40 Best things to see & do in Peru

One of the world’s deepest canyons – twice the depth of the Grand Canyon – with soaring Condors and ancient pre-Columbian terraces still farmed today.

One of the world’s most spectacular train rides, the journey between Cusco and Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley combines dramatic landscapes and absolute luxury.

Colourful parades and ancient Inca ceremonies are re-enacted at this world-famous winter solstice festival.

This vast ruined city in the rainforest overlooking the lush Utcubamba Valley in Peru’s northeast dwarfs Machu Picchu. It was built by the Chacapoyas in the 6th Century AD. Tours depart from El Tingo.

One of the world’s highest lakes, steeped in Andean lore, and famous for its ancient floating island villages, birdlife and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Peru’s national art collection, with over 7,000 pieces dating from pre-Columbian times to the present day, showcased in a stately palace.

One of the world’s largest collections of pre-Colombian Peruvian gold, more than 7,000 artefacts, includes items from Inca, Sican and Moche culture. The museum also houses an extensive collection of weapons from around the world, dating back to the 13th century. Open daily.

The city’s most prestigious and encyclopedic art museum, with a vast permanent collection spanning three millennia of Peruvian art.

The Incas’ magnificent 15th-century mountaintop citadel sprawls across ten hectares of Peruvian cloud forest. Wayna Picchu, the cone-shaped mountain, rises imperiously behind.

This little village in the Sacred Valley near Cusco is a centre for traditional indigenous weaving in Peru. It has a lively market and ancient Inca agricultural terraces.