Hus20 Amazing Activities to Experience in Peru

More than a century has passed since American explorer Hiram Bingham uncovered the hidden gem of Machu Picchu in 1911, yet the enigmatic allure of the Inca Empire continues to captivate adventurous travelers. Delving into Inca culture remains a paramount pursuit for those exploring Peru.

Shrouded in a veil of mystery and mysticism, the Inca civilization originated in Peru’s Cusco Valley in the 13th century, eventually blossoming into the largest pre-Columbian empire in the New World. Even today, the remnants of this ancient civilization hold a spellbinding charm for all who encounter them.

For aficionados of history, archaeology, and culture, it’s worth noting that while the Incas left an indelible mark on Peru, they represent just one chapter in the nation’s rich tapestry of civilizations. Peru boasts a plethora of attractions spanning different epochs, offering a diverse array of experiences including culinary delights, cultural immersion, encounters with nature, and visits to iconic landmarks.

1- Explore Cuzco

Peru stands out as a premier destination in South America, offering an array of must-see attractions.

The Incas established their dominion over a lofty mountain realm centered in Cuzco, a city perched at an altitude of 3400m above sea level.

Surpassing the elevation of Machu Picchu (2430m), Cuzco is renowned for its lofty position, while Lake Titicaca (3811m) holds the distinction of being the world’s highest navigable lake, celebrated for its remarkable floating islands painstakingly fashioned from totora reeds by the Uros Indians.

Today, Cuzco serves as a pivotal point for travelers embarking on the scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley en route to Machu Picchu.

Though often overshadowed by the mystique of Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco offers a wealth of experiences beyond serving as a mere gateway to Peru’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.

As the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent, Cuzco’s labyrinthine cobblestone streets harbor a trove of colonial-era mansions and churches brimming with Spanish and Inca treasures.

Beneath the imposing edifices of Spanish cathedrals and stately mansions lie remnants of Inca civilization, overlaid by the Spanish colonial constructions.

Despite the tumult of the 16th-century Spanish conquest, the old town of Cuzco, with its enduring Inca stonework and Quechua-speaking populace, pulsates with the indomitable spirit of its Inca heritage.

A visit to the Centre for Traditional Textiles of Cusco along the main thoroughfare offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich weaving traditions, showcasing an impressive array of techniques, styles, and designs.

Nine local communities in the vicinity are renowned for their craftsmanship, producing exquisite wall hangings, ponchos, carpets, and other intricately woven textiles.

The local religious landscape is a blend of Catholicism and indigenous Incan beliefs, adding to the city’s cultural tapestry.

For those seeking to acquaint themselves with the city, a guided walking tour of Cuzco provides an excellent opportunity to orient oneself amidst its historical and cultural riches.

2- Attend A Peruvian Festival

Peruvians enthusiastically embrace festivities, and in Cuzco, there’s a vibrant local celebration nearly every month.

Many of these events blend elements of Roman Catholic traditions with rich Incan spiritual practices.

Come nightfall, the structures surrounding Plaza de Armas, the central square, shimmer like a magical realm. During local festivals like the Fiesta of the Virgin of the Door, held in November, the atmosphere transforms into an otherworldly fusion of music, prayers, and lively dancers congregating in front of the Cusco Cathedral.

The Fiesta of the Virgin of the Door, rooted in a 16th-century legend, commemorates the thwarting of burglars’ attempts to breach the city’s defenses by an image of the Virgin Mary placed at the city’s entrance by its inhabitants.

3- Shop in a Peruvian Market

If you’re seeking authentic Peruvian goods, dive into the bustling local market experience.

These markets act as lively epicenters of Peruvian traditions, and it’s strongly advised to venture into at least one during your trip, like the Pisac market or the Chinchero Market situated 30km from Cuzco.

The scenes unfold like captivating canvases of culture, bursting with vivid colors and rich heritage.

At Chinchero Market, envision men donning sombrero hats, seated gracefully with their blankets unfurled on the ground, presenting an array of fruits, vegetables, garments, and artisanal crafts.

Elderly women with weathered faces offer shy smiles from beneath their broad-brimmed hats.

They carry contented, rosy-cheeked infants secured in brightly colored pouches on their backs.

The soft melodies of panpipe music drift through the lively chatter as locals engage in spirited negotiations over bananas, oranges, garlic, limes, apples, and freshly baked bread.

