Top 10 Peru Things To Do

Peru Top 10 Things to Do

Peru is one of those places that quietly, deeply captures your heart. I spent close to 3 months in Peru.

From the moment I arrived, I felt it — the contrast of landscapes, the warmth of the people, the grounding energy of the land. I spent time exploring Peru across its coast, cities, and sacred valleys, soaking in everything from the laid-back beach life of Máncora to the vibrant culinary and cultural scene of Lima, and the ancient, soul-stirring energy of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

My days in Northern Peru were slow and sun-drenched — long beach walks, warm water swims, surfing, and even swimming with sea turtles just offshore. Máncora felt simple in the best way: barefoot mornings, fresh fruit and ceviche, coworking by the ocean, and sunsets that reset you no matter what kind of day you had. I loved spending almost 6 weeks in Mancora.

In Lima, I wandered coastal paths along the Malecón, explored green city parks like Parque Kennedy and Parque del Amor, and got lost in neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco, where art, history, and ocean views meet. Lima surprised me — not just with its beauty, but with its food. From markets to world-class ceviche, every meal felt like a cultural experience, not just something to eat.

And then there was Cusco and the Sacred Valley — a completely different energy. I explored ancient ruins, wandered through markets in Pisac, and felt the grounding presence of the Andes all around me. Standing at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was a reminder of how deeply connected Peru is to the earth, history, and ancestral wisdom.

Between the beaches, the food, the culture, and the spiritual depth, Peru offered something I didn’t even realize I was craving: balance. Adventure and rest. Simplicity and awe. Freedom and grounding.

Every region had its own rhythm, its own lessons, and its own magic — and Peru quickly became one of those destinations that stays with you long after you leave.

🇵🇪 Top 10 Things to Do in Peru

Peru Highlights

Peru is a country shaped by layers — ancient civilizations, colonial history, resilience through hardship, and an enduring connection to the land.

🤍 People & Culture

Peruvians are known for their warmth, humility, and deep sense of community. There’s a grounded, steady presence in the way people move through daily life — whether it’s a fisherman along the coast, a vendor in the market, or a family gathering in the plaza at sunset.

Family and community are central here, and you feel it everywhere:

• Shared meals

• Multi-generational households

• Markets as social centers

• Strong local identity tied to land and region

There’s pride in heritage, food, and traditions — and a quiet strength that comes from centuries of adaptation and survival.

🌎 Regional Differences Across Peru

One of the most fascinating things about Peru is how dramatically different each region feels:

The Coast (like Máncora & Lima):

• Laid-back, ocean-driven lifestyle

• Fishing culture and marine life

• Fresh ceviche, seafood, fruit, and beach rituals

• Surf, sunsets, and slow mornings

The Andes (Cusco, Pisac, Sacred Valley):

• Strong Indigenous roots

• Spiritual connection to the mountains

• Slower pace, quieter energy

• Sacred sites, ceremonies, and ancestral wisdom

The Jungle (Amazon region):

• Biodiversity and medicinal plants

• Indigenous tribes and traditions

• Deep connection to nature and healing

Traveling through Peru feels like moving through multiple countries in one.

🌍 Home to One of the 7 Wonders of the World

Machu Picchu — perched high in the Andes — is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it lives up to every expectation.

But what makes Peru special is this:Machu Picchu isn’t the only wonder — it’s just the most famous one.

The real magic is how history, land, people, and daily life intertwine everywhere you go.

🕊️ Beliefs, Spirituality & Religion

Peru’s spiritual life blends Catholicism with ancient Indigenous beliefs.

Catholicism arrived during Spanish colonization, but Indigenous spirituality never disappeared — instead, it evolved alongside it. Many Peruvians honor:

• Pachamama (Mother Earth)

• Mountain spirits (Apus)

• Nature cycles and harvests

• Prayer and ritual woven into daily life

You’ll see this blend in:

• Festivals and celebrations

• Offerings to the earth

• Sacred sites in the Andes

• The way land is respected, not dominated

🏛️ History, Colonization & Resilience

Peru was once the heart of the Inca Empire, one of the most sophisticated civilizations in the world. Their engineering, agricultural systems, and spiritual understanding of the land still influence Peru today.

Spanish colonization in the 1500s dramatically reshaped the country — bringing Catholicism, European architecture, and centuries of struggle and resistance. More recently, Peru endured political turmoil and internal conflict in the late 20th century, which deeply affected communities across the country.

What stands out now is Peru’s resilience:

• A reclaiming of Indigenous culture

• Pride in heritage and language

• A growing global presence in food, travel, and film

• A strong sense of identity rooted in both past and present

🎥 Movies & Media Filmed in Peru

Peru’s dramatic landscapes have caught Hollywood’s attention over the years. Films and documentaries shot here include:

• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

• Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

• Paddington

• The Motorcycle Diaries

From deserts to jungles to mountain peaks, Peru’s scenery feels cinematic — raw, vast, and powerful.

With my travel to 7 continents now at 40+ countries, Peru captivated my spirit, soul, mind and body in more ways than one.

