Top 50 Best Things to Do in Peru
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Peru

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  • Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchutop_1
    󰺂10
    Urubamba
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Sunrise & panoramic views spot
    󰋄Puerta del Sol: Perfect for Sunrise & Panoramic Views
    󱨠Saved by 155 users󱨠37% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    shanghaiboyushanghaiboyu

    Machu Picchu boasts 140 structures, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences, as well as over 100 stairways, numerous fountains, and a comprehensive water system. Abandoned during the Spanish invasion and the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was discovered by Yale University professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. The ruins consist of two main areas: an urban area and an agricultural area, separated by a stone wall. Beyond the wall lie terraced agricultural areas, divided into high and low terraces depending on the terrain. The urban area is divided into three zones: the sacred area, the area for priests and nobles, and the southern area for commoners.

  • Qorikanchatop_2
    󰺂7.3
    Cusco
    Highlights:
    Cusco views & Andes beauty
    󱨜Inca religious & astronomical site
    󱨠45% positive reviews
    4.1/5
    chinadesk1chinadesk1

    The Temple of the Sun in Cusco has a long history. The ticket to the Temple of the Sun in Cusco (QORIKANCHA) is 15 pesos. There are many tourists, all of whom use headphones to listen to the explanations. Although there are many people, there is no noise. It is very large inside, and basically introduces religious content, Inca culture, and development during the Spanish colonial period. It shows that Cusco was the Inca center at that time. There is also an introduction to the architecture of the Inca period. The whole piece of large stone is stacked tightly without gaps, showing the original stone stacking. The courtyard is very large, and there is a well in the middle. The paintings on the wall show the ancient people's understanding and belief in the sun. It takes more than an hour to look closely.

  • Ballestas Islandstop_3
    󰺂7.3
    Lima
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Cool Water Escapes in Peru
    Highlights:
    󱓊Desolate & vibrant coexistence
    50-meter-thick guano spectacle
    󱨠39% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M25***40M25***40

    There was a chance to see pelicans, cormorants, penguins (Humboldt), crabs and seals. Lots of them!! The boats got pretty close to the penguins when they jumped into the sea, but other than that there was plenty of room for everyone to see what they wanted to see

  • Plaza Ollantaytambo
    4
    󰺂7.3
    Ollantaytambo
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view of Machu Picchu & Andes
    󱓊Inca Sun Temple's architectural brilliance
    󱨠31% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    chinadesk1chinadesk1

    Ouyantai is a must-see when visiting Peru. Whether it is the unique terrain, the ancient plants or the simplicity of the descendants of the Incas, you will be moved. Ouyantai is an ancient town, not big, but there are many tourists. Accommodation and tourism facilities are complete.

  • Sacred Valley
    5
    󰺂7.1
    Urubamba
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Famous for colorful craft market
    󰀆Known for its colorful handicraft market
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.1/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    The Urubama River Valley is a very grand site. It was the agricultural center of the ancient Inca Empire. As for the site similar to terraced fields, it is still seen in the valley. The area is very large and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. It is a very important part of the ancient Inca Empire.

  • Larco Museum
    6
    󰺂6.9
    Lima.Pueblo Libre
    Highlights:
    󱨜Garden lights & cultural dinner
    󱓊Pre-Columbian Peruvian gold & silver
    󱨠39% positive reviews
    4.2/5
    欲飞的鸟欲飞的鸟

    【Larco Archaeological Museum】Located in Lima, Peru, it is famous for its rich collection of pre-Columbian art and pottery. Founded in 1926 by Peruvian scholar Rafael Larco Herrera, the museum houses more than 40,000 works of art, including pottery, textiles, and gold and silver products, covering various cultures from 3000 BC to the Columbus era. Including pottery from the Moche, Nazca, and Inca cultures, as well as exquisite gold and silver products, reflecting the superb craftsmanship of the ancient Peruvians. The main permanent exhibition rooms and visiting points of the Larco Museum: 1⃣️Gold and Silver Room: Displays exquisite gold and silver products; 2⃣️Pottery Collection Room: Displays pottery in various forms and styles; 3⃣️Miscellaneous Utensils Room: Displays crafts describing ancient daily life and beliefs; 4⃣️Beautifully decorated garden: A great place to appreciate and relax.

  • Nazca Lines
    7
    󰺂6.9
    Nazca Province
    Highlights:
    󱓊Overlook Peru's mysterious lines
    Listed as World Heritage in 1994
    4.7/5
    M25***40M25***40

    The airport is beautiful, not crowded, and only caters to passengers flying over the Nazca Lines. It takes a little time to get there, but once you're there you won't regret it, hang in there! The plane twists back and forth so that people on both sides of the plane can see the same line drawing. Despite taking motion sickness pills, I felt a little nauseous when the plane twisted back and forth. Very picturesque.

  • Saqsaywaman
    8
    󰺂6.8
    Cusco
    Highlights:
    󱨜360° view of Cusco cityscape
    󰀆360° view of Cusco
    󱨠32% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    Sacsayhuaman is located on a high mountain, and its historical status is comparable to that of Machu Picchu, but its fame is relatively small. Standing in Sacsayhuaman and overlooking the entire city, it is still very beautiful

  • Lima Main Square
    9
    󰺂6.8
    Lima.Lima City Center
    Highlights:
    󱓊17th-century bronze fountain centerpiece
    󰋄Colonial history in Lima's district
    󱨠36% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M25***40M25***40

    This place is a must if you plan to visit the historic center of Lima. There are many restaurants and bars nearby and many interesting places to visit. The best thing is to see the changing of the guard at the presidential palace. The concert starts at 11:30 am with a band and ends at 12:30 pm. You don't have to stand right in front, you can see it from the center of the square

  • Centro Historico
    10
    󰺂6.7
    Lima.Lima City Center
    Highlights:
    󱨜Admire the architectural style of Lima Cathedral
    Uncover Lima's stories on a historical walking tour
    5.0/5
    倒霉的花花🌸倒霉的花花🌸

    Lima, known as the "rainless city", has an average annual temperature of around 18 degrees, making it suitable for living.

Best things to do in Peru (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Peru? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Peru offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Peru

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Peru experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

• Urubamba | undefined

• : Sunrise & panoramic views spot,Puerta del Sol: Perfect for Sunrise & Panoramic Views

Qorikancha

• Cusco | undefined

• : Cusco views & Andes beauty,Inca religious & astronomical site

Ballestas Islands

• Lima | undefined

• : Desolate & vibrant coexistence,50-meter-thick guano spectacle

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Peru

If you want to explore attractions just outside Peru, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Peru, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Peru special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Peru

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Peru

Ready to explore the best of Peru? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Peru?
These are all Best Things to Do in Peru:Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Qorikancha, Ballestas Islands, Plaza Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Peru?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Peru include:Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu:4.7, Qorikancha:4.1, Ballestas Islands:4.3, Plaza Ollantaytambo:4.3, Sacred Valley:4.1
At what locations in Peru can Best Things to Do in Peru be found?
The Best Things to Do in Peru are mainly located in:Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu:Urubamba, Qorikancha:Cusco, Ballestas Islands:Lima, Plaza Ollantaytambo:Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley:Urubamba
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