Choose from 137 Fun Things to Do in Peru
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 137 listings.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Between Cusco and Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley), home to some of Peru’s most interesting pre-Columbian ruins and attractive colonial towns and villages. While many travelers pass through here en route to Machu Picchu, the valley has become a destination in its own right.
The Basics
With its Quechua village festivals and markets, colonial churches, Inca ruins and other archaeological sites, river rafting, horseback riding, and trekking, there are plenty of reasons to head out into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a day tour or longer. Day trips from Cusco might involve a guided trek to the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, a tour of the Maras salt mines, cycling on Moray Mountain, shopping the Pisac market, wandering the agricultural terraces at Ollantaytambo, or tucking into a traditional Andean lunch.
It’s also possible to combine a tour of the Sacred Valley with an overnight tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see for adventure travelers, history buffs, and first-time visitors.
- A Sacred Valley tour from Cusco can last anywhere from eight to 12 hours.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- While lower than Cusco, the Sacred Valley still has a high altitude of 9,514 feet (2,900 meters), so plan accordingly.
How to Get There
While Cusco is the nearest major city to the valley, most travelers arrive by air into Lima before transferring to Cusco City. While it’s possible to rent a private car or ride public transportation, the easiest way to explore the Sacred Valley is on a guided tour.
When to Get There
High season in the Sacred Valley of the Incas falls between June and early September. The winter season brings dry weather, ideal for exploring the area’s many outdoor attractions, but larger crowds as well. Holidays aside, the valley is much quieter during the rainy season between November and March.
Shopping in the Sacred Valley
The local towns and markets of the Sacred Valley are perfect for picking up interesting local souvenirs. Look for pottery in Urubamba, peruse the market in Pisac for silver jewelry and alpaca fleece items, or pick up some local salt, pulled directly from the nearby mines, from the shops in Maras.
Address: Peru
From $ 32
Lima Cruise Port
With roots dating back 10,000 years, Lima was once the richest and most important city in South America. Today, it boasts over eight-million residents and serves as a primary cruise port for trans-Pacific ships arriving from the Far East, as well as for cruise ships following the South American coastline.
How to Get to Lima
Your cruise ship will arrive at the Port of Callao, about seven miles from the center Lima. Taxis into the city are available at the port and are reasonably priced – the ride to the center should take around 30-45 minutes and cost around $15.
One Day in Lima
Spend your morning exploring Peru’s colonial history in central Lima. The entire area, featuring long, wide streets in a grid-like design, is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Your starting point should be the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by the Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and Government Palace. Note the beautifully restored balconies on the Archbishop's Palace and several other buildings surrounding the plaza.
From the Plaza de Armas, head to the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery and Church. Take a tour of the catacombs, which contain the bones of some 70,000 people, all sorted by body part.
After lunch, visit the National Archaeological Museum for a deeper look at ancient Peru or gawk at the vast collection of gold at the Museo de Oro del Peru (The Gold Museum of Peru). The Rafael Larco Herrera Museum is also well worth a visit, boasting one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian art.
If you still have the time and energy, conclude your visit in the residential neighborhood of Miraflores. There, you will find Lima’s oldest historical site, Huaca Pucllana. This fourth-century mud-brick pyramid pre-dates Machu Picchu by 900 years. Visit the handicraft markets on Avenida Petit Thouars and then make your way along Avenida Larco to the Pacific Ocean. Stroll through the park and then stop at a restaurant in the Larcomar shopping mall to enjoy dinner with a view before returning to your cruise ship.
Port Information
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru, but English is widely spoken in shops, hotels and restaurants in Lima. The currency is the nuevo sol, but some hotels and shops may take US dollars. ATM's are readily available in the city center, although some may only accept local cards. Credit cards are typically accepted, with VISA cards being preferred.
How to Get to Lima
Your cruise ship will arrive at the Port of Callao, about seven miles from the center Lima. Taxis into the city are available at the port and are reasonably priced – the ride to the center should take around 30-45 minutes and cost around $15.
One Day in Lima
Spend your morning exploring Peru’s colonial history in central Lima. The entire area, featuring long, wide streets in a grid-like design, is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Your starting point should be the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by the Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and Government Palace. Note the beautifully restored balconies on the Archbishop's Palace and several other buildings surrounding the plaza.
From the Plaza de Armas, head to the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery and Church. Take a tour of the catacombs, which contain the bones of some 70,000 people, all sorted by body part.
