Catherine MirasolIf the mention of Cambodia immediately brings to mind “Angkor Wat!”, you can expect a similar “Machu Picchu!” reaction at the mere mention of Peru. The two are practically synonymous! Rarely does a conversation include one without the other—especially among travel enthusiasts.
While Machu Picchu remains Peru’s most iconic attraction, this diverse country has so much more to offer. From the vibrant streets of Lima to the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Amazon rainforest, Peru is a dream destination for adventurers, history lovers, and foodies alike. With travel rising again in 2025 and major conservation efforts improving accessibility to sites like Choquequirao—often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu—now is the perfect time to explore beyond the usual tourist trail.
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1. Explore Lima
Image Credit: Martin Garcia | Flickr
Your entry point to Peru will most likely be Lima, the country’s capital. This historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is why skipping this city and heading straight to other Peruvian towns will be a big mistake. Lima is home to old churches (Catedral de Lima, Iglesia de Santo Domingo and Iglesia de San Francisco), museums (Museo Larco, Mujica Gallo and Museo de la Nación), art galleries (Aliaga House), parks (Parque del Amor and Parque de la Reserva) and historical ruins (Pachacamac and Huaca Pucllana). Also, being the gastronomical capital of Peru, the country’s top places to wine and dine — La Mar, Central and Astrid y Gastón, to name a few — can be found here.
2. Sample the ceviche
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Ceviche, a fresh mix of raw fish, peppers, onions, and lime juice, is Peru’s most famous dish—and a must-try for any visitor. From casual market stalls to high-end restaurants, this delicacy can be found everywhere, offering endless options for every budget. For those looking to experience the best of Peruvian cuisine, the Summum restaurant guide—Peru’s version of the Michelin Guide—highlights top-rated spots. With Peru set to host major international food festivals in 2025 and Lima consistently ranked as one of the world’s best foodie destinations, there’s no better time to indulge in this iconic dish.
3. Learn how to make pisco sour
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Pisco sour is a popular cocktail in Peru. Pisco, the base liquor, is a type of grape brandy produced in the country. Egg white, lime juice, syrup and Angostura bitters are added to make the cocktail. Learning how to concoct this national drink will give you instant bragging rights and get you thumbs-ups from the locals.
4. Fly over the Nazca Lines
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How were these drawings created? And why? Were these works of humans? Or aliens? So many questions, so little answers! The mystery surrounding these desert carvings only adds to the allure of the site. Jump into a Cessna plane to fully appreciate this ancient wonder. From way up in the sky, you’ll get to see stylised creatures such as a lizard, a spider, a bird, a monkey and so much more!
5. Visit the Machu Picchu
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This list would not be complete without the great Machu Picchu. No matter how cliché it may be, a trip to Peru necessitates a visit to this world wonder. There are so many ways to get there to Machu Picchu. You can do the Inca Trail, a 4-day trek, which many compare to a sacred pilgrimage. A government permit is needed to participate in this tour. Book this tour 3 to 4 months in advance as permits sell out fast. Travellers should note that this tour is quite challenging so you must be both mentally and physically prepared for it.
If you don’t think the Inca Trail is for you, you can take a shortcut — via the PeruRail. There are different options when travelling by train, depending on how luxurious you want your ride to be. The Expedition option is for backpackers. It’s similar to a no-frills budget plane ride. The Vistadome option is slightly more comfortable with its large panoramic windows for you to get unobstructed views of the gorgeous landscapes. The Hiram Bingham option is all about world-class luxury with its elegant and cosy interiors. You’ll get onboard entertainment plus a selection of top Peruvian wines and teas if you choose this executive package.
6. Visit the Chan Chan
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Often overshadowed by the Machu Picchu is the Chan Chan, located in the La Libertad region. Few people know of this site but this is the biggest ancient city in South America. It is the former capital of the Chimú civilization and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Spot a llama or an alpaca
Image Credit: Shawn Harquail | Flickr
Llamas and alpacas are domesticated animals in Peru. These creatures are very friendly and sociable so they don’t usually panic when they see humans approaching. It’s very common to see Quechua natives scurrying about with their llamas or alpacas in tow.
8. Go paragliding over the Sacred Valley
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If you want an exhilarating experience when you visit Peru, paragliding is the way to go. Are you a first-timer? Don’t fret! You can do tandem flights with experienced pilots so you’ll just have to worry about getting the perfect “selfie” on your GoPro® as you spend 10-30 minutes soaring over amazing landscapes.
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9. Visit the Salinas de Maras
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If Asia has rice terraces, South America has salt terraces! These salt pools have been around and have been a source of income for the local community even before the time of the Incas. Remember to bring your camera, you’ll surely want to snap a couple of shots of these picture-perfect glittery pans.
10. Visit the Moray ruins
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This is another proof of outstanding Incan architectural and agricultural workmanship. The Moray ruins are so beautiful and complex with their concentric design and multiple terraces, it can be considered as a work of art. Visitors can visit this site after visiting the salt pools in Maras, as they are only a few miles apart.
11. Take a sip of coca tea
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This is an herbal tea made using the leaves of a coca plant. It is common and widely consumed in Peru as it is believed to help alleviate altitude sickness. Natives of other South American countries such as Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador and Chile drink this too. However, it is completely illegal in the United States. You can probably guess why. So don’t even try to bring some out of Peru. You’ll pretty much guarantee trouble with customs officials if you do.
12. Make a stop at Arequipa
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Do you need a break from all the Incan artefacts and ruins? If so, then head to the city of Arequipa! Also known as “La Ciudad Blanca” or “The White City” because its structures were mostly built from volcanic sillar stone, this beautiful city is lined with churches, plazas and mansions that show how Spanish colonial and indigenous architecture can look so good together.
13. Ride a reed boat in Lake Titicaca
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There are so many impressive man-made floating islands scattered across Lake Titicaca, the highest passable lake in the world. Navigate through them like a local by riding a reed boat for a once-in-a-lifetime “cruise” experience! Have your sunblock and medicine handy, though, as it is common to get altitude sickness and sunburn on this tour.
14. Discover the Ruins of Kuélap
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Often called the “Machu Picchu of the North,” Kuélap is an ancient fortress built by the Chachapoya civilization. Located in the cloud forests of northern Peru, this massive site sits high in the mountains, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The fortress is made up of huge stone walls and more than 400 circular buildings, some decorated with intricate carvings.
With improved infrastructure and the modern cable car system that makes this historical site easier to reach, the fortress has seen an increase in visitors. If you want to explore incredible ruins without the heavy crowds of Machu Picchu, this is the perfect place to visit.
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Peru is a country full of history, culture, and adventure. From exploring ancient ruins to tasting world-famous cuisine, there is something for everyone. Whether you hike to Machu Picchu, sail on Lake Titicaca, or try the freshest ceviche in Lima, each experience will leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an incredible journey through one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
