City: Peru
Top Things to do in Peru
Top Hotels in Peru
- 1. Iberostar Selection Miraflores
- 2. Inti Punku MachuPicchu Hotel & Suites
- 3. Antigua Casona San Blas
- 4. Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
- 5. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
- 6. Atoq San Blas Hotel
- 7. Jw Marriott El Convento Cusco
- 8. Hilton Lima Miraflores
- 9. Radisson RED Miraflores
- 10. Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Countries
10 Things to do Adventurous in Peru That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 10°S 76°W / 10°S 76°W / -10; -76
Restaurants in Peru
1. Tapiche Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
The Tapiche Reserve is a private Amazon rainforest conservation project based out of Iquitos, Peru. We preserve primary forest, rehabilitate disturbed areas, and support local communities with eco-friendly employment opportunities. We believe jungle animals belong in their natural habitat in the wild, not domesticated or manipulated for human entertainment or mass consumption. Come for an adventurous stay at our jungle lodge, where researchers and nature enthusiasts marvel at the high density of wildlife on our property. The income we receive from visitors provides wages for locals whose alternatives are logging and poaching; you can travel confidently knowing that you are making a direct, positive impact on local communities and the forest.
Reviewed By MrCarrie - Hamilton, New Zealand
One of the craziest adventures I have been on. My partner and I are from New Zealand and went to Tapiche reserve at the beginning of November 2019 (beginning of the wet season- we would have limited access to swamp areas but other areas would open up). We flew out of Auckland 6pm 1/11/2019 NZ time and arrived in Iquitos 11pm 1/11/2019 local time! We were picked up at the airport by the pre arranged private transport by Tapiche Reserve. We spent 2/11/2019 buying supplies for the tour to start on 3/11/2019. We met a tour guide from another company while exploring Iquitos, who tried to sell us a tour of the amazon, we advised we had already booked with Tapiche, he replied that we would see a lot, he had nothing but high remarks of Tapiche Reserve. Transportation entails a public 2 hour bus and 4hour hour speed boat ride to the last town ( where you have lunch and we were served this very nice honey water) nearest the reserve, followed by a 5 hour private speed boat ride. We went on a 3 night/ 4 day private tour, of which a total of 2 days were sadly dedicated transit. When we arrived we wished we could have gone for longer! Unfortunately due to travel constraints we could only do the 3 night tour, it was worth the travel. The lodge is very rustic; village huts which makes this unique and authentic. It was comfortable enough to sleep on the beds especially with the long days of adventuring. We were able to charge our cameras easily. Their permanent staff is : Patricia (operates the backpackers in Iquitos) - very warm and welcoming. Informative especially when she gives you the details on the transport to the reserve, she even made us a traditional breakfast on departure day. She can give good local information on shops for example mobile phone card shops that work well in Iquitos. Deborah (works from the US who deals with bookings and operations)- Quick to reply and informative. Very hard working and can make things happen! We very much appreciate her efforts for the planning and during the end of our trip. Katoo (founder/owner/operator/guide)- Fascinating person, with many stories. Expert in the jungle. Please follow his instructions and leads to have the best experience. Very friendly, funny and open. Make sure you ask him as many questions as possible and inform him on what you want to see and visit during your stay. He even made us a sound recording of the sounds we heard in the jungle. We were luckily to have Katoo on both days, possibly due to booking the private tour. Verdi (chef),- excellent cook, we enjoyed each meal. She made a lot of different quality food! Guides: Jose - We meet at Requena, he spoke little English but was very friendly and was . We had a good conversation at the restaurant with the help of Google translate. We even met his family! We didn't know much Español which is our fault, but the transport and hiking went well and he would pro actively show us the environment eg. Spotting out dolphins, monkeys and birds . Very knowable of the environment and good leadership. He is from the area so this is his backyard,. He is talented with taking images with the combination of mobile a phone and binoculars. Segundo- We had Segundo on the second full day hike and transport back. He spoke 0 English and we speak no Spanish (We were in his country so should have learnt Español ). He did initiate great service by trying to enhance the trip eg. Helping us see better from different advantage points and giving us pointers on how to use the binoculars. Friendly , expert in the jungle. He has the natural expert ability to track wildlife as he is