Nine things you should do in Peru

On the hunt for the destination for your next trip away?

Wed recommend Peru.

Its a place packed with natural and cultural spots of wonder, from Machu Picchu to Cordillera Blanca.

Weve rounded up nine reasons you should go.

1. Take in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, located in the Cusco Region near the little town Aguas Calientes

Also known as the Lost city was built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, Machu Picchu is an engineering marvel as it is above 2,430m above sea leave.

Over 4,000 tourists visit Machu Picchu daily. For ease I would recommended booking with a tour group, as everything is organised in advance, including ticket entrance to Machu Picchu, train tickets, bus transfers, and accommodation in the town Aguas Calientes. Try Tour Radar or Bamba Experience.

Entering Machu Picchu is a military operation. It starts at 5am where hundreds of tourists line up in the cold waiting for buses to take them to the entrance to the site. You could either wait for over an hour to get the bus or take the road less travelled and walk in darkness to the base of the mountain and start the journey into the lost city.

The tour guide advised us that those who are fit can do the peak in 45 mins and those who are slower a little over an hour. Needless to say it took me a little over an hour (and then some).

What they dont tell you is the steps are 90 degrees and endless. This upward hill battle is challenge that you also face in the dark, while also struggling to breathe and acclimatise to the high altitude. Not easy.

As the sun starts to rise the journey to the entrance becomes exhilarating, and the scenery of the surrounding mountains and valleys is utterly stunning.

For those who are a little more adventurous and thrive off a challenge, go the extra mile and climb to one of the peaks of Machu Picchu for a birds eye view.

The Machu Picchu Montana trail is rated moderate but its definitely challenging – and difficult to breathe. Adjusting to the high altitude was a real struggle for me and most of the other hikers.

At the start of trail is a slow but steady ascent of about 30-35 degrees in angle for one hour (but it feels like two). Gradually and steadily the paths become narrower and the steps become steeper, narrower again and more challenging. A good level of fitness is definitely required for this trek.

After trekking for what seems like an eternity (roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes) reaching the top of the peak is nothing short of breathtaking.

Pro tip: There are only 400 tickets to the trail sold per day and tickets book out months in advance. Get in early so you dont miss out.

Oh, and make sure you take snacks, plenty of water, and hiking sticks if you feel you may need extra support.

2. Pop to Cusco

Cusco is a beautiful gateway to the history of the Inca Empire. The streets are filled with Peruvians in Inca outfits and alpacas striding by.

Cusco is 3,399 m above sea level, so you need a couple of days to acclimatise. Remember to take it easy, even when theres so much available to do.

Head to the San Pedro Markets, the Inca museum and the Machu Picchu museum, then stroll to Cusco city centre the Plaza de Armas to visit churches, shops, restaurants, and bars.

3. Stay in Palacio del Inka

My hotel pick for Cusco would be the Palacio Del Inka. The hotel is rustic with an inca influence, and is designed to showcase a centuries-old, magical blend of pre-Columbian, Incan, Spaniard, Colonial, and modern cultures.

It is a hidden oasis in the city of Cusco, presenting a captivating variety of rare opportunities and state-of-the-art amenities.

Dating back nearly five centuries, Palacio Del Inka stands in the historic centre of Cusco. Directly across from the Koricancha, it is a five-minute walk from the main square and less than a mile from an array of museums, markets, and restaurants.

4. Go to the festival of the sun

Festival of the sun is a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire held on 24 June in the Cusco region.

This year the festival attracted record numbers of 50,000 people on the surrounding hills of Cusco in Peru. The festival takes place on three scenes staged in three different places in and around areas of Cusco. The first ceremony is in Coricancha Temple, where the Inca – escorted by his entourage – sings to the Inti (Sun God).The second takes place at Cuscos main square, where the Inca re-enact the famous two worlds encounter scene. The main ceremony is performed at Sacsayhuaman Fortress, one of Cuscos emblematic attractions.

The festival showcases Peruvian costumes and dances. Its full of colour and excitement.

The triple height ceilings, stone wall chimney and weavings found in this hotels reception area are straight up stunning. Theres no reason to leave the hotel as the grounds are so beautiful to take a hike.

The spa features provide the ultimate in relaxation, from the exquisite pool to the sauna.

Make sure to eat at Hawa, the fine-dining restaurant, which served one of the best meals I had in Peru.

6. Have a true jungle experience at the Treehouse Lodge

There is no better way to experience the Peruvian Amazonian Jungle, than sleeping 20 Feet above ground in a tree. The location provides an amazing backdrop as you discover the serene protected Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers near the Pacaya Samiria Reserve.

Every bungalow has its own aerial space in the jungle with own views and privacy.

Its surprisingly comfy considering youre in a tree. There is running cold water to shower, brush and flush and plenty of space to enjoy the views.

Your personal treehouse bungalow gets you up off the jungle floor, meaning you get some relief from the heat and humidity, and waking up to the tweeting of birds is a truly magical experience.

7. Have an adventure in the jungle

Book an excursion to have a personalised experience.

Our tour guide was a local from the depths of a village in the Peruvian jungle, who helped us through night jungle walks, 6am bird watching, kayaking, swimming in the amazon, watching the sunset, strolling through the villages, meeting sloths, spotting caimans, and feeding monkeys.

8. Enjoy the hidden oasis of Huacachina

Huacachina is a desert oasis and tiny village just west of the city of Inca in southwestern Peru. Its surrounded by golden sand dunes and at the centre of it all is a lagoon, ringed by palm trees, restaurants and epic sunsets.

Although it is a small town, dont be fooled, as there are plenty of adventures to be had.

By far the most fun is the sand dunes. Head through the gold arches to discover an endless horizon of sand dunes.

Not many tourists know about Huacachina but this little magical spot within Peru should not be missed.

9. Hang out in Lima – the busy capital city

Lima has a population of 10 million people that spans over 43 districts – its the city that never ends. Luckily taxis are cheap, making it easy to explore a good handful of the districts in a small amount of time.

More: Travel

Key sights to see are the old town, main square, coastal beaches, Huaca Pucllana ruins, the impressively huge Jockey shopping mall, the bohemian quarter and the park reserve to watch the water fountains (be sure to check times).

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