What to see and do
If time is not a problem you can spend months in Peru without getting bored. Country is full of interesting places, history, environment and culture. But to help you find some gems, here's a list of our favourite places in Peru.
Machu Picchu
Amazing views and interesting history. Sit down and think how the place has looked 500 years ago when everything was colorful, houses had roofs and people walked on the streets. Machu Picchu is 400 meters above the village of Aguas Calientes where the train from Cuzco arrives. If you spend the night there you can head to Machu Picchu early in the morning to catch the sunrise and have the ancient city almost all yours. During day the place might get crowded with groups of tourist. Walk up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is doable but then you wont have much energy left to walk around the site, so better to take the thrilling bus ride to the top.
Inca trail
If you enjoy trekking then Inca trail will be your dream come true. You will walk along the slopes of the Andes and sleep in tent. Usually the trip is planned so that you will arrive to your final destination, Machu Picchu, early in the morning to see the sunrise. The feeling when you finally reach it and see the first glimpse of it is truly unforgettable. Remember to watch out for altitude sickness and not start the trek right after arriving to Cuzco if you are not used to altitudes like that. Locals chew coca leaves and drink coca tea (mate de coca) because they believe it gives you energy and helps to altitude sickness symptoms.
Cuzco
Cuzco is the capital of Inca empire and a really nice city. Many think it's the nicest city in Peru. Air is fresh and cool and it's nice to just stroll down the streets and stop for a cup of coca tee. There are also many activities around Cuzco like kayaking, rafting, trekking, climbing, shopping, cultural and historical tours. There's also some nightlife and many travellers end up spending more time in Cuzco than they had in mind. Around Plaza de Armas you will find nice cafes.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titica is situated at about 4000 meters above sea level and it is the worlds highest located navigateable lake. Trips to Lake Titicaca start from Puno which is not so spectacular town and usually just a go through place. You can make one day trips which usually include visit to the floating islands (Uros islands) where people live on islands made of reeds. Also all houses and also boats are made of reeds. Also a visit to Taquile or Amantani is also included and there you get to walk around the island and also have lunch. If you take longer tour it's possible to stay overnight at the island and stay with some local family. If you do so remember to take some warm clothes with you as the nights might be chilly.
Arequipa
Arequipa is a beautiful city in the shadow of the snow-capped volcano El Misti. There are nices plazas and atmosphere and also some great architecture. Trips to Colca Canyon can be arranged from here and trekking to El Misti is also popular activity.
Colca Canyon
Colca canyon is the worlds deepest canyon. Even deeper than the Grand Canyon in United States, yet not so well known. Besides spectacular views condors are driving tourists to Colca canyon. There it's possible to see Andean condors from fairly close range. The different kinds of tours arranges to Colca, from 1 days quick glimpses to treks taking many days.
Huacachina
Huacachina is an oasis in the middle of sand dunes. You can just lye around the small lake or take part in the activities that include sandboarding and buggy drives on the dunes. Sandboarding is like snowboarding but in sand. You have a board and you slide with it down the steep sand dunes. Fun but after that you have sand everywhere. Buggy driving is pure adrenalin. You sit in the buggy car and go up and down jumping on the dunes.
Lima
The capital city of Peru is not the most pleasent city but not to be missed if you are interested in history or culture. A lot of interesting museums and beautiful architecture. Nicest part of Lima is Miraflores where many hotels are located. Area around airport is quite horrible and we don't recommend wondering around Lima when it's dark.