Top 10 best things to see & do Peru

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best things to see & do Peru

From the mighty Andes and dense Amazon jungle to quaint villages and epic coastlines, Peru’s enticing array of attractions, landmarks and natural wonders are infinite. Celebrated for its textured landscapes, ancient cultural heritage, and delicious globally-recognised cuisine, this delectable destination has something to offer every avid traveler. Brimming with architectural masterpieces steeped in mystery, UNESCO World Heritage sites, natural reserves, Peruvian heritage is a rich fusion of ancient Incan, pre-Incan, and Spanish cultures, traditions and diversity. Here’s my top 10 list of the best things to see & do in Peru.

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10. BE A FOODIE IN LIMA

Serving five stars on the global gastronomy stage, epicureans flock to Peru’s cosmopolitan Lima, renowned as South America’s food capital, to immerse themselves in the capital city’s grand colonial architecture, whilst taunting their taste buds with mouth-watering dishes, influenced by local, Spanish, African and Asian flavours. A visit is not complete without tasting Peru’s signature plate, the classic ceviche. An elegant cured raw fish dish traditionally served cold, a true celebration of the Pacific Ocean with every bite, it’s no surprise this is Peru’s most popular delicacy. Lima is also home to several restaurants that rank among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, with Central (managed by Chef Virgilio Martínez and his wife Pía León) being the most famous venue. Last year, Central made history by becoming the first venue in South America to take the ultimate culinary crown and be named The World’s Best Restaurant. Read my review of Central Restaurant here.

• Recommended hotel: Fausto Hotel

9. BOOK AN EXCURSION TO THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

When we think of the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil automatically comes to mind. Yet it is a little-known fact its birthplace is actually the Peruvian region of the Amazon river and rainforest. This section of the Amazon is the most untouched, bearing a large concentration of wildlife and flora in the vast protected area of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The Amazon jungle covers nearly 60% of Peru’s landscape and is home to hundreds of Indigenous communities, who rely solely on this land to survive. This area has also become the last remaining habitat where visitors have the opportunity to spot some of the world’s endangered species in the wild, such as jaguars, pink river dolphins, and harpy eagles. With daily direct flights to and from the Peruvian capital of Lima, guests can easily get to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon in Peru and starting point of luxury cruises on the Amazon River. Fun fact: Iquitos is the largest inland port in the world only accessible by river and air.

8. VISIT CUSCO, THE CAPITAL OF THE INCA EMPIRE

In Cusco, every corner is filled with history, as the ancient capital of Peru (during the Inca Empire) still preserves remnants of the most important power of this ancient civilization. The ancient history can be felt in every step you take through the streets of thetown, which seem to have stopped in time. Cusco is best explored on foot, with a walk through its historic center or along the Andean Baroque route, where you can admire buildings with the ancient colonial touch. Museums are a favorite space for visitors, and one that you must not miss is the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha). Besides, be amazed by the Twelve-Angled Stone or marvel at the art of the artisans in the San Blas neighborhood. A visit to the colorful San Pedro Market can give you an insight into the idiosyncrasy of the people of Cusco.

• Recommended hotel: Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel

7. EXPLORE THE SACRED VALLEY

The Sacred Valley is a magnificent valley close to Cusco, irrigated by the Urubamba River, and surrounded by fertile lands, snow-capped mountains, and a lot of history. The Incan Empire ruled this area for little more than hundred years until the arrival of the Spanish, and it’s here that the Incas built their main citadels and temples, as well as thousands of terraces where they grew different agricultural products, especially corn. Today, the Sacred Valley is one of Peru’s most visited tourist regions and home to the country’s best luxury hotels, resorts and spas. The thousands of terraces built by the Incas more than five hundred years ago are still visible. The Sacred Valley – or Valle Sagrado as it is known in Peru – is dotted with Inca Ruins, with Machu Picchu being the absolute star attraction (and deserving its own mention in this list). Other famous archaeological sites include Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Pisac and more.

