Things To Do
in Peru

Iconic Inca citadel with dramatic terraces and sunrise vistas—best captured early morning or at golden hour from Wiñay Wayna or the Sun Gate.

Striped mineral-colored mountain offering surreal colors; colorful landscape best shot with strong contrast skies—high altitude trekking required.

Deep canyon famed for condor sightings; viewpoints at Cruz del Cóndor provide sweeping aerial perspectives.

High-altitude lake with reed islands and traditional communities—perfect for sunrise/sunset reflections and cultural portraits on Uros and Taquile.

Desert lagoon surrounded by sand dunes—great for dramatic sandboarding shots and golden-hour panoramas.

Pacific coast cliffs and colorful Barranco district offer urban sunset scenes, street art, and bohemian architecture.

Ancient geoglyphs best photographed from small sightseeing flights—plan for motion and glare control.

Dense jungle, river scenes and wildlife photography opportunities—golden light on rivers at dawn is exceptional.

Thousands of terraced salt pans create geometric, reflective patterns—excellent for aerial/drone shots where permitted.

Fresh raw fish cured in citrus with peppers and onion; best at coastal cevicherías in Lima, Piura and coastal towns.

Must-Try!

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes and fries over rice: a Peruvian-Chinese (chifa) classic found across cities and mid-range restaurants.

Creamy shredded chicken in spicy aji amarillo sauce; a comforting house specialty in family restaurants and traditional eateries.

Skewered, marinated meat (often beef heart) grilled over coals; common street food and night-market favorite.

Layered mashed potato dish stuffed with chicken, tuna or avocado—bright and popular as an appetizer in Lima and restaurants.

A single cheek kiss (or a handshake in formal settings) and polite greetings are common—use 'Buenos días'/'Buenas tardes' and maintain a friendly tone.

Show respect at religious sites and when visiting indigenous communities; ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.

Bargaining is expected at craft markets and with street vendors—start lower than the asking price and be polite. Don’t haggle in supermarkets or fixed-price shops.

Dress modestly when visiting churches and rural villages; casual wear is acceptable in cities but layer for varying climates.

Business and formal meetings expect punctuality, but social gatherings can be more relaxed—plan accordingly for tours and transport.

Classic 4-day trek through cloud forest, Inca ruins and mountain passes ending at Machu Picchu—permits limited and must be booked in advance.

Alternative multi-day route to Machu Picchu featuring high mountain scenery, varied ecosystems and fewer travelers than the Inca Trail.

High-altitude multi-day trek around Ausangate with glacial lakes, Andean communities and challenging passes—spectacular alpine scenery.

Short but steep high-altitude hike to colorful mineral strata—can be done as a day trip from Cusco with acclimatization required.

Scenic 3–4 day trek in the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz, with glacier views, alpine lakes and accessible campsites.

Popular one-day hike from Huaraz to an intense turquoise glacial lake—steep and high altitude but rewarding views.

Multi-day routes through one of the world’s deepest canyons with opportunities to see condors and visit traditional villages.

Remote multi-day trek to the archaeological site of Choquequirao—less visited than Machu Picchu and requires strong fitness.

Peru's main international gateway near Lima with numerous domestic connections; taxi, airport bus and pre-arranged transfers connect to Miraflores and the city center (30–60 minutes depending on traffic).

Primary airport for visits to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley; short drive to Cusco city center and onward train connections to Aguas Calientes.

Serves Arequipa and southern attractions like Colca Canyon; regular domestic flights from Lima and other regional hubs.

Closest major airport to Puno and Lake Titicaca with frequent flights from Lima—drive of ~1.5–3 hours to Puno depending on route.

Main gateway to the northern Amazon; accessible only by air or river—flights connect Iquitos to Lima and regional airports.

People of mixed Indigenous and European descent form a large portion of the population and dominate urban centers.

Significant Andean indigenous populations with strong cultural traditions, languages and communities particularly in highland regions.

Concentrated along parts of the coast (northern and central), with rich musical and culinary traditions contributing to national culture.

Historical immigrant communities have strongly influenced Peruvian cuisine (Nikkei, Chifa) and urban culture.

Smaller groups of Europeans and international expats concentrated in major cities involved in business, tourism and cultural exchange.