So you're looking for things to do in Peru? We love to travel and have a passion to explore the mountains, wildlife, and epic landscapes around the world. As intermediate hikers, Peru had been on our bucket list for years. When we finally made it happen, it quickly became one of my favorite countries- and not just because of Machu Picchu!
If you love diverse ecosystems, fascinating culture, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, Peru should be your next trip. Peru is home to 28 of the world’s 32 climate zones, meaning you can go from sandboarding in the desert to hiking in the high Andes to exploring the Amazon rainforest in just a few weeks.
If you are looking for things to do in Peru (besides seeing Machu Picchu), this 3-week itinerary is packed with unforgettable experiences, including Rainbow Mountain Peru, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and other must-visit things to do in Cusco, and beyond.
in this blog post on things to do in peru i cover
- The weather and the best time of year to go
- Huacachina (the desert)
- Mountain View Experience
- Things to do in Cusco
- Salkantay Trek (to Machu Picchu)
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
- Amazon Rainforest
best time of year to travel peru
This depends on what you are going for. For us in North America, it is important to remember that Peru is in the southern hemisphere, so when it is our summer, it is their winter. For Peru, there aren't necessarily drastic shifts in temperature throughout the year, but rather a distinction between rainy and dry seasons. Their winter is their dry season; therefore, July and August are the best times of year to visit.
We had nothing but blue skies every day and not an ounce of rain! In the Andes, it gets very cold at night/in the morning, dropping to -2 degrees Celsius most nights, but warms up to 20 degrees during the day. You need to dress in layers and be prepared for all seasons in the Andes! In the rainforest, it was 30 degrees Celsius and humid.
This time of year tends to be peak tourist time, so crowds are larger and flights are more expensive, but you are rewarded with good weather.
Day 1 – Lima to Huacachina: Sunset Over the Desert
To start our 3-week itinerary through Peru, we flew into Lima, but instead of staying in the city we hopped on a 5-hour bus straight to Ica for one night so we could check out Huacachina, a tiny desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes.
The tour includes a side-by-side desert tour that took us racing over the dunes, stopping to sandboard down steep hills, and finishing with one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.
The combination of golden sand, vibrant sky, and adrenaline was unforgettable and definitely one of the best things to see in Peru. I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary. I wouldn't stay more than 2 nights! We felt 1 was fine for us.
Day 2 – Back to Lima and Flight to Cusco
The next morning we made our way back to Lima by bus and caught a flight straight to Cusco, the gateway to the Andes and all the incredible Peru hiking and Machu Picchu adventures to come.
Day 3 – Acclimatizing in Cusco
Altitude sickness is a real concern, and Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), so we took a couple of days to acclimatize before tackling any serious hikes. They recommend at least 3 days, and I would agree! I could have used more, and we took Diamox (a prescription for altitude sickness).
We explored the charming cobblestone streets, visited local shops, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Cusco city. The best and fun things to do in Cusco City Peru are to just walk around and explore! Be sure to check out their local markets to try exotic fruit!
day 4 - THe Mountain view experience
For a unique overnight experience, we booked the Mountain View Experience, staying in an A-frame cabin with panoramic views of the Andes.
The highlight was hanging in the hot tub while llamas wandered up to say hello and get hand-fed. This was easily one of the most magical and unexpected things to do in Cusco city Peru. It was about an hour drive from Cusco, and the resort arranged a taxi.
I wouldn't miss this incredible resort. They had over 45 llamas and alpacas on the property. You could tell the animals were well cared for. The service and food were awesome as well.
Like, look at that view from our A-frame!
Day 5 – Rest and Prep for the Salkantay Trek
We headed back to Cusco for a final night to organize our gear and prepare for our adventure: the 4-night Salkantay Trek in Peru.
Day 6 to 11 – The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
We did the Classic Salkantay 5 Day Trek to Machu Picchu with Salkantay Trekking, and it exceeded every expectation. Over six days, we hiked roughly 80 km through changing landscapes:
Humantay Lake – a turquoise alpine lake framed by snow-capped peaks. Photos below were taken when the sun was setting (on the left) and when the sun was hitting the lagoon (on the right).
