Tours and Activities in Peru

Hiking

The Peruvian landscape includes huge mountains, coastal lowlands, high plains, rainforests, and cloud forests. Not surprisingly, this is a great country for hiking. The following tours will get you on the trail with experienced and knowledgeable guides. You can enjoy mellow strolls through the Amazon Jungle or more strenuous ascents up the Andes Mountains. And during some hiking tours - most notably the ones along the Inca Trail - you'll pass ancient archaeological sites and famous Inca ruins.

Museum

Peru has incredible museums and these tours will help you explore some of the best. Peruse Lima's Museo Nacional de Arqueología to see exhibits with Paracas textiles, Chimú gold, and other important archeological finds. In Chiclayo, explore the spectacular Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, which is shaped like a Moche pyramid and contains objects from a royal tomb. While touring one of Peru's museums, you'll learn a great deal about Peruvian history, archeology, culture, and more.

Archeology

Peru is an archaeologist's dream. The ruins of various cultures and civilizations are scattered across the entire country, many of which are well-preserved and intact. Archaeological tours bring travelers to these sites with a knowledgeable guide. As you explore the site, you'll learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the people who built these long-lasting structures.

Culinary

Sweet corn, ceviche, and alpaca steaks — this is just a sample of the tasty food that you'll find in Peru. Gastronomy tours expose you to the culinary fabric of Peru. Each region has a unique flavor and cooking style, so the experience you have will depend on where you are. Take cooking classes in Lima and come home with a few new recipes. Wander through the produce markets in Cusco or reserve a table at the hottest restaurant in Arequipa (literally, since the food here is notoriously spicy). These tours will leave you licking your fingers and asking for more.

Historic

Peru has a fascinating history that includes the Inca empire, Spanish conquest, and independence. The following tours will explore some of this history. Led by a knowledgeable and engaging local guide, historic tours visit the monuments, structures, and sites associated with important historical events in Peru. Many sites are related to Spanish colonialism.

Nature Walk

Peru's eleven eco-regions contain a sixth of all plant life on the planet, as well as an astounding variety of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. In order to truly appreciate, let alone spot, all of this biodiversity it behooves travelers to explore outdoor areas with naturalist guides. On one of these tours, you'll explore a national park or reserve with a guide who will point out plant and animal species and teach you about regional ecology. These tours proceed at a slow pace and are a good choice for families or travelers who prefer to not walk long distances.

Suspension Bridges

Suspension bridges extend through the forest canopy, providing travelers with a bird's-eye view of these beautiful and complex ecosystems. Peer into the tops of trees to spot colorful birds feeding on nuts or down towards the valley floor to see epiphytes reaching for light. Suspension bridges range in size and are safely constructed to allow you all the time in the world to take advantage of the surrounding view. Guided tours of suspension bridges help travelers to spot the plants and animals that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Boat Tours

Boating tours explore the rivers, lakes, and coastal habitats of Peru. These tours may expose you to beautiful areas, vibrant ecosystems, and even traditional cultures. Boating tours use knowledgeable guides and safe equipment.

Catamaran Tour

With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, catamaran tours will have you feeling nice and coastal during your trip to Peru. On one of these tours, you'll board a catamaran and cruise through the Pacific Ocean. These tours often take place at sunset and provide you with the opportunity to spot marine mammals, including whales and dolphins.

Coffee Tour

Peru is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, especially when it comes to organic and fair trade beans. Many Peruvian coffee farms are small and part of cooperatives. Coffee tours are a wonderful way to learn how coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and distributed. On these tours, you'll explore the whole process from bean to cup. You'll also get to try out an exceptionally fresh cup of this delicious drink.

Chocolate Tour

Europeans first encountered cocoa in Central America. When they first bit into the bitter bean, they probably spat it right back out. After centuries of experimenting with diluting this antioxidant-rich plant, chocolate lovers are finally getting back to where it all started. On a chocolate tour, you'll get to see cacao experts transform raw chocolate into bold confections. Visit a plantation to see where the cacao pods grow, and taste what Peruvian chocolatiers can do when they combine bittersweet chocolate and local spices.

Shopping

Peru's impressive artisans create a number of noteworthy handicrafts, including clothing, ceramics, and jewelry. On shopping tours, you'll have the chance to explore the country's best stores and markets to see what you can find. Search for wool sweaters and scarves in Arequipa, or find colonial-style ceramics and high-quality weavings in Cusco. You might even try your hand at bargaining to see if you can get a good deal on a pair of woven mittens.

Ruins

A number of important civilizations have existed in Peru. Today, the remnants of these cultures can be seen in the ruins they left behind. On these tours, you'll visit the country's best ruins, many of which have been conserved through careful restoration projects. Explore the temples, tombs, and pyramids to learn about the ancient people of Peru. Guides help you understand the meaning of structures and symbols to better grasp the significance of these amazing sites.

Textiles

Peru's textiles are prized around the world, which makes sense considering that the weaving tradition here is over 4,000 years old. Peru's best weaving culture is found in Cusco, Chinchero, and Huancayo. Textiles are made using the wool of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, and the weavings are dipped into dyes made from flowers, roots, and leaves.

Architecture

Peruvian architecture is an interesting mixture of Incan, indigenous, colonial, and modern influences. These tours will explore various buildings and monuments in Peru, most of them in cities. Guides point out important features and help travelers understand how and why the structures were built. As such, these tours are a good introduction not only to the aesthetics of Peru, but also to its history and culture.

Guided Tours

When you're exploring a new country, it can be helpful to have a knowledgeable local guide on hand. Guided tours are led by friendly, English-speaking guides who take you to various places in Peru. You might hike through the rainforest and learn about tropical birds or explore an ancient archeological site to better appreciate native Peruvian culture. Guided tours are a good way to dig beneath the surface and develop a deeper understanding of Peru.

Bird Watching

From the coast to the mountains to the jungle, a huge variety of birds live in Peru. Marine species include pelicans, boobies, ospreys, and even Chilean flamingos. In the Andes, look out for the Andean Condor, the world's largest flying bird, and all sorts of raptors. And then there's the Amazon, which hosts over 600 bird species. Birding tours bring you to some of Peru's best birding sites with a naturalist guide. Your guide will show you around and help you spot all manner of fowl.

Marine Wildlife

The Pacific Ocean off the coast of Peru supports a wide range of marine mammals and seabirds. Marine mammal observation tours take you into the ocean to search for a variety of incredible marine animals. Spot humpback whales off the coast of Máncora or photograph sea lions and Humboldt penguins at the Ballestas Islands. These tours are led by a competent captain and naturalist guide. You'll also enjoy views of the Peruvian coastline on these tours.

Zip Lines

Canopy tours traverse zip lines and suspension bridges. Solid equipment and confident guides will make you forget any fear you ever had of heights. These tours allow you to get a bird's-eye view of the forest and an up-close look at birds' lofty habitat.

Rafting

Biking

Biking is an excellent way to explore the Peruvian countryside. There are numerous single-track trails that extend over mountainous routes, as well as more mellow options that run through flatter parts of the country. Local agencies outfit you with bikes and gear, and guides will lead you along the trails. These tours are a fun, safe, and active way to experience the outdoors in Peru.

Horseback Riding

Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or a first-time rider, these tours offer all travelers the chance to experience the Peruvian landscape on horseback. Horseback tours are led by professional guides and use well-trained (and well cared-for) horses. On a horseback tour, you might trot along Máncora Beach at sunset or cruise through the countryside outside Arequipa in the morning. Safety is prioritized and all participants will feel confident on their horse before the tour begins.