What to do and see in Peru, Peru: The Best Nature & Parks

September 6, 2021 Chanda Heide

Coordinates: 10°S 76°W / 10°S 76°W / -10; -76
Restaurants in Peru

1. Huayna Picchu

Carretera Hiram Bingham Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu 08680 Peru +51 918 655 015
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,238 reviews

Huayna Picchu

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!

2. Amazon River

Iquitos 16000 Peru
Excellent
86%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 320 reviews

Amazon River

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

3. Humantay Lake

Cusco 08002 Peru
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 841 reviews

Humantay Lake

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.

4. Amazon Shelter

Km 11 Carretera Tambopata, Puerto Maldonado 17001 Peru +51 997 223 958 [email protected] http://amazonshelter.org/
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Amazon Shelter

We are a rescue, rehabilitation and release center for wild animals of the Amazon rainforest. We largely care for animals that have suffered from the illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. We are not a zoo, every animal that can be released will be, and we are one of the only centers in Peru who actually release animals back into the wild. We currently have a number of different monkeys, mammals and birds, including Howler monkeys, Woolly monkeys, Capuchins, Tapir and Macaws. We are a 15 minute drive from Puerto Maldonado along the Tambopata 'corredor touristico' and you are welcome to come for a tour or to vounteer. You´ll learn all about the animals behaviour and the issues they are facing in the wild. We rely on visitors and volunteers donations to survive.

Reviewed By Meggygx

My partner in I spend 20 days here over the course of new year and January, I have spent the last 5 years working with a range of animals and have always wanted to volunteer abroad, once I came across the Amazon Shelter on a Facebook group I knew I had to visit. We had the most amazing experience I could of ever ask for. It exceeded all expectations and I’m so glad I had the chance to be here at the Amazon Shelter and work very closely with some wonderful species of animal that not a lot of people get the chance to work with. Magali, is an inspiration,she runs the place every single day without a second thought. Everything she does is for the animals and every penny goes towards them all and the upkeep of the shelter. She manages every single task of animal keeping and the running of the shelter with such ease. She adores her animals and does all she can to ensure they are released back into the wild. We have spent every day together, ate some of the best food I’ve tasted together and endured many nights of playing rummy-o. She has welcomed us into her hectic animal life and she and the staff, including the lovely Jackie who is the most experienced, down to earth vet I have ever met, let alone work so closely with.. have shortly became family and for that I’m so thankful. I am so sad to be leaving the jungle and it’s fascinating inhabitants (besides the wasps) the animals and the company. As with a lot of places this shelter is non-governmental funded, meaning it runs solely of donations and volunteers. However in the last 3 weeks, we have been the only volunteers. Watching Magalis reaction as she receives donations and hearing what she will do with the money for animal is heartwarming. A lot of the animals here have been ex illegal pets and rescued from poor conditions. Each animal here is loved, looked after and healthy. My life and views have changed and my heart belongs in this place. Thank your hospitality, company and animals Magali, I’m positive that I will return

5. Inca Trail

Cusco 08000 Peru
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,878 reviews

Inca Trail

Reviewed By tanktekiki1504 - Zurich, Switzerland

We did a two-day hike on the Inca Trail and found it to be very beautiful with lush nature, waterfalls, orchids and fascinating sights on the way. We can absolutely recommend hiking instead of taking the bus to Machu Picchu. The hike is for fitter people though as it goes pretty steep up at certain points.

6. Colca Canyon

Peru
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,262 reviews

Colca Canyon

Reviewed By spospk - Seattle, United States

We did an overnight trip thru Colca Canyon with a guide - it was 22ish km the first day and about 6ish km straight up the next day. This hike is unbelievably gorgeous. We trekked into a small village where they served us local cuisine and then we stayed in a different slightly bigger village where we were served a scrumptious dinner. The basic room had no electricity and we had to walk to a toilet and sink, also with no electrical. The next morning, we had to leave at 4:30am to begin our trek out of the canyon - it was such a cool thing to see all the flashlights and headlamps zigzagging up the trail. Our boys, ages 9-13, did great and think it's one of the coolest backpacking trips we've ever done.

7. Cotahuasi River Canyon

Peru
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Cotahuasi River Canyon

Starting on the western side of the Andes, this river forms one of the most spectacular and deepest canyons in the world reaching more than 3,350 meters in depth.

8. Taquile Island

Lake Titicaca, Puno 21510 Peru
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,735 reviews

Taquile Island

Located approximately 25 kilometers from the shore of Lake Titicaca, this scenic island is known for its friendly inhabitants, clear blue lake waters and distant snow-capped mountains.

Reviewed By LookLukey

I felt like at Uros every thing the locals say has been rehearsed before, some of their jokes were just for the tourists and it made me rather sad than laugh. From the uros islands, we took a 2 hour boat ride until getting to the Taquile island. From there we walked to the main square (you can definitely feel the altitude during the walk so take it easy), where you have a traditional lunch (fresh fish, french fries, rice, some vegetables). From there you can walk around a little and continue to where the boat picks you up. The circuit offers spectacular views of the lake, and you can see all the view to Bolivia. Probably one of the best things to do when in Puno, the views are impressive.

9. Amazon Rainforest

Peru
Excellent
77%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Amazon Rainforest

Reviewed By panpan014

Been to Amazon, Peru 2 years ago. It was amazing experience. Stayed for 3 days. Woke up at 3am took a boat ride to see the sunrise. Must see the sunset too. First time fishing Piranah and the tour guide cooked it deep fried served as dinner.

10. Circuito Magico Del Agua

Jr. Madre de Dios Parque de la Reserva, Lima 15046 Peru +51 1 4240827 [email protected] http://www.circuitomagicodelagua.com.pe
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17,689 reviews

Circuito Magico Del Agua

Reviewed By Go09917

This is just awesome and a great social event --- moms, dads, children, grandmas --- young lovers and newlyweds -- it's a beautiful water and light show and it's also a grand parade of happy people enjoying a nice night out.

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