The Best Things to Do in Peru in 2025

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic way to explore this country than by rail. There are several different luxury train journeys in Peru to choose from, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Step aboard the Hiram Bingham or the Vistadome to reach Machu Picchu in style, or travel between Cusco, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca on the Belmond Andean Explorer. All three trains offer sensational views of some of Peru’s most remote and beautiful scenery.

Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is among the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. You can discover the secrets – and spectacular viewpoints – of this ancient Incan citadel alongside an expert local guide, who will reveal its hidden corners and bring its history to life. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the shoulder season (ideally May or October), and we recommend staying overnight nearby to ensure you have enough time to fully enjoy it.

Of all the ways to arrive at Machu Picchu, hiking the Inca Trail is certainly the most exciting. We can arrange a private trek with your own expert guide who will lead you through epic mountain passes and ancient ruins, explaining the area’s fascinating past and sharing local legends along the way. You’ll be able to set your own pace and tailor the journey to your interests, adding stops at places like Ollantaytambo, the Maras Salt Mines and the terraces of Moray if you wish.

Peru’s capital is a bustling metropolis where ancient history, colonial architecture and modern culture collide. Known as the culinary capital of South America, Lima boasts a vast array of world-class restaurants – many of which blend traditional Peruvian cuisine with contemporary and international influences. In between meals you can visit fascinating museums, shop at local markets, take a street art tour or wander through the seaside neighbourhood of Miraflores.

Set in the shadow of the Misti volcano, Arequipa is a mystical city packed with historical landmarks and ancient artefacts. Find your way through the brightly painted courtyards and cloisters of the Santa Catalina Monastery and visit the Museo de la Catedral within the grand basilica. Don’t miss the Museo Santuarios Andinos, an archaeological museum where you can see several different mummies found on the nearby volcanoes, including the famous Juanita.

Cusco may be best known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, but there’s plenty to do in this Andean city as well. Take your time to admire its colonial architecture and Inca ruins, explore its colourful cobblestone streets and search for souvenirs in its fabulous markets. If you’re planning a family vacation in Peru, we can arrange a thrilling and educational treasure hunt that will lead you to the city’s key sites while keeping children (and adults) of all ages entertained.

Avid hikers are spoilt for choice here, with all sorts of Peruvian trekking routes to embark on. Beyond the classic Inca Trail, you can set out on the seven-day Salkantay route or the five-day Lares trek, both of which also lead to Machu Picchu. For something different, try the challenging Ausangate trek or the 20-mile hike to Choquequirao. Although it depends on the route, the best time to visit Peru if you want to go hiking is generally during the dry winter from May to October.

The Sacred Valley is certainly among Peru’s most scenic areas, and one of our favourite ways to discover it is on two wheels. Grab your bike and set out on a guided tour of this intriguing region, which was a cultural centre of the Inca civilisation. You’ll find plenty of ancient ruins and archaeological sites along the way, as well as traditional villages where you can learn about Quechua cultural heritage by visiting local markets and speaking with skilled artisans.

Lake Titicaca is one of the most astonishing attractions in Peru, South America’s largest freshwater lake and the highest navigable lake in the world. Touring it by boat is the best way to appreciate its incredible serenity and spiritual significance. It also allows you to visit the lake’s traditional communities, including those of the Uros people. This Indigenous group resides on floating islands in the middle of the lake, which they build by hand using woven layers of reeds.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the wonders of the world’s largest rainforest, then the Peruvian Amazon is calling your name. This remarkably biodiverse ecosystem can be explored on a luxury expedition vessel in the northern Amazon for a few nights of delectable cuisine and daily excursions. Or stay at Posada Amazonas or Tambopata Research Centre, both in our Positive Impact collection, in the southern Amazon. Here you can delve deep into conservation projects, traverse canopy walkways and take boat trips, all accompanied by an expert guides.

One of the most mind-boggling tourist attractions in Peru, the Nazca Lines have captivated archaeologists, academics and explorers for centuries. These enormous geoglyphs consist of abstract designs and illustrations of animals, plants and people etched into the desert landscape. Take a private tour with a guide who will explain how they were likely made more than two millennia ago, and climb up to a platform that provides epic views of them from above.

Take birdwatching to the next level at Colca Canyon, home to the majestic Andean condor. You can watch these enormous birds of prey hunting and soaring through the air from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, which also offers panoramic views of the canyon itself. There are plenty of other things to do here too, whether you’re in the mood for hiking, visiting traditional villages, seeing Inca ruins or relaxing in one of the many thermal hot springs nearby.

If you’re looking for fun activities in Peru – with a kick of adrenaline – allow us to suggest white water rafting on the Urubamba River. You’ll float past Ollantaytambo and many other scenic spots as you paddle your way through the Sacred Valley. We recommend rafting during the dry season from April to October, when the river has class II and III rapids; during the wet season from December to May, its extreme class IV rapids are only advisable for advanced paddlers.

Peru is a country that knows how to celebrate. From religious holidays to ancient festivals, the calendar is full of lively events that offer a window into local culture. The most famous is probably Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, which is held in Cusco on 24 June to honour the Incan Sun God and Pachamama. Other festivals include La Fiesta de la Candelaria in Puno, La Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo and Carnaval across the country.

Try your hand at one of our favourite Peruvian activities with an authentic cooking class. You can learn how to make traditional Peruvian cuisine, from causa to cau cau, or opt for a more specialised experience. In Lima, join a professional chef for a deep dive into the evolution of ceviche – ending with a gourmet tasting, of course. And for something sweeter, visit the ChocoMuseo in Cusco to learn about the history of cacao and make your own chocolate.

Head to Peru’s northern coast to discover some of the country’s lesser-known destinations, from the beautiful cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo to the ancient wonders of the nearby Moche Valley. It’s here that you’ll find Chan Chan, capital of the pre-Columbian Chimu Kingdom, as well as the Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol: two adobe brick pyramids dating back to the Moche civilisation. Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque to see Moche artefacts.