What to Do in Peru Besides Visit Machu Picchu
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Machu Picchu is without a doubt the most popular tourist attraction in Peru, and understandably so. The history behind the ancient Incan ruins is incredible, and visiting the site is an unforgettable experience.
The good news is that Peru is full of even more unforgettable experiences.
Christiana, our Taste of Peru tour host, has been living in Peru for the last 10 years and she’s here to share some of her favorite things to do all around the country. With so many incredible things to experience, one visit to Peru just isn’t enough.
Kayaking & Kitesurfing in Paracas
Paracas is known for its popular tour to the Islas Ballestas to see the sea lions, but there’s so much more Paracas has to offer. Hop in a kayak and paddle your way around the peaceful Pacific Ocean, or kick the adrenaline up a notch and take a kitesurfing lesson. After you’ve dried off, explore the Paracas National Reserve either on a bike or ATV tour. The sight of the desert right next to the ocean is pretty incredible.
Insider Tip: Paracas is home to some beautiful 4 and 5-star hotels, so it makes a great home base if you’re exploring other places in the area such as Pisco, Ica, and Huacachina.
Insider Tip: Many tour operators offer day tours from Lima to Paracas, but we highly recommend renting a car and going for a whole weekend. That way you can go at your own pace and you have the freedom to explore the surrounding areas.
Dune Buggies and Sandboarding in Huacachina
After you’ve explored Paracas, head down to Huacachina and get ready for a wild ride on the dunes! This is one of our favorite things to do in Peru. You’ll be completely covered in sand once it’s over, but the adrenaline rush and the view of the sunset over the dunes are worth it.
Insider Tip: Make sure you purchase your spot directly through a tour operator that has the vehicles on site so you can see how they are maintained. Many other tour agencies in the area are resellers and you can’t see the state of the vehicles before buying a ticket.
Insider Tip: Schedule the last time slot available so that you can see the sunset over the dunes.
Nazca Lines
If you have the time, keep going further south to Nazca, hop on a plane, and take to the skies to get a bird's eye view of the incredible Nazca lines. The lines are estimated to have been created between 500 BC and 500 AD but are still clearly visible today due to the lack of wind in the area and its dry, stable climate. Some of the designs you’ll see are of plants and animals, suggesting that they were created for religious purposes.
Insider Tip: Many people experience nausea or dizziness on the plane ride, so you may want to take some Dramamine before you head up.
kayaking in Paracas
Surfing
If you’re in Lima, head down to the beach along the Costa Verde where there are many surfing instructors offering lessons. If you’re in the north exploring the city of Trujillo, check out the small beach town of Huanchaco - it’s a great place for beginning surfers to get their feet wet…literally. ;)
Insider Tip: Be prepared to don a wetsuit before heading in; the Pacific Ocean is chilly.
Paragliding & Para-triking in Lima
If running off of cliffs and floating over the coastline is your thing, you should definitely check out paragliding from the Malecón. If you still want to take to the skies but prefer to have a motor propelling you, para-triking might be more your style. You can find numerous para-triking operators on the Costa Verde in the Magdalena area. The flights are about 10 minutes and include a GoPro recording of your ride.
Insider Tip: A long sleeve shirt, pants, and sunglasses make the para-triking experience more comfortable.
Amazon River Cruise
Peru is more than just mountains and deserts - it’s also home to part of the Amazon River and Rainforest. You can experience the Amazon by staying at an ecolodge in the rainforest, but we personally prefer taking it in by floating down the Amazon River. Trust us - it’s not nearly as hot.
If you’re worried you’ll get bored sitting on a boat, fear not! Many cruises have scheduled activities such as early-morning bird watching, a night safari to spot caimans and other nocturnal animals, sloth spotting, piranha fishing, swimming with the pink dolphins, and nature walks through the rainforest to see the massive, ancient trees. It’s a great choice for nature enthusiasts.
Insider Tip: BUG SPRAY. ‘Nuf said.
We hope we’ve awoken your travel bug and inspired you to explore more of Peru than just Machu Picchu. Join us on our Taste of Peru and Machu Picchu Tour and experience the vibrant culture, incredible history, and delicious flavors this beautiful country has to offer.
If you’re traveling to Peru but don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.
No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - who offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.
