When most travelers think of Peru, they conjure up images of majestic mountains, rainforests, dense jungles and the remains of its ancient civilization that once prevailed throughout the South American country.
21.07.2023 - 07:47 / roughguides.com
Trekking through the awe-inspiring Andes to the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is the main draw for most travellers to Peru. However, truth be told, this is only a fraction of the treasures that lie within one of South America’s most diverse countries. If you are looking for inspiration or just to get a feel of the country, here is our guide to the best things to do in Peru.
This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to Peru — your essential guide for travelling in Peru .
With ancient temples and palaces nestling among hundreds of terraces, these famous Inca ruins are awe-inspiring. Machu Picchu is one of the greatest of all South American tourist attractions.
The site’s mysterious origins are central to its enduring appeal, but even without knowing too much about its history or archaeology, it’s quite possible to enjoy a visit to Machu Picchu. Enter the site before dawn, then sit and wait for sunrise. The first rays of the sun spill over the surrounding peaks to illuminate the well-preserved stone buildings, paths and terraces.
For a full experience, take the Inca trail to hike Machu Picchu. It is by far the best-known and most popular trekking trail to the site. For many, this hike is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru.
Discover Machu Picchu with a local travel guide on Active Macchu Picchu tour. If you want to see more of Peru's hidden gems, have a look at Peru North tour
Take the Inca trail to Machu Picchu — one of the best things to do in Peru © tsuchi/Shutterstock
The ruined citadel of Kuelap is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Andes mountains. Near the towns of Maria and Tingo, these ancient settlements were originally built by the Chachapoyas culture in 500 AD. Situated on top of a mountain, this ruin is one of the most impressive in South America and is one of the best things to do in Peru.
Ancient traditional villages of Kuelap © Ludmila Ruzickova/Shutterstock
At 3850m above sea level, the Lagunas de Llanganuco are the result of thousands of years of Huascarán’s meltwater. Located in Parque Nacional Huascarán, the Lagunas de Llanganuco are two stunning, deep-blue lakes. These lakes are surrounded by Peru's highest and most dramatic peaks.
Visiting Lagunas de Llanganuco is one of the best things to do in Peru © Peto Laszlo/Shutterstock
According to the myth, the lagoon at Huacachina was created when a princess stripped off her clothes to bathe. As she looked into a mirror and saw that a male hunter was watching her, she dropped the mirror, which then became the lagoon.
This desert oasis offers spectacular scenery. This healing lagoon is ringed by palm trees and hidden among massive sand dunes. It draws sand boarders and dune-buggy riders from
When most travelers think of Peru, they conjure up images of majestic mountains, rainforests, dense jungles and the remains of its ancient civilization that once prevailed throughout the South American country.
Perched on the shoulder of South America, Ecuador is a patchwork of dramatic landscapes, from white sandy beaches and rolling grasslands to dense rainforests and majestic mountains. Despite its modest size, the country packs a mighty punch thanks to its breathtaking terrain, which takes in the Amazon, the Andes and the awesome archipelago of the Galápagos.
Late last year, I was itching to leave my hometown of Los Angeles and booked a short trip to the East Coast. But, as soon as I boarded my return flight, I realized I couldn't wait to get back home.
By all accounts, I am a nervous traveler and I never quite feel safe until I return home.
When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list was issued in June, a new entry was sitting on top at #1: Central in Lima Peru, rising from #2 the previous year, replacing perennial favorites in Denmark, Spain and Japan. But for those who admire Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant, which is described as a culinary introductory course through 15 Peruvian ecosystems categorized by altitude, the choice was no surprise, just as Peruvian cuisine itself topping the list was no surprise, given its complexity, diversity of influences and simply luscious flavors. For those in New York, another introductory course of a kind will take place on July 28th at the Lower East Side restaurant POPULAR as several chefs get together to create a special dinner to celebrate Independence Day in Peru.
The Uros Islands are a group of over 60 floating grass islands located in the middle of Lake Titicaca, Peru. The 1,200 or so people who inhabit those islands, the Uru people, have lived here for centuries. They started building islands out of totora reeds they harvest from the lake to protect themselves against the Incas and have preserved this lifestyle ever since.
When my friend Rachel asked me to fly to Peru to celebrate her 30th birthday, I immediately thought of a bucket list trek to Machu Picchu or an opportunity to scale the staggering Ollantaytambo ruins. Rather, with wide eyes and a smirk, she cautiously revealed her ambition to climb the very vertical Via Ferrata to reach what every Peruvian lamented as plain loco. After all, the Skylodge Adventure Suites welcomes only those daring enough to spend the night suspended 400 meters above Cusco’s Sacred Valley.
One of South America 's booming capitals and major cities, Buenos Aires is a seductive and cultured city with an eclectic mix of people and places. Vicky Baker has the lowdown on the newest things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina .
Backpacking can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel – with little more than your clothes on your back and an onward ticket in your hand. But where are the world’s best backpacking destinations? We asked our readers, and here are the results.
Sitting pretty just off the coast of the South American mainland Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and underexplored destinations. The islands boast spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, savannas and reefs, and endless undeveloped beaches. T&T is also a cultural pacemaker for the Caribbean. Read on to find out the best things to do in Trinidad and Tobago.
Peruvian cuisine is rated among the best in the world and is currently experiencing a period of flourishing self-confidence and popularity overseas. Here are six classic Peruvian recipes taken from the Rough Guide to Peru, all fairly simple to prepare and found throughout the country. All quantities given will feed four people, so invite a few friends round, put on some panpipe music and prepare to impress.
Most visitors to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco in southern Peru are drawn by the extraordinary ruined temples and palaces and the dramatic scenery of the high Andes. But the only true way to get to the heart of the indigenous Andean culture is to join a traditional fiesta. Nearly every town and village in the region engages in these raucous and chaotic celebrations, a window on a secret world that has survived centuries of oppression.