9 Amazing Things You Absolutely Can't Miss In Peru

1. Monumental Machu Picchu

This is a no-brainer. A visit to this quintessential South American tourist site should be on everyone’s list. Whichever way you get to it, whether you spend four exhilarating days hiking the legendary Inca trail or take a train or bus, Machu Picchu more than lives up to its reputation as one of the most spectacular sights on Earth. Watching the sun rise as dramatic rays of light creep over the ruins and the clouds slowly part is a particularly thrilling experience. Bring a Kleenex – you may get a little weepy.

A photo posted by Flashpacker Adventure Travel (@flashpackerconnect) on May 2, 2016 at 6:47am PDT

2. Some of the world’s most glorious hikes

Peru offers some of the world’s best hikes, and of course that includes the legendary Inca Trail. The challenging four-day, 27-mile (43 kilometer) trek combines beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and thousands of butt-burning, original Inca steps. But the Inca trail isn’t the only way to get to Machu Picchu. Two great alternatives are the Lares trek which takes trekkers through the Lares Valley and closer to the indigenous Quechua people; and the Salkantay trek, taking you over the breathtaking snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. You can also check out the Huayhuash Circuit north of Lima, which is a seven-day trek peppered with snowy peaks, glacial lakes and rugged paths; and Choquequirao, an eight-day trek to one of the most remote Inca ruins west of Cusco. 

A photo posted by bar pinto (@barpintoo) on Feb 22, 2016 at 4:35am PST

3. The almighty Amazon

Did you know that Peru has the second largest amount of Amazon rainforest after Brazil? The jungle covers 60 per cent of the country and teems with nature and biodiversity, which when combined with the Pacific Ocean and the Andean mountain range, creates a diverse and unique ecosystem. The two main entry points into the Amazon Basin from Peru are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Animals like anteaters, jaguars and tapirs still wander the forests, massive anacondas inhabit the swamps, caimans soak up the sun on muddy riverbanks and capybaras, which look like a giant guinea pig, forage in the water for aquatic plants. Many indigenous tribes still live scattered throughout the Peruvian Amazon too.

A photo posted by Seeking the World (@seekingtheworld) on Apr 12, 2016 at 8:09am PDT

4. Colossal Colca Canyon and its condors

Whether you hike it or look down at it from a viewpoint, the Colca Canyon should not be missed. Boasting spectacular scenery, the Colca Canyon is famous for being twice as deep as the mighty Grand Canyon, however its walls are not as vertical or dramatic. The canyon landscape is made up of picturesque green valleys, white water, traditional villages and terraced agriculture which predates the Incas. The region is also renowned as being home to the Andean Condor – a massive bird which has a wingspan of 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), the largest of any land bird.

A photo posted by Harin Hirani (@h2_) on Oct 5, 2016 at 12:52pm PDT

5. The floating islands of Lake Titicaca

Straddling Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and perhaps its most fascinating. Situated at more than 12,500 feet (3800 meters) above sea level, this enormous lake is renowned for its floating reed islands. There are many different islands, but the most famous are Uros, Taquille and Amantani. Almost everyone hops aboard a boat to visit at least one of several ancient island-dwelling peoples who will welcome you into their homes wearing colorful costumes and friendly smiles.

A photo posted by simon (@lesaimen) on Oct 5, 2016 at 3:20am PDT

6. The desert oasis of Huacachina

Located 5 miles (8 kilometers) away from the small city of Ica, in the south of Peru, is the so-beautiful-it-almost-looks-fake desert oasis of Huacachina. Hotels, bars and restaurants are built around a small, natural, emerald-green lake surrounded by towering sand dunes reaching several hundred feet high. This desert oasis is a popular tourist attraction because of its sand boarding opportunities and speedy dune buggy rides, which are both wildly fun and terrifying at the same time.

A photo posted by Matt Cohen (@mc19993) on Oct 5, 2016 at 11:05am PDT

7. Scenic Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is an incredibly scenic stretch of ruins and small villages nestled amid rugged mountain slopes to Cusco’s north-west. The spectacular Inca ruins in Ollantaytambo and Pisac are considered some of the best in all of the Americas. Most people visit the Sacred Valley as part of an organized one-day tour which includes a stop at Pisac’s market, a lunch break in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and the gorgeous village of Chinchero.

A photo posted by Freya Parry (@freyaparry) on Oct 5, 2016 at 4:39pm PDT

8. Catching a wave in Mancora

Head to the Pacific coast to the beach town of Mancora for great surf and a chilled out atmosphere. While not as picturesque as other beaches in South America, Peru’s best sandy beach stretches for 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) and is worth the trip, especially if you love to surf. This popular resort town is the place to see and be seen along the Peruvian coast.

A photo posted by Casa Sofia Mancora (@casasofiamancora) on Aug 25, 2016 at 11:05am PDT

9. Distinctive gastronomical offerings

Peru has become something of a mecca for food lovers in recent years. Its capital Lima is now considered the gastronomic center of South America, where you’ll find some of the country’s and indeed the world’s best restaurants. Peruvians have developed a unique cuisine and take advantage of their country’s biodiversity, using ingredients from the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the coast. From perfectly cured ceviche dishes to roasted guinea pig, Peru packs a palatable punch.

A photo posted by ManoChola (@manochola) on Sep 14, 2016 at 4:29am PDT

Have you been to Peru and experienced any of these amazing things? Are there any other experiences you’d add to the list? Let us know your thoughts or comments in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this story, please spread the love and share via the social media buttons!