Peru is a wonderfully diverse and extraordinary country that offers a wide range of tourist experiences across its vast territory. This marvellous land isn’t just about ancient walls, archaeological sites, stunning structures and breathtaking landscapes; here, cultures from over a thousand years ago are still very much alive!
Over a thousand years ago, you ask? —You’re probably wondering.
Well, let me tell you, dear friend, it’s absolutely true! These ancient cultures continue to thrive, thanks to the spirit and dedication of the Peruvian people who keep them alive.
Now, let’s take a look at just a few of the countless tourist activities that “The Land of the Incas” has to offer!:
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Cultural tourism
Peru is considered a top tourist destination thanks to the richness of its cultural heritage, being the birthplace of ancient civilisations such as the Wari, Chavín, Mochica, Nazca, and many others.
Spanish culture also plays an important role, as during their time in Peru, the Spanish left behind important landmarks. Although these are not part of the country’s original cultures, they do tell the story of some of the most significant events that took place before and after their arrival.
- Machu Picchu: This ancient Inca city is one of the most famous and mysterious archaeological destinations in the world. Just imagining how the Incas managed to build a citadel at the very top of a mountain leaves much to wonder about. Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes mountain range in Peru, at an altitude of 2,430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu covers an area of 35,000 hectares and is made up of three mountains: Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Putucusi. The Inca technologies used here clearly demonstrate the remarkable skills of the Incas — all without the help of modern technology. It’s truly a place that sparks our curiosity! Exploring and learning about the ruins of Machu Picchu and the Inca civilisation is a cultural experience like no other.
- The Historic City of Cusco: The ancient capital of the Inca Empire is a city brimming with history and colonial architecture, offering an unforgettable experience. Tales, legends, and stories waiting to be discovered are hidden within its walls, streets, avenues, and even its people. The Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and Qoricancha are just a few of the must-visit sites to truly immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this fascinating city.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: It is considered one of the lifelines that make up the heart of the Peruvian highlands, stretching along the Vilcanota-Urubamba River and surrounded by extraordinary agricultural richness and vast Inca fortresses. This region is home to archaeological sites that, beyond the breathtaking beauty of their landscapes, also preserve legends and mystical stories — tales of deities and guardians who are believed to still protect these sacred places today. Pisac (2972 m.a.s.l.) and Ollantaytambo (2792 m.a.s.l.) are among the must-visit destinations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Lake Titicaca: Located at 3,809 metres above sea level and covering an area of 8,372 square kilometres, it is considered the only major water source that remains truly perennial. Beyond that, it is home to fascinating floating islands. The floating islands of the Uros and Taquile offer truly authentic cultural experiences. Moreover, Lake Titicaca is home to indigenous communities who still preserve unique cultural traditions, which you can experience firsthand if you’re ready to venture across its chilly waters.
- Festivals and Celebrations: Taking part in festivals and cultural events is a fantastic way to experience Peruvian traditions firsthand. Dare to be part of the heart of a culture that still lives and feels the thousand years of history beating within you! The Inti Raymi in Cusco, the celebration of the Virgin of Candelaria in the city of Puno, and the Virgin of Carmen in the city of Paucartambo are unique festivities — don’t miss them!
- Nazca Lines: Located 450 kilometers south of Lima, in one of the driest areas of Peru and surrounded by vast stretches of sand, clay, calcite, and solitude, the Nazca Lines are considered a mystery. They consist of a large number of lines, perfect geometric shapes, spirals, labyrinths, and most strikingly, impressive designs of marine and terrestrial animals of various origins. These are called “geoglyphs” and are considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. At first glance, they appear to be simple drawings on the surface, but if you delve into their origins, you’ll realize that these figures offer an intriguing and enigmatic insight into the ancient Nazca civilization.
Adventure tourism
If we were to mention the amount of natural attractions that Peru has, we would never finish this blog… but don’t worry, here we’ll show you the activities you can do and where you can enjoy them.
Peru offers a wide variety of exciting and sporty activities, and here are the most popular ones:
- Trekking to Machu Picchu: The hike to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly exhausting and will take you about 3 hours. However, you can make the challenge more interesting by taking the famous “Inca Trail,” an incredibly exciting journey. Since this trail doesn’t take just one day, you’ll need to request permission for at least a week, my friend! The route is long, and you’ll need to travel around 40 kilometres on foot, making the trip a total of 4 days. During this journey, you’ll be able to enjoy the flora and fauna (such as the spectacled bear, the famous condor, etc.) that characterise the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Inca Trail is the most well-known route, but there are other options, such as the Salkantay Route. So, if you’re ready for this hike, we recommend doing it with a guide.
