Things to Do in Peru for an Unforgettable Journey

Peru isn’t a place you check off a list—it’s a country you feel in your bones.

From the coast of Lima to the high mountains of Cusco, through sacred valleys, jungle trails, and quiet rituals, Peru reveals itself slowly. It’s not just about Machu Picchu (though that’s breathtaking too). It’s about what happens along the way—what you eat, who you meet, how the land shapes you.

I spent three transformative months exploring Peru. I hiked the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, wandered the cobbled streets of Cusco, fell in love with the mystical charm of Pisac, experienced deep healing in plant medicine ceremonies, and—yes—booked a whole flight back to Lima just to eat more ceviche.

There were things I didn’t do, like Peru Hop, a flexible hop-on, hop-off bus system that lets you explore the country with ease and there’s an option to even enter Bolivia. I considered it more than once and, honestly, I’d still give it a try if I return—especially for those wanting a social and stress-free way to navigate the country’s long distances.

This isn’t a country of surface-level sightseeing. It’s a country of layers—spiritual, cultural, and deeply human. Whether you’re here to trek ancient paths, connect with Andean traditions, taste world-class fusion cuisine, or simply slow down, Peru holds space for it all.

Below are the best things to do in Peru, woven from experience, wonder, and a love that only deepened with every step.

✧ Let your journey deepen with these related guides:
→ 7 Things to Do in Pisac, Peru: The Gateway to the Sacred Valley
→ 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: What to Expect & Why It’s Worth It
→ Ayahuasca & Mescaline: 5 Nights in the Heart of Peru
→ 15 Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
→ 12 Reasons to Fall in Love with Lima, Peru

✧ Mountains & Valleys ✧

1. Trek to Machu Picchu

There’s no better way to experience Machu Picchu than to arrive on foot. The ancient citadel is breathtaking—but the journey getting there? That’s where the real transformation happens.

If you’re craving something rugged, remote, and wildly beautiful, I highly recommend the Salkantay Trek. This high-altitude, multi-day trail winds through snowcapped mountains, jungle cloud forests, and sacred valleys, offering both physical challenge and deep stillness. It’s best for those with backpacking experience who want solitude, altitude, and a raw connection with nature. I wrote all about my experience here:

→ 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: What to Expect & Why It’s Worth It

For a more social and guided experience, the classic Inca Trail is equally iconic. It includes ancient Incan ruins, porters, shared meals, and plenty of fellow travelers to swap stories with under the stars. If you’re newer to trekking or love the idea of community on the trail, this is a fantastic way to go.

And if trekking isn’t for you, don’t worry—you can still feel the magic. Taking the train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo or Cusco is a scenic, comfortable, and unforgettable experience in its own right. The route winds through lush valleys and along the Urubamba River, offering stunning views without the physical strain.

No matter how you get there—Salkantay, Inca Trail, Lares Trek, or train—Machu Picchu is more than a bucket list stop. It’s a pilgrimage through nature, time, and something far deeper within.

2. Explore Cusco

Cusco isn’t just a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu—it’s a sacred city in its own right. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco pulses with a quiet majesty that’s both ancient and alive. You’ll feel it in the cobbled streets, the sacred stonework, the smell of copal smoke and coca leaves, and the way the Andean light hits the rooftops at golden hour.

Cusco is also a launch point for deeper journeys into the Sacred Valley, plant medicine retreats, and high-altitude hikes. If you’re planning to explore further, check out my full post:

→ 15 Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru

Take your time here. Cusco isn’t a place to rush. It’s a place to feel, to listen, and to let the Andes speak through the stones.

3. Wander the Sacred Valley

Just outside of Cusco lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas—a stretch of land so beautiful and serene, it feels like the Earth is whispering ancient truths. Nestled between dramatic peaks and carved by the Urubamba River, this valley is rich with Incan ruins, fertile farmland, and stillness that wraps around you like a blanket.