After lunch, visit the National Archaeological Museum for a deeper look at ancient Peru or gawk at the vast collection of gold at the Museo de Oro del Peru (The Gold Museum of Peru). The Rafael Larco Herrera Museum is also well worth a visit, boasting one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian art.
If you still have the time and energy, conclude your visit in the residential neighborhood of Miraflores. There, you will find Lima’s oldest historical site, Huaca Pucllana. This fourth-century mud-brick pyramid pre-dates Machu Picchu by 900 years. Visit the handicraft markets on Avenida Petit Thouars and then make your way along Avenida Larco to the Pacific Ocean. Stroll through the park and then stop at a restaurant in the Larcomar shopping mall to enjoy dinner with a view before returning to your cruise ship.
Port Information
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru, but English is widely spoken in shops, hotels and restaurants in Lima. The currency is the nuevo sol, but some hotels and shops may take US dollars. ATM's are readily available in the city center, although some may only accept local cards. Credit cards are typically accepted, with VISA cards being preferred.
Address: Lima, Peru
From $ 23
Interpretation Center of Andean Textiles
From boldly patterned, knitted ponchos to bright, intricately woven textiles or chullo hats made from baby-soft alpaca wool; few visitors leave Peru without buying some of the country’s colorful handicrafts. The Andean region in particular is world-renowned for its dazzling textiles, incorporating unique indigenous designs with traditional weaving techniques and locally sourced materials like sheep, alpaca and llama wool. It’s possible to buy the products all around Peru, but for those looking to learn more about the region’s rich craftmaking heritage, the Interpretation Center of Andean Textiles in Cusco is a must.
As well as admiring the elaborate designs and purchasing handcrafted clothing and gifts, visitors to the Interpretation Center of Andean Textiles can learn the origins and traditions of the age-old weaving techniques, used by local craftsmen for more than 2,000 years. Demonstrations of the wool preparation, dying and weaving techniques by skilled local weavers offers a unique insight into how the complex designs are created and the ladies are happy to share their inspirations behind the various patterns and color combinations, explaining how each Andean village has developed their own distinctive designs.
Practical Info
The Interpretation Center of Andean Textiles is located in the San Blas district in Cusco and is open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 8am-6pm. There is no admission fee.
Address: Av El Sol 603, Cusco, Peru
From $ 110
Indian Market (Mercado Indio)
Whether you want to admire traditional Peruvian handicrafts or enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping, the Indian Market (Mercado Indio) is one of the best places to shop in Lima. Located at the heart of the Miraflores District, the market has dozens of stalls selling quality handmade arts and crafts.
The Basics
Choose to browse the stalls of the Indian Market independently or opt for a private tour and combine souvenir shopping with a walking tour of Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring the market with a guide means you’ll gain insight into Peruvian culture and traditions while ensuring that you get the best prices and highest-quality goods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Prepare to do some haggling to get the best price.
- Most stalls accept both Peruvian soles and US dollars, but prices are often more favorable in local currency.
- After visiting the market, shoppers can also browse the many handicraft shops and artisan workshops along Avenida Petit Thouars.
- Be aware that while you’ll see artifacts and fossils on sale at the market (and it’s legal to buy them), it is not legal to carry them out of Peru.
How to Get There
The Indian Market is located on Avenida Petit Thouars at the northern end of Miraflores. Buses from central Lima stop on Av. Arequipa, just a short walk from the market.
When to Get There
The market is open daily but to avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday morning.
What to Buy at the Indian Market
Popular souvenirs include brightly colored clothing, shawls, and rugs made out of alpaca wool; hand-carved wooden artifacts; solid silver jewelry; hand-painted ceramics; musical instruments; and paintings. Artists and craftsmen themselves run many of the stalls, and they are often happy to demonstrate their talents or explain how the items are crafted.
Address: Lima, Peru
From $ 86
Urubamba Valley
Better known as the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba Valley is the ancient cradle of Inca civilization. It’s a place where merchants still speak Quechua while strolling the cobbled streets, and markets burst with the vibrant colors of traditional Inca art. It’s a place where ruins rise from the hillsides beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, and mysterious archaeological sites offer far more questions than answers. When visiting the mountains of southern Peru, rather than simply racing from Cuzco to the ruins at Machu Picchu, take some time to base yourself in the valley’s colorful towns. Wander the markets of Ollantaytambo or the nearby town of Pisac, and watch as crafters and Incan artisans perpetuate their heritage through art. Visit the sprawling Salineras salt mines to see hillsides of blindingly white terraces, or hike to the bottom of the Incan Moray—an agricultural ruin of concentric circles dug 100 feet into the Earth.
