Peru is a country that grabs hold of your imagination and doesn’t let go. It’s a land where misty mountains hide ancient ruins, jungles hum with life, and cities burst with flavour. With so much to explore, it can be tricky to narrow it down — but some experiences rise above the rest. Here are the top 5 experiences in Peru that capture the spirit of this extraordinary country.
Want to dive deeper? Our complete guide to Machu Picchu and the Amazon takes you through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and beyond.
1. Marvel at Machu Picchu
No list of Peru highlights would be complete without Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Perched high in the Andes, its terraces and temples are wrapped in rainforest mist, creating one of the most iconic views on the planet.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Some travellers trek the Inca Trail, arriving at dawn through the Sun Gate, while others opt for the train, gazing out at mountain valleys and rivers along the way. However you reach it, standing among the ruins as clouds drift across the peaks is an unforgettable moment.
We cover Machu Picchu in depth in our full Machu Picchu and Amazon adventure blog, with tips on how to get there and what to expect.
2. Discover the Sacred Valley
Before or after Machu Picchu, spend time in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This lush stretch of the Andes is dotted with salt terraces, ancient ruins and villages where Quechua-speaking communities keep centuries-old traditions alive.
Here you can wander vibrant markets, feed llamas and alpacas, or simply take in the staggering mountain views. The Sacred Valley is more than a stopover — it’s a chance to connect with the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of Peru.
3. Explore Cusco’s Historic Streets
The former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a city of cobbled lanes, lively plazas and layered history. Spanish colonial churches sit atop Inca foundations, while artisans sell colourful textiles in hillside neighbourhoods.
The city itself is a highlight: sip coca tea to ease the altitude, wander the Plaza de Armas, and explore the San Blas district with its galleries and craft shops. Cusco is also the perfect base for side trips — from the rainbow-coloured mountains of Vinicunca to the dramatic Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
4. Immerse Yourself in the Amazon
From the heights of the Andes, head down into the jungle to experience the staggering biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Peru’s Amazon is vast and teeming with life, from pink river dolphins and monkeys to caimans and dazzling birdlife.
Exploring by boat is one of the best ways to experience it. As you drift along tributaries of the mighty Amazon, you’ll spot sloths hanging lazily in the trees, parrots squawking in the canopy, and flashes of colour from exotic butterflies. Guided jungle walks reveal the rainforest’s secrets, from medicinal plants to tiny, jewel-bright frogs.
The Amazon is a world away from the Andes — a reminder of just how diverse Peru really is. For a full breakdown of what to see in the Amazon, check out our complete guide to Machu Picchu and the Amazon.
5. Savour Lima’s Culinary Scene
Often overlooked, Lima deserves a place among Peru’s top highlights. Perched on the Pacific coast, it’s the culinary capital of South America and home to some of the world’s best restaurants.
Start with ceviche, Peru’s national dish — raw fish “cooked” in lime juice and served with chilli, onions and sweet potato. Pair it with a classic pisco sour, frothy and refreshing. For a deeper dive, explore the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco, where colourful murals, live music and creative kitchens bring the city to life.
With influences from the Andes, Amazon and beyond, Lima’s food scene tells the story of Peru in every bite.
Why These Experiences Define Peru
From the ancient terraces of Machu Picchu to the lush waterways of the Amazon, Peru is a country of contrasts. These five experiences — Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, the Amazon and Lima — showcase the best of them all.
Together, they tell Peru’s story: a story of ancient civilizations, natural wonders, vibrant traditions and unforgettable flavours.
At Journeys Made, we believe adventures like this deserve to be remembered. That’s why we create personalised travel keyrings with engraved tokens for each destination. From Machu Picchu to the Amazon, you can carry a piece of Peru’s magic with you wherever life takes you.