Each town here tells its own story. In Pisac, you’ll find vibrant markets, spiritual centers, and mountaintop ruins that offer sweeping views and a humbling sense of scale. I fell in love with the mystical energy of this place—you can read more about it here:

→ 7 Things to Do in Pisac, Peru: The Gateway to the Sacred Valley

In Ollantaytambo, the ancient stone terraces rise steeply above town, and the grid-like layout remains unchanged since the Inca themselves walked its paths. Chinchero offers dazzling textiles and rich cultural preservation, while Maras and Moray show the innovation and mystery behind Incan agriculture and salt harvesting.

The Sacred Valley is also home to quiet walks, ceremonial gatherings, and deep, healing moments. Whether you’re here for a day or weeks, let yourself wander slowly. Hike between villages, take a plant walk with a local elder, or simply sit by the river and listen.

This is where the veil feels thin. And if you open yourself to it, the Sacred Valley won’t just be a place you visit—it will become a part of you.

4. See Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca or Palcoyo)

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking across a landscape that looks painted by the Earth herself, then Rainbow Mountain in Peru might just leave you speechless.

There are actually two Rainbow Mountains you can visit—Vinicunca and Palcoyo—both showcasing the region’s stunning, naturally striated mineral layers in vibrant reds, golds, greens, and blues.

Vinicunca is the more famous and more challenging trek, sitting at over 17,000 feet (5,200 meters). It’s a high-altitude climb that requires stamina, acclimatization, and an early morning departure from Cusco—but the view from the top feels like standing on another planet.

Palcoyo, on the other hand, is a gentler alternative with multiple rainbow ridgelines and far fewer crowds. It’s ideal for those who want the magic of the mountain without the intensity of the hike.

Whichever route you choose, visiting a Rainbow Mountain in Peru is one of those experiences where the photos will never quite capture how it feels. The wind. The silence. The moment you realize nature is more imaginative than we ever give her credit for.

5. Watch Condors at Colca Canyon

Standing at the edge of Colca Canyon, you don’t just see a view—you feel the Earth open.

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this vast gorge in southern Peru is a place of silence, shadow, and soaring wings. At sunrise, the air shifts, and from the depths of the canyon, the Andean condors rise—gliding effortlessly on warm thermals, their wingspans stretching nearly ten feet wide.

Watching these sacred birds—once believed by the Incas to carry messages between worlds—is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

You can reach Colca Canyon from Arequipa, and whether you visit as a day trip or stay overnight in Chivay or Cabanaconde, this experience is worth the journey. Along the way, you’ll pass hot springs, high-altitude plains, and sleepy villages where time slows.

If you’re creating a list of unforgettable things to do in Peru, watching the condors at Colca Canyon deserves a place near the top—for its wildness, its stillness, and the way it leaves you looking up long after you’ve left.

6. Explore Arequipa, the White City

Bathed in sunlight and built from white volcanic stone, Arequipa is a city that feels both timeless and luminous. Nicknamed “La Ciudad Blanca” (The White City), it sits in the shadow of El Misti volcano, where Spanish colonial charm meets Andean soul.

Wander the cloisters of the Santa Catalina Monastery, where painted walls and quiet courtyards hold centuries of silence. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center, where baroque architecture glows under golden light. Taste rocoto relleno, shop for alpaca wool, and watch daily life unfold in the lively Plaza de Armas, framed by cathedral towers and volcanoes in the distance.

Arequipa is also the gateway to Colca Canyon, making it both a destination and a doorway. But don’t just pass through—linger. The air is different here. The pace is slower. And the city has a softness that settles in your bones.

If you’re looking for beautiful, less-touristed things to do in Peru, exploring Arequipa offers a quiet elegance, cultural depth, and warm, volcanic heart.

7. Visit an Andean Weaving Community

In the highlands of Peru, weaving is more than craft—it’s memory. It’s prayer. It’s a language passed hand to hand, mother to daughter, elder to apprentice.

Visiting an Andean weaving community, such as those in Patacancha, Chinchero, or Amaru, invites you into a living tradition. Here, you’ll witness how alpaca or sheep wool is spun by hand, dyed with natural plants and minerals, and woven into intricate textiles using centuries-old techniques. Each symbol has meaning. Each color carries a story.

