15 Best Things to Do in Peru This Year

If you’re dreaming of South America this year, few things promise a greater sense of wonder than a Peru guided tour. From the country’s mystical archaeological sites to its bustling cities and astonishing natural beauty, Peru sparks wonder in the curious mind at every turn. It might be ancient history which grips your imagination. Or is it the colorful local culture which spans back to Incan empire? Perhaps it’s simply the jaw-dropping landscapes which you find exciting. Whatever your interest, you’ll find endless inspiration in this curated list of the best things to do in Peru this year.

1. Explore Machu Picchu, One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Let’s start at the star attraction. No trip to Peru would be complete without visiting its crown jewel: Machu Picchu. Perched high in the Andes, this ancient Incan citadel offers sweeping views and a tangible connection to a lost civilization. Machu Picchu’s three main visitor circuits remain in place for 2025, but they now include a variety of sub-routes—10 in total—each clearly marked with color-coded signs to guide your journey. When booking tickets, you must select your specific route in advance. Each circuit has its own pricing and scheduled entry times, so planning ahead is essential. Some of the more demanding routes, including those with mountain hikes, are only available during the high season, which runs from June 19 to November 2. Find a full breakdown about the different route options here, and make sure to research the route you want to take before booking your ticket. Luckily with Insight Vacations, your Peru guided tour includes Local Expert guides and Travel Directors who help you navigate the booking system.

Also important to note is that in 2025, Machu Picchu will welcome more visitors than before with an updated capacity system. The daily limit has increased to 4,500 during the regular season, and to a maximum of 5,600 on designated high-season dates. With these measures in place, 2025 offers a more structured and immersive experience, allowing you to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site responsibly and meaningfully.

Where is Machu Picchu in Peru?

It sits in the Sacred Valley, near the town of Aguas Calientes, which is reachable by train or by the adventurous 4-day Inca Trail hike.

Who built Machu Picchu in Peru?

The Inca emperor Pachacuti is credited with commissioning its construction in the 15th century.

Experience Machu Picchu on our Peru with Machu Picchu tour or opt for the Women-only version: Peru with Machu Picchu: A Women-Only Tour.

2. Hike the Iconic Inca Trail

3. Discover the Sacred Valley

Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley continues to shine in 2025 with its mix of ancient history and vibrant Andean culture. Highlights include the stone terraces of Pisac, the salt pans of Maras, and Ollantaytambo—recently featured in The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025” for its impressive Incan ruins and charming cobbled streets.

On the mountainsides around Ollantaytambo, large green and gray stone steps climb to ancient structures like a centuries-old stronghold where the Inca fought off Spanish conquistadors. In the cobblestone streets of the old town, you’ll find colorful souvenir markets, comfortable cafes and restaurants serving local delicacies. After a meal and a pisco sour, if the day is nice, take in some fresh, high-altitude air (Ollantaytambo is at about 9,100 feet) on hiking trails around town, where you can check out more ruins, a waterfall or an ancient quarry — all without the crowds.

4. Wander the Colonial Architecture of Cusco

5. Marvel at the (new) Nazca Lines

The mysterious Nazca Lines—giant geoglyphs etched into Peru’s desert—remain one of the world’s most intriguing enigmas. Best viewed from a small plane, these massive drawings depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes and are thought to have come from ancient civilizations. In 2025, interest in these ancient wonders has surged, fuelled by particularly by recent discoveries and technological advancements. The best example is those made in late 2024, when the number of known geoglyphs doubled. Archaeologists made over 300 new discoveries, some dating back to 200BCE, all using drones and artificial intelligence – offering new insights into the Nazca civilization’s artistry and cultural practices. This renewed attention has positioned the Nazca Lines as a must-visit destination for travelers fascinated by ancient mysteries and archaeological marvels.

6. Cruise Lake Titicaca

Sitting at over 3,800 meters, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world—and in 2025, it remains one of Peru’s most iconic and soul-stirring destinations. Visitors continue to be drawn by the serene beauty of the lake and the cultural richness of its floating Uros Islands, which are handcrafted from reeds by Indigenous communities who have lived on the water for generations.

Whether you’re gliding across the glassy surface by boat or meeting local artisans who share their stories and traditions, Lake Titicaca offers a deep, meaningful travel experience. Its enduring appeal has kept it at the top of travel wish lists year after year

7. Stroll Miraflores and See the Best of Lima

In 2025, Lima continues to captivate travelers with a dynamic blend of history, culture, and most famously gastronomy. It’s known as the culinary capital of South America for good reason, regularly topping best restaurant leaderboards with renowned restaurants like Central and Maido, as well as being the capital of a scene of innovative culinary creations such as the inimitable Nikkei.

What can I see and do in Lima, Peru?

