Adventure seekers have so much more to get stuck into in Peru. Watch Peru’s condors soar at Colca Canyon, discover the country’s exciting capital Lima, view the mysterious Nazca lines, explore the Sacred Valley and board down the sand dunes in Huacachina. Then trek through the Amazon. It get’s us excited just thinking about it!
When to Visit Peru
You can visit Peru all year round, but because of the area’s size and varying landscapes, the best way to decide on when to visit is to work out what you want to do when you’re there. If you’re hiking up Machu Picchu or want to trek some of the epic Andes, May to September is a good time to go. Be warned, Machu Picchu is usually closed for maintenance in February. If you’re heading to the northern beaches of Peru, December to March is the time to visit. In the Amazon you can expect high temperatures and humidity pretty much all year long.
How to Get There
Lima airport is the main air hub in the area with numerous international flights available. Cusco airport is a popular choice for those heading to Machu Picchu, and La Paz airport has some decent connections too. Overland travel is extremely popular however, particularly bus travel, with Peru various destinations fairly easy to reach from the rest of the continent.
Top Things to Do in Peru
Here are some unmissable things to do before leaving Peru.
Arequipa
Welcome to Peru’s second-largest city. Arequipa may not be as well known as Cusco or Lima, but it has huge historical significance and some seriously good food! Set at the foot of three dramatic volcanoes, Arequipa is a great place to wander and an even better place to try classic Peruvian dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and chupe de camarones (spicy shrimp stew).
Sandboard At A Desert Oasis
Discover Ica and the desert oasis community of Huacachina. On the sand dunes of one of the driest places on earth, try your hand at sandboarding. Or visit the Ballestas Islands to enjoy the penguins and sea lions that live freely in the Paracas National Reserve.
Boat Around Lake Titicaca
Visit South America’s largest lake and boat around to each of the man-made inhabited islands, made entirely of reeds. After a day on the lake, visit Puno, the folklore capital of Peru, to share a story and a cup of tea with some local residents.
See Colca Canyon
Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city and also one of its most beautiful, with ethereal white stone buildings nestled in the foothills of Peru’s southern volcanic belt. Hit the markets to purchase some of the aromatic spices you’ve been tasting in local cuisine, and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb volcanoes, or if you’ve got time for a longer jaunt, hike the Colca Canyon, for some serious bragging rights.
Explore Machu Picchu
Lace up your hiking boots and hike the four-day Inca Trail from Cusco to reach Machu Picchu’s sun gate just in time for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the nearly 600 year-old Incan ruins. You can also choose the one-day hike or take the train, but be sure to allow yourself a couple of days to explore the entire complex. Wander through the ruins of the temples and see for yourself why Machu Picchu is one of the new wonders of the world.
Visit the “Earth Maker” at Pachacamac
Named for the pre-Incan god Pacha Kamaq, or “Earth Maker”, the ruins of Pachacamac will transport you back in time to the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon to learn about the religious beliefs and cultural systems of one of Peru’s earliest civilizations.
Make Peruvian Chocolate
While the origins of chocolate are still under debate, many experts agree that the cocoa bean originated from the Andes foothills in the Amazon rainforest. Create your own “food of the Gods” at a chocolate-making class in Peru, and get a taste of what is becoming known more and more as one of the best chocolates in the world.
Try Your Hand at Peruvian Fonts
Located in a small artist studio in the heart of Barranco, attend a workshop focused on teaching us about the famous Lima font that can be seen on the sides of taxis, buses, and trucks. This font dates back to the 1950’s and has become a contemporary aspect of street art in Lima. In this workshop, you will learn how to make this font, and will create a piece of art you can take home with you.
Amazon Eco-Lodge
Travel to the heart of the amazon jungle from Cuzco by taking a boat to your eco-lodge. Enjoy river and lake life, get your camera ready for all kinds of wildlife including monkeys and birds and experience a night-time boat safari in search of nocturnal animals. Plus, you will experience a canopy walk along the highest tree platform in the Amazon.
Fly Over the Nazca Lines
Discover the wonder of the Peruvian plains’ Nazca Lines. A World Heritage Site, these mysterious markings of stylised birds, spiders and lizards have been attracting fascinated travellers for years. Enjoy a flight over the lines with an ariel view of these ancient wonders.
Ballestas Islands & Sand Boarding Adventure
Explore Peru’s amazing coastal landscapes on this package that includes a night’s accommodation, tours plus transfers. Cruise to the top of 500-metre-high sand dunes, then rocket down in a sand buggy! Head to the Ballestas Isalnds spotting sea lions, penguins & fink flamingos.
Lima
Peru’s capital, Lima offers a world away from the rugged mountains of Machu Picchu. With a clear Spanish influence, the city is far more European than Cusco. With museums, archaeological sites, adventure sports, and nightlife on offer, Lima is busy, bustling and full of history. Lima is also the home to seafood ceviche – take it from us, you won’t find any better!
Head downtown to the colonial district of Lima where vestiges of Spain’s colonial empire still linger. Make your way through the palm tree lined Plaza de Armas to catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco to see the catacombs, which served as a burial place until 1808.
Lima is brimming with trendy, fun neighborhoods, with a blend of ancient architecture, artsy cafes, and colorful streets. In the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, hold your breath across the Puente de los Suspiros bridge and discover dance troupes, street art, and a delicious taste of ceviche as you discover how Peru blends the best of old and new.
See Lima from a bird’s eye view with a paragliding experience off the cliffs of Miraflores. As you sail over the Pacific Ocean, you’ll spot urban high rises, the foothills of Lima, and surfers enjoying the world-famous waves of Peru.
Machu Picchu and The Inca Trail Tours
Without a doubt, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most popular destination to visit. Perched 2,430m up in the sky, it’s no surprise that it was hidden for so long. A frequent contender on most bucket lists, the epic Inca Trail takes you into the jungle, through stunning mountain scenes and up into the clouds. When you get up there, wander through the ancient Inca ruins and befriend the resident llamas.
The world famous Inca Trail trek is for most visitors one of, if not the main reason for travelling to Peru. While it is physically demanding, the 40km hike remains within the reach of most reasonably fit travellers. Some parts are steep, especially the three high passes – one of which reaches an elevation of 4,200m (13,776 ft)! But the mist-shrouded views of Machu Picchu prove to all who make it that the climb was definitely worth it.
The Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining jaw-dropping scenery, lush cloudforest, sub-tropical jungle and a mix of Inca ruins. As well as the Inca Trail however, we offer a variety of other tour options, all providing incredible experiences high up in the Peruvian Andes. Whether you want to go the whole hog or would rather a shorter trip, we’ve got the right thing for you!