Sit with the women. Ask questions. Let them show you how the mountains and rivers appear in their patterns, how weaving becomes ceremony. Many of these collectives are part of fair trade cooperatives, so your visit directly supports the preservation of culture and livelihood.

To visit an Andean weaving community in Peru is to touch something ancient and enduring. You don’t just leave with a textile—you leave with perspective.

8. Soak in Hot Springs in the Andes

If you’re looking for one of the most relaxing and soul-soothing things to do in Peru, find your way to the hot springs hidden in the Andes.

After days of trekking, altitude shifts, or deep ceremony, there’s nothing like sinking into naturally heated waters surrounded by mountain silence. In the Sacred Valley region, the Lares Hot Springs offer a series of rustic pools with different temperatures—steam rising beneath open sky, as condors circle high above. On the Salkantay route, the Cocalmayo Hot Springs near Santa Teresa are equally beloved, tucked between cliffs and jungle in a setting that feels like a dream.

There are no neon signs or crowds—just mineral-rich water, ancient stone, and a quiet invitation to rest. You’ll leave with your muscles softened, your spirit quieted, and your heart just a little more open.

If you’re crafting a journey of healing, stillness, or just deeper connection with nature, soaking in hot springs in the Andes is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Peru.

9. Sit in Ceremony (Ayahuasca, San Pedro, or Cacao)

In Peru, ceremony is not a performance—it’s a way of remembering. A way of returning to the self.

Whether it’s the visionary depth of ayahuasca, the heart-opening clarity of San Pedro (Huachuma), or the gentle warmth of cacao, sitting in a sacred ceremony with trained and respectful facilitators can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life.

These aren’t tourist attractions—they’re ancient healing traditions carried forward by indigenous wisdom keepers, often guided by the land, the plants, and the spirit of Pachamama herself.

I experienced this personally during a multi-night retreat in the Sacred Valley, which became a turning point in my journey through Peru.

→ Ayahuasca & Mescaline — 5 Nights in the Heart of Peru

If you feel the call, do your research. Choose your facilitators wisely. Be willing to listen, to unlearn, and to meet yourself in a new way.

Because when you sit in ceremony in Peru, you’re not just drinking a plant—you’re opening a door. And you may never be the same again.

10. Join a Despacho or Fire Offering Ritual

Not all ceremonies in Peru involve plant medicine. Some are made of flowers, seeds, coca leaves, sugar, prayers—and fire.

A despacho ceremony is an Andean offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits). With the guidance of a local shaman or paq’o, participants co-create a mandala-like bundle using symbolic items that represent gratitude, wishes, and balance. Once complete, the bundle is often buried, burned, or returned to the river—offered back to the Earth with reverence.

Similarly, a fire offering is a powerful ritual of release and renewal. Intentions are spoken, griefs are surrendered, and transformations are invited in the dancing light of the flames.

These ceremonies are gentle, grounding, and deeply ancestral. They don’t ask you to transcend—they ask you to root.

If you’re visiting the Sacred Valley or Cusco, you’ll often find opportunities to join one through healing centers or local guides. Whether you believe in energy or simply want to experience something meaningful, joining a despacho or fire ceremony in Peru is a beautiful way to slow down and remember that the Earth is always listening.

11. Sleep in Nature

Among all the unforgettable things to do in Peru, few experiences compare to sleeping under Andean skies, cradled by the mountains themselves.

Whether you’re curled up in a glass pod on a cliffside in the Sacred Valley, tucked into a cozy eco-lodge surrounded by hummingbirds and eucalyptus, or camping beneath glaciers on a multi-day trek—sleeping in nature in Peru is an experience that rearranges your sense of time.

You fall asleep to the sound of rivers. You wake with the sun sliding down the ridgelines. You breathe deeper, dream differently, feel quieter inside.

Peru offers all kinds of wild and soulful places to stay—from off-grid treehouses to star-lit tents on high-altitude passes. And in those moments between dusk and dawn, you don’t just rest—you return to something ancient, something essential.