Tourism has provided a welcome boost to the local communities, and market vendors enjoy brisk sales of vibrantly hued shawls, beanies, and socks.

Chinchero:

In the charming town of Chinchero, crowds gather to witness captivating demonstrations of traditional weaving and dyeing techniques.

Pisac:

For a delightful lunch experience near Pisac, Casa Orihuela offers a lovely setting, but reservations are essential.

This hacienda, a private residence of a local family with a 400-year history of land ownership, is brimming with an impressive collection of figurines, paintings, pottery, and other timeless antiques.

4- Visit Ollantaytambo

The verdant Urubamba Valley is affectionately referred to as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a renowned destination in Peru.

Nestled within this valley, Ollantaytambo, situated 65km northwest of Cuzco, stands as a former Inca stronghold encircled by majestic mountains.

The allure of the Inca civilization captivates visitors worldwide, drawing them to explore the heart of this once-mighty empire.

During its zenith, the Inca Empire stretched across present-day Peru, as well as regions of Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Today, Ollantaytambo serves as a bustling hub for hikers embarking on the revered four-night Inca Trail trek.

The Ollantaytambo fortress, an imposing terraced stone edifice towering atop a lofty peak, commands admiration from all who behold it.

The monumental size of the stones comprising the Wall of the Six Monoliths stands as a testament to the remarkable engineering prowess of the Incas.

In the town, women elegantly parade in a vibrant fusion of Spanish colonial and Incan attire, donning layered skirts crafted from hand-woven wool and adorned with small rectangular hand-woven shoulder cloths secured at the front with intricately decorated pins.

5- Gaze in Awe At Salineras de Maras

Within the Sacred Valley of the Incas lies the Salinas de Maras salt flats, a surreal tapestry of terraced salt pans cascading down the mountainside.

Dating back to the Inca era, these historic salt pans in the Urubamba Province of Cusco have been integral to salt extraction practices.

Renowned for their beauty and historical significance, the Salinas de Maras is a cherished destination in Peru.

Perched atop the valley, saltwater streams flow from a natural hot spring into the salt pans, where they undergo evaporation, yielding salt used for various purposes, including cattle licks.

6- Hike or Train To Machu Picchu

Embarking on a pre-dawn journey at Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Incan city nestled in the Andes, all while accompanied by the curious presence of a few bold llamas, enhancing the moment’s tranquility.

For those who prefer not to trek, a train ride from Cuzco presents another captivating option for exploring Machu Picchu. This scenic journey winds through Ollantaytambo, providing a delightful excursion suitable even for young adventurers.

However, there’s a caveat to this otherwise enchanting voyage. Following the two-hour train ride, travelers face a nerve-wracking journey along narrow roads with hairpin bends and precipitous drops, navigating their way to a location below Huayna Picchu, the towering pinnacle overlooking Machu Picchu.

7- Cruise Lake Titicaca

According to Andean beliefs, Lake Titicaca was revered as the birthplace of the sun.

As South America’s largest and highest lake, Lake Titicaca spans the borders of Peru and Bolivia, drawing visitors to its shores in both countries.

In Peru, the city of Puno serves as the primary gateway to explore Lake Titicaca, offering boat tours that showcase the lake’s natural beauty and cultural significance.

Notable islands to visit include Taquile, Amantani, and the Uros Islands. The Uros Islands are particularly fascinating, as they exemplify the unique lifestyle of the local people who have constructed and inhabited floating islands made from totora reeds. Dating back over 500 years, these communities established their homes on the lake as a means to evade Inca colonization, preserving traditions such as weaving throughout the centuries.

8- See the Nazca lines

The Nazca Lines, a collection of enigmatic geoglyphs, adorn the Nazca Desert, a vast arid plateau spanning over 80 kilometers between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana.

Crafted by the Nazca culture between 200 BC and AD 700, these geoglyphs comprise a diverse array of designs, ranging from simple lines to intricate depictions of animals such as hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks, llamas, and lizards.

Among these creations, the largest figure spans an impressive 200 meters, while the longest glyph extends over 9 miles. Notably, the hummingbird alone boasts a width of 25 feet (7.62 meters).

What’s truly astonishing is that these intricate etchings, spanning from the 1st to the 8th centuries, were meticulously crafted by removing reddish iron oxide pebbles from the desert surface.

Observing these remarkable designs from above, whether by air or in imagery, one can easily imagine them as the handiwork of divine beings. Various theories abound regarding their purpose: some attribute them to the Inca gods Viracocha, while others suggest they were intended as markers for celestial deities or indicators of water sources.