There’s loads to explore from the cliffside parks and upscale shopping of Miraflores to the colonial architecture of the historic center. Sample Peru’s celebrated cuisine by going to a cevichería, and wash it down with a refreshing pisco sour.

When is the low season in Lima, Peru?

Generally, from May to September, Lima experiences its low season, coinciding with cooler and cloudier weather.

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8. See Condors at Cruz del Condor, Colca Canyon

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon remains one of Peru’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders in 2025. Its dramatic landscapes, ancient terraced agriculture, and rich cultural heritage continue to captivate travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.​

A highlight of any visit is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where, between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM, majestic Andean condors can often be seen gliding gracefully on thermal currents rising from the canyon depths. These birds, with wingspans reaching up to 3.2 meters, are an iconic symbol of the Andes and a testament to the region’s biodiversity.​

In 2025, we’re seeing a trend of travelers prioritising meaningful, immersive experiences. Colca Canyon aligns perfectly with this shift, offering opportunities to connect with local communities, explore traditional villages like Chivay and Cabanaconde, and relax in natural hot springs. Its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic adventures

9. Bathe in Natural Hot Springs

After a day of high-altitude trekking or cultural exploration, there’s nothing quite like sinking into one of Peru’s steamy hot springs—and in 2025, wellness-focused travel is hotter than ever. With travelers increasingly seeking restorative and nature-based experiences, Peru’s thermal baths offer the perfect balance of relaxation and scenic beauty.

Popular spots include the La Calera hot springs near Colca Canyon, where you can soak with views of the canyon cliffs, or the peaceful thermal pools in the Sacred Valley, often paired with spa treatments and Andean herbal rituals. It’s the ultimate way to unwind while staying connected to the natural and cultural rhythms of the Andes.

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10. Visit Sacsayhuamán

Just outside Cusco lies Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Incan fortress renowned for its massive stone walls that fit together so precisely that not even a sheet of paper can slide between them. In 2025, the site has garnered renewed interest due to the discovery of an ancient tunnel network, or Chinkana, believed to connect Sacsayhuamán with other significant Incan sites and the ancient city of Cusco. This finding offers deeper insights into Incan engineering and urban planning. ​

11. Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

The colorful strata of Rainbow Mountain create a surreal, painterly landscape that feels almost otherworldly. In 2025, the mountain continues to captivate visitors, not just for its vibrant hues but also for its cultural significance. Local communities regard Vinicunca as a sacred site, embodying a deep connection with Pachamama (Mother Earth)

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12. Explore Chachapoyas and soon-to-reopen Kuélap

Northern Peru hides many treasures, and in 2025, the Chachapoyas region is gaining attention for its rich history and natural beauty. The fortress of Kuélap, often called “the Machu Picchu of the North,” is set to reopen on August 19 after extensive restoration efforts. This reopening marks a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Peru’s lesser-known archaeological sites.

13. Experience the Inti Raymi Festival

Every June 24, the streets of Cusco burst into colour and rhythm during the Inti Raymi Festival, a spectacular reenactment of an Incan sun ritual honouring Inti, the sun god. In 2025, the event holds special significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of Inti Raymi’s modern revival, first staged again in 1944 after centuries of suppression under colonial rule.

This year’s celebrations will see an expanded programme of cultural exhibitions, live music, and artisan fairs across the city, culminating in the grand procession at Sacsayhuamán. If you’re in Peru this June, it’s a once-in-a-generation moment to witness this powerful expression of Indigenous pride and Andean identity.

Learn more about festivals in Peru

14. Adventure Activities: White Water Rafting and Trekking

For thrill-seekers, white water rafting in Peru remains an unbeatable experience—and the Apurímac River, often called the “Grand Canyon of South America,” is one of the top spots to do it. Its Class III and IV rapids cut through deep, scenic gorges and are accessible via multi-day or day-trip excursions from Cusco.

Prefer your adrenaline on foot? Peru’s legendary treks still shine in 2025. The Salkantay Trek offers a quieter alternative to the Inca Trail, while routes in the Cordillera Blanca continue to attract seasoned hikers with glacier views and challenging passes. Make sure to check trail conditions before setting out, as heavy seasonal rains have affected accessibility in some areas earlier this year.

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15. Wildlife Encounters: Ballestas Islands and the Amazon Rainforest

If you’re wild about wildlife, Peru delivers in spades. The Ballestas Islands, often considered an affordable Galápagos, remain a favorite in 2025 for their astonishing concentration of marine life—including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and vast colonies of seabirds. Boat tours from Paracas continue to offer an easy and rewarding half-day escape into this coastal haven.

For a deeper encounter with biodiversity, head east into the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most species-rich regions on Earth. While ongoing debates about environmental protection have dominated headlines in 2025, eco-lodges and guided tours remain committed to conservation and responsible travel, offering meaningful ways to explore the rainforest while supporting its preservation.