Practical Info
The Sacred Valley stretches for 62 miles from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. It’s possible to visit the entire valley on a one-day tour from Cuzco, but since the trip takes an entire day, travelers wanting more market or hiking time should allow multiple days to visit. From Cuzco, the towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo are accessible by public bus, and Ollantaytambo is accessible by trains en route to Aguas Calientes.
Address: Urubamba, Peru
From $ 175
Mujica Gallo (Gold Museum)
Gold and silver were highly prized and beautifully worked by the Inca. The precious materials were worked into symbolic and decorative pieces, but were never used as money.
The gold drew the attention of the Spanish and led to the empire’s downfall, but not all of the Inca gold was removed and melted down by the conquistadors. The privately owned and operated Mujica Gallo displays more than 8,000 gold, silver and gilt copper artifacts surviving from pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.
The collection also includes pottery, weapons and clothing but the golden figurines and gem-studded jewelry are the real highlight.
Work your way through the various rooms crammed with golden drinking vessels, gilt animals and birds, masks, armor, swords and pistols, and take home a replica souvenir from the gift shop.
The gold drew the attention of the Spanish and led to the empire’s downfall, but not all of the Inca gold was removed and melted down by the conquistadors. The privately owned and operated Mujica Gallo displays more than 8,000 gold, silver and gilt copper artifacts surviving from pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.
The collection also includes pottery, weapons and clothing but the golden figurines and gem-studded jewelry are the real highlight.
Work your way through the various rooms crammed with golden drinking vessels, gilt animals and birds, masks, armor, swords and pistols, and take home a replica souvenir from the gift shop.
Practical Info
The Mujica Gallo is across the River Rimac, a short stroll from Lima’s historic center.
Address: Avenue Alonso de Molina 1100, Lima 33, Peru
Hours: 11:30am - 7pm
Admission: Adults: 33 Nuevos Soles
From $ 10
Lima Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)
Lima’s Plaza Mayor (main square) is central Plaza de Armas, the city’s historic heart and birthplace.
Landscaped with palm trees, elaborate lampposts, flower beds and greenery, the square’s focus is the 1650 tiered bronze fountain in the center and the statue of Francisco Pizarro on horseback nearby.
Visit at 11:45am to watch the changing of the guard, or visit any time to find an empty seat and watch the world wander by.
There’s plenty to look at, with the cathedral on one side and the beautiful balconies of the Palacio Arzobispal next door. Several other attractive buildings with balconies and arched porticoes line the square, including the City Hall and Government Palace.
Landscaped with palm trees, elaborate lampposts, flower beds and greenery, the square’s focus is the 1650 tiered bronze fountain in the center and the statue of Francisco Pizarro on horseback nearby.
Visit at 11:45am to watch the changing of the guard, or visit any time to find an empty seat and watch the world wander by.
There’s plenty to look at, with the cathedral on one side and the beautiful balconies of the Palacio Arzobispal next door. Several other attractive buildings with balconies and arched porticoes line the square, including the City Hall and Government Palace.
Practical Info
Plaza de Armas is in Lima’s city center. The pedestrianized Jiron de la Union runs southwest to Plaza San Martin, linking Lima’s two main squares.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Lima 100, Peru
From $ 26
Sabandía District
Sabandía is marked by rural plains, rolling hills, and historic landmarks, making this southern Arequipa province in Peru a draw. Among the highlights are the district’s traditional shops and restaurants, and the chance to see the Sabandía Mill, built in 1621 with the region’s signature white volcanic rock (sillar) and populated by animals such as alpaca and peacocks.
The Basics
Whether you choose to self-drive or prebook a tour, a trip through the Sabandía District yields rolling landscapes and historic structures, in particular the Sabandia Mill, which is open for daily tours. Some tours combine a visit to Sabandía District with a tour of the colonial city of Arequipa, a stop at the farming terraces of Paucarpata, and a visit to La Mansion Del Fundador, the grand colonial home that once belonged to the founder of Arequipa.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A trip to Sabandía District is suitable for couples, small groups, and families.
- Tours may include roundtrip hotel transfers, entrance fees, and guide. Check tours for specific details.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as most Sabandía tours include exploration on foot.
