From Incan Ruins perched high in the mountains to the vibrant teal alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks of the Andes, we’ve yet to find a country with as much natural beauty as Peru. From the famous “lost” city of Machu Picchu to remote high-altitude treks, there is so much magic to explore in Peru. On this page, we’ve compiled all our resources and travel guides to help you plan an epic trip to Peru.
Top things to do in Peru
- Visit the “lost” city of Machu Picchu from Cusco. Don’t miss out on the hike up Huayna Picchu for the best view of the Incan ruins!
- Explore the ruins of the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Moray.
- See an Incan salt mine in Maras still actively used today!
- Embark on an incredible long-distance trek like the Cordillera Huayhuash or Ausangate Circuit for magnificent mountain views.
- Visit the beautiful Rainbow Mountain, known for it’s vibrant stripes in all shades of the rainbow.
- Take a chocolate-making or cooking class in Cusco to learn more about the local cuisine.
- Take a trip to Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America.
- Hike through Colca Canyon, a canyon twice as deep as the United States’ Grand Canyon!
- Take a day trip from Cusco to see the stunning teal waters of Laguna Humantay.
- Get off the beaten path and experience a lesser visited set of ruins with stunning mountain views along the Huchuy Qosqo Trek.
Things to know before you go
- Currency | Sol (roughly 0.27 USD)
- Languages spoken| Spanish is most common, Quechua is also spoken by many
- Must try food | Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina Picarones, chococlate, salchipapas, Piscc Sour (alcoholic drink)
- When to go | Rainy season is December through March (summer), and May through September (winter) is the best time to visit for trekking
- How to get around | Taxis are fairly cheap. The colectivo, an informal minibus, is another popular and inexpensive way to get around.