- Trekking in the Colca Canyon: The Colca Canyon, located in the Arequipa region within the Western Andes, with a depth of 4,160 metres, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Its rock formations, shaped over time by weather and atmospheric conditions, make it truly unique. Have you ever visited the Grand Canyon? Well, let me tell you, the Colca Canyon offers stunning views, and in addition to hiking along its trails, you’ll have the chance to witness the famous Andean condor soaring through the sky. Tell me, does the Grand Canyon have this exclusive bird gliding through its lands? Dive into the most fascinating corners of Peru and join us on a tour!
- Climbing in Huaraz: The Huaraz region in the Blanca Mountain Range is a paradise for rock and ice climbing enthusiasts. Located at an altitude of 3,052 metres above sea level in the heart of the Andes, it is known for its imposing mountains, with the Blanca and Negra Mountain Ranges being the most striking. There are challenging routes and breathtaking mountainous landscapes, and Huaraz is the starting point for treks to these mountains.
- Sandboarding in Huacachina: Huacachina is an oasis situated 5 kilometres from the main square of Ica, famous for its massive sand dunes. The reason for its formation is due to the numerous lagoons, or “puquiales”, that once extended along the Peruvian coast in ancient times.
- Rafting on the Apurímac River: The Apurímac River is located in the canyon of the same name, which is most well-known for marking the border between the Cusco and Apurímac departments. Its course begins in the Andes at Nevado Mismi, at an altitude of 5,597 metres. This vast river offers thrilling rapids and beautiful landscapes. Rafting on this river is an exciting experience for water sports enthusiasts.
- Paragliding in Miraflores: If you’re looking for a paragliding experience with stunning views, the Miraflores promenade (Lima) is a popular spot to take off from the cliffs and enjoy the view over the Pacific Ocean.
- Mountain Biking in Moray: Moray, a key part of Inca engineering, was fortified in the mid-15th and early 16th centuries. Its structure consists of a series of 4 craters of varying sizes, formed by circular terraces built to take advantage of the natural depression in the land. This complex is famous for its circular agricultural terraces. Mountain biking around the area gives you the opportunity to observe this archaeological site.
- Kayak Excursions: You can enjoy kayaking in various locations across Peru, including rivers and lakes situated along the coast, in the Andes, or in the Amazon region.
Nature and ecotourism
Peru is an ideal destination for ecotourism, as it boasts a great diversity of ecosystems, green areas, and a wide variety of exotic animals and plants. Below, we’ll tell you about some of the country’s most attractive natural spots:
Paracas National Reserve
Located in the Ica region, this reserve is considered a protected natural area in Peru and is well known for its marine biodiversity and variety of bird species. It lies along the coast, within the provinces of Pisco and Ica. The reserve covers a surface area of 335,000 hectares, with around 65% of it consisting entirely of marine environments.
Flora
The flora of this region is notable for its adaptability—particularly to desert environments. The plant life is mainly found in the coastal hills, especially at the higher elevations. Additionally, marine plants are an important part of its ecosystem.
Among the various species, you’ll find:
- Orchids
- Cacti
- Tillandsias
- Phytoplankton
Fauna
Thanks to the diverse biotopes, the reserve offers vital areas for feeding, reproduction, and shelter to its resident animals. These habitats include coastal water bodies, ravines and cliffs, rocky shores, sandy marine edges, coastal plains, and continental elevations.
The fauna includes:
- Toothed whales
- Sea lions
- Otters
- Sea turtles
- A vast array of birds, fish, and other marine invertebrates
You can embark on boat tours to observe sea lions, penguins, and migratory birds.
Manú National Park
Located between the regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco, Manú National Park is considered one of the largest protected areas globally. Geographically, it spans from the highland puna region of Cusco (4,000 metres) down to the lowland Amazonian plains at the mouth of the Manú River (300 metres), covering an area of 1,532,806 hectares.
Flora
Manú National Park is renowned for its abundant plant species, with approximately 4,385 plant species recorded. This richness is attributed to the diverse ecological zones within the park.
Notable species include:
- Bromeliads
- Heliconia flowers
- Rubber trees
- Orchids
- Giant water lilies
- Passion fruit flowers
- Medicinal plants
- Monkey brush vines
- And many more.
Fauna
The park’s fauna comprises over 160 mammal species, 800 bird species, 140 amphibian species, 50 snake species, 40 lizard species, 6 turtle species, 3 caiman species, 210 aquatic species, and a wide variety of exotic insects native to the region.