How to Get There
The Sabandía District is in the suburbs of Arequipa, just east of Jose Luis Bustamante District and north of Characato District. Arequipa is a short flight from either Lima or Cusco; from Arequipa, the district is about a 20-minute drive.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Sabandía District and Arequipa is May through September when temperatures are mild and days are sunny and dry. Thousands of pilgrims descend upon the city of Arequipa in May for the Feast of our Lady of Chapi festival. Tourism picks up in July and August, during which time hotels become more expensive. Come in February for carnival.
Climb Chachani Volcano
Standing sentinel over Arequipa is Chachani mountain. The active volcano is considered by the Quechua people to be one of the great spiritual protectors of the city. For many centuries, sillar—bright white volcanic stone—has been extracted from the mountain’s elevated slopes to build the city’s stunning churches and colonial houses, giving Arequipa the nickname, “The White City.” The ascent to the summit is an intermediate to challenging 2-day climb.
Address: Sabandia District, Arequipa, Peru
From $ 40
Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge
Lima, with a population of nearly 10 million people when counting the metro suburbs, isn’t exactly the first place you’d pick for a natural wildlife refuge. Here at Pantanos de Villa, however, over 200 different species of birds all flit through the wetlands spanning 650 acres outside the Chorillos suburb. On the winding network of walking trails, visitors with binoculars can encounter dozens of species in the span of a couple of hours. Scan the reeds for Black Skimmers, Herons, and Puna Ibis, and look in the water for Great Grebes of Neotropic Cormorants. Many of the birds here are migratory and sightings change with the seasons, and the months of December and January brim with seagulls lining the coast. 11 species of amphibians and reptiles can also be found in the reeds, although unfortunately as the city continues to grow, the manmade threats to Pantanos de Villa are literally encircling the marsh. Nature lovers with a stop in Lima should definitely visit this biodiverse sight before it’s potentially too late—although local conservation groups continue to work to do everything they can towards protecting the fragile site.
Practical Info
Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge is located 12 miles south of downtown Lima in the working class district of Chorillos. The site is accessible by private taxi or as part of a guided tour, or—if you would prefer to travel by public transport—it’s possible to travel by metro or bus when combined with a little bit of walking. Admission is approximately $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for children, and the refuge is open from 8:30am-4:30pm daily.
Address: Chorrillos, Lima, Peru
Hours: Open from 8:30am-4:30pm daily
Admission: Admission is approximately $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for children
From $ 45
Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (Museo Santuarios Andinos)
While there are many notable museums in Arequipa, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (Museo Santuarios Andinos) is one of the best. Visitors can see exhibits that focus on Andes Mountain archaeology and history, such as the world-famous preserved mummy of ‘Ice Princess’ Juanita, a young Inca girl whose remains were only discovered in 1995. Juanita was sacrificed over 500 years ago as part of a Capac Cocha ceremony in which children were sacrificed to appease mountain gods. The child is thought to have been about 11 to 15 years old, and the body is so well-preserved that it has been touted numerous times as one of the world's top discoveries.
Give yourself at least an hour to see everything in the museum, as there is also a short informational video to watch before you explore. Additionally, you’ll see impressive grave tombs, with other mummies found atop Peru's volcanoes and burial artifacts.
Give yourself at least an hour to see everything in the museum, as there is also a short informational video to watch before you explore. Additionally, you’ll see impressive grave tombs, with other mummies found atop Peru's volcanoes and burial artifacts.
Address: Santa Catalina 210, Arequipa, Peru
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 9am-3pm
Admission: S15
From $ 224
Inca Museum
Built on an authentic Inca foundation, this humble museum in the heart of Cusco houses an impressive collection of Incan artifacts. Hundreds of examples of handmade goldwork, pottery, textiles and queros line the halls of this truly memorable spot and offer travelers a rare look into the nation’s ancient past.
Visitors will find plenty to explore inside the Inca Museum, but its outdoor courtyard, where Andean weavers showcase their skills, is also worth checking out. Travelers can purchase handmade items directly from the artists, who provide demonstrations of old-school techniques and answer questions while they work. It’s a chance to experience ancient artistry in real time and take home a piece of the tradition, too.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Tucuman near Ataud, northeast of Plaza de Armas. It is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Both Spanish and English speaking guides are available for a small fee.
