Top 10 Bucket List Experiences in Peru
If you're looking for a destination that offers an extraordinary mix of culture, adventure, and wonder, look no further than Peru. I visited the country in February 2020, and I'll admit, before I arrived, I knew little about it beyond the cute alpacas and Machu Picchu. However, with every passing day, I became increasingly amazed and delighted by Peru.
I was immediately captivated by its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and the incredible warmth of its people. By the end of my three-week visit, it had secured a spot as one of my favorite countries.
Peru has a unique ability to have something to offer for any kind of traveler; whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local traditions, indulge in an incredibly unique cuisine, embark on challenging hikes, or uncover ancient mysteries, the country has it all.
Below is a list of 10 must-have experiences to make the most of your next Peruvian adventure.
But, no matter what you choose to do during your time there, one thing is certain.
Peru will ignite all your senses and leave you planning your return before you’ve even stepped foot on the plane.
Hike the Inca Trail
If you are up for a challenge, you can embark on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an extraordinary 4-day-3-night high-altitude hike through the Andes Mountain Range.
Approximately 25,000 tourists make the trek through the trail each year and they are all supported by a team of local experts who are there to support you every step of the way and make sure you are as comfortable and safe as possible from start to finish. The trek is a 43-kilometer (26-mile) journey through amazing landscapes and concludes at one of the new seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.
While the trek is quite tough, it is achievable for most tourists provided they are well-prepared, have acclimatized to the elevation properly, and have some form of hiking experience.
You can read our blog How Difficult is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? where we detail everything you need to know to prepare for a successful trip through the trail and arrive safely at Machu Picchu.
The trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you'll walk away incredibly proud of yourself for accomplishing it.
Know before you hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Preparation is Key: To get the most out of the experience it is crucial to be adequately prepared. This includes allowing your body to acclimatize and training your body prior so you are in peak physical condition. We suggest practicing long hikes in the lead-up to the trek - the closer you can assimilate the conditions during training the better!
Keep it Light: It can be tempting to bring a lot of ‘just in case’ items, however, when you’re on the trail, less is more, so it is best to pack only the essentials.
Taste the Unique Local Cuisine
Wherever you go in Peru, you are guaranteed to experience the delicious and unique Peruvian cuisine. The people of Peru don’t hesitate to showcase their culture through their food and drink. From local market stalls to street food corners to world-class restaurants, there will be no shortage of tasty food for you to enjoy while you’re here.
Peru is rich in history - and so is its food. Influences can be traced back to the conquest of the Incan Empire by the Spaniards hundreds of years ago, as well as Asian influences more recently and now with more modern fusion cuisines.
Treat your taste buds with ceviches, stir-fries, curries, casseroles, and even exotic meats like alpaca or, if you’re up for it, guinea pig.
Know before you eat in Peru
Don’t be Afraid to Try New Things: Food is a massive part of Peruvian culture. Have fun, try lots of tasty food, and soak in the culture while you’re here.
Try Pisco Sour (for the alcohol drinkers): A popular refreshing cocktail that originated from Peru and is the perfect combination of sweet and sour flavors.
Fly Over the Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines remain one of the most fascinating mysteries about Peru. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lines spread across 80 square kilometers (30 square miles) of the Nazca desert and are estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
They come in all different shapes and sizes, with some stretching out for several kilometers, and comprise hundreds of simple lines, various geometric shapes, and over 70 shapes representing animals, plants, and humans.
Scientists have been trying to understand the origin of the Nazca Lines for almost a century, but are unfortunately no closer to figuring it out, and with no written records from the Nazca people, the best we can do is guess.
With such a big mystery, new theories appear all the time, ranging from the lines being used as an astronomical calendar, for religious rituals or to symbolize social and political structures. And of course, we can't forget the theory that they were created by aliens!
What is the best way to see the Nazca Lines?
The best way to see the lines is... from above!
At approximately 100 USD per person for a 30-minute flight, it is well worth the splurge!
The truth is we will probably never know, but I think that makes it all the more fascinating. Just be prepared to leave with more questions than answers!
Know before you visit Nazca Lines
Prepare for Motion Sickness: If you're prone to motion sickness, discuss this with your captain beforehand on the best seating arrangements and consider taking medication before taking off.
Book in Advance: Nazca flights are very popular, especially during high season, so the sooner you book the better.
Go Sandboarding in Huacachina
Huacachina is definitely one of the most unique places I have visited in my adventures around the world. It is a desert oasis with a town and a relaxing lagoon, surrounded by seemingly endless rolling sand dunes.
