The Most Unique Experiences To Have In Peru

With so many unusual experiences to choose from in Peru, we’ve narrowed it down to the best the country has to offer. Check out what made our list of the most unique experiences to have in Peru.

Hiking the Inca Trail

There may be other trails in Peru, but none can match the beauty and history of the Inca Trail. Hike the four or five-day journey along the ancient road, winding your way around the stunning mountains, ending at Machu Picchu. This holy trail will be one you’ll never forget.

Visiting the floating reeds

High in the Andes you’ll find Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, where the Uros people have constructed islands built out of reeds. The islands were built centuries ago in order to escape invaders, and require constant rebuilding as the bottom slowly rots away. These surreal islands are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Dining in Lima

Lima has become the unofficial gastronomic capital of South America. The city boasts world-renowned chefs such as Gastón Acurio and Virgilio Martínez, who recently received the Chef’s Choice Award, a title that ranks him as the best chef in the world. Lima is also the only city to have two restaurants ranking in the top 10 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants: Central Restaurante and Maido. When in Lima, be sure to set aside some money to dine at one of the city’s world-class restaurants.

Central Restaurante, Santa Isabel 376 Miraflores Lima, Peru +51 12416721

Maido, Calle San Martin 399, Miraflores 15074, Peru +51 14462512

Sandboarding

Giant hills of sand are a defining feature of the region – the orange-ish lumps seem to roll on forever. Three hours south of Lima lies the small desert oasis town of Huacachina, surrounded by sand dunes. Take a dune buggy with a group and surf the steep sand faces.

Hiking Cañón del Colca

While Machu Picchu and Cusco get all the attention, Cañón del Colca might be the most naturally beautiful place to visit in Peru. The canyon is 100km from end to end and more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The area is also rich with ruins from pre-Incan and Incan societies, as well as numerous Spanish structures.

Pink dolphins in the Amazon

Take a jungle cruise in the Peruvian Amazon to discover the famous pink dolphin. These freshwater dolphins can be found in the Amazonian rivers of Peru, and yes, they really are pink. Cruises range from the more luxurious to day trips in small boats.

Ayahuasca retreat in the jungle

After seeing the pink dolphin in the Amazon, stay at an Ayahuasca retreat. Ayahuasca – the powerful, mind-altering brew – is an integral part to Amazonian culture and has created a boom in jungle tourism with eager travelers seeking out the concoction. However, these jungle retreats are for healing purposes and are not recommended if you’re just trying to catch a buzz. In fact, most of the retreats will thoroughly screen you before admittance to make sure you are not just trying to party and get high.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.