Peru Holiday Adventures: Top Things to See, Eat & Explore
26/02/2026
A holiday to Peru isn’t just about ticking off landmarks...it’s about feeling small beneath cloud-kissed mountains, tasting history in every bite of citrus-bright ceviche, and hearing centuries of stories whispered through cobbled streets that hum in every colour, flavour, and rhythm. Looking to awaken your sense of adventure?
Here’s our firsthand guide to Peru holidays, with insider tips and hidden highlights that only someone who’s discovered the land of the Incas can share.
A Picture of Peru
The moment you arrive in Peru, the air feels different: thinner in the Andes, salted by the Pacific along the coast, perfumed with woodsmoke and spice in mountain markets. Snow-dusted peaks pierce cobalt skies. Jungle mist curls above emerald canopies. Church bells echo across ancient plazas built on Inca stone foundations.
Peru is a land where civilisations rose toward the sun, where condors circle vast canyons, and where time seems to blur between past and present. One morning, you’re tracing the footsteps of emperors through cloud-kissed citadels; by afternoon, you’re sipping pisco sours as the ocean glimmers gold at sunset.
How do we know? We've been to Peru and trekked Machu Picchu!
Top Places to Visit in Peru:
Ok, first things first. Where are the top places to visit in Peru?
Lima
Where Ocean Meets Culinary Fire
As the capital of Peru and ‘City of Kings’, Lima doesn’t just steal your heart, it seduces your senses. Stroll along the Malecon de Miraflores clifftop boardwalk as the Pacific sparkles below, watch paragliders dive overhead or join in the fun yourself.
At night, Barranco comes alive with live Criollo music, street art, and colourful cafes. And the food... oh, the food! From tangy ceviche at local markets to gourmet tasting menus, Lima is a playground for your taste buds and the perfect start to a Peru holiday you’ll never forget.
Insider Tip: Head to Barranco at golden hour and walk across Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). Locals say if you hold your breath while crossing, your wish will come true.
Cusco
Where the Inca Spirit Still Breathes
At 3,400 metres above sea level, Cusco has a rhythm all its own. Inca stone walls, cut so precisely they’ve withstood centuries of earthquakes, form the foundations of Spanish mansions and baroque churches. The Plaza de Armas glows at dusk, musicians play Andean flutes, and above the city, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán stands as a reminder of the Inca genius that built this magical place.
An ideal launchpad for adventures into the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Cusco is a city where history feels alive under your feet.
Insider Tip: Wake early and wander the San Blas neighbourhood before the crowds. Its quiet alleys feel wonderfully untouched.
Arequipa
The City Beneath a Sleeping Giant
A lesser-known Peru holiday spot, Arequipa shimmers in the high-altitude sunlight. Framed by the towering El Misti volcano, the city feels cinematic with its buildings carved from white volcanic sillar stone that glows honey-gold at dusk.
Explore the Santa Catalina Monastery’s cobalt-blue and terracotta courtyards, sip coffee in the Plaza de Armas, and sample spicy rocoto relleno, rich stews, smoky peppers, and flavours born of the Andes. This is Peru at its most authentic. Bold, soulful and a place that rewards slow wandering.
Insider Tip: For breathtaking views, visit Yanahuara viewpoint at sunset. The arches perfectly frame El Misti as the sky turns molten gold.
Top Tips for Peru's Top Sights
Want the best out of your time in Peru? Here's some words of wisdom from our travel experts who have been there themselves!
Top Tip for Machu Picchu - Go early!
The first entry slots into Machu Picchu are pure magic. Mist curls around the terraces, the light is softer for photos, and the site feels quieter, almost reverent. Sunrise here is a ritual you’ll never forget... trust us, it makes the early wake-up worth it. Book your tickets well in advance (especially in peak season, May–September) and consider hiring a knowledgeable guide. The stones tell far richer stories when someone brings the Inca history to life. If travelling with family, the scenic train from Cusco is far more relaxed than trekking.
Top Tip for Rainbow Mountain - Altitude first, photos second.
Striped in shades of crimson, ochre and turquoise, Rainbow Mountain looks like nature’s paint palette. But don’t be fooled, this work of art sits at over 5,000 metres! Our top tip is to spend at least 2–3 days acclimatising in the Sacred Valley or Cusco before attempting the hike. Then start early to avoid crowds and afternoon cloud cover. A bonus tip: dress in layers, temperatures swing wildly, and don’t underestimate sunscreen at high altitude. Slow and steady wins this race.
Top Tip for Lake Titicaca - Stay overnight
Many travellers visit Lake Titicaca as a day trip. But staying with a local family on Amantani or Taquile Island transforms the experience. Made entirely of reeds, these islands are home to communities that have lived here for centuries, preserving traditions that are centuries old. Sunset over the water is extraordinary, and the slower pace allows a genuine cultural connection. Pack warm layers; despite the sunshine, evenings at 3,800 metres get surprisingly cold.
Why Peru Should Be Your Next Holiday
From misty mountains to turquoise lakes, bustling cities to serene villages, Peru is a feast for the senses. It’s a holiday destination that will challenge you, inspire you, and make you fall in love over and over again. Adventure, culture, cuisine, and connection; Peru has it all. So pack your bag, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready: your Peruvian adventure is waiting. And we're ready to get you there!