Even with a permanent population of only 100 people, Huacachina still has everything you need and plenty of exciting activities to enjoy; from dune buggying to sandboarding, rowing a boat in the lake and watching the desert sunset - to name just a few. Despite only being here for one night, I still got the chance to go dune buggying and sandboarding - sandboarding being the highlight for me!
I hadn’t had any similar experience prior, but the instructors taught me everything I needed to know to enjoy myself and get down the dune safely. You are given the choice to ride down the dunes standing on your board (similar to snowboarding) or on your stomach. Being quite uncoordinated, I went for the second option. Flying down the dunes and cheering each other on was so much fun, and it was made all the more unforgettable being surrounded by incredible desert scenery.
Know before you go sandboarding
Don't Be Scared: Sandboarding is a relatively safe activity, so as long as you follow the safety guidelines and instructions, you should be fine! Plus, if you do happen to take a tumble, it's usually a soft landing on the sand.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Lightweight, breathable sportswear paired with sunglasses and closed-toed shoes is the most ideal clothing choice. And be sure to bring a face covering to protect you from the sand - you can buy these from the locals here.
Meet the Alpacas!
A trip to Peru wouldn't be complete without a friendly encounter with some of the fluffy locals! The country is home to approximately 80% of the world’s alpaca population and has the second-largest population of llamas globally, after Bolivia.
These animals have been domesticated for centuries and hold significant cultural value to the people of Peru, especially in the Andean region.
Why the Colourful Costumes?
During your travels throughout the country, you'll encounter many alpacas and llamas dressed in colorful traditional costumes. These outfits are a way to celebrate and honor the animals, often for cultural and festive purposes. It's also a common practice for locals to use these animals as a source of income by allowing tourists to take photos with them, especially in rural areas where income opportunities are fewer.
So, cuddling up and getting a picture with a furry friend can not only be a great way to have a fun and unique cultural experience but also support the local community.
Just be sure to agree on a price beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings. And rest assured, the alpacas are typically well cared for and comfortable in their traditional outfits!
Know before you pet or take photos
Use Your Judgement: If a local invites you to take a photo with their furry friend, assess how well you believe the animal is being treated. If you have concerns about any mistreatment, it is best to avoid taking photos or giving money. Visiting an alpaca farm could be a better alternative.
Be Gentle and Respectful: While the animals are domesticated and generally comfortable around humans, always be gentle with them and respect their space.
DO NOT PET WILD ALPACAS 🦙 OR LLAMAS: When exploring in the wild, keep a safe distance and do not pet or approach wild animals. If in doubt, ask your guide.
Wander Through the Local Markets
One of the things that Peru is known for is its vibrant and bustling local markets. All your senses will be engaged with a range of smells, colors, tastes, and sounds. You can buy (almost) anything your heart desires, from handcrafted souvenirs to fresh fruit and vegetables, to more... interesting items such as pig heads and witches'potions.
What Can You Buy?
Fruit: I recommend buying and tasting some of the unique local fruits such as lucuma or chirimoya. Just remember to wash the fresh produce with filtered water before eating it!
Alpaca Wool Products: If you are also planning to buy products made from alpaca wool, be careful that they may be labeled as “100% alpaca wool” however are often much less or not at all. If you want to ensure you buy the real deal, it is best to go to a reputable shop, but don’t expect it to be cheap - alpaca wool is highly desirable because of its high quality.
Some of the most notable local markets to visit are:
San Pedro Market in Cusco
The Inca Market in Lima
Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley
Wandering around the markets is an exciting experience in itself, but I do suggest preparing yourself mentally, you may see some things that may shock you.
At a market in Cusco, I came across stalls selling dried alpaca fetuses, which I later found out are traditionally believed to bring prosperity and good luck when buried under new buildings.
Know before you visit a local market in Peru
Bargain! Negotiating the price of items is common practice while shopping at a market, but don’t push too hard. Remember that for these sellers, this is usually their main and only source of income. $5-$10 will not make a big difference for you but it might for them.
Stock up on Coca-Cola products: Ingesting coca leaves is a traditional and popular way to help alleviate altitude sickness symptoms. They come in various forms such as tea, candy or just by themselves. But remember to dispose of any leftovers before leaving the country as they are illegal in most countries.
Join a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to explore a new country is to join a walking tour, and Peru is no exception!
During a walking tour, a local expert guides you around various locations in your destination, sharing knowledge about the history, and culture, and giving helpful recommendations and practical advice, such as how to avoid scams.