It is time to put Peru on your bucket list.

During my full-time travels in Peru, I stayed almost six weeks in Mancora, month in Lima, and 2 weeks near Cusco.

Whether you will spend one day, a week, or over two months like I did, you will love it.

It's not easy to narrow down Peru to a Top 10 Things to Do.

Peru Top 10 Things to Do

All shots are my own on Canon EOSM100, Sony A330, and/or my iPhone 13 or via Airbnb.

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Top 10 Peru Things to Do

Undoubtedly, Peru offers memorable experiences in the country.

I experienced a lot during my travels to Peru for 3 months.

No matter how much time you have to travel to Peru, make the most of it.

Whether you spend a day, a week, or months in Peru always make any travels your own!

In putting together the Top 10 Peru Things to Do, I considered how I would experience travels knowing what I know now to make it easier and more enjoyable for you.

PeruTop 10 Things to Do includes:

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1️⃣ Beach Life in Northern Peru 🌊🌴

Northern Peru has a softness to it — a way of slowing you down without asking, without effort. From the moment I arrived, my body settled. My breath deepened. My days naturally reorganized around the ocean, the sun, and movement. I spent about 6 weeks in Mancora.

Máncora quickly became my anchor — warm water year-round, golden light, and wide open beaches that invite you to walk for hours without realizing how far you’ve gone. From there, the coastline opens up into a string of equally beautiful, quieter beaches: Las Pocitas, Vichayito, and Órganos — each with its own rhythm, all connected by sand, sea, and sky.

I spent most mornings barefoot, sunsets walking along the shoreline — from Máncora toward Las Pocitas, sometimes continuing all the way to Vichayito, other days heading toward Órganos. In November alone, I walked over 171,000 steps, almost entirely from beach walks. No treadmill. No pressure. Just movement woven into daily life.

That’s the magic of this place — wellness happens naturally.

Life here revolves around:

Warm ocean water you want to swim in every day

Long, uninterrupted beach walks that feel more like meditation

Surf culture blended with wellness, not hustle

Simple nourishment: fresh fruit, coconuts, ceviche, and sun

Golden sunsets that mark the end of each day like a ritual

The sunsets deserve their own moment. Every evening, the sky softens into layers of pink, orange, and gold, and everything slows — conversations quiet, bodies pause, people turn toward the horizon. It’s impossible not to be present here.

And the vitamin D — both literal and energetic — is real. Sun exposure, salt air, movement, and rest combine in a way that feels deeply regulating for the nervous system. You sleep better. You think clearer. You crave less stimulation and more simplicity.

There’s no rush in Northern Peru.

No over-curation.

No performance of “wellness.”

If Bali teaches flow through ritual,

Máncora teaches flow through simplicity.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what the soul needs.

2️⃣ Swim With Sea Turtles & Marine Life 🐢

(Los Órganos)

One of the most special — and unexpectedly moving — experiences in Northern Peru is swimming with wild sea turtles just offshore at Los Órganos.

This isn’t a polished excursion or a packaged attraction.

It’s raw. Real. And deeply humbling.

The turtles here aren’t enclosed or trained — they simply live their lives along the coast. Giant green sea turtles glide beneath the surface, unbothered by your presence, moving slowly and gracefully through the water. The experience reminds you that Peru’s magic doesn’t only live in its mountains — it lives in the ocean, too.

What I loved most is that every time I went, the experience was completely different.

The first time, the water was too choppy. Waves were strong, visibility was low, and it just wasn’t the day for swimming. And that felt important — nature doesn’t perform on demand here. You learn quickly to respect timing, conditions, and patience.

The second time, I joined a boat ride along the coast from Órganos — about 30 soles ($9 USD), affordable and easy. The ride itself was enjoyable, offering a wider view of the coastline and marine life, though at times the music on board was louder than I would have liked. Still, being out on the water gave perspective — and from the boat, I could see hundreds, even thousands of turtles clustered near the Órganos pier below, surfacing and diving in a quiet rhythm. It was surreal.

The third time, I reached the area by walking the beach, letting the journey be part of the experience. I wandered past surfers’ spots, followed the curve of the coast, and let the day unfold slowly — no agenda, just movement, sun, and salt air.

But the fourth time was, without question, the most special.

I went on my own, with a friend from Casa Naranja, straight to the pier. No tour. No boat. No rush. I rented goggles for 10 soles (about $3 USD), slipped into the water, and swam quietly alongside the turtles — up close, personal, unfiltered.

This time, the water was calm. Clear. The turtles were everywhere — massive, ancient, completely at ease. Floating beside them felt intimate and grounding, like being invited briefly into their world. No crowds. No noise. Just breath, water, and presence.

That’s when it really landed for me:

The best experiences here aren’t always the loudest or most organized — they’re often the simplest.

Swimming with the turtles in Northern Peru teaches you:

To read the ocean instead of forcing plans

To try again when conditions aren’t right

To slow down and meet nature on her terms

And when it aligns, it’s unforgettable.

