11 Incredible Experiences You Need To Have In Peru Before You're 30

Before you begin to choose luxury over experience, explore Peru’s most remote and unique places by foot. It’ll be tiring but the pay off is always worth it: virgin rainforests, rare birds, pristine lakes and snow-topped mountains. Here are 11 of the best things to do in Peru before you’re 30.

Dune buggy in Huacachina

The orange rolling hills go as far as the eye can see and the roar of the dune buggies echoes throughout the desert. Only a short mototaxi from the town of Ica is Huacachina, a desert oasis surrounded by towering hills. Off-roading in dune buggies and sand surfing are the two must-do attractions here.

Hike the Inca Trail

The four-to-five day trek to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you plan on doing it, make sure to book months in advance – it’s Peru’s most desirable attraction.

Surf Peru

Peru has gained a reputation as one of South America’s premier surf destinations – but the waves aren’t just for the experts. Travelers looking to learn how to surf can find comfort in places like Lima and Mancora, where locals will make sure you stand up for the first time – it’s their guarantee.

Peru has some of the best waves in the world

Go on an ayahuasca retreat

It’s not for everyone, but it is one of the most incredible experiences you can have. Explore the unknown reaches of your mind in the Peruvian Amazon.

Take in a river run

Peru has some of the world’s best rapids to test your luck on. From class two for beginners to class five for the experts, there’s something for everyone.

Hike the Andes

The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world and one of the most beautiful. There are countless breathtaking hikes you can take in Peru like Huaraz and the Salkantay trek.

Visit every Inca ruin

Discover the world of the Incas in Peru and hike to the country’s most spectacular ruins. From Cusco to remote jungle locations, there’s enough to keep you busy for weeks.

Explore one of the deepest canyons in the world

Colca Canyon in Arequipa is one of the world’s deepest and most remarkable canyons. The hike is steep so make sure to bring some hiking boots and plenty of water – remember to look up, too, to catch a glimpse of the giant Andean condor.

Check out the jungle

The Amazon jungle is one of the most remarkable palaces in the planet and deserves to be fully explored. Don’t settle for just looking at it. Put on some boots and grab a camera to explore the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

Climb a volcano

El Misti isn’t just a postcard photo opportunity – it is also one of the best hikes in Peru. How many people can say that they’ve hiked a volcano?

See the rainbow mountain

The colors on the rainbow mountain are unlike any mountain that you’ve ever seen, but you’ll have to work to get there. At 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level, it’s no walk in the park.