If you’re looking for a deeper connection to land, stillness, and self, sleeping in nature is one of the most sacred things to do in Peru.

✧ Jungles & Rivers ✧

12. Boat Through the Amazon

If you want to touch the lungs of the Earth, boat through the Peruvian Amazon—a world where time dissolves and the green never ends.

Departing from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, you can drift along the Amazon River or its tributaries, surrounded by dense jungle, mirrored waters, and the hum of life. Macaws soar overhead. Pink river dolphins surface beside you. Somewhere nearby, a jaguar moves quietly through the trees.

You can choose a multi-day river cruise with comfort and guides, or go rustic with a canoe and a jungle lodge, falling asleep to the sounds of frogs and rain tapping the leaves. Mornings often begin with mist rising off the river and monkeys swinging through the canopy above.

This isn’t a sightseeing trip—it’s a surrender to wildness, to something older and larger than we usually remember. Every bend in the river feels like a secret being slowly revealed.

If you’re seeking one of the most immersive, untamed, and humbling things to do in Peru, let the Amazon River carry you. It will change the way you breathe.

13. Swim with Pink River Dolphins

One of the most surreal and gentle things to do in Peru is to swim with pink river dolphins—creatures so magical they feel like something out of a myth.

Found deep in the Peruvian Amazon, these rare dolphins (called botos) are intelligent, curious, and almost otherworldly in their soft blush-pink glow. Local legend says they’re shape-shifters, guardians of the river who can walk among us in human form. Whether or not you believe the stories, there’s no denying the enchantment of floating in warm, still water as these graceful beings rise beside you.

The best way to experience this is by staying in a jungle lodge or taking a guided boat trip from Iquitos or Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Some guides may even help you enter parts of the river where dolphins swim freely and interaction is done respectfully and ethically.

It’s not a zoo. It’s not a show. It’s just you, the river, and a quiet kind of magic.

Swimming with pink river dolphins in Peru is one of those travel moments that lives in your body long after your passport is stamped and your journey ends.

14. Wildlife Spotting in Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

Deep in the heart of the Amazon lies Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve—a flooded jungle twice the size of Yellowstone, teeming with life in every shade of green and gold.

Accessible from Iquitos, this remote and biodiverse sanctuary is one of the most extraordinary things to do in Peru for nature lovers, photographers, and soul-searchers alike. Float through mirror-still waters on a dugout canoe as howler monkeys call from the treetops, pink river dolphins break the surface, and three-toed sloths cling lazily to branches above.

Birdwatchers can spot macaws, toucans, and herons, while nighttime excursions often reveal caimans, tarantulas, and glowing eyes in the dark. The stillness of the flooded forest creates a surreal atmosphere—like being inside a dream that breathes.

Most visits are multi-day tours with local guides and lodge stays, making the experience immersive and deeply connected to the rhythms of the jungle.

If you’re looking for one of the wildest, rawest, and most soul-stirring things to do in Peru, let Pacaya-Samiria show you what untouched nature really feels like.

15. Sleep in a Jungle Lodge in Iquitos or Tambopata

Falling asleep in the Amazon jungle is a feeling unlike any other—wrapped in mosquito netting, listening to frogs, distant birdcalls, and the hum of a world that never really goes quiet.

Whether you’re deep in Iquitos or the Tambopata Reserve near Puerto Maldonado, staying in a jungle lodge is one of the most immersive and memorable things to do in Peru. Many lodges are eco-conscious and locally run, offering candlelit meals, river excursions, and wildlife walks that reveal a rainforest both mystical and alive.

Wake to the calls of howler monkeys and sip coffee as the morning mist rises off the river. Fall asleep with the rain tapping the leaves like a lullaby from the canopy. And in between—float, learn, listen, and simply be.

It’s not about luxury here—it’s about presence. Sleeping in a jungle lodge in Peru is a gentle invitation to remember what it’s like to live alongside the wild, not outside of it.

