Before the pandemic, over five million international tourists were visiting Peru every year. There is no doubt that Peru will win back those numbers (or better!) soon because a trip to Peru is a must for any avid traveler.
Whether you love beach breaks, bustling city life, or hiking in the mountains, Peru has it all. It’s a cheap country for most western travelers to visit and you can do a lot for very little money.
But there are a select few activities you cannot miss on your Peru vacation. Read on to find out what they are so you can go to Peru and not worry about FOMO!
1. Hike to the Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu
If you know anything about Peru, you know about Machu Picchu. It’s an old Incan city up in the Andes Mountains, which dates back to the 15th century.
Machu Picchu is one of the most important heritage sites in the world and to this day, no one knows its exact purpose. But it’s an awe-inspiring wonder offering incredible views.
There are three ways to get to Machu Picchu. The first is by hiking the Inca Trail and the second is by hiking the alternative hydroelectric route. But if you don’t want to hike, you can take the 3.5-hour train ride from Cusco.
2. Take a Flight Over the Nazca Lines
Predating the Incas by around 2,000 years are the Nazca people. There is a field south of Lima which is home to the Nazca Lines. These are “geoglyphs” or pictures that the Nazca people etched into the desert and are still visible today.
They are a must-do when visiting Peru, but you need to see the lines by plane to appreciate them.
3. Explore the Capital City of Lima
You won’t get too far into your vacation planning before you realize that most international flights to Peru go to Lima. This is the perfect opportunity to explore Peru’s capital city and enjoy the country’s cultural delights. Lima is a UNESCO colonial town, so the architecture is incredible.
And if you’re feeling brave, you could sample Peru’s national dish, which is a roasted guinea pig. But Peruvians also love potatoes, corn, quinoa, and legumes. Even if you are vegan or vegetarian, you will find lots to love about Peruvian cuisine!
Lima is also the perfect place to stay to take day trips. South America’s deepest cave, white water rafting, and the jungle are all within driving distance of the city.
4. Discover the Diverse Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest lives within the borders of nine countries. Those are Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, Colombia, Bolivia, Guyana, and French Guiana. But Peru boasts some of the most bio-diverse parts of the Amazon and is home to over 1,000 bird species.
You can paddle in a canoe along the river, trek through the jungle, and even volunteer here if you like.
Visiting Peru Is an Adventure Unlike Any Other
There are so many things to do in Peru it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. But now you know all the top, can’t-miss activities you should do when visiting Peru, you will find it easier to plan an amazing trip.
Need more trip planning tips to help you organize your vacation? Browse the website for tons more ideas and expert travel advice!
