To help you plan, we’ve curated a helpful list of the 11 best things to do in Peru, blending iconic highlights with authentic, lesser-known adventures — perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful, inspiring, and unforgettable journey.

1. Hike the Legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

While most travelers reach Machu Picchu by train and bus, the Inca Trail offers an unparalleled sense of discovery. Once walked by the Inca over 500 years ago, this historic path winds through cloud forests and ancient ruins for 4 days before delivering your first breathtaking view of the Lost City of Machu Picchu. There are however two major ways to embark on this enigmatic trek through the Peruvian highlands.

• Classic 4-Day Inca Trail: Multi-day adventure with camping and deep immersion in the Andean landscape.
• Short 2-Day Inca Trail: This trail is ideal for travelers who want the magic of arriving on foot without committing to the full four day trek.

My advice is that if you are into adventure travel, go for the ful 4 day hike but if you want the express experience than the 2 day trail offers two days of hiking and beatiful sites.

Permits sell out months in advance — plan early to secure dates.

2. Discover Paracas & the Ballestas Islands

Travel four hours south of Lima to Paracas, the gateway to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands — often called the “mini Galápagos.” These islands are are full of wildlife thanks to the powerful humbold current that pushes the necessary nutrients to sustain the local biodiversity.

A two-hour boat ride reveals sea lions, seals, Humboldt penguins, blue-footed boobies, and, if you’re lucky, the rare marine otter. Boats also pass the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, which has been etched into the desert hillside for centuries. Depending on the time of the year you might see huge colonies of sea lions with pups swimming around. Speak with one of the Inca Voyage Peru travel Agency destination experts to make sure you visit during the best season to see the local colonies.

3. Dine at the World’s Best Restaurant — Central (Lima)

Lima is South America’s gastronomic capital, and Central Restaurant as well as Maido — have been within the top echelon of retaurants in the last few years. Central was named World’s Best Restaurant 2023 and the popularity this has garnered for Peruvian food is off the charts.

Chef Virgilio Martínez from Central creates a tasting menu inspired by Peru’s ecosystems, sourcing rare ingredients from the Amazon, Andes, and coast. Expect an immersive, world-class dining experience that redefines Peruvian cuisine.

Maido’s chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura is a Peruvian born specialist in Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese food. They have a tasting menu as well as a la carte options.

4. Master the Iconic Pisco Sour

Peru’s national spirit, Pisco, is a type of l ight brandy. Pisco is the base of its most famous cocktail — the Pisco Sour. A very popular activity among travelers is to join a cocktail class to perfect the mix of Pisco, fresh lime, egg white (yes, I said egg white), and syrup (Peruvian limes make all the difference, it is extra sour). another great idea to enhance your adventure is booking a Pisco tasting tour in its birthplace and a visit to Ica vineyards, Paracas, and the Nazca Lines. You can call it a southern tour where you’ll get to visit the Ballestas Islands and fly over the mysterious Nazca lines while also enjoying a powerful Pisco sour.

5. Capture the Perfect Machu Picchu Photograph

Visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and getting that perfect shot is part of the magic. The perfect Machu Picchu shot can be very subjective. Some travelers prefer sunny days while others like some clouds hanging out by the peaks in the background. Here are some tips to get the best shot of Machu Picchu possible.

• Best Light: Arrive at sunrise or late afternoon for dramatic photos and fewer crowds.
• Iconic Spots: Guardhouse panorama, Sun Gate (Inti Punku), agricultural terraces, Temple of the Sun.
• Pro Tip: Frame ruins through doorways or windows for depth and artistry.

Be patient, respect the site, and savor your own unique perspective. Remember that if you want a guaranteed clear sky (90% guaranteed) you’d need to travel between May- July when we are in the dry season.

6. Venture into the Amazon Rainforest

Fly to Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos to enter the lush and mysterious Peruvian Amazon.
Stay in luxury eco-lodges or embark on Amazon river cruises to spot pink dolphins, monkeys, and exotic birds. Imagine sleeping in a treehouse, piranha fishing at sunrise, or gliding silently along jungle waterways. You can also go kayaking in the Amazon, or walk through the canopy tree tops on a fully guided tour.

Window seat recommended — the aerial view of the rainforest canopy is breathtaking.

7. Fly Over the Mysterious Nazca Lines

This was mentioned during the Pisco tasting idea but it definitely deserces it’s own edplanation. The Nazca Lines — enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert — remain one of history’s greatest mysteries. Take a scenic flight to appreciate their scale and intricate designs, including newly discovered figures revealed by modern drones. As with many things, the weather needs to be just right to make the trip as succesful as possible.

Tip: Take motion-sickness medication if needed; small planes make sharp turns for better views.

8. Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Rainbow Mountain was only recently revealed to travelers. Vinicunca, as it is locally known, rises over 5,000 m (17,000 ft) in vibrant, mineral-rich stripes. The locations is a site to behold but it can be a difficult hike so below are a couple of tips.

• Acclimate in Cusco first to handle the altitude.
• Best scheduled toward the end of your trip for comfort.

The surreal, multi-colored landscape is a photographer’s dream.

9. Explore the Basilica & Catacombs of San Francisco (Lima)

Lima’s historic center is a treasure trove of Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and centuries-old churches, but one landmark stands out above the rest — the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent 17th-century complex showcases some of the city’s most impressive baroque architecture and offers a fascinating window into Peru’s colonial past.

Step inside to admire ornate gilded altars, intricate wood carvings, and a vast library considered one of the most beautiful in South America, with thousands of antique texts and leather-bound volumes dating back centuries. Beneath the church lies one of Lima’s most intriguing attractions — the catacombs, a network of underground chambers where the remains of an estimated 25,000 people are carefully arranged in haunting geometric patterns

Don’t miss nearby Churros San Francisco for a sweet finish.

10. Cruise on Lake Titicaca

At over 3,800 m (12,500 ft), Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and a place of breathtaking serenity. The best route is to first acclimate in Cusco, visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Once you are done with that portion of the trip, head to Lake Titicaca.

Visit the floating reed islands of Uros and the weaving communities of Taquile Island where you’ll enjoy lunch while overlooking the enourmous lake. Time your visit for the lake’s stunning sunsets and vibrant textiles.

11. Dine Beside Ancient Pyramids — Huaca Pucllana (Lima)

Hidden in the heart of modern Lima, Huaca Pucllana is a pre-Inca pyramid turned archaeological site.
Take a guided evening tour, then enjoy a fine-dining experience at the on-site restaurant. Request a terrace table for spectacular views of the illuminated ruins.

Travel With Inca Voyage

At Inca Voyage, we don’t just plan trips — we curate journeys that connect you to Peru’s soul.
Whether you want an epic trek to Machu Picchu, a culinary immersion in Lima, or private access to hidden gems, we’ll design every detail of the Peru vacation package to match your style, pace, and curiosity.

→ Start planning your bespoke Peru adventure today.

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