✧ Coast & Desert ✧

16. Eat Ceviche in Lima

You can’t say you’ve truly been to Peru until you’ve tasted ceviche in Lima—the place where citrus, sea, and soul collide on a plate.

Fresh white fish, marinated in lime juice, kissed with red onion, chili, and cilantro. It’s sharp, clean, alive. But in Lima, it’s more than just a dish—it’s an identity.

I ate ceviche in nearly every town I passed through in Peru, but nothing compared to what I had in Lima. It was so good, in fact, that I booked a flight back to the capital just to eat it one more time before heading home to the U.S. No regrets.

So yes—eat ceviche in Lima. Let it tingle your tongue, wake up your senses, and remind you that some of the best travel memories don’t happen on mountaintops… they happen at the bottom of a bowl.

17. Experience Nikkei Cuisine

Nikkei cuisine is where the heart of Peru meets the soul of Japan—a culinary fusion born from over a century of Japanese immigration and deep cultural blending.

Fresh fish meets Peruvian spice. Soy sauce dances with lime. Sashimi becomes tiradito. The flavors are bold, elegant, precise—and unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

Peru is home to one of the largest Japanese populations in South America (after Brazil), and the culinary result is nothing short of art. In Lima, restaurants like Maido (often ranked among the best in the world) offer unforgettable tasting menus that showcase this fusion with reverence and innovation. But even outside the fine-dining scene, you’ll find Nikkei influences woven into local menus—whether it’s a sushi roll with rocoto sauce or a bowl of lomo saltado stir-fried with soy.

For me, this wasn’t just about food. It was about tasting history—of resilience, migration, and the beauty of two cultures learning to speak the same language through flavor.

To experience Nikkei cuisine in Peru is to understand how identity can evolve, and how something entirely new can emerge when we let cultures meet with curiosity and respect.

18. Try Chifa in Chinatown (Barrio Chino)

Wander through the red archway of Barrio Chino, nestled in the heart of Lima, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the aromas of ginger, soy, aji amarillo, and sizzling wok-fried rice. This is the home of Chifa—a delicious fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine born from over a century of immigration and adaptation.

When Chinese laborers came to Peru in the 19th century, they brought their flavors, ingredients, and techniques—but had to improvise with what was available. The result? Something entirely new. Chifa blends Cantonese staples with Peruvian ingredients like quinoa, aji peppers, and local meats, creating dishes that are bold, savory, and deeply comforting.

You’ll find classics like arroz chaufa (Peruvian fried rice), lomo saltado, and tallarín saltado served with a side of wonton soup—and yes, it’s just as good as it sounds.

Eating Chifa in Lima’s Chinatown is more than just a meal—it’s tasting history. A quiet reminder that Peru is not just one culture, but many, woven together in a single, flavorful bite.

19. Drink Pisco at the Source

Before it became the base of Peru’s most iconic cocktail, pisco was (and still is) a craft, a ritual, and a source of national pride. This clear grape brandy—distilled in sun-drenched valleys along Peru’s southern coast—carries centuries of heritage in every smooth, floral sip.

To truly understand Peruvian pisco, you have to go to the source. Head to the Ica region, where the desert meets fertile vineyards, and take a tour of traditional bodegas like Tacama, El Catador, or Hacienda La Caravedo. Walk among vines that twist under dry skies, learn about the fermentation process, and sample pisco straight from the still—clean, potent, and surprisingly complex.

Of course, no visit is complete without sipping a Pisco Sour—a frothy, citrusy drink made with pisco, lime juice, egg white, and bitters. But try it both ways: neat and in cocktail form. You’ll get to know its true character.

Drinking pisco at the source in Peru is one of those sensory experiences that lingers—on the tongue, in the memory, and in the way the afternoon sun feels just a little softer afterward.

20. Fly Over the Nazca Lines

Few places on Earth stir up as much mystery as the Nazca Lines—massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor of southern Peru, only fully visible from the sky.