Salkantay Pass – the highest point of the trek at 4,650 meters, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery
Cloud forests, coffee plantations, and remote villages
Our accommodations ranged from cozy to glass-domed sky camps under the stars.
If you’re deciding between the Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek, here’s the quick difference:
- The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is shorter, busier, and entirely on ancient Inca pathways with ruins along the way. It is 3 nights and 46 km. Only tents are available for accommodations. This option is more expensive.
- The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is longer, less crowded, and offers more diverse scenery, from glaciers to jungles. It has glamping accommodations. This option is cheaper.
Both end at Machu Picchu, but the Salkantay route felt wilder and more remote, making it one of the best hikes in Peru! Truly a highlight of my life!
I can't say enough good things about our tour company and our guide, Franz! Also- when we saw the other tour company's accommodations, we knew Salkantay Trekking had the best with the best views! But if this sounds too intense - not to worry! There are many options to visit Machu Picchu!
machu picchu
I mean- what can I say, this sacared Inca Site is so rich in history, left me blown away. There is no photo or video that can truly capture this incredible wonder of the world. You must see it with your own eyes to grasp how extraordinary it is.
Day 12 – Recovery Day in Cusco
After six days of trekking, we spent the day recovering, eating incredible Peruvian food, and slowly wandering the streets of Cusco.
Day 13 – Hiking palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
After the physical challenge of the trek, we wanted something shorter and less crowded, so we chose the alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru. Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is known for its three rainbow mountains and a more accessible, flatter hike. We booked through the same tour company here.
This hike was a hidden gem. We were one of only three groups on the trail and had panoramic views the entire way. It did get busier as we were leaving. At a higher starting elevation, the trek itself was only about 1.5 hours round trip, including plenty of photo stops.
It was still high-altitude hiking, so we took it slow, but it felt rewarding without the heavy crowds. This was our highest peak of the trip at almost 5000m!
If you’re looking for hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru but want a more peaceful experience, this alternative mountain is a fantastic option.
Day 14–17 – Exploring the Amazon Rainforest
Next up was the Amazon Rainforest Peru. We flew from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and joined Jungle Pro for a 3-night all-inclusive adventure.
From Puerto Maldonado, we traveled 2.5 hours by riverboat down the Amazon River to our jungle lodge, surrounded by wildlife and the sounds of the rainforest.
This stay included:
- Accommodation in a remote eco-lodge
- All meals and drinks
- Guided excursions by day and night
We hiked through the jungle, spotted vibrant parrots and colorful birds, watched unforgettable sunsets, and saw wildlife like tarantulas, anacondas, caimans, and capybaras. It was an immersive experience that gave us a deep appreciation for Peru’s biodiversity.
Day 18 – Back to Lima and Home
After our jungle adventure, we took a short flight back to Lima for one last night in the city before flying home to Canada.
Peru Trip Cost Breakdown (CAD for two people)
- International flights: $2,115 (we paid a lot as we booked last minute and were not flexible on dates! you should be able to get these much cheaper)
- Domestic flights in Peru: $546
- Accommodation: $440
- Bus transportation: $120
- Salkantay Trek Classic 5 Day tour: $1,800 + tips
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour: $160 + tips
- Jungle Pro Amazon Rainforest tour: $1,515 + tips
- Mountain View Experience: $265
- Huacachina desert tour: $40USD
- Plus food and random spending
Booking internal flights and buses in advance can help save money, especially during Peru’s high season, which is July and August.
Final Thoughts – Why Peru Should Be Your Next Adventure
From desert sunsets in Huacachina to hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, from the colorful peaks of the Peruvian mountains to the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, this country is an adventurer’s dream. This Peru 3 week itinerary is sure to provide you the trip of a lifetime! Hopefully, you found a list of things to do in Peru from my blog post.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply love the outdoors, there are countless hikes Peru has to offer and so many unique things to do in Cusco Peru and beyond. The diversity of landscapes in just a few weeks blew us away.
If you’re planning your own trip, I’d recommend:
- Give yourself time to acclimatize in Cusco before high-altitude hikes
- Consider the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail based on your hiking style
- Don’t skip the Amazon—it’s a completely different side of Peru
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