Address: Cuesta del Almirante, Cusco, Peru
Admission: Adults S / 10.00
From $ 59
Palomino Island
Lima isn’t exactly a city you usually equate with wildlife. After all, this is the same country with the Amazon basin and its staggering biodiversity, so the thought of finding wildlife in the capital might seem a little bit strange. Believe it or not, however, there are a number of enthralling wildlife experiences that can be found right here in Lima—a city best known for its cosmopolitan and colonial sites on shore. Perhaps the best wildlife experience in Lima is visiting the Palomino Islands, a rocky collection of small islets off the coast of Callao. Step aboard a comfortable boat for a cruise to the offshore islands, where thousands of sea lions gather to swim and sun themselves on the rocks. If the water is calm enough and you’re feeling brave, take the plunge to swim with the sea lions as they flop and jump all around you. You’ll also find colonies of Humboldt penguins and an impressive amount of birdlife, including pelicans, tern, and dive-bombing cormorants who are constantly hunting for fish. In addition to the wildlife, cruises also provide a scenic tour of the neighboring coastline and islands, including San Lorenzo that’s been an historical haven for priests, politicians, and pirates.
Practical Info
Boat tours to the Palomino Islands depart from the port of Callao. It can take 30 to 60 minutes to reach the islands depending on weather and conditions, and since water temperatures usually range between 60 and 70 degrees, it’s a good idea to use the wetsuits that tour operators will provide. Be sure to take preventative medication if you know you’re prone to motion sickness, and while tours run during all times of the year, December-April is generally considered the most comfortable time to visit.
Address: Peru
From $ 94
Inca Trail
South America's most famous trek is an unforgettable way to reach the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Along the way, the four-day trek takes hikers past three Andean mountain passes, Inca ruins, and views of the snow-capped Andes, culminating in a stellar sunrise over Machu Picchu—a UNESCO World Heritage site—from the Sun Gate.
The Basics
For many travelers to Machu Picchu, hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley is as much a part of the bucket list experience as seeing the ruins themselves. It typically takes four days to cover the distance between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, with overnights at Huayllabamba, Pacamayo, and Huinay Huayna on the way. Shorter one- or two-day treks are also possible for more inexperienced walkers. To walk the trail, you need to join a group of fellow hikers led by a licensed guide. Trail permits are limited, with only 500 hikers permitted on the trail at any given time (including tour guides and porters), so you'll need to book ahead.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The trail is a must-see for adventure travelers.
- Inca Trail permits are limited, so it's important to book ahead.
- Everyone on the trail must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.
- Dress comfortably and in layers. Don't forget sturdy hiking shoes.
- Bring a pair of trekking poles, even if you don't think you'll need them.
- Before your hike, give yourself a couple of days in Cusco to get used to the high altitude levels.
How to Get There
The city of Cusco serves as a base for trekkers heading out on the Inca Trail and is serviced by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Most tours include pickup from Cusco hotels and the bus ride to Km82 along the railway between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, where the hike begins.
When to Get There
The dry season (June to October) brings the best weather and the biggest crowds to the Inca Trail; if you plan to hike during this time, be sure to book months in advance. The spring and fall shoulder seasons—May in particular—see fewer tourists and occasional rain. The winter months are prohibitively wet for most trekkers, and the trail closes for maintenance during February.
Alternatives to the Classic Inca Trail Trek
With the growing popularity of the Inca Trail (and the permit limits placed on it), visitors are considering alternative treks to Machu Picchu. These include the Lares trek, beginning in the town of Lares and finishing at the ruins of Ollantaytambo (a short train ride from Machu Picchu), and the Salkantay route, famous for its diverse scenery.
Address: Peru
Hours: Open March - January
Admission: Adults: trek permit US$50
From $ 450
Llanganuco Lakes (Lagunas Llanganuco)
Never in your life have you witnessed such an intoxicating shade of turquoise. Here at the mesmerizing Llanganuco Lakes in Huascaran National Park, twin dollops of turquoise water shine brilliantly against the snowcapped spine of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. The first lake, Chinancocha, has rowboat rentals for enjoying a view of the mountains from out on the water, and the second lake, Orconcocha, has a loop trail that offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The tallest mountain in Peru, Huascaran, is visible from Llanganuco Lakes, which themselves are 12,631 ft (3,850m) where the air can feel thin when hiking. Even if you’re simply just standing by the water, there’s a sense of enchantment and mountain slope magic surrounding these lakes and this valley, where rugged cliffs rise in all directions as they seem to explode from the lakeshore. On tours that depart from Yungay or Huaraz, visitors will also make stops in villages and towns while en route to the lakes.
