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a city square in peru

Surprising Things to Do in Peru

When you think of Peru, you probably think of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and the Amazon.

While all of these destinations are wondrous places to visit, they can also be a tad overwhelming. Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail attract throngs of visitors. And when it comes to the Amazon…well, where do you even begin in a forest that’s 2.2 million miles wide?

When you’re ready to add a more unique element to your trip, Peru offers plenty of surprising and rejuvenating options. Here are some lesser-known adventures that await you in Peru.

Dip into Hot Springs

Between April and September, Peru is as synonymous with hot springs as Iceland. Check out the Lares, Marangani, and Cocalmayo springs, just to name a few. Some are quite natural (Lares is hugged by mountains on either side), while others have more of an outdoor resort feel. They all take advantage of the beautiful Peruvian landscape.

Taste the South Valley

If you can get into the South Valley and outside Cusco’s city limits, do so! Most other tourists won’t be joining you. Find a mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall to try cuy (guinea pig), chicharrones (pork with mint), and pato (duck). If they have humitas (similar to tamales), try those, too—they’re little corncakes stuffed to the brim with meat or raisins.

And then there’s the classic Peruvian pizza, a strange combination of soft crust, runny cheese, and what can only be described as "condiments." It’s an acquired taste that you just may fall in love with. Try PizzaCar or Donatelo’s, both in Cusco.

Pro tip: Take a break between bites and head to San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, a small village outside Cusco. There you’ll find the church of San Pedro Apóstol, or the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas." Its nickname says it all! Nearby, you can also explore some pre-Inca ruins.

Mountain Bike the Trails

Yes, you can mountain bike the Inca Trail, but don’t limit yourself to what you already know. Peru has tons of amazing places that can and should be explored on two wheels. Check out the Olleros, Limatambo, and Patacancha trails, or look into booking an excursion with the pros. You’ll be able to bike from Cusco to the Amazon, up and down Ausangate Mountain, riding the Lamay Trails, and trekking to ancient Incan sights. Go for one day or go for nine; you can easily turn the journey into a backcountry adventure full of sights most tourists never get the chance to witness.

Surf, SUP, and Kayak

Whether you want to surf the longest wave in Peru, standup paddleboard (SUP) the calm waters of El Nuro, or kayak along Peru’s 1,500-miles of coastline, the options are limitless.

Pico Alto is the famous wave break just south of Lima that attracts surfers from around the world, and you can SUP there, too. For something more ecologically focused, go on a river or coastal adventure spotting pink dolphins and sea turtles, find a whitewater adrenaline rush on the Colca, or scope out Peru’s sky-high canyons and waterfalls from the best viewpoint—the water.

Cusco and Lima both have plenty of outfitters that will hook you up with the right gear and tips.

Witness the Dancing Horses

Though it may seem foreign to you Caballos de paso—or the dancing horses—are part of Peru’s native culture. Experience it. Take it in. Appreciate it, and you’ll be that much closer to understanding the Peruvian people.

Two of the biggest festivals that showcase dancing horses are the Trujillo Marinera Festival, held in January, and the Internacional de la Primavera (also in Trujillo) during September and October. Both have Peruvian paso contests, where the ancient art of the marinera dance involves these beloved animals. The festivals are huge events, where you can enjoy food, music, and the Trujillo scene—a cultural hub of Peru.

Jacqueline Kehoe is a travel writer and editor for kimkim.com. She takes a decent photograph, bakes a mean chocolate cake, and has a surprisingly large collection of rocks. Follow her adventures on Twitter.

Last Updated: April 17, 2018