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12 Fun Things to Do When Visiting Peru, Land of the Inca

Moray, the Inca agricultural terracesWelcome to Peru, the land of the ancient Inca people.  Peru is known as a land of mystery, of history, ancient civilizations and natural wonders which boggle the mind and today’s modern civilization.  

12 Fun Things to do in Peru

From Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, there’s much to see and do in Peru to get the real experience of what Peruvian culture is all about.  Read on to find out 12 fun and exciting things to do, see, and try when you’re visiting or traveling in Peru with Adventures Within Reach.

  1. Take a day trip to Maras (pre-Inca salt mines) and Moray (Inca agricultural terraces) and start the day with a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley.
  2. Warm up and acclimatize for your trek (or instead of a trek) with a hike from Chinchero to Huchay Qosqo ruins and ending in Lamay village.
  3. Bicycle from Chinchero to Maras (mountain bikes provided) and visit the Maras pre-Inca saltmines.
  4. Attend an evening folkloric program with traditional dances from various regions of Peru including a live “orchestra” with local musicians and authentic instruments.
  5. Go on a river rafting trip on the Urubamba River or a horseback riding in the Sacred Valley.
  6. Inti Raymi FestivalHire a personal guide for an afternoon, to take you to the out-of-the-way craft shops to observe and visit with local artisans (weavers, woodworkers, silversmiths, artists) and help you find the gifts (sweaters, wall hangings, art work) and special items (such as a sapo game) that you want to take home.
  7. Spend a couple hours with children at an alternative school (ages 10-16), enjoying a visit, singing songs, playing games or dancing! This is a volunteer service project and can be followed by supper at the cafe that supports the school.
  8. Take a day trip to Urcos for the colorful market (shop til you drop) and continue with visits to pre-Inca Wari ruins and a colonial church.
  9. Plan your visit during the Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco (June 24 each year) for a week of festivities and a day of ceremonies at Sacsayhuaman.  Book early as hotels fill up quickly.
  10. El Senor de los TembloresPlan your visit during Holy Week before Easter and observe the celebration of the El Senor de los Temblores where the crucifix is paraded around the city and thousands gather at the Plaza de Armes in the evening for the “grand entrance” to the Cathedral. This ritual dates back to the earthquake of 1650 AD. Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are also quite festive!
  11. Plan your visit for the week prior to Christmas and participate in the annual Chocolatada, where Cusco organizations provide hot chocolate and gifts served to the poor and needy people in the city and Sacred Valley.
  12. Visit Hacienda Mamacona, a ranch near Pachacamac for a Peruvian Paso horse show, dinner, and folkloric dance program. Combine this with an afternoon visit to Pachacamac Archaeological Complex.

Looking to book a trip to Machu Picchu or Peru? Check out the tripatlas.com/new Trip Builder where you can request a quote from over 104,000 travel agents who are waiting to offer you the best prices on trips to Peru and more!

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