Insider's Tip: Try to visit early in the day to get the best colors in photos.
Practical Info
Since the Llanganuco Lakes are at such high altitude, be sure to bring jackets and winter clothes—even when visiting in summer. Be aware of the dangers of trekking at altitude and know the signs of altitude sickness, and by going with a guide you can experience much of the beauty you might otherwise miss.
Address: Llanganuco Lakes, Huascaran National Park, Peru
From $ 70
Paracas History Museum
Don’t be put off by its diminutive size – the tiny Paracas History Museum is home to some of Peru’s most fascinating archaeological finds. The museum has made headlines all around the world for its display of elongated human skulls, discovered by Peruvian archaeologist Julio Tello in 1928.
The unique skulls have divided opinion, with some claiming them as proof of alien existence, some insisting they are fake and others concluding that they are mere anomalies. The reality is likely a little less dramatic – the skulls were probably a result of head-binding traditions among Peru’s ancient indigenous cultures. Whatever your opinion, the collection of bizarrely formed skulls is utterly captivating and while there’s little else of interest in the museum, it’s worth a detour to take a peek.
Practical Info
Paracas History Museum is located in central Paracas and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5.30pm. Entrance is 10 Sol.
Address: Avenida Los Libertadores J1 Lote 10, Paracas, Peru
Hours: Tues-Sun: 9am-5.30pm
Admission: 10 Sol
From $ 57
Sacsayhuaman
The largest and most impressive of four archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman was built by the Incas from massive stones weighing as much as 300 tons. A critical military site in the battle with the Spanish for the Inca empire in 1536, the ruins offer impressive views over the city below.
The Basics
The ruins of Sacsayhuaman are close enough to Cusco to explore in a few hours; together the ruins and city make up a large UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided half-day tours often include Tambomachay, Qorikancha, Puca Pucara, or Qenqo, while a full day allows time for Cusco’s top attractions as well. To see the ruins from a different perspective, opt for a horseback riding tour. For a deep dive into the Inca empire, embark on a multi-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu that stops at Sacsayhuaman along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sacsayhuaman is a great option for time-pressed travelers and history buffs.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera; the panoramic views of Cusco from an altitude of 12,139 feet (3,700 meters) are stunning.
- Tours visiting the Sacsayhuaman ruins last anywhere from three hours to a full day, depending on the option chosen.
- Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun at high altitude can be intense.
How to Get There
It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the ruins from the Plaza de Armas via a steep trail. Those who’d prefer an easier route should take a taxi or join a guided tour to the Inca site 1 mile (2 kilometers) north of Cusco.
When to Get There
While it’s possible to visit the archaeological site throughout the year (temperatures tend to hover in the mid to upper 60s), the best time to go is between June and September when rain is less likely.
Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun
Each year on the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere (June 21), Cusco celebrates its most famous festival, Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun. The second-largest festival in South America includes a huge procession to Sacsayhuaman, where sacred rites and traditional dances take place in the grand square of the fortress. Entry is free during the festival, and food and drink vendors come out to keep the crowds sated.
Address: Peru
From $ 25
Love Park (Parque del Amor)
Dedicated to Lima’s lovers, Love Park (Parque del Amor) understandably attracts couples who come to enjoy the Pacific Ocean views, especially around sunset. Located in the Miraflores district, the park bears a resemblance to Park Güell in Barcelona, thanks to the colorful mosaic walls displaying quotes on love spread throughout.
At the center of the park stands a sculpture by Victor Delfín entitled El Beso (The Kiss), unveiled in 1993 and still the best known work by the Peruvian artist. If you’re in Lima for Valentine’s Day, head to Love Park to watch young couples compete in a longest kiss contest staged by the statue.
Practical Info
If you want a bird’s eye view of Lima (or an adrenaline rush), the park is one of the best places around for paragliding, which you can try tandem with an experienced pilot.
Address: Malecón Cisneros, Lima, Peru
From $ 16
Uros Islands/Islas Uros
The 40-plus floating Uros Islands are perhaps the most photographed attraction on Lake Titicaca, famously constructed with springy totora reeds. The reeds are collected from around the shores of Lake Titicaca, and used to replenish the fragile islands every three months or so, as the bottom of the two-meter (6.5ft) totora mat slowly rots back into the lake. Thus, the islands change shape, size and even number as the centuries pass, anchored to the lake bottom but in many ways a completely separate world.
