Peru Top Things To Do
Take a flight over the ancient Nazca Lines, vast and spectacular geoglyphs etched into the desert 420km (265 miles) south of Lima. The most notable designs represent animals (birds, felines and reptiles), and date back to between 200BC and AD600.
Inca Trail
Puff your way around one of the world's most famous mountain treks, the (literally) breathtaking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This ancient trail passes through snow-capped mountains, cloud forest and a string of 12 Inca ceremonial centres, including Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.
Inca Ruins
Explore the magnificent Incan ceremonial centre Sacsayhuamán on horseback. This is the most impressive of Cusco's four neighbouring Inca ruins (the others are Puca Pucara, Qenko and Tambo Machay). On 24 June, thousands celebrate the Inti Raymi festival here.
Religious Processions
On 30 August, marvel at the religious processions honouring Lima's patron saint, Santa Rosa de Lima. Later, on 18 October, a purple haze descends upon the city as the faithful march in purple robes to praise El Señor de los Milagros.
Handicrafts
Browse for traditional crafts in areas such as Ayacucho (specialising in pottery, leatherwork, textiles and jewellery) or Cajamarca. There is also a colourful daily market in Lima's Chinatown district that should not be missed.
Cajamarca Carnival
Go to Cajamarca's Carnival, famous throughout Peru for its annual celebrations that last for an entire month. One word of warning - the traditional Cajamarca Carnival greeting is to be soaked with water!
Central Andes
Tramp around glacial lakes and over spectacular snow-capped peaks near Huaraz in the central Andes. It is also possible to ski on the Pastoruri Glacier, see giant bromeliads (up to 15m/49ft high) and wildlife like the viscacha, puma, vicuña and the rare spectacled bear.
Cordillera Blanca
Trek along the extraordinarily beautiful Cordillera Blanca trail, a 180km- (112.5-mile-) long paradise of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, emerald-green lakes and archaeological sites, containing a wide variety of flora and fauna.
World-class Trails
Take your pick of other world-famous hiking routes, including the Olleros-Chavín Llama Trek to the impressive archaeological site Chavín de Huántar; the Cordillera Huayhuash (Huaraz); the deep Colca Valley; and the demanding Mount Ausangate trek.
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