from the area. There was a lot of charades, nodding and shaking of the head. Very hard worker to upkeep the service Tapiche operates. The mornings began with breakfast at 5am, leaving at 6am for a 7 hour hike and then a 3 hour boat ride at 3pm. We booked a private tour but expected other tourists at the lodge. Surprisingly we had the entire lodge to our self's from the Sunday until 4 friendly German backpackers arrived on the Tuesday night. The breakfasts, lunches and dinners are the open parts to communicate with all staff and other clients. Definitely be proactive as you will learn a lot. Our lodge had a private bathroom with running cold water. The food was good! Processed ingredients were almost always non existent. We had a mix of known and local food with hints of Mexican and Incan food ideas especially with the hard corn. During the nights you could spend hours just listening to the sounds and guessing what they were coming from. During those 2 full days in the reserve, we witnessed many various types of monkeys in close proximity (10-50m away). The list includes the Woolly monkey, Squirrel monkey, Tamarin, Brown Fronted Capuchin, Red Howler, Red Uakari, Pigmy Mimisota, White Fronted Capuchin (potentially new species or sub species in the world). Other interesting sights include: Endless beautiful birds such as Parrots, Eagle's, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Toucans, Owls, Herons and Falcons. Caimans, Pink Toed Tarantula, Viper snake, Gian Cane Toad, Centipedes and also 15 dolphins(grey and pink species)! 3 Toed Sloths and butterfly's including the Tiger. Different species of turtles, huge Bullet Ants, Fishing bats and fresh Jaguar foot prints. We heard a large pack of boar maybe 100m away and boy did they leave a stench. the main ingredient to Ayuwaska nicknamed the cannon ball fruit ( monkeys take it to cleanse their bodies, not sure how they would react on it). We saw how nature can recover when there isn't any human interference and impacts. We witnessed many symbiotic relationships. Whether it was Katoo providing the reserve with protection and in return the nature would provide clients or with ants and the trees. The tree would provide the ants with nutrients and a home, in return the ants would make sure that the tree didn't have to compete with other trees and plants. Imagine what else we would've witnessed with an extra day :D We witnessed much much than what was describe or even captured. Tapiche reserve has a small group of knowledgeable hard working individuals in the common goal to protect, preserve and grow the reserve. Their operation is exceptional. We were comfortable and their service helped the experience even with our limited Español. We will hopefully return in the next 6 years! Our YT video is titled "Tapiche Reserve - Amazon Adventure Iquitos Peru". Insta is "djzecarri " for more images.
2. Choquequirao
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 279 reviews
Considered to be the "sister" to Machu Picchu, this ancient ruin complex consists of palaces and temples on two levels, canals, aqueducts and systems of fountains.
Reviewed By pikbeai - Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Searching the web, you’ll find yourself inundated with articles professing to tell you about the top ‘must-see’ destinations in the whole world; the places that you just have to go to if you’re travelling; or the top ten south american destinations that you need to fit into a three-week holiday. But I wanted to do something a little differently. I wanted to travel more profoundly, more consciously and off the beaten path and adventurous experiences from unusual hotels, alternative routes to a popular destination, trekking trails, offbeat attractions, street food tours, and other uncommon experiences. If you like to travel a bit differently and are willing to put in the effort for incredible experiences fewer people are having so let me tell you Thaqqinaqqa T.O. worth it! so that you can stop being a mute outsider and can start to learn more about the country from those who know it best and not from "swindlers" who think they are experts when they are not. For me, travel is best when it’s off the grind( peering beneath the manicured lawns of the tourist trail and see the raw, pumping veins of the life flowing beneath.) and meaningful; taking us away from the tourist hot spots and plunge us deep into the heart of this wonderful country. It’s about heading to a small town where no other tourists go or finding barely-known adventures a stone’s throw from the cities where everyone goes. We (9 of us: five 55-60yo + four 27-34yo )opted in total for one tour and two trekking tours with him : Millpu 2D; Huancacalle to Choquequirao 9D and from Cusco to Colca Canyon 6D; which gave us memorable(and often much more unique)experiences than merely following the hordes of other tourists as it brings you into closer proximity with the local people and their real common lives; rather we have not enough words for recommend him and in no way we are disappointed.
