Top 10 things to do in Peru

Peru is at the top of a lot of people's travel wish lists at the moment. Whether your main motivation to go is to see Machu Picchu, the Andes or the jungle, make sure you read on to not miss a thing while on this once in a lifetime adventure!

Visit the islands of floating reeds - Isla Uros

In the Lake Titicaca lie the islands made entirely by buoyant totora reeds that grow in the lake. Here you can even go on boat rides on boats made by reeds. The islands were made so the tribe of Uros could escape the Collas and Incas and live here still today. Experience the full history with your local guides, be prepared to pay a little bit to take photos but this is sure to be an experience you will never forget.

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Cruise the Amazon river 

Experience the Amazon like you never thought possible, by cruising down with local guides.

Look out for the wildlife both in the water and on land, as you stop in the jungle to search for monkeys, reptiles and sloths.

The local guides will tailor each experience to match the surroundings and water levels to make sure you get the most out of your Amazonian adventure.

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Trek Machu Picchu

If you haven’t seen Machu Picchu have you even really been to Peru? There are many options on ways to get to the Incan ruins but to experience it like a local and get in touch with the culture and nature we recommend trekking. There are several different treks to choose from, read more about which one is right for you here.

And don’t forget to book far in advance! The Incan trail only has 500 permits for sale per day and can sell out months in advance. We recommend booking your trip 6-12 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Here are some of our favourite tours to Machu Picchu

Experience the Colca Canyon

See the breathtaking scenery of the deepest canyons in the world - the Colca Canyon. Providing endless photo opportunities especially as the canyon is famous for their resident condors who circle around in the air.

This canyon is often missed out of people’s travel itineraries because of Machu Picchu’s popularity but Colca Canyons offers even more trekking opportunities with just as, if not more stunning landscapes. After trekking, what better way to relax than in one of the many beautiful hot springs?

Lima

One of the largest cities in South America, but this is a gem of a city that’s not to be put off due to it’s enormity. Filled with museums with Peruvian ancient artefacts, incredible local restaurants, churches and so much more! The historic centre is even recognised as a World Heritage Site.

Some of our tours include a couple of days in Lima, but otherwise we certainly recommend adding a few days before you fly home to fully experience this wonderful city!

Cycle through stunning rolling hills

Embark on a mountain-bike adventure in the valleys. Flatter than it might sound, the days of 3-6 hours of pedalling are not too strenuous and the perfect way to see the country! Along the way you’ll pass rivers and villages with Andean communities and at night you’ll stay in Bungalows surrounded by stunning hills.

Stay in a jungle lodge

No sleep sound machines needed here! Stay in the middle of the jungle surrounded by birds and wildlife. Learn about the nature with your local guides who work at the lodge and will take you on an early morning tour to experience the jungle at its wildest. You will learn about medicinal plants, fishing, hunting and more!

Cusco

Named “The archeological capital of the Americas”, Cusco is a city not to be missed on your Peru travels. The capital of the Incan empire from the 13th to the 16th century, saying that the city packs in a lot of history would be a huge understatement, it’s even named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thousands of visitors pass though here every day on their way to Machu Picchu. With a high altitude of over 3,000m, it’s a great place to spend a couple days to acclimatise before heading out on your trek and after coming back.

Many of our tours will take you to Cusco, like this one

Stay with local families

To get the most genuine cultural experience in a country, you need to stay with the locals. The friendly families in Peru will take you in and show you their day to day. Learn about their local traditions, their food and how they cook it, try on local costumes and help out around the village. Few experiences will be as transformational as this, sure to bring memories and stories to tell for the rest of your life.

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Dance with locals in colourful parades

South America is famous for its festivals and the Peruvians are no exception. Every summer they celebrate the 'The Festival of the sun' (Inti Raymi) in Cusco. Sure to be an experience of a lifetime, you’re taken back to the Incan times to witness praise to the sun god - Inti, with specials dances and coca leaf readings.

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Zip-line over the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley might be the most stunning places you’ve ever seen, so what better way to see it than by air? Fly through seven zip lines ranging from 150 to 700 meters long (164 – 766 yards) crossing the valleys with breathtaking views.

See more here

Trek the snowcapped mountains in the Andes

Some of the best trekking in South America can be experienced here in Northern Peru. The breathtaking Cordillera Huayhuash range provides endless photo opportunities sure to create a memory for life. See glaciers, alpine meadows, hot springs and lakes. Start at an elevation of 3,052 m (10,013 ft) in Huaraz, and acclimatise with day hikes before continuing to higher elevations of the Huayhuash Circuit. Along the way you’ll visit local families and villages, perfect for getting those genuine souvenirs.

To find out more about this adventure click here