Things to do in Peru.

Virtually every creator covering Peru cites Machu Picchu as the centerpiece of any trip. Accessible by train to Aguas Calientes then a 25-minute bus ride, or via multi-day trekking routes, it consistently tops must-see lists as one of the world's great wonders.

The steep mountain rising directly above Machu Picchu, offering what Chris Chrisman calls some of the best views in Peru. The hike takes about 2 hours, permits are limited to 400 visitors per day, and it can be combined with a same-day Machu Picchu visit.

The gateway town to Machu Picchu, sitting alongside the Rio Urubamba and reachable only by train. Tim and Fin note it's a touristy hub where meals tend to be expensive by Peruvian standards, but hot springs and a local atmosphere make it a worthwhile overnight stop.

The classic route to Machu Picchu, available in 2-day and 4-day versions. Multiple creators debate the tradeoffs: the 4-day covers more ground and more Inca sites, while the 2-day is better for time-pressed travelers who still want to enter through the Sun Gate.

Mountain Lodges of Peru's 7-day signature adventure through Andean landscapes and ancient Inca trails, ending at Machu Picchu. Considered a more remote and scenically diverse alternative to the Classic Inca Trail.

A dramatic, color-streaked Andean peak at high altitude near Cusco. Multiple creators highlight the vivid red, yellow, and green mineral layers of the mountain and the surrounding wildlife including vicuña and alpaca. Best visited before big crowds arrive.

A full-loop trek around Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco region at nearly 21,000 ft. Peru Summit Adventures emphasizes its glacial lakes, colored hills, and near-total absence of crowds compared to other Peruvian treks.

An Inca citadel described by Peru Summit Adventures as larger than Machu Picchu yet far less visited, making it one of Peru's most authentic archaeological experiences. Accessible via a 4–9 day loop trek from Capuliyoc.

The broad valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu, covering Inca ruins, salt mines, and highland communities. Multiple creators use it as a base for exploring Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray, calling it an essential addition to any Cusco itinerary.

Ancient Inca salt evaporation pools still in use today, frequently paired with the Sacred Valley circuit. Valencia Travel Cusco and TIM and FIN both highlight them as a visually striking cultural landmark near Cusco.

A living Inca town and major train departure point for Machu Picchu. Tim and Fin show early morning scenes here, and it serves as the last stop on the rail line before Aguas Calientes for those doing the 2-day Inca Trail.

One of South America's largest and most biodiverse national parks, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peru Summit Adventures emphasize that entry requires a guide and permit, and the park is regarded as an exceptional destination for tropical wildlife.

A dramatic suspended glass pod accommodation in an Incan valley, requiring guests to climb a cliff face with safety harnesses to reach it. Jordan and Emily feature it as one of Peru's most extraordinary places to spend a night, including dinner and a hot tub experience.

Lima's upscale coastal district and the top base for first-time visitors. House of Intent describes it as a safe, modern neighborhood with paragliding off the clifftops, coastal walks along Costa Verde, markets, and an excellent restaurant scene day and night.

Lima's bohemian arts district next to Miraflores, known for street murals, cafes, bakeries, and a thriving food and bar scene. Samuel and Audrey highlight it as Lima's coolest district for food and drinks, with a Peruvian food tour covering lomo saltado, anticuchos, ceviche, causa, and Pisco Sour.

One of the world's best restaurants, located in Lima. Leaving In 5' specifically names Central as a top fine-dining recommendation for visitors, representing the height of Lima's celebrated culinary scene.

A classic Lima breakfast spot in Miraflores. Samuel and Audrey say the thing to order is pan con chicharrón — a pork sandwich with sweet potato and red onions soaked in lime juice — paired with purple corn juice.

A desert oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes about 5 hours south of Lima. TIM and FIN describe sandboarding here as a highlight of their 2-week road trip, though they caution the oasis itself is smaller than the Instagram photos suggest.

Mysterious large-scale desert geoglyphs visible from the air and from a roadside viewing tower. TIM and FIN spot petroglyphs from a viewpoint on their road trip, while UrbanDuniya visits the Nazca Lines specifically to explore the famous desert geoglyphs.

A vast 16th-century UNESCO-listed monastery occupying an entire city block in Arequipa. Travel With Maria describes it as gigantic and visits it alongside the famous Juanita ice mummy exhibit, calling Arequipa a beautiful city worth several days.

One of the deepest canyons in the world, popular for a 2-day hike and condor spotting. Multiple creators cover the popular route from Arequipa, and TIM and FIN mention searching for condors in Colca Canyon as a highlight of their 2-week road trip.

The world's highest navigable lake, straddling Peru and Bolivia. TIM and FIN spend a night on the lake as part of their 2-week road trip, while UrbanDuniya passes through the lakeside city of Puno en route from Bolivia.

Reed-built floating islands on Lake Titicaca inhabited by the Uros people. TIM and FIN include them as a boat trip stop in their Lake Titicaca segment, described as a jumping-off point to explore the national reserve nearby.

The world's highest human settlement at 5,100 meters above sea level, a remote gold-mining city with half the oxygen and a harsh reality. Wandering Maniac traveled there specifically and calls it the most extreme episode of his Peru series.

A vast Amazon jungle reserve accessible from Puerto Maldonado, offering multi-day wildlife and rainforest immersion. Leaving In 5' and Peru Summit Adventures both cover it, with Leaving In 5' recommending at least 3 days to fully experience the jungle.

A monumental pre-Inca stone citadel built by the Chachapoya culture high in the cloud forests of the northern Andes. Valencia Travel Cusco highlights it as one of northern Peru's most impressive sites, combining ancient history with spectacular highland scenery.

One of the tallest waterfalls in the world at approximately 771 meters, located in the Amazonas cloud forest region. Valencia Travel Cusco features it alongside Kuelap as a reason to visit the underrated Chachapoyas area of northern Peru.

A historic hacienda dating to 1688 located about 3 hours south of Lima in the desert agricultural valley of Chincha. Samuel and Audrey recommend it as an accessible weekend escape from Lima combining colonial history with desert-coast scenery.

A northern coastal town said to be the birthplace of ceviche and home to ancient totora reed fishing boats (caballitos de totora). Rob's UNREAL Travel highlights Chicama nearby as delivering arguably the world's longest left-hand wave — rides stretching over 2 kilometers.