Best Things To Do in Peru: A Complete Traveler’s List 2025

Peru is calling, and 2025 is the perfect year to answer. This South American gem has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide with its ancient mysteries, jaw-dropping landscapes, and flavors that'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're chasing adrenaline through towering peaks or soaking in centuries-old culture, Peru delivers experiences you won't find anywhere else on the planet.​ Read our blog to know some of the best things to do in Peru so that you can make the most of your trip. 

Top 8 Things to Do in Peru For Ultimate Fun 

1. Stand in Awe at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu isn't just one of the best things to do in Peru; it's one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Hidden away in the mountains northwest of Cusco, this 15th-century Inca citadel will leave you speechless. The 2025 ticketing system has been updated through the official government platform tuboleto.cultura.pe, with tickets released throughout the year starting from December 19, 2024. Book your Circuit 2 ticket well in advance, as visitor limits protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend that you spend a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize to the altitude. 

2. Conquer the Legendary Inca Trail

For those seeking one of the most fun things to do in Peru, the classic Inca Trail offers an unforgettable four-day trek through dramatic Andean scenery. This world-famous route winds through cloud forests, past 500-year-old archaeological sites, and over snow-capped peaks before culminating at Machu Picchu itself. The high season hikes in 2025 will be available from June 19 to November 2, when all trails are open. ​

3. Explore the Vibrant Streets of Lima

Peru's capital city is a gastronomic paradise and cultural hub that belongs on your Lima, Peru things to do list. Start at the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through Plaza Mayor surrounded by 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture. Don't miss Huaca Pucllana, a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid right in the heart of modern Miraflores. The Magic Water Circuit in Parque de la Reserva holds the Guinness World Record as the world's largest fountain complex, featuring 13 interactive fountains with synchronized music, lights, and laser shows. Walk along the stunning coastal Malecón in Miraflores, visit the romantic Parque del Amor, and explore the clifftop Larcomar Shopping Center with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.​

To kick off your adventure, discover top places to visit in Peru like the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, then book seamless connections.

4. Discover Cusco's Sacred Valley

Among the top things to do in Cusco, Peru, the Sacred Valley stands out as an essential destination. This magnificent region offers ancient Incan ruins, traditional villages, and towering Andean peaks. Visit the spectacular Pisac terraces and the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, both showcasing incredible Inca engineering. The otherworldly Maras Salt Mines feature over 3,000 ancient salt pans cascading down the mountainside, used since pre-Incan times. Nearby, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray demonstrate the Incas' sophisticated understanding of microclimates. For adventure seekers, the Sacred Valley offers rafting on the Urubamba River, paragliding in Chinchero, and even Latin America's highest bungee jump.​

Spot jaguars in Pacaya-Samiria—connect from Iquitos with LATAM Airlines flights for eco-friendly regional hops.

5. Trek to Rainbow Mountain's Colorful Peaks

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, has become one of Peru's most photographed destinations and ranks high among things to do in Cusco, Peru. Rising to 17,060 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level, this geological wonder displays vibrant stripes of red, yellow, green, and purple created by mineral deposits over millions of years. The trek takes three to four hours round-trip, starting from the south slope and passing through valleys dotted with alpaca herds and traditional farmsteads. The best time to visit is from May to September during the dry season, with July and August offering the sunniest conditions. The altitude makes this trek challenging, so proper acclimatization in Cusco is essential.​

6. Experience Lake Titicaca's Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 12,500 feet above sea level, offers one of the most unique things to do in Peru. According to Andean belief, this sapphire-colored lake is the birthplace of the sun. Spend the night on one of the floating Uros Islands, where indigenous communities live by the rhythm of the seasons on man-made islands constructed from totora reeds. The lake spans 3,200 square miles between Peru and Bolivia, with crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrops. The best time to visit is between May and September during the dry season, when sunny days and clear skies enhance the experience.​

Secure your 2025 Circuit 2 ticket early, and pair it with LATAM Airlines Peru flights for direct routes from Lima to Cusco.

7. Dive into the Amazon Rainforest

The Peruvian Amazon delivers some of the best things to do in Peru for nature enthusiasts. Most tours begin from gateway cities like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, offering three to six-day adventures into the heart of the rainforest. Explore the wildlife-rich Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruise the mighty Amazon River, and visit Monkey Island near Puerto Maldonado. Spot pink river dolphins, macaws, toucans, jaguars, sloths, and countless other species with experienced local guides who share their deep knowledge of medicinal plants, wildlife tracking, and rainforest ecology. The dry season from June to August offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with lower river levels making trails more accessible.​

Acclimatize wisely in Cusco, then fly via LATAM premium economy for extra legroom on your high-altitude approach.

8. Marvel at the Mysterious Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines remain one of Peru's greatest enigmas and represent fascinating things to do in Peru il. These enormous geoglyphs carved into the desert floor over 1,500 years ago by the Nazca culture depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes spanning hundreds of meters. The best way to see these mysterious lines is from the air on a 30-minute small-plane flight with bilingual guides who point out key figures, including the hummingbird, spider, and monkey. The extremely arid desert conditions, receiving only minutes of rain per year, have preserved these incredible designs for over 1,500 years. Flights operate from Nazca throughout the year, offering morning and afternoon departure times.​

From Nazca's enigmas to Amazon depths, round out your itinerary with LATAM Chile flights for multi-country South American extensions.

Conclusion

Peru in 2025 promises unforgettable adventures combining ancient wonders, natural beauty, thrilling activities, and rich cultural traditions. From the misty peaks of Machu Picchu to the vibrant streets of Lima, from the mysterious Nazca Lines to the colorful Rainbow Mountain, every corner of this extraordinary country tells a story. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when clear skies and ideal conditions make outdoor adventures even more spectacular. Start planning your Peruvian journey now through ExperianAirfare, as our team will help you find the best flights to Peru.

Raft the Urubamba or bungee in Chinchero—elevate with a LATAM business class upgrade for Andean comfort.