• Recommended hotel: Explora Valle Sagrado (read my review here)

6. HIKE IN THE COLCA CANYON

Peru’s third most visited tourist destination is the Colca Canyon, a 3 hour drive from the city of Arequipa. The Colca Canyon is known as one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching a maximum depth of around 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) from the rim of the Canyon to the bottom of the valley (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon). The main draw of the Canyon are its viewpoints, scenic hikes and hot springs. The Colca Canyon is a privileged vantage point from which to observe the majestic Andean condor; with a wingspan of over 3 meters (10 feet), the Andean Condor is considered the largest flying bird in the world. Hiking in the Colca Canyon is a popular activity, offering spectacular scenery. Most trekking routes to the bottom of the Canyon can be done in 2 days with an overnight stay in one of the villages.

• Recommended hotel: Puqio

5. TAKE A BOAT RIDE ON LAKE TITICACA

Lake Titicaca, the freshwater lake located at the Bolivian border in the southern Andes, is as boundless as it is beautiful. Located at 3,812 m or 12,506 ft above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and the second largest lake in South America. Man-made islands and ancient ruins are just the beginning of Titicaca’s mystique, and the region’s deep, rich collection of cultures has turned it into one of Peru’s most exciting destinations. Taking a boat ride on this incredible body of water offers splendid views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real rising over the deep blue waters. The islands on the lake, as well as being very beautiful, provide a wonderful insight into the traditional life of the inhabitants, with many of these living in a similar fashion to their ancestors hundreds of years ago.

• Recommended hotel: Titilaca Lodge

4. RIDE THE LUXURIOUS HIRAM BINGHAM TRAIN

The Hiram Bingham Train is one of the most efficient – and glamorous – ways to reach Machu Picchu. In less than four hours, this elegant train completes the spectacular journey between the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the sacred Inca city high in the Andes mountains. Named after the US explorer who re-discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, Hiram Bingham’s striking blue and gold livery stands out against Peru’s verdant landscapes. Hosting up to 84 guests, the train’s carriages include two dining wagon, a bar wagon, and an open view scenery wagon to soak in the views. Decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages, each train car has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs. The train is managed by Belmond, one of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands.

3. EXPLORA AREQUIPA

Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa, is often referred to as the ‘White City’. More than 500 grand colonial-era houses in the historic center – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – take visitors back to another time, to the earliest beginnings of the fusion between European and Andean traditions, as expressed in the city’s vaulted roofs and arches of white stone, made from the local volcanic rock known as “sillar”. The historic center of Arequipa also houses dozens of traditional restaurants, or “picanterías”, where stone mortars and clay pots are used to prepare the finest stuffed peppers and shrimp chowder. Not to be missed during a visit to Arequipa are the impressive Cathedral, the lively San Camilo Market and the magnificent Monasterio de Santa Catalina (the convent is still a functioning religious complex as well as a tourist site).

• Recommended hotel: Cirqa, Relaix & Châteaux Hotel

2. HIKE THE EPIC INCA TRAIL 

The most epic way to get to Machu Picchu is to walk as part of an organized trek along the iconic Inca Trail, a section of one of the hundreds of Incan roads built as the empire expanded. The Inca Trail is one the bucket list of many travelers, not only for the sense of achievement but also because it immerses you in stunning Andean landscapes from cloud forest to rainforest and passes a handful of other Inca ruins. The 43 km (27 mi) hike takes four days, camping every night. A maximum of 500 permits are issued for the Inca Trail each day, over half of which are taken up by guides, and the porters. Dozens of tour operators offer Inca Trail hikes, with varying durations and levels of comfort, including luxury camping trips.

• Recommended tour operator: Evolution Treks Peru

1. BE WOWED BY MACHU PICCHU

At the top of a mountain, enormous and imposing stone blocks joined without using mortar were combined to create one of the most important religious, political and cultural centers of the Inca empire: the mist-shrouded citadel of Machu Picchu. Revealed to the world in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, this Inca city is divided into two large sectors: the agricultural sector, with an extensive network of terraces; and the urban sector, with fine structures including the Sun Temple. The intensely green terraces and the imposing mountains surrounding the site combine to create a stunning landscape which surpasses visitors’ expectations. No matter how many times you have seen a photograph of the iconic Inca ruins, nothing prepares you for sense of awe that this magical place elicits in its Andes mountain setting, clinging as it does to rock and jungle.

• Travel guide: read here my Machu Picchu travel guide (with everything you need to know when planning a visit to the Sanctuary).

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