Peru is one of South America’s most diverse destinations, with a mix of ancient ruins, colonial towns, scenic mountain landscapes and rainforest. From trying fresh ceviche in Lima and hiking through the Andes to reach Machu Picchu, to exploring the historic centre of Cusco and visiting traditional island communities on Lake Titicaca, there’s so much to experience. A stay in the Amazon rainforest adds even more variety, with chances to spot monkeys, macaws and caimans in their natural habitat. With its blend of history, culture, nature and food, Peru is an ideal destination for your next adventure. According to Llama Travel here are five great reasons to visit Peru
Discover the Culture and Cuisine of Lima
Lima is the capital of Peru and a good place to start your trip. The city, on the Pacific coast, mixes bohemian neighbourhoods, a colonial centre and modern districts. There are excellent museums and pre-Inca ruins, and in the centre, you can visit the catacombs of the San Francisco monastery and see the cathedral where Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro is buried. Peru was been named the World’s Leading Culinary Destination for the twelfth time at the 2024 World Travel Awards, and Lima is at the heart of that, with some of the world’s finest restaurants. Try ceviche, made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, and a pisco sour, the national drink made with local brandy, lime and egg white. Just be careful, it’s stronger than it looks!
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, known for its remarkable setting among steep Andean peaks. Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1911, it was never found by the Spanish, so it remains well preserved. One of the best ways to reach the site is by hiking the Inca Trail. This four-day trek follows original Inca paths through cloud forest, mountain passes and lesser-known ruins. The route is scenic throughout, with diverse flora and the chance to spot condors. On the final morning, arrive at the Sun Gate at first light for your first view of Machu Picchu, a memorable way to end the journey.
Explore the Inca Capital of Cusco
Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is still one of Peru’s most significant cities. Today, it combines impressive Inca stonework with Spanish colonial buildings and serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley, as well as Machu Picchu. Start at San Pedro Market, where locals buy meat, cheese and herbal remedies. From there, visit Qorikancha, once the most important Inca temple in the Inca Empire, and then head to Sacsayhuaman, a hilltop fortress with massive stone walls and scenic views over Cusco, where a decisive battle between the Incas and the Spanish took place. In the evening, try a cup of coca tea, traditionally used to help to ease the effects of high altitude.
Stay in a remote lodge in the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest covers over half of Peru and is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Staying in a remote jungle lodge is a great way to experience the rainforest in comfort, with accommodation built from local materials and guided activities included. Take a dugout canoe across Lake Sandoval to spot giant river otters, howler monkeys and black caimans, or walk along the 300-metre canopy walkway to enjoy views of the primary forest from 30 metres up. You can also visit the remote Tambopata Research Center, deep in the primary rainforest, to witness the world’s largest macaw clay lick, where hundreds of brightly coloured macaws and parrots gather each morning. A few days here offer a rare chance to connect with nature in one of the most pristine environments on the planet.
Sail on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake
In legend, believed to be the birthplace of the Incas, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world, sitting at 3,800 metres above sea level. Travel by comfortable boat to the floating Uros Islands, made entirely from reeds that grow in the lake. The reeds are also used to build homes, craft boats, and are even eaten as part of the local diet. For a quieter and more active way to experience the lake, you can kayak across the calm waters, surrounded by views of the Andes. Whether by boat or paddle, sailing on Lake Titicaca offers an unforgettable insight into one of Peru’s most fascinating regions.