3. Huayna Picchu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,238 reviews
The Wayna Picchu mountain, Wayna Pikchu in Quechua, (with an altitude of 2667 meters above sea level) is part of the eastern foothills of the Salcantay massif, in Cusco, Peru. It is part of a large orographic formation known as Batolito de Vilcabamba, in the Central Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes and is known mainly as the backdrop of most photographs
Reviewed By sunnyore - Cerritos, United States
I knew I wanted to do this hike on my trip, but I was a bit scared. The mountain looked huge in photos, and it was even more massive in person. I was already feeling winded at the beginning of circuit 1 just to get to the Classic MP view. But I knew I had to try because who knows when I’ll ever get a chance again. So I lined up for my 7am entrance time and signed in. The beginning wasn’t bad until you get to the base of HP, and then it felt like you were taking neverending stairs. I don’t exercise on a regular basis, so I found the constant uphill hike pretty difficult especially at such a high altitude. But I allowed myself a ton of breaks and slowly made my way to the top. And when you see the view on top, you realized all your effort was worth it. Going down was not as easy as I thought it would be and I’m glad they have staggered entry times since we’re basically going down the same path we came up in. Once again I took a lot of breaks and I believe I signed out around 9:30am. The 10am group have already lined up outside the gates and all I could think was how glad I went in the first group since it was getting really warm. I know the risk with the 7am entry is there might be fog, but weather is so unpredictable and we ended up having a really clear morning so I was thankful for that and the cooler temperature. My suggestion is if you think you might struggle a bit, do the 7am entry time and then you can really go at your own pace like I did. They have park employees hiking the trail as well and the one I interacted with was super nice and even offered to take a bunch of photos for me. It was a hard hike for me, but I’m 100% glad I did it. Just look at the view!
4. Amazon River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By NatayaL1_trip
If you have dreamed about Amazon river and jungles but do like extreme and do not want to sacrifice comfort - this journey is for you. Luxury tour on the very comfortable boat with high level service. Friendly staff, mostly local, haute cuisine, 2 boat / jungle tours per day, lectures on the Amazon geography and nature, cooking classes and many other interesting, enlightening, entertaining things. Amazon nature is amazing likewise local people. Highly recommended for any 6+ age wild life lovers
5. Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19,577 reviews
Reviewed By JarmilaS428 - Vancouver, Canada
What an amazing place! The nature, view and of course the Inka ruins WOW!!! Peru was on my bucket list and I did it :D Lima, Cusco, train ride to Machu Picchu, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Uros floating island, Amantani island one night stay with local family, Taquile island, Nazca - Nazca mysterious lines flight tour, Ica - Huacachina oasis, Winery El Catador tasting and buying :D, Paracas, and Ballestas island boat tour. Everything was amazingly excellent; hotels, our tour guide Franco from Peru Best Holidays, train rides, markets, food, Pisco Sour and Peruvian people. I will never forget! <3
6. Lares Trek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By J1098YTrobinj
“I have no garden to play in so I go up the mountain and try to hunt for birds” says 6 year old Joel, brother of the horseman and cousin of the chef as he joins us and gives a running commentary in Quechua as we walk through the village towards the hot springs. It is the wildness of the landscape and the moments of insight into a vibrant indigenous culture that made this Lares treck the right one for me, along with the knowledge that the tour company gave blankets and school computers to the village. Happy Gringo had me listed as ‘one senior’ but possibly had not realised that at 78 I am 13 years above the age limit set by others. I sensed some unease about whether I could manage the Sicllakasa Pass at 4,830M and with Mauro the tour guide in charge I felt very safe and well protected. I had trained as for a half marathon, travelled to Cuzco slowly by bus and adapted to the thin air, having experienced similar altitudes in Yunnan and Uttar Pradesh. We learn on the way of disaster on the Inka trail, a landslide in which three people have died. I wonder why hundreds of people every day feel compelled to do the most dangerous and possibly least enjoyable route up and down steps so they can say they walked to Machu Pichu when they could be following an Inka trail anywhere in the Andes from Ecuador to Chile. I love mountains in the rainy season, and Mauro in the end answered all my questions, showed me the quarry and explained how they moved the stones. Best surprises were that they are Quechua people who follow an Andean religion, that the word Inka just meant king and that their language has a click sound which I thought was exclusive to African languages such as Zulu and Khosa. It is written as a ‘ as in Calle Q’apchikijllu.