Common species include:
- Jaguar (Otorongo)
- Giant river otter
- Spectacled caiman
- South American tapir
- Taricaya turtles
- Red howler monkey
- Among others
Tambopata National Reserve
Tambopata is a protected natural area located in the Peruvian Amazon, specifically in the southeastern region of Madre de Dios, encompassing a geographical area of 274,690 hectares.
Known as the “Capital of Biodiversity,” this reserve is home to a vast array of species, including macaws, capybaras, and pink river dolphins. Visitors can participate in birdwatching programmes and jungle treks.
Flora and fauna
Regarding its flora and fauna, Tambopata shares many species with Manú National Park. However, Manú boasts greater ecosystem diversity, including both mountain and jungle species, while Tambopata focuses on emblematic Amazonian species and offers more accessible tourist activities.
In addition to hosting all species of macaws, some species that differentiate the Tambopata National Reserve from the Manu National Park include:
- Emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus)
- Two-striped forest pit viper (Bothriopsis bilineata)
- Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor)
- Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
Other Recommendations and Places
- Andean Treks: Peru is famed for its trekking routes in the Andes. You’ll enjoy spectacular views and the chance to experience the natural beauty of mountains like the Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Negra, and Ausangate.
- Ballestas Islands: Often referred to as the “Galápagos of Peru,” these islands are located off the coast of the Paracas National Reserve and are home to colonies of seabirds and sea lions. Boat tours offer opportunities to observe marine life.
- Laguna de Mejía National Sanctuary: Situated in the Arequipa region, this sanctuary is a vital habitat for migratory birds.
Culinary Tourism
One of the most important elements in Peru is its cuisine, which is considered part of the intangible heritage. Currently, Peruvian gastronomy is experiencing a period of great success, and is internationally recognised as one of the most sophisticated and diverse in the world.
The most iconic dishes include Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Ají de Gallina, Rocoto Relleno, among many others. Below, we present a guide to help you better navigate this culinary world:
- Local Markets: Explore markets like Surquillo in Lima, San Pedro in Cusco, and San Camilo in Arequipa. These markets are hubs where you can discover a plethora of ingredients from the Andes, coast, and Amazon, as well as sample regional dishes quickly and affordably
- Cooking Classes: Many restaurants and agencies offer cooking classes, providing an educational and enjoyable experience where you’ll not only savour Peruvian cuisine but also learn about its recipes and secrets. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with local ingredients; you’ll be guided by local chefs.
- Gastronomic Routes: Cities like Lima offer gastronomic tours that take you through restaurants, food stalls, and iconic spots to sample a variety of dishes.
- Food Festivals: Peru hosts several food festivals throughout the year, such as Mistura in Lima, which brings together chefs, producers, and food enthusiasts from across the country; or Corpus Christi in Cusco, during which the famous Chiri Uchu, a dish characteristic of this festival, is consumed.
- Pisco, Wine Tastings, and Indigenous Beverages: Try Pisco, Peru’s flagship spirit, and participate in wine tastings to explore the diversity of the country’s wine regions. You can also discover Chicha de Jora, a traditional Andean beverage that, beyond its exquisite flavour, embodies traditions dating back to the Inca era.
- Regional Cuisine: Delve into the culinary diversity across Peru’s regions. Each area boasts its own specialties and cooking techniques that reflect the country’s geographical and cultural variety.
- Street Food: Don’t miss the chance to try street food: Anticuchos, Tamales, Humitas, Empanadas, Picarones, and other delicious snacks are readily available throughout your journey in Peru.
Experiential Tourism
Experiential tourism involves immersing yourself in the lives and traditions of local communities to learn about their culture and heritage. This is a significant aspect as it fosters cultural exchange, sharing knowledge, experiences, and traditions.
Among the activities you can do, consider the ones we will mention below:
- Staying with Local Communities: Instead of conventional hotels, you can stay with local families in rural or exotic areas like the islands of Lake Titicaca.
- Participating in Local Activities: Visitors have the opportunity to partake in daily community activities such as farming, fishing, livestock rearing, crafts, textiles, cooking, etc.
- Craft Workshops: Learn directly from local artisans and participate in workshops where you’ll discover traditional crafts like pottery or textile making.
- Connecting with Nature: Many experiential tourism experiences take place in natural settings, allowing visitors to connect with nature and understand the relationship between the community and their environment.
