Visiting Peru The Top 5 Things to Do Including Lima

Peru is one of those places that grabs you from the moment you arrive. I still remember stepping out into the warm coastal air of Lima and feeling that instant rush of curiosity—this mix of ancient history, wild landscapes, and a food culture that completely absorbs you. Whether you’re wandering through Inca ruins high in the Andes or exploring the buzzing neighbourhoods of the capital, Peru has a way of pulling you in deeper with every day you spend there.

If you're planning a trip and want to experience the best of the country, here are the top 5 things I think should be on every itinerary—starting, of course, with Lima, a city that deserves far more attention than it gets.

1. Explore Lima: Peru’s Creative & Culinary Capital

Many travellers rush through Lima, but the capital is one of the most dynamic cities in South America. Its mix of colonial charm, dramatic Pacific cliffs and world-class gastronomy make it worth at least 2–3 days.

If you want a deeper dive into what to see, eat, and experience, check out my dedicated guide:

👉 Lima Travel Guide – What to See and Do

Top things to do in Lima:

• Walk the Malecón in Miraflores – A stunning six-mile clifftop path perfect for sunset strolls, cycling, or even paragliding.
• Get lost in Barranco – Lima’s bohemian district, packed with street art, galleries, and indie cafés.
• Eat, eat, eat – Try classic ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos. Book ahead for Central, Maido, or Kjolle if you want to experience Peru’s world-renowned tasting menus.

• Visit the historic centre – Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the mysterious catacombs of San Francisco Church.

Why it matters: Lima is Peru’s cultural heart and a great place to understand the country’s modern identity—beyond the Andes and ancient ruins.

2. Trek to Machu Picchu – The Icon of Peru

No trip to Peru is complete without seeing Machu Picchu. Perched high in the Andes and wrapped in mist, the Inca citadel still feels otherworldly.

Ways to reach Machu Picchu:

• Classic Inca Trail (4 days) – The most famous route, combining archaeology and high-mountain passes.
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• Salkantay Trek (5 days) – A stunning alternative that crosses snow-capped peaks.
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• Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo – Comfortable, beautiful, perfect for families or shorter itineraries.

Travel tips:

• Book entry tickets and bus times well in advance.
• Choose a morning visit to avoid crowds.
• Stay in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes for an easier pace.

3. Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Between Cusco and Machu Picchu lies one of Peru’s most breathtaking regions: the Sacred Valley. With its terraced hillsides, artisan markets, and ancient fortresses, it’s a paradise for culture lovers and active travellers.

Must-see highlights:

• Pisac – Ruins with panoramic mountain views and a bustling craft market.
• Ollantaytambo – A living Inca town with citadel ruins that rival Machu Picchu.
• Moray & the Maras Salt Mines – Giant circular terraces and photogenic salt pools carved into the hills.

Why visit: Staying in the Sacred Valley helps you acclimatise to altitude and offers quieter, more authentic experiences than Cusco alone.

4. Venture Into the Amazon Rainforest (Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos)

Peru is home to one of the most biodiverse parts of the planet. A trip to the Amazon Rainforest is unforgettable—macaws soaring overhead, night walks to spot caimans, and dawn boat rides through mirror-like lagoons.

Where to go:

• Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata Reserve) – Easy to access, fantastic wildlife, great lodges for families.
• Iquitos (Amazon River) – Remote, wild, accessible only by plane or boat.

Look out for: Giant otters, sloths, macaws, caimans, monkeys, and—if you’re very lucky—jaguars.

5. Experience Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands

At 3,812 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake—and one of the most spiritual places in the Andes. The blue is so intense it almost looks unreal.

What to do:

• Visit the Uros Floating Islands – Entire communities built from totora reeds.
• Explore Taquile Island – Famous for its textile traditions and panoramic trails.
• Stay in Puno – A great base for lake excursions.

Why go: It’s a unique cultural experience and a beautiful contrast to the jungle and high Andes.

Final Thoughts: Why Peru Belongs on Every Traveller’s Bucket List

Few countries offer such diversity in a single trip—ancient history, cosmopolitan cities, rainforest adventures, high-altitude lakes, world-class cuisine, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.

Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids, Peru is a destination you’ll remember forever.

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