10 Things to Do in Lima

Machu Picchu is undeniably Peru’s premier tourist attraction and few visitors to the country fail to make their way to the hilltop ruins of the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Almost everyone has seen pictures of the enigmatic ruins nestling on their perch on top of a mountain, surrounded by swirling wisps of cloud. However, not everyone is so familiar with the highlights and unmissable sights within the complex. Here are 13 things to do in Machu Picchu to make your visit worthwhile (in no particular order). Note: Since Machu Picchu has seasonal weather, please do read our guide on the best time to visit Machu Picchu that can help plan your next adventure!

Located in the region where the tropical Andes meet the Amazonian lowland forest and covering almost two million hectares, Manu National Park in Peru is one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots. Recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1977, the area is home to a staggering variety of plant and animal species, including giant otters, capybaras, peccaries, tapirs, jaguars, caiman, 13 different species of monkeys, over 1000 species of birds and over 1300 species of butterflies. Manu National Park is divided into three zones, the ‘cultural zone’, the ‘reserved zone’ and the ‘restricted zone’. Visitors are permitted to enter the cultural zone independently, where there are several native communities that welcome tourists. Access to the reserved zone is only possible through one of a very small number of tour companies that are allowed to operate there. The restricted zone is an area of pristine forest still home to a number of uncontacted tribes and is not open to tourists.

Aaah. Peru. Where do we even begin? The heart of the Great Inca Empire. The Land of the Incas. Home to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Not interested? How about sheer natural beauty in the form of the Great Amazon, exotic jungles, or breathtaking peaks. Still, need inspiration? What about fascinating walking trails. Rich and varied Peruvian gastronomy. Resurgent cities. Irrespective of where your interests lie, Peru always manages to entertain you with all sorts of sights and attractions that are sure to transform you into one of the most influential travel personalities on social media. Provided you manage to come back to reality and remember to click photographs! While the options are just about endless when it comes to things to do in Peru, we have managed to shortlist a few that become a part of most traveler itineraries in the country. Don't blame us if your hands are itching to book your next tour to Peru after reading this article!

Cusco is Peru’s most compelling city, combining layers of history from the days of the Incan empire, through the Spanish colonial period and right up to modern times. It is a place of grand monuments from the Spanish period juxtaposed with atmospheric Incan alleys. A city imbued with an almost tangible sense of history and a special mystical charm — a not-to-miss during a trip to Peru. In no particular order, here are the top 12 things to do in Cusco from visiting ancient ruins to attending weaving classes!

A trip to Lima offers exciting nightlife, a vibrant culinary scene and a wealth of culture and history to discover. Cusco was the heart of the ancient Inca Empire and is one of the most visited cities in the country, serving as a base for exploration of the Sacred Valley and, of course, the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Cusco is also the starting location of many of the best treks in Peru including the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Both Lima and Cusco are firmly on the itinerary of almost any visitor to Peru and there are good transport links between them. If you are traveling from Lima, check out some of the best things to do in Lima before leaving. Also, check out our guide on the Sacred Valley to know more about the awesome things you can do while visiting. Basically, there are two options for traveling between Lima and Cusco, either by plane or by bus. We breakdown the details for you.

Peru’s famous trekking trails need no introduction. But as the country’s primary trekking destination, the Cordillera Blanca region exerts an inexorable pull. It has something for every ability, from relative novices to elite technical mountaineers. The gateway to this outdoor wonderland is the town of Huaraz, also a convenient stop for organizing guides and provisions. Since the Cordillera Blanca is firmly on the itinerary of many who make the trip to Peru, there are several good transport connections from Lima to Huaraz and travelling between the two should present no significant difficulties. If you don’t have your own transport, the two easiest options are either to fly or to take a bus.

There are many options to travel from Lima to Machu Picchu but journeys usually include a combination of plane, bus and train. From Lima, all travellers will first need to make their way to Cusco by plane or bus, from where most will continue on to Ollantaytambo. From there, the final stop is Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town, the base for visiting Machu Picchu itself. Aguas Calientes is normally reached by train. For those planning to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot via the Inca Trail, there is no need to go further than Cusco since most Inca Trail treks start and end at in Aguas Calientes. We break down the travel routes and options for you.

A trip of 13 days in Peru perfectly balances cultural immersion and natural beauty. From wandering through the heart of Lima to discovering the rich history of Cusco, a 13-day trip to Peru promises something for everyone. For those drawn to the outdoors, a trek in the Sacred Valley or the lush Amazon rainforest will leave you mesmerized. With its colorful markets, ancient ruins, and vibrant traditions, Peru’s diverse landscapes promise an unforgettable journey.

From the mist-covered peaks of the Andes to the enigmatic ruins of ancient civilizations, Peru offers a perfect fusion of adventure and history. Its lively textile markets are a vibrant testament to local culture, while the sacred Incan sites—with their timeless stone walls—echo the stories of mighty empires. Whether you're hiking through the lush Sacred Valley, savoring fresh ceviche in the heart of Lima, or watching the sunrise bathe Machu Picchu in golden light, 11 days in Peru trip promises an unforgettable journey through a land that brims with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Embarking on a 12-day Peru trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's rich tapestry of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural wonders at a relaxed pace. From the bustling streets of Lima to the mystical heights of Machu Picchu and from the serene waters of Lake Titicaca to the lush expanse of the Amazon rainforest, 12 days in Peru promises a diverse and unforgettable adventure.

From stark coastal desert landscapes to towering Andean mountains and lush Amazon forest, and from vibrant cityscapes of Lima and Cusco to ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru has much to offer its visitors. Ideally, you need at least two weeks to explore this megadiverse country properly. But if you are short on time, you can take a more focused approach to your Peru trip by honing in on specific destinations and activities. Over nine days, you could trek through the ancient Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, zip-line through verdant rainforest canopies, and tour Lima and Cusco's historical and cultural sites. Here are some unique itinerary ideas for taking a trip of 9 days in Peru.

From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant streets of Lima, from the colonial charm of Cusco to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, a Peru tour of just six days offers a wealth of experiences. Savor world-class Peruvian cuisine and immerse yourself in local traditions as you explore iconic sites like the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, or the Nazca Lines. A trip of six days in Peru is enough time to delve into each destination you visit and truly appreciate the country's unique offerings.