Mystical Tourism
Mystical tourism is considered an economic strategy focused on spiritual traditions, supported by the revaluation of indigenous or ancestral aspects of nature. Tourists engage in special experiences that go beyond typical tour packages, with the main attraction being the inherent energy of the place.
In Peru, mystical tourism encompasses these definitions and holds significant economic importance, as it’s one of the few countries where such tourism can be experienced. The diversity of activities is undoubtedly vast. Here are some activities you can partake in:
Offering to the Earth
This ritual is commonly practised in the high Andean regions of Peru and is performed on the first day of August, continuing throughout the month. According to local experiences and stories, it’s believed that during this time, Pachamama (Mother Earth) is thirsty and hungry, hence offerings of the best food are made to nourish and strengthen her, ensuring future protection, food, prosperity, and good harvests.
Ayahuasca Ritual
This ritual is most commonly celebrated in the Amazonian regions of Peru. Ayahuasca is considered a medicinal brew, used therapeutically and for rehabilitation, primarily to combat addictions. Its consumption has become widespread in recent years, especially in the Amazon jungle.
Healing Rituals
Have you ever felt unwell without explanation? Do you feel things aren’t going well in work, love, or health? Then this section might interest you. In the high Andean regions of Peru, there are beliefs regarding existing ailments. As the saying goes, it’s better to fear the living than the spirits; however, in these regions, both can impact your life positively or negatively. Some people may not wish to see you succeed, harbouring envy that brings negative energies, malevolent spirits, misfortunes, and even witchcraft into one’s life. That’s why healing rituals exist, using sacred plants and animals that absorb negative energies, cleanse your spirit, and ward off negativity. These rituals are performed by shamans and sometimes by locals, as it’s traditional in southern Peru for at least one family member to have knowledge of these practices.
Common methods include using black guinea pigs, garlic, Andean liquors, regional plants, coca leaves, among other elements. Embrace these rituals and cleanse negativity from your life!
Healing with Guinea Pig
This is considered a traditional therapeutic technique where a healer uses a guinea pig to detect ailments, anomalies, or internal issues—akin to a natural medical diagnosis. The ritual involves a guinea pig (preferably black), which the healer passes over the patient’s body. After the ritual, the guinea pig is sacrificed, and its body is examined for anomalies, representing the patient’s conditions.
Qoyllur Rit’i Ritual
Derived from the Quechua word “qoyllority,” meaning “snow star,” this ritual is more of a religious festival in the city of Cusco. It blends Catholic and Andean beliefs, worshipping both Apu Ausangate and Christ. The ceremony is held on mountain Sinakara, one of Peru’s largest mountains and a pilgrimage site for the devout. If you wish to participate, here are some suggestions:
- Don’t go alone; it’s advisable to travel in a group to prevent accidents.
- Bring a backpack, hiking boots, and thermal clothing, as it gets very cold.
- Join other devotees with respect and devotion; remember, it’s a pilgrimage site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Peru a tourist destination?
Peru attracts visitors due to its rich history, cultural diversity, natural beauty, and renowned gastronomy. Reasons include archaeological heritage, living culture, recognised cuisine, varied landscapes from lush jungles to beautiful beaches, adventure opportunities, ecotourism, festivals, traditions, warm hospitality, and a deep connection with nature. In summary, these features make Peru a unique tourist destination.
In conclusion, the combination of the aforementioned characteristics makes Peru a unique tourist destination.
How is tourism in Peru?
Peru is a highly sought-after tourist destination; however, the pandemic significantly impacted this sector. Since 2021, the Peruvian government has implemented economic reactivation policies in tourism. As a result, upon arriving in Peru, you’ll find new tourist destinations and various facilities to access major attractions.
What are the most visited places in Peru?
One of the most visited destinations is Machu Picchu, which is also one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. This Inca citadel is renowned for its breathtaking architecture and its deep historical and cultural significance.
Other popular tourist attractions in Peru include Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, the Colca Canyon, the city of Cusco, the historic centre of Lima, and the Peruvian Amazon.
What makes Peru special?
Peru stands out for its incredible diversity. Here you’ll find a rich mix of biodiversity, archaeological and cultural heritage, and world-renowned cuisine. Tourism in Peru is wonderfully varied, offering something for every taste – and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the country’s friendly and hospitable people.
It’s also worth noting that Peru has 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
What wonders does Peru offer?
- Machu Picchu
- Nazca Lines
- Gocta Waterfall
- Tambopata National Reserve
- Manu National Park
- Lake Titicaca
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Palccoyo Mountain
- Humantay Lagoon
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Inca Trail
- Salkantay – the sacred mountain
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