The Uros people are an ancient race, predating the Incas by millennia and, according to local legend, even the sun and stars. The “People of the Lake,” as they call themselves, once said that they did not feel the cold, thanks to their “black blood.” (The last full-blooded Uros woman died in 1959, after centuries of intermarriage with Aymaras and other races, so that claim is subject to some conjecture.)
Heavily taxed by the Incas and enslaved in the silver mines by the Spanish, the Uros have managed, through ingenuity and isolation, to outlast their tormentors with their unique culture largely in place. The key to their survival is the reeds, whose starchy tubers are consumed for food, flowers brewed to make tea, and stalks used for medicine, handicrafts, and the construction of gondolas, homes, schools, churches and just about everything else on the islands.
The islands change in size and number over the centuries and will quickly thin if not meticulously maintained. Tourism on the handful accessible to tourists is relatively open and you can arrange trips with several Puno travel agencies or even come on your own, in public boats that leave regularly from the Puno pier. The 5km (3mi) trip takes about thirty minutes.
The islands are part of Titicaca National Reserve which protects 37,000 hectares (143 square miles) of reed bed, including some 60 species of bird and 14 of fish, many collected by the Uros for meat, eggs, and as work animals, such as cormorants used to fish. You’ll also see plenty of domesticated cats, to keep mice from devouring the delicate islands.
While many of the Uros traditions have been maintained, the islands are by no means frozen in time. For example, they no longer speak their original language, having switched to Aymara after centuries of trade and intermarriage, and have more recently embraced technology, such as electrical generators, modern motors on reed boats and so forth.
Tourism has brought money and opportunity to the islands, which cuts into time once spent doing traditional activities, such as the all-important collection of totora. They are savvy enough to know their time’s worth, so expect to be charged for photos and/or offered handicrafts with a cheerfully hard sell.
Address: Puno, Peru
Admission: Varies
From $ 26
Municipal Palace
When walking around Lima’s Plaza de Armas (which is also called the Plaza Mayor), you’re walking where Pizarro established the city in 1535. Though many of the buildings would ultimately succumb to earthquakes, fire, and wear, there are those like the opulent Municipal Palace that were fantastically rebuilt and restored. Built in a neo-classical style with a French Renaissance influence, the current Municipal Palace building dates back to 1944. Its pale yellow exterior with white trim is a staple of the Plaza de Armas, and the symmetrical marble staircases inside offer a setting that’s fit for kings. When wandering around the Plaza de Armas, step inside for a free peek at Lima’s regal history, and in addition to the exquisitely vintage architecture, the palace also houses an impressive library with 15,000 titles—notable of which is a copy of Peru’s Declaration of Independence.
Practical Info
The Municipal Palace is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm, and admission is free of charge.
Address: Jirón de La Unión 300, Lima 15001, Peru
From $ 37
Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan
To archaeologists, the Lord of Sipan was a Moche noble now known as the “King Tut of Peru.” To centuries of Peruvian grave robbers (huaqueros), he was one grave they wished they’d found. To visitors traveling to the town of Chiclayo, he is the reason why you can walk through a room that is dripping in jewels and gold. Of all the museums you can visit in Chiclayo, the Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan is one that you absolutely must see.
Buried in a tomb beneath the desert sands to the south of modern day Chiclayo, the Lord of Sipan lay undisturbed for over 1,700 years. In 1987, however, a team of archaeologists unearthed a tomb at the remote Huaca Rajada, and what they found inside is considered to be one of the greatest finds of the last 50 years. Lying inside a wooded sarcophagus were the remains of a king, a warrior, three concubines, two dogs, a llama, a priest and a guard with no feet. Also, there were jewels—lots of gold and jewels.
Today the tomb site and many of its findings are on display at the Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan, a building with a strikingly modern appearance that is modeled after the Moche pyramids. Gaze at headdresses and armored plates made entirely from silver and gold while inwardly contemplating how such valuable pieces remained buried and hidden for so long.
Practical Info
The Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan is a 10-minute drive from the center of Chiclayo in the town of Lambayeque. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. There is an admission fee of 15 Nuevo Soles ($4), and no photography is allowed.
Address: Av. Juan Pablo Vizcardo y Guzman s/n, Lambayeque, Peru
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Admission: 15 Nuevo Soles ($4)
From $ 38