13 Best Things To Do in Peru

Most people know Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, but surprise: Peru has two Rainbow Mountains! We chose its quieter sibling, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, and honestly? Best decision.

Fewer crowds, an easier hike, and the same insane rainbow colors created by natural minerals. At times, we had the mountains completely to ourselves, which made the experience feel even more magical.

Good to know: Acclimatization is key! Spend at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the hike.

One of the most beautiful regions in Peru, filled with traditional villages, Inca ruins, mountains, and green valleys between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its lush land made it one of the most important regions of the Inca Empire. And make sure to visit Urumabma!

The Sacred Valley sits at a lower altitude than Cusco, making it one of the best places to acclimatize before visiting higher sites like Machu Picchu or the Rainbow Mountain.

Learn about traditional Andean textile techniques, natural dyes, and centuries-old weaving traditions directly from local artisans in Chinchero. These workshops offer insight into how alpaca and sheep wool is spun, dyed with plants and minerals, and transformed into textiles that hold deep cultural and symbolic meaning.

There is no fixed entrance fee and visits are typically free, but since this is a community-based project, tipping or buying something small is a great way to give back, even a little goes a long way.

While traveling through Peru, you might spot a rose or yellow drink being poured from large buckets right on the street.

This is chicha, a traditional Andean corn-based drink that’s homemade, slightly fermented, and varies in taste from place to place. With a history dating back thousands of years, it’s something every visitor to Peru should try at least once.

Walk through impressive Inca ruins, massive terraces, and ancient stone structures while enjoying panoramic views over the Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to visit the market in Pisac and wander through the charming streets of Ollantaytambo, where history is still part of everyday life.

Explore the famous salt pools of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray. These sites highlight the Incas advanced agricultural knowledge and engineering, with Moray believed to have been an experimental farming center and Maras still actively producing salt today.

Aside from the beautiful train journey in Sri Lanka from Ella to Kandy, this is by far the most scenic and stunning train ride I’ve ever taken, leading all the way to the foot of Machu Picchu. The train carriages have large rooftop windows, allowing you to admire the towering mountain peaks from every angle.

Peru’s most iconic destination and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sitting high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is a centuries-old Inca site surrounded by mountains and misty forest. The fact that the Incas carried enormous stones up here without modern tools makes it even more incredible. It’s a place that shows what humans are capable of, and one you shouldn’t skip on a trip to Peru.

Aguas Calientes is the gateway town to Machu Picchu, surrounded by lush jungle and dramatic mountain scenery. It serves as a convenient, relaxed base before or after visiting the ruins, with restaurants and easy access to the entrance and train station.

Experience a traditional Andean ceremony honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth) — a deeply spiritual ritual centered around gratitude, balance, and connection to nature. I personally took part in a private Pachamama ceremony, and it was a grounding, meaningful experience that added a completely different layer to my time in Peru.

The Sacred Valley is the most common and authentic place for ceremonies, led by Andean shamans (paqos) who still practice traditional rituals passed down through generations. Ask local guides or your accommodation to connect you with a real paqo or shaman.

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is one of the most popular and rewarding places to visit in Peru. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, lively plazas, local markets, and historic architecture that blend Inca stonework with Spanish colonial influences. 

Home to the highest sand dunes in South America, this small oasis village sits around a palm-lined lagoon, creating the feeling of being worlds away from the surrounding desert. Go dune buggying, sandboarding, or simply enjoy sunset views over the desert.

Visit Paracas National Reserve, where dramatic desert landscapes meet the Pacific Ocean. While here, don’t miss Playa Roja, a surreal red-sand beach that contrasts beautifully with the ocean. Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, home to incredible wildlife including sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and countless seabirds circling above rugged coastal cliffs.

Don’t skip the capital of Peru! Lima offers a mix of coastal views, culture, and creativity. Stroll along the oceanfront paths of Miraflores, wander through Barranco’s colorful streets filled with murals and cafés, and explore the historic center with its grand colonial buildings and lively squares. 

With its flat layout and seaside setting, Lima is ideal for cycling past green parks, dramatic cliffs, and some of the city’s best street art. But if you are up for more adrenaline instead, try paragliding over the coast or catching waves while surfing, two of the most popular activities in Lima.