Things to do in Peru
Rediscover Machu Picchu
Everyone who emerges through the Sun Gate is just as awestruck as the explorer who rediscovered this mountaintop treasure a century ago. Few - if any - world attractions can boast such a dramatic setting, as it clings atop a ridge surrounded by lush humid valleys and rugged Andean peaks. Even the sheer number of tourists fails to dull the impact of Machu Picchu, and the Inca stonework - cut to perfection and requiring no cement - is mind-blowing, especially when you ponder how it was achieved in such a precarious spot by a civilization which never invented wheels or metal tools.
What's more, those who hike the four-day Inca Trail have a special chance to get really immersed in the Lost City, as Tim Winkworth, from our supplier Intrepid Travel, explains: "The difference is that by hiking the Inca Trail, you get involved in it. Instead of flitting from one sight to the other, you're in it for four days. You're so immersed, it's just going to resonate much more and give you much richer, longer lasting memories." Read our Inca Trail guide to find out more.
Our Peru Vacations
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1799 to US $2099
9 days
ex flights
Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $2300
10 days
ex flights
Family vacation to Peru, Machu Picchu & the Amazon
Experience Peru's top sights as a family
From
£3430
19 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $2899 to US $3299
15 days
inc UK flights
Peru tour, off the beaten track
An cultural small group tour to the Northern region of Peru.
From
£2885 to £3035
14 days
ex flights
Southern Peru small group tour
Journey through south Peru, the heartland of the Inca Empire
From
£3131
14 days
ex flights
Highlights of Peru vacation
Join a cultural exploration of Peru
From
US $3360 to US $4199
21 days
ex flights
Inca Trail adventure vacation
Discover Cuzco and the Sacred Valley on this Incan adventure
From
US $1041 to US $1455
7 days
ex flights
Machu Picchu & Amazon small group vacation, Peru
Explore Peru from Machu Picchu the Amazon rainforest
From
US $2320 to US $2899
12 days
ex flights
Lima and Cusco vacation in Peru, local experience
Authentic intercultural experience in Lima and Cusco
From
US $1800 to US $1950
10 days
ex flights
Inca trail & Amazon Rainforest vacation
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & rainforest
From
US $3499 to US $4199
15 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail vacation, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
From
£1695
10 days
ex flights
Adventure vacation in Peru, off the beaten track
Nature and culture from Peru's coast to the Andes and Amazon
From
US $2000 to US $2500
10 days
ex flights
Peru, Bolivia and Chile vacation
Action-packed short tour of Peru, Bolivia and Chile
From
US $2408 to US $3639
15 days
ex flights
Amazon eco lodge budget tour, Peru
Authentic local and ecological experience in the Amazon
From
US $300 to US $350
3 days
ex flights
Peru trekking tour, tailor made
Exhilarating Walking Experience in Peru's legendary sights
From
£1895
7 days
ex flights
Peru small group tour, a food adventure
Peru is an exciting region to go on a foodie adventure.
From
US $2197 to US $2715
10 days
ex flights
Alternative Inca trail trek in Peru, Salkantay Trek
Salkantay trek - an alternative Inca Trail adventure
From
US $840
5 days
ex flights
Luxury Peru adventure vacation
Luxury Adventure travel in stunning Peru.
From
£4798
11 days
ex flights
Peru family adventure vacation
Peru Family Adventure activity vacation
From
US $2608
8 days
ex flights
Peru homestay and coffee tour, Kuelap
Ancient culture, amazing nature and delicious coffee
From
US $900 to US $1280
6 days
ex flights
Luxury Inca Trail trek, Peru
Spectacular trek on the Inca Trail through the high Andes
From
US $1555
5 days
ex flights
Peru, Bolivia & Chile vacation
Explore the Andes on this adventurous yet comfortable itinerary
From
£4475
17 days
ex flights
Inca trail vacation, Peru
Retrace the steps of a fascinating civilisation
From
US $1420 to US $1975
8 days
ex flights
The Ausangate Trek vacation, Peru
Trek the highest mountain in Peru- Ausangate
From
£2261
11 days
ex flights
Ancascocha trek in Peru
Adventure trekking activity to Machu Picchu in Peru
From
US $690 to US $750
4 days
ex flights
Family teenager vacation in Peru
An active itinerary in Peru’s varied terrain
From
US $3010 to US $3250
14 days
ex flights
Peru trekking vacation, Lares
Alternative Inca Trail - Lares trek to Machu Picchu
From
US $880
5 days
ex flights
South America Overland tour with carnival
Ultimate overland trip throughout South America
From
£10940 to £11295
191 days
ex flights
Explore the Amazon
Over half of Peru is blanketed in thick rainforest, which is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Manu National Park alone hosts more bird species than the USA and Canada combined, and Amazon tours based out of Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado are likely to reveal howler monkeys, sloths, anacondas, peccaries, macaws, and pink river dolphins. Keep an eye out too for elusive tapirs and pumas.