The speculation extends even further, with some proposing that they serve as landing sites for extraterrestrial visitors. However, according to archaeologist Johan Reinhard, these geoglyphs were likely created as part of religious rituals honoring the god of water, embodying a profound connection between ancient civilizations and their natural surroundings.

9- Hangout in Lima

In Lima, the bustling capital of the country, you’ll find an abundance of museums and archaeological sites that provide insight into Peru’s ancient civilizations.

One must-visit destination in Lima is the Larco Herrera Museum, which is housed in a private mansion constructed on the grounds of a pre-Columbian temple and showcases 5,000 years of archaeological marvels.

On exhibit are a wide array of artifacts including ceramics, textiles, precious metal pieces, and even mummies.

Venturing into the basement reveals a fascinating display of unique erotic archaeological treasures, including a collection of ceramic pots depicting scenes reminiscent of the Kama Sutra.

Beyond Peru’s rich tapestry of archaeological wonders lies a treasure trove of natural attractions, even older in their allure.

10- Cruise the Amazon River

The Amazon River and rainforest, reachable by boat from Iquitos, represent an idyllic destination for enthusiasts of nature.

Approximately 60% of Peru is enveloped by the Peruvian Amazon, which commences its journey from the foothills of the Andes, coursing through a biologically rich haven of diverse wildlife.

A staggering one-third of the world’s animal species inhabit the Amazon Rainforest, boasting over 400 amphibians, 427 mammals, and 378 reptiles.

During your journey, anticipate encountering sloths, monkeys, and anacondas, alongside opportunities to engage with local villages, immerse yourself in their culture, and gain insight into their traditional way of life.

11- See wildlife in Paracas National Reserve

Peru’s equivalent of the Galapagos Islands, the Ballestas Islands, is situated within the Paracas National Reserve.

In proximity to the town of Paracas, this 340,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary (established in 1975) serves as a sanctuary for avian and marine species.

Candelabra Mountain hosts a 595-ft (181m) tall geoglyph depicting a candlestick with a triangular shape at its center.

Dating back to around 200 B.C., some speculate that it served as a navigational aid for sailors or that the triangle represents a symbol associated with Freemasonry.

Embarking on a cruise to the Ballestas Islands presents an opportunity to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, grey-footed boobies, and Peruvian boobies up close.

The islands’ pristine white appearance is due to guano (bird excrement), which is harvested for fertilizer every few months.

12- Discover The Chimu Kingdom of Chan Chan

Prior to the rise of the Inca Empire, the Chimu civilization thrived along Peru’s northern coast from the 12th to the 15th centuries.

A must-do activity in Peru is exploring its capital, Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a priceless archaeological gem facing delicate preservation challenges.

Six centuries ago, Chan Chan stood as a bustling metropolis adorned with myriad structures, including palatial complexes, temples, towering walls, and a labyrinth of thoroughfares.

During the 15th century, Chan Chan was home to an estimated 60,000 inhabitants, governed by a hierarchical social order rooted in a mythological belief that the sun populated the world by laying golden, silver, and copper eggs.

The Chimu civilization boasted sophisticated engineering prowess, evidenced by their remarkable canal system designed to irrigate crops.

Situated close to Trujillo, Chan Chan is surrounded by the colonial charm of a city boasting splendid architecture.

13- Go On A Dig At Chavín de Huántar

The Chavin civilization flourished from 1500 to 300 BC in the Huari region of the Peruvian Andes.

Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a prime destination in Peru for enthusiasts of pre-Columbian history.

This archaeological marvel boasts plazas, canals, temples, and an intricate network of subterranean passages.

At the heart of Chavín de Huántar lies the sanctuary dedicated to a deity known as Lanzón, depicted as a hybrid creature with human and animal features, sporting jaguar fangs and caiman talons.

14- Explore the 5000-year-old Ruins of Caral

Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, boasts pyramids dating back 5,000 years, surpassing the age of Egypt’s pyramids by 4,000 years and predating the Incan pyramids and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

Renowned for its ancient culture, Caral stands as a premier destination for travelers seeking insights into Peru’s rich heritage.

The Norte Chico civilization thrived in Caral from the 30th to the 18th centuries BC, earning it the distinction of being the oldest known civilization in the Americas.

