Things to do in Peru
Peru's ancient remains, rich culture and myriad landscapes present a huge number of attractions and activities for visitors. Machu Picchu is an obvious highlight and the magnificent Inca citadel can be explored in a variety of ways, from a five day trek to a three hour tour.
Visit the Colca Canyon for an early morning climb to Condor’s Cross to witness the world’s largest flying bird swooping overhead, or board the Andean Explorer train in Puno and travel through snow-capped peaks and herds of llama to Cuzco. Here you’ll discover the city's thriving art scene and delightful colonial architecture before exploring the surrounding hills and their numerous Inca sites.
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Ideas for experiencing Peru
Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Peru, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.
Lima City Tour
This tour of the Peruvian capital includes the "Huaca Pucllana" archaeological site and the historical centre including the Plaza de Armas where you can see the blue and scarlet suited guards outside the Presidential Palace.
Ballestas Islands Excursion
From your hotel you go to the jetty to get a boat to the Ballestas Islands, a half hour or so boat trip from the mainland. These islands are inhabited by boobies, pelicans, sea lions and penguins.
White water rafting on the Urubamba
Today will take you above Cuzco to the Chuquicahuana section of the Urubamba River to raft on class III-IV rapids. Here the river is much cleaner and more fun than in the lower sections, and no previous experience is necessary.
Climb Condors Cross
Condor’s Cross is situated on top of one of the steepest sides of the Colca Canyon. It is in these forested slopes that the families of condors nest, and you are more than likely to see several take to the air and glide on the thermals.
Chan Chan ruins
You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the fascinating Chan Chan adobe ruins along with a visit to Huanchaco beach village.
Ride the Andean Explorer
Puno is the place to board the Andean Explorer train to Cuzco. This spectacular rail journey, on a comfortable train with restaurant, bar and viewing carriage, takes about 10 hours.
Cuzco City Tour
A half-day tour of the city and nearby Inca ruins begins at Koricancha, which was the Inca’s sumptuous Temple of Sun before becoming the Spaniard’s Santo Domingo church.
Sipan & the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum
Built by the Mochica culture (200 to 600AD) this is where the tomb of the Lord of Sipan was discovered. The gold-laden tomb is considered to be the richest and one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the last 30 years in the Americas.
Taquile & Uros Islands Tour
Take to the blue waters of Lake Titicaca for a taste of life as it was pre-Conquest. Enjoy the ride as your motorboat takes you to the serene Taquile Island, an island of 1km by 7kms that has been inhabited for over 10,000 years.
Chan Chan & Huacas de Sol y Luna
A full day guided tour of the two principal ruins of the region. Chan Chan was the capital city of the Chimu Empire and during your visit to this enormous complex your guide will explain the two local legends behind their culture.
Pisac Market and Ruins
In the small colonial village of Pisac, spend the morning exploring the colourful Indian market, with its wide variety of textiles and ceramics.
Moray, Maras & Ollantaytambo
Visit the Maras salt pans, the experimental agricultural terraces of Moray and the remnants of Ollantaytambo, once an important Inca administrative centre.
Mountain Biking Excursion
This incredibly scenic ride starts in the Andean highlands around Chinchero (3727m) and ends beside the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You cycle amid traditional Andean communities where the way of life has changed very little since the Spanish arrived nearly 500 years ago.
Tucume Pyramids Excursion
The Tucume pyramids are fascinating pyramids, situated 45km to the north of Chiclayo, standing proud in the deserted region of northern Peru.
Revash & the Leimebamba Museum
Near the town of Santo Tomas de Quillay are located a group of burial buildings in the mountains. The walls are composed of small stones set in mud mortar, plastered and painted in shades of cream and red.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The trail takes you through small hamlets and affords stunning views of the Sacred Valley and Pisac below. The trail climbs steadily to a pass at 4200m, beyond which you will descend to a beautiful canyon, where a picnic lunch is served.
Tour of Machu Picchu
Your tour of Machu Picchu will incorporate the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb and the Intihuatana.
Day hike (KM 104 Trail) to Machu Picchu
A trek from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, arriving at the Inti Punku Sun Gate for an unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.
Kuelap Excursion
Situated 9,843 feet above sea level, three miles from Tingo and approximately one hour from Chachapoyas, Kuelap is made up of hundreds of round stone houses and was not discovered until 1843.
Arequipa City Tour
This tour concentrates on the beautiful Santa Catalina Convent, a walled colonial town within a city. Opened to the public in 1970 after 4 centuries of secrecy, the remaining nuns have moved to a private corner of the convent allowing visitors to wander through the peaceful cobbled streets.
Chinchero Market & Ruins
During your day of exploration, you visit the colourful local market in the town of Chinchero. This is one of the most traditional markets in all of South America, and you will be surrounded by locals in their traditional dress all buying and selling their produce.