No one knows exactly why they were made. Some say they were sacred messages to the gods. Others believe they mapped constellations or formed part of ritual pilgrimage routes. Either way, the figures—a hummingbird, a monkey, a spider, and more—have survived over 1,500 years, untouched in the sand.

The best way to experience them is by taking a small plane flight from Nazca or Pisco, where you’ll soar above the desert and see these immense shapes unfold beneath you. The flight is short (usually around 30 minutes), but unforgettable. Just a heads-up: it can get bumpy—so take motion sickness meds if you’re prone.

Standing among them doesn’t reveal their form. You must rise above to understand them. And in that, there’s a quiet metaphor: some truths, some patterns, are only visible when we look from a different perspective.

If you’re drawn to ancient mysteries and open skies, flying over the Nazca Lines is one of the most surreal and humbling things to do in Peru.

21. Explore Paracas National Reserve & Islas Ballestas

Where the desert meets the sea, Paracas offers a dramatic contrast of landscapes, colors, and life—making it one of the most visually striking things to do in Peru.

The Paracas National Reserve is a protected coastal desert with windswept cliffs, red-sand beaches, and salt-streaked rock formations that feel like something from another planet. It’s a place of silence and space, where flamingos wade in shallow bays and fossil beds whisper ancient Earth stories.

Offshore, a short boat ride takes you to the Islas Ballestas, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Here, you’ll find humboldt penguins, sea lions, Peruvian boobies, and even dolphins, all thriving among guano-covered rock arches and sea-carved caves. En route, you’ll pass the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, etched into a sand dune and still unexplained.

Paracas is ideal for a day trip from Ica or Lima, especially when paired with Huacachina or a vineyard tour. It’s nature, wonder, and wind—all wrapped in one surreal coastal escape.

If you’re seeking a side of Peru that surprises, exploring Paracas and the Islas Ballestas is one of the most unexpected and breathtaking things to do in Peru.

22. Sandboard in Huacachina

For a burst of pure thrill and surreal beauty, sandboarding in Huacachina is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Peru.

Nestled around a tiny desert oasis, Huacachina feels like something out of a dream—a palm-fringed lagoon surrounded by towering golden dunes that seem to go on forever. As the sun begins to dip, casting soft shadows over the sand, adventurers head out on dune buggies that roar and race like roller coasters across the ridgelines.

But the real magic? Strapping on a board and sliding down those dunes—standing or belly-first—feeling the warm air rush past your face and the sand lift in your wake. It’s wild, playful, and unexpectedly freeing.

Stay to watch the sunset paint the dunes in pink and gold, and you’ll understand why this place is more than just a quick thrill—it’s a mirage made real.

If you’re craving a different kind of landscape—and a break from the mountains—sandboarding in Huacachina is an unmissable adventure and easily one of the most unique things to do in Peru.

23. Walk the Clifftop Paths of Miraflores

High above the Pacific, the clifftop paths of Miraflores stretch like a ribbon between earth and sky—lush, breezy, and humming with life. Known as the Malecón, this coastal promenade is one of the most relaxing and scenic things to do in Peru, especially if you’re starting or ending your journey in Lima.

As you wander, you’ll pass gardens in bloom, couples flying paragliders off the cliffs, public art, and peaceful locals walking dogs or watching waves roll in far below. Don’t miss Parque del Amor (Love Park), home to colorful mosaics and sweeping ocean views, or the elegant Faro La Marina lighthouse standing tall at the edge of the coast.

Come at sunset, when the sky turns gold and pink and the city begins to hush. Or wake early, and have the whole path to yourself with nothing but sea breeze and the sound of your own footsteps.

For travelers craving a quiet, beautiful moment between Peru’s louder wonders, walking the clifftop paths of Miraflores is a soft reminder to breathe it all in.

✧ Lakes & Islands ✧

24. Visit Lake Titicaca & the Uros Floating Islands

At over 12,500 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world—and it feels like a mirror held up to the sky. The light is sharper. The water bluer. The silence, deeper. And in its shimmering heart float the Uros Islands, handwoven from layers of living reed.