7. Ausangate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By Friashe
When my friends and i arrived in Cusco Alberto The Manager of Local Trekkers Peru was waiting for us at the airport to take us to our hotel. The booking process with him was very simple, he quickly answered all our questions. Just imagine that we were 3 women over 40 years old, surely we had a lot of questions before deciding to make this challenging trek. We acclimated for 3 days in Cusco. The day before our Trek we had a briefing with our guide, Raul, he visited us at our hotel and explained us all about the trek, we did the Ausangate Trek 6D/5N ending at the Rainbow Mountain after his detailed explanation, we knew what to expect and what to bring. Something we advise is, that do it in the dry season, since we had some rainy days, but we still enjoyed it very much and the views and landscapes on the Ausangate circuit have no comparison. During the Trek, everything happened as expected. We did not have any surprises or unfortunate events happen. I was the slowest of the 4 of us but we managed to continue together. Our guide Raul was very helpful, he was always asking us about our well-being, if we needed anything and if we felt good, we loved the special care Raul gave us throughout the hike. In addition, the explanations he gave us of each place or of everything we saw were of great deep and cultural content. We can say for sure that he is a professional and very experienced guide and above all that he loves what he does. We learned a lof with him, If you have the opportunity, ask for him as your Ausangate trek guide. During the 6 days, we also had our own cookman “Timoteo” who cooked amazing, delicious food for us. His fried rice is tops! I have a very sensitive stomach so not getting sick is a good sign of hygiene and cleanliness. Even Timoteo made a good cake and presented us at the table at the 5th day dinner, it was like a goodbye and gratefulness, for choosing to travel with Local Trekkers. We were never hungry with Timoteo. Gracias amigo. Finally, I don't want to finish my comment, without first thanking a very quiet and even a little shy person (Rogelio) our horseman. who was very helpful, with our stuff, we only walked with our daypack, since Rogelio with his horses transported all the camping, cooking stuff and our personal stuff from one campsite to another. Without this guy this trek would not have been posible. So. I would not hesitate to recommend Local Trekkers Peru for people who will do the Ausangate Trek, whatever the duration, they will provide you with a first class service.
8. Laguna Paron
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Susysv - Paris, France
The Laguna Paron is one of the most beautiful lakes, and the largest in the Cordillera Blanca. It stands at around 4,200 meters above sea level, so unless you are already totally climatized to the altitude, take it easy hiking around. The water is a blue turquoise color. The lake is surrounded by gorgeous mountains with snowy peaks, the most famous being the Artesonraju mountain. The roads everywhere are unfortunately horrible so the drive over is pretty miserable but definitely worth it. I would recommend going early in the morning, prepare your picnic before, and try to not stop anywhere to avoid losing time. (I went there with a group who made a stop to buy food, we got there when the clouds had already started to cover the mountains).
9. Laguna 69
10. Humantay Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 841 reviews
The Humantay lake altitude is 4200 m.a.s.l and this make an unique weather and temperatura in this area. The Humantay lake Temperatura can arrive to 5º C during the day and at nIght drop down to 0º C.
Reviewed By gabriellV1594AK - Singapore, Singapore
Great hike to acclimatize to Peru's high altitudes. Not the easiest of hikes as it uphill and upslope for 2 hours before you get to the beautiful the Humantay lake. Make sure you take your time and rest to catch your breathe. The hike down is about 1.5 hours to 2 hours. We got a taxi driver from Cusco to drive me and my wife to the start of the trail head. Car ride is about 2 to 2.5h and we paid about 250 soles for rounc trip, so the driver waited for us.
