Peru is one of those rare destinations that truly has it all. In a single trip you can wander through ancient stone cities, eat some of the most creative food on the planet, hike high into the Andes, and finish the week listening to rainforest sounds under a jungle canopy. If you’re building a bucket list, Peru belongs near the top.

What makes Peru feel so special is the way its past and present live side by side. You’ll stroll along cobblestone streets laid over Inca foundations, admire Spanish colonial balconies above perfectly fitted Inca walls, and step from a modern café into a museum packed with artifacts that are thousands of years old. Add ecosystems that range from arid desert dunes to glacial peaks and steamy jungle, and it’s easy to see why travelers keep coming back.

This guide is designed to be easy to skim, easy to plan with, and genuinely helpful. Below you’ll find the top eight must-see things to do in Peru, plus quick tips for timing, altitude, transportation, and what to pack. Use it as a choose-your-own-adventure: pick a few highlights for a short trip, or connect them all for a bigger journey.

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1) Explore Machu Picchu, Peru’s Crown Jewel

If you only do one iconic thing in Peru, make it Machu Picchu. This 15th-century Inca citadel sits high above the Urubamba River, wrapped in misty mountains and green terraces. Photos don’t prepare you for the scale, the setting, or the quiet sense that you’ve stepped into a place built with deep intention.

Why it’s worth it

• World-class views: terraces, peaks, and cloud forests all around.
• Incredible engineering: precisely cut stonework without mortar.
• Powerful history: a site tied to Inca royalty and ceremony.

How to get there

• Train + bus: most travelers take a train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, then ride the bus up.
• Trek: the classic Inca Trail is famous, but alternatives like the Salkantay Trek are also spectacular.

Simple tips

• Book tickets early, especially in peak season.
• Plan altitude time in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first.
• Choose an entry time that matches your energy: early mornings are cooler; later times can feel calmer.

👉 Internal link opportunity: Best time to visit Machu Picchu

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2) Discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Cusco isn’t just a gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s one of South America’s most fascinating cities, full of Inca stonework, lively plazas, and cozy cafés that make acclimatizing feel like a treat instead of a chore. Nearby, the Sacred Valley stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, dotted with ruins, villages, and market towns.

Cusco highlights

• Plaza de Armas: the heart of the city, great for people-watching.
• San Blas: artsy streets, handmade goods, and lovely viewpoints.
• Sacsayhuamán: massive stone walls just outside town.

Sacred Valley highlights

• Pisac: terraced ruins and a colorful market scene.
• Ollantaytambo: a fortress town with living Inca streets.
• Chinchero: weaving traditions and highland views.

Why this region matters
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are the cultural core of many Peru itineraries. Spending extra time here helps your body adjust to altitude and gives your trip breathing room before the big Machu Picchu day.

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3) Experience Lake Titicaca’s Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, and it feels like it. The light is bright, the air is thin, and the horizon seems endless. Along its shores you’ll find communities that preserve traditions that go back centuries, making this one of the most culturally meaningful things to do in Peru.

Don’t miss

• Uros Floating Islands: reed islands built and rebuilt by the Uros people, with traditional fishing and weaving.
• Taquile Island: known for textile artistry and community life.
• Amantaní: a quieter option where homestays offer a deeper connection.

How to visit
Most travelers base in Puno and choose a day trip or an overnight boat experience. Overnight stays can feel more personal and give you time to slow down, which is especially helpful at high elevation.

Quick altitude note
Titicaca sits above 12,000 feet. Take it slow, drink water, and don’t schedule your hardest hike the next day.

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4) Venture into the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon is a completely different Peru, and that contrast is part of the magic. One day you’re in cool mountain air; the next you’re sweating through a night walk, listening for frogs and watching fireflies flicker along the trail. Peru’s Amazon covers a huge portion of the country, and visiting even a small slice can become the highlight of your trip.

Where to go

• Puerto Maldonado: easy to reach by flight, packed with lodge options.
• Iquitos: more remote, reachable only by air or river, with a bigger sense of “deep Amazon.”

What you’ll do

• Guided jungle walks for birds, monkeys, and medicinal plants.
• River outings to spot caimans, otters, and colorful macaws.
• Night excursions for insects, nocturnal animals, and unforgettable sounds.
• Optional cultural visits with nearby indigenous communities (choose ethical operators).

Best time
Dry season usually makes trails easier. Wet season can bring higher water levels, which can be great for river travel. Either way, pack repellent and lightweight long sleeves.

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5) Witness the Enigmatic Nazca Lines

In southern Peru, the desert hides one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries: the Nazca Lines. These giant geoglyphs—animals, shapes, and patterns etched into the earth—were created between roughly 500 BCE and 500 CE. Their full scale is hard to comprehend until you see them from above.

Why they’re famous

• Massive designs like the hummingbird, monkey, and spider.
• A landscape that preserved them for centuries.
• Unanswered questions about how and why they were made.

How to see them
The classic experience is a short scenic flight that loops around the main figures. If you’re nervous about small planes, choose a reputable operator and plan for calm morning winds.

Pair it with

• Huacachina: a desert oasis with sandboarding and dune buggies.
• A relaxed night in a desert town before moving on.

