Peru stands out as an ideal place for beginner travelers in South America. The people are friendly, and navigating through the country is remarkably straightforward. It is a land of mystical landscapes and ancient civilizations, beckoning travelers with its history, culture and natural wonders. From the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu to racing on quad in Huacachina, Peru offers a mixture of experiences that promise adventure and discovery. I went on a solo trip to Peru in 2019 for 3 weeks, which is the perfect time to enjoy all Peru has to offer. Here’s a carefully selected list of the most enjoyable activities and attractions you shouldn’t miss in Peru!
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Practical tips
- Travel by Bus: Peru Hop offers a convenient, flexible, and safe means of travel, especially for solo travelers. Alternatively, you can opt for local terminal buses. As a female traveler embarking on my first solo trip, I found comfort in choosing the Peru Hop bus. Additionally, traveling by bus presents a fantastic opportunity to mingle with fellow backpackers, making the journey even more enjoyable.
- Limit Time in Lima: While Lima serves as a gateway to Peru, it might not captivate visitors as much as other destinations. Exercise caution, particularly when walking alone, as it’s not deemed entirely safe, especially at night.
- Acclimatize Gradually: When visiting high-altitude destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s crucial to acclimate gradually. The drastic change in altitude can be overwhelming; I personally experienced a fever due to the altitude difference.
Visit Huacachina: go sandboarding and quad racing
Huacachina is a captivating oasis in the desert, offering an array of thrilling activities. From sandboarding down towering dunes to embarking on a buggy tour or riding an ATV quad, the options for adventure are endless. It serves as the ultimate playground for adults, allowing you to strap on a board or challenge your friends to a race on an ATV quad. During my visit, I joined a group of fellow backpackers, some of whom were notably faster (and perhaps a bit tipsy). However, despite the odds, I emerged victorious in the end!
Spotting condors in the Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is one of the biggest canyons in the world. It is nested in the heart of Peru where nature unfolds in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. My journey began in Arequipa to travel with the Peru Hop bus to the Colca Canyon. Spotting condors is a test of patience and visitors continue to wait for the condor every morning from first light with their cameras. Fortunately, luck was on our side, and the wait lasted a mere 10 minutes. These majestic creatures glided effortlessly, like a dance between bird and air. The Cruz del Condor is the most accessible spot at the canyons for visitors to watch the birds. It gets crowded, but the birds are often around 5 meters above you, which is worth the other annoying tourist taking a million photos. You can also hike to the San Miguel of Achachihua viewpoints to avoid the tourist chaos.
Get lost on food markets
Both Cusco and Arequipa offer local food markets waiting to be explored. Among the different stalls, my favorite section is undoubtedly the smoothie area. Here, Peruvian women energetically wave menu cards to catch your eye—a sight that never fails to amuse. The array of exotic fruits available for your smoothie is astounding, offering a delightful selection to choose from. My personal favorite is the banana and strawberry smoothie with a milk base—an indulgent treat that never disappoints.
While some restaurants in the cities may cater more to tourists, the food markets provide an authentic culinary experience, allowing you to sample a variety of local dishes. Not only is it a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, but it’s also budget-friendly. For a satisfying breakfast, I often indulged in a large avocado paired with sandwiches purchased from the market, perfect for a picnic in one of the city parks.
Visit the Machu Picchu
Located more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu stands as Peru’s most visited tourist destination. Symbolizing the grandeur of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987 and was honored as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. In the Quechua Indian language, “Machu Picchu” translates to “Old Mountain,” a fitting name for this historic site.
This remarkable place holds a wealth of heritage. The city’s construction utilized stones weighing up to 50 pounds each, with no evidence of wheel transport to ferry the rocks up the mountains. Instead, it’s believed that laborers manually pushed the stones to their destined locations. Most cities in the Inca civilization were destroyed by the Spanish conquests. However, Machu Picchu was in a hidden location, invisible from below, making it one of the most well-preserved Inca cities.
To visit the Machu Picchu, securing a ticket in advance is essential, as only 200 visitors are permitted each day. Regular tickets can be purchased through the official Machu Picchu website. It’s advisable to buy tickets only through the website to access the cheapest options.
Go hiking
The Inca Trail
One of the most popular trails to visit the Machu Picchu is the Inca trail. This used to be the path the Incas walked to reach the Machu Picchu. Securing a spot on this trail requires booking approximately six months in advance, with costs ranging between 500 to 1000 euros per person.
Salkantay Trek
Declared one of the 25 best hikes globally by National Geographic, the Salkantay Trek offers an alternative and more economical option. Unlike the Inca Trail, there’s no need to book months in advance; tickets can be obtained just days before embarking on the journey. Local shops in Cusco offer ticket reservations, providing a hassle-free booking experience. Spanning 80 kilometers over three days, the Salkantay Trek promises a breathtaking journey culminating in Machu Picchu.
The Inca Jungle Trek
For those seeking an adrenaline-packed adventure, the Inca Jungle Trek presents an ideal choice. This route encompasses a thrilling downhill mountain descent, followed by exhilarating activities such as whitewater rafting, jungle trekking, and zip-lining. Spanning four days, the Inca Jungle Trek guarantees an unforgettable and adrenaline-fueled experience on the path to Machu Picchu.
The Rainbow mountain
The Rainbow mountain is a highly sought-after destination for hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts. Situated at an impressive altitude of 5200 meters above sea level, these mountains are renowned for their breathtaking, multicolored beauty. The striking rainbow-like appearance is a result of mineral sediments interacting over millions of years across the terrain. Embarking on the 8-kilometer hike typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, offering a memorable journey through this natural wonder.
Cuddle with baby alpacas
Who can resist the charm of baby alpacas? With their adorable yet seemingly “angry” faces, these cuddly creatures never fail to bring joy. Interestingly, unlike their adult counterparts, baby alpacas don’t engage in spitting behaviors. But where can you encounter these delightful animals? Look no further than the streets of Cusco, Arequipa, or the Colca Canyon, where you’ll often find local women adorned in traditional attire, accompanied by their adorable baby alpacas. Interacting with these gentle creatures is sure to lift your spirits and create lasting memories.
Explore the Peruvian Amazon
For adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences, the Peruvian Amazon offers a plethora of activities, although they may not be for the faint-hearted. While my fear of insects and spiders hindered me to visit the Amazon, for those with courage and a sense of adventure, the Peruvian Amazon undoubtedly offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s wonders. Stories from other travelers told me I really missed out!
Jungle night walks, zip-lining, dolphin cruises, and kayaking or canoeing along the Amazon River are among the top attractions in the region. While the thought of encountering tarantulas may send shivers down my spine, exploring hidden lagoons by kayak or canoe promises an immersive journey into the Amazon’s unparalleled biodiversity and serene landscapes.
Moreover, the Amazon boasts one of the darkest night skies on Earth, devoid of human settlements and artificial lights. Visitors are treated to awe-inspiring views of star-filled skies, offering a truly mesmerizing spectacle.