Despite being Peru's largest region, only five percent of its population lives in the Amazon, including several uncontacted tribes. Not all communities are inaccessible though; local guides are essential to get the most out of your Amazon tour, as they will reveal the secrets of the rainforest, including identifying and explaining medicinal plants - bringing the jungle to life.
Our top Peru Vacation
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1799 to US $2099
9 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 4 Jul, 10 Jul, 18 Jul, 1 Aug, 10 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 4 Sep, 7 Sep, 12 Sep, 18 Sep, 2 Oct, 10 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov, 4 Dec, 18 Dec
2020: 25 Mar, 8 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 4 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 5 Aug, 20 Aug, 2 Sep, 10 Sep, 16 Sep, 24 Sep, 30 Sep, 8 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 2 Dec, 17 Dec
2019: 4 Jul, 10 Jul, 18 Jul, 1 Aug, 10 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 4 Sep, 7 Sep, 12 Sep, 18 Sep, 2 Oct, 10 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov, 4 Dec, 18 Dec
2020: 25 Mar, 8 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 4 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 5 Aug, 20 Aug, 2 Sep, 10 Sep, 16 Sep, 24 Sep, 30 Sep, 8 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 2 Dec, 17 Dec
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Peru or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Discover the center of the Inca world
Inca legend describes how their founding gods emerged from Lake Titicaca
Even today, the lake carries a magical aura - whether that's because of the Andean light playing off the glassy surface, the wafting incense of Catholic-Aymara ceremonies, or the altitude causing a strange lightheadedness. Visiting an Aymara community on one of Titicaca's many little islands is one of our top cultural things to do in Peru. Experience life without electricity or roads, and sample trout fresh from the lake, grilled with a dash of lime.
Get off the beaten track
Peru is enormous - yet few visitors ever venture off the well-trodden Gringo trail
With hidden valleys, cut-off canyons and Quechua villages within a stone's throw of its famous landmarks, you don't have to go far to escape the crowds. One of our favourite things to do in Peru is spending a day or two in Cabanaconde, a little agricultural town near Colca Canyon and the starting point for little-hiked trails along the canyon floor. You'll have the canyon - and its inviting hot springs - all to yourself.
More about Peru
From Cuzco and the Andes, to the Amazon and the coast, Peru has one of the most varied climates on earth. We help you choose the best time to go to Peru...
Our Peru travel guide is here to help you travel like a local, including a handy section on food, shopping and culture, plus what we rate and what we don't...
Our Peru map and highlights will help you make the most of your vacation, whether you’re seeking classic highlights, an Inca trek or combining Andes and Amazon...
Our guide to Machu Picchu reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips on what to see, how to travel there and the best time to visit...
Peru's Inca Trail is one of the highlights of a South America vacation. Discover the history of the trail, the best time to go and a sample itinerary...
There are several alternative Inca trails that lead to Machu Picchu, taking in cloud and rainforest, high passes and indigenous villages...
We explain why, when you cross the border at Lake Titicaca and see Bolivia and Peru together, you gain more than just an extra stamp in your passport...
Community homestays, brightly woven handicrafts and spectacular island hikes are Lake Titicaca’s calling cards.
The Nazca Lines in Peru remain one of the country’s great mysteries. Find out about the lines’ history, and how to view them from land and from the air...
Traveling in Peru with kids is a fabulous idea. Machu Picchu will delight children as much as parents, while long-lashed llamas are sure to enchant...
Our Peru travel tips page is packed to the rafters with sound, practical advice from our South America experts as well as our independent traveler reviews...
Porters' rights are one of the most important Peru responsible tourism issues. We also share information on volunteering, homestays and the environment...
Find all of our Peru guides in one place, for particular places in Peru such as Machu Picchu. Or perhaps you would like to know more about the different types of Peru vacations we offer such as culture or trekking the Inca Trail.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: McKay Savage] [Explore the Amazon: Jacob Torrey]
[Get off the beaten track: Ivan ERS
]
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