Most of the interesting things I've learned about a country have come from walking tours and I always find that I have a greater appreciation of a destination after.
There is a huge range of walking tours throughout Peru’s hotspots, ranging in themes from gastronomy to ancient city tours to pisco sour tasting tours.
With so many options to choose from, you should have no problem finding one that interests you!
They can also be in different languages - but most commonly in Spanish and English.
Tours can be organized through a trusted tour company, such as Travel with Trekking
Pals, with your accommodation provider, or booked online after a thorough search.
Are ‘free walking tours’ actually free?
'Free walking tours' are very common, however, it is expected that you still give a tip at the end. Try to be as generous as you can, as this is often the guide’s main source of income and though the tour may only last two hours, they have put in a lot of preparation prior and the work is very physically demanding - especially in places like Cusco with its high-altitude and a lot of steps!
Know before you take a walking tour
Ask questions: Make the most of having a local expert at hand and ask any question you want to know the answer to. Chances are there are others on the tour wandering the same thing.
Dress appropriately: You will do lots of walking (obviously!) so make sure you wear some comfortable shoes and bring some sun protection.
Learn Some Spanish
If you’re anything like me, before your trip to Latin America, you were most likely practising a bit of Spanish on Duolingo prior to your departure - and although it's a good start, being able to say “yo como manzanas” (I eat apples) can only get you so far in day-to-day life.
There are a variety of Spanish language schools scattered throughout the country.
Taking a Spanish class or short course is a great way to further immerse yourself in Latin culture, connect with the locals, and not to mention have a lot of fun while learning something new!
While traveling the region, I took part in a week-long intensive Spanish course in Guatemala, which helped me gain confidence and really enhanced my experience over the following months.
The locals appreciate the effort - even if you can only say a few basic phrases. And because you are surrounded by the language it is much easier to practice and hard to forget
Know before you learn Spanish
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself: Especially if it's your first time, learning a new language can be quite challenging. Don't be too critical of yourself and embrace the learning process with patience and an open mind. You’ll probably pick up more than you think!
Have Fun With It: Learning a language shouldn't be all serious. Approach it with a sense of humor, don’t take yourself too seriously, and enjoy the ride. Remember, there's no exam at the end (hopefully) - just the rewarding experience of immersing yourself into the culture and connecting with the locals on a deeper level.
Attend a Traditional Peruvian Festival
If you happen to be in Peru at the time of one of their festivals, I would highly recommend attending one! I was lucky enough to stumble across one of the biggest and the most significant festivals in South America, La Fiesta de la Candelaria (The Festival of the Candelaria) while wandering the streets of Puno in southeastern Peru.
The streets were flooded with color, music, elaborate costumes, and dancing. The locals welcomed us with open arms and invited us to join the parade and dance with them.
Attending a festival is a great way to enjoy and celebrate the country alongside the locals. The majority of festivals celebrate Catholic traditions, Indigenous culture, or a blend of both!
Some other great festivals in the country are:
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in June
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in April
Virgen de la Asunción (Virgin of the Assumption) in August
If you don’t happen to be in the right place at the right time, don't worry, there is still a big chance you will come across a spontaneous dance party (similar to a festival) on the streets of major cities. The positive vibes are contagious and you will be left with memories that you’ll never forget.
Know before you attend a cultural festival in Peru
Respect Local Customs: Festivals in Peru often have deep religious or cultural roots so be respectful of the local customs, traditions, and practices.
Stay Safe: Festivals can draw large crowds and be very chaotic at times, so it's important to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Be patient and prepared to navigate through the crowds. If you're going at night, consider traveling with others for extra safety and stay in well-lit areas.
Take a Peruvian Dance Class
If you have ever visited Latin America, you will know that the sound and feel of Salsa
music and dancing echoes through every bar, pub, and late-night hotspot in the region - especially in Peru! While you’re here, why not participate in some Salsa or Peruvian dancing lessons?
Bachata is a common dance in Peru - and is similar to the Salsa but involves a bit more of the hips. There are many places you can learn from, I joined a lesson that was being taught in the bar of my hostel!
Although it can be scary to push yourself out of your comfort zone, don’t be shy - sign
up for a Bachata or Salsa class with friends or solo and have fun embracing Peru's colorful nightlife.
Know before you dance in Peru
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow your body to move around freely for the optimal dancing experience.
Embrace the process: Dance classes are all about enjoying the music and having fun. Be patient with yourself, and don't worry about being perfect.
