The Unmissable Destinations to visit in Peru on Summer Break

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has to be at the top of your list of things to see in Peru. And with good reason, the Inca ruins of this amazing city is one of the most famous attractions in Peru. The setting of the Lost City of the Incas that is truly out of this world. To understand how the Incan Empire built this city clinging to the side of a mountain, with terraces cascading into the valley is incomprehensible. Machu Picchu was introduced to the Western world by Hiram Bingham as the Lost City of the Incas in 1911. There is no wonder why so many people visit this impressive site in Peru.

 

Llama at Machu Picchu

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous and iconic treks in the world. To hike The Inca Trail is at the top of many people’s bucket lists, and this trek is the only Peru trek that actually hikes directly to Machu Picchu.  It is one of Peru’s top attractions calling visitors from around the world to hike this ancient route, however, make sure you book early to secure permits as spaces are limited!

 

Hike Rainbow Mountain

The hike to and from Rainbow Mountain is one of the new best things to do in Peru. It is a day-long trek at over 5000m along a dirt path in between imposing peaks of green and red rock. It’s a stunning route, passing local villages built from stone, llama, and alpaca herds and glittering mountain streams to a rainbow-colored mountain scene that you will never forget.

 

Rainbow Mountain

Cusco

The beautiful colonial city of Cusco is the base for trekking to Machu Picchu. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is also a city that is a must-visit in its own right. Located at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level it takes some getting used to once your flight lands. Take it easy and enjoy plenty of coca tea. This once capital of the Inca empire is now intermingled with tour agencies restaurants, museums and Inca walls, so it is very easy to get lost in this magnificent city for a few days. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas where you can explore the church of Santo Domingo and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesus. Cusco even has its own Christ the Redeemer and you must check out the Twelve Angled Stone. A stone with twelve angles was part of an Inca palace.

 

Huacachina

Huacachina, is a desert village built around a natural lake in the middle of the desert called the Oasis of America. It is an incredibly beautiful location and a must-add to your list of things to do in Peru. Hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses line the lake that is surrounded by massive dunes. It’s a great place to chill out for a while. If you love snowboarding, you will adore sandboarding to some of the highest sand dunes in the world. If you don´t like the sound of the adrenalin-filled sandboarding then head out to explore the dunes on a dune buggy tour as for a different heart-pounding and thrilling activity.

 

Dune Buggy on Huacachina

 

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are one of the most fascinating things you can see in Peru. These ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert cannot be explained. The Nazca Lines are believed to have originated 500 BC by the Nazca culture. It’s a wonder of the world and one of Peru’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. How could primitive human beings create intricate designs in the desert reaching 370 m long? And how have they lasted for 2500 years through erosion, rain winds, and time? You have to see them to believe them, so flying over them in a tiny biplane is an amazing experience. 

 

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is located on the Bolivian border and it’s the highest navigable lake in the world located at 3,812 m in the Andes. A trip to Lake Titicaca is a place where you can delve into the culture of Peru and see the famous floating islands of Lake Titicaca. The Uros people live on floating islands made out of reeds creating entire floating communities living on the lake. New reeds are constantly added to the top as old rotting reeds float away. The Uros Floating islands are the main tourist attractions of Lake Titicaca. Tourists can visit the islands to get a glimpse of traditional life.

 

Floating Islands, Lake Titicaca 

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is a popular destination famed for the condors that soar through the air through the canyon. There are two and five-day options to hike into Colca Canyon. Located in the south of the country Colca Canyon it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. If you are exploring the Arequipa region, this is a must-see trip just a few hours away. As well as the fascinating condors, there are traditional farming communities, hot springs and some of the most impressive landscapes you may ever see.

 

The Amazon

Capital of the southern Amazon rainforest, Puerto Maldonado offers easy access to prime, wildlife-rich jungles in Peru. From here, visitors can venture into the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the last few pristine areas in the rainforest. Spread over 1060 sq. miles and marked by lakes, rivers, and forest, the protected area is one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, boasting thousands of butterfly species as well as hundreds of varieties of birds, mammals, and plants. Located in the Madre de Dios region, Puerto Maldonado is a 1.5-hour flight from Lima. Popular with travelers of all ages, the city is far more laidback than its bustling cousin up north, Iquitos, making it more attractive for families and an extended stay, with arguably better wildlife opportunities.

 

Sailing Down The Amazon

Mancora

When you want to take a break from exploring historical sites and nature, we recommend heading to the resort town of Mancora. It’s a great place to go in Peru with cafes, bars, and restaurants lining the streets. This beachside town lies in the region of Piura, which is located on the northwest coast of Peru. Mancora beach is the more upmarket side of town which is visited mostly visited by families and downtown Mancora is a surfer’s paradise for those looking to catch a wave or 2.

 

Surfing in Mancora