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6) Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Rainbow Mountain is one of Peru’s most photographed natural wonders, and yes, it really looks that colorful on a clear day. Mineral deposits create stripes of red, gold, green, and purple across the slopes, especially striking against the blue Andean sky.

What to expect

• High altitude: the hike reaches around 17,000 feet.
• Moderate distance, but the thin air is the true challenge.
• Early departure: most tours leave before dawn from Cusco.

Tips that make it better

• Spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first.
• Go early for fewer crowds and more stable weather.
• Bring layers: it can be freezing in the morning and warm later.

Is it worth it?
If you love dramatic landscapes and don’t mind an early wake-up, absolutely. If altitude hits you hard, consider skipping it in favor of lower-elevation valley days.

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7) Marvel at Colca Canyon and Soaring Condors

Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and one of Peru’s most rewarding detours. It combines huge views, traditional villages, terraced agriculture, and the chance to watch Andean condors glide by at eye level. Compared with some of Peru’s more famous stops, Colca often feels calmer and more local.

Top experiences

• Cruz del Cóndor: sunrise views and condor watching.
• Scenic drives through villages and terraced hillsides.
• Optional multi-day hikes that descend into the canyon.

Hot springs bonus
After a long day, soaking in natural hot springs is a perfect way to recover. Bring a swimsuit and a small towel if you plan to stop.

How to get there
Most visitors start in Arequipa, a beautiful colonial city built from white volcanic stone. From there you can do a long day trip, but an overnight option usually feels less rushed.

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8) Explore Lima’s Gastronomy and Coastal Charm

Many travelers treat Lima as a quick stopover, but it deserves real time. Peru’s capital sits along the Pacific, blending ocean views, historic architecture, and one of the most exciting food scenes anywhere. Adding even one extra day in Lima can elevate your entire trip.

Eat your way through Lima

• Try classic ceviche and other seafood dishes along the coast.
• Sample regional specialties: Peru has dozens of micro-cuisines.
• Mix street-food bites with one memorable sit-down meal.

Neighborhoods to explore

• Historic Center: grand plazas, churches, and colonial details.
• Miraflores: oceanfront walks, parks, and easy amenities.
• Barranco: street art, colorful buildings, and nightlife.

Outdoor fun
Stroll the cliffside paths at sunset, visit seaside viewpoints, or even paraglide above the coast for a city-meets-ocean thrill.

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Planning Tips to Make Your Peru Trip Smooth

You can see a lot in Peru, but smart planning is what makes it enjoyable instead of exhausting. Here are the quick, practical pieces that help most travelers.

Best time to visit Peru

• Dry season (May–September): clearer skies in the Andes, peak crowds.
• Shoulder months (April and October): great balance of weather and breathing room.
• Wet season (roughly November–March): greener landscapes, especially in the Amazon, with heavier rain.

👉 Internal link opportunity: Best time to visit Machu Picchu

Suggested itineraries by trip length

7 days (highlights)

• Lima + Cusco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu

10–14 days (balanced)

• Add Lake Titicaca or Arequipa/Colca Canyon

2–3 weeks (in-depth)

• Add the Amazon and slower pacing between regions

👉 Internal link opportunity: Peru travel itinerary

Transportation basics

• Domestic flights save time across long distances.
• Buses can be comfortable and affordable for overland routes.
• Trains are the standard for Machu Picchu access.

Altitude sickness prevention

Altitude is real in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca. A few simple habits go a long way:

• Take your first day slow: light walking, early night.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals at first.
• Save hard hikes for later in the itinerary.

What to pack

Peru’s climate variety means layers are your best friend. Pack for sun, wind, and rain, even in the same week.

👉 Internal link opportunity: Peru packing list

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Final Thoughts: Experience the Best of Peru

Peru rewards curiosity. Whether you’re standing on Machu Picchu’s terraces, sharing a boat ride across Lake Titicaca, tasting fresh ceviche in Lima, or listening to the Amazon at night, the country has a way of making moments feel bigger and more memorable.

Use this list as your starting point, then shape your route around what excites you most. If you love history, spend extra time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. If nature calls your name, add the Amazon or Colca Canyon. If food is your main hobby, give Lima the time it deserves. With a little planning and a flexible mindset, you’ll leave Peru already dreaming about returning.

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Quick Picks: Choose the Best Things to Do in Peru for Your Travel Style

Not sure which highlights fit your vibe? Use these quick match-ups to build a trip that feels like you.

If you love history

• Machu Picchu + a full day in Cusco’s museums and ruins.
• Sacred Valley villages (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero) for living culture.

If you love epic scenery

• Rainbow Mountain for a big “wow” day (after acclimatizing).
• Colca Canyon viewpoints and a short hike for huge landscapes.

If you love wildlife

• Amazon lodge stays with guided walks and river outings.
• Lake Titicaca overnight trips for birds, stars, and calm water views.

If you love cities and food

• Lima’s coastal neighborhoods and a market or food tour.
• Arequipa as a charming, slower city stop (great on the way to Colca).

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget

• Spend more time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley (lots of value and day trips).
• Use buses for longer routes when you have time, and book early for deals.

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