Visiting Lake Titicaca and the Uros Floating Islands is one of the most meaningful cultural things to do in Peru. You’ll take a boat from Puno, gliding across glassy water until the floating islands appear—woven not only from totora reeds, but from centuries of tradition and resilience. Meet the Uros people, who live atop these islands in reed houses, anchored to the lake floor with stones and rope. Hear their stories, learn how the islands are maintained, and walk gently on their soft, shifting surface.

You can also explore Taquile or Amantaní, two natural islands where Quechua culture remains vibrant, and homestays offer quiet immersion into daily life.

Lake Titicaca isn’t just a destination—it’s a place where time floats, stories are sung, and the water reflects more than just clouds.

If you’re seeking depth—cultural, spiritual, and literal—visiting Lake Titicaca is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Peru.

25. Take a Boat to Taquile or Amantaní Island

While the floating Uros islands offer a glimpse into ingenuity and resilience, Taquile and Amantaní islands offer something quieter, deeper—a rhythm of life that hasn’t rushed to meet the world.

Located in the heart of Lake Titicaca, both islands are home to Quechua-speaking communities known for their vibrant weaving, sacred traditions, and simple hospitality. There are no cars, no loud markets, no rush. Just stone paths, terraced hillsides, and the sound of the wind moving over the water.

Taquile is renowned for its centuries-old weaving cooperative, where the men knit and the women weave—both with designs that tell stories of the cosmos and community. Amantaní, slightly farther, offers the chance to stay overnight with a host family, sharing meals and walking to ancient temple ruins at sunset.

If you’re seeking one of the more soulful, human-centered things to do in Peru, taking a boat to Taquile or Amantaní will invite you into a slower world—where presence is the main offering, and simplicity feels like luxury.

26. Join a Festival in Puno (like Virgen de la Candelaria)

If Peru has a spiritual heartbeat, Puno is where it drums the loudest.

This high-altitude city on the edge of Lake Titicaca bursts to life each February during the Virgen de la Candelaria festival—one of the largest and most dazzling celebrations in South America. It’s a two-week fusion of Catholic devotion and Andean tradition, where streets fill with thousands of dancers in feathered masks, sequined costumes, and boots that stomp like thunder.

There’s music from sunrise to long past dark, parades that last for hours, and a pulse of joy, ritual, and remembrance in every movement. But even outside festival season, Puno offers colorful markets, folk music, and cultural depth that runs as deep as the lake beside it.

If you want to experience the sacred and celebratory side of the Andes, joining a festival in Puno—especially La Candelaria—is one of the most electrifying and unforgettable things to do in Peru.

✧ Final Thoughts: Let Peru Change You ✧

These 26 unforgettable things to do in Peru aren’t just destinations—they’re invitations. To go deeper. To move slower. To listen more.

Because Peru is not one single story. It’s sacred mountain trails and pink river dolphins. It’s cities carved from volcanic stone and floating islands made of reeds. It’s desert silence, jungle breath, and ocean wind. It’s festivals that shake the streets, meals that stop time, and people who carry centuries of knowledge in their hands, music, and hearts.

You might come for Machu Picchu. But you’ll stay for everything you didn’t expect: the tenderness of a weaving circle, the pulse of Afro-Peruvian rhythms, the taste of lime on your lips after a perfect ceviche.

If you’re planning your journey, I’ve written detailed guides to help you dive deeper into some of Peru’s most unforgettable places:
→ 7 Things to Do in Pisac, Peru: The Gateway to the Sacred Valley
→ 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: What to Expect & Why It’s Worth It
→ Ayahuasca & Mescaline: 5 Nights in the Heart of Peru
→ 15 Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
→ 12 Reasons to Fall in Love with Lima, Peru

Let your adventure be informed, but not overplanned. Let mystery and magic guide the rest.

Because wherever you begin—on the coast, in the jungle, or high in the Andes—Peru has a way of meeting you where you are and offering exactly what you need.

So take the journey. And somewhere along the way…

Just… pause.
Let the stillness teach you what the map never could.

Peru Travel Guide: 26 Unforgettable Things to Do