Once adorned with pyramids, plazas, temples, amphitheaters, and an elaborate irrigation system, the city’s infrastructure attests to its advanced societal development.

Artifacts uncovered in Caral include musical instruments intricately carved with motifs of monkeys, hinting at cultural connections reaching into the distant Amazon basin, alongside the use of ancient mathematical tools.

Situated 200 km from Lima, Caral offers an enriching full-day excursion from the Peruvian capital, inviting visitors to explore its ancient wonders firsthand.

15- Huachachina Oasis

Huacachina is a mesmerizing desert oasis reminiscent of scenes from a fantastical film, with its tranquil lagoon purported to possess mystical healing properties.

Legend has it that this lagoon originated from an underground spring, yet a more enchanting tale speaks of an Inca princess, startled by a hunter’s gaze while bathing unclothed in a secluded oasis. Startled, she dropped her mirror into the tranquil waters, which then magically expanded into the expansive lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes.

This destination ranks high among Peru’s must-visit spots for those seeking desert adventures. Activities abound, from exhilarating dune buggy rides across the undulating sands to the thrill of sandboarding and the enchantment of camping beneath the celestial canopy.

Huacachina offers more than just natural beauty. Nestled nearby is an archaeological museum boasting captivating exhibits featuring ancient mummies and intricate tribal ceramics. Palm-fringed shores embrace the lagoon, where visitors can unwind at waterfront bars, dine at gourmet restaurants, or dance the night away at lively clubs. How about indulging in a refreshing pisco sour while lounging by the lagoon?

Located a scenic five-hour drive from Lima, Huacachina is also conveniently close to the iconic Nazca Lines, a mere 10-minute flight away. The bustling city of Ica serves as the gateway to this oasis, from which day tours to the breathtaking Ballestas Islands can be effortlessly arranged.

16- Eat Peruvian Food

Peru stands as the culinary hub of South America, boasting a diverse range of dishes that span from ancient Inca recipes to contemporary fusion creations.

Must-try delicacies include:

• Tiradito (the quintessential dish) — Fresh slices of sea bass delicately cured in a zesty blend of salt, lime juice, onions, and fiery chillies.
• Lomo Saltado — Tender beef stir-fried in a Chinese-inspired manner, infused with soy sauce and combined with tomatoes, chillies, onions, and aromatic spices.
• Aji De Gallina — Succulent chicken immersed in a creamy sauce enriched with walnuts and cheese, offering a delightful fusion of flavors.

17- Visit Arequipa

Arequipa stands as a captivating colonial gem, serving as the vibrant capital of Peru’s Arequipa region.

Adorned with stunning Baroque architecture set against a dramatic volcanic panorama, the city is situated along the Ring of Fire, a tectonic fault line prone to earthquakes and volcanic activities.

Stroll along charming cobblestone alleys, uncover the 17th-century neoclassical Basilica adorning the central Plaza de Armas, and indulge in the local delicacy of Queso Helado, a creamy ice cream crafted from eggs, coconut, and condensed milk. This beloved Arequipa dessert promises a decadent explosion of flavor!

18- Go Surfing in Mancora

Seeking Peru’s coastal delights?

Venture to Máncora, nestled in the Piura Region of northwestern Peru, where you’ll find sun-kissed shores, pristine sands, refreshing smoothie spots, and thrilling surf breaks.

Embark on surfing adventures at Main Beach, explore the exhilarating sport of kite surfing, or simply bask in the seaside serenity while anticipating the lively nightlife of Peru’s premier party destination.

19- Trek the Cordillera Blanca

Peru boasts an impressive array of 37 peaks towering over 6000 meters in height. For those seeking the pinnacle of hiking adventures, the majestic Huascaran (6,768 m) reigns supreme as the highest mountain, nestled within the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca of the Andes.

The Cordillera Blanca captivates with its awe-inspiring panorama of snow-capped peaks, adorned with sprawling glaciers and tranquil lagoons.

This region is a haven for trekkers, offering an array of trails suitable for independent exploration or guided excursions led by knowledgeable locals.

Serving as the gateway to this natural wonderland is the vibrant town of Huaraz, pulsating with the energy of bustling markets and framed by scenic vistas.

20- Hike To Humantay Lagoon

From Cusco, a trip to Soraypampa offers views of the snow-capped mountains.

Mount Salkantay (6230 m) is a challenge for experienced hikers but if you just want to stretch your legs, go on a short hike to Humantay Lagoon and gaze at the lovely views.