guest houses where you share bathroom, linen is old, no tv’s, etc.)
My husband and I will be travelling to Peru in September. We have 3 weeks set a side to explore. We are looking at tour companies and also considering going on our own. I see that G Adventures and Gap have been mentioned previously and I’m wondering if any one has traveled with Manu Expedition, if so how would you rate them. All posts have been very informative. We would like to include Easter Island in this 3 week period. Any info on this side trip would be helpful eg: booking a flight to Easter Island from Peru and how much time should we allow.
What would reasonable budget be for 3 weeks in Peru seeing the majority of the sites.
Thanks for reaching out Jaye. I have not used or heard of Manu Expedition, so I can’t comment about them.
When we visited Easter Island the only way to get there from South America was from Santiago, Chile. We flew with LAN airlines.
We only spent 4 days in Easter Island and could have easily spent another week there. There’s a lot to do – hiking, volcanoes, beaches, scuba diving and, of course, checking out all the moai statues.
Reasonable budget for 3 weeks in Peru will depend greatly on what you do and how you do it. I would need to understand your goals, travel style and the destinations you plan to visit.
I am traveling to Peru this Summer for my third visit. I would add Arequipa to your list, especialky if visiting Colca Canyon. Arequipa, the White City (much of “white” is Volcanic Ash used in buildings) is a fascinating place. The Volcano Misti gives the city particularly beautiful scenes. Arequipa’s Plaza is wonderful & Castalia moisture is very interesting. Actually the Amazon begins in Arequipa.
Agreed that besides Machu Picchu being a spectacular site there is so more to Peru. Even if one doesn’t make it to Machu Picchu with it’s way overpriced tours ripping off thousands of tourists everyday.In Bolivia there is Pre inca Tiwanaku near LaPaz that dates back to nearly 20,000 years, many scientist s believe that it’s precise carving of the stone temples were possibly built my aliens. Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Lima, Nazca Lines. Iquitos, Puno/Lake Titicaca, Cuzco.With all the tourists it seems like an overblown tourist trap like the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty
Thank you for all your great recommendations! I am just planning a trip to Peru and came across your site and it has me excited to try out some of your ideas. I am joining friends for the typical MP trip – but then they leave the country and head home. I am now going to add more time to my trip so I can get to see more of Peru as it all sounds so interesting.
Great overview of some of the overlooked sites in Peru! We are planning on traveling there at the end of the summer with our two boys and are rating what the best activities are for traveling with them. MP is guaranteed, and Colca Canyon would be amazing.
Hi! Found your article really interesting! I’m going to Peru this June and really want to go to the Amazon. The way which you did it sounds really interesting. I’m assuming you got from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado by plane. Did you organize the 3 hour boat trip once you got there? What company did you book through for the lodges you stayed at? What did you do once you were in the Amazon?
Any help is really appreciated!
Thanks,
Lucie
I’m also keen to know this information please.
And how many days you spent in the Amazon.
Would one night be worth it?
I’m planning my trip right now!
Thanks
Hi!Is the route to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is very rough? Me and my partner want to do it but I am not sure because I am scared of high and just can’t be on the edge
Thanks in advance Anna
Flying into Lima in Early Feb and out of Buenos Aires start of March so having a 3 week holiday. I am wanting to fit as uch as possible into the trip ad from what you have described up top I would lim ego do Machu Picchu Day trip which in reality is probably a 3 day turn around and I would like to fit sand boarding, Amazon jungle and Lake Titicacca in. What would you suggest as an itinerary keeping in mind I will still need to see things in Bolivia and Argentina before flying out?
Really amazing and informative blog. Thanks dear for sharing with everyone!
Hi I just read your article above. I am planning a trip in a few weeks and had a question. If I don’t do the Inca Trail would I still an amazing experience like the others describe? I would love to do it but due to medical reasons I have to skip the long hike.
I am planning a group trip to Prue, and I get to plan the trip, it will be next may or june?.
There will be approximately 20 to 30 fathers and sons from 12 years of age to adult. We would like we will lonely have 7 to 8 days to include travel. Machu Picchu is a must, what else is a must-see that has a lot cultural experience. We want to give our sons a once in a life time father son experience as well
Thanks Tim
I love this post – the uncertainties, the decisions, the reflection. In such a concise way you’ve made me feel as if I was with you experiencing all of these challenges, opportunities, decisions and emotions. So well done! Love your blog.
You Blog have so many new and amazing things about Peru! Thanks for sharing with and keep it up.
Thank you for this unique and different content! I look for bloggers who write about their personal experiences in a place, along with the how to do, rather than just a generic list of things to do in a town or city.
Can I ask when you went on this trip please? Would love to do the Inca Trek and combine some of these elements with it too. Not sure if it all tallies up weather wise though. Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks x
We went on this trip in 2009, so it was a few years ago. We went with G Adventures and would recommend them. They have a variety of tours that can incorporate many of these. We did the tour for 10 days, then went on our own for another 3 weeks. It was nice to have the tour at the front of the trip, so we could acclimate to the country and culture.
Here’s a link to here to save up to 25% on tours in South America
I’m curious to know what time of year you went. We are thinking about going in October and there are some mixed reviews about going during that time of year as rainy season starts around that time.
We went around the early March, which was on the tail end of the rainy season. I’m not sure about October.
Is it safe for a solo female backpacker?
I will be surfing in Punta Hermosa, then go back to Lima. From Lima, I will do a city tour by MYSELF, then ride a bus to Cuzco for the Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Rainbow mountains. I’m sorry, my first time to go on a Latin American country. 🙂
Hey guys,
Wondering how much time you’d need in Peru to do the Rainbow Mountains, Machu Picchu Trek, and a few of the other things you’ve listed here?
My boyfriend and I want to do a few months in South America next year – we’re in the early stages of planning, but Peru is where we’ve got the biggest list of things we want to do.
Also wondering what sort of budget you’d suggest for these things?
Cheers,
It really depends on how fast (or slow) you want to go. To do Peru right, I would suggest at least 3-4 weeks. Budget will depend on activities and how fast you want to move. I would say budget about $75-100 per day.
I visited Peru last year and loved it. Went solo through a G-adventures tour. So much to see, lots of history and culture.
I am inspired by your ability to have a family/career and still travel the world. I am getting married very soon and sometimes I worry that my travel/adventure days are over due to the responsibilities of settling down. But then I come across this and I realize it is possible to do both! Thank you!
This is an article anyone visiting Peru should read, thanks for the tips! Indeed, Peru is one of the most enjoyable countries to visit in South America, with 5000 years of history culture, architecture, and some of the most diverse nature and landscapes on offer,
However, there are tourist-targeting scammers and petty crime to be wary of. Do be wary of drink spiking, meter is down / rigged meter, public transport theft, sob story scam, currency switcheroo / sleight of hand and many more!
Hello! My friend and I are planning a trip to Peru for about two weeks. I was wondering how much and how long it would take to do all this. We try to see as much as we can, but we spend as little money as we can (like most travelers plan) so we were wondering what you would say! Thanks
I have wanted to visit the Amazon in Peru since I was a kid. Never got the chance to do it, but now that we have kids and travel a lot I want to take them there. Looks like we might have to plan a longer trip to see the rest of what Peru has to offer. Great ideas, thanks!