Things To Do In Peru

Peru is a diverse country where you can journey along desert roads and trails, over high mountain peaks and then down into the jungle in what seems like a moment.

Most travelers are drawn to Peru through the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Check out how to Make the Most of a Visit to Machu Picchu and if you're adventurous enough to consider hiking the Inca Trail, read up on all of the Inca Trails to Machu Picchu: The Alternative Treks, as there's more than one. We were happy to see that the Lares Trek that we chose over the Classic Inca Trail kept to the International Leave No Trace Principles.

If you're planning on visiting Machu Picchu, you'll at least stay a night in the historic and touristic city of Cusco. This is where we ended up spending over two months because of its charm and cheap cost of living. There are always festivals, street parades and markets on at all times of the year, so you'll never miss out. We were just in time for the car rally, Caminos del Inca and also got pampered at a new luxury boutique hotel. If you're there for a day or a week, check out the Best Places to Eat in Cusco.

If you're traveling to Cusco from Lima by bus, be sure to stop off in Ica to visit the natural oasis of Huacachina: The Sand-Boarding Mecca of Peru.

Or if a really unique no-tourist-in-sight adventure is what you're pining for, see our review on the epic experience we had with Peru Cycling, When Adventure Turns to Expedition.