Peru has many iconic experiences — but this one stays with you quietly, long after you towel off and walk back up the beach.

3️⃣ Surf Peru’s Legendary Coast 🏄‍♀️

Peru is internationally known for its surf — especially for its long, consistent waves that roll steadily along the Pacific coast. For surfers, this coastline is legendary. For everyone else, it’s a daily lesson in rhythm, patience, and flow.

Northern Peru — and Máncora in particular — sits right at the heart of that energy.

What makes surfing here so special is its accessibility. In Máncora, beginners and experienced surfers share the same stretch of coastline, often within sight of each other. You’ll see first-timers practicing pop-ups while seasoned surfers glide effortlessly along long rides, all to the backdrop of warm water and open sky.

Surf culture here isn’t performative — it’s lived.

Why Máncora stands out for surf:

Consistent, rolling waves suitable for multiple levels

Warm water (no wetsuit most of the year)

Affordable lessons and board rentals

A strong local surf community

A calendar of regional and national surf competitions that draw talent from across Peru

Surf championships regularly take place along this coast, reinforcing Máncora’s reputation as one of the most important surf spots in Northern Peru. On competition days, the beach buzzes — boards under arms, spectators lining the sand, energy pulsing with excitement and pride.

During my stay, I collaborated with Escuela de Surf Máncora Point, taking two surf lessons right along the main break. I caught my first wave! The instructor, Carlos was patient, encouraging, and deeply connected to the ocean — focused not just on technique, but on reading the waves and respecting the water.

Surfing in Peru became especially meaningful for me because it marked my fourth country surfing:

Costa Rica

United States

Indonesia

And now Peru

Each place carries a different surf energy. Costa Rica taught me joy and play. Indonesia showed me precision and power. Peru felt grounded — less about conquering the wave and more about moving with it.

And even on days when I didn’t paddle out, surfing shaped the rhythm of life in Máncora. Mornings organized around tide and swell. Afternoons slowed by the sun. Evenings softened by sunset sessions and sandy feet.

You don’t have to surf to feel it. Just watching the ocean here teaches you:

Patience — waiting for the right wave

Respect — knowing when not to enter

Flow — letting go of force

In Máncora, the ocean becomes both teacher and companion — reminding you that progress, like surfing, isn’t rushed. You wait, you observe, and when the moment arrives, you move.

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4️⃣ Work Remotely by the Beach in Peru

(Coworking & Coliving in Máncora)

Peru — especially Máncora — quietly surprised me when it came to remote work and creative flow. While it isn’t always talked about in digital nomad circles the way Bali or Mexico are, it offers something just as powerful: space to work without burning out.

For my entire stay in Máncora, I lived at Casa Naranja — a bright, welcoming cowork x colive space that instantly felt like home. It’s walkable to both the beach and town, which meant my days naturally flowed between ocean time, focused work sessions, movement, and connection with others.

Casa Naranja wasn’t just a place to sleep — it was a living, breathing community.

The space itself made work feel lighter:

Open, airy coworking areas filled with natural light

Reliable WiFi paired with ocean air and sunshine

Outdoor spaces that invited breaks, conversations, and reflection

A rhythm that supported productivity without pressure

What made the experience even richer was the people. During my stay, I connected with individuals from 10+ different countries — creators, surfers, entrepreneurs, travelers, and remote workers all choosing a slower, more intentional way of living. Conversations spilled easily from work topics into travel stories, life philosophies, and shared meals.

This kind of environment changes how you create.

Instead of rigid schedules, days unfold more intuitively. Mornings might start with a beach walk or swim, followed by focused work blocks. Afternoons invite collaboration, coffee, or quiet thinking time. Evenings naturally close with sunset, reflection, or community dinners.

It reminded me of what made me fall in love with places like Bali in the first place — that realization that presence fuels productivity, not the other way around.

In Máncora, work doesn’t compete with life. It integrates into it.

You’ll find:

Cowork-friendly cafés near the beach like Papamos aka Green Eggs & Ham

Eco-lodges and colive spaces like Casa Naranja

Strong WiFi without sacrificing nature

A culture that values balance over hustle

Máncora proves that you don’t need a packed coworking hub or endless events to be productive. Sometimes, all you need is sunlight, ocean air, good people, and permission to slow down.

Like Bali, Peru quietly teaches you that the most sustainable form of success is one that leaves room to breathe.

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Coming Up - I am still in Peru and just got to Lima

5. Eat Your Way Through Lima — One of the World’s Best Food Cities

6. Explore Lima’s Coast, Parks & Creative Neighborhoods (Miraflores & Barranco)

7. Experience Authentic Peruvian Culture Through Local Markets

8. Visit Cusco — The Historic & Energetic Heart of the Inca Empire

9. Explore Pisac & the Sacred Valley (Slower Pace, Deeper Connection)

10. Visit Machu Picchu + Experience Sacred Ceremony in Peru

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Top 10 Things to Do in Peru

Is travel to Peru on your bucket list?

Whether you’re into history, nature, food, or culture, this country truly